Histopathological and clinical expression of periodontal disease related to the systemic inflammatory response

Periodontal disease with its systemic implications is highly prevalent among the population, and this correlation could have an impact on the quality lives of many humans. The purpose of this study was to assess the clinical and histopathological changes of the periodontium correlated with the systemic inflammatory response in periodontal disease. An experimental study was performed on male Wistar rats which were subjected to a procedure of periodontitis induction through placing silk thread ligatures around the lower incisors, under general anesthesia. Clinically, the changes of the periodontal tissue induced by the periodontitis progression were daily assessed. Two blood samples were obtained from each animal, at baseline and on completion of the experiment. The plasma level of the cytokine IL-6 and haematological parameters such as leukocytes, neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, and platelets were determined. After seven days the animals were sacrificed, and samples were prepared for histological evaluation. Clinical manifestations such as changes in the color, contour and consistency of the gingival tissue and the bleeding on probing were registered. Histopathological analysis showed an intense inflammatory cell infiltration, the presence of osteoclasts and an obvious bone resorption activity. A significant increase in IL-6 values during the progression of periodontitis in rats (p<0.001) was also observed. The results of this research demonstrated that the clinical and histological changes in the rat's periodontium are correlated with a notable systemic inflammatory response. Therefore, periodontitis control can be inserted as part of the programs of systemic disorders prevention, in clinical practice.