# Effect of resveratrol on the antioxidant enzyme pathway and alveolar bone loss in experimental periodontitis

## TL;DR

This study shows that resveratrol reduces bone loss in rat periodontitis by boosting antioxidant enzymes.

## Contribution

The novel finding is that resveratrol reduces alveolar bone loss in periodontitis through enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity.

## Key findings

- Resveratrol significantly reduced alveolar bone loss compared to the placebo group.
- Resveratrol increased catalase and glutathione peroxidase enzymatic activity in gingival tissue.

## Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of resveratrol in a rat model of experimental periodontitis by assessing alveolar bone loss along with catalase and glutathione peroxidase mRNA expression and enzymatic activity in gingival tissue.

Experimental periodontitis was induced in 34 male Sprague-Dawley rats by placing silk ligatures bilaterally around mandibular first molars. Then the animals were randomly divided into two groups: placebo (n = 17) and resveratrol (n = 17). The placebo group received a placebo solution, while the resveratrol group received 10 mg/kg resveratrol daily via oral gavage for 30 days. Alveolar bone loss was measured on microscopic photographs of stained tissue sections. Gingival enzyme activity levels were determined by enzyme-specific reactions and mRNA levels were assessed using semiquantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Systemic resveratrol administration significantly reduced alveolar bone loss (440.87 ± 142.24 μm) compared to the placebo group (897.06 ± 383.59 μm) (p < 0.001). Catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities were also significantly higher in the resveratrol group (p < 0.001).

Resveratrol appears to be effective in reducing alveolar bone loss in experimental periodontitis, potentially through its antioxidant properties. These findings suggest that resveratrol may offer clinical benefit as an adjunct to periodontal therapy.