Selective COX-2 Inhibitor (Meloxicam) and Tooth-Supporting Bone Quality. A Histomorphometric Study in Rats

Abstract The effects of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) on bone quantity and quality were investigated for years. However, there is lack of information on the impact of NSAIDs on the quality of tooth-supporting alveolar bone in absence of periodontal inflammation. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate histometrically the influence of a selective COX-2 NSAID (Meloxicam) on the inter-radicular bone mineral density in rats. Forty-nine adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four experimental groups: Subcutaneous injection of 0.9% sterile saline for 15 days (G1; n=12) and 45 days (G2; n=11); and subcutaneous injection of Meloxicam for 15 days (G3; n=13) and 45 days (G4; n=13). Mineral density was histometrically determined in the inter-radicular area of the 1st mandibular molars and data analysis performed by two-way ANOVA (a=5%). Results showed no interaction between time and treatment (p>0.05) and that meloxicam did not affect the alveolar bone density. In contrast, it was found that inter-radicular alveolar bone density increased with time (91.88±3.08% and 92.86±2.38% for groups 15 and 45 days, respectively) (p<0.05). Within the limits of this study, daily administration of a selective COX-2 inhibitor (Meloxicam) did not affect the quality of the inter-radicular alveolar bone in absence of periodontal infection.

Resumo Os efeitos dos fármacos anti-inflamatórios não esteroidais (AINEs) sobre a quantidade e qualidade óssea tem sido investigados ao longo dos anos.Entretanto, há falta de informação sobre o impacto dos AINEs na qualidade do osso alveolar de suporte na ausência de inflamação periodontal. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar, histometricamente, a influência de um AINE seletivo para COX-2 (Meloxicam) na densidade mineral óssea inter-radicular em ratos. Quarenta e nove ratos Wistar, machos e adultos foram divididos aleatoriamente em quatro grupos experimentais: injeções subcutâneas de 0,9% de solução salina estéril por 15 dias (G1, n=12) e 45 dias (G2, n=11); e injeções subcutâneas de Meloxicam por 15 (G3, n=13) e 45 dias (G4, n=13). A densidade mineral foi determinada histometricamente na área inter-radicular dos primeiros molares mandibulares e a análise dos dados realizada por meio de ANOVA (a=5%). Os resultados mostraram nenhuma interação entre tempo e tratamento (p>0,05) e que o meloxicam não afetou a densidade óssea alveolar. Em contraste, foi encontrado que a densidade óssea alveolar inter-radicular aumentou ao longo do tempo (91,88±3,08% e 92,86±2,38% para os grupos 15 e 45 dias, respectivamente) (p<0,05). Dentro dos limites deste estudo, a administração diária de um inibidor seletivo para COX-2 (Meloxicam) não afetou a qualidade do osso alveolar inter-radicular na ausência de infecção periodontal.

Meloxicam as a Radiation-Protective Agent on Mandibles of Irradiated Rats

Abstract This study evaluated the action of ionizing radiation and the possible radioprotective effect of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug meloxicam on the bone physiology of rat mandibles by assessing the alveolar socket healing and bone strength. Forty male Wistar rats were divided in 4 groups (n=10): control (CG), irradiated (IG), meloxicam (MG), meloxicam irradiated (MIG). A dose of 0.2 mg/kg meloxicam was administered to MG and MIG. After this, IG and MIG were irradiated with 15 Gy radiation dose in the mandible. Forty days after the above procedures, the mandibular first molars were extracted and the animals were killed after 15 or 30 days (n=5). Micro-computed tomography and bending test were used to evaluate alveolar socket healing and bone strength, respectively. At 15 days, bone volume, bone volume fraction and trabecular thickness were higher in the CG and MG than in the IG and MIG; and trabecular separation was higher in the IG compared with the others. At 30 days, there was a difference only in trabecular separation, which was higher in IG than in CG and MG, and MIG did not differ from the others. Bone strength was lower in IG compared with CG and MG, and MIG did not differ from the others. In conclusion, the ionizing radiation affected the bone physiology of rat mandibles, delaying the alveolar socket healing and reducing the bone strength. Moreover, the meloxicam had a positive effect on the trabecular separation in alveolar socket healing and on the bone strength.

