Chicken Broth AAC1 as a Dietary Supplement Inhibits Pain Transmission and Decreases Serum C‐Reactive Protein Levels In a Model of TMJ Disorder

Abstract

ObjectiveThe goal of this study was to determine if the dietary inclusion of the commercially available chicken broth AAC1 could repress nocifensive behaviors and PKA expression associated with a clinically relevant model of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder caused by prolonged jaw opening.BackgroundRoutine dental visits for molar extractions or root canals, or to the orthodontist can result in an injury to the TMJ or muscles of mastication if the jaw is held open for long periods of time or is opened to near maximal even for a short period of time. However, the pathophysiological and cellular mediators that underlie the development of chronic orofacial pain associated with TMJ disorder are not well understood. Chicken broth has been often thought of as having beneficial immune effects and may represent an innovative and safe alternative treatment for chronic inflammatory diseases.MethodsMale Sprague‐Dawley rats were used to investigate the effects AAC1 on behavioral and cellular changes associated with prolonged jaw opening. A surgical retractor was placed around the bottom and top incisors and the jaw held at near maximal opening for 20 minutes. Withdrawal responses to mechanical stimuli were determined following jaw opening for up to 7 days by applying calibrated von Frey filaments to the cutaneous area over the masseter. Some animals received 0.5% solid (w/v) AAC1 dissolved in their drinking water for two weeks prior to jaw opening. After 7 days, animals were euthanized and the upper spinal cord and trigeminal ganglia were removed to study changes in the expression of PKA utilizing immunohistochemistry. Serum samples were collected to determine the levels of C‐reactive protein using an ELISA.ResultsNear maximal jaw opening was induced a sustained increase in the number of nocifensive responses to mechanical stimuli over the masseter area for 7 days. This increased sensitivity correlated with increased levels of PKA expression in both the upper spinal cord and the trigeminal ganglia, and elevated serum levels of C‐reactive protein. Dietary inclusion of AAC1 was able to suppress nocifensive behaviors, PKA expression, and decreased levels of C‐reactive protein associated with prolonged jaw opening.ConclusionOur findings provide evidence that dietary inclusion of chicken broth AAC1 inhibits transmission of pain signals and represses levels of inflammatory mediators in serum and nerve cells and thus, may by a useful nutraceutical supplement to help manage inflammatory pain associated with TMJ disorder.Support or Funding InformationSupport provided by International Dehydrated Foods