Carvacrol Ameliorates Ligation-Induced Periodontitis in Rats.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

This study aims to evaluate the ameliorative effect of carvacrol, an anti-inflammatory monoterpenoid phenol and a major component of Plectranthus amboinicus, on periodontal damage in an experimental rat model of periodontitis.

METHODS:

Forty Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into ligation (Lig), non-ligation (n-Lig), and two ligation plus carvacrol (Lig+C) groups. Carvacrol (17.5 or 35.0 mg/kg body weight/day) was administered intragastrically from 1 day before ligation. On day 8, dental alveolar bone loss and gingival inflammation in periodontal specimens were examined by dental radiography, microcomputed tomography, and histology. Expressions of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and inducible nitric oxide synthase messenger (m)RNAs, and levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 in gingiva were examined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and zymography.

RESULTS:

Dental radiography revealed periodontal bone-supporting ratios in Lig and Lig+C groups were lower than the n-Lig group, with Lig group ratios being lowest. Compared with the n-Lig group, the cemento-enamel junction-bone distance was significantly longer in Lig and Lig+C groups, with Lig+C groups showing shorter distances regardless of radiographic methods used. Histology and histometry showed less inflammatory area and stronger connective tissue attachment in Lig+C groups than in the Lig group. Cytokine/mediator mRNA expression and MMP-9 levels were reduced in the Lig+C groups.

CONCLUSIONS:

Carvacrol reduced tissue damage and bone loss caused by ligation-induced periodontitis. The present results indicate that carvacrol might reduce tissue destruction by downregulating expression of proinflammatory mediators and MMP-9.

• Authors: Po-Jan Kuo, Tsung-Fu Hung, Chi-Yu Lin, Hsiang-Yin Hsiao, Min-Wen Fu, Po-Da Hong, Hsien-Chung Chiu, Earl Fu
• Journal: Journal of periodontology (J Periodontol) Vol. 88 Issue 7 Pg. e120-e128 (07 2017) ISSN: 1943-3670 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 28387609 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Anti-Inflammatory Agents
• Cymenes
• Monoterpenes
• RNA
• carvacrol
• Matrix Metalloproteinase 2
• Matrix Metalloproteinase 9

Topics

• Alveolar Bone Loss (diagnostic imaging, prevention & control)
• Animals
• Anti-Inflammatory Agents (pharmacology, therapeutic use)
• Cymenes
• Disease Models, Animal
• Down-Regulation
• Gingivitis (drug therapy, metabolism)
• Ligation
• Male
• Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 (metabolism)
• Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 (metabolism)
• Monoterpenes (pharmacology, therapeutic use)
• Periodontitis (diagnostic imaging, drug therapy, metabolism)
• RNA (metabolism)
• Radiography, Dental
• Rats
• Rats, Sprague-Dawley