Lipid Peroxidation and Antioxidant Protection in Periodontal Tissues in Obesity During Experimental Periodontitis

Background. Inflammatory periodontal diseases remain a significant issue in modern dentistry due to their high prevalence and impact on patients’ quality of life. Among the various risk factors, obesity occupies a special place as a modifiable metabolic condition. Lipid peroxidation plays a crucial role in the development of periodontal inflammation; however, the relationship between lipid oxidative damage and antioxidant defense in the context of obesity remains insufficiently investigated. This highlights the importance of further studies using experimental models to gain a more in-depth understanding of the mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of the comorbid condition. Purpose: to determine the changes in lipid peroxidation markers and the activity of major antioxidant enzymes in periodontal tissues under experimental periodontitis, both alone and in combination with alimentary obesity. Material and methods. The study was conducted on 38 sexually mature male white rats, divided into three groups: control, experimental periodontitis, and experimental periodontitis combined with alimentary obesity. Obesity was modeled by daily administration of monosodium glutamate and a high-calorie diet for 30 days. Periodontitis was induced by ligation of the molar tooth under general anesthesia. On days 15 and 30, the content of diene conjugates and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, as well as the activity of catalase and superoxide dismutase in gingival tissues, were measured. Results. In animals with experimental periodontitis, especially in combination with obesity, there was a significant increase in lipid peroxidation products. The highest levels of these markers were observed in the comorbid group. A simultaneous decrease in catalase and superoxide dismutase activity was observed, most pronounced in rats with combined pathology, indicating depletion of the antioxidant system under chronic metabolic and inflammatory loads. Conclusions. Periodontitis combined with obesity is associated with intensified oxidative stress and suppression of antioxidant enzyme activity in periodontal tissues. These findings confirm the pathogenetic role of obesity in the progression of periodontal destruction.