Powdered anchovy (Stolephorus sp) results in higher osteoblast counts in the tension area of orthodontic tooth movement in wistar rats

Introduction: The prevalence of relapse in orthodontic treatment is still quite high, reaching 50% after a two-year retention period. Another study even found a relapse rate of 61.5% in 500 patients. The etiology of relapse is multifactorial and includes immature and slightly mineralized bone tissue surrounding the tooth element that was moved. Therefore, a material is needed to improve apposition or bone formation process in the tension area. One alternative that could be expected to meet the needs of bone calcium is the consumption of anchovies (Stolephorus sp), since anchovies are a high source of calcium. Objective: To analyze the effect of powdered anchovies on increasing osteoblast count in the tension area of orthodontic tooth movement in Wistar rats. Materials and Methods: In this laboratory animal study, we randomly divided 30 rats into six groups of five rats each. Wistar rats in the control group (K) were given orthodontic mechanical stress, standard feed and observed for 7 days (K1), 14 days (K2), and 21 days (K3). Wistar rats in treatment group (P) were provided with orthodontic mechanical pressure and extra feed of powdered anchovy at a dose of 0.0168 g/day/g BW with gastric sounding, and observed for 7 days (P1), 14 days (P2), and 21 days (P3). The rats were sacrificed on day 8 for groups K1 and P1, day 15 for groups K2 and P2, and day 22 for groups K3 and P3, and maxillary bone was taken for observation. Osteoblast cells were counted using Hematoxylin eosin (HE) staining. ANOVA and Tukey's HSD tests were used for statistical analysis of the data. Results: There was a higher osteoblast count in the tension area of orthodontic tooth movement both in the control group and in the treatment group over time. There was also a significantly higher number of osteoblasts in the day 14 control group, and in the day 21 treatment group. Conclusion: Intake of anchovy as a feed supplement for Wistar rats may increase osteoblast count in the tension area of orthodontic tooth movement.