Development of animal model for Bisphosphonates-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ)

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to develop a rat model of bisphosphonates-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ) that would be verified with clinical, radiological and histological examination, and to confirm the influence of concurrent bisphosphonates and steroids use upon the occurrence and aggravation of BRONJ. METHODS: Twenty seven rats were divided into 3 groups; Saline group (I), Zoledronate group (II), Zoledronate and Dexamethasone group (III). Rats got weekly intraperitoneal injection for 4 times and extraction of left maxillary and mandibular 1st, 2nd molars were followed. Consecutive injections were performed, and blood sampling for measurements of C-terminal crosslinked telopeptide of type I collagen and tartrate-resistant acid phosphate 5b rats were performed at the time of 2, 4 and 8 weeks. And then, rats were sacrificed and evaluated clinically, radiologically and histologically. RESULTS: 12/18 (66.6 %) of experimental group were diagnosed as BRONJ. There was no significant difference in incidence between zoledronate alone group (ll) and concurrent use of zoledronate and dexamethasone group (lll). CONCLUSIONS: Concurrent use of bisphosphonates and steroids increase incidence of BRONJ compared to saline group (l). Zoledronate alone group (ll) and concurrent use of zoledronate and dexamethasone group (lll) shows same incidence of BRONJ. Based on this study, the rat treated with bisphosphonates and steroids can be considered a novel, reliable and reproducible model to understand pathology of BRONJ.