Melatonin as adjunctive therapy in the treatment of periodontitis associated with obesity.

AIMS: To study the effect of adjunctive systemic administration of melatonin to standard mechanical periodontal therapy in obese rats with experimental periodontitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 42 Wistar rats with an initial body weight of 180 g., half (n = 21) were fed with a high-fat diet to induce obesity. In both obese and normal-weight groups, experimental periodontitis was subsequently induced through oral gavages with a combination of Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum. Both groups were randomly allocated to either no treatment or periodontal treatment consisting on standard mechanical debridement, with either adjunctive chlorhexidine or melatonin. Outcomes were evaluated by the changes in clinical parameters (probing depth modified gingival index, plaque dental index and bleeding on probing [BOP]), in bone resorption and in the levels of biomarkers in plasma and in gingival tissue (inflammatory cytokines, insulin, leptin, osteocalcin, osteopontin, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, intercellular adhesion molecule 1, E-selectin and lipids). RESULTS: In the obese-periodontitis group, adjunctive melatonin administration resulted in reduced gingival inflammation and BOP, with significant reductions in probing depth and enhanced bone repair demonstrated by micro-CT (15% reduction in alveolar bone destruction) when compared with the same group treated with adjunctive CHX or the normal-weight rats with either melatonin or CHX. In this melatonin-treated obese-periodontitis group, a significant impact on biochemical biomarkers was also demonstrated in both gingival and plasma samples, when compared with the other groups, with significant reductions in pro-inflammatory cytokines. CONCLUSIONS: Adjunctive melatonin therapy significantly reduced alveolar bone loss and exerted a protective anti-inflammatory effect mainly in those experimental animals affected by the co-morbidity of periodontitis and obesity.

Citrus essential oils inhalation by mice: Behavioral testing, GCMS plasma analysis, corticosterone, and melatonin levels evaluation.

The use of orange essential oils (EOs) as a complementary treatment is very common in Brazilian popular culture. The levels of melatonin (MEL) and corticosterone (CORT) hormones were investigated simultaneously, by the Luminex™ immunoassay system in mice plasma, after Citrus aurantium and Citrus sinensis EOs inhalation for 30 min. The plasma was analyzed by headspace through gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry for investigation of the EO components. Mice were submitted to behavioral testing to research anxiolytic-like, sedative, and antidepressant-like effects. The inhalation of atmosphere obtained from vaporization of 10% solution of this Citrus EO separately did not affect MEL or CORT plasma levels; that is, the MEL and CORT levels did not present variation in function of the EO in the schedule used. On the other hand, the imipramine positive control used altered the level of MEL as expected. The EO constituents were detected in plasma at different ratios that is present in inhaled EO. Behavioral tests showed that the inhalation of 10% C. sinensis EO presents an anxiolytic-like and sedative effect. Thus, C. sinensis EO can be a valuable tool for treatment of the anxiety disturbs, apparently without interference with MEL and CORT physiological levels.

Obesity and periodontitis: An experimental study to evaluate periodontal and systemic effects of comorbidity.

BACKGROUND: Obesity and overweight have been associated with periodontitis. This study aims to evaluate periodontal and systemic effects of this association in a validated experimental model. METHODS: Twenty-eight male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: 1) control group (Con) (fed with standard diet); 2) high-fat diet group (HFD) (fed with a diet containing 35.2% fat); 3) control group with induced periodontitis (Con-Perio); and 4) HFD group with induced periodontitis (HFD-Perio). To induce periodontitis, oral gavages with Porphyromonas gingivalis ATCC W83K1 and Fusobacterium nucleatum DMSZ 20482 were used. Periodontal outcomes were evaluated by inflammatory parameters, periodontal probing depth (PD), and modified gingival index (MGI). Systemic effects were evaluated by measuring levels of inflammatory cytokines, insulin, adiponectin, and leptin using multiplex immunoassays and levels of visfatin, resistin, lipid profiles, transaminases, and plasma endotoxin using colorimetric tests and the glucose tolerance test. RESULTS: Clinical parameters (PD and MGI) were significantly increased (P < 0.05) in the induced periodontitis groups compared with controls. The HFD-Perio group demonstrated significantly higher PD compared with Con-Perio group. Lipid profiles, cytokines, and adipocytokines showed significantly elevated levels in the HFD-Perio group compared with the other groups. Similarly, glucose levels in the HFD-Perio group were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than in the HFD group, and hepatic damage parameters demonstrated a tendency toward higher levels in the HFD-Perio group. CONCLUSION: Obesity and periodontitis demonstrated a comorbidity effect on both systemic inflammatory and metabolic dysregulation biomarkers, with increased glucose, dyslipidemia and hepatic damage.

