ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to analyze MMP-1 transcript levels in periodontal tissues of rats that underwent orthodontic treatment using potassium diclofenac and dexamethasone at different stages of tooth movement. SETTING AND SAMPLE POPULATION: The sample comprised of ninety male Wistar rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A closed nickel-titanium coil spring was used to apply a force of 50 cN to move the maxillary right first molars mesially. One group received daily doses of 0.9% saline solution, the second group received daily doses of 5 mg/kg potassium diclofenac, and the third group received daily doses of 0.5 mg/kg dexamethasone. Tooth movement was observed on days 0, 1, 3, 7, and 14. MMP-1 transcript levels were evaluated by real-time polymerase chain reaction and the results were compared between groups by three-way ANOVA, with a significance level of 0.05. RESULTS: Transcript levels increased in groups that received the coil spring treatment on all days of the experiment. MMP-1 expression was found to be decreased in groups treated with potassium diclofenac and dexamethasone compared to that in the control group, on days 1, 3, 5, and 7. CONCLUSIONS: The application of orthodontic forces significantly increased MMP-1 transcript levels. The use of anti-inflammatory drugs may have an inhibitory effect on MMP-1 expression.
