Effects of infliximab local injection on orthodontic tooth movement in diabetic rabbits: A histological study

Abstract

Background and objective: Orthodontic tooth movement is mediated by tumor necrosis factor –α through activation of osteoclasts. Type 1 diabetes mellitus is characterized by a change in the bone remodeling and affects orthodontic treatment. This study aimed to investigate the effects of infliximab local injection on orthodontic movement in the diabetic rabbit. Methods: Sixty six rabbits were divided equally into three groups; two groups were rendered diabetic using alloxan injection, while the third group was regarded as a normoglycemic group. Only one of the diabetic groups received insulin treatment. All rabbits were subjected to orthodontic tooth movement of upper central incisor for 18 days, half of each group received infliximab subperiosteal injection, while the remaining number received saline injection. After sacrifice, tissue samples were subjected to histological preparation and histomorphometric analysis. Results: Insulin treated group revealed less prominent destruction of the periodontium when compared with the untreated group. The histological pictures of infliximab injected groups demonstrated less bone resorption in pressure side and more bone formation in tension side. There was a significantly smaller number of osteoclast with less compression in the width of the periodontal ligament in the tension side with infliximab injection. Conclusion: Infliximab local injection hindered bone resorption in the diabetic state during orthodontic tooth movement.