Microtomographic analysis to evaluate the possible bidirectional association between experimental rheumatoid arthritis and ligature-induced periodontitis in female rats

• Grant number: 23/06030-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: September 01, 2023
• End date: August 31, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Dentistry - Periodontology
• Principal Investigator: Mario Taba Junior
• Grantee: Ana Carolina Duarte Firmino
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Odontologia de Ribeirão Preto (FORP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Periodontal disease (PD) and rheumatoid arthritis are inflammatory diseases that share similar pathogenic mechanisms. Several studies show a bidirectional relationship between these diseases (Mercado et al., 2000; Lundberg et al., 2010, de Pablo; Dietrich; McAlindon, 2008; Chen et al., 2013; Mikuls et al., 2012), where the The main link seems to be an inflammatory immune response directed at the destruction of collagen-rich tissues (de Aquino et al., 2014), with bone resorption being a characteristic of these pathologies (Mercado F, et al, 2000; Preshaw PM, 2017). Therefore, the modulation of the host's inflammatory response is a therapeutic alternative that seems to be promising.Interleukin 6 (IL-6), a pro-inflammatory cytokine produced by patients who have periodontitis, stimulates osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption (Irwin & Myrillas, 1998; Fujihashi et al., 1993). Tocilizumab is a drug that works by preventing cell signaling by inhibiting the IL-6/IL-6R complex (Irwin & Myrillas, 1998; Fujihashi et al., 1993). Therefore, recognizing the association of PD with other systemic diseases, the effects of IL-6 inhibition may be relevant for the modulation of the host's immune response, in order to present a therapeutic potential for such diseases. Thus, this work aims to evaluate the effects of specific inhibition of IL-6 by means of X-ray transmission computed microtomography on ligature-induced periodontitis in exposed rats with experimental rheumatoid arthritis56 Winstar Hannover rats will be used, divided into 7 groups (n = 8): Naive Group (negative control), DP Group (ligature-induced periodontal disease), AR Group (bovine collagen-induced rheumatoid arthritis, AR / DP Group (AR induced by bovine collagen and PD), AR-Sham / DP Group (Sham Procedure in place of ligation-induced RA and DP), AR / DP/ TCZ2 Group (bovine collagen-induced RA and PD, but which will receive 2mg / kg of Tocolizumab), AR / DP / TCZ4 Group (bovine collagen-induced RA and PD, but which will receive 4mg / kg of Tocilizumab).The animals will be euthanized on the 35th day.