Effect of telmisartan on levels of IL-1, TNF-α, down-regulated COX-2, MMP-2, MMP-9 and RANKL/RANK in an experimental periodontitis model

AimThe aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of telmisartan (TELM) on inflammation, oxidation and the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and the expression RANKL/RANK/OPG in the periodontal tissue of a rat model for ligature-induced periodontitis. Materials and methodsMale Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into five groups of 10 rats each: (i) non-ligated, given water; (ii) ligated, given water; (iii) ligated, given 1mg/kg TELM; (iv) ligated, given 5mg/kg TELM; and (v) ligated, given 10mg/kg TELM. All groups were treated with saline or TELM for 10days. Periodontal tissue was analysed by histopathology; by the immunohistochemical examination of COX-2, MMP-2, MMP-9 and the RANKL/RANK/OPG pathway; and by ELISA analysis of the levels of IL-1, IL-10, TNF-, myeloperoxidase (MPO), malonaldehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH). ResultsTreatment with 10mg/kg TELM resulted in reduced concentrations of MPO, MDA (p<0.05) and the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1 (p<0.05); reduced expression of MMP-2, MMP-9, RANK, RANKL and COX-2; and an increase in OPG. The levels of TNF- were significantly reduced in all TELM-treated groups. ConclusionsThese findings confirm the involvement of TELM in reducing the inflammatory response, oxidative stress and bone loss in ligature-induced periodontitis in rats.