Latex proteins from Plumeria pudica reduce ligature‐induced periodontitis in rats

Abstract

Background Previous studies have shown that latex proteins from Plumeria pudica (LPPp) have anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant activity. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects in rats of LPPp on ligature‐induced periodontitis, an inflammatory disease. Methods The animals were divided into groups: saline (animals without induction of periodontitis); periodontitis (induced periodontitis and untreated) and LPPp (induced periodontitis and treated with 40 mg/kg). The following parameters were evaluated after 20 consecutive days of treatment: gingival bleeding index (GBI), probing pocket depth (PPD), alveolar bone height (ABH) and gingival myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity. In the hepatic tissue, malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH) and histopathological alterations were evaluated. Blood levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were measured. Results Significant reduction of GBI, PPD and gingival MPO activity and ABH was seen in animals treated with LPPp compared to periodontitis. Values of GSH, MDA, ALT and histopathological evaluation were preserved in animals treated with LPPp. Conclusions Treatment with LPPp improved clinical aspects of periodontitis, reduced the blood and hepatic alterations and prevented alveolar bone loss. Data suggest that LPPp have potential for treatment of periodontitis.