Periodontal Disease Impairs Muscle Recovery by Modulating the Recruitment of Leukocytes

The purpose of this study is to analyze the impact of periodontal disease (PD) associated with physical exercise on inflammatory mediators and muscle repair. Twenty-four Wistar rats were divided into four groups: control (SH), healthy trained (TH), sedentary with PD (SP), and trained with PD (TP). PD was induced in groups SP and TP while the trained groups performed treadmill exercises for 8 weeks. For the analysis of IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, and leukocyte count, we collected blood samples. Cryolesions were induced in the tibialis anterior and gastrocnemius, which were analyzed for morphological changes. The presence of PD modified leukocyte counts, while exercise showed an additive role. PD increased levels of IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α, and physical exercise changed only values of IL-10. The association between physical exercise and PD was responsible for an increased concentration of leukocytes in the region of the inflammation. Serum levels of inflammatory markers were modified by PD and, when combined with exercise, may negatively modulate inflammation. The association between PD and physical exercise showed the most significant changes in the number of inflammatory cells and may negatively influence the process of muscle repair.