The effect of methotrexate on the bone healing of mandibular condylar process fracture: An experimental study in rats

Author(s)

Cavalcanti, Samantha Cristine Santos X. B. ^[1] ; Correa, Luciana ^[2] ; Verissimo Mello, Suzana Beatriz ^[3] ; Luz, Joao Gualberto C. ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Dept Oral & Maxillofacial Surg, Sch Dent, BR-05508900 Sao Paulo - Brazil

^[2] Univ Sao Paulo, Dept Gen Pathol, Sch Dent, BR-05508900 Sao Paulo - Brazil

^[3] Univ Sao Paulo, Dept Internal Med, Sch Dent, Div Rheumatol, BR-05508900 Sao Paulo - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: JOURNAL OF CRANIO-MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY; v. 42, n. 7, p. 1133-1139, OCT 2014.
• Web of Science Citations: 5

Abstract

Background: Methotrexate (MTX) is an anti-metabolite used in rheumatology and oncology. High doses are indicated for oncological treatment, whereas low doses are indicated for chronic inflammatory diseases. This study evaluated the effect of two MTX treatment schedules on the bone healing of the temporomandibular joint fracture in rats. Methods: Seventy-five adult male Wistar rats were used to generate an experimental unilateral medially rotated condylar fracture model that allows an evaluation of bone healing and the articular structures. The animals were subdivided into three groups that each received one of the following treatments intraperitoneally: saline (1 mL/week), low-dose MTX (3 mg/kg/week) and high-dose MTX (30 mg/kg). The histological study comprised fracture site and temporomandibular joint evaluations and bone neoformation was evaluated by histomorphometric analysis. A biochemical parameter of bone formation was also assessed. Results: When compared with saline, high-dose MTX delayed bone fracture repairs. In this latter group, after 90 days, the histological analysis revealed atrophy of the fibrocartilage and the presence of fibrous tissue in the joint space. The histomorphometric analysis revealed diminished bone neoformation. The alkaline phosphatase levels also decreased after MIX treatment. Conclusion: It was concluded that high-dose MTX impaired mandibular condyle repair and induced degenerative articular changes. (C) 2014 European Association for Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 09/03376-6 - EVALUTION OF THE EFFECT OF METHOTREXATE ON BONE REPAIR AFTER EXPERIMENTAL CONDYLAR PROCESS FRACTURE IN RATS.
• Grantee: Samantha Cristine Santos Xisto Braga Cavalcanti
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master