Correlation Between Malondialdehyde and Neutrophil/Macrophage Status After Tooth Extraction in Diabetic Rats

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by persistent hyperglycemia, which increases reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, leading to lipid peroxidation, inflammatory imbalance, and delayed wound healing. Malondialdehyde (MDA) is a biomarker of oxidative stress, while neutrophils and macrophages play essential roles in the inflammatory and resolution phases of socket healing. This study aimed to analyze oxidative stress and inflammatory cell responses following tooth extraction in diabetic rats. A posttest-only control group experimental design was conducted using 20 male Rattus norvegicus (200–250 g). Diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (50 mg/kg body weight). On the
third day after lower incisor extraction, blood samples were collected to measure MDA levels using the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) method, and mandibular tissues were stained with hematoxylin–eosin for microscopic evaluation of neutrophil and macrophage counts. Data were analyzed using the independent samples t-test, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant. The results showed that diabetic rats had significantly higher glucose and MDA levels
compared to controls (p < 0.05). Neutrophil counts were significantly increased, whereas macrophage counts were significantly decreased following tooth extraction (p < 0.05). These findings indicate that hyperglycemia enhances oxidative stress and disrupts the balance of inflammatory cells, thereby contributing to impaired post-extraction wound healing under diabetic conditions.