Blood Metallomic and Histologic Organs Analysis in Induced Periapical Lesion Model: In Vivo Animal Study

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Metallomics
• Pathology

Background:

• Essential metallic elements are vital for biological processes, with altered levels linked to disease.
• Apical periodontitis, an endodontic disease, may have systemic effects not yet fully understood.
• Previous research has not investigated the impact of apical periodontitis on systemic metallic element concentrations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate systemic metallic element variations in whole blood of animals with induced apical periodontitis.
• To evaluate liver and kidney histopathological alterations in response to apical periodontitis.
• To establish a link between apical periodontitis and systemic metabolic and organ health changes.

Main Methods:

• 38 animals were divided into periapical lesion and sham groups.
• Whole blood samples were analyzed for ten metallic elements using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES).
• Liver and kidney tissues were examined histopathologically for signs of damage and inflammation.

Main Results:

• Animals with apical periodontitis exhibited significantly higher whole blood calcium concentrations.
• Biochemical analysis revealed altered liver function markers (bilirubin, alanine aminotransferase) and elevated creatinine.
• Histological examination showed mild liver inflammation and significant kidney injury, including tubular necrosis.

Conclusions:

• Apical periodontitis induces systemic changes in metallomic and hematological balance, particularly affecting calcium levels.
• Histopathological evidence of liver and kidney damage confirms the systemic inflammatory impact of apical periodontitis.
• Findings suggest a potential association between apical periodontitis and systemic health disturbances, warranting further investigation.