Effect of simvastatin on Runx-2, Osterix and proinflammatory cytokines gene expression in experimental periodontal disease

ABSTRACT Objective This study focused on evaluating the effect of simvastatin on Runx-2, Osterix, interleukins 17, 22 and 23 gene expression in ligature-induced periodontitis in an animal model. Methods Wistar rats (n=20) were randomly assigned to two groups: the simvastatin test group (STG, n=10, daily oral administration of 25 mg/kg simvastatin), and the vehicle control group (VCG, n=10, vehicle,10 ml/kg of saline solution, orally). Periodontitis was induced by ligation around the lower molar (STG and VCG). The non-ligature contralateral molars were used as controls (n=10 from each group). After 14 days, the animals were euthanized, and the bone and gingival tissues surrounding the first lower molar were collected. Runx-2, Osterix in bone tissue, and IL-17, IL-22 and IL-23 in the gingival tissue, were evaluated by real-time polymerase chain reaction. The data were analyzed by Mann-Whitney test (α=5%). Results The Runx-2 expression was similar between the STG and VCG groups (p>0.05), whereas the Osterix expression. was higher for STG (p<0.05). The presence of simvastatin reduced the expression. of IL-17, IL-22 and IL-23 in STG compared with the levels identified in VCG for the same cytokines (p=0.029). Conclusion Simvastatin positively modulates Osterix gene expression and reduces the levels of mRNA of proinflammatory interleukins, which may contribute to avoid bone loss and inflammation promoted by periodontal disease.