Esterified monounsaturated fatty acid complex in the treatment of periodontitis

Objective:

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the therapeutic actions of 1-tetradecanol complex (1-TDC), an esterified monounsaturated fatty acid mixture, on periodontitis induced by P. gingivalis in the rabbit periodontitis model.

Methods:

Fifteen New-Zealand White rabbits were distributed into 3 groups: 1. No treatment (5 animals), 2. Placebo treatment (5 animals), and 3. 1-TDC treatment (5 animals). In all animals, periodontal disease was established by P. gingivalis application every-other-day over a 6-week period. At 6 weeks, P. gingivalis application was terminated and topical use of the test and placebo agents was initiated for second 6 weeks at which time animals were sacrificed. Morphometric, radiographic and histologic evaluations were performed. Histologic sections were stained with hematoxylin-eosin, and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) for descriptive histology and osteoclast activity. In addition, osteocalcin staining was used to detect osteoblast activity.

Results:

Topical delivery of 1-TDC preparation stopped the progression of gingival inflammation and bone destruction induced by P. gingivalis. 1-TDC treated animals also reformed soft and bone tissues lost to periodontal inflammation (15% increase in bone height in 1-TDC group versus 11% further loss in placebo group). These results were confirmed by histomorphometric assessments where treatment with 1-TDC resulted in significant changes in tissue and bone level compared to placebo and no treatment groups (p<0.05). H&E stained sections indicated a complete reversal of inflammatory changes, whereas the placebo and no treatment groups demonstrated a progression of periodontal inflammation. 1-TDC significantly suppressed the osteoclastic activity (p<0.05) and resulted in increased osteoblastic activity suggesting new bone formation.

Conclusions:

Topical application of an esterified fatty acid complex, 1-TDC, stopped the progression of periodontal inflammation and initiated tissue regeneration in rabbit periodontitis. Supported by Imagenetix, Inc.