The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of administering a grape seed extract, rich in polyphenols in an experimental model of ligature induced periodontitis in rats. Methods: 30 male Wistar rats were divided into Control group, Ligature group and Grape seed extract (GSE) group. Periodontitis was induced by placing a wire ligature around the first mandibular molar for 4 weeks. The animals in the GSE group were administered grape seed extract by gavage. In days 1, 7 and 28 blood samples were taken and in day 28 the hemimandibles were harvested and sent for histological examination. Reduced glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were determined in serum and in gingival tissue. Results: Significantly higher values of MDA were found in serum and periodontium in the Ligature group in comparison to the GSE group. GSE administration resulted in an increase of GSH plasma concentration in the GSE group as compared to the Control and Ligature groups. In the GSE group inflammation and bone involvement were less marked than in the Ligature group. Conclusions: The grape seed extract proved protective anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in a ligature-induced experimental model of periodontitis in rats and also improved the histological status of gingival tissue and bone.

The associations between periodontitis and cardiovascular diseases have been intensely studied in recent years. Oxidative stress is involved in the initiation and both progression of periodontitis and atherosclerosis. Antioxidants can reduce the effects of oxidative stress on inflammatory diseases. Our aim was to measure the effects of a grape seed extract (GSE), rich in antioxidants, on atherosclerosis caused by ligature-induced periodontitis in rats. Thirty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups of 10: control group, periodontitis group, and periodontitis group treated with GSE (GSE group). Periodontitis was induced by placing an orthodontic wire around the cervix of the first mandibular molar and keeping it in place for 4 weeks. On days 1, 7 and 28, blood samples were taken to assess oxidative stress and inflammation markers (malondialdehyde and glutathione - MDA, reduced glutathione - GSH, C reactive protein) and lipids. After 4 weeks, the animals were euthanized, and aortas were collected for histopathologic examination. MDA was significantly higher in Periodontitis group compared to the other groups only at day 7. GSH was significantly increased in the Control and GSE groups on days 1 and 7, compared to Periodontitis group and on day 28 higher in GSE vs. Periodontitis groups. C reactive protein was significantly increased in the Periodontitis group on days 1 and 7 compared to both groups. Cholesterol was significantly decreased in the aortas of GSE group at day 28 compared to the Periodontitis group. Oral administration of a grape seed extract reduces the oxidative stress, inflammation and atherosclerosis in a rat model of ligature-induced periodontitis.

Introduction.In recent years a link between periodontitis and cardiovascular diseases has been proposed. Oxidative stress has been found to be involved in their pathophysiology.Objectives. The aim of this study was to demonstrate that a wire ligature placed around the first mandibular molars of the rat causes inflammation in the periodontium and lipid deposits in the aorta, via oxidative stress. Methods. Twenty male Wistar rats were divided randomly into two groups of 10: Control group and Periodontitis group. An orthodontic wire ligature was placed around the cervix of the first mandibular molar and was kept in place for 4 weeks. Clinical attachment loss was determined to assess the gingival recession. Aorta was harvested after 4 weeks and the malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in the aorta tissue homogenate were determined. Lipid deposits were evaluated using Oil Red staining and immunofluorescence under confocal microscopy. Total lipid deposits in the aorta were assessed using a computer morphometry system. Results. Significant gingival recession was observed in the Periodontitis group in comparison with the Control group. Increased MDA levels were present in the aorta in the ligatured rats in comparison with the Control group. Significant lipid deposits were observed in the aorta of the Periodontitis group as opposed to the Control group. Conclusions. The affixing of an orthodontic wire ligature produces gingival recession, increased oxidative stress and lipid deposits in the rat descending aorta.

Introduction. In recent years a link between periodontitis and cardiovascular diseases has been proposed. Oxidative stress has been found to be involved in their pathophysiology. Objectives. The aim of this study was to demonstrate that a wire ligature placed around the first mandibular molars of the rat causes inflammation in the periodontium and lipid deposits in the aorta, via oxidative stress. Methods. Twenty male Wistar rats were divided randomly into two groups of 10: Control group and Periodontitis group. An orthodontic wire ligature was placed around the cervix of the first mandibular molar and was kept in place for 4 weeks. Clinical attachment loss was determined to assess the gingival recession. Aorta was harvested after 4 weeks and the malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in the aorta tissue homogenate were determined. Lipid deposits were evaluated using Oil Red staining and immunofluorescence under confocal microscopy. Total lipid deposits in the aorta were assessed using a computer morphometry system. Results. Significant gingival recession was observed in the Periodontitis group in comparison with the Control group. Increased MDA levels were present in the aorta in the ligatured rats in comparison with the Control group. Significant lipid deposits were observed in the aorta of the Periodontitis group as opposed to the Control group. Conclusions. The affixing of an orthodontic wire ligature produces gingival recession, increased oxidative stress and lipid deposits in the rat descending aorta.