Distance (double arrow) between the ABC (black dotted line) and CEJ (blue dotted line) of the first molar distal root (a) and photomicrographs of the interdental space between the 1^st and 2^nd maxillary molars in the control group (b-e) and diabetic group (f-i) at 90 days.

<p>In the control group, the mean ABC-CEJ distance was 271.6±25.7 μm, demonstrating that the integrity of the junctional epithelium (blue arrows) and the alveolar bone (AB) was maintained. In the Diab H2O subgroup, the ABC-CEJ distance was longer than that in the other groups due to junctional epithelium extension (black arrow) and extensive bone loss (double arrow), corresponding to severe inflammation and enhanced osteoclastic activity (red circle). In the Diab Green Tea subgroup, the increases in the ABC-CEJ distance (double arrow) and bone loss (AB) were smaller than those in the Diab H2O subgroup, demonstrating the alleviation of inflammation and osteoclastic activity (red arrow). In the graph: two-way AVONA followed by Tukey’s test (different letters = p<0.05), n = 5 animals/group. In the photomicrographs: PDL = periodontal ligament; c = cementum; HE; 10X and 40X objectives.