Abstract
BackgroundThe exact pathogenesis of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) is still unknown. The aim of this paper was to investigate the effects of zoledronic acid and dexamethasone on the early phases of socket healing in rats subjected to tooth extractions.Material and MethodsThirty male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 2 groups: pharmacologically treated group (T, n=20) and non-pharmacologically treated group (C, n=10). T group rats received 0.1 mg/Kg of zoledronic acid (ZOL) and 1 mg/Kg of dexamethasone (DEX) three times a week for 10 consecutive weeks. C group rats were infused with vehicle. After 9 weeks from the first infusion, first maxillary molars were extracted in each of the rats. Quantitative macroscopic and microscopic analysis was performed to evaluate socket healing 8 days after extraction.ResultsPharmacologically treated rats showed significant inhibition of bone remodeling. Connective tissue/alveolar bone ratio, osteoclast number and woven bone deposition were significantly reduced in group T compared to group C. Conversely, the proportion of necrotic bone was higher in group T compared to group C (0.8% and 0.3%, respectively. P=0.031). ZOL plus DEX do not cause gross effects on socket healing at a macroscopic level.ConclusionsOur findings confirmed that exposure to ZOL plus DEX impairs alveolar wound repair. Inhibition of osteoclastic resorption of socket walls after tooth extraction and the inability to dispose of the necrotic bone may be considered the initial steps of MRONJ onset. Key words:Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw, zoledronic acid, dexamethasone, tooth extraction, rat.
Highlights
Osteonecrosis of the jaw has an incidence in the general population of less than 0.001% [1]
In rats exposed to zoledronic acid the osteoclast count was significantly lower compared to non-exposed rats causing a reduction in alveolar bone resorption
The alveolar bone/connective tissue ratio was reversed when comparing pharmacologically and non-pharmacologically treated rats, with the latter showing a higher proportion of connective tissue over bone
Summary
Journal section: Oral Medicine and Pathology Publication Types: Research doi:10.4317/medoral.22883 http://dx.doi.org/doi:10.4317/medoral.22883. Med Oral Patol Oral Cir Bucal. 2019 May 1;24 [3]:e339-45
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