The effect of inflammatory response modulator agents on gingivitis and periodontitis

Efeito do uso de agentes moduladores de resposta inflamatória em gengivites e periodontites

ABSTRACT

Periodontal diseases are infecto-inflammatory diseases. Literature, has tried to elucidate the infections component of gingivitis and periodontitis, for several years. In recent years, much has been discussed about the role of the host response modulators to periodontal therapeutic procedures. The aim of the present literature review was to evaluate the effect of host response modulating agents (anti-inflammatories) on the pathogenesis of gingivitis and periodontitis. A search in the main databases was performed and human and animal studies were selected. The majority of studies was performed in humans and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in different dosages were used. The results have shown a potential benefit of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs concerning the microbial challenge. However, this benefit seems not to occur in the long term, thus not supporting it as a periodontal therapeutic approach. Few studies evaluated the effect of steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs on the pathogenesis of periodontal diseases. Moreover, the results in humans and animals are controversial, pointing to a possible deleterious effect of steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs on periodontal structures.

Indexing terms:
Anti-inflammatory agents; Gingivitis; Periodontal diseases; Periodontitis

RESUMO

Doenças periodontais são doenças de natureza infecto-inflamatória. A literatura, por muitos anos, preocupou-se em elucidar somente o aspecto infeccioso de gengivites e periodontites. Nos últimos anos, muito tem-se debatido quanto ao papel da modulação da resposta do organismo como medida terapêutica periodontal. Nesse sentido, o objetivo da presente revisão de literatura foi avaliar o efeito de agentes moduladores da resposta inflamatória (antiinflamatórios) na patogênese de gengivites e periodontites. Foi realizada uma busca nas principais bases de dados sendo selecionados estudos em humanos e em modelo animal. Observou-se que a maioria dos estudos foi realizada em humanos e utilizou antiinflamatórios não-esteróides) em diferentes posologias. Os resultados dos estudos apontam para um potencial efeito benéfico dos antiinflamatórios não-esteróides frente ao desafio microbiano. Entretanto, esse benefício parece não ocorrer a longo prazo não sendo justificado seu uso como medida terapêutica periodontal. Poucos estudos avaliaram o efeito dos antiinflamatórios esteróides na patogênese das doenças periodontais. Além disso, os resultados dos estudos tanto em humanos quanto em animais são controversos, mas apontam para um possível efeito deletério dos antiinflamatórios esteróides sobre as estruturas periodontais.

Termos de indexação:
Anti-inflamatórios; Gengivite; Doenças periodontais; Periodontite

INTRODUCTION

The Periodontal science has undergone many changes related to the way of acting and thinking, in the last decades. For instance, the surgical-restorative paradigm, which ignored the prevention concept, and the treatment modalities based exclusively on the professional experiences have been changed to a model based on health promotion and the conscious usage of the best scientific evidence available¹. Therefore, in agreement with this evolutionary process, many models were proposed in order to explain the health-disease process in the periodontal tissues, and currently the most acceptable one has been proposed by Page & Kornman².

This model states that the microbiological challenge, including lipopolysaccharide liberations, cause injuries in the periodontal tissues, leading, an antigen-antibody inflammatory response. This reaction increases the production of proinflammatory cytokines, prostangladins and matrix metalloproteinases, such as collagenase, which is responsible for the connective tissue metabolism and osteoclast activation that is responsible for the bone tissue metabolism. This process produces clinical signals of periodontal inflammation, inducing alveolar bone loss and consequently clinical attachment loss.

For several years, the treatment strategies for the periodontal diseases were based solely in the complete removal of the dental biofilm and its components of the dental-gingival area and of the sulcus/periodontal pockets. However, the concern with factors related to the inflammatory response has been increasing mainly due to new techniques related to Molecular Biology and Microscopy³. A gram-negative bacterial infection is necessary, although not sufficient, to promote a periodontal pocket formation.

Therefore, the host response mediates the periodontal destruction when these microorganisms are present². It is crucial, in this context, the importance of studying the effects of the host response modulator agent including steroidal (SAIDs) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), since their potential in the management of the periodontal disease etiopathogenesis has been demonstrated.

