Periodontitis-induced cardiovascular changes and the mitigating effects of non-surgical periodontal treatment in a rat model

BACKGROUND: This study investigates the impact of periodontitis and its treatment on cardiovascular changes. METHODS: Thirty Wistar albino male rats were randomly allocated into three groups (n = 10/group): control (C), periodontitis (P), and periodontitis treatment (PT). Experimental periodontitis was induced in the P and PT groups using a ligature protocol. After four weeks, ligatures were removed, and non-surgical periodontal treatment was administered to the PT group for two weeks. Histological and stereological evaluations were conducted on alveolar bone loss, periodontal ligament space, and carotid artery thickness. Biochemical analyses measured IL-6, hs-CRP, and IMA levels in gingival, heart, and serum samples. RESULTS: Alveolar bone loss was significantly higher in the P group (p < 0.05). Tunica intima thickness increased in both the P and PT groups compared to the C group (p = 0.005). No significant difference was found in media thickness (p = 0.264). Serum IL-6 levels were significantly lower in the PT group (p = 0.009), while gingival IL-6 was higher in the P group (p < 0.001). Serum IMA levels were higher in the P group compared to the PT group (p = 0.022). CONCLUSION: Periodontitis may lead to cardiovascular changes, increasing IMA levels indicative of cardiac ischemia. Periodontal treatment may mitigate these risks.