ARS | Publication request: A histomorphometric study of alveolar bone modeling and remodeling in mice fed a boron-deficient diet

Submitted to: Archives of Oral Biology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: January 23, 2008
Publication Date: July 1, 2008
Repository URL: http://www.elsevier.com
Citation: Gorustovich, A.A., Steimetz, T., Nielsen, F.H., Guglielmotti, M.B. 2008. A histomorphometric study of alveolar bone modeling and remodeling in mice fed a boron-deficient diet. Archives of Oral Biology. 53(7)677:682.

Interpretive Summary: Alveolar bone is found in a specialized part of the jaw that forms the support structure for teeth. Emerging evidence indicates that the mineral element boron plays a role in bone formation and maintenance. Thus, an experiment was performed with mice to determine whether boron deprivation alters the activity and presence of bone forming cells (osteoblasts)in the alveolus and thereby impairs alveolar bone formation. Mice fed a boron-deficient diet for 9 weeks, when compared to mice fed a diet supplemented with boron, exhibited a reduced number of surfaces with osteoblasts and higher amount of quiescent bone forming surfaces in the alveolus. The findings indicate that boron deprivation inhibits alveolar bone formation. Boron apparently is beneficial for periodontal health.

Technical Abstract: Background and Objective: Emerging evidence indicates that boron (B) plays a role in bone formation and maintenance. Thus, a study was performed to determine whether dietary B-deficiency affects periodontal alveolar bone modeling and remodeling. Material and Methods: Weanling Swiss mice (n=30) were divided into 3 groups: control diet (GI, 3 mg B/kg); B-deficient diet (GII, 0.07 mg B/kg); and pair-fed with GII (GIII). The animals were maintained on their respective diets for 9 wk and then sacrificed. The guidelines of the NIH for the care and use of laboratory animals were observed. The mandibles were resected, fixed, decalcified in 10% EDTA and embedded in paraffin. Buccolingually oriented sections were obtained at the level of the mesial root of the first lower molar and stained with H-E. Histomorphometric studies were performed separately on the buccal and lingual sides of the periodontal alveolar bone. Percentages of osteoblast surfaces (ObS), eroded surfaces (ES), and quiescent surfaces (QS) were determined. Results: No statistical differences in food intake and body weight were observed between the groups. When compared to GI and GIII mice, GII mice (B-deficient) had 63% and 48% reductions in ObS and 58% and 73% increases in QS in buccal and lingual plates, respectively. Conclusion: The results are evidence that dietary boron deprivation in mice alters periodontal alveolar bone modeling and remodeling by inhibiting bone formation.