The Effect of Calendula officinalis on Oxidative Stress and Bone Loss in Experimental Periodontitis

Effects of Coriander on the Repair Process of Experimentally-induced Periodontitis in Rats

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Coriandrum sativum L. (CSL) seed extract on gingival levels of antioxidant enzymes, pro-inflammatory cytokines and on alveolar bone and attachment levels after experimental periodontitis induction in rats and compare it with low-dose doxycycline (LDD). Forty adult male Wistar Albino rats were divided randomly into 5 groups as follows: 1 = periodontally healthy (control); 2 = periodontitis; 3 = periodontitis + CSL (32 mg/kg); 4 = periodontitis + CSL (200 mg/kg); and 5 = periodontitis + LDD (6 mg/kg). Gingival superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase (CAT) levels were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The presence of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-1βeta (IL-1β) immunoreactivity was detected immunohistochemically. Alveolar bone area in the furcation space (ABA), alveolar bone loss (ABL), and attachment loss (AL) were evaluated histomorphometrically. The SOD level was lower in group 5 than in groups 2, 3, and 4. The IL-1β level was highest in group 4. The TNF-α level was statistically higher in groups 2 and 4 than in groups 1, 3, and 5. The IL-6 level was highest in group 4. Its level was higher in groups 2 and 3 than in group 5. ABA was less in groups 2, 3, and 4 compared to groups 1 and 5. ABL was less in group 5 than in groups 2, 3, and 4. AL was greater in group 4 than in group 5. The use of 200 mg/kg CSL showed a pro-inflammatory effect and IL-1β and TNF-α levels decreased after 32 mg/kg CSL application in the treatment of periodontitis.

Effect of Curcumin gel on inflammatory and anti-inflammatory biomarkers in experimental induced periodontitis in rats: a biochemical and immunological study

This study aimed to determine the effect of local application of curcumin gels as adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) on the inflammatory biomarkers matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8), interleukin-6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and the anti-inflammatory biomarker interleukin-10 (IL-10) in rats with experimentally induced periodontitis. Fifty-five adult Wistar rats with experimentally induced periodontitis were randomly divided into four groups: 15 rats received SRP + curcumin gel (CU), 15 rats received SRP + Tetracycline gel (Tet), 15 rats were treated with SRP alone, and 5 rats had experimental periodontitis without treatment (EP). Five systemically healthy rats without experimental periodontitis were used as the controls. Blood samples were collected by cardiac puncture from all groups after 2, 4, and 6 weeks of therapy. Biomarker levels determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and, ANOVA were used to compare the study groups. The results showed a significant increase in pro-inflammatory biomarkers and a significant decrease in anti-inflammatory biomarkers in the EP group compared with the control group (p < 0.05). The local application of curcumin or tetracycline gels resulted in a significant reduction in all inflammatory biomarkers at all periods of examination compared to the EP group. IL-10 levels gradually increased after 2 weeks, peaked at 4 weeks, and then decreased after 6 weeks, however, Tet showed statistically significant improvement compared to CU (p < 0.05). Adjunctive application of CU gel was as effective as Tet gel in the treatment of EP in rats by reducing inflammatory biomarkers and enhancing anti-inflammatory cytokines.

Wnt signaling in periodontitis

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway activity in gingival samples obtained from patients with periodontitis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifteen patients with stage III grade B (SIIIGB) and eleven with stage III grade C (SIIIGC) periodontitis were included and compared to 15 control subjects. β-Catenin, Wnt 3a, Wnt 5a, and Wnt 10b expressions were evaluated by Q-PCR. Topographic localization of tissue β-catenin, Wnt 5a, and Wnt 10b was measured by immunohistochemical analysis. TNF-α was used to assess the inflammatory state of the tissues, while Runx2 was used as a mediator of active destruction.

