Background: Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by complex interactions between periodonto-pathogenic bacteria and host immune response. Its etiology includes bacterial colonization, excessive inflammation, and increased oxidative stress. Melatonin can ameliorate chronic conditions due to its antioxidant activities, anti-inflammatory capacity, and bone remodeling properties.
Aim of the study: To evaluate the effect of oral administration of melatonin on the mandibular alveolar bone and gingiva of albino rats with ligature-induced periodontitis.
Materials and Methods: 42 healthy adult male albino rats were divided into 3 equal groups. Group A (negative control group), group B (Periodontitis group), and group C (melatonin treated group). In groups B and C, periodontitis was induced using silk ligature wire placed subgingivally around the right mandibular first molar for 15 days and then removed. After ligature removal, only group C was treated by oral administration of 10 mg/kg melatonin. Clinical evaluation of modified gingival index was made before treatment and repeated just before euthanasia. Animals were euthanized after 30 days from the start of the experiment and the right side of the mandibles were dissected out and prepared for scanning electron microscopic analysis.
Results: Scanning electron microscopic results showed a significantly lower alveolar bone loss with a decrease in the alveolar bone surface porosity group C compared to B. MGI showed a significant improvement in the gingival condition of group C in comparison to group B.
Conclusions: Melatonin administration has a positive biological effect on alveolar bone and gingiva in rats with ligature induced periodontitis.