Different studies have shown the role of these medications in the disease development, more specifically with a view to understanding the pathogenesis and, in the future, as prevention and/or treatment modality. The NSAIDs have been extensively studied in Periodontology^4-10. On the other hand, evidences on steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are scarce^11-12. Therefore, the objective of this study was to review the literature about the effect of these drugs in the gingivitis and periodontitis pathogenesis. The analyzed studies were grouped in tables, subdivided by drug type (steroidal/nonsteroidal) and study model (animal/human) in order to promote better understanding.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and periodontal disease

Animal evidences

Since the end of the 1970, several studies, using animal models, have assessed the role of NSAIDs in the periodontal tissues injured by the dental biofilm (Table 1). Although it is difficult to extrapolate the results of animal studies to humans, it is equally unwise to ignore the many similarities that scientists have demonstrated in these models¹³. Many animal models using NSAIDs of experimental periodontal disease have been proposed throughout the years, such as ligature induced periodontitis^4,14 and periodontitis induced by diet consistence modification^5-7,15. These are the most effective methods to accumulate plaque and induce periodontal disease (Table 1). Several NSAIDs were evaluated, such as indomethacin, flurbiprofen, and naproxen. Additionally, comparisons between those drugs and between different administrations (locally delivered and systemically) were performed.

Table 1
The action of NSAIDs in the periodontal tissues in animal studies. Porto Alegre, 2011.

• Note: NSAIDs - Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, F - Female, M - Male, BoP - bleeding on probing, GCF - gingival crevicular fluid, PGE₂ - Prostaglandin E₂, PGE_2α - Prostaglandin E_2α , keto-PGF_6α - Keto-prostaglandin F_6α .

Nyman et al.⁴ have evaluated the use of indomethacin (1mg/kg) in reducing the inflammatory response followed by bone resorption in Beagle dogs for a period of 28 days. The results demonstrated a reduction in the initial inflammatory response, delaying the alveolar bone resorption. Additionally, when the subgingival plaque was higher, the indomethacin showed the worst effect in comparison to the animals with well-controlled plaque in the gingival margin. It is suggested that, similarly to the humans, the supragingival biofilm influence the subgingival area.

During 2 weeks Weaks-Dybvig et al.¹⁴ evaluated, a higher dose of indomethacin (5mg/kg) in monkeys and compared to a control group (placebo). Similarly to the study of Nyman et al. the use of indomethacin almost annulled the loss of bone mass, decreasing considerably the density of osteoclast in the experimental period.

The use of Flurbiprofen (0.02 mg/kg), associated with surgical periodontal therapy, was evaluated by Williams et al.⁵. In the groups treated with Flubiprofen, the rate of radiographic bone loss was lower, 91% and 66%, respectively, either with or without adjuvant periodontal therapy. Therefore, the groups treated with Flubiprofen, either with or without surgical procedures, showed a smaller rate of alveolar bone loss when compared to a placebo group with or without surgical periodontal therapy.

Likewise, Howell et al.⁷ evaluated the effect of Naproxen in the rate of alveolar bone loss in Beagle dogs in comparison to a placebo group. It was shown that the placebo group presented progression of alveolar bone loss, while, in the Naproxen group, the rate of bone loss was significantly smaller up to 4 months of the study. However, after 7 months, the difference related to the pre-treatment period was not statistically significant. The rate comparisons between both groups, in relation to the pre- to post-treatment period, was 38% of alveolar bone loss in the placebo group and 61% of alveolar bone gain in the Naproxen group. This result indicates a positive effect of this drug in the periodontal tissues on Beagle dogs.

Howell et al.⁶ and Offenbacher et al.¹⁵ evaluated different NSAIDs and their different administration forms in the gingival bleeding parameters and rate of bone loss. Offenbacher et al.¹⁵ verified higher arachidonic acid by-products (ciclooxygenase and thromboxane B2) in the groups not under NSAIDs therapy, indicating a positive correlation between these products and a periodontal homeostasis disruption in Beagle dogs.

Although all the evidences of this review showed beneficial effects of the NSAIDs, the results should be cautiously interpreted since each model presents advantages and disadvantages and a model which could be considered ideal, still does not exist.

Human evidences

Table 2 demonstrates the 07 studies selected in this literature review regarding the effect of NSAIDs in human periodontal tissues.

Table 2
Human studies regarding the effect of NSAIDs in the periodontal tissue. Porto Alegre, 2011.

• Note: NSAIDs - Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, PI - Plaque index (Silness & Löe), GI - Gingival index (Löe & Silness), PD - Probing depth, CAL - Clinical attachment loss, GR - gingival recession, M - Male, F - Female, GCF - Gingival crevicular fluid, BoP - Bleeding on probing, PGE₂ - Prostaglandin E₂, IL1ß - Interleukin 1ß.