RESULTS

Wnt 3a, Wnt 5a, and Wnt 10b were significantly higher in gingival tissues in both grades of stage 3 periodontitis compared to the control group (p < 0.05). β-Catenin showed intranuclear staining in connective tissue in periodontitis, while it was confined to intracytoplasmic staining in epithelial tissue and the cell walls in the control group. Wnt5a protein expression was elevated in periodontitis, with the most intense staining observed in the connective tissue of SIIIGC samples. Wnt10b showed the highest density in the connective tissue of patients with periodontitis.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggested that periodontal inflammation disrupts the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Periodontitis disrupts Wnt signaling in periodontal tissues in parallel with tissue inflammation and changes in morphology. This change in Wnt-related signaling pathways that regulate tissue homeostasis in the immunoinflammatory response may shed light on host-induced tissue destruction in the pathogenesis of the periodontal disease.

Antimicrobial activity of Desplac® oral gel in the subgingival multispecies biofilm formation

Natural products are well-known due to their antimicrobial properties. This study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial effect of Desplac® product (composed of Aloe Vera, Propolis Extract, Green Tea, Cranberry, and Calendula) on the subgingival biofilm. Two different protocols were used to treat the 33-species biofilms: (A) 2×/day (12/12  h) for 1  min with Desplac® or Noplak Toothpaste (Chlorhexidine + Cetylpyridinium Chloride) or Oral B ProGengiva (stannous Fluoride) or a placebo gel; (B) a 12-h use of the Desplac® product or 0.12% chlorhexidine gel or a placebo gel. After 7 days of biofilm formation, the metabolic activity (MA) and biofilm profile were determined by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride and Checker-board DNA-DNA hybridization, respectively. Statistical analysis used the Kruskal-Wallis test followed by Dunn's post-hoc. In protocol A, all treatments presented reduced MA compared to the placebo (p ≤ 0.05). The Desplac®-treated biofilm showed a similar microbial profile to other antimicrobials, although with higher bacterial total counts. In protocol B, MA of Desplac®-treated biofilms was lower than the placebo's MA but higher than chlorhexidine-treated biofilms (p ≤ 0.05). Pathogen levels in Desplac®-treated biofilms were lower than in placebo-treated biofilms and elevated compared to the chlorhexidine-treated biofilms (p ≤ 0.05). Desplac® inhibited the biofilm development and disrupted the mature subgingival biofilm, highlighting its effect on Tannerella forsythia counts.

Domiciliary Management of Periodontal Indexes and Glycosylated Hemoglobin (HbA1c) in Type 1 Diabetic Patients with Paraprobiotic-Based Toothpaste and Mousse: Randomized Clinical Trial

Background: Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammation of periodontal tissues. Several systemic diseases are related to this condition. One of the strongest associations is that of periodontitis and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). On the contrary, the link with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) has not been extensively investigated. The objective of the present report is to evaluate and compare the effect of two domiciliary oral hygiene protocols on the periodontal clinical status as well as on the metabolic control in patients affected by T1DM. Methods: Sample size calculation required 20 patients per group, therefore 40 patients were equally and randomly assigned to the following home oral care protocols: a probiotic-based one (trial group) and a natural extracts-based one (control group). At the beginning of the study, after 3 and 6 months, the following periodontal indexes were collected: Probing Pocket Depth (PPD), Plaque Index (PI), Clinical Attachment Level (CAL), Bleeding on Probing (BoP), and Glycosylated Hemoglobin (HbA1c). Data underwent statistical analysis (significance threshold: p < 0.05). Results: In both groups, significant decreases in the periodontal clinical indexes were found at various time frames, whereas the levels of HbA1c significantly decreased only in the control group. Conclusions: Both the domiciliary treatments administered can significantly improve PPD, PI, CAL, and BOP parameters, whereas only the natural extracts-based gel seems to decrease HbA1c levels of T1DM patients.

