Effect of natural compounds on NRF2/KEAP1 signaling in periodontitis: a potential use to prevent age-related disorders

40% of the population over 60 years of age is affected by periodontitis which is characterized by chronic inflammation, periodontal damage and alveolar bone resorption. The nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NFE2L2 or NRF2)/ Kelch-like ECH-Associated Protein 1 (KEAP1) (NRF2/KEAP1) signaling pathway plays a key role in periodontitis modulating redox balance and periodontium inflammation. However, NRF2 expression decreases in gingival tissues of severe periodontitis patients while Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) levels are increased during periodontitis. ROS and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) produced by gram-negative bacteria favor the production of inflammatory cytokines, then causing periodontal inflammation and favoring alveolar bone loss (due to excessive osteoclast formation and activation). Periodontitis has also been associated to the development of age-related neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases since the increased cytokines levels and the bacteria themselves present in the periodontium can easily reach the brain due to their anatomical proximity. Thus, periodontitis could be considered a risk factor for the development of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. In this review we explored the role of NRF2/KEAP1 signaling activation in in vitro and in vivo models of periodontitis to suggest potential treatments of periodontitis and avoid/delay the development of age-related neurodegenerative diseases.