Drinking green tea alleviates alveolar bone resorption in ligature-induced periodontitis in mice

ObjectivesIt has been reported that green tea exerts antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effects of drinking green tea on bone resorption in ligature-induced periodontitis in mice.MethodsSixty C57BL/6 eight-week-old male mice were used. To induce periodontitis, a ligature was placed for 7 days around the upper left second maxillary molar. After ligature removal, the animals were administered different concentrations of green tea (1.5 g/60 mL, 3 g/60 mL, or 6 g/60 mL) or distilled water. At 1 and 2 weeks of administration, the animals were sacrificed and micro-CT images of the maxillae were taken. Next, the depth and area of alveolar bone loss in the buccal and palatal sides were measured. The number of inflammatory cells and osteoclasts in histological sections were counted.ResultsThe result showed ligature-induced alveolar bone loss. Green tea inhibited ligature-induced bone loss in the buccal side in a dose-dependent manner. Histologically, ligature increased the number of inflammatory cells and osteoclasts, but this effect was alleviated by green tea.ConclusionsEvidence from this animal experiment suggested that drinking green tea would be potentially beneficial to reduce alveolar bone loss in ligature-induced periodontitis.     

Kaempferol Inhibits P. intermedia Lipopolysaccharide‐Induced Production of Nitric Oxide Through Translational Regulation in Murine Macrophages: Critical Role of Heme Oxygenase‐1‐Mediated ROS Reduction

Background: Nitric oxide (NO) could be a potential target for the development of new therapeutic approaches to the treatment of periodontal disease because this molecule plays a significant role in the tissue destruction observed in periodontitis. In this study, the authors investigate the effect of kaempferol on the production of NO by murine macrophage‐like RAW264.7 cells stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from Prevotella intermedia, a pathogen implicated in periodontal disease, and try to determine the underlying mechanisms of action. Methods: NO production was assayed by measuring the accumulation of nitrite in culture supernatants. Real‐time polymerase chain reaction was performed to quantify inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) mRNA expression. iNOS and HO‐1 protein expression and phosphorylation of c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase and p38 were characterized via immunoblot analysis. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was measured using the redox‐sensitive fluorescent probe 2′,7′‐dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate. Results: Kaempferol significantly inhibited NO production and expression of iNOS protein in P. intermedia LPS‐stimulated RAW246.7 cells without affecting iNOS mRNA expression. Kaempferol upregulated HO‐1 expression in LPS‐activated cells. Inhibition of HO‐1 activity by tin protoporphyrin IX (SnPP) abolished the suppressive effect of kaempferol on NO production. In addition, kaempferol significantly attenuated P. intermedia LPS‐induced increase of intracellular ROS, and SnPP blocked this reduction. Treatment with antioxidants downregulated the production of LPS‐induced NO. Conclusions: Kaempferol inhibits NO production and iNOS protein expression in P. intermedia LPS‐stimulated RAW264.7 cells at the translational level via HO‐1‐mediated ROS reduction and could be an efficient modulator of host response in the treatment of periodontal disease.     

Intracanal Metformin Promotes Healing of Apical Periodontitis via Suppressing Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase Expression and Monocyte Recruitment

IntroductionWe have previously shown that intracanal metformin ameliorates apical periodontitis, partially by modulation of osteoblast apoptosis. The action of metformin on other cell types pertinent to the development of apical periodontitis needs to be examined. In the present study, we aimed to analyze whether its effects on the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and monocyte recruitment contribute to the therapeutic effect on apical periodontitis.MethodsLipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced expression of iNOS in a human monocytic cell line, Mono-Mac-6, was assessed by Western blot. The amount of nitrite in culture medium was assessed to quantify nitric oxide (NO) production. C-C motif chemokine ligand-2 (CCL-2) synthesis was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Experimental apical periodontitis in rats was treated with root canal debridement with or without intracanal metformin medication. Lesion progression was assessed by conventional radiography and micro–computed tomographic imaging. Cellular expression of iNOS and the number of monocytes/macrophages were assessed by immunohistochemistry.ResultsMetformin suppressed LPS-induced iNOS and NO production by monocytes. More importantly, metformin inhibited LPS-enhanced CCL-2 synthesis through modulation of the iNOS/NO pathway. Intracanal metformin reduced bone resorption associated with apical periodontitis and suppressed iNOS expression and monocyte recruitment.ConclusionsOur results confirmed the therapeutic efficacy of intracanal metformin for apical periodontitis. Suppression of monocyte recruitment through modulation of iNOS expression and NO production is an important mechanism underlying the beneficial effect of metformin.     

