Azithromycin's effect on gingival overgrowth in rats: A morphometric study.

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Journal name: Journal of Indian Society of Periodontology
Original article title: Effect of azithromycin on gingival overgrowth induced by cyclosporine A + nifedipine combination therapy: A morphometric analysis in rats
The Journal of Indian Society of Periodontology (JISP) publishes original scientific articles on periodontology (the study of supporting structures of teeth) and oral implantology. It is a bimonthly open-access journal with special issues for specific occasions.
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Original source:

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Author:

Madhu Singh Ratre, Dhoom Singh Mehta


Journal of Indian Society of Periodontology:

(A bimonthly open-access journal)

Full text available for: Effect of azithromycin on gingival overgrowth induced by cyclosporine A + nifedipine combination therapy: A morphometric analysis in rats

Year: 2016 | Doi: 10.4103/0972-124X.194271

Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA


Summary of article contents:

Introduction

Drug-induced gingival overgrowth (DIGO) is a common adverse effect associated with therapies involving cyclosporine A (CsA) and nifedipine (Nf), commonly utilized in organ transplant patients. While previous research has documented the occurrence of gingival overgrowth when these two drugs are administered in combination, there has been limited exploration into the potential mitigating effects of azithromycin (Azi) on this condition. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of Azi on the gingival overgrowth induced by the CsA and Nf combination in a controlled experimental setting using male Sprague-Dawley rats.

Efficacy of Azithromycin in Reducing Drug-Induced Gingival Overgrowth

The study showcased significant findings regarding the effectiveness of Azi in reducing gingival overgrowth in rats subjected to a CsA and Nf combination therapy. Results indicated that while significant gingival overgrowth was observed in groups receiving both CsA and Nf, the addition of Azi reduced the degree of overgrowth notably after the fifth week of treatment. Specifically, although rats in the Azi group experienced growth up to the fourth week, a marked decrease in gingival size was observed during the sixth to eighth weeks post-Azi administration. This suggests that Azi not only addresses the immediate effects of these drugs on gingival tissues but also shows promising potential as a longer-term therapeutic option for managing DIGO in patients undergoing similar drug regimens.

Conclusion

The findings of this study substantiate the potential of azithromycin as an effective, safe, and cost-efficient strategy for managing DIGO in patients undergoing treatment with CsA and Nf. The ability of Azi to mitigate gingival overgrowth underscores its relevance as a therapeutic agent, particularly when employed alongside stringent oral hygiene practices and possibly in combination with other treatment modalities, such as surgical interventions for severe cases. Future investigations could further elucidate the optimal approaches for integrating Azi into treatment protocols while assessing its long-term effectiveness in diverse patient populations.

FAQ section (important questions/answers):

What is the purpose of this study on azithromycin?

The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of azithromycin in reducing drug-induced gingival overgrowth (DIGO) caused by the combination therapy of cyclosporine A and nifedipine in an animal model.

How was the experiment designed with the rats?

Thirty male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups. One group served as a control, another received cyclosporine A and nifedipine, and the third group also received azithromycin starting in the fifth week.

What were the key findings regarding azithromycin's effectiveness?

The results showed that azithromycin significantly reduced gingival overgrowth in rats by the 6th to 8th week compared to those receiving only cyclosporine A and nifedipine.

What methodology was used to measure gingival overgrowth?

Gingival measurements were taken at baseline and biweekly until eight weeks using impressions and dental stone models to evaluate dimensions related to gingival overgrowth.

What conclusion was drawn from the azithromycin study results?

Azithromycin proved to be effective, safe, and cost-effective for managing DIGO in patients using combined drug therapy with cyclosporine A and nifedipine, with potential as a first-choice treatment.

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Azithromycin's effect on gingival overgrowth in rats: A morphometric study.”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.

1) Table:
Table refers to the organized presentation of data within the document, particularly showcasing the results of measurements and observations related to gingival overgrowth in the study's various groups. It allows for quick comparisons and assessments of the impact different treatments have on the experimental animal subjects over the study period.

2) Relative:
Relative indicates the comparisons made between measurements or observations in different groups. In the context of this study, it is used to describe how the effects of various treatments on gingival overgrowth can be understood in relation to a control group, highlighting the significance of the treatment outcomes.

3) Drug:
Drug signifies the substances administered to rats during the experiment, specifically focusing on cyclosporine A and nifedipine, as well as azithromycin. This highlights the study's investigation into the effectiveness of these pharmaceutical agents in inducing or mitigating drug-induced gingival overgrowth in the animal model being tested.

4) Study (Studying):
Study encompasses the entire experimental framework set up to investigate the effects of specific drug therapies on gingival overgrowth in rats. It involves design, methodology, observation, and interpretation of results, serving as an essential basis for drawing conclusions about the pharmaceutical approaches to managing conditions associated with organ transplant medications.

5) Animal:
Animal refers to the Sprague-Dawley male rats utilized in the research as experimental subjects. This inclusion is vital for understanding the physiological responses to the administered drug therapies and obtaining insights into potential human applications, particularly in the context of drug-induced adverse effects observed in clinical settings.

6) Observation:
Observation highlights the systematic monitoring and data collection process throughout the experiment. Accurate observations during each phase are crucial for understanding how different treatment regimens influence the progression of gingival overgrowth in the studied subjects, ultimately leading to evidence-based conclusions and recommendations for clinical practice.