Resumo Este estudo avaliou a ação da radiação ionizante e o possível efeito radioprotetor do anti-inflamatório não esteroide meloxicam na fisiologia óssea de mandíbulas de rato por meio da análise da reparação alveolar e da resistência óssea. Quarenta ratos Wistar machos foram divididos em 4 grupos (n=10): controle (GC), irradiado (GI), meloxicam (GM), meloxicam irradiado (GMI). Administrou-se uma dose única de 0,2 mg/kg de meloxicam no GM e GMI. Posteriormente, o GI e GMI foram irradiados com dose de 15 Gy na região de mandíbula. Decorridos 40 dias dos procedimentos acima, extraiu-se os primeiros molares inferiores dos animais, que foram mortos após 15 e 30 dias (n=5). Utilizou-se a microtomografia computadorizada e o teste de flexão para avaliação da reparação alveolar e da resistência óssea, respectivamente. Aos 15 dias, o volume ósseo, a fração de volume ósseo e a espessura trabecular foram maiores no GC e GM comparados ao GI e GMI; já a separação trabecular foi maior no GI em relação aos demais. Aos 30 dias, houve diferença apenas na separação trabecular, que foi maior no GI em comparação ao GC e GM, não tendo o GMI diferido dos demais. A resistência óssea no GI foi menor em relação ao GC e GM, não tendo o GMI diferido dos demais. Concluiu-se que a radiação ionizante afetou a fisiologia óssea das mandíbulas de rato, promovendo atraso na reparação alveolar e redução da resistência óssea; além disso, o meloxicam, apresentou efeito positivo na separação trabecular da reparação alveolar e na resistência óssea.

Immediate postoperative evaluation of enteric anastomosis after the use of meloxicam in rats

ABSTRACT PURPOSE : To compare ileal anastomoses in the immediate postoperative healing period after meloxicam use. METHODS: Forty two male Wistar rats were randomly divided into two groups of 21, COX and control group. To COX meloxicam in combination with morphine was given in 3 days period. Control group received only morphine during the same period. Each group was divided into three sub-groups of 7, which were euthanized at 5, 10, and 21 days postoperatively. Comparison was based in histological evaluation of collagen type I and III using sirius red, immunohistochemical through vascular endothelial growth factor and matrix metalloproteinase-9. RESULTS: Healing process in scheduled periods did not show significant differences (p>0.05) between the COX and control groups during any of the periods. CONCLUSION: The use of meloxicam in the postoperative period following ileal anastomosis did not affect healing.

Copaiba oil effect on experimental jaw defect in Wistar rats

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of copaiba oil on jaw defects repair in Wistar rats treated with bioglass or adipose tissue. METHODS: A jaw defect was randomly created in forty-two rats and filled with bioglass or adipose tissue. The two groups (Gbio and Gcell) were subdivided in three subgroups with seven animals each according to gavage administration: control (distillated water), oil (copaiba oil) and melox (meloxicam). Euthanasia was performed after forty post-operative days. The bone formation was analyzed regarding the histological aspects. RESULTS: The osteoclasts activity was observed only in four subgroups (p=0.78). Regarding the osteoblasts presence, it was very similar between the subgroups, the difference was due to Gcell-melox (p=0.009) that presented less osteoblastic activity. The inflammatory cells were more evident in Gcell-melox subgroup, however, there was no difference in comparison with the other subgroups (p=0.52). Bone formation was observed in all subgroups, just two animals showed no bone formation even after 40 days. More than 50% of bone matrix mineralization was observed in 56% (23 animals) of the analyzed areas. The bone matrix mineralization was not different between subgroups (p=0.60). CONCLUSIONS: The subgroups that received copaiba oil showed bone repair, although not statistically significant in comparison to subgroups treated whit meloxicam or controls. Copaiba oil administered by gavage had no effect on bone repair in this experimental model. .

