Effects of Polycan, a ß-glucan, on experimental periodontitis and alveolar bone loss in Sprague-Dawley rats.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Polycan is a promising candidate for the treatment of periodontal disease. This study was undertaken to examine whether Polycan, a type of ß-glucan, has a protective effect on ligature-induced experimental periodontitis and related alveolar bone loss in Sprague-Dawley rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Polycan was orally administered, daily, for 10 d, at 21.25, 42.5 or 85 mg/kg, beginning 1 d after ligation. Changes in body weight and alveolar bone loss were monitored, and the anti-inflammatory effects of Polycan were determined by measuring the levels of myeloperoxidase (MPO), interleukin-1beta (IL-1ß) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in gingival tissue. We also evaluated inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations as a measure of the antioxidant effect. RESULTS: Ligature placement led to a marked decrease in body weight, increased alveolar bone loss and increased concentrations of MPO, IL-1ß, TNF-α and MDA, as well as increased iNOS activity and inflammatory cell infiltration and decreased collagen-fiber content. Histological examination revealed increases in the number and activity of osteoclast cells, decreases in alveolar bone volume and elevated percentages of osteclasts on the alveolar bone surface. Daily oral treatment with 42.5 or 85 mg/kg of Polycan for 10 d led to significant, dose-dependent inhibition of the effect of ligature placement. CONCLUSION: Taken together, these results suggest that 10 d of oral treatment with Polycan effectively inhibits ligature placement-induced periodontitis and related alveolar bone loss via an antioxidant effect.