Significance of medication discontinuation on bisphosphonate-related jaw osteonecrosis in a rat model

Bisphosphonate (BP) discontinuation has been advised as a measure to prevent the incidence of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ), however, its efficacy remains controversial. This study aimed to analyze the efficacy of BP discontinuation in reducing BRONJ severity following tooth extraction in a rat model. Thirty-four male Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into two BRONJ model categories: oral administration (PO) of alendronate (1 mg/kg) for 3 and 8 weeks and intraperitoneal (IP) injection of pamidronate (3 mg/kg) and dexamethasone (1 mg/kg) for 20 days. The PO model was divided into five groups (a control group without BPs and four experimental groups with 1-week discontinuation). The IP model was divided into two groups consisting of group I (without discontinuation) and group II (1-week discontinuation). One molar from both sides of the mandible was extracted. After extraction, the PO models were sacrificed at 3 and 5 weeks, and the IP models were sacrificed either immediately or at 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks. Micro-CT showed non-significant differences among PO groups but significant differences were observed between IP groups. Most bone remodeling parameters within group I of the IP model differed significantly (p-value < 0.05). Histologically, group I showed a significantly higher percentage of necrotic bone than group II (51.93 ± 12.75%, p < 0.05) and a higher number of detached osteoclasts in TRAP staining. With discontinuation of medication for at least 1 week in rats, the effects of BPs on alveolar bone are suppressed and bone turnover and osteoclast functions are restored.