However, one possible explanation may rely on the fact that the Ovx/ad libitum rats consumed significantly more food than those with dietary control. There is evidence that exercise may be related to increased bone mineral density in postmenopausal women45 and likewise, with increased food intake, there was a higher incidence of bite forces on the alveolar bone, which

may have led to a change in bone mineral density locally, as suggested earlier.38 and 46 Patullo et al.,46 Dasatinib chemical structure suggested that the incidence of normal occlusal forces could promote protection against the development of osteopenia in the mandible. Additionally, the increased food intake by the Ovx/ad libitum group also resulted in a higher consumption of key nutrients to maintain bone quality, including Ca and P.47 This fact may also help to explain the high values in the Ca/P ratios found in this group. Another explanation may be the influence of weight gain on bone tissue. Some researchers suggest that, after menopause, heavier women conserve Smad inhibitor more bone mass when compared to women with lower body weights.48 and 49 Leptin, a cytokine secreted by fat cells, has been studied as a potential modulator of the protective effects of fat mass on bones.49 A possible influence of increased food intake,

higher incidence of bite forces and weight gain resulting in the highest values of Ca/P ratios in the group

Ovx/ad libitum can be considered a hypothesis as an explanation to the result which was not theoretically expected. However, without further analysis, an equally possible hypothesis is that in the absence of other factors, oestrogen deficiency actually correlates with increased alveolar bone mineralization. It is important to consider that other numerous factors could also influence the progression of periodontal disease and possibly Tangeritin the quality of alveolar bone and tooth retention. Some of these factors include bacterial biofilm, systemic diseases, genetic disorders, habits, age, gender, stress and nutritional problems.11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 and 18 It is also important to note that, despite the Ovx/ad libitum group showing the highest average in Ca/P ratios, which was statistically different from other ovariectomized groups (Ovx/alc and Ovx/iso), it was not different from Sham/ad libitum. Thus, from the results of this study, it was not possible to conclude that ovariectomy alone (without an associated dietary treatment) was able to significantly change the stoichiometry of hydroxyapatite on alveolar bone. Some authors suggest that dietary changes might interfere with the host’s response to periodontal disease progression.