Thymoquinone accelerates new bone formation in the rapid maxillary expansion procedure

Area of Science:

• Orthodontics
• Pharmacology
• Histomorphometry

Background:

• Rapid maxillary expansion (RME) is an orthodontic procedure to widen the palate.
• Ensuring adequate bone regeneration and stability post-RME is crucial.
• Thymoquinone (TQ) is a natural compound with potential anti-inflammatory and bone-healing properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the efficacy of systemic thymoquinone (TQ) in enhancing bone formation during rapid maxillary expansion (RME) in a rat model.
• To assess the impact of TQ on histomorphometric parameters of bone healing in the maxillary suture.

Main Methods:

• Thirty-two Wistar albino rats were allocated into four groups: control, expansion-only, expansion with TQ during expansion and retention (TQ1), and expansion with TQ during retention only (TQ2).
• Expansion appliances were applied for 5 days, followed by a 12-day retention period.
• Histomorphometric analysis evaluated osteoblast and osteoclast numbers, capillary density, inflammatory cell intensity, and new bone formation.

Main Results:

• Thymoquinone administration significantly increased new bone formation, capillary density, and inflammatory cell intensity in the maxillary sutures compared to controls.
• The TQ1 group exhibited the highest numbers of osteoblasts and osteoclasts, indicating enhanced bone remodeling.
• Overall, TQ groups showed superior bone healing and regenerative responses.

Conclusions:

• Systemic thymoquinone shows promise in accelerating bone regeneration following rapid maxillary expansion.
• TQ may be a beneficial adjunct therapy to improve outcomes and potentially prevent relapse in RME procedures.
• Further research is warranted to explore TQ's clinical applications in orthodontics.