Targeting Nrf2 with Probiotics and Postbiotics in the Treatment of Periodontitis

Periodontitis is a destructive disease of the tooth-surrounding tissues. Infection is the etiological cause of the disease, but its extent and severity depend on the immune–inflammatory response of the host. Immune cells use reactive oxygen species to suppress infections, and there is homeostasis between oxidative and antioxidant mechanisms during periodontal health. During periodontitis, however, increased oxidative stress triggers tissue damage, either directly by activating apoptosis and DNA damage or indirectly by activating proteolytic cascades. Periodontal treatment aims to maintain an infection and inflammation-free zone and, in some cases, regenerate lost tissues. Although mechanical disruption of the oral biofilm is an indispensable part of periodontal treatment, adjunctive measures, such as antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medications, are also frequently used, especially in patients with suppressed immune responses. Recent studies have shown that probiotics activate antioxidant mechanisms and can suppress extensive oxidative stress via their ability to activate nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). The aim of this narrative review is to describe the essential role of Nrf2 in the maintenance of periodontal health and to propose possible mechanisms to restore the impaired Nrf2 response in periodontitis, with the aid of probiotic and postbiotics.

The effect of ellagic acid on the repair process of periodontal defects related to experimental periodontitis in rats

Objective

This study aims to evaluate the effect of ellagic acid (EA) by measuring the levels of alveolar bone resorption and inflammatory and oxidative stress markers in the periodontal tissues and serum on the periodontal repair process related to experimental periodontitis in rats.

Methodology

Forty Wistar rats were divided into four study groups as follows: Group 1=healthy control (n=10); Group 2=EA control (15 mg/kg)(n=10); Group 3=periodontitis (n=10); Group 4=periodontitis+EA (15 mg/kg) (n=10). The periodontitis model was established by ligating bilateral mandibular first molars for 14 days. Then, rats were given normal saline or EA for another 14 days by gavage administration. Serum and gingiva myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine(8-OHdG), and glutathione (GSH) levels were analyzed by ELISA. İmmunohistochemical analysis was used to detect Interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) immunoreactivities in the periodontal tissues. Alveolar bone loss (ABL) and attachment loss (AL) was evaluated by histomorphometry analysis.

Results

ABL and AL were statistically higher in group 3 than in groups 1, 2 and 4 and in group 4 than in groups 1 and 2 (p<0.05). MPO activities in gingival tissue and serum were significantly increased in group 3 compared to groups 1 and 2 (p<0.05). Significantly higher serum GSH levels, lower gingiva, and serum 8-OHdG levels, and MPO activity were observed in group 4 compared to group 3 (p<0.05). Rats with periodontitis (group 3) expressed significantly higher immunoreactivities of IL-6 and TNF-α and lower IL-10 immunoreactivity compared to those other groups (p<0.05). IL-6 and TNF-α immunoreactivities significantly decreased and IL-10 immunoreactivity increased in group 4 after the use of EA compared to group 3 (p<0.001).

Conclusions

Our findings showed that EA provides significant improvements on gingival oxidative stress and inflammatory markers and alveolar bone resorption in the repair process associated with experimental periodontitis. Therefore, EA may have a therapeutic potential on periodontitis.

Management of Gingival Bleeding in Periodontal Patients with Domiciliary Use of Toothpastes Containing Hyaluronic Acid, Lactoferrin, or Paraprobiotics: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Periodontitis is an irreversible oral disease causing the destruction of tooth-supporting tissues. In addition to scaling and root planing (SRP) procedures, patients should achieve a correct domiciliary oral hygiene in order to maintain a healthy status. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of different toothpastes in reducing gingival bleeding in periodontal patients. In addition to a professional treatment of SRP, 80 patients were randomly divided into four groups according to the toothpaste assigned for the daily domiciliary use using an electric toothbrush: Group 1 (Biorepair Gum Protection), Group 2 (Biorepair Plus Parodontgel), Group 3 (Biorepair Peribioma PRO), and Group 4 (Meridol Gum Protection) (control group). After baseline (T0), patients were visited after 15 days (T1), 3 months (T2), and 6 months (T3). At each appointment, the following periodontal indexes were assessed: bleeding on probing (BoP), full-mouth bleeding score (FMBS), and modified sulcus bleeding index (mSBI). All the experimental toothpastes caused an immediate significant modification of the three clinical indexes measured, except for the control product. Biorepair Peribioma PRO, with its paraprobiotic content, was also the only toothpaste causing a prolonged effect, reducing BoP even at T3. Accordingly, both hyaluronic acid and lactoferrin appear as reliable supports for the domiciliary management of periodontal disease. In spite of this, paraprobiotics are likely to show the most important benefit thanks to their immunomodulating mechanism of action.

