Immunohistochemical assessment of the role of azithromycin in management of gingival hypertrophy induced by cyclosporine in rabbits

Aim of study: The aim of this research was to see how azithromycin affected cyclosporine-induced gingival hypertrophy. Materials and methods: twenty eight healthy adult New Zealand male rabbits weighing (900gm-1250gm), all of them with same age and circumstances were chosen. All animals were randomly assigned into two groups; control group: fourteen rabbits received only cyclosporine 20mg/kg/day orally for 17 days. Experimental group: fourteen rabbits received cyclosporine 20mg/kg/day orally and Azithromycin62.5mg/kg/day for 17 days. Results: statistical analysis show significant difference between control and experimental groups. Clinical examination show there is gingival enlargement in control group due to cyclosporine administration while this enlargement decreased in experimental group after use of azithromycin. Immunohistochemical analysis show mild positive reaction of matrix metalloproteinase-1expression (MMP-1) in control group and strong positive reaction of MMP-1 expression in experimental group. Conclusion: Azithromycin is clinically successful in reducing cyclosporine-induced gingival enlargement.