Study design considerations for mandibular and maxillary research in the OVX rat model

A recent systematic review (SR) and meta-analysis reporting the changes in BMD and bone structure in the mandible post-ovariectomy (OVX) noted high heterogeneity among the primary studies. This perspective addresses aspects in study design that should be considered and reported to reduce heterogeneity in future OVX studies investigating mandible and maxilla BMD and bone structure. A search of the literature conducted in Medline via OVID for studies analyzing BMD or bone structure in the mandible and maxilla of rats post-OVX identified 43 studies for inclusion. This perspective discusses and shares recommendations for five aspects within a study that, if more closely controlled and/or reported within a publication, can contribute to more meaningful comparisons of findings among studies using the OVX rat model to investigate changes in mandible and maxilla due to OVX or in response to an intervention. These aspects include: age at time of OVX; time since OVX; feeding protocol; diet texture and nutrient composition; and type of imaging use. Following these recommendations can help inform future study design and allow for more direct comparisons among studies. In turn, findings from such individual studies can be assessed within SRs that include meta-analyses and enhance an understanding of using the OVX rat model in this field of research.