Prediabetes Enhances Periodontal Inflammation Consistent With Activation of Toll-Like Receptor–Mediated Nuclear Factor-κB Pathway in Rats

Background: Clinical studies have showed that prediabetes (preDM) is a predisposing factor for periodontitis. However, the pathogenic mechanism involved is unclear. Because it is known that the activation of Toll-like receptor (TLR)-mediated nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway plays a crucial role in periodontitis, it is hypothesized that preDM enhances periodontal inflammation by activation of the TLR-mediated NF-κB pathway.Methods: In this study, a preDM rat model is established by feeding a high-fat diet (HFD). HFD-induced rats with preDM (n = 7) and normal chow–fed rats (n = 7) were studied. The animal model was characterized in terms of body weight and the glycemic and insulinemic profiles. The following parameters were assessed to evaluate possible early periodontal alterations and underlying mechanisms: 1) histology analysis of periodontal tissue; and 2) serum and mRNA levels and/or the tissue protein expression of TLRs, myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88), tumor necrosis factor ...