ASSESSMENT OF LEPTIN CONCENTRATION IN GINGIVAL CREVICULAR FLUID (GCF) DURING ORTHODONTIC TOOTH MOVEMENT

Abstract

The numbers of patients undergoing orthodontic treatment have increased spectacularly from past several decades. During orthodontic tooth movement the early response of periodontal tissues to mechanical stress is an acute inflammatory reaction. Mechanical stress from orthodontic appliances is believed to induce cells in the periodontal ligament (PDL) to form biologically active substances, such as enzymes and cytokines, responsible for connective tissue remodeling. Biochemical analysis of the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) has provided a non-invasive model for investigating the cellular response of the underlying PDL during orthodontic tooth movement in vivo. In GCF, several substances such as interleukin, tumor necrosis factor, leptin, osteoprotegerin and alkaline phosphatase have been found to be significantly elevated in teeth under orthodontic forces compared with untreated control teeth. [14] Hence due to the above relevance the present study was planned for Assessment of Leptin Concentration in Gingival Crevicular Fluid (GCF) during Orthodontic Tooth Movement.
 The present study was planned in Department of Private Practioner, Swastik Dental Clinic and Orthodontic Centre Gaya. Total 10 cases of orthodontic of age 13 – 15 years were evaluated in the present study. For each subject, a maxillary cuspid undergoing distal orthodontic tooth movement was used as an experimental tooth, and the contralateral cuspids served as control tooth. Orthodontic brackets were placed on the canines. Experimental canines were moved in the distal direction through an archwire by use of an elastic chain exerting an initial force of 250 g. The amount of tooth movement for each tooth was measured with digimaticcalipers. At the distal aspect of experimental and control teeth, GCF was collected for subsequent analysis and the following examinations of the periodontium were conducted: Probing depth, presence or absence of plaque, and bleeding on probing. The collection and examinations were conducted immediately before activation and at 1 hr, 1 day, and 7days after the initiation of tooth movement.
 The data generated from the present study concludes that concentration of leptin in the GCF is decreased by orthodontic tooth movement. Leptin may be one of the mediators associated with orthodontic tooth movement. Orthodontic tooth movement can be carried out without any significant destructive changes in investing tissues of the teeth provided oral hygiene is properly maintained.
 Keywords: Leptin Gingival crevicular fluid, GCF, orthodontic, etc.