Periodontal tissue changes under chronic tobacco intoxication in an experimental model of gingival recession: a laser Doppler flowmetry study in rats

Background: At present, microcirculatory disturbances in organs and tissues have emerged as a critical issue in both experimental and clinical medicine, including periodontology. The findings presented in this article underscore the need for early detection of microcirculatory disorders in the periodontium under conditions of tobacco intoxication, using laser Doppler flowmetry. This diagnostic method, which records changes in microvascular blood flow by detecting signals from moving erythrocytes within vessels, provides a clear assessment of regional tissue perfusion. Aim: To evaluate periodontal changes in rats with gingival recession under conditions of chronic tobacco intoxication (CTI), using laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF). Methods: To experimentally validate the use of LDF for detecting periodontal tissue damage, microcirculation in the periodontium was assessed using the LDF analyzer LAKK-02, version 4 (NPP Lazma, Russia). The study included 75 adult male Wistar rats, which were divided into five groups: control; CTI; gingival recession; gingival recession elimination under continued CTI; and gingival recession elimination under CTI with a temporary cessation protocol. Results: LDF revealed progression of pathological changes in periodontal tissues under conditions of tobacco intoxication and gingival recession, as evidenced by a decrease in connective tissue cell density and epithelial layer thickness. Conclusion: Noninvasive LDF provides qualitative insights into the condition of the periodontal complex and enables early identification of tissue pathology, facilitating timely therapeutic intervention.