Investigation of the Effect of Linoleic Acid on Vascularization in Experimentally Induce Zoledronic Acid-Related Osteonecrosis in Rats

Abstract

Bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw is an increasingly common pathological condition whose pathophysiology is not fully understood and can be difficult to manage. The unique biological effects of conjugated linoleic acid include angiogenic, anticarcinogenic, antiatherosclerotic, antioxidative, immunomodulatory, and antibacterial effects. The aim of this study is to compare the osteonecrosis areas created by tooth extraction with the control group using scanning electron microscopy after the administration of zoledronic acid, conjugated linoleic acid, and a combination of both in the rat jaw. A total of 50 Wistar Albino male rats weighing 400-450 grams were used. The groups were randomly divided into 5 groups: the control group, the sham group, the group that received zoledronic acid, the groups that received conjugated linoleic acid with zoledronic acid (100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg), and the study lasted a total of 10 weeks. Regardless of the use of zoledronic acid, it was observed by scanning electron microscopy that vascularization was impaired in all groups with tooth extraction. Neovascularization did not occur in the groups where conjugated linoleic acid was applied, regardless of the dose. It was concluded that scanning electron microscopy analysis and corrosion casts technique can be considered as an alternative method in such studies due to its accessibility and low cost in observing dental vascularization. However, no definite conclusion could be reached about the neovascularization efficiency of conjugated linoleic acid within the period evaluated after tooth extraction.