Effect of resveratrol on periodontal disease in an aging adult population

Plain English summary of protocol

Background and study aims
Aging is associated with the development of various diseases, including periodontal disease (PD). The prevalence of PD increases in the fifth decade of life and increases with advancing age, occurring in more than 50% of cases in old age. PD is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the entire periodontium, which can irreversibly destroy the tissue surrounding the tooth and cause alveolar bone resorption. Therefore, if not diagnosed and treated promptly, tooth loss will occur. PD is also a significant risk factor for systemic diseases such as cardiac endocarditis and Alzheimer's disease, among others.
The pathophysiology of PD begins with the colonization of specific bacteria and an acute inflammatory process, coupled with an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS). When periodontal cells are exposed to prolonged exposure to high concentrations of ROS and the amount of antioxidants decreases, oxidative stress (OS) occurs, which causes damage to a wide variety of molecules, including lipids, proteins, enzymes, and DNA, resulting in tissue damage. Furthermore, when pathogenic bacteria in the gingival sulcus continue to spread and the acute immune response is insufficient, the inflammatory response becomes chronic and inefficient. This event triggers the production of inflammatory mediators that cause the destruction of alveolar bone and soft tissues.
In this context, in addition to prevention through good oral hygiene, dental checkups, and prophylaxis every 6 months, some alternatives have been proposed with nutraceutical supplements such as resveratrol, for preventive and therapeutic adjuvant purposes; however, studies are scarce and inconclusive, hence the importance of continuing this line of research.
In this sense, resveratrol, a polyphenol found in grapes and berries, has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, anticancer, and antidiabetic properties, in addition to being safe for human consumption.
Preclinical studies show promising results in the treatment of PD with resveratrol; however, as noted, clinical trials are still scarce and controversial. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to determine the effect of resveratrol consumption on the clinical course of PD in aging individuals.

Who can participate?
A triple-blind, randomized clinical trial will be conducted with a convenience sample of 60 people aged 45 to 59, residing in Mexico City, with a clinical diagnosis of PD, of either sex, and without smoking or alcoholism, or taking antioxidants or hormone replacement therapy, in the case of women.

What does the study involve?
The sample will be randomly divided into two groups: (i) experimental, which will receive two capsules containing 500 mg of resveratrol daily for 6 months, and (ii) placebo, which will receive a capsule identical in appearance to the other groups daily for 6 months.

What are the possible benefits and risks of participating?
Benefits
The tests performed and the resveratrol will be free of charge. The results of the oral examination, blood chemistry, lipid profile, kidney profile, complete blood count, and glycosylated hemoglobin will be given to participants for monitoring and evaluation of their health status. In addition, all participants will receive dental prophylaxis upon inclusion in the study.
Risks
Although resveratrol has been shown to be safe and approved for use in humans and poses no health risks, it may cause stomach upset in some sensitive individuals. If you are assigned to the placebo group, taking the placebo poses no risk. The oral examination and blood sample collection will be performed by experienced personnel using new, disposable equipment.

Where is the study run from?
Faculty of Higher Studies Zaragoza, National Autonomous University of Mexico

When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for?
Project planning began on July 15, 2021. Recruitment of the population began on October 24, 2022, and will end on November 28, 2025. After that, the final results are expected to be obtained no later than May 31, 2026. Therefore, the project is expected to last approximately three and a half years.

Who is funding the study?
Support will be provided by the General Directorate of Academic Personnel Affairs (DGAPA), Research and Technological Innovation Project Support Program (PAPIIT), with folio IA209723.

Who is the main contact?
PhD. Beatriz Hernández-Monjaraz
beatrizhmonjaraz@hotmail.com

Study website

Contact information

Dr Beatriz Hernández-Monjaraz
Public, Scientific, Principal Investigator

Camilo Ríos 29
Mexico City
09230
Mexico

ORCID ID	0000-0002-2336-4865
Phone	+52 5556230700 Ext. 39182
Email	beatrizhmonjaraz@comunidad.unam.mx

Study information

Eligibility

Locations

Countries of recruitment

• Mexico

Study participating centre

Sponsor information

Funders

Funder type

University/education

Results and Publications

Study outputs

Additional files

47006 Protocol.pdf

in Spanish

47006 PIS.pdf

in Spanish

Editorial Notes

17/04/2025: Trial's existence confirmed by Ethics Committee of the Faculty of Higher Studies Zaragoza, UNAM.