Radiographic and Histopathologic Evaluation of L-Carnitine and vitamin E Efficacy on Irradiated Jaw Bones

Abstract

The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of L-Carnitine and vitamin E alone or in combination on irradiated jaw bones in rats through radiographic assessment of the bone density and histopathologic examination of bone morphology. Forty male albino rats were divided randomly into 4 groups each of 10 rats. Group R represented the rats that received fractionated radiation dose (2 Gray per fraction) for one week. Groups LR, ER and LER represented the rats that received L-Carnitine 300mg/kg via intra peritoneal injection, vitamin E 40mg/kg via intramuscular injection or both daily for five days and then exposed to fractionated radiation 2 Gray day after day for one week after the last treatment, respectively. Data revealed a significant improvement of mandibular bone density in the groups received L-Carnitine, vitamin E alone or in combination as compared to the gamma-irradiated group. Moreover, the treated groups showed almost normal morphology of both mandibular bone and periodontal ligament in contrast to the gamma irradiated group where bone resorption and periodontal ligament degeneration and vacuolization were detected. In conclusion, gamma radiation had a deleterious effect on mandibular bone and periodontal ligament as indicated by decreased bone density and altered morphology. In addition, L-Carnitine and vitamin E treatment alone or in combination could, to a large extent, maintain the normal bone density and preserve the morphological architecture of mandibular bone and periodontal ligament.