3,4,5-Trihydroxybenzoic Acid Attenuates Ligature-Induced Periodontal Disease in Wistar Rats.

BACKGROUND

3,4,5-Trihydroxybenzoic acid, which is also known as gallic acid, is an antiinflammatory agent that could provide beneficial effects in preventing periodontal inflammation. The present study aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of gallic acid on experimental periodontitis in Wistar rats. Alveolar bone loss, osteoclastic activity, osteoblastic activity, and collagenase activity were also determined.

METHODS

Thirty-two Wistar rats were used in the present study. Study groups were created as following: Healthy control (C,n=8) group; periodontitis (P,n=8) group; periodontitis and 30 mg/kg gallic acid administered group (G30,n=8); periodontitis and 60 mg/kg gallic acid administered group (G60,n=8). Experimental periodontitis was created by placing 4-0 silk sutures around the mandibular right first molar tooth. Morphological changes in alveolar bone were determined by stereomicroscopic evaluation. Mandibles were undergone histological evaluation. Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-8, tissue inhibitor of MMPs (TIMP)-1, bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-2 expressions, tartrateresistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) positive osteoclast cells, osteoblast, and inflammatory cell counts were determined.

RESULTS

The highest alveolar bone loss was observed in the periodontitis group. Both doses of gallic acid decreased alveolar bone loss as compared to the P group. TRAP-positive osteoclast cell counts were higher in the P group, and gallic acid successfully lowered these counts. Osteoblast cells also increased in gallic acid administered groups. Inflammation in the P group was also higher than those of C, G30, and G60 groups supporting the role of gallic acid in preventing inflammation. 30 and 60 mg/kg doses of gallic acid decreased MMP-8 levels and increased TIMP-1 levels. BMP levels increased in gallic acid administered groups, similar to several osteoblasts.

CONCLUSION

Present results revealed an anti-inflammatory effect of gallic acid, which was indicated by decreased alveolar bone loss and collagenase activity and increased osteoblastic activity.