Evaluation of Bone Tissue After Cafeteria-Diet-Induced Obesity and Periodontitis in Rats

Abstract

Background: The purpose of this paper was to evaluate the influence of obesity on alveolar bone tissue, either associated with ligature-induced periodontal disease, or not. The possible association between obesity and periodontitis is mainly related to the production of inflammatory cytokines. Methods: Twenty-four male Wistar rats were divided into the following groups: control group (CON); ligature group (LIG) with periodontitis by ligature was induced in the 24th week; obese group (OBESE) received cafeteria diet; obese and ligature group (OBESE + LIG) received cafeteria diet and periodontitis by ligature was induced in the 24th week. Results: The number of osteocytes in the alveolar bone region and the distance from the cementoenamel junction to the alveolar crest were assessed, and descriptive analysis of tissues was performed. The results showed that both obesity and periodontitis led to decreased number of osteocytes (P < 0.01), and increased distance from the cementoenamel junction to the alveolar crest (P < 0.01). Conclusions: In addition, inflammatory characteristics and bone reabsorption in the periodontal tissue were found. It could be concluded that both periodontitis and obesity, in isolation, resulted in a reduction of alveolar bone mass; however, it was more intense when associated with bone loss, demonstrating that obesity contributed to bone loss in periodontitis. J Endocrinol Metab. 2015;5(1-2):172-178 doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.14740/jem248w