OBJECTIVETo establish a model of chronic periodontitis (CP) accompanied with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in SD rats and investigate the relationship between chronic periodontitis and COPD.

METHODSEqual gender SD rats were randomly divided into 4 groups, A: control group, B: CP group, C: COPD group, D: COPD with CP group (n = 10, respectively). Each group was subjected to its predesigned intervention to establish a specific disease model. After 10 weeks, animals were sacrificed. The level of alveolar bone loss, lung function measurement, and the histopathological changes of periodontal and lung tissues were examined. The serum tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α level was detected by enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay kits.

RESULTSBleeding index (BI) levels of group A and C were (0.25 ± 0.04) and (1.30 ± 0.25), respectively. Attachment loss was (0.43 ± 0.02) and (0.51 ± 0.02) mm. BI levels in group B and D were significantly higher than those in group A and C. Forced expiratory volume in 0.2 second to forced vital capital ratio (FEV(0.2)/FVC) values in group B, C and D were significantly lower than that in group A. Pulmonary function were worse in group D than that in group C (P < 0.05). The levels of serum TNF-α, a sensitive indicator of both diseases, were increased in all test groups compared with the control, and increased most in group D.

CONCLUSIONSThe chronic periodontitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease model was established in SD rat. The chronic periodontitis may be a risk factor for promoting and inducing COPD.