INTRODUCTION: Bone is a unique tissue that undergoes frequent remodeling. An imbalance between bone formation and resorption results in osteoporosis. Glucocorticoids (GCs) are widely used clinically as anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory. However, their prolonged use may induce osteoporosis. Currently, evidences revealed that also the alveolar processes are subject to osteoporosis. Bisphosphonates, such as Alendronate, Risedronate and Zoledronate, are recommended by several international guidelines as the first-line therapy for the prevention and treatment of generalized glucocorticoids induced osteoporosis (GIOP). OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of bisphosphonates (Risedronate) on the alveolar bone of rats with glucocorticoids induced osteoporosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty female albino rats were divided into 3 equal groups (10 rats each) as follows: Group I: control group. Group II: glucocorticoids group (Dexamethasone 0.6mg/kg twice/week subcutaneously). Group III: Risedronate treated group; rats were given Dexamethasone (0.6mg/kg twice/week subcutaneously) and Risedronate (1mg/kg/day orally). After 12 weeks, rats were euthanized, and the mandibular alveolar bone was evaluated histologically by light microscope and ultra-structurally by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) microanalysis. RESULTS: Group II showed deterioration of the alveolar bone in comparison to the control group I. The alveolar bone structure in Group III rats, treated by bisphosphonates (Risedronate), showed remarkable improvement both histologically and ultrastructurally in comparison to group II. Moreover, EDX analysis revealed a significant decrease of calcium levels in group II in comparison to group I. However, in group III calcium levels were restored to normal levels comparable to the control group I. CONCLUSIONS: Glucocorticoids intake induces loss of the alveolar bone; which, could be counterbalanced by bisphosphonates.

Introduction: Periodontitis is the 6th classic complication of Diabetes Mellitus (DM). Both Diabetes & periodontitis are chronic inflammatory diseases. As DM accelerates bone resorption; when periodontal disease affects a diabetic individual, extensive alveolar bone loss occurs. Propolis is a natural antibiotic & anti-inflammatory agent that honey bees (Apis mellifera) collect from tree buds or other botanical sources; and use in the construction as well as the protection of their hives. Due to its broad pharmacological potential, propolis has been employed extensively in medicine, since ancient times. Objective: Was to evaluate the effect of systemic administration of propolis on the alveolar bone loss, induced by periodontitis, in diabetic rats. Materials and methods: Twenty-four Albino rats were divided into three equal groups: group (1) normal control (NC), group (2) Diabetes + Periodontitis (DP) and group (3) Diabetes + Periodontitis + Propolis (DP-Pro). DM type 1was induced in rats of groups (2) and (3), by single intraperitoneal injection of Streptozotocin. Then, periodontitis was induced by ligature placement sub marginally around the right mandibular 1st molar. In group (3), propolis was administrated systemically by gastric feeding 400mg/Kg/day for 8weeks. At the end of this period, animals were sacrificed and dissected. The alveolar bone surface integrity interproximally was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and results were compared between groups. Results: After 2 months, group (2) showed more alveolar bone loss compared to the 2 other groups. Groups (1) & (3) showed an intact, smooth & regular bone surface, while group (2) specimens showed an irregular & porous bone surface with extensive resorption. Conclusion: This study showed that the systemic administration of propolis effectively prevented the extensive alveolar bone loss associated with experimental periodontitis in diabetic rat models. Thus, propolis might be used as an adjunctive treatment for periodontitis associated with Diabetes.