Effect of Atorvastatin and Remifemin on Glucocorticoid Induced Osteoporosis in Rats with Experimental Periodontitis. A Comparative Study

Abstract

Periodontitis is a progressive destructive disease affecting the tooth supporting structures. Osteoporosis can enhance the rate and severity of periodontal destruction. In osteoporosis, lowering of the estrogen level leads to imbalance between bone formation and resorption. Different drugs were utilized to manage osteoporosis. Statins are cholesterol lowering drugs. Different studies have shown that statins have an anti-resorptive effect. Furthermore, Remifemin is a herbal drug that demonstrated certain favorable effects on bone integrity. The present study was performed to compare the impact of Atorvastatin and Remifemin in osteoporotic rats with induced periodontitis. Materials and Methods: Fifty male albino rats weighing 300 ± 50 gm were enrolled in the current study. The rat population was divided into five groups, ten rats each: control group (Group I), Group II with ligature induced periodontitis, Group III with induced periodontitis and osteoporosis, the Atorvastatin-treated group (Group IV) and finally the Remifemin-treated group (Group V). Rats were sacrificed after five weeks. Histological and histomorphometric examinations were performed. Results: Alveolar bone in Group V exhibited more bone formation with regular bone surface compared to Group IV. Histomorphometric results revealed that both treated groups showed substantial improvement in bone volume and in osteoblast count compared to Group II and III. However better results were noted in Group V. Conclusion: Superior results were demonstrated with Remifemin concerning bone volume. The authors suggested utilization of Remifemin as a beneficial therapeutic drug.