Osteopenic effects of high-fat diet-induced obesity on mechanically induced alveolar bone remodeling

Objectives The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of obesity on the tissue and molecular reactions of alveolar bone in response to orthodontic force and its underlying mechanisms. Methods Sixty-four rats were randomly divided into normal diet (ND) and high-fat diet (HFD) groups for eight weeks of dietary treatment. OTM was induced using nickel-titanium springs between the upper left first molar and incisor. After 1, 3, 7, and 14 days of OTM, the maxillary alveolar bone and gingival tissues were harvested and analyzed. Results Compared with the ND rats, the HFD rats had greater OTM distance, serum levels of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), as well as significant alveolar bone loss and bone architecture deterioration on both the compression and tension sides (p < .05 for all). This response was linked to the increased osteoclast numbers and functional activity and decreased osteoblast activity in the periodontal ligament, gingival tissue, and alveolar bone. Conclusions HFD-induced obesity promoted mechanically induced alveolar bone remodeling and detrimental changes in alveolar bone microstructure by increasing osteoclastogenesis and regulating inflammatory cytokine expression. The increased alveolar bone remodeling in the obese rats lead to an accelerated OTM.