Comparative analysis of changes in fibroblast numbers in the periodontal ligament after the administration of arabica coffee during orthodontic force application

Background and objectives. Fibroblasts mainly contribute to transmit mechanical impulses within the periodontal ligament, consequently activating cells nearby in the periosteum during orthodontic tooth movement. This activation initiates remodeling in response to orthodontic forces throughout the process of orthodontic tooth movement. The active ingredients of arabica coffee have been reported to function as an immunomodulator, stimulate the synthesis of gamma interferon, and increase fibroblast activity to produce cytokines and growth factors. Materials and methods. A total of twenty Wistar rats (n = 20) were divided into four groups: (F1) given orthodontic force only for 3 days, (F2) for 14 days, force and Arabica coffee (C1) for 3 days, and (C2) for 14 days. A closed-coil spring was employed to apply a mesial tipping force of 50 gf, extending from the mesial side of the maxillary incisor to the maxillary first molar on the right side. Arabica coffee was administered twice daily to groups F2 and C2. On day 3, groups F1 and C1 were sacrificed, and groups F2 and C2 were sacrificed on day 14. Maxillary tissues were collected, and histopathological evaluations were conducted using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining to analyze fibroblast levels in the periodontal ligament. Statistical analyses were analyzed using an independent t-test with a value of significance p < 0.05. Results. A significant difference was found among the groups F1 and C1 (p < 0,050). A significant difference was identified between groups C1 and C2 (p < 0,050), as well as between groups F1 and F2 (p < 0,050). The study indicates that the maximum value among all groups was obtained on day 14 in group C2. Conclusions. Following orthodontic force application, the administration of Arabica coffee significantly improved the number of fibroblasts in the periodontal ligament. These results indicated that Arabica coffee could potentially accelerate orthodontic tooth movement through increasing the biological remodeling process.