Abstract
ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to test the efficacy of a locally applied 8.5% nanostructured doxycycline (DOX) gel in preventing alveolar bone loss in experimental periodontal disease (ePD) in rats by using the tapping mode atomic force microscopy (AFM).Material and MethodsePD was induced in 24 Wistar rats. Animals were treated with the doxycycline gel topically, immediately after ePD induction, and 3 times a day during 11 days. Four groups (n=6) were formed as follows: Naïve group (animals not subjected to ePD nor treated); non-treated (NT) group (animals subjected to ePD, but not treated); vehicle gel (VG) group (animals subjected to ePD and treated with topical gel vehicle); and DOX group (test group): animals subjected to ePD and treated with the 8.5% DOX gel. In order to investigate topographical changes in histological sections, a novel simple method was used for sample preparation, by etching sections from paraffin-embedded specimens with xylol.ResultsComparing the AFM images, several grooves were observed on the surface of the alveolar bone and other periodontal structures in the NT and VG groups, with significantly greater depths when compared to the DOX group (p<0.05).ConclusionsPeriodontal structures were brought into high relief confirming to be a simple and costeffective method for AFM imaging with ultrastructural resolution. The doxycycline gel was able to afford periodontal surface preservation, with flatter grooves.
Highlights
Several methods have been employed in dentistry to better understand periodontal disease process[5]
Drug Treatments Four groups of 6 animals each were formed as follows: Naïve group; non-treated (NT) group; vehicle gel (VG) group; and DOX group: animals subjected to experimental periodontal disease (EPD) and treated with the 8.5% DOX gel (Dental Gel®; Evidence Pharmaceuticals LTD., Fortaleza, CE, Brazil)
Effect of DOX gel on the alveolar bone loss Macroscopically, the treatment of animals subjected to 11 days of experimental periodontal disease with the DOX gel reduced the alveolar bone loss
Summary
Several methods have been employed in dentistry to better understand periodontal disease process[5]. The induction of periodontal disease by ligature placement is widely used in animal studies[1-4,7,8]. As criticism of this model still remains, other methods are necessary for a better understanding of the pathogenesis of periodontal disease. AFM is commonly used in examining biological specimens since it works well without any need for staining or coating[5,17]. Periodontal structures, such as the periodontal ligament and alveolar bone, play an important role in maintaining structural integrity, and in determining tissue function. Alveolar bone and attachment loss due to periodontal diseases, for example, is directly associated with the presence of dental biofilm and poor oral hygiene[4,6,9]
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