The objective of this preclinical in vivo study was to determine changes in vascular inflammatory
biomarkers in systemic circulation after injection of
lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) in rats. Experimental
periodontitis was induced by
injections of Pg-LPS. Gingival soft and hard tissues changes were analysed by means of magnetic resonance imaging and micro computed tomography. Serum levels of
interleukin (IL)-6,
IL-10, pentraxin (PTX) 3, and soluble fragment of
tumor necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis (sTWEAK) were determined at baseline and 24 h, 7, 14, and 21 days after periodontal induction. Significant periodontal
inflammation and
alveolar bone loss were evident at the end of periodontal induction. Experimental
periodontitis posed an acute systemic inflammatory response with increased serum levels of
IL-6 and PTX3 at 24 h post-induction, followed by a significant overexpression of sTWEAK at 7 days. This inflammatory state was maintained until the end of the experiment (21 days). As expected,
IL-10 serum levels were significantly lower during the follow-up compared to baseline concentrations. In the present animal model, experimental
periodontitis is associated with increased systemic
inflammation. Further studies are needed to confirm whether PTX3 and sTWEAK could be useful
biomarkers to investigate potential mechanisms underlying the relationship between
periodontitis and atherosclerotic
vascular diseases.