Effect of changes in testosterone levels on the mandibular condyle: an in vivo study

Abstract

Testosterone plays an important role in maintaining bone hemostasis. The level of thathormone in the body is increased during puberty, thus having a greater physiological effect during this period. Testosterone deficiency can be triggered by several factors and can be treated with the use of androgenic steroids. However, the indiscriminate use of androgenic steroids results in supraphysiological testosterone doses. Thus, this study aims to evaluate the volume and quality of the mandibular condyle of rats during the pubertal period with suppression and supraphysiological doses of testosterone. For this, 64 male Wistar rats will be used, with 21 days of life, divided into 4 experimental groups. Each group will be divided into 2 timesexperimental. The installation of the apparatus for the evaluation of movement during the pubertal peak period will occur at 50 days of life of the animals. The appliance will be placed unilaterally in the maxilla, with the implantation side chosen at random. The animals will be sacrificed when puberty reaches its peak and ends, respectively on days 55 and 60 of life. Afterwards, the volume and quality evaluation will be carried out (Mineral Bone Density, Bone Trabeculate Separation, Bone Trabeculate Thickness, and Number of Trabeculae)of the condyle by means of microtomography (micro-CT). Outcome variables will be statistically compared between groups with 95% significance. It is hoped that this study, through the results, can elucidate whether related changes in testosterone levels can affect the mandibular condyle, and whether orthodontic tooth movement (MDO) can also synergistically impact the condyle, thus providing valuable guidance. to orthodontists and influencing possible future research.