Eficácia da combinação fixa de timolol 0, 5% e brinzolamida 1% no tratamento do glaucoma primário de ângulo aberto e na hipertensão ocular / Efficacy of fixed combination of timolol 10% and Brinzolamide 1% for primary open angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a eficácia e conforto dos pacientes portadores de glaucoma primário de ângulo aberto (GPAA) ou hipertensão ocular (HO) em uso da combinação fixa de timolol 0,5% e brinzolamida 1%. MÉTODOS: Foram acompanhados prospectivamente 26 pacientes portadores de GPAA ou HO, num total de 50 olhos que foram instituídos a utilizarem a combinação fixa de timolol 0,5% e brinzolamida 1%. As avaliações foram feitas por um único examinador por tonometria de aplanação (Goldman) em 7 e 30 dias. Os possíveis efeitos colaterais e intolerância foram descritos pelos próprios pacientes através da pergunta: "Você sentiu alguma alteração ao pingar a medicação prescrita?" Os dados foram coletados e analisados estatisticamente. RESULTADOS: Os valores de pressão intraocular (PIO) foram significativamente menores nas avaliações de 7 e 30 dias (p<0,001). A média da redução da PIO foi de 38%, variando de uma média inicial de 23,8 mmHg para 14,6 e 14,4 mmHg nos dias 7 e 30, respectivamente. Dos 26 pacientes incluídos apenas 4 relataram alguma queixa ao pingar o colírio, sendo que as queixas variaram de ardência, leve queimação e embaçamento. CONCLUSÃO: A combinação fixa de timolol 0,5% e brinzolamida 1% mostrou-se eficaz no tratamento de pacientes com GPAA e HO com eficácia semelhante a da literatura e apresentou um baixo índice de efeitos desconfortáveis relatados pelos usuários da medicação.

OBJETICVE: To evaluate the efficacy and side effects of timolol 0,5% and brinzolamide 1% fixed combination in patients with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) and ocular hypertension (OH). METHODS: 50 eyes of 26 patients with POAG or OH were evaluated with topical therapy with fixed combination of timolol 0.5% and brinzolamide 1%.The measurements with Goldmann tonometry were applied by only one ophthalmologist after 7 and 30 days on medication. The side effects were described by the patient based on the following question: "Did you feel any alteration with the prescribed drops?" The data were collected and analized statistically. RESULTS: The intraocular pressure (IOP) was lower in 7 and 30 days (p<0.001).The mean reduction in IOP was 38% with a variation from 23,8 mmhg to 14.6 and 14.4 mmhg in 7 and 30 days. Four patients had side effects: burning and blurring vision were related. CONCLUSION: the fixed combination of timolol 0.5% and brinzolamide 1% had good results with lower IOP in the treatment of patients with POAG and OH just like in the literature and had few side effects.

Effect of anti-inflammatory agents on the integration of autogenous bone graft and bovine bone devitalized matrix in rats

PURPOSE: To study the repair of bone defect filled with autograft or bovine bone devitalized matrix in rats under anti-inflammatory action. METHODS: Two hundred and forty Wistar rats were distributed to two groups of 120 animals each. A 2mm-diameter defect was created in the femoral diaphysis. Animals of Group I had the bone defect filled with autograft and those of Group II, with bovine bone devitalized matrix. Animals of each group were redistributed to four subgroups according to the intramuscular administration of anti-inflammatory drug or saline solution: A - diclofenac sodium; B - dexamethasone; C - meloxicam; D - saline solution. Evaluation periods were 7, 14 and 30 days. Histological evaluation consisted of quantifying the inflammatory process, the bone neoformation, the collagen formation and the presence of macrophages. RESULTS: Animals of Group I did not show significant difference considering inflammatory reaction. Significant and progressive increase of bone neoformation was observed in both groups. The animals that received meloxicam and autograft showed less collagen formation at 14 and 30 days. The number of macrophages was higher in Group II than in Group I. The animals treated with dexamethasone and saline solution did not show statistically significant difference. CONCLUSIONS: Diclofenac sodium and meloxicam delayed bone graft repair and dexamethasone did not interfere in it.

OBJETIVO: Estudar o reparo do defeito ósseo preenchido com enxerto ósseo autógeno ou matriz óssea bovina desvitalizada sob ação de antiinflamatórios em ratos. MÉTODOS: 240 ratos Wistar, distribuídos em dois grupos de 120 animais. Confeccionou-se defeito de 2 mm de diâmetro na diáfise femoral. Os animais do Grupo I tiveram o defeito ósseo preenchido com enxerto ósseo autógeno e os do Grupo II com matriz óssea bovina desvitalizada. Cada grupo foi redistribuído em quatro subgrupos segundo a administração intramuscular de antiinflamatório ou solução salina: A - diclofenaco de sódio; B - dexametasona; C - meloxicam; D - solução salina. Os períodos de avaliação foram de 7, 14 e 30 dias. A avaliação histológica constou da quantificação do processo inflamatório, osso neoformado, formação de colágeno e macrófagos. RESULTADOS: Os animais do Grupo I não mostraram diferença significante em relação à reação inflamatória. Observou-se aumento significante e progressivo da neoformação óssea nos Grupos I e II. Os animais que receberam meloxicam e enxerto autógeno mostraram menor aporte de colágeno aos 14 e 30 dias de observação. Os macrófagos apresentaram-se em maior quantidade no Grupo II que no Grupo I. Os animais tratados com dexametasona e solução salina não demonstraram diferença estatisticamente significante entre os Grupos I e II. CONCLUSÕES: O diclofenaco de sódio e o meloxicam retardam a reparação do enxerto ósseo. A dexametasona não interfere na reparação do enxerto ósseo.

