Protective effects of caffeic acid phenethyl ester on the heart in experimental periodontitis against oxidative stress in rats.

BACKGROUND Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) may be considered as alternative treatment for periodontitis and benefit the heart by way of its ameliorative effects. OBJECTIVES The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of CAPE on cytokine levels and the oxidative status in the serum and heart tissue in a rat model of periodontitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS Experimental animals were randomly assigned to 3 groups: control group (C; n = 8); periodontitis group (P; n = 10); and periodontitis + CAPE group (PC; n = 10). Caffeic acid phenethyl ester, at a dose of 10 μmol/kg/day, was administered by intraperitoneal injection over a 14-day period. Interleukin (IL)-1β, IL‑10 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) were assessed in the serum. Glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were assessed in both the serum and the heart tissue homogenate. RESULTS Increased IL‑1β, IL‑10 and TNF-α serum levels were observed in the P group (p < 0.05). Caffeic acid phenethyl ester significantly decreased alveolar bone loss (ABL) and cytokine levels in the PC group (p < 0.05). Malondialdehyde, one of the strongest oxidants, was significantly decreased in the PC group as compared to the P group (p < 0.05). In both the serum and the heart tissue homogenate there were no differences in MDA levels between the PC and C groups. Furthermore, CAPE significantly increased GSH and GSH-Px levels in the serum and heart tissue (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Caffeic acid phenethyl ester has beneficial effects on the tissues affected by periodontitis.