Does shilajit have an effect on new bone formation in the rapid maxillary expansion treatment? A biochemical, histological, and immunohistochemical study

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of shilajit on new bone formation following rapid maxillary expansion (RME) in a rat study model using biochemical, histological, and immunohistochemical techniques. Material and Method: The rats (12-week-old, 24 male Wistar albino) were randomly divided into the following 3 groups (n=8 each): no expansion (NE), only expansion (OE), expansion plus shilajit (Shilajit). Shilajit was given to the rats during the 5 day expansion and 12 day retention period. After sacrificing the animals, biochemical, histological, and immunohistochemical examinations were performed. Results: Superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase levels in the shilajit group were statistically higher than the OE group (p<0.05). Bone alkaline phosphatase and C-telopeptide of type I collagen levels demonstrated statistically significant differences between the groups (p<0.001). The immunohistochemical findings revealed that OE group had significantly more IL-1 and TNF-α H scores than the shilajit group (p<0.05). When the groups were compared for inflammatory cell infiltration, new bone formation, and capillary intensity, considerable differences were found between the groups (p<0.05). Conclusion: Systemic use of shilajit may hasten new bone formation in the midpalatal suture, which may be useful to prevent of relapse and shorten the retention period after the RME treatment