Genetic expression of vascular endothelial growth factor, decorin, and matrix gla protein as function of anterior mandibular repositioning appliance with and without administration of insulin-like growth factor-1 and transforming growth factor-β on t

Objectives New Zealand (NZ) young rabbits with the administration of insulin-like growth factor-1 and transforming growth factor-β with and without mandibular anterior repositioning appliances are explored for the growth of the mandibular condylar cartilage (MCC). Genetic expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), decorin (DCN), and matrix gla protein (MGP) in MCC has been studied which is confirmed by histomorphometry. Material and Methods Twenty-four growing NZ rabbits were divided into three groups; a group with saline injection in temporomandibular joints, a group that received anterior positioning appliance, and a group that received growth factors injection as well as mandibular repositioning appliance. Results Administration of growth factors along with mandibular repositioning appliances has induced (i) 4.59-fold expression of DCN ( P < 0.0005), (ii) 3.22-fold expression of MGP ( P < 0.0005), and (iii) 2.80-fold expression of VEGF gene ( P < 0.0005). In contrast, the administration only of mandibular repositioning appliances has induced (i) 2.78-fold expression of DCN ( P < 0.0005), (ii) 2.58-fold expression of MGP ( P < 0.0005), and (iii) 1.23-fold expression of VEGF gene ( P < 0.0005). Histomorphometry confirmed an increase in the length of the condylar cartilage. Conclusion Administration of growth factors along with mandibular advancement appliance has increased genetic expression of markers of condylar growth. Thus, the injection of growth factors along with functional appliances could be an excellent treatment modality for the treatment of mandibular retrognathism.