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.