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Updated: May 3, 2026
Induction of Periodontitis via a Combination of Ligature and Lipopolysaccharide Injection in a Rat Model
Published on: February 17, 2023
Spontaneous periodontitis is associated with metabolic syndrome in rhesus monkeys
Hai-Tao Sun1, Jun Zhang2, Ning Hou2
1Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100038, China; Beijing Stomatological Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, China.
Objective:
The present study was designed to investigate (1) whether the non-human primate would be an appropriate animal model for the study of spontaneous periodontitis and its association with metabolic syndrome (MetS), and (2) whether microRNAs (miRNAs) play roles in the co-development of metabolic disorders and periodontitis.
Design:
Rhesus monkeys (aged 12-29 years) with or without MetS were analyzed for the prevalence of periodontitis. The potential mechanisms underlying the association between MetS and periodontitis were explored using miRNA profiling of the gingival tissues from the MetS monkey groups with or without periodontitis as well as the age-matched controls.
Results:
Among the 57 rhesus monkeys examined, 18 were diagnosed with periodontitis according to the inclusion criteria, with an overall prevalence of 31.6%. Moreover, the prevalence of periodontitis was 8.3% in the control group, 18.2% in the at-risk group, and 44.1% in the MetS group. The C-reactive protein level was doubled in the MetS periodontitis group, compared to the non-periodontitis sub-groups. Most importantly, only 3 miRNAs were confirmed to be differentially expressed between the MetS periodontitis and non-periodontitis subgroups while other miRNAs showed similar expression profiles.
Conclusions:
The results indicate that the monkey with MetS is an ideal model for studies of spontaneous periodontitis and its association with MetS. miRNA profiling using this unique model showed that miRNAs play roles in the co-development of MetS and periodontitis.
Insights
Rhesus monkeys with metabolic syndrome (MetS) are a suitable model for studying periodontitis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are implicated in the co-development of MetS and periodontitis, offering new research avenues.
Area of Science:
- Comparative medicine
- Genomics
- Oral health
Background:
- Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of conditions that increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.
- Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting the gums and supporting bone, often linked to systemic health issues.
- Understanding the interplay between MetS and periodontitis is crucial for developing effective prevention and treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the non-human primate as an animal model for spontaneous periodontitis associated with metabolic syndrome (MetS).
- To investigate the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the co-development of metabolic disorders and periodontitis.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of periodontitis prevalence in rhesus monkeys with and without MetS.
- Gingival tissue miRNA profiling in MetS monkeys with and without periodontitis, alongside age-matched controls.
Main Results:
- Periodontitis prevalence was significantly higher in monkeys with MetS (44.1%) compared to control (8.3%) and at-risk (18.2%) groups.
- C-reactive protein levels were elevated in the MetS periodontitis group.
- Differential expression analysis revealed only 3 specific miRNAs between MetS periodontitis and non-periodontitis subgroups.
Conclusions:
- Rhesus monkeys with MetS serve as an appropriate model for studying spontaneous periodontitis and its link to metabolic syndrome.
- miRNA profiling in this model suggests a role for miRNAs in the co-development of MetS and periodontitis.
