Galectin-1 Inhibited LPS-Induced Autophagy and Apoptosis of Human Periodontal Ligament Stem Cells

Periodontitis is a widespread human chronic inflammatory disease of the tooth-surrounding tissues, which induces the destruction of periodontium and pathologic loss of teeth among adults. It has been reported that interleukin (IL)-17 was significantly increased in periodontitis patients compared to controls, while galectin-1 (Gal-1) was lower. Interestingly, it is found that Gal-1 treatment reduced systemic IL-17 levels. Hence, the aim of the present study was to explore the effect of Gal-1 on periodontitis development and investigate its underlying mechanism. In this study, Gal-1 was poorly expressed in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs), and Gal-1 overexpression attenuated the production of inflammatory cytokines induced by LPS. Moreover, Gal-1 overexpression alleviated LPS-induced cell autophagy and apoptosis and reduced the expressions of IL-17A and IL-17R. Interestingly, IL-17A reversed the effect of Gal-1 on cell autophagy, inflammation, and cell apoptosis induced by the LPS challenge. In conclusion, Gal-1 inhibited LPS-induced autophagy and apoptosis of hPDLSC via regulation of IL-17A expression. Therefore, Gal-1 may have promising potential in regenerating periodontium.