Prophylactic and therapeutic effects of (6)-shogaol on alveolar bone loss in experimental periodontitis.

Abstract

(6)-Shogaol is the most prevalent bioactive compound in ginger. The aim of this study was to examine both the prophylactic and therapeutic effects of (6)-shogaol in an experimental periodontitis model. Thirty-five male Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups. In the healthy group (n=5), no intervention was undertaken. In the periodontitis group (n=10), periodontitis was induced by ligature placement for 14 days. In the prophylaxis group (n=10), periodontitis was induced with ligature placement for 14 days, and during this time, 20 mg/kg/day of (6)-shogaol was administered via oral gavage. In the therapeutic group (n=10), periodontitis was induced with ligature placement for 14 days, and following the removal of the ligature, 20 mg/kg/day of (6)-shogaol was administered via oral gavage for 14 days. Alveolar bone loss was histometrically measured, and malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GP), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand (RANKL), and osteoprotegerin (OPG) were immunohistochemically analyzed. Alveolar bone loss was significantly lower in the healthy group than in the remaining groups, as well as in the therapeutic group than in the periodontitis group (p<0.001). RANKL/OPG was significantly higher in the periodontitis group compared to the remaining groups and in the prophylaxis group compared to the therapeutic group (p<0.001). MDA was significantly lower in the healthy group than in the remaining groups (p<0.001). SOD was significantly lower in the periodontitis group than in the prophylaxis and therapeutic groups (p=0.039 and p=0.042, respectively). GP was significantly lower in the healthy group than in the prophylaxis and therapeutic groups (p=0.031 and p=0.002, respectively). The administration of (6)-shogaol modulated the RANKL/OPG balance and antioxidant status in rats with ligature-induced periodontitis.