Application of Ligature-Induced Periodontitis in Mice to Explore the Molecular Mechanism of Periodontal Disease

Abstract

Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease characterized by the destruction of the periodontium. In the last decade, a new murine model of periodontitis has been widely used to simulate alveolar bone resorption and periodontal soft tissue destruction by ligation. Typically, 3-0 to 9-0 silks are selected for ligation around the molars in mice, and significant bone loss and inflammatory infiltration are observed within a week. The ligature-maintained period can vary according to specific aims. We reviewed the findings on the interaction of systemic diseases with periodontitis, periodontal tissue destruction, the immunological and bacteriological responses, and new treatments. In these studies, the activation of osteoclasts, upregulation of pro-inflammatory factors, and excessive immune response have been considered as major factors in periodontal disruption. Multiple genes identified in periodontal tissues partly reflect the complexity of the pathogenesis of periodontitis. The effects of novel treatment methods on periodontitis have also been evaluated in a ligature-induced periodontitis model in mice. This model cannot completely represent all aspects of periodontitis in humans but is considered an effective method for the exploration of its mechanisms. Through this review, we aimed to provide evidence and enlightenment for future studies planning to use this model.

Photodynamic Therapy with Natural Photosensitizers in the Management of Periodontal Disease Induced in Rats

“…In addition to the immunological and microbiological characteristics of rats, the histological features of periodontal collagen fibrils, alveolar bone, cellular cement, connective tissue, junctional epithelium, oral gingival epithelium, and sulcular epithelium are similar to human periodontal tissues [ 14 , 38 ]. This model cannot completely represent all aspects of periodontitis in humans, but is considered an effective method for the exploration of its mechanisms [ 39 ], which is why this experimental protocol was chosen.…”

Heartwood of Dalbergia cochinchinensis: 4,7,2′-Trihydroxy-4′-methoxyisoflavanol and 6,4′-Dihydroxy-7-methoxyflavane Reduce Cytokine and Chemokine Expression In Vitro

“…First, the screening for a possible anti-inflammatory activity remains restricted to an in vitro bioassay, therefore future studies should translate the findings to a preclinical situation, including models for rheumatoid arthritis and periodontitis. For instance, the flavonoids can be tested for their activity to reduce periodontal tissue destruction upon placing ligatures around teeth [38]. Secondly, the molecular mechanism that accounts responsible for the activity of 472T4MIF and 64D7MF in the macrophages has not been identified, but it obviously involves the NFkB signalling cascade as the phosphorylation of p65 was greatly suppressed.…”

The Receptor AT1 Appears to Be Important for the Maintenance of Bone Mass and AT2 Receptor Function in Periodontal Bone Loss Appears to Be Regulated by AT1 Receptor

“…An important advantage of the ligature-induced periodontitis model selected for the present study is that the disease can be initiated at a known time with a predictable sequence of events culminating in alveolar bone loss within a few days. The removal of ligatures allows an investigation of the resolution of inflammation and the healing response [ 30 ]. The technical procedure involves placing ligatures around a posterior tooth.…”