Anti-inflammatory and Anti-resorptive Effects of Atorvastatin on Alveolar Bone Loss in Wistar Rats.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and anti-resorptive effect of atorvastatin (ATV) in an experimental alveolar bone loss (ABL) model. Wistar rats were subjected to ligature placement around the maxillary second molar for 11 days. The animals received 0.9% saline (2 mL/kg) or ATV (0.3, 3 or 27 mg/kg) daily by gavage. ABL was evaluated by resorption area and histopathological analysis. Serum bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BALP) activity was also evaluated. Leukogram was performed at 0 h, 6th h, 2nd, 7th and 11th days. Kidney and liver conditions and the body mass variation were analyzed. ATV (3 and 27 mg/kg) inhibited ABL by 39% and 56%, respectively. Histopathological analysis showed that ATV 27 mg/kg prevented ABL and cemental resorption, and inflammatory cell infiltration induced by ligature. ATV (27 mg/kg) prevented serum BALP levels reduction. ATV (27 mg/kg) prevented leukocytosis and did not affect either kidney or liver function nor body mass weight. ATV showed a protecting effect in the ligature-induced periodontitis, without affecting system parameters, by inhibition of inflammatory process and by its anabolic activity on the alveolar bone.