Traditionally Used Natural Products in Preventing Ionizing Radiation-Induced Dermatitis: First Review on the Clinical Studies

In the treatment of cancer, the use of ionizing radiation is an important modality. However, on the downside, radiation, when used for curative purposes, causes acute dermatitis or radiodermatitis at the site of radiation in most individuals. From a clinical viewpoint, severe dermatitis causes a burning and itching sensation is very painful, and severely affects the quality of life of the individual undergoing treatment. In worse situations, acute radiation dermatitis can cause gaps or breaks in the planned treatment and this can adversely affect the treatment objective and outcome.

BACKGROUND

In various traditional and folk systems of medicine, plants and plant products have been used since time immemorial for treating various skin ailments. Further, many cosmeceutical creams formulated based on knowledge from ethnomedicinal use are marketed and used to treat various ailments. In the current review, an attempt is made at summarizing the beneficial effects of some plants and plant products in mitigating acute radiation dermatitis in humans undergoing curative radiotherapy. Additionally, the emphasis is also placed on the mechanism/s responsible for the beneficial effects.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this review is to summarize the clinical observations on the prevention of radiodermatitis by plant products. In this review, the protective effects of Adlay (Coix lachryma-jobi L.) bran extract, Aloe vera, Calendula officinalis, Cucumis sativus, green tea constituent the epigallocatechin-3-gallate, honey, Achillea millefolium, Matricaria chamomilla, olive oil and some polyherbal creams are addressed by also addressing on the mechanism of action for the beneficial effects.

METHODS

Two authors' data mined for information in Google Scholar, PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library for publications in the field from 1901 up to July 2020. The focus was on acute radiation dermatitis, ionizing radiation, curative radiotherapy, human cancer. The articles were collected and analyzed.

RESULTS

For the first time, this review addresses the usefulness of natural products like adlay bran, Aloe vera, Calendula officinalis, Cucumis sativus, green tea constituent the epigallocatechin-3-gallate, honey, Achillea millefolium, Matricaria chamomilla, olive oil and some experimentally constituted and commercially available polyherbal creams as skincare agents against the deleterious effects of ionizing radiation on the skin. The protective effects are possibly due to the free radical scavenging, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, wound healing and skin protective effects.

CONCLUSION

The authors suggest that these plants have been used since antiquity as medicinal agents and require in-depth investigation with both clinical and preclinical validated models of study. The results of these studies will be extremely useful to cancer patients requiring curative radiotherapy, the dermatology fraternity, agro-based and pharmaceutical sectors at large.

Latex proteins from Plumeria pudica reduce ligature-induced periodontitis in rats

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have shown that latex proteins from Plumeria pudica (LPPp) have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects in rats of LPPp on ligature-induced periodontitis, an inflammatory disease.

METHODS

The animals were divided into groups: saline (animals without induction of periodontitis), periodontitis (induced periodontitis and untreated) and LPPp (induced periodontitis and treated with 40 mg/kg). The following parameters were evaluated after 20 consecutive days of treatment: gingival bleeding index (GBI), probing pocket depth (PPD), alveolar bone height (ABH) and gingival myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity. In the hepatic tissue, malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH) and histopathological alterations were evaluated. Blood levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were measured.

RESULTS

Significant reduction in GBI, PPD and gingival MPO activity and ABH was seen in animals treated with LPPp compared with periodontitis. Values of GSH, MDA, ALT and histopathological evaluation were preserved in animals treated with LPPp.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment with LPPp improved clinical aspects of periodontitis, reduced the blood and hepatic alterations and prevented alveolar bone loss. Data suggest that LPPp have potential for treatment of periodontitis.

