Melatonin Decreases Alveolar Bone Loss in Rats with Experimental Periodontitis and Osteoporosis: A Morphometric and Histopathologic Study.

BACKGROUND: Periodontitis and post-menopausal osteoporosis include common chronic bone disorders worldwide, with similar etiopathogenetic events. This study evaluated the effect of systemic melatonin administration on the alveolar bone destruction of periodontitis progression in an experimental periodontitis model in osteoporotic rats. METHODS: Forty-four Wistar rats were randomly divided into six experimental groups: control (C; n = 6); osteoporosis (O; n = 6); ligated periodontitis (LP; n = 8); osteoporosis- and periodontitis-induced (O+LP; n = 8); osteoporosis- and periodontitis-induced through 30 mg/kg/day melatonin administration (ML30; n = 8); and osteoporosis- and periodontitis-induced through 50 mg/kg/day melatonin administration (ML50; n = 8). The rats underwent bilateraloophorectomy and were maintained for 4 months to induce osteoporosis. After 4 months, 4-0 silk ligatures were placed submarginally around the mandibular first molar of each rat to induce experimental periodontitis, and melatonin was administered in the ML30 and ML50 groups for 30 days. Changes in alveolar bone levels were clinically measured, and tissues were histopathologically examined. RESULTS: Osteoclastic activity in the LP and O+LP groups was significantly higher than in the other groups (p < 0.05), but was similar in the C, O, and ML30 groups (p > 0.05). RANKL activity was the highest in the O+LP group, while melatonin decreased RANKL activity in the melatonin-administered groups (p < 0.05). Systemically administered melatonin significantly decreased alveolar bone loss in the ML30 and ML50 groups compared with that in the periodontitis groups (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Melatonin inhibited alveolar bone destruction by decreasing the RANKL expression and inflammatory cell infiltration and increased osteoblastic activity in a rat model with osteoporosis and periodontitis.

Preserving periodontal tissue in the treatment of a large peripheral ossifying fibroma: a case study.

Peripheral ossifying fibroma (POF) is a reactive, benign gingival enlargement. Its etiology is not fully known. It can be seen in many different sizes in the mouth. The histopathological appearance of POF is mineralized tissue and fibrous proliferation. All relevant soft and hard tissues must be removed to prevent recurrence. Periodontal tissue remaining after excision is important for tooth preservation. With large lesions, the loss of healthy periodontal tissue is also large. Periodontal surgical approaches are important to preserve the remaining periodontal tissue. The positive effects of autogenously obtained titanium-prepared platelet-rich fibrin (T-PRF) and connective tissue graft (CTG) on soft tissue are well known. A 34-year-old woman presented with a fibrous and pedunculated gingival mass in the upper left canine premolar region. The operation was performed with complete excision of the lesion down to the bone along with the surrounding healthy tissue. Periodontal treatment of the large defect created after excision of a large POF lesion was performed with laterally positioned flap, CTG and T-PRF. The periodontal tissue and defect were noted to heal in a healthy manner at the 6-month follow-up. POF is a benign lesion; however, it has a high recurrence rate. Complete elimination of the lesion is crucial to prevent recurrence. Periodontal surgical methods and biomaterials applied after surgical excision are significant to maintain the periodontal health of the remaining teeth and tissues.

Humic Acid Enhances Wound Healing in the Rat Palate.

INTRODUCTION: Humic acid was previously shown to enhance cutaneous wound healing and show antibacterial properties; however, it has not been used for wound healing in the oral cavity. Thus, the goal of this study was the evaluation of the effect of the humic acid on the healing of excisional wounds in an experimental rat study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A circular wound on mid-palatal surfaces was made on a total of 77 Wistar rats by using a 3-mm biopsy punch under anesthesia. The animals were divided into 4 groups as baseline, saline control (0.09%), chlorhexidine gluconate (0.05%), and humic acid (80 mg/kg) and were treated with these materials for 7 days. RESULTS: The rats were observed for 3 weeks in order to track the wound closure rates. Both humic acid treatment and chlorhexidine gluconate treatment resulted in statistically significant enhanced rate of wound closure compared to the saline control on both the 1st and 2nd weeks of treatment. Humic acid treatment for the wounds in the palate resulted in enhanced recovery compared to not only saline control but also chlorhexidine gluconate treatment. CONCLUSION: In this study, humic acid was shown to enhance healing of oral wounds for the first time in the literature. These findings indicate that humic acid can be used as an alternative to current treatment methods for oral wounds.