The Effect of Nicotine Exposure on Serum Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 (MCP-1) Levels in Relation to the Risk of Alveolar Osteitis

Aries Muharram^1*, Reza Al-Fessi², Fahmi Zakaria Kusnanto³, Nabila Syafa Rahmania⁴

Abstract

Background: Alveolar osteitis (AO) is a postoperative complication of tooth extraction characterized by loss of the blood clot, severe pain, and delayed healing. Smoking is a major risk factor for AO, with nicotine contributing to vasoconstriction, tissue hypoxia, and oxidative stress that may impair wound healing. Nicotine may also influence Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 (MCP-1), a chemokine involved in inflammatory responses and tissue repair. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of nicotine exposure on serum MCP-1 levels and its association with the risk of alveolar osteitis in Wistar rats. Methods: This in vivo laboratory experimental study involved 14 male Wistar rats divided into control and treatment groups. The treatment group received subcutaneous nicotine injections at a dose of 1.89 mg/kg body weight for 10 days before and 3 days after mandibular incisor extraction. Serum MCP-1 levels were measured using a sandwich ELISA, while the occurrence of alveolar osteitis was assessed macroscopically through socket observation. Data were analyzed using One-Way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s HSD test, with a significance level of p < 0.05. Results: Nicotine exposure significantly increased serum MCP-1 levels compared with controls at 24 hours (103.77 vs. 82.19 pg/mL) and 72 hours post-extraction (86.27 vs. 72.18 pg/mL). Higher serum MCP-1 levels were significantly associated with a greater incidence of alveolar osteitis (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Nicotine exposure increases serum MCP-1 levels and is associated with an increased risk of alveolar osteitis following tooth extraction.

Keywords

alveolar osteitis; nicotine; MCP-1; inflammation; wound healing

Cite This Article

Muharram, A., Al-Fessi, R., Kusnanto, F. Z., Rahmania, N. S. (2026). The Effect of Nicotine Exposure on Serum Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 (MCP-1) Levels in Relation to the Risk of Alveolar Osteitis. International Journal of Scientific Advances (IJSCIA), Volume 7| Issue 5: Sep – Oct 2026, Pages 835-842. URL: https://www.ijscia.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Volume7-Issue5-Sep-Oct-No.1104-835-842.pdf

Volume 7 | Issue 5: Sep – Oct 2026