HS in periodontal immuneinflammatory response and bone loss: a study in rats.

Halitosis is highly prevalent in periodontitis and attributed mainly to the presence of volatile sulfur compounds (VSC), where hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is the chief culprit in the characteristic malodor of periodontitis and thus may play an active role in its pathogenesis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of H2S in the acute, intermediate and chronic immuneinflammatory host response and alveolar bone loss in vivo by using an animal model of induced periodontal disease. Thirtysix rats were divided into 2 groups: test group (n = 18), rats exposed to H2S (NaHS H2S donor molecule) and control group (n = 18), rats treated with saline only (Ctrl).