title: Myeloperoxidase as inflammatory marker of periodontal disease: experimental study in rats.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Previous studies have used myeloperoxidase (MPO) as an inflammatory marker to estimate the accumulation of neutrophils in inflamed regions.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this experimental study was to quantify the levels of MPO related to experimental periodontal disease in rats.
  
  
  METHODS
  Periodontal disease was induced in a group of rats using placement of a ligature around molar teeth. A group of rats without ligature placement served as a control. Measurements were made on the 3(rd), 7(th), 15(th) and 30(th) day from baseline. Gingival tissues were taken for quantification of MPO levels by ELISA.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The rats with induced periodontal disease showed statistically higher MPO levels (p < 0.05) when compared to control rats. A significant increase in the levels of MPO released on days 7 and 30 was observed, with higher levels in the group with induced periodontitis.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The levels of MPO were found to be higher in rats with induced periodontal disease, confirming the hypothesis that MPO may serve as an inflammatory marker for periodontitis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Diagnosis and Oral Surgery, State University of Sao Paulo, Araraquara, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
authors.forename: Debora A S
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Gomes
authors.forename: Juliana R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Pires
authors.forename: Elizangela P
authors.initials: EP
authors.lastname: Zuza
authors.forename: Marcelo N
authors.initials: MN
authors.lastname: Muscara
authors.forename: Bruno S
authors.initials: BS
authors.lastname: Herrera
authors.forename: Luís C
authors.initials: LC
authors.lastname: Spolidorio
authors.forename: Benedicto E C
authors.initials: BE
authors.lastname: Toledo
authors.forename: Denise M P
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Spolidorio