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Updated: Sep 22, 2025
Robust Ligature-Induced Model of Murine Periodontitis for the Evaluation of Oral Neutrophils
Published on: January 21, 2020
Voluntary physical activity mitigates alveolar bone loss in mice with ligature-induced experimental periodontitis
Natalia O Bertolini1, Gustavo J S Pereira2, Viviam O Silva3
1Veterinary Medicine Department, Federal University of Lavras (UFLA), Lavras, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
Objective:
To investigate the effect of voluntary physical activity (VPA) on inflammatory profile and the progression of experimental periodontal disease (PD) in mice.
Methods:
Male C57BL/6 mice were randomly distributed into Control; VPA; PD and PD/VPA groups. We registered VPA (total volume of revolutions) and average speed (revolutions/minute) in a free running wheel for 30 days. On the 15th day, animals from the PD and PD/VPA groups received ligatures on the upper second molars bilaterally. On the 30th day animals were euthanized, and PD progression was assessed by measuring alveolar bone loss (ABL - the linear distance between the cemento-enamel junction and the alveolar bone crest on the teeth buccal surface). Gene expression of RANKL (kappa nuclear factor B receptor) OPG (osteoprotegerin), IL-1β (interleukin 1 beta), IL-6 (interleukin 6) and TNF-α (tumor necrosis factor alpha) were evaluated by real-time PCR (quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction - relative gene expression).
Results:
The total volume of physical activity and the activity speed decreased along the seven days after ligature-placement (p < 0.05), returning to a similar pattern in relation to VPA group. Ligature placement produced significant bone resorption, and increased RANKL, IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α expression. VPA reduced ABL (p < 0,05) and the expression of TNF-α and IL-1β, whereas increased OPG expression.
Conclusion:
Animals induced to PD with access to the VPA wheel presented both lower gingival inflammation and less alveolar bone resorption in comparison to animals without access to the wheel.
Insights
Voluntary physical activity (VPA) reduced alveolar bone loss and key inflammatory markers in mice with experimental periodontal disease (PD). VPA also increased osteoprotegerin (OPG) levels, suggesting a protective effect against PD progression.
Area of Science:
- Oral biology and immunology
- Exercise physiology
- Animal models in disease research
Background:
- Periodontal disease (PD) is a prevalent inflammatory condition affecting tooth-supporting structures.
- Inflammation and bone resorption are key pathological features of PD.
- The role of voluntary physical activity (VPA) in modulating PD progression remains incompletely understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of VPA on the inflammatory profile and progression of experimental PD in mice.
- To assess the effects of VPA on alveolar bone loss (ABL) and specific gene expression related to bone metabolism and inflammation.
Main Methods:
- Male C57BL/6 mice were divided into Control, VPA, PD, and PD/VPA groups.
- VPA was monitored using running wheels; PD was induced via ligatures on molars.
- Alveolar bone loss (ABL) and gene expression (RANKL, OPG, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α) were quantified.
Main Results:
- PD induction led to significant bone resorption and increased expression of RANKL, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α.
- VPA significantly reduced ABL and the expression of TNF-α and IL-1β in PD mice.
- VPA also led to increased OPG expression in the PD/VPA group.
Conclusions:
- Voluntary physical activity ameliorates experimental periodontal disease progression in mice.
- VPA reduces inflammatory markers and alveolar bone loss, potentially through modulation of OPG and inflammatory cytokines.
