Aged rats under zoledronic acid therapy and oral surgery
Mariza Akemi Matsumoto1, Elisa Mara de Abreu Furquim1, Alaíde Gonçalves1
1São Paulo State University (Unesp) (Head: Prof. W. R. Poi), School of Dentistry, Araçatuba, Rua José Bonifácio 1193, Araçatuba, SP, Brazil.
Summary
Zoledronic acid (ZL) therapy in aged rats impaired dental socket healing by disrupting bone formation and causing inflammation. This bisphosphonate treatment delayed healing but did not lead to osteonecrosis in this study.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Bone Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Aging negatively impacts bone healing and tissue regeneration.
- Elderly individuals face compromised healing processes, particularly in bone tissue.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of zoledronic acid (ZL) therapy on dental socket healing in aged male rats.
- To assess the impact of intravenous bisphosphonate administration on bone repair in an aging model.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-four aged Wistar male rats (20 months old) underwent incisor extraction.
- Animals received intravenous zoledronic acid (ZL) or saline control every 15 days.
- Healing was evaluated 14 and 28 days post-extraction after the fifth dose.
Main Results:
- Zoledronic acid (ZL) disrupted the OPG-RANKL system, leading to impaired bone formation and remodeling.
- Osteoclast morphology was altered, and persistent inflammation was observed during the healing period.
- Intravenous ZL administration delayed extracted dental socket healing.
Conclusions:
- Intravenous zoledronic acid (ZL) administration delays dental socket healing in aged rats.
- The observed delay in healing did not progress to osteonecrosis.
- Findings suggest age may influence the response to intravenous bisphosphonate therapy.
