Denervation effectively aggravates rat experimental periodontitis.

Area of Science:

• Periodontology
• Neuroscience
• Oral Biology

Background:

• The role of nerves in periodontitis pathogenesis requires further investigation.
• Denervation studies offer a unique perspective on nerve-innervation interactions in periodontal tissues.
• Establishing a combined denervation and periodontitis model is crucial for understanding these relationships.

Purpose of the Study:

• To create a rat model combining inferior alveolar nerve transection and ligature-induced periodontitis.
• To elucidate the specific effects of denervation on ligature-induced periodontitis in rats.

Main Methods:

• A rat model with four groups: ligation, denervation, ligation+denervation, and control.
• Induction of periodontitis via ligation and denervation through inferior alveolar nerve transection.
• Analysis of alveolar bone loss using micro-computed tomography, TRAP staining for osteoclasts, ELISA for inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α), Picro-Sirius Red staining for collagen, and Western blotting for NF-κB pathway components and OPG/RANKL ratio.

Main Results:

• Denervation significantly exacerbated ligature-induced alveolar bone loss and trabecular bone destruction.
• Increased osteoclast numbers, collagen degradation, and elevated levels of IL-1β and TNF-α were observed in denervated rats.
• The NF-κB signaling pathway was upregulated, and the OPG/RANKL ratio was decreased, indicating enhanced bone resorption.

Conclusions:

• Denervation aggravates periodontitis by activating the NF-κB pathway, leading to increased inflammation and osteoclast activity.
• The developed rat model provides a valuable tool for future research into nerve-related factors influencing periodontitis.
• This model can aid in identifying therapeutic targets for regulating inflammation and promoting periodontal regeneration.