Endothelial dysfunction in rats with ligature-induced periodontitis: Participation of nitric oxide and cycloxygenase-2-derived products

ObjectivesConsidering the evident relationship between periodontitis and cardiovascular diseases in humans, we aimed to study the in vitro vascular reactivity of aorta rings prepared from rats with ligature-induced periodontitis.MethodsSeven days after the induction of unilateral periodontitis, the animals were euthanised; rings were prepared from the descending abdominal aortas and mounted in tissue baths for the in vitro measurement of the isometric force responses to norepinephrine (NE) and acetylcholine (ACh), as well as in the presence of inhibitors of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and cycloxygenase (COX) isoenzymes. Aortic COX and NOS gene expressions were analysed by RT-PCR, as well as protein COX-2 expression by Western blot.ResultsPeriodontitis resulted in significant alveolar bone loss and did not affect arterial pressure. However, both NE-induced contraction and ACh-induced relaxation were significantly decreased and related to the presence of endothelium. Diminished eNOS and augmented COX-2 and iNOS expressions were found in the aortas from rats with periodontitis, and the pharmacological inhibition of COX-2 or iNOS improved the observed vasomotor deficiencies.ConclusionsWe can thus conclude that periodontitis induces significant endothelial dysfunction in rat aorta which is characterized by decreased eNOS expression and mediated by upregulated iNOS and COX-2 products.     

Curcumin inhibits inflammatory response and bone loss during experimental periodontitis in rats

Abstract

Objective. Curcumin, an active ingredient of turmeric, is proved to be a potential candidate of controlling inflammation and bone resorption, but few reports are on the periodontitis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether the intra-gastric administration of curcumin could inhibit the in?ammation and alveolar bone resorption in rats following ligature-induced experimental periodontitis. Materials and method. Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups: no ligature placement and administration of vehicle, ligature placement and administration of vehicle, ligature placement and administration of curcumin. After the animals were sacrificed, their mandibles were collected for morphological, histological and immunohistochemical analysis; their gingival tissues were collected for cytokine measurements. Results. Bone resorption was significantly higher in the experimental periodontitis animals treated with vehicle compared with the curcumin-treated group or the control group. Furthermore, receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL), receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB (RANK), osteoprotegerin (OPG), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) expression levels were higher in the experimental periodontitis animals treated with vehicle compared with the curcumin treated group or the control group. Conclusions. Curcumin may decrease alveolar bone loss in the experimental periodontitis rats via suppressing the expression of RANKL/RANK/OPG and its anti-inflammatory properties.     

Ethanol consumption enhances periodontal inflammatory markers in rats

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to assess the short term effect of ethanol administration on periodontal disease in rats.DesignRats received either ethanol 2 g/kg or water by gastric gavage twice a day. On the fifth day ligatures were tied around the molars of half of the rats to induce periodontitis. After 7 days gingival tissue was removed and assayed for inflammatory markers. Finally, hemi-mandibles were extracted to evaluate bone loss by histomorphometrical techniques.ResultsThe experimental periodontitis increased significantly the mRNA expression (p < 0.001) and activity (p < 0.001) of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in the gingival tissue, whilst short time ethanol administration increased iNOS activity (p < 0.05) and produced an additive effect on iNOS mRNA expression augmented by periodontitis (p < 0.01). The short time ethanol administration also potentiated the periodontitis stimulatory effect on the mRNA expression of interleukin (IL)-1β (p < 0.01 and p < 0.001, in semi-quantitative and real time PCR, respectively) and on the height of periodontal ligament (p < 0.05). However, the ligature-induced periodontitis, but not ethanol administration, increased the prostaglandin E₂ content (p < 0.05) and, diminished the alveolar bone volume (p < 0.05), as compared to sham rats.ConclusionThe present results suggest that ethanol consumption could represent a risk indicator for periodontal disease since augments the expression of inflammatory markers, in healthy rats, and increases them, at short term, during the illness. However, scale longitudinal investigation and more case–control studies are needed to confirm this statement.     

