Abstract:

Objective To determine the effects of berberine hydrochloride on the expressions of interleukin- 1β （IL- 1β） and tumor necrosis factor- α（TNF- α） in periodontal tissues in rat periodontitis model. Methods Based on the successful rat periodontitis model, the experimental rats were randomized into different groups followed by oral treatment with berberine hydrochloride for 1, 2, 3, 4 weeks and then the rats were sacrificed and analyzed. Pathological assay and HE staining were used to detect the general conditions and pathological changes of rat periodontal tissues. And immunohistochemical staining was conducted to determine the expressions of IL- 1β and TNF- α in rats periodontitis model periodontal tissues. Results The levels of IL- 1β and TNF- α in the periodontitis tissues were significantly higher than that in the control group. Treatment with berberine hydrochloride decreased the levels of IL- 1βand TNF- αin periodontitis tissues（P<0.05）. Moreover, the general conditions and pathological changes in the control group and groups treated with berberine hydrochloride were much better than that in periodontitis groups. Conclusion Berberine hydrochloride inhibited the expression of IL- 1β and TNF- α in periodontal tissues in rats periodontitis model and promoted the regeneration of the periodontal tissues. This study suggested that berberine hydrochloride may have potential clinical application.

Key words: berberinehydrochloride;berberine hydrochloride, periodontitis model, interleukin- 1β, tumor necrosis factor- α