N-acetylcysteine mitigates oxidative stress and reduces alveolar bone damage on experimental periodontitis in rats

Abstract This study evaluated the effect of N-acetylcysteine ​​on oxidative biochemistry and bone damage during the development of ligature-induced experimental periodontitis in rats. The rats were divided into three groups (n = 8/group): control, experimental periodontitis (EP), or experimental periodontitis plus daily N-acetylcysteine administration (EP + NA) (100 mg/kg/day). Periodontitis was induced by bilateral silk ligatures on the mandibular first molars for 14 days. The antioxidant capacity of N-acetylcysteine ​​was measured by (2,2-azinobis [3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate] (ABTS• +) and 1,1-dipheny-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH•) assays. Gingival samples were collected for analysis of oxidative parameters, while mandibles were used for histopathological evaluations of inflammation and collagen content, as well as for micro-computed tomography assessments of bone quality and vertical bone loss. Data were analyzed by Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA), and Pearson’s correlation ( p < 0.05). N-acetylcysteine ​​increased gingival antioxidant capacity and reduced lipid peroxidation compared with the experimental periodontitis group. Histopathological analysis showed that the experimental periodontitis plus daily N-acetylcysteine administration group, compared with the experimental periodontitis group, reduced inflammation, preserving collagen fibers, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone. Microcomputed tomography analysis revealed improved bone quality and reduced alveolar bone loss in the experimental periodontitis plus daily N-acetylcysteine administration group. These findings suggest that systemic N-acetylcysteine ​​has therapeutic potential in mitigating periodontitis in rats. Further studies are needed to establish its clinical applicability.