Local application of n-3 or n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids in the treatment of human experimental gingivitis.
BACKGROUND
Polyunsaturated fatty acids have the potential to attenuate inflammation by the synthesis of mediators of the 15-lipoxygenase pathways, which show opposite effects to the pro-inflammatory arachidonic acid metabolites such as leukotriene B4 (LTB4).


OBJECTIVE
The aim of this clinical study was to evaluate the effects of topical application of n-6 or n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids in patients with experimental gingivitis.


METHODS
In each subject, similar teeth served as experimental and control over a 21-day non-hygiene phase and a 9-day resolving phase. Efficacy assessment was based on the bleeding on probing frequency (BOP) and the gingivocrevicular fluid volume (GCF). GCF was determined by inserting a filter paper strip for 30 s and measurements were performed on a Periotron 8000. The LTB4 concentration was analyzed by reversed-phase high-pressure liquid chromatography.


RESULTS
After 21 days of plaque growth, the BOP, GCF and LTB4 levels were significantly increased in all groups, with no differences between the control and experimental side. Rinsing of an area with established gingivitis for a 9-day period significantly reduced the GCF in the n-6 group (71.9 (18.7) versus 47.4 (11.4) Periotron Units, median (inter quartile range)).


CONCLUSIONS
The topical application of n-6 or n-6 fatty acids failed to inhibit the development of experimental gingivitis. Rinsing with n-6 fatty acids could reduce the level of GCF in established experimental gingivitis.
Eberhard
Jörg
J
Department of Operative Dentistry and Peridontology, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel, Germany. eberhard@konspar.uni-kiel.de
Heilmann
Frederik
F
Açil
Yahya
Y
Albers
Hans Karl
HK
Jepsen
Søren
S
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D043371:Fatty Acids, Omega-6; D005231:Fatty Acids, Unsaturated / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D005395:Fish Oils / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005883:Gingival Crevicular Fluid / Q000737:chemistry / Q000187:drug effects; D005884:Gingival Hemorrhage / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism; D005891:Gingivitis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D007975:Leukotriene B4 / Q000032:analysis; D008297:Male; D016555:Matched-Pair Analysis; D009067:Mouthwashes / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016011:Normal Distribution; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D014280:Triglycerides / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3; D043371:Fatty Acids, Omega-6; D005231:Fatty Acids, Unsaturated; D005395:Fish Oils; D009067:Mouthwashes; D014280:Triglycerides; C077446:Pikasol; D007975:Leukotriene B4