Abstract Periodontal research involves the use of animal models to better understand the biological processes of periodontal diseases and the potential of new or existing therapies. Currently, ligature-induced periodontitis in rats is the main model used in periodontal research, in this model, alveolar bone loss (ABL) is the main parameter evaluated by radiographic, morphometric, and histological techniques. Interestingly, although these methodologies are widely used, it is not totally clarified neither the kinetics of ABL over the induction time nor the agreement degree (repeatability and reproducibility) of these techniques. Objective: To characterize ABL kinetics at 0, 3, 7, 15, 30, and 60 days after ABL induction by ligature and to evaluate the intra- (repeatability) and inter-examiner (reproducibility) agreement and the correlation among the radiographic, morphometric, and histological methodologies. Material and Methods: 60 male Wistar rats with induced ABL were randomly divided into 6 experimental groups (n = 10 animals/group). After 0, 3, 7, 15, 30, and 60 days, the animals were euthanized and their hemimandibles were removed for ABL determination using radiographic, morphometric and histological techniques. Results: Radiographic and morphometric/linear techniques allowed the detection of statistically significant ABL on the third day, while histological and morphometric/area techniques could only detect ABL after the seventh day (ANOVA/Tukey, p<0.05). After the fifteenth day, except for histological analysis, the ABL was stabilized. Concerning the agreement of the methodologies, Bland Altman's test (intra and inter-examiner evaluations) showed no difference among the measurements (p>0.05). In addition, high correlations (Pearson's test, r2>0.9, p<0.05) were observed. Conclusion: The results indicated that the minimum time for ABL induction could vary from 3 to 7 days, according to the chosen analysis methodology. Agreement and correlation data support the comparison of results between studies with same induction time.

A obesidade afeta uma parcela crescente da população mundial, acompanhada de distúrbios como a hipertensão e o diabetes tipo 2. Diversos modelos experimentais de obesidade foram criados para melhor entendê-la. Adicionalmente, o efeito do exercício físico na atenuação da obesidade vem sendo estudado. O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar o efeito de um programa de exercício físico moderado sobre a obesidade em três modelos experimentais: ninhada reduzida (NR), L-glutamato monosódico (MSG) e dieta hiperlipídica (DHL). Os ratos programados para a obesidade apresentaram diferenças significativas no peso corporal, no índice de Lee, no consumo de ração, na gordura corporal e na tolerância à glicose, se comparados ao grupo dos magros. O exercício físico foi capaz de impedir a instalação da obesidade e a deterioração do controle glicêmico. Os resultados sugerem que o treinamento físico moderado iniciado precocemente pode ser usado como prevenção ao desenvolvimento da obesidade e da síndrome metabólica.

Obesity has affected a growing part of world wild's population, accompanied by disorders such as hypertension and type 2 diabetes. Several experimental models of obesity have been created to better understand it. In addition, the effects of exercise training on animal obesity onset have been highlighted. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of an exercise program of moderate intensity on obesity onset from three models: small litters (SL), monosodium L-glutamate (MSG) and high-fat diet (HFD). The sedentary obese rats showed significant differences in body weight, Lee's index, food intake, body fat and glucose tolerance compared with control group. However, exercise was able to inhibit obesity onset and to preserve glycemic homeostasis. We conclude that moderate physical exercise can be a tool to be used to prevent and control obesity and metabolic syndrome.