Evaluating the Effect of Resveratrol on the Healing of Extraction Sockets in Cyclosporine A-Treated Rats.

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of resveratrol on alveolar socket healing after tooth extraction in normal and cyclosporin A (CsA)-treated rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-two female Sprague-Dawley rats were separated into 4 groups of 18. Group 1 was injected with a placebo solution intraperitoneally. Group 2 was injected with resveratrol (10 μmol/kg) intraperitoneally. Groups 3 and 4 were injected with CsA (10 mg/kg) subcutaneously for 8 days once daily before tooth extraction. Next, the teeth were extracted and CsA injection continued until the animals were sacrificed. Eight days after commencing the CsA injections, group 4 was injected with resveratrol while continuing with CsA injections. Nine rats from each group were sacrificed on days 14 and 28, and sections were examined to assess the degree of inflammation, formation of connective tissue, and new bone formation. Immunohistochemical analysis was used to evaluate the alveolar socket healing process using osteocalcin and osteopontin markers. A P value less than .05 was considered significant.

RESULTS: There was more new bone formation in group 2 than in the other 3 groups on day 14 after tooth extraction (P < .05), and there was more new bone formation in group 2 than in groups 3 and 4 on day 28 after extraction (P < .05). Based on the immunohistochemical assessment, the amount of osteocalcin and osteopontin labeling was greater in group 2 compared with the other 3 groups on day 14 (P < .05); however, on day 28 after extraction, it was greater in group 4 compared with group 3 (P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS: Resveratrol improves alveolar socket healing in normal and CsA-treated rats. Resveratrol also increases levels of osteocalcin and osteopontin in normal and CsA-treated rats. These results suggest that this natural compound is useful for alveolar socket healing after tooth extraction.