Waite et al.¹⁶ and Feldman et al.¹⁷ performed two retrospective studies aimed to evaluate the prevalence of periodontal disease in patients using NSAIDs compared to a control group. Age, Plaque Index¹⁸, Gingival Index¹⁹, probing depth, clinical attachment loss, and radiographic bone loss were evaluated. The results showed that subjects using NSAIDs presented smaller gingival inflammation, probing depth, clinical attachment loss and radiographic alveolar bone loss. However, there was no relation between clinical attachment loss and the duration of the NSAIDs therapy, indicating that a longer usage of these medicines would not represent additional benefits in the periodontal health.

These results have not considered the type of medication and therapeutic procedure used in each patient, however, when only the patients under indomethacin therapy (n=9) were considered, statistically significant differences were found only for Gingival Index¹⁷.

Similarly, Heasman & Seymour²⁰ also performed a retrospective study, evaluating the periodontal parameters of patients under NSAIDs treatment of at least 2 years (mean of 9 years) and compared to a control group. It was not found statistically significant differences in the following parameters: Plaque Index¹⁸, Gingival Index¹⁹, probing depth, clinical attachment loss, and gingival recession. Statistically significant differences were found only for flow of gingival crevicular fluid, which was higher in the control group.

These cross-sectional studies raise the hypothesis that the use of NSAIDs is related to smaller periodontal inflammation. Several longitudinal studies, with different evaluation periods, were guided in order to assess the effect of NSAIDs in patients with destructive periodontal disease^{9, 21-22}. A summary of these studies is shown in Table 2.

Williams et al.²⁰ evaluated the effect of 50mg Flurbiprofen, twice daily, in the rate of radiographic alveolar bone loss and Gingival Index¹⁹, during 2.5 years, and compared to a placebo group. It was shown that both groups presented a decrease in the bone loss. On the other hand, the patients under Flurbiprofen therapy showed a smaller gingival inflammation. The rate of bone loss in the placebo group improved significantly 6 and 12 months after therapy when compared to baseline. The Flurbiprofen group showed significantly improvement at 6, 12 and 18 months. At the end of 24 months, there is no difference in the rate of alveolar bone loss between test and placebo groups, indicating that the use of Flurbiprofen, associated with periodontal therapy, has a limited effect on preventing radiographic alveolar bone loss.

Regarding the comparison of different use of NSAIDs (topically and systemically), Jeffcoat et al.²² showed that the groups treated with NSAIDs presented lower bone loss and PGE₂ level reductions in the gingival crevicular fluid when compared to the placebo group. Additionally, it is suggested that a mouthwash with Ketorolac preserved more bone tissue when compared to the Flurbiprofen administered systemically. This result indicates that the use of Ketorolac would bring additional benefits in the periodontal disease treatment.

Jeffcoat et al.¹⁰ evaluated, for 3 months, the efficacy of Naproxen in patients with rapid progression periodontitis. It was shown that, in comparison to the placebo group, the test group showed a significant lower bone loss and an increase in ratio of teeth showing bone gain, evaluated through digital radiographic subtraction method. It is indicated that the Naproxen use, as an adjuvant to periodontal therapy, promotes additional improvement. Some studies, such as those performed by Taiyeb & Waite⁸ and Sekino et al.²³, evaluated the gingival margin inflammation in combination with scaling and root planing procedures and the experimental gingivitis model, respectively. The results demonstrate that Ibuprofen promotes additional benefits to the professional control of biofilm and in experimental gingivitis induced by dental plaque. However, the drug did not influence the new dental plaque formation and the inflammation control for longer periods.

Based on these results, it is evident that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs present a potential to modify the inflammatory response triggered by a bacterial challenge in humans. On the other hand, these results are not predictable at longer periods, and not justified to be used as a therapeutic agent.

However, periodontal literature needs further studies with greater control of variables such as smoking and diabetes in order to explain the actual effect of NSAIDs in the etiopathogenesis of destructive periodontal disease.

Steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (SAIDS) and periodontal disease

Animal evidences

The role of SAIDs on the etiopathogenic process of periodontal disease was studied less extensively when compared to the NSAIDs. In this context, only two studies were identified (Table 3). The lack of these studies in the literature limits major generalizations, even within the analysis in rats, the animal model used in both studies.

Table 3
Animal studies regarding the effect of SAIDs in the periodontal tissues. Porto Alegre, 2011.

• Note: SAIDs - Steroidal anti-inflammatory, F - Female.

The study of Kofoed & Bozzini²⁴, published in 1970, showed that in rats the administration of corticosteroid produce a significant reduction in the concentrations of the amorphous intercellular substance components (chondroitin-sulfuric acid and hyaluronic acid), indicating a negative effect on the periodontal homeostasis maintenance, as the tissue loss may occur. However, other mucopolysaccharides analyzed (dermatan sulfate and heparitin sulfate) did not bring differences between the exposed and not exposed groups to corticoid.

