Abstract
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of ovariectomy-induced estrogen deficiency as a risk factor of periodontal disease in rats. Forty 90-day old female rats were either ovariectomized (OVX; n=20) or sham operated (SHAM; n=20). After 30 days, periodontitis was induced by placement of a cotton ligature around the upper second molars of 10 OVX and 10 SHAM animals. All animals were sacrificed 5 weeks later. Body weight was assessed before all surgical procedures. The left hemimaxillas were removed and the percentage of periodontal bone support was determined radiographically and buccal alveolar bone loss was determined macroscopically using an image-analysis software. Furcation involvement was also evaluated. Data were analyzed statistically by ANOVA at 5% significance level. Within the evaluated period, the ovariectomized rats gained more weight than the sham-operated animals (p<0.001). The animals in which periodontitis was induced had less bone support, greater alveolar bone loss and furcation involvement than those without ligature (p<0.001). However, there was no difference between ovariectomized and sham-operated animals (p>0.05). Based on the findings of this study, estrogen deficiency could not be considered as a risk factor for periodontal disease.
Highlights
According to the latest Brazilian demographic census (2000) [1], the Brazilian population has nearly 12.5 millions women aged over 50 years and their estimated life expectancy is 68.82 years
Osteoporosis is worldwide defined as a systemic skeletal disease characterized by low bone density and microarchitectural deterioration of bone tissue, which leads to increased bone fragility and risk of fracture [2]
The experimental model for osteopenia induced by ovariectomy in female rats is commonly used and is very useful for evaluation of problems related to bone loss in postmenopausal women
Summary
According to the latest Brazilian demographic census (2000) [1], the Brazilian population has nearly 12.5 millions women aged over 50 years and their estimated life expectancy is 68.82 years. Considering that menopause occurs around the age of 50, millions of Brazilian women are expected to live more than a quarter of their lives without the influence of ovarian hormones and dealing with the possibility of having osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is worldwide defined as a systemic skeletal disease characterized by low bone density and microarchitectural deterioration of bone tissue, which leads to increased bone fragility and risk of fracture [2]. This disease should be considered as a public health problem because of its social, physical and economical impact. Women experience estrogen deficiency and this condition is associated with a rapid increase in bone resorption
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