Raloxifene reduces the risk of local alveolar bone destruction in a mouse model of periodontitis combined with systemic postmenopausal osteoporosis

OBJECTIVEPeriodontitis is characterized by local inflammation leading to tooth loss and severe destruction of alveolar bone. Raloxifene is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) that halts estrogen deficiency-induced systemic bone loss in postmenopausal osteoporosis without the side effects of cancer in breast and uterus. In this study, we examined the effects of raloxifene on alveolar bone mass in a mouse model with estrogen deficiency-induced periodontitis.METHODSPeriodontitis was induced by the injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) into the lower gingiva in ovariectomized (OVX) mice, and the alveolar bone and femur bone mineral density (BMD) were analyzed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. To explore the direct osteoclast inhibitory effect of raloxifene, a co-culture system for osteoclast formation and organ culture of alveolar bone was established.RESULTSWhen OVX mice were treated with raloxifene, the bone loss in both alveolar bone and femur were abrogated. Interleukin 1 and/or LPS stimulated the osteoclast formation and bone-resorbing activity; however, raloxifene did not show any inhibitory effect on the osteoclast formation or function. In vivo local injection of raloxifene also did not prevent bone resorption in a mouse model of periodontitis. However, the systemic treatment of raloxifene using a mini-osmotic pump did prevent the loss of BMD of alveolar bone induced by LPS.CONCLUSIONThese results suggest that the SERM raloxifene systemically maintain alveolar bone mass in a mouse model of periodontitis with osteoporosis. Increasing the alveolar bone mass by SERMs treatment in patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis may be a useful approach to preventing the destruction of alveolar bone in late-onset periodontitis.     

Local administration of Tiludronic Acid downregulates important mediators involved in periodontal tissue destruction in experimental periodontitis in rats

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to evaluate whether local administration of TIL could influence the expression of the inflammatory mediators IL-1β, TNF-α, MMP-8 and COX-2 in rats with experimental periodontitis (EP).MethodsTwenty-four adult male rats (Rattus norvegicus, albinus, Wistar) were assigned to groups C, EP, EP-TIL (CControl group, EP–Periodontitis groups). On EP groups, a ligature was placed around maxillary 2nd molars on day 1. On group EP-TIL, 20 μL of TIL solution (1 mg/kg body weight) was injected into the subperiosteal palatal area adjacent to the maxillary 2nd molar every other day until euthanasia (day 11). Alveolar bone loss was morphometrically analyzed. mRNA expressions of IL-1β, TNF-α, MMP-8 and COX-2 were assessed by qPCR. IL-1β, TNF-α, MMP-8 and COX-2 were immunohistochemically analyzed. Data were analyzed statistically.ResultsGroup EP-TIL presented reduced alveolar bone loss when compared with group EP (p < 0.05). Group EP-TIL presented decreased mRNA expressions of IL-1β, TNF-α, MMP-8 and COX-2 and reduced immunolabeling of IL-1β, TNF-α and MMP-8 when compared with group EP (p < 0.05). No differences regarding the immunolabeling of COX-2 were found when group EP-TIL was compared with the other groups (p > 0.05).ConclusionWithin the limits of this study, it can be concluded that local administration of TIL downregulates important mediators involved in periodontal tissue destruction in ligature-induced periodontitis in rats.     

Age-related changes of CD4+ T cell migration and cytokine expression in germ-free and SPF mice periodontium

ObjectiveIncreasing age is a potential risk factor for periodontal tissue breakdown, which may be affected by commensal flora. The aim of this study evaluated age-related changes in CD4⁺ T cells, C-C chemokine ligand 5 (CCL5), interleukin (IL)-17A, and receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand (RANKL) expression using germ-free (GF) and conventionally reared (SPF) mice.DesignGF and SPF mice at 8 (n = 6/group) and 22 weeks old (n = 6/group) were used. Immunohistochemical analyses were performed to determine the effects of aging on protein expression in periodontal tissues. Age-related changes in alveolar bone were quantified using micro-CT analysis.ResultsSPF mice, but not GF mice, showed an age-related increase in alveolar bone loss (P < 0.01). SPF mice at 22 weeks of age increased expression of CD4⁺ T cells, CCL5, IL-17A, and RANKL compared to those at 8 weeks of age in connective tissue and alveolar bone surface (P < 0.01). Furthermore, there was increased CD4⁺ T cells, which were co-expressed with IL-17A and RANKL in SPF mice at 22 weeks of age. On the other hand, the GF mice did not show any significant differences in CD4⁺ T cells, CCL5, IL-17A and RANKL expression between the two age groups.ConclusionsSPF mice induced an age-related increase in CD4⁺ T cells co- expressed with IL-17A and RANKL, with occurring alveolar bone loss. In contrast, GF mice did not show age-related changes in CD4⁺ T cell migration and cytokine expression.     

