Experimental peri-implantitis induces neuroinflammation: An exploratory study in rats

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Periodontology
• Immunology

Background:

• Periodontal diseases are linked to neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration.
• The association between peri-implantitis (PI) and neurological conditions remains largely unexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the neuropathological consequences of experimental peri-implantitis (PI) in a rat model.
• To explore the potential link between PI and neuroinflammation, microglial activation, astrogliosis, and neurodegeneration.

Main Methods:

• Experimental PI was induced in rats using titanium implants, lipopolysaccharide, and ligatures.
• Brains were analyzed after 28 weeks for neuroinflammation (IL-6, TNF-α), microglial activation (IBA-1), astrogliosis (GFAP), and neurodegeneration (H&E, Nissl, Aβ staining).

Main Results:

• Chronic PI induced peri-implant bone resorption and inflammatory infiltrates.
• Elevated levels of IL-6 and TNF-α were detected in the hippocampus of PI-affected rats.
• Increased microglial activation (GFAP+) and astrogliosis (IBA-1+) were observed in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex.

Conclusions:

• Experimental PI triggers significant neuroinflammation and glial activation in the rat brain.
• Evidence of neurodegeneration was observed in some PI-affected rats.
• Findings suggest a potential link between peri-implantitis and neuropathological changes.