Intermittent PTH administration: A novel therapy method for periodontitis-associated alveolar bone loss

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) functions as a major mediator of bone remodeling and as an essential regulator of calcium homeostasis. In addition to the well-established catabolic effects (activation of bone resorption) of PTH, it is now recognized that intermittent PTH administration has anabolic effects (promotion of bone formation). As one of the commonest diseases, periodontitis cause the resorption of alveolar bone and finally result in the loss of teeth. So it is very pivotal step for periodontitis patients to inhibit the bone resorption and promote alveolar bone regeneration. In this review, we summarize the anabolic and catabolic effect on bone metabolism of PTH and its relative study in periodontal aspects. Moreover, we hypothesize that at the clinical level, the anabolic effect of PTH on bone metabolism may represent an attractive approach for stimulating bone formation, and thus improve the outcome of periodontal therapy. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.