Effect of cocoa administration during orthodontic tooth movement on RUNX2, calcium levels, and osteoclast bone-resorbing activity in rats

Abstract

Context: Cocoa contains caffeine-rich methylxanthine, which promotes accelerated orthodontic tooth movement. Caffeine affects calcium ion equilibrium, causing low bone density and shortening orthodontic treatment. It is unclear how cocoa affects periodontal tissue reconstruction when orthodontic stress is applied. Aims: To evaluate the effect of cocoa administration during active orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) on RUNX2, calcium levels, and osteoclast bone-resorbing activity in rats. Methods: A total of 48 Sprague Dawley rats were used. It was divided into four subgroups depending on the observation day: 0, 1, 7, and 14 (n = 3) for each group of 12 animals: group A (positive control, 2.3 mg of caffeine), group B (cocoa dose 1.37 g), group C (cocoa dose 2.05 g), and group D (cocoa dose 2.74 g).). The upper incisors of both groups were banded with a 3-spin loop spring that exerted 35 g of orthodontic force under anesthesia. Cocoa was given orally to the treatment group once a day based on the dose utilized. RUNX2 levels during OTM were determined by ELISA. Furthermore, lacuna resorption measured osteoclast bone-resorbing activity and the atomic absorption spectrophotometer assessed calcium levels. Data gathered were analyzed using two-way ANOVA and post hoc LSD (p<0.05). Results: RUNX2 levels in the compression side were significantly different between the groups. Similarly, lacuna resorption depth was significantly different between the groups (p<0.05), but daily cocoa administration does not significantly downregulate calcium levels in rats during active OTM (p>0.05). Conclusions: Cocoa supplementation during active OTM increases the RUNX2 levels and osteoclast bone-resorbing activity in rats.