Effect of alendronate on the progression of periodontitis induced by Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum: a study in rats.

OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to investigate the effect of alendronate (ALN) on the inhibition of alveolar bone loss in experimental periodontitis in Wistar rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Periodontitis was induced by oral inoculation of Porphyromonas gingivalis with Fusobacterium nucleatum. The rats (n = 80) were randomized as follows: negative control (n = 10); positive control (n = 10); ALN groups: test 8 (n = 10), test 12 (n = 10), and test 16 (n = 10); and placebo groups: control 8 (n = 10), control 12 (n = 10), and control 16 (n = 10). Two milligrams per kilogram of ALN or placebo was administered twice weekly for 8, 12, and 16 weeks. Bone loss was determined by morphological and histological analyses. One independent, blinded examiner (ICC, 0.91) performed the measurements. The distance from the cement enamel junction to the alveolar bone crest of the second lower molar was measured: distal-vestibular (d), furca (f), mesial-vestibular (h), and area. Histometry was performed on the second contralateral molar. Sections (6 mum) were used to determine the furcation bone area (A-FB). The following statistical analyses were conducted: Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis. RESULTS: PC group developed periodontitis (p < 0.0001). Morphometric analysis determined that ALN was effective in T8 for linear measurements d, f, and h (p < 0.05). No significant differences occurred at test 8, test 12, and test 16. Analysis of A-FB revealed no significant differences between the ALN and placebo groups at 8 and 16 weeks (p > 0.05). ALN was effective against bone loss in relation to A-FB after 12 weeks (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: According to the methodology used, the results suggest that oral administration of ALN could influence alveolar bone loss in rats submitted to experimental periodontitis. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: ALN could be a potential therapeutic approach when associated with periodontal treatment.