Anti-sclerostin antibody – A potential therapeutic target for periodontal bone regeneration

Abstract

Sclerostin is a glycoprotein predominantly released by specialized bone-forming cells (osteocytes). It serves as a principal inhibitor of osteogenesis and plays a key act in modulating the metabolism of alveolar bone. Sclerostin is shown to contribute to the occurrence of periodontitis by regulating the remodeling of the alveolar bone. A monoclonal antibody which antagonizes sclerostin has become extremely useful for osteoanabolic therapies. Romosozumab is an Food and Drug Administration-approved anti-sclerostin antibody that has shown promising results in the treatment of osteoporosis. Research is being conducted on the effect of anti-sclerostin antibody (Scl-Ab) as a therapeutic option in the management of periodontitis, and up till now, the results are promising. A comprehensive review of the literature was done using the PubMed database and Google Scholar. Research articles published before April 2023 with the search terms “sclerostin,” “periodontitis,” and “anti-sclerostin antibody” (Scl-Ab) were included. Most of the studies point toward a definitive association between chronic periodontitis and the levels of sclerostin. Numerous investigations underscore the significance of evaluating sclerostin levels as a diagnostic marker for periodontitis, and the application of anti-sclerostin antibodies as a potential therapeutic option for managing periodontitis and peri-implant diseases. However, further researches are required to delve into the therapeutic effects and possible side effects of Scl-Ab. Sclerostin antibodies show promise as an anabolic drug that enhances bone mass and could potentially become a viable therapeutic alternative for addressing periodontal conditions in future.