Impact of citrus flavonoid supplementation on inflammation in lipopolysaccharide-induced periodontal disease in mice

In general, the consumption of flavonoid-rich foods may influence the control/dysregulation of the magnitude and duration of inflammation and oxidative stress, which are known to contribute to multiple pathologies. Information regarding the impact of citrus flavonoid dietary supplementation on periodontal disease is still scarce. Herein, we investigated whether a diet supplemented with eriocitrin and eriodictyol could alter the course of the inflammatory response associated with LPS-induced periodontal disease in mice. Sixty BALB/c mice received a standard diet or a diet supplemented with different concentrations of eriocitrin or eriodictyol. After 30 days of food supplementation, a solution containing LPS from Escherichia coli was injected into the gingival tissues three times per week for four weeks. Neutrophils, mononuclear cells and eosinophils were assessed using a severity analysis system in H&E-stained sections and modified picrosirius red. The activities of myeloperoxidase (MPO), a marker of granulocyte infiltration, and eosinophil peroxidase (EPO) were determined spectrophotometrically. The oxidative damage was determined by measuring the malondialdehyde (MDA) content and anti-oxidative activity through the assessment of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). Interleukin (IL)-1β, TNF-α, and IL-10 were quantified by multiplex immunoassay. Periodontal inflammation was significantly inhibited by citrus flavonoid supplementation, including reduced flatness of the gingival epithelium and chronic and acute inflammatory cell infiltration, as well as loss of connective tissue in the gingival papillae. Both eriocitrin and eriodictyol inhibited gingival IL-1β and TNF-α and increased IL-10 secondary to periodontitis. Significant protection and decreased MPO and EPO activity were detected in the periodontal tissue of citrus flavonoid-treated animals. In comparison with the LPS group, SOD, CAT and GPx activities were increased, while the MDA content was reduced, indicating decreased oxidative damage. These results suggest that a diet supplemented with the citrus flavonoids eriocitrin or eriodictyol may aid in the prevention of periodontitis, representing a potential method to enhance local immunity and host defense.

Wnt signaling: An attractive target for periodontitis treatment

Periodontitis is the most common chronic inflammatory disease, and a leading cause of tooth loss. Characterized by resorption of alveolar process and destruction of periodontal ligaments, periodontitis can impact not only periodontal tissues but also systemic diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and respiratory infections. Currently, it is a hotspot to manage destruction and gain regeneration of periodontal tissues. Increasing evidence indicates that the Wnt signaling plays an important role in homeostasis of periodontal tissues, functions of periodontal derived cells, and progression of periodontitis. Its molecule expressions were abnormal in periodontitis. As such, modulators targeting the Wnt signaling may be an adjuvant therapy for periodontitis treatment. This review elucidates the role of Wnt signaling and its molecules, with a view to develop a potential application of drugs targeting the Wnt signaling for periodontitis treatment.

Protective effects of maternal administration of curcumin and hesperidin in the rat offspring following repeated febrile seizure: Role of inflammation and TLR4

Neuroinflammation has a key role in seizure generation and perpetuation in the neonatal period, and toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) pathway has a prominent role in neuroinflammatory diseases. Administration of antioxidants and targeting TLR4 in the embryonic period may protect rat offspring against the next incidence of febrile seizure and its harmful effects. Curcumin and hesperidin are natural compounds with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and have an inhibitory action on TLR4 receptors. We evaluated the effect of maternal administration of curcumin and hesperidin on infantile febrile seizure and subsequent memory dysfunction in adulthood. Hyperthermia febrile seizure was induced on postnatal days 9-11 on male rat pups with 24 h intervals, in a Plexiglas box that was heated to ~45 °C by a heat lamp. We used enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, Western blotting, malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione (GSH) assessment for evaluation of inflammatory cytokine levels, TLR4 protein expression, and oxidative responses in the hippocampal tissues. For assessing working memory and long-term potentiation, the double Y-maze test and Schaffer collateral-CA1 in vivo electrophysiological recording were performed, respectively Our results showed that curcumin and hesperidin decreased TNF-α, IL-10, and TLR4 protein expression and reversed memory dysfunction. However, they did not provoke a significant effect on GSH content or amplitude and slope of recorded fEPSPs in the hippocampus. In addition, curcumin, but not hesperidin, decreased interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and MDA levels. These findings imply that curcumin and hesperidin induced significant protective effects on febrile seizures, possibly via their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and downregulation of TLR4.