Vitamin E does not prevent bone loss and induced anxiety in rats with ligature-induced periodontitis

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of vitamin E on alveolar bone loss (ABL) and anxiety in rats with ligature-induced experimental periodontitis (EP).Material and methodsWistar rats were subjected to ligature-induced EP and treated with vitamin E (500 mg/kg, orally) for 9 days. Then anxiety was tested using the elevated plus-maze (EPM) test. All of the animals were euthanised by cervical dislocation on day 11. ABL was analysed morphometrically and histopathologically. Lipid peroxidation quantification, activity of the enzyme superoxide dismutase and immunohistochemistry to tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and inducible isoform of nitric oxide synthases (iNOS) were also tested.ResultsEP induced a marked inflammatory process and intense ABL. Treatment with vitamin E decreased inflammatory reaction, prevented malondialdehyde formation and reduced the immunoreactivity to iNOS, but did not decrease ABL. Vitamin E had an anxiogenic effect on rats with or without EP.ConclusionsVitamin E may have potential to reduce oxidative damage and inflammatory response in EP but does not prevent ABL. Attention should be given to indiscriminate use of vitamin E due to the risk of causing anxiety in patients.     

大豆异黄酮预防绝经后牙槽骨骨质疏松的动物实验

目的:探讨大豆异黄酮对绝经后牙槽骨骨质疏松的防治作用。方法:将32只3月龄雌性SD大鼠随机分为4组,适应性喂养1周后,A组为假手术组,B、C、D组均摘除双侧卵巢。C组大鼠于术后1周开始肌肉注射苯甲酸雌二醇(0.1mg/kg),每周1次。而A、B和D组肌肉注射等量橄榄油。D组大鼠于术后1周开始每天给予大豆异黄酮混悬液灌胃(100mg/kg)。其余3组用等量生理盐水灌胃。各组动物在同等条件下饲养,自由进食、饮水。实验结束后处死动物,收集大鼠下颌骨标本。对组织HE染色切片进行骨形态及计量学分析。结果:去卵巢后,大鼠牙槽骨呈疏松样改变。大豆异黄酮治疗后的D组.骨小梁面积、骨小梁周长、骨小梁面积比、骨小梁数量及分离度与去卵巢的B组有显著性差异,而与雌激素治疗的C组无显著性差异。结论:雌激素缺乏可引起牙槽骨骨质疏松。大豆异黄酮与雌激素一样。可以抑制破骨细胞性骨吸收.并对骨形成有刺激作用。     

Local and cardiorenal effects of periodontitis in nitric oxide-deficient hypertensive rats

Objective

In this study we have assessed the renal and cardiac consequences of ligature-induced periodontitis in both normotensive and nitric oxide (NO)-deficient (L-NAME-treated) hypertensive rats.

Materials and methods

Oral L-NAME (or water) treatment was started two weeks prior to induction of periodontitis. Rats were sacrificed 3, 7 or 14 days after ligature placement, and alveolar bone loss was evaluated radiographically. Thiobarbituric reactive species (TBARS; a lipid peroxidation index), protein nitrotyrosine (NT; a marker of protein nitration) and myeloperoxidase activity (MPO; a neutrophil marker) were determined in the heart and kidney.

Results

In NO-deficient hypertensive rats, periodontitis-induced alveolar bone loss was significantly diminished. In addition, periodontitis-induced cardiac NT elevation was completely prevented by L-NAME treatment. On the other hand L-NAME treatment enhanced MPO production in both heart and kidneys of rats with periodontitis. No changes due to periodontitis were observed in cardiac or renal TBARS content.

