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Omega-3 fatty acid effect on alveolar bone loss in rats
L Kesavalu1, B Vasudevan, B Raghu
1Center for Oral Health Research, College of Dentistry, 159 HSRB, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536-0305, USA. knlaks0@uky.edu
Journal of Dental Research
|June 27, 2006
Summary
Omega-3 fatty acids (FA) supplementation reduced alveolar bone loss in rats infected with Porphyromonas gingivalis. This suggests omega-3 FA may help treat periodontal disease.
Area of Science:
- Periodontology
- Nutritional Science
- Immunology
Background:
- Periodontitis is characterized by gingival inflammation and alveolar bone loss.
- Porphyromonas gingivalis is a key oral bacterium implicated in periodontitis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of omega-3 fatty acids (FA) dietary supplementation on periodontal disease in P. gingivalis-infected rats.
Main Methods:
- Rats were fed diets rich in omega-3 FA (fish oil) or omega-6 FA (corn oil) for 22 weeks.
- Infection with P. gingivalis was confirmed via PCR and IgG antibody levels.
- Alveolar bone resorption was measured in both diet groups.
Main Results:
- Omega-3 FA diet led to increased serum eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
- P. gingivalis infection was confirmed in all infected rats.
- Rats supplemented with omega-3 FA showed significantly reduced alveolar bone resorption.
Conclusions:
- Dietary omega-3 FA supplementation effectively modulated alveolar bone resorption in an experimental model of periodontitis.
- Omega-3 FA may serve as a beneficial adjunct therapy for periodontal disease.
