Avaliação dos efeitos da eletroacupuntura na periodontite induzida por ligadura em ratos

Abstract

Acupuncture has been reported as capable of modulating the host’s immuno-inflammatory response. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) on ligature-induced periodontitis in rats. Thirty-two animals were divided into groups C (control), EP (experimental periodontitis), EP/EA-sham and EP/EA. On EP groups, a ligature was placed around right mandibular 1st molars. Five sessions of EA or EA/sham were assigned every other day, starting one day after ligature placement. For EA treatment, acupoints LI4, LI11, ST36 and ST44 were used. EA-sham was performed in off-meridian points. Animals were euthanized 11 days after the induction of periodontitis. Histomorphometric and microtomographic analyses were performed. Expressions of interleukin (IL)-1β, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-8, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 mRNA were evaluated by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Data were statistically analyzed (ANOVA, p<0.05). Histomorphometric and microtomographic analyses demonstrated that group EP/EA presented reduced alveolar bone loss when compared with group EP (p<0.05). EA treatment decreased the genic expression of IL-1β and MMP-8 (p<0.05), increased the mRNA expression of IL-6 (p<0.05) and did not modify the genic expression of TNF-α and COX-2 in animals with EP (p>0.05). Within the limits of the present study, it can be concluded that EA reduces periodontal tissue destruction and the expression of some pro-inflammatory mediators in EP in rats.