Comparison of the Effects of Omega 3 and Probiotics on Alveolar Bone Loss in Rats: An Immunohistochemical Study

Abstract

Omega 3 and probiotics have been demonstrated to have beneficial effects in periodontal disease pathogenesis. Inducible nitric oxide synthase is an important mediator regulating immune response. The objective of this study was to compare the impacts of omega 3 and probiotic supplementation on alveolar bone loss and gingival inducible nitric oxide synthase levels in an experimental periodontitis model. Material and Methods: Thirty-two rats were separated into 4 equal groups as control, periodontitis, omega 3, and probiotic. Omega 3 or probiotic was supplemented by oral gavage and experimental periodontitis was induced to the rats in periodontitis, omega 3, and probiotic groups by ligature. Alveolar bone loss was measured histometrically. The number of neutrophils 2 was counted and gingival inducible nitric oxide synthase levels were analysed immunohistochemically.Results: Alveolar bone loss significantly increased in periodontitis induced groups, compared to control group and decreased in omega 3 and probiotic groups, compared to the periodontitis group (p <0.05). Probiotic group had further decrease in alveolar bone loss than the omega 3 group (p <0.05). The number of neutrophils and gingival inducible nitric oxide synthase levels were higher in the periodontitis, omega 3, and probiotic groups than those in the control group, and decreased in omega 3 and probiotic groups, compared to the periodontitis group (p <0.05). Conclusion:We suggest that omega 3 and probiotic administrations could reduce alveolar bone loss by decreasing gingival inducible nitric oxide synthase. Probiotic support seems to have more beneficial reducing alveolar bone loss, compared to omega 3.