Effect of telmisartan on levels of IL-1, TNF-α, down-regulated COX-2, MMP-2, MMP-9 and RANKL/RANK in an experimental periodontitis model

Aim The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of telmisartan (TELM) on inflammation, oxidation and the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and the expression RANKL/RANK/OPG in the periodontal tissue of a rat model for ligature‐induced periodontitis. Materials and methods Male Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into five groups of 10 rats each: (i) non‐ligated, given water; (ii) ligated, given water; (iii) ligated, given 1 mg/kg TELM; (iv) ligated, given 5 mg/kg TELM; and (v) ligated, given 10 mg/kg TELM. All groups were treated with saline or TELM for 10 days. Periodontal tissue was analysed by histopathology; by the immunohistochemical examination of COX‐2, MMP‐2, MMP‐9 and the RANKL/RANK/OPG pathway; and by ELISA analysis of the levels of IL‐1β, IL‐10, TNF‐α, myeloperoxidase (MPO), malonaldehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH). Results Treatment with 10 mg/kg TELM resulted in reduced concentrations of MPO, MDA (p