Evaluation of the effect of simvastatin on the progression of alveolar bone loss in experimental periodontitis--an animal study.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of simvastatin, a potent antiinflammatory drug, on the progression of alveolar bone loss in an experimental model of periodontitis in rats.


METHODS
A cotton ligature was used around the lower right first molar in a submarginal position in order to induce experimental periodontitis. Sixty rats were divided into 12 groups consisting of three control groups, three simvastatin groups, three ligature groups, and three ligature plus simvastatin groups. The distance between the cemento-enamel junction and the alveolar crest was determined at the mesial root surfaces of the lower right first molars by radiographic as well as profilometric analyses.


RESULTS
In rats of the experimental periodontitis group (ligature), alveolar bone loss was higher compared to the control groups. However, simvastatin was associated with decreased alveolar bone loss in all treatment groups with experimental periodontitis (p < 0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
Simvastatin treatment seems to be a beneficial and supporting therapeutic that favors protection against alveolar bone loss in a model of experimental periodontitis in rats.
Carlos Augusto
CA
Nassar
Guilherme Degani
GD
Battistetti
Flávia Pardo Salata
FP
Nahsan
Joice
J
Olegário
Juliana
J
Marconato
Caroline Fernandes
CF
Marin
Daniele Marin
DM
Faccioni
Karine Figueiredo
KF
da Costa
Luciana Bill Mikito
LB
Kottwitz
Patricia Oehlmeyer
PO
Nassar
D016301:Alveolar Bone Loss / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000818:Animals; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D055113:Chronic Periodontitis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D011859:Radiography; D011897:Random Allocation; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D019821:Simvastatin / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; D019821:Simvastatin