Influence of isotretinoin on orthodontic tooth movement in rats: microtomographic and histomorphometric analysis

Abstract

Objective Isotretinoin, also known as 13-cis-retinoic acid, is an isomer of tretinoin, the oxidized form of Vitamin A. Orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) is the result of a cascade of inflammatory responses stimulated by a physical element that is the force generated by orthodontic appliances. Isotretinoin is mainly used among adolescents and young adults, and coincidentally it is this age group that also undergoes orthodontic treatment. Materials and Methods Thirty-five animals were used, and they were randomly divided into 7 groups, containing 5 animals in each group. Group 1: Control; Group 2: OTM for 7 days; Group 3: OTM for 14 days; Group 4: Treated with isotretinoin for 14 days; Group 5: Treated with isotretinoin for 21 days; Group 6: Treated with isotretinoin for 14 days and undergoing OTM for 7 days; Group 7: Treated with isotretinoin for 21 days and undergoing OTM for 14 days. In Groups 6 and 7, the animals were treated with isotretinoin at a dosage of 1.0mg/kg/day for 7 days before OTM and maintained during the movement period in the respective groups. Results There was no significant difference on microtomographic parameters [Trabecular Volume (BV/TV), Trabecular Thickness (Tb.Th), Number of Trabeculae (Tb.N) and Trabecular Separation (Tb.Sp)] and tooth displacement between groups. Conclusion Isotretinoin did not cause a reduction in tooth displacement during OTM when administered at a dose of 1.0mg/kg/day and isotretinoin did not change the microtomographic parameters of animals treated with isotretinoin + OTM.