Introduction: Exogenous Nel-like molecule type 1 (NELL1) represents a potentially attractive clinical treatment option in the orthodontic and other settings because of its osteoinductive and vasculogenic properties.
Aims: To explore effects of NELL1on corticotomy-assisted tooth movement and osteogenesis in a rat model.
Methods: Thirty Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 6 groups: Control, Sham, Tooth movement only, Vehicle, NELL1-LD (low-dose NELL), NELL1-HD (high-dose NELL). Human recombinant NELL1 protein was applied locally (Groups NELL1-LD and NELL1-HD) into buccal mucosa region of left first upper molar. Then the distance and velocity of tooth movement was measured, animals at 6 weeks after surgery were sacrificed, and was followed by computed tomography and histochemical staining.
Results: Both NELL1 groups had higher bone mineral density, greater tooth movement distance and velocity in comparison to the Vehicle group. Proximally and distally, periodontal ligament width was significantly increased in the NELL1-LD and NELL1-HD groups. Decortication enhances remodeling, however, rapid bone formation by high-dose NELL1 may affect bone absorption.
Conclusion: Appropriate dose of NELL1 can be administrated to reduce the total time for tooth movement, and may shorten the treatment time in select populations.
Keywords: Nel-like molecule type 1; corticotomy; orthodontics; osteogenesis; rat; tooth movement.