Figure 3

We evaluated IκB-α degradation and nuclear NF-κB p65 by Western Blot analysis. A basal level of IκB-α was detected in the gingivomucosal tissue sections taken from the contralateral side (a, a1). IκB-α levels were substantially reduced (a, a1.) in the gingivomucosal tissues from ligature operated rats. Hypericum treatment prevented IκB-α degradation, (3a, a1). Periodontitis caused a significant increase in the NF-kB p65 levels in the gingivomucosal tissues from operated rats (b, b1). Hypericum treatment significantly prevented the periodontitis-mediated NF-kB p65 expression (b, b1).