Natural products as safeguards against monosodium glutamate-induced toxicity

Monosodium glutamate is a sodium salt of a nonessential amino acid, L-glutamic acid, which is widely used in food industry. Glutamate plays an important role in principal brain functions including formation and stabilization of synapses, memory, cognition, learning, as well as cellular metabolism. However, ingestion of foodstuffs rich in monosodium glutamate can result in the outbreak of several health disorders such as neurotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, obesity and diabetes. The usage of medicinal plants and their natural products as a therapy against MSG used in food industry has been suggested to be protective. Calendula officinalis, Curcuma longa, Green Tea, Ginkgo biloba and vitamins are some of the main natural products with protective effect against mentioned monosodium glutamate toxicity through different mechanisms. This review provides a summary on the toxicity of monosodium glutamate and the protective effects of natural products against monosodium glutamate -induced toxicity.

Loss of Dkk-1 in Osteocytes Mitigates Alveolar Bone Loss in Mice With Periodontitis

Background: Periodontitis is a highly prevalent infection-triggered inflammatory disease that results in bone loss. Inflammation causes bone resorption by osteoclasts, and also by suppression of bone formation via increase of Dickkopf-1 (Dkk-1), an inhibitor of Wnt signaling. Here, we tested the hypothesis that osteocytic Dkk-1 is a key factor in the pathogenesis of periodontitis-induced alveolar bone loss (ABL).

Methods: Twelve-week-old female mice with a constitutive deletion of Dkk-1 specifically in osteocytes (Dkk-1^fl/fl;Dmp1:Cre) were subjected to experimental periodontitis (EP). Cre-negative littermates served as controls. EP was induced by placing a ligature around the upper 2nd left molar, the contralateral side was used as control. Mice were killed after 11 days and maxillae removed for micro-CT and histological analyses. The mRNA expression of Dkk-1, Runx2, Osteocalcin, OPG, RANKL, RANKL/OPG ratio, LEF-1, and TCF-7 were assessed in maxillae, while mRNA expressions of TNF and IL-1 were evaluated on gingiva using real-time PCR. Blood samples were collected for Dkk-1, CTX, and P1NP measurement by ELISA.

Results: The deletion of Dkk-1 in osteocytes prevented ABL in mice with EP, compared to Cre-negative control mice with EP. Micro-CT analysis showed a significant reduction of bone loss (−28.5%) in EP Dkk-1^fl/fl;Dmp1:Cre-positive mice compared to their littermate controls. These mice showed a greater alveolar bone volume, bone mineral density, trabecular number, and trabecular thickness after EP when compared to the Cre-negative controls. The local expression in maxillae as well as the serum levels of Dkk-1 were reduced in Dkk-1^fl/fl;Dmp1:Cre-positive mice with EP. The transgenic mice submitted to EP showed increase of P1NP and reduction of CTX-I serum levels, and increase of TCF-7 expression. Histological analysis displayed less inflammatory infiltrates, a reduction of TNF and IL-1 expressions in the gingiva and fewer osteoclasts in Cre-positive animals with EP. Moreover, in mice with EP, the osteocytic deletion of Dkk-1 enhanced bone formation due to increased expressions of Runx2 and Osteocalcin and decreased expression of RANKL in maxillae.

Conclusion: In summary, Dkk-1 derived from osteocytes plays a crucial role in ABL in periodontitis.

Curcumin reduces malondialdehyde and improves antioxidants in humans with diseased conditions: a comprehensive meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Objective: This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to collate the effects of curcumin on MDA and antioxidant markers in individuals with diseased conditions. In this study the research question was “does curcumin supplementation improves oxidative stress and antioxidant defense enzymes in human subjects compared to a group without curcumin supplementation?

Methods: This research included randomized controlled trials published in English in any year, in which intervention with curcumin was compared to either placebo, or standard of care or no intervention. Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane Central, Scopus and Google Scholar were searched. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan (version 5.3), with standardized mean differences (SMD) and random-effects models.

