Relationship Between GLP-1-Based Therapies and Periodontal Health: A Systematic Review of Current Evidence and Future Perspectives

This systematic review of 22 studies found that GLP-1 receptor agonists such as liraglutide and exendin-4 may reduce periodontal inflammation and bone loss and promote stem-cell osteogenic differentiation, though evidence is mostly preclinical and observational. It also found periodontal therapy may raise systemic GLP-1 levels, suggesting a bidirectional link. Randomised trials are still needed.

Systematic review. Population: In vitro, animal, and human studies of GLP-1-based therapies and periodontal health. Sample size: 22 eligible studies. Interventions: Liraglutide; Exendin-4.

Across the 22 included studies, GLP-1RAs such as liraglutide and exendin-4 attenuated periodontal inflammation, reduced alveolar bone loss, and enhanced osteogenic differentiation through pathways including MAPK/ERK, Wnt/β-catenin, NF-κB, and PKCβ2. Clinical observations indicated a bidirectional relationship between periodontitis and incretin signalling, with periodontal therapy associated with increased systemic GLP-1 levels. The authors state the evidence is heterogeneous and largely limited to preclinical and observational studies. Randomised clinical trials were not reported.

Researchers working on Liraglutide in periodontal contexts will find this review a useful map of the proposed anti-inflammatory, bone-preserving, and osteogenic mechanisms. It does not establish clinical efficacy, dosing, or a therapeutic role for Liraglutide in periodontitis management.

Key findings

• The review identified 22 eligible studies spanning in vitro, animal, and human investigations.
• Liraglutide and exendin-4 were associated with reduced alveolar bone loss in the reviewed studies.
• GLP-1RAs enhanced osteogenic differentiation of periodontal ligament and dental pulp stem cells via MAPK/ERK, Wnt/β-catenin, NF-κB, and PKCβ2 pathways.
• Periodontal therapy was associated with increased systemic GLP-1 levels in clinical observations.
• The evidence was heterogeneous and largely limited to preclinical and observational studies, with no randomised clinical trials identified.

Limitations

• The authors state the current evidence is heterogeneous and largely limited to preclinical and observational studies.
• No randomised clinical trials were included.
• The review combined in vitro, animal, and human studies, limiting comparability across designs.
• As a systematic review, it is subject to potential publication bias.

The record

• Journal: International journal of molecular sciences 27(14): 6447
• Published: 2026-07-20
• PMID: 42511792 — DOI: 10.3390/ijms27146447
• MeSH terms: Animals, Humans, Periodontitis, Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2, Glucagon-Like Peptide 1, Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor, Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists
• Author countries: Italy, Poland

Peptide profiles: Liraglutide.

All indexed evidence: Liraglutide trials & papers.

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