Conclusions

In addition to mediating alveolar bone loss, NO contributes to systemic effects of periodontitis in the heart and kidney.     

iNOS-derived nitric oxide stimulates osteoclast activity and alveolar bone loss in ligature-induced periodontitis in rats

Background: Inflammatory stimuli activate inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in a variety of cell types, including osteoclasts (OC) and osteoblasts, resulting in sustained NO production. In this study, we evaluate the alveolar bone loss in rats with periodontitis under long‐term iNOS inhibition, and the differentiation and activity of OC from iNOS‐knockout (KO) mice in vitro. Methods: Oral aminoguanidine (an iNOS inhibitor) or water treatment was started 2 weeks before induction of periodontitis. Rats were sacrificed 3, 7, or 14 days after ligature placement, and alveolar bone loss was evaluated. In vitro OC culture experiments were also performed to study the differentiation of freshly isolated bone marrow cells from both iNOS KO and wild‐type C57BL/6 mice. OC were counted 6 days later after tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase staining (a marker of osteoclast identity), and bone resorption activity was assessed by counting the number of resorption pits on dentin disks. Results: Rats with ligature showed progressive and significant alveolar bone loss compared to sham animals, and aminoguanidine treatment significantly inhibited ligature‐induced bone loss at 7 and 14 days after the induction. In comparison to bone marrow cells from wild‐type mice, cells from iNOS KO mice showed decreased OC growth and the resulting OC covered a smaller culture dish area and generated fewer resorption pit counts. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that iNOS inhibition prevents alveolar bone loss in a rat model of ligature‐induced periodontitis, thus confirming that iNOS‐derived NO plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of periodontitis, probably by stimulating OC differentiation and activity.     

尼古丁对实验性牙周炎大鼠牙槽骨影响的显微CT观察

目的 建立牙周炎大鼠的牙槽骨三维模型,采用显微CT观察尼古丁对大鼠牙槽骨的影响.方法 36只SD大鼠,丝线结扎上颌右侧(实验侧)第二磨牙颈部,左侧不予结扎,作为自身对照(对照侧),使用完全随机分组方法分为对照组(A)及尼古丁注射低剂量(B)和高剂量(C)组,每组12只.分别给予生理盐水和尼古丁0.83、1.67 mg·kg-1·d-1腹腔注射.每组分别于给药后第14、28天各处死6只,取双侧上颌磨牙区牙体牙周复合组织,行显微CT扫描、重建、测最和分析.结果 随尼古丁给药剂量增加,双侧牙槽骨骨密度、骨体积分数、骨小梁厚度逐渐降低,牙槽骨高度丧失与骨小梁间隙逐渐升高.28 d时C组牙槽骨高度丧失[对照侧和实验侧分别为(0.61±0.14)、(1.39±0.09)mm]显著高于B组[对照侧和实验侧分别为(0.39±0.10)、(1.31±0.06)mm]和A组[对照侧和实验侧分别为(0.30±0.06)、(0.94±0.07)mm];C组牙槽骨骨密度[对照侧和实验侧分别为(617.86±34.27)、(572.46±31.62)mg/cm3]显著低于B组[对照侧和实验侧分别为(660.04±36.73)、(604.97±32.59)mg/cm3]和A组[对照侧和实验侧分别为(709.15±34.95)、(657.04±30.06)mg/cm3].结论 尼古丁可加重丝线结扎造成的大鼠牙槽骨骨量丧失和骨质微观结构的变化,导致牙槽骨骨质疏松.     

High-refined carbohydrate diet promotes detrimental effects on alveolar bone and femur microarchitecture

The impact of high-refined carbohydrate (HC) diet on fat accumulation, adipokines secretion and systemic inflammation is well described. However, it remains unclear whether these processes affect bone remodeling.ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of HC diet in the alveolar bone and femur parameters.MethodsBalbC mice were fed with conventional chow or HC diet for 12 weeks. After experimental time maxillae, femur, blood and white adipose tissue samples were collected.ResultsThe animals feed with HC diet exhibited considerable increase of adiposity index and adipose tissue levels of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10, IL-1β, TGF-β and leptin. Microtomography analysis of maxillary bone revealed horizontal alveolar bone loss and disruption of trabecular bone in mice feed with HC diet. These deleterious effects were correlated with a disturbance in bone cells and an augmented expression of Rankl/Opg ratio. Consistently, similar effects were observed in femurs, which also exhibited a reduction in bone maximum load and stiffness.ConclusionOur data indicates that HC diet consumption disrupts bone remodeling process, favoring bone loss. Underlying mechanisms relies on fat tissue accumulation and also in systemic and local inflammation.     