Cadmium chronotoxicity at pituitary level: effects on plasma ACTH, GH, and TSH daily pattern

No disponible

Cadmium is an endocrine disruptor that has been shown to induce chronotoxic effects. The present study was designed to evaluate the possible cadmium effects on the daily secretory pattern ofadrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH), growth hormone (GH), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)in adult male Sprague-Dawley rats. For this purpose, animals were treated with cadmium at two different doses [25 and 50 mg/l cadmium chloride (CdCl2)] in the drinking water for 30 days. Control age-matched rats received cadmium-free water. After the treatment, rats were killed at six different time intervals throughout a 24-h cycle. Cadmium exposure modified the 24-h pattern of plasmaACTH and GH levels, as the peak of ACTH content between 12:00 and 16:00 h in controls appeared at 12:00 h in the group treated with the lowest dose used, while it appeared between 16:00 and 20:00 h in rats exposed to 50 mg/l CdCl2. In addition, the peak of GH content found at 04:00 h in controls moved to 16:00 h in rats exposed to 25 mg/l CdCl2, and the highest dose used abolished 24-h changes of GH secretion. The metal treatment did not modify ACTH secretory pattern. Exposure to cadmium also increased ACTH and TSH medium levels around the clock with both doses used. These results suggest that cadmium modifies ACTH and TSH medium levels around the clock, as well as disrupted ACTH and GH secretory pattern, thus confirming the metal chronotoxicity at pituitary level (AU)

Cadmium chronotoxicity at pituitary level: effects on plasma ACTH, GH, and TSH daily pattern.

Cadmium is an endocrine disruptor that has been shown to induce chronotoxic effects. The present study was designed to evaluate the possible cadmium effects on the daily secretory pattern of adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH), growth hormone (GH), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) in adult male Sprague-Dawley rats. For this purpose, animals were treated with cadmium at two different doses [25 and 50 mg/l cadmium chloride (CdCl(2))] in the drinking water for 30 days. Control age-matched rats received cadmium-free water. After the treatment, rats were killed at six different time intervals throughout a 24-h cycle. Cadmium exposure modified the 24-h pattern of plasma ACTH and GH levels, as the peak of ACTH content between 12:00 and 16:00 h in controls appeared at 12:00 h in the group treated with the lowest dose used, while it appeared between 16:00 and 20:00 h in rats exposed to 50 mg/l CdCl(2). In addition, the peak of GH content found at 04:00 h in controls moved to 16:00 h in rats exposed to 25 mg/l CdCl(2), and the highest dose used abolished 24-h changes of GH secretion. The metal treatment did not modify ACTH secretory pattern. Exposure to cadmium also increased ACTH and TSH medium levels around the clock with both doses used. These results suggest that cadmium modifies ACTH and TSH medium levels around the clock, as well as disrupted ACTH and GH secretory pattern, thus confirming the metal chronotoxicity at pituitary level.

[Larrad biliopancreatic diversion. Description of an rat experimental model]. / Derivación biliopancreática de Larrad. Descripción de un modelo experimental en la rata.

UNLABELLED: OBJECTIVE.: To validate the experimental model of Larrad-biliopancreatic diversion (LBPD) and to analyze weight gain and mortality in rats fed with non- supplemented diets. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Control (6) and experimental (10) male Wistar rats were used. The experimental group was operated on using the human LBPD adapted for rats: Subcardial gastrectomy, a short biliopancreatic channel created at 5 cm from Treitz angle and common channel at 5 cm from ileocecal valve. After surgery recovery (7 days) the rats were fed ab libitum with a standard non-supplemented diet (without proteins, minerals or vitamins). Percentage of weight lost or gained up to the end of the experiment was analyzed. RESULTS: The control animals gained weight progressively from 13.1 +/- 2.4% at day 7 to 58 +/- 9.2% at day 63, when the animals were sacrificed. After LBPD, mortality was 50% at day 25 +/- 17.5(range, 14-56), no significant differences in the percentage of weight lost being found between surviving (-38.9 +/- 14.2%) and non-surviving rats (-29 +/- 5.6%; p = 0.192). Of the surviving animals, 80% progressively lost weight reaching a maximum loss between day 63 (-42.3 +/- 8%) and 70 (-44.1 +/- 9.7%), and 20% lost weight until day 35 and gained over 7% of body weight until sacrifice (day 147). CONCLUSIONS: An experimental model of LBPD in rats is technically feasible. Both mortality and percentage weight loss are not directly related. The bowel adaptation mechanism could mediate the percentage of weight regain in operated rats.

