Evaluation of Systemic Lutein Supplementation on Periodontal Repair in Experimental Periodontitis in Wistar Rats

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of systemic lutein (LT) supplementation on the progression of experimental periodontitis (EP) and its impact on mechanical periodontal therapy (SRP) in rats. Methods: A total of 120 male Wistar rats were used, and EP was induced by placing a ligature around the left mandibular first molar. The animals were allocated into four groups: NT (no treatment)/VEH (vehicle), NT/LT, SRP/VEH and SRP/LT. Supplementation was administered daily by oral gavage (0.7 mL/kg of vehicle or 250 mg/kg of LT). Animals were euthanized at 7, 15 and 30 days, and the hemimandibles were collected for histomorphometric analysis of the percentage of bone in the furcation region (PBF), histopathological assessment and immunohistochemical detection of inflammatory mediators (tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1β and interleukin-10) and bone markers (tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase and osteocalcin). Results: Systemic LT supplementation, particularly when associated with scaling and root planning (SRP/LT), reduced the intensity and extent of the inflammatory infiltrate, partially decreased immunolabelling for IL-1β and TNF-α, and promoted greater organization of the connective tissue. Higher PBF values and fewer TRAP-positive cells were observed in LT-treated groups. Conclusions: Systemic LT supplementation reduced inflammation and alveolar bone resorption and enhanced the effects of mechanical periodontal therapy.