An experimental investigation of effects of omega-3 fatty acids on orthodontic tooth movement

Aim:The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of systemic administrations of omega-3 fatty acids on orthodontic tooth movement using genetic, biochemical, histological, and immunohistochemical methods. Material and Methods: 3 months old, 56 male Wistar Albino rats were randomly divided into the 3 groups: control animals without appliance (n=8), tooth movement group (n=24) and omega group (n=24). Tooth movement was performed on the upper first molars using closed coil spring activated across central incisors to the first molar on one side.Omega-3 fatty acids were given to the rats systemically during the tooth movement period in omega group. Tooth movement and omega groups were divided into 3 subgroups and sacrificed;3 days after orthodontic force application (subgroup 1), 7 days after (subgroup 2), 14 days after (subgroup 3) and genetic, biochemical, histological, and immunohistochemical examinations were performed. Tooth movements were measured by digital calippers. Results:On the 14th experimental day, the amountof tooth movement in the omega group was statistically significantly lower than the tooth movement group (p = 0.012).Biochemical examinations showed that the omega group had statistically significantly lower total oxidant status and higher total antioxidant status levels than the tooth movement group on the 14th experimental day (p=0,001). The levels of RANKL, IL-6 and IL-1β in the omega group were statistically significantly lower than the tooth movement group on all experimental days (p<0,05). The levels of VEGF and BMP-2 in the omega group werestatistically significantly higher on the 3rd experimental day and lower on the 7th experimental day than the tooth movement group (p<0,05). On the 14th experimental day, number of osteoclasts in the omega group wasstatistically significantly lower than the tooth movement group (p = 0.042). Conclusion: Systemic administrations of omega-3 fatty acids showed antioxidant and antiinflammatory effects and decelerate the orthodontic tooth movement.