Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and anti-resorptive effect of atorvastatin (ATV) in an experimental alveolar bone loss (ABL) model. Wistar rats were subjected to ligature placement around the maxillary second molar for 11 days. The animals received 0.9% saline (2 mL/kg) or ATV (0.3, 3 or 27 mg/kg) daily by gavage. ABL was evaluated by resorption area and histopathological analysis. Serum bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BALP) activity was also evaluated. Leukogram was performed at 0 h, 6th h, 2nd, 7th and 11th days. Kidney and liver conditions and the body mass variation were analyzed. ATV (3 and 27 mg/kg) inhibited ABL by 39% and 56%, respectively. Histopathological analysis showed that ATV 27 mg/kg prevented ABL and cemental resorption, and inflammatory cell infiltration induced by ligature. ATV (27 mg/kg) prevented serum BALP levels reduction. ATV (27 mg/kg) prevented leukocytosis and did not affect either kidney or liver function nor body mass weight. ATV showed a protecting effect in the ligature-induced periodontitis, without affecting system parameters, by inhibition of inflammatory process and by its anabolic activity on the alveolar bone.
Highlights
Periodontitis is an inflammation that extends deeply into the tissues causing loss of supporting connective tissue and alveolar bone
Periodontal disease (PD) is currently understood as a result of a complex interplay between bacterial infection and host response, modified by behavioral factors
Statins have been used for hypercholesterolemia treatment and atherosclerosis [3]
Summary
Periodontitis is an inflammation that extends deeply into the tissues causing loss of supporting connective tissue and alveolar bone. Periodontal inflammatory process initially has a protective role against bacterial invasion. Statin or 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitor is a well-established pharmaceutical agent that effectively lowers serum cholesterol levels. Some studies have suggested that statins may have other effects beyond lipid reducing function [4]. They are able to modulate inflammation by lowering cytokine concentrations and inhibiting recruitment, migration and cell adhesion to endothelium. They have shown anabolic effect on bone tissue [5]
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