Selective COX-2 inhibitor reduces bone healing in bone defects

Agentes antiinflamatórios têm sido descritos como reguladores do reparo ósseo. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar o efeito de um inibidor seletivo da cicloxigenase-2 (meloxicam) no reparo ósseo em defeitos de calvárias de ratos. Trinta e seis ratos machos Wistar foram incluídos no estudo. Após anestesia, incisão linear e rebatimento de retalho de espessura total, um defeito de 4 mm de diâmetro foi criado na calvária dos animais com broca trefina. Os mesmos foram aleatoriamente distribuídos em um dos 4 grupos de tratamento (9 animais por grupo), recebendo injeções subcutâneas diárias de: A: soro fisiológico por 15 dias; B: soro fisiológico por 45 dias; C: 3 mg/kg de meloxicam por 15 dias; D: 3 mg/kg de meloxicam por 45 dias. Os animais foram sacrificados e os espécimes rotineiramente processados. Medidas do preenchimento ósseo foram histometricamente realizadas e analisadas estatisticamente. Comparações intergrupos demonstraram que os grupos com meloxicam apresentaram uma redução significativa no reparo ósseo quando comparados com os respectivos grupos-controle (grupo A, 44,5 ± 5,75%, contra grupo C, 57,5 ± 7,25%, p < 0,05; grupo B, 40,25 ± 13,75%, contra grupo D, 52,25 ± 17,25%). Dentro dos limites do presente estudo, pode ser concluído que os inibidores seletivos da cicloxigenase-2 podem reduzir o reparo ósseo em defeitos em calvárias de ratos após sua administração contínua.

Factors affecting the diffusion of meloxicam from different bases

The value of meloxicam as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug is well established. This study was carried out to formulate a stable and effective meloxicam topical preparation. The in vitro release of meloxicam from different semisolid bases, which are: o/w, w/o emulsions, sodium carboxy methylcellulose gel and carbomer gel base was established. The study also involved the diffusion of meloxicam through excised mouse skin with different concentrations using carbomer gel in addition to the effect of different enhancing agents such as PG [Propylene Glycol], methyl salicylate, urea, oleic acid, DMSO [Dimethyl Sulfoxide], xanthan gum and PEG 1000 [Poly Ethylene Glycol] and the last one gave the highest diffusion. The results showed that the selected formula of meloxicam was not irritant and this result was supported by histological examination. In addition, the results showed that the use of disodium EDTA [stabilizer] gave more stable formula where the expiration date was 2 years compared to 0.8 year when using both dl- alpha tocopherol and blank formula. The results showed that the temperature and the storage period led to decrease both the diffusion rate and viscosity of meloxicam 1% gel but with little change in pH. On the other hand preliminary clinical study was carried out for 26 patients and the results indicated that 84.6% of patients got positive responses

Involvement of receptors in IDPH-791 induced prolongation of pentobarbitone hypnosis.

IDPH-791, when injected (ip) to mice potentiated the pentobarbitone sleeping time in a dose dependent manner. Involvement of neurotransmitters and receptors in this effect was studied using various receptor blockers, enzyme inhibitors, agonist and an amine depletor. Pretreatment with high dose of yohimbine (0.5 mg/kg), haloperidol, cyproheptadine, atropine and a combination of atropine and yohimbine significantly reversed the activity. Physostigmine, diethyldithiocarbamate and high dose of apomorphine (2.5 mg/kg) potentiated the subminimal effect of IDPH-791, whereas low dose of apomorphine (0.1 mg/kg) failed to potentiate. However, reserpine significantly reversed this response. Prazosin, phenoxybenzamine, low dose of yohimbine (0.25 mg/kg), propranolol, methysergide, mepyramine and cimetidine did not produce any change, thus ruling out the involvement of adrenergic, serotonergic and histaminergic systems. There seems to be simultaneous involvement of muscarinic receptors and postsynaptic dopamine (D2) receptors in IDPH-791 induced potentiation of pentobarbitone hypnosis.