7) India:
India denotes the geographical context in which the study was conducted, specifically referencing the location of the animal care facilities and drug sources. This aspect underlines the importance of regional practices and pharmaceutical availability that can impact research findings and applications in the local healthcare landscape.

8) Antibiotic (Antibacterial):
Antibiotic relates to azithromycin, the drug investigated for its role in alleviating drug-induced gingival overgrowth. It emphasizes the potential therapeutic effects antibiotics can have beyond fighting infections, such as their impact on tissue responses and fibroblast activity, which are crucial in conditions resulting from prolonged drug therapies.

9) Hygiene (Hygienic):
Hygiene signifies the practices of cleanliness that are important in preventing infections and maintaining oral health, especially in patients undergoing treatments that may lead to gingival overgrowth. The study suggests that combined approaches, including good hygiene, could enhance the effectiveness of drug interventions in managing oral complications.

10) Post:
Post is indicative of the timeline following specific treatments or interventions in the study. Observations following drug administration are crucial to evaluate the effectiveness and any lingering effects of azithromycin in mitigating gingival overgrowth, creating a basis for understanding the implications over time for patient care.

11) Male:
Male describes the sex of the Sprague-Dawley rats used in the study, which is relevant for assessing how gender-specific biological factors may influence the outcomes related to drug-induced gingival overgrowth. This specificity may also affect the generalizability of findings in future studies involving different demographics.

12) New Delhi:
New Delhi denotes the capital city of India, potentially referencing affiliations or institutions involved in the study. This geographic marker may be relevant for understanding the broader institutional context or regulatory environment that governs animal research and pharmaceutical studies in this part of the world.

13) Transformation (Transform, Transforming):
Transforming relates to the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), a cytokine that plays a significant role in cellular functions, including fibroblast activity and collagen synthesis. Understanding its relevance in the context of gingival overgrowth is crucial for delineating the biological mechanisms affected by the studied drug therapies.

14) Measurement:
Measurement signifies the systematic quantification of gingival dimensions and other related parameters throughout the study. Precise measurement is essential for validating the effects of drug therapies on gingival overgrowth, serving as a foundational aspect of the study’s methodology and enabling rigorous statistical analysis of the results.

15) Discussion:
Discussion encompasses the interpretation and critical analysis of findings stemming from the study. It provides insights into the implications of the data for clinical practice, evaluates the potential mechanisms behind observed effects, and helps contextualize the results within the broader scope of existing research on the topic.

16) Karnataka:
Karnataka, the Indian state where the study was conducted, provides context for regional healthcare practices. Understanding geographical differences in pharmaceutical practices, animal research regulations, and health outcomes is crucial for interpreting results and applying findings to local or national health policies and practices.

17) Channel:
Channel refers to the calcium channels affected by nifedipine, a drug administered in the study. Understanding the pharmacological effects of calcium channel blockers on gingival overgrowth is vital for comprehending the biochemical pathways involved in drug-induced changes to oral tissues in the investigated rat models.

18) Disease:
Disease refers to conditions, such as nephrotoxicity and gingival overgrowth, that arise as adverse effects of drug therapy in transplant patients. Recognizing these associated diseases emphasizes the importance of investigating effective treatments like azithromycin and improving patient care strategies both in clinical practices and future research.

19) Reason:
Reason pertains to the justification behind using specific drugs and methodologies in the study. It serves to clarify the rationale for testing azithromycin in conjunction with cyclosporine A and nifedipine, highlighting the need for effective management of drug-induced gingival overgrowth in patients on long-term immunosuppression.

20) Delhi:
Delhi, as a reference point, may relate to the administrative and healthcare context regarding the study's implications. It may highlight the urban healthcare environment in which such research may be applicable, reflecting on broader health challenges faced in metropolitan areas with diverse patient populations.

21) Water:
Water signifies the importance of hydration for the health of experimental animals. Ensuring access to clean water during the study is fundamental for maintaining the wellbeing of the rats, affecting their overall health and responses to drug treatments, which is critical for valid experimental outcomes.

22) House:
House refers to the controlled environment where the animals were kept during the study. Proper housing conditions are imperative for ensuring the health and welfare of laboratory animals, impacting their physiological responses and behaviors, which may subsequently influence the study's results and findings.

23) Mast:
Mast denotes mast cells, which are integral in the inflammatory process and wound healing. Understanding their role within the context of gingival overgrowth further underscores the complex interaction of cellular components influenced by drug therapy in the study, suggesting potential mechanisms of drug action.

24) Cage:
Cage refers to the enclosures used for housing the rats during the experiment. The type and conditions of cages have significance in animal welfare and research methodology, impacting stress levels and behaviors of the subjects, which may consequently affect the study outcomes regarding drug-induced gingival overgrowth.

25) Hand:
Hand relates metaphorically to human intervention and oversight necessary for conducting the study, emphasizing the importance of trained personnel in managing animal welfare and ensuring adherence to experimental protocols. This highlights the human element crucial in the animal research process that informs ethical standards in research practices.

Other Science Concepts:

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Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Azithromycin's effect on gingival overgrowth in rats: A morphometric study.’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:

Oral hygiene, Surgical management, Statistical analysis, Combined therapy, Collagen synthesis, Therapeutic regimen, Administration of drug, Risk factor, Morphometric study, Gingival hyperplasia, Effective drug, Cyclosporine A, Macrolide antibiotic, Azithromycin effect, Sprague Dawley rat.

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