Influence of 3-methoxy 5,7,3',4'-tetrahydroxyflavan (ME) on experimental periodontitis in the golden hamster.

Experimental periodontal disease was induced in golden hamsters by feeding the animals with a Keyes 2 000 diet. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of 3-methoxy 5,7,3',4'-tetrahydroxyflavan (ME), a flavanoid derivative, on periodontally induced changes by this diet which was fed ad libitum to half of the animals for 2 months prior to the start of drug therapy. The animals were then divided into 4 groups: A) control animals on normal diet; B) ME-treated (200 mg/kg 3 times a week i.p.) animals on normal diet; C) animals on Keyes 2 000 diet; D) ME-treated (200 mg/kg 3 times a week i.p.) animals on Keyes 2 000 diet. ME inhibited the diminution of bone volume as measured morphometrically. The growth of dental plaque as evaluated by a sensitive index (PII) appeared to be retarded by ME. The average PII in the ME-treated animals reached after 2 months of diet remained unchanged during the drug therapy period (4 months); whereas it was significantly increased in the group C hamsters. The biochemical data further suggest that the resorption process of the alveolar bone was decreased by ME.