One or two ligatures inducing periodontitis are sufficient to cause fatty liver

Abstract

BackgroundPeriodontitis is a chronic disease that due to an intense inflammatory response triggers systemic changes such as hepatic alterations. This study aimed to compare hepatic damage in rats that received experimental periodontitis at one or two periodontal sites with ligatures.Material and MethodsEighteen rats were separated into three groups: control, without ligature; periodontitis 1, with one ligature; and periodontitis 2, with two ligatures. The following parameters were assessed: gingival bleeding index, probing pocket depth, tooth mobility, alveolar bone loss, malondialdehyde (MDA) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity in periodontal tissue; histopathological evaluation of hepatic tissue (steatosis score); glutathione levels (GSH), MDA, MPO, cholesterol and triglycerides in the liver; and serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST).ResultsPeriodontal evaluation data showed that the periodontitis model worked well. The groups with periodontitis did not differ significantly in relation to MPO activity and MDA levels in the gingival samples, but they were significantly different when compared with the control group. Steatosis was observed in the histological analysis of the groups with periodontitis, but between the periodontitis groups, two ligatures did not cause increase in steatosis score. The levels of GSH, MDA, total cholesterol and triglycerides in the hepatic tissue were not altered between groups with periodontitis, but they showed significant differences in comparison with the control group. The activity of MPO in hepatic tissue and serum levels of AST and ALT did not present significant difference among the three groups.ConclusionsIn conclusion, our results demonstrated that one or two ligatures inducing periodontitis were both sufficient to cause fatty liver. Steatosis caused by two ligatures did not present larger extension and severity than steatosis caused by one ligature. Key words:Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory agents, experimental design, periodontal disease, periodontal medicine.

Periodontal disease may induce liver fibrosis in an experimental study on Wistar rats

“…MDA have indicated elevated levels in periodontitis group compared with CTRL group. Our results are supported by the findings of other authors, who have quantified MDA from liver, showing increased levels . Oxidative stress may cause direct damage to cells and tissues, as well as stimulating production of proinflammatory cytokines .…”

“…These assessments indicate the efficacy of experimental induction of periodontitis which is in accordance with the studies of Vasconcelos et al. and Pessoa et al …”

“…Elevated levels of cytolysis liver parameters with an increasing trend of ASAT and ALAT in periodontitis groups compared with CTRL group were found, but without statistical significance (Table ). Also, other studies have shown no statistical significance in transaminases values . Regarding ultrasound examination, it can be stated that liver fibrosis could not be surprised in any of the groups.…”

“…In the current literature, the association between periodontal disease and liver injury has been lately reported . Several papers have demonstrated that the presence of hepatic inflammation after ligature induced periodontitis around molars .…”

Periodontitis causes abnormalities in the liver of rats

“…Experimental periodontitis was performed with intramuscular solution of 2% xylazine hydrochloride (15 mg/Kg) (Rompum‐Bayer ® , São Paulo, SP, Brazil) and ketamine (40 mg/Kg) (Francotar‐Virbac ® , Roseira, SP, Brazil). A nylon ligature 3‐0 (Shalon ® , Goiania, GO, Brazil), was inserted around the 1st lower molar of each animal bilaterally . After 20 days, rats were euthanized and blood was collected for biochemical tests.…”