Derivación biliopancreática de Larrad. Descripción de un modelo experimental en la rata / Larrad biliopancreatic diversion. Description of an rat experimental model

Objetivo. Validar un modelo experimental de derivación biliopancreática de Larrad (DBPL) y analizar las modificaciones ponderales y mortalidad en los animales operados alimentados con dieta estándar no suplementada. Material y metodo. Se utilizan 6 animales control y 10 operados, machos de la cepa Wistar. Se interviene al grupo de ratas operado con una adaptación de la técnica de Larrad en humanos: gastrectomía subcardial, canal biliopancreático corto creado a 5 cm del ángulo de Treitz y canal común a 5 cm de la válvula ileocecal. Tras un período de recuperación de 7 días las ratas se alimentan ad libitum con una dieta estándar no suplementada (sin proteínas, minerales o vitaminas), y se analiza el porcentaje de peso ganado o perdido. Resutados. Los animales control ganan peso progresivamente desde un 13,1 ± 2,4% en el día 7 hasta un 58 ± 9,2% en el día 63, momento en el que se los sacrificaba. Tras la DBPL la mortalidad es del 50% a los 25 ± 17,5 (rango, 14-56) días, sin diferencias significativas en el porcentaje de peso perdido entre los animales que sobrevivieron (­38,9 ± 14,2%) y los que fallecieron (­29 ± 5,6%; p = 0,192). El 80% de los animales que sobrevivieron perdieron peso progresivamente hasta alcanzar la máxima pérdida entre los 63 (­42,3 ± 8%) y 70 (­44,1 ± 9,7%) días. Un 20% de las ratas supervivientes perdieron peso hasta el día 35 y posteriormente recuperaron hasta un 7% el día del sacrificio (día 147). Conclusiones. El modelo experimental de DBPL es técnicamente factible. La mortalidad y el porcentaje de peso perdido no se encuentran directamente relacionados. El mecanismo de adaptación intestinal justificaría la recuperación de peso de los animales operados (AU)

Objective. To validate the experimental model of Larrad-biliopancreatic diversion (LBPD) and to analyze weight gain and mortality in rats fed with non­ supplemented diets. Material and method. Control (6) and experimental (10) male Wistar rats were used. The experimental group was operated on using the human LBPD adapted for rats: Subcardial gastrectomy, a short biliopancreatic channel created at 5 cm from Treitz angle and common channel at 5 cm from ileocecal valve. After surgery recovery (7 days) the rats were fed ab libitum with a standard non-supplemented diet (without proteins, minerals or vitamins). Percentage of weight lost or gained up to the end of the experiment was analyzed. Results. The control animals gained weight progressively from 13.1 ± 2.4% at day 7 to 58 ± 9.2% at day 63, when the animals were sacrificed. After LBPD, mortality was 50% at day 25 ± 17.5(range, 14-56), no significant differences in the percentage of weight lost being found between surviving (­38.9 ± 14.2%) and non-surviving rats (­29 ± 5.6%; p = 0.192). Of the surviving animals, 80% progressively lost weight reaching a maximum loss between day 63 (­42.3 ± 8%) and 70 (­44.1 ± 9.7%), and 20% lost weight until day 35 and gained over 7% of body weight until sacrifice (day 147). Conclusions. An experimental model of LBPD in rats is technically feasible. Both mortality and percentage weight loss are not directly related. The bowel adaptation mechanism could mediate the percentage of weight regain in operated rats (AU)

Effects of moderate consumption of distilled and fermented alcohol on some aspects of neuroimmunomodulation.

Alcoholic beverages are characterized by their fermented versus distilled origin and also by their degree of alcohol. The toxic effects of chronic alcohol consumption have been widely studied. However, there is less evidence about possible beneficial effects of moderate alcohol intake. This work was aimed at evaluating the effects of moderate alcohol consumption (beer or ethanol) on plasma hormone concentrations, blood and thymus lymphocyte phenotypes and brain neurotransmitter levels. For this purpose, 40 adult Wistar male rats were administered ethanol or beer for 4 weeks (experimental groups). Age-matched rats were administered beer without alcohol or water to be used as controls. Rats were killed by decapitation and plasma from the trunk blood was collected to measure plasma prolactin, growth hormone and ACTH concentrations by homologous specific double antibody radioimmunoassays. Thymus and blood lymphocyte subsets were measured by flow cytometry. Neurotransmitter concentrations [dopamine, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and taurine] were measured by high pressure liquid chromatography in the median eminence and the pituitary. Blood and thymus lymphocyte subsets were not significantly changed by either ethanol or beer consumption, compared to controls. Plasma prolactin levels significantly decreased in ethanol-administered groups (p < 0.05) compared to control animals drinking water, although plasma levels of growth hormone and ACTH were not modified by either alcohol used. Dopamine and GABA concentrations in the median eminence or in the adenohypophysis remained unmodified by moderate beer or ethanol consumption. However, taurine concentration was significantly increased in the pituitary (p < 0.05) in the group drinking ethanol compared to those groups drinking beer with or without alcohol. These data suggest that moderate alcohol consumption may change the regulatory mechanism of prolactin secretion. Whether these modifications have a physiological significance deserves further research.