In Vivo Assessment of Zinc Deficiency on Craniofacial Growth in a Rat Model

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of low levels of zinc intake on the rat mandible and maxilla during growth and to compare these results with those of zinc-containing rats. METHODS: The study was carried out on 14 Sprague-Dawley rats. The rats were randomly divided into two groups. Group I rats were fed with a Zn-deficient diet, and Group II rats with a Zn-containing diet. At the end of the fourth week on the experimental diet, all the rats were killed and blood samples were taken. Serum Zn levels were measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Then, the skulls and mandibles were freed from soft tissues and measurements were made on the dry skulls, the mandibles, and teeth in both of the two groups. RESULTS: The zinc-deficient group showed a significantly lower value in dry skull, mandible, and teeth measurements when compared with those of the Group II. CONCLUSIONS: Changes in zinc intake might exert an effect on the growth of craniofacial structures. A low-zinc diet during adolescence might slow bone and teeth growth and enhance the risk of oral, periodontal, and orthodontic problems in later years.