Effects of Ethanol on OPG Expression, Osteoclasts, and Osteoblasts During Orthodontic Tooth Movement in Wistar Rats: An Experimental Study

Abstract

Objective: This research sought to assess how ethanol influences the expression of osteoprotegerin (OPG) and the number of osteoclasts and osteoblasts during alveolar bone remodeling associated with orthodontic tooth movement. Materials and Methods: A laboratory-based experimental study was conducted using 30 male Wistar rats. Palatal movement of the maxillary incisors was induced using a nickel–titanium (NiTi) closed coil spring applied to the maxillary arch. Rats were randomly divided into two groups: a control group (CG) receiving orthodontic force only, and an experimental group (EG) receiving both orthodontic force and ethanol administration. Observations were conducted on days 0, 3, and 14. Histological preparations included immunohistochemistry (IHC) for OPG expression and Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) staining for osteoclast and osteoblast cell count and identification. Results: On day 3, the mean osteoclast count was significantly higher in the EG (10.00 ± 1.58) than in the CG (6.60 ± 0.54), with a p-value of 0.00. On day 14, the mean osteoblast count was significantly higher in the EG (12.40 ± 1.82) than in the CG (9.20 ± 1.48), p-value of 0.02. This finding was consistent with an increase in OPG expression in the EG (10.80 ± 1.10) compared to the CG (7.80 ± 1.30), p-value of 0.01 on day 14. Conclusion: Ethanol administration was associated with increased osteoclast counts on day 3 and increased osteoblast counts and OPG expression on day 14, indicating a phase-dependent association between ethanol exposure and alveolar bone remodelling during orthodontic tooth movement.

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