Results: One hundred twenty-seven titles and abstracts were identified which 17 articles were included for final analysis. The number of participants ranged from 22 to 160 across the included studies. The duration of intervention, dose of curcumin and location of outcomes measurements varied across the studies. Curcumin significantly reduced MDA [SMD −0.46 (95% CI: −0.68 to −0.25)] and increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) [0.82 (0.27 to 1.38)], catalase [10.26 (0.92 to 19.61)], and glutathione peroxidase [8.90 (6.62 to 11.19)] when compared with control group. Subgroup analyses displayed that curcumin could significantly reduce MDA levels with or without use of piperine, however it could increase SOD level in presence of piperine.

Conclusions: These findings suggest that curcumin may be used as an adjunct therapy in individuals with oxidative stress. The administration of piperine with curcumin may enhance the efficacy of curcumin on antioxidant defense system.

Effect of glutamine ingestion on the progression of induced periodontitis: experimental study in rats

Abstract Introduction With glutamine supplementation there is better performance in the body’s defense system. Objective The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of glutamine supplementation on ligand-induced periodontal disease in rats. Material and method 48 selected male Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups (N = 12): control group (CG) including healthy animals receiving daily saline solution via gavage; glutamine group (GG) including healthy animals receiving oral glutamine supplementation by gavage at a dose of 1.5 g / kg / day; periodontitis group (PG) including animals with induced periodontal disease on both upper sides receiving daily saline solution via gavage; experimental group (EG) including animals with induced periodontal disease on both upper sides receiving daily glutamine via gavage at a dose of 1.5 g / kg / day. On the 30th day, all animals were euthanized by excess anesthetic. Result In the various analyses, the EG (116.63 ± 22.50 mm2) compared to the CG (82.32 ± 7.48 mm2) obtained a p<0.05. The PG (143.15 ± 35.24 mm2) compared to the EG group (116.63 ± 22.50 mm2 ) presented a p<0.05. The PG (143.15 ± 35.24 mm2) compared to the CG (82.32 ± 7.48 mm2) presented a p<0.05. The GG (118.09 ± 10.4 mm2) compared to the CG (82.32 ± 7.48 mm2) presented a p>0.05. Conclusion Glutamine supplementation associated with induced periodontal disease demonstrated a smaller amount of bone loss compared to the periodontitis group.

Stemodia maritima L. Extract Decreases Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, and Alveolar Bone Loss in an Experimental Periodontitis Rat Model

Periodontitis is very prevalent worldwide and is one of the major causes of tooth loss in adults. About 80% of the worldwide population use medicinal plants for their health care. Stemodia maritima L. (S. maritima) antioxidant and antimicrobial effects in vitro as well as anti-inflammatory properties. Herein, the potential therapeutic effect of S. maritima was assessed in rats subjected to experimental periodontitis (EP). EP was induced in female Wistar rats by nylon thread ligature around 2nd upper left molars for 11 days. Animals received (per os) S. maritima (0.2; 1 or 5 mg/kg) or vehicle (saline + DMSO) 1 h before ligature and then once daily for 11 days. The naive group had no manipulation. After this time-point, the animals were terminally anesthetized, and the maxillae were removed for morphometric and histological analyzes (HE). Gingival tissues were dissected to cytokine levels detection (TNF-α, IL1-β, CINC-1, and IL-10), enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) analysis, as well as gene expression (TNF-α, IL-1β, RANK, and iNOS) by qRT-PCR. Systemic parameters (weight variation, plasma levels of hepatic enzymes aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), creatinine, total alkaline phosphatase (TALP), and bone alkaline phosphatase (BALP) were performed. Histological analysis of the stomach, liver, kidney, and heart was also performed. S. maritima (5 mg/kg) decreased alveolar bone loss, TNF-α and CINC-1 gingival levels, oxidative stress, and transcription of TNF-α, IL1-β, RANK, and iNOS genes. It elevated both BALP activity and IL-10 gingival levels. The animals showed no any signs of toxicity. In conclusion, S. maritima reduced pro-inflammatory cytokine production, oxidative stress, and alveolar bone loss in a pre-clinical trial of periodontitis. S. maritima is a potential tool for controlling the development of periodontitis.