The effect of estrogen deficiency and its combination with chronic stress on the condition of periodontal in old rats

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of ovariectomy and its combination with stress (femoral fracture) on the periodontal condition in old rats. Materials and methods. A total of 24 white female rats were used in the experiment. The first group consisted of intact rats. Rats of the second group were subjected to an ovariectomy (OE) at the age of 2 months. Rats of the third group underwent a fracture of the one femur 1 month before they were euthanized. The animals were sacrificed at 15 months of age. Results. The level of LPO was increased in the liver, salivary glands and alveolar bone process after experimental ovariectomy; the recession defects on molars were significantly increased. Stress (femoral fracture) aggravated the intensification of peroxidation processes in the salivary glands and liver of rats. The levels of nucleic and higher polyene fatty acids in the liver lipids were decreased in the combination of ovariectomy and stress. The level of LPO in the alveolar bone process was not changed significantly. Histomorphometric study of periodontium in rats revealed a decrease in the upper margin of epithelial attachment. Conclusions. Experimental estrogen deficiency caused the most significant pathogenic effect on the periodontium in old rats. The obtained data demonstrate that female sex hormone deficiency is one of the mechanisms in periodontitis pathogenesis.