Green tea prevents vascular disturbs and attenuates periodontal breakdown in long‐term hyperglycaemia in T1D rats

Abstract Aim The effects of green tea on the modulation of vascularization during the progression of spontaneous periodontitis in long‐term hyperglycaemia in streptozotocin‐induced type 1 diabetic (T1D) rats were evaluated. Materials and Methods Wistar rats normoglycaemic ( NG ) and T1D were divided into two control groups, which received water ( NG ‐W and T1D‐W) and two experimental groups that received green tea ( NG ‐ GT and T1D‐ GT ). Periodontal structures were evaluated by microtomographic and histological analyses. Number of immunostained cells for VEGF (Nc VEGF +/mm 2 ) and CD 31 (Nc CD 31+/mm 2 ), as well microvessel density ( MVD ) in the periodontal ligament ( PDL ) were evaluated. Results Long‐term hyperglycaemia in T1D‐W rats induced vascular alterations in PDL with a reduction of 36% in MVD , a decrease of 33% in Nc CD 31+/mm 2 and an increase of 53% in Nc VEGF +/mm 2 . Concomitantly, a severe degree of periodontitis with higher reduction in bone volume and periodontal bone level was observed. In T1D‐ GT , green tea maintained the MVD , Nc CD 31+/mm 2 and Nc VEGF +/mm 2 in the PDL similar to normoglycaemic groups. Clinically, in T1D‐ GT rats, green tea reduced dental plaque accumulation and the degree of periodontitis when compared to T1D‐W. Conclusion Daily green tea consumption has a therapeutic effect on the diabetic vascular disorder in PDL and the progression of periodontitis in long‐term hyperglycaemia in T1D rats.