Effects of a Mikania laevigata extract on bone resorption and RANKL expression during experimental periodontitis in rats

• Main Authors: Bruno B. Benatti, Jozafá C. Campos-Júnior, Vilmar J. Silva-Filho, Polyanna M. Alves, Isabela R. Rodrigues, Elizabeth Uber-Bucek, Silvio M. Vieira, Marcelo H. Napimoga
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: University of São Paulo 2012-06-01
• Series: Journal of Applied Oral Science
• Subjects: Guaco; Periodontitis; Rats
• Online Access: http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1678-77572012000300008

OBJECTIVES: The Mikania laevigata extract (MLE) (popularly known in Brazil as "guaco") possesses anti-inflammatory properties. In the present study we tested the effects of MLE in a periodontitis experimental model in rats. We also investigated possible mechanisms underlying such effects. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Periodontal disease was induced by a ligature placed around the mandibular first molars of each animal. Male Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups: non-ligated animals treated with vehicle; non-ligated animals treated with MLE (10 mg/kg, daily); ligature-induced animals treated with vehicle and ligature-induced animals treated with MLE (10 mg/kg, daily). Thirty days after the induction of periodontal disease, the animals were euthanized and mandibles and gingival tissues removed for further analysis. RESULTS: Morphometric analysis of alveolar bone loss demonstrated that MLE-treated animals presented a decreased alveolar bone loss and a lower expression of the activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) measured by immunohistochemistry. Moreover, gingival tissues from the MLE-treated group showed decreased neutrophil migration myeloperoxidase (MPO) assay. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that MLE may be useful to control bone resorption during progression of experimental periodontitis in rats.