Experimental Periodontitis Increases Anxious Behavior and Worsens Cognitive Aspects and Systemic Oxidative Stress in...

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Science
• Neuroscience
• Oral Health Research

Background:

• Periodontitis (PD) is linked to systemic health issues, potentially involving inflammatory and oxidative stress pathways.
• Cognitive and behavioral alterations may be associated with systemic inflammation and oxidative stress in periodontitis patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of periodontitis on oxidative stress markers.
• To evaluate behavioral changes and cognitive impairment in a preclinical model of periodontitis.
• To assess changes in bone microstructure and elemental composition due to periodontitis.

Main Methods:

• Periodontitis was induced in Wistar rats using a ligature model over 14 days.
• Behavioral tests assessed anxiety, learning, and memory.
• Oxidative stress markers, bone loss, and mandibular bone composition were analyzed post-euthanasia.

Main Results:

• Periodontitis led to increased alveolar bone loss and reduced bone mineral content (calcium, phosphorus).
• Anxiety-like behavior and cognitive deficits were observed in periodontitis models.
• Redox imbalance was evident, with altered antioxidant capacity and lipid peroxidation in various tissues.

Conclusions:

• Periodontitis induces significant cognitive impairments, including spatial learning and memory deficits.
• Increased anxious behavior is a consequence of periodontitis in this preclinical model.
• Redox imbalance is a likely mechanism underlying the observed cognitive and behavioral changes in periodontitis.