%0 Journal Article
%T Salivary levels of Osteoprotegerin and receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa ligand during orthodontic tooth movement-A prospective pilot study.
%A Naoumova J
%A Olofsson R
%A Almståhl A
%A Cevik-Aras H
%J Orthod Craniofac Res
%V 27
%N 1
%D 2024 Feb 29
%M 37381979
%F 2.563
%R 10.1111/ocr.12687
%X OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to monitor changes in Osteoprotegerin (OPG) and receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa ligand (RANKL) levels in the saliva during orthodontic tooth movement (OTM).
METHODS: Nine healthy females (15-20 y of age) with four pre-molar extractions and fixed appliance were included. In total, 134 stimulated and 134 unstimulated saliva samples were collected: at baseline and then every 6-8 weeks at follow-up appointments during the whole orthodontic treatment. Twelve age-matched females with no active orthodontic treatment served as a control group. Saliva samples were analysed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (Elisa). The mean levels of OPG and RANKL were calculated according to the different orthodontic treatment stages: alignment, space closure and finishing. A mixed model analysis was used to compare the means of treatment stages. Baseline OPG levels were compared with the control group using an independent t-test. OPG levels were measured in stimulated saliva due to low levels in unstimulated saliva.
RESULTS: No significant difference was observed between baseline OPG values and the control group. OPG increased significantly at all treatment stages: alignment, space closure and finishing compared with baseline (P = 0.002, P = 0.039, P ≤ 0.001, respectively). The salivary levels of OPG increased gradually, except during space closure, reaching peak levels at finishing. RANKL was undetectable in stimulated and unstimulated saliva by sandwich Elisa during OTM.
CONCLUSIONS: This novel approach shows the changes in the levels of OPG in OTM and indicates how and when to sample saliva during orthodontic treatment to analyse bone remodelling.