HDAC5-Mediated Acetylation of p100 Suppresses Its Processing

IntroductionPeriodontitis is a condition involving chronic inflammation in the gums, periodontal ligaments, cementum, and alveolar bone. Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation is the prominent mediator of inflammation and osteoclast differentiation. The role of histone deacetylase 5 (HDAC5) in periodontitis development and NF-κB regulation is not fully understood.MethodsWe used primary mouse bone marrow–derived osteoclast cultures in vitro and a mouse model of chronic periodontists (CPD) treated with the HDAC4/5 inhibitor LMK-235. Real-time polymerase chain reaction, micro computed tomography, flow cytometry, western blot, and immunoprecipitation were used to study proinflammatory cytokines, NF-κB activation, HDAC5 activity, and the interaction of HDAC5 with NF-κB p100.ResultsLMK-235, a selective inhibitor of HDAC4 and HDAC5, reduced osteoclast marker gene expression (Cstk, Acp5, and Calcr) and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase activity in primary osteoclast cultures. LMK-235 reduced the increase in cementoenamel junction–alveolar bone crest distance, inflammatory cell infiltration of gingival tissues, and expression levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, tumor necrosis factor alpha, IL-6, and IL-23a, indicating an ameliorative effect on CPD. Immunoprecipitation experiments have further confirmed p100–HDAC5 interaction, acetylation levels of p100, and NF-κB activation.ConclusionsThese results indicate that HDAC5 binds and deacetylates p100, leading to its activation, increased proinflammatory cytokine production, gingival infiltration, and osteoclast differentiation, thus promoting alveolar bone resorption. HDAC5 inhibition is therefore a potentially promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of periodontitis.     

The effect of commercial conjugated linoleic acid products on experimental periodontitis and diabetes mellitus in Wistar rats

Objective: The aim of present study was to determine the effects of conjugated linoleic acid enriched milk on alveolar bone loss, hyperglycaemia, oxidative stress and apoptosis in ligature-induced periodontal disease in diabetic rat model.

Methods: Wistar rats were divided into six experimental groups: 1; non-ligated (NL, n?=?6) group, 2; ligature only (LO, n?=?6) group, 3; streptozotocin only (STZ, n?=?8) group, 4; STZ and ligature (STZ?+?L, n?=?8) group, 5; ligature and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) (L?+?CLA, n?=?8) group, 6; STZ, ligature and CLA group (STZ?+?L?+?CLA, n?=?8) group. Diabetes mellitus was induced by 60?mg/kg streptozotocin. Rats were fed with CLA enriched milk for four weeks. Silk ligatures were placed at the gingival margin of lower first molars of mandibular quadrant. The study duration was four weeks after diabetes induction and the animals were sacrificed at the end of this period. Changes in alveolar bone levels were clinically measured and tissues were histopathologically examined. Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and Bax protein expressions, serum interleukin-1β (IL-1β), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and triglyceride levels and tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)+?osteoclast numbers were also evaluated.

Results: At the end of four weeks, alveolar bone loss was significantly higher in the STZ?+?LO group compared to the other groups (p?p?p?p?>?.05).

Conclusion: Within the limits of this study, commercial CLA product administration in addition to diet significantly reduced alveolar bone loss, increased osteoblastic activity and decreased osteoclastic activity in the diabetic Wistar rats.     

Roles of Gingipains in Periodontal Bone Loss

Gingipains are cysteine proteases produced by Porphyromonas gingivalis, one of the major pathogens of periodontitis. They are classified into lysine-specific gingipain (Kgp) and arginine-specific gingipains (Rgps) by the specificity of the proteolytic cutting sites. Gingipains are known to play a major role in the progression of periodontitis by inducing inflammation and tissue destruction in the periodontium, including alveolar bone loss by osteoclasts ; however, the roles of gingipains in osteoclastic bone resorption have not been elucidated yet. Recently, we reported that Kgp but not Rgps and active vitamin D₃ or microbial components such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS) synergistically induced osteoclast formation and activation in a setting where both osteoblasts and osteoclast precursor cells co-exist. While LPS has been regarded as one of the major factors for osteoclastogenesis and alveolar bone loss in periodontitis, our findings revealed that not only LPS but also Kgp plays a pivotal role in alveolar bone loss in periodontitis.