Effect of olive oil administration on the level of transforming growth factor β1 during orthodontic tooth movement in old and young guinea pigs

Background: Orthodontic tooth movement occurs due to continuous pressure on the teeth, causing the remodeling of the alveolar bone. The tissue will respond to bone growth factors, such as transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1), fibroblasts, and bone morphogenetic proteins, for new bone formation. The remodeling process is balanced in young adults, but there is an imbalance in older individuals due to decreased differentiation, activity, and life span of osteoblasts, and increased osteoclasts. Olive oil contains lots of antioxidants and can slow down the aging process. This study aims to study the differences in TGF-β1 levels between old and young guinea pigs, and the difference between olive oil administration on TGF-β1 levels in old and young guinea pigs with orthodontic tooth movement. Methods: 12 guinea pigs divided into 4 groups: young guinea pigs (4-5 months) not given olive oil; young guinea pigs given olive oil; old guinea pigs (30-31 months) given olive oil; old guinea pigs given olive oil. The teeth were moved using an open coil spring mounted on the brackets on both lower incisors. Gingival sulcus fluid samples were taken on days 0, 7 and 14 of the movement of the teeth. TGF-β1 levels were analyzed using ELISA. Results: Three-way ANOVA and post hoc statistical tests showed that TGF-β1 levels in young guinea pigs were significantly higher than old guinea pigs on days 0, 7 and 14 (p<0.05). TGF-β1 levels in both young and old guinea pigs who were given olive oil was significantly higher than those not given olive oil on days 0, 7 and 14 (p<0.05). Conclusions: TGF-β1 levels in the younger age guinea pigs were higher than the older age, and olive oil could increase TGF-β1 levels in the older age guinea pigs.