Figure 2. Local and systemic effects induced by periodontitis. Bone loss of the maxilla and mandible was measured on day 0, 14 days, or 21 days after the ligature procedure (A). Bone loss was quantified as the distance between the cement enamel junction and the alveolar crest (in mm). Myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity was also measured in the gingival tissue around the ligated molars (B). Blood was collected and assayed for C-reactive protein (CRP) (C). Statistical analysis was performed using one-way analysis of variance followed by Bonferroni post hoc test. *p<0.05, **p<0.01, and ***p<0.001.