Histological and Biochemical Evaluation of Silibinin in Treatment of Periodontitis Induced in Rats with Liver Cirrhosis.

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of silibinin as a therapeutic agent on ligature-induced periodontitis in rats with liver cirrhosis.

Materials and methods: Twenty-five Wistar rats were enrolled in this study. Group A (Control) included eight rats. The other 17 rats received CCl4 to develop cirrhosis, which was confirmed by sacrificing one of the rats and performing a histological examination of its liver tissue. Periodontitis was induced in the remaining 16 rats then they were allocated into (n = 8) group B-periodontitis with cirrhosis and group C-silibinin-treated group, 5 times/week starting from week 11 till week 14. Animals of the three groups were euthanized, and biochemical analysis comprising of liver functions assessment (serum levels of glutamate-pyruvate transaminase, serum levels of glutamate-oxalate transaminase, TIMP1) and oxidative stress index [MDA, nitric oxide (NO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT)] and histological examination were conducted by the end of week 14.

Results: Group C revealed a more organized orientation of the periodontal ligament (PDL) collagen fibers with a marked regain of the alveolar bone height compared to group B. Biochemical analysis confirmed the potent therapeutic effect of silibinin manifested by a significant improvement in the biochemical parameters: tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1, MDA, NO levels, and antioxidant enzymes.

Conclusion: Group B was associated with the most unfavorable biochemical findings and the maximum periodontal destruction. Group C demonstrated a positive osteogenic capacity and a noteworthy improvement in biochemical findings, which were comparable to those of group A, which displayed normal and healthy findings.

Clinical significance: The study highlights the potential use of silibinin as a natural remedy with minimal side effects for treating periodontitis in rats with liver cirrhosis. The findings could be translated to human clinical trials, which may lead to new treatment strategies using silibinin as a targeted therapy or as adjunctive therapy to conventional periodontal treatment for patients with liver cirrhosis who are more susceptible to periodontitis. How to cite this article: Shawky HA, Ahmed NM, Essawy MM, et al. Histological and Biochemical Evaluation of Silibinin in Treatment of Periodontitis Induced in Rats with Liver Cirrhosis. J Contemp Dent Pract 2024;25(7):631-638.