Effect of leukocyte-platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) on the rate of orthodontic tooth movement and expression of various biomarkers in gingival crevicular fluid

OBJECTIVES: To assess the outcome of leukocyte-platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) on the rate of maxillary canine retraction and its correlation with the levels of Receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL), osteoprotegerin (OPG), and RANKL:OPG in the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) during comprehensive orthodontic treatment. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Eighteen females who required all 1st premolars extraction for the correction of their class I bimaxillary protrusion malocclusions were included. The L-PRF plugs were placed in the experimental side 1st premolar extraction sockets. Canine retraction was performed by sliding mechanics. Canine retraction was assessed from the maxillary study models prepared just before the extraction (T(0)) and then at 1 week (T(1)), 2 weeks (T(2)), 4 weeks (T(3)), and 8 weeks (T(4)) after the 1st premolar extraction and placement of L-PRF plugs. The concentrations of RANKL and OPG in the GCF were evaluated at T(0), T(1), T(2), T(3), and T(4). RESULTS: In experimental sides, the amount of canine retraction was statistically more during the T(0)–T(1), T(1)–T(2), and T(2)–T(3) periods. The mean concentration of RANKL at T(1), T(2), and T(3) was significantly more in the experimental sides. The mean concentration of OPG was significantly less in the experimental sides at T(2), T(3), and T(4). The RANKL:OPG was significantly more in the experimental sides at T(1), T(2), T(3), and T(4). No significant correlation was found between amount of canine retraction and concentration of RANKL and OPG and RANKL to OPG ratio in GCF. CONCLUSIONS: The L-PRF accelerated the rate of maxillary canine retraction by 0.28 mm over an 8-week period. The L-PRF favored the local osteoclastogenesis by enhancing the RANKL and suppressing the OPG concentrations. There was no significant correlation between the rate of maxillary canine retraction and expression of RANKL, OPG, and RANKL:OPG in GCF. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The Clinical Trials Registry of India (Reg. No. CTRI/2020/10/028390, Date-13.10.2020).