Objectives: Melatonin induces human stem cells, converts pre-osteoblasts to mature osteoblasts, and reduces the duration of this transition. However, melatonin itself prevents activation of osteoclasts. Here, we evaluate the role of melatonin in prevention of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw. Materials and Methods: In this experimental-interventional study, 30 rats were evaluated in 3 groups. The first and second groups received saline and zoledronic acid, respectively, for 4 weeks and the third group received 4 weeks of zoledronic acid and 3 weeks of melatonin simultaneously. Firstright-maxillary-molar extraction was performed for all animals, which were sacrificed after 4 weeks of recovery. The extraction sockets were examined histologically for the presence of osteonecrosis, number of osteoclasts and fibroblasts, severity of inflammation, and vascularization. Data were ana-lyzed by chi-square, one-way ANOVA, Tukey, Kruskal–Wallis and Fisher’s exact statistical tests (α=0.05). Results: Osteonecrosis was observed in 20%, 90%, and 70% of the first, second and third groups, respectively (p=0.008). The lowest number of osteoclasts and fibroblasts was seen in the third group. Conclusion Melatonin may effectively prevent some undesirable side effects of bisphosphonates. However, further studies are required to confirm the results of this study.

Objectives: This study aimed to compare the effects of systemic administration of levofloxacin or cephalexin on fracture healing in rats. Materials and Methods: In this animal study, tibial fractures not requiring fixation were artificially induced in 30 male Wistar albino rats using a 1.1 mm surgical bur. The rats were randomly divided into 6 groups (n=5). Groups 1 and 2 received daily subcutaneous saline injections. Groups 3 and 4 received subcutaneous injections of 25 mg/kg levofloxacin twice daily. Groups 5 and 6 received daily subcutaneous injections of 20 mg/kg cephalexin.The rats in Groups 1, 3, and 5 were sacrificed after 1 week, while the rats in Groups 2, 4, and 6 were sacrificed after 4 weeks. The score of fracture healing was determined through histological assessment of sections from the fracture site according to Perry and colleagues. Data were analyzed by Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney tests. Results: The mean score of fracture healing at 4 weeks was significantly higher than that at 1 week in the saline, levofloxacin, and cephalexin groups P<0.001). At 1 week, no significant difference was noted among the three groups of saline, levofloxacin, and cephalexin in the mean score of fracture healing (P=0.360). However, this difference was significant at 4 weeks (P=0.018), and the mean score in the saline group was significantly higher compared to that in the levofloxacin group (P=0.015). Conclusion It is recommended not to prescribe levofloxacin for more than 1 week after surgical management of bone fractures due to its possible adverse effects on fracture healing.