Evaluation of Copper Nanoparticle Nanosolution as an Adjunctive Treatmentfor Chronic Gingivitis in Cats: A Clinicaland Histological Study
Main Article Content
Abstract
Introduction: Chronic gingivitis is a prevalent periodontal inflammatory disorder that can progress to a destructive
disease and shows limited responsiveness to conventional treatment. Copper nanoparticles exhibit antimicrobial
activity and may modulate inflammation and support tissue repair; however, their therapeutic value needs to be
validated. This study evaluated the clinical and morphofunctional effectiveness of local 0.1% copper nanosolution
therapy for chronic gingivitis in 40 mixed-breed cats aged 3–5 years. Methods: Following ethical approval (Protocol
No. 231, dated July 17, 2019), all animals underwent standardized oral examination, photographic documentation,
and ultrasonic scaling. Each animal then received 2 mL of 0.1% copper nanosolution injected submucosally into
the upper and lower jaws, with repeated administrations over a 21-day observation period. Clinical outcomes were
assessed on days 1, 7, 14, and 21, and gingival biopsies were collected on days 1 and 21 for hematoxylin and eosin
histology. Results: By day 21 (after three administrations), most cats showed marked clinical improvement: gingival
bleeding ceased in 35/40 (87.5%), swelling decreased in 33/40 (82.5%), halitosis resolved in 31/40 (77.5%) and
improved in the remainder, and normal feeding behavior returned in 36/40 (90.0%); no complications or deaths
were observed. The periodontal pocket depth decreased from 3.75 ± 0.28 mm to 1.35 ± 0.15 mm (64.0% reduction),
and the histopathological inflammation scores declined from 3.6 ± 0.5 to 1.0 ± 0.3 (72.2% reduction). Histological
analysis corroborated reduced inflammatory infiltration (by 40–50%) and enhanced reparative remodeling with
fibroblast proliferation, collagen deposition, angiogenesis, and improved epithelial integrity. Conclusion: These
findings support copper nanosolution injections as a promising adjunctive anti-inflammatory and regenerative
approach for feline chronic gingivitis, while underscoring the need for larger randomized controlled trials with
controls, longer follow-up, and molecular/microbiological endpoints to confirm their efficacy, durability, and safety.
Article Details
Section
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Attribution-Noncommercial 4.0 International License [CC BY-NC 4.0], which requires that reusers give credit to the creator. It allows reusers to distribute, remix, adapt, and build upon the material in any medium or format, for noncommercial purposes only.