negatively impacts fetal development, leading to defects in dental enamel and deciduous teeth abnormalities.
Aim: Evaluating the effect of metformin on odontoblastic differentiation, root formation and tooth development in offspring rats born from diabetic mothers.
Methodology: After induction of pregnancy in 12 adult Sprague-Dawley female albino rats weighing 180-200g and confirmation of day zero of pregnancy, rats were subsequently divided into three groups (N=4 each). Group I (Non-diabetic control): the pregnant female rats were administered citrate buffer solution only. Experimental GDM was induced in groups II and III via injection of a single shot of streptozotocin (STZ) 45 mg/Kg body weight intraperitoneally. Group II was left untreated, Group III was treated with metformin 50mg/kg body weight once daily from the 4th day of pregnancy until birth. Thirty-six offspring rats were obtained (12 from each group). Six offspring from each group were sacrificed at 10 and 21 days after birth. The heads were collected, demineralized and processed, then stained with hematoxylin and eosin, and Nestin immunohistochemical staining. The results were evaluated quantitatively using image analysis followed by one-way ANOVA and post-hoc Tukey statistical analysis.
Results: Diabetes negatively affected the odontogenesis process. Ameloblasts and odontoblasts showed degenerative changes accompanied by delaying in the root formation and eruption. A significant decrease in Nestin expression was noticed in the diabetic group. Treatment with metformin improved the cellular state, and also significantly improved the root length, Nestin expression, and odontoblastic differentiation.
Conclusion: Treatment with metformin ameliorates the adverse effects of gestational diabetes on odontogenesis process, eruption state and odontoblastic differentiation in offspring rats born from diabetic mothers. So, it is recommended that females with gestational diabetes be treated with metformin to protect the tooth development of their offspring.