Assessing the Effect of Exogenous Melatonin on Orthodontic Tooth Movement

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Science
• Orthodontics
• Endocrinology

Background:

• Orthodontic tooth movement involves complex bone remodeling processes.
• Melatonin, a hormone, plays a role in bone metabolism.
• Understanding melatonin's effect on orthodontic tooth movement is crucial for clinical applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of exogenous melatonin on orthodontic tooth movement in Wistar rats.
• To analyze serological and histological markers of bone metabolism and inflammation.

Main Methods:

• Wistar rats were divided into control and experimental groups.
• Orthodontic force was applied, and the experimental group received daily melatonin injections.
• Serological analysis of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and melatonin, along with histological and immunohistochemical evaluations of ALP and interleukin-6 (IL-6), were performed.

Main Results:

• Melatonin administration led to increased ALP levels, indicating enhanced bone formation.
• Interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels decreased, suggesting reduced inflammation.
• Radiographic evaluation showed decelerated orthodontic tooth movement in the melatonin group.

Conclusions:

• Exogenous melatonin administration during orthodontic tooth movement in rats promotes bone formation and inhibits resorption.
• Melatonin's dual action decelerates orthodontic tooth movement, suggesting potential therapeutic benefits in clinical orthodontics.