Effect of Nicotine on Gene Expression of Angiogenic and Osteogenic Factors in a Rabbit Model of Bone Regeneration

Abstract

Purpose: This study aims to evaluate the influence of nicotine on the gene expression of osteogenic and angiogenic factors in bone regeneration by use of a nicotine-compromised rabbit model of mandibular lengthening. Materials and Methods: Thirty adult New Zealand white rabbits were randomly assigned to the nicotine group or the control group. The total nicotine or placebo exposure time for all animals was 7 weeks. Unilateral mandibular distraction osteogenesis was performed. Five animals in each group were sacrificed at day 5, day 11, and day 18, respectively, after commencement of active distraction. The distraction regenerate samples were harvested, and the messenger ribonucleic acid expression of bone transforming growth factor β1, platelet-derived growth factor A, and basic fibroblast growth factor was assayed by real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis. Results: The messenger ribonucleic acid expression of transforming growth factor β1, platelet-derived growth factor A, and basic fibroblast growth factor was significantly inhibited by nicotine exposure at a variety of time points. Conclusions: The presence of nicotine inhibited the gene expression of angiogenic and osteogenic factors resulting in compromised bone regeneration. © 2010 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.