Fig. 6

Schematic illustration of the mechanism by which HK2 supports the inflammatory response of gingival fibroblasts to P. gingivalis. After infection with P. gingivalis, HK2 activity in the gingival fibroblasts was increased, leading to elevated glycolysis, an increase in inflammatory cytokines and reactive oxygen species, and increased cell proliferation. Inhibition of glycolysis or knockdown of HK2 can effectively reduce inflammation and the proliferation of gingival fibroblasts, and reduce the generation of reactive oxygen species