Histological evaluation of the periodontal ligament from aged wistar rats supplemented with ascorbic acid

Abstract

Ascorbic acid (AA) is able to neutralize reactive oxygen species and is essential for collagen synthesis. In aging process oxidative stress is elevated. This study aims to investigate the effects of AA supplementation on the periodontal ligament (PL) of rats during aging. Twenty five rats were used and divided into groups: J90 (90-dayold control), E345 (345-day-old control), E428 (428-day-old control), EA345 (345-day-old supplemented with AA from 90-day-old on) and EA428 (428-day-old supplemented with AA from 90-day-old on). We analyzed the thickness, density of fibroblasts and blood vessels and collagen fibers types in the PL. In group J90 there was predominantly type III collagen fibers (87.64%). In animals supplemented with AA, the area filled by type I fibers (group EA345: 65.67%, group EA428: 52.23%) was higher than type III fibers. PL in group EA428 was thicker than the one observed in group E428 (P < 0.05). During natural aging process, AA promoted the maturation of collagen fibers and enhanced angiogenesis in periodontal ligament. One can conclude that the supplementation with AA represented a beneficial factor for the development of PL in aged rats.

Evaluation of the Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Locally Delivered Vitamin C in the Treatment of Persistent Gingival Inflammation: Clinical and Histopathological Study

“…It modulates the release of catabolic inflammatory cytokines [10–12], chemotaxis of the immune cells, and activation of the phagocytosis [4]. The neutrophils and lymphocytes containing vitamin C show lower apoptotic potentiality and higher proliferation rate.…”

Role of nutritional supplements in the management of tendinopathies: focus on combination of type 1 collagen, vitamin C and mucopolysaccharides

“…It showed that vitamin C supplementation promoted the maturation of collagen fibres and enhanced angiogenesis in the ligament. 30…”

Vitamin C

“…By the vitamin C role in modifying the produced collagen type IV through its role as a cofactor in hydroxyproline synthesis and improving the endothelial cell vitality, its role in angiogenesis could not be forgotten. In periodontal disease, it is recommended to use an adequate well calculated dosage of vitamin C to achieve higher level of healing, minimal bleeding, higher quality of the newly formed tissues and increasing the resistance of tissues to future destruction [12,62].…”

“…Thicker periodontal ligament were detected near the cement-enamel junction (CEJ) and narrower ones were detected in the middle one third of the root due to the effect of vitamin C in keeping the collagen bundles, well organized and more resistant to tension. It also modifies the rate of fibroblast proliferation [12,62,70] (Figure 3).…”