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Leukotrienes in orthodontic tooth movement.
A H Mohammed1, D N Tatakis, R Dziak
1Ministry of Health, Abu-Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Summary
This study investigated the role of leukotrienes (LTs) in orthodontic tooth movement. Inhibiting leukotriene synthesis significantly reduced tooth movement, similar to prostaglandin inhibition.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Science
- Orthodontics
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Prostaglandins (PGs) are known to mediate orthodontic tooth movement.
- The role of leukotrienes (LTs) in this process remains less understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of leukotrienes (LTs) in modulating or mediating orthodontic tooth movement.
- To compare the effects of inhibiting prostaglandin and leukotriene synthesis on tooth movement.
Main Methods:
- 132 Sprague-Dawley rats were used, divided into groups receiving distilled water, gum arabic, indomethacin (PG inhibitor), AA861 (LT inhibitor), or a combination.
- Orthodontic appliances were placed and activated; tooth movement was measured over 14 days.
- Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and leukotriene B4 (LTB4) levels were measured using radioimmunoassay (RIA).
Main Results:
- Significant inhibition of orthodontic tooth movement was observed starting on day 7 in the indomethacin, AA861, and combination treatment groups.
- No significant difference in inhibition was found among these three treatment groups.
- PGE2 and LTB4 levels were measured to correlate with observed tooth movement.
Conclusions:
- Leukotrienes play a role in mediating orthodontic tooth movement.
- Inhibiting leukotriene synthesis can significantly reduce the rate of tooth movement.
- Both prostaglandin and leukotriene pathways are involved in orthodontic tooth movement.