Similarly, another study evaluated the effect of dexamethasone on the pathogenesis of the alveolar bone loss in rats. Greater bone loss in the group treated with steroids¹¹ was shown.

Although there is a limitation when translating the results obtained in animal to human studies, both evidences support the concept that the presence of SAIDs, in higher doses, may have a negative role in the periodontal health. The results obtained from the clinical studies in human are responsible for the complementation of this information.

Human evidences

Similarly to the animal studies, a few studies were found about the role of SAIDs on humans. The three studies considered to be more meaningful for this review are in Table 4, and they were conducted in 1980 and 1990.

Table 4
Human studies regarding the effect of SAIDs in the periodontal tissues Porto Alegre, 2011.

• Note: VPI - Visible Plaque Index (Ainamo & Bay), MBI - Marginal bleeding index (Cowell et al. 1975), GI - Gingival index (Löe & Silness), PD - Probing depth, CAL - Clinical attachment loss, GR - Gingival recession, MS - Multiple sclerosis, M - Male, F - Female.

In a cross-sectional study, Safkan & Knuutilla¹² have shown that subjects using corticosteroid presented more gingivitis. However, the subjects in the control group presented less dental calculus. Additionally, the subjects in the control group showed less alveolar bone loss. Despite all the bias found in this study, there are evidences that subjects who have used corticosteroid, for at least one year, have presented more periodontal disease signs.

On the other hand, Markitziu et al.²⁵ evaluated patients with pemphigus vulgaris who were under therapy with corticosteroids. The research showed that the periodontal status of these patients was not statistically significant different regarding the alveolar bone height. Furthermore, a decrease in the levels of salivary cortisol, which is a reduction in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activity, was shown. Regarding the clinical parameters, such as bleeding and gingival recession, statistically significant differences were found between groups. It is important to highlight that, differently from Safkan & Knutilla¹², this study evaluated the results before and after the periodontal therapy, which included scaling and root planing and oral hygiene instructions.

Von Wowern et al.²⁶ analyzed the alterations in the gingival and bone level of the marginal periodontium related to the mineral bone content of the forearm, measured by scanner, in patients with acute nephritis. The patients were considered skeletally healthy at the beginning of the treatment, and they were divided in two groups according to the medicine used, Prednisone or Deflazacort, which are capable of eliminating smaller calcium quantities in the urine. No significantly differences were found between groups (prednisone and Deflazacort) in the loss of bone mineral content in both forearm and jaw after 6 and 12 months, although, both groups had significant mineral bone loss during the study. Regarding the periodontal parameters (visible plaque index, gingival index, and clinical attachment loss), there were no statistically significant differences between groups. Therefore, based on these results, in patients with longer corticoid usage, osteopenia is a common finding. However, this alteration did not produce effect on periodontal clinical parameters, including alveolar bone height.

The results of these studies related to the effect of SAIDs in the periodontium homeostasis remain controversial. While a few authors found clinical significance to some periodontal clinical parameters^12,25, others did not show this relation²⁶. Further studies are suggested in order to elucidate this relationship.

CONCLUSION

Through the analyses of the included studies in this review, it is possible to conclude:

The use of NSAIDs, either topically or systemically, may improve the inflammatory parameters in both gingivitis and periodontitis. However, more studies are necessary in order to establish whether these drugs are preventive/therapeutic agents in the Periodontology.

Evidences in the literature are scarce related to the role of SAIDs in the pathogenesis of gingivitis and periodontitis. However, the studies conducted so far have indicated that these medicines would have deleterious effects on the periodontium. It seems important to study this relationship, once the cortisol - also a glucocorticoid can change the balance in the periodontal health-disease process, mainly as a result of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activation.

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• ¹¹
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• ²¹
  Heasman PA, Seymour RA. An association between long-term non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug therapy and the severity of periodontal disease. J Clin Periodontol. 1990 Oct;17(9):654-8.
• ²²
  Jeffcoat MK, Reddy MS, Haigh S, Buchanan W, Doyle MJ, Meredith MP, et al. A comparison of topical ketorolac, systemic flurbiprofen, and placebo for the inhibition of bone loss in adult periodontitis. J Periodontol. 1995 May;66(5):329-38.
• ²³
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• ²⁶
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Publication Dates

• Publication in this collection
  Sept 2016

History

• Received
  25 Feb 2016
• Reviewed
  17 Mar 2016
• Accepted
  15 May 2016