Background: Periodontal disease is the second most common oral health problem after dental caries. This increasing prevalence makes it not only a health problem, but also a social issue. The pathogenesis of periodontal disease is associated with a number of adverse exogenous and endogenous factors, including hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy).
Objectives: This study aimed to determine the features of bone metabolism in rats with lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced periodontitis combined with chronic thiolactone HHcy.
Material and methods: Forty-eight white, non-linear, mature rats were divided into 4 groups: control (n = 12); LPS‑induced periodontitis (n = 12); chronic thiolactone HHcy (n = 12); and periodontitis combined with HHcy (n = 12). The rats were sacrificed the day after the last LPS injection or the day after the last homocysteine (Hcy) thiolactone administration. Bone metabolism was determined based on the activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and acid phosphatase (AP) in blood serum and periodontal homogenate.
Results: A decrease in ALP activity (by 40.1%; р = 0.001) and the mineralization index (MI) (3.5 times; р < 0.001) with an increase in AP activity (2.0 times; р < 0.001) was observed in the periodontal homogenate of rats with LPS‑induced periodontitis. In the case of LPS‑induced periodontitis combined with chronic thiolactone HHcy, more pronounced changes in the activity of phosphatases and in MI were established as compared to rats with LPS‑induced periodontitis only.
Conclusions: Chronic thiolactone HHcy enhances disturbances in bone metabolism in LPS‑induced periodontitis. The osteotoxic effect of HHcy is associated with the activation of osteoclastogenesis and enhanced bone resorption. However, further research is required on the subject.
Keywords: bone metabolism; hyperhomocysteinemia; periodontitis.