Effect of green tea extract (GTE) rich in catechins in periodontal disease induced in ovariectomized rats.

Abstract

Periodontal disease and osteoporosis are characterized by bone resorption with a high prevalence around the world. Several investigations show a relationship between these two diseases, by means of systemic bone loss and dysregulation of RANK-RANKL-OPG system. Green tea is one of the most common and accessible beverages worldwide, and its flavonoid component epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) has been investigated as a possible protector against bone loss, preventing the deterioration of bone microarchitecture as well as assisting in the treatment osteoporosis and periodontal disease. In order to verify its possible effects to be applied in the treatment and prevention of periodontal disease and osteoporosis, the aim of this project is to assess by morphological, microtomographic, biochemical and molecular parameters, the influence of green tea extract (GTE) on periodontal disease induced by ligature in ovariectomized rats. Wistar female rats will be ovariectomized and paired with sham animals. Immediately after surgery, it will be performed the administration of 50 mg/kg of green tea extract (GTE) by oral gavage for 60 days and 15 days before sacrifice, it will be induced periodontal disease by ligature. The mandibles and femurs will be collected for histological, microtomographic and morphometric evaluation. Besides, osteoblastic cells from mandible will be cultivated in osteogenic medium for biochemical and molecular assays. Samples will be divided in 4 groups: sham + periodontal disease (CDP), ovariectomized + periodontal disease (ODP), sham + periodontal disease + GTE (CDP/GTE) and ovariectomized + periodontal disease + GTE (ODP/GTE). Data obtained will be analyzed using the statistical software Sigma Plot, and the significance level set at 5%. (AU)