Cimetidine Reduces Interleukin‐6, Matrix Metalloproteinases‐1 and ‐9 Immunoexpression in the Gingival Mucosa of Rat Molars With Induced Periodontal Disease

Background: Histamine seems to act, via H₂ receptor, on inflammatory processes by stimulating interleukin (IL)‐6 and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) release. As cimetidine is an H₂ receptor antagonist, the authors hypothesize that this antiulcer drug reduces IL‐6, MMP‐1, and MMP‐9 immunoexpression in gingiva with induced periodontal disease (PD). To confirm a possible modulatory role of IL‐6 on MMPs, the relationship between IL‐6/MMP‐1 and IL‐6/MMP‐9 immunoexpression was evaluated. Methods: Forty‐six male rats were distributed into the cimetidine group (CimG: received daily intraperitoneal injections of 100 mg/kg of body weight of cimetidine) or the saline group (SG). PD was induced by cotton ligature around the maxillary left first molars (PDSG and PDCimG). The right molars were used as controls (SG and CimG). After 7, 15, 30, and 50 days, maxillary fragments were processed for paraffin embedding or for transmission electron microscopy. Tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)‐positive osteoclasts in the alveolar process surface and number of IL‐6, MMP‐1, and MMP‐9‐immunolabeled cells in the gingival mucosa were quantified. Statistical analyses were performed (P ≤0.05). Results: In PDSG and PDCimG, gingival mucosa exhibited few collagen fibers among numerous inflammatory cells. In PDCimG, the number of TRAP‐positive osteoclasts and IL‐6, MMP‐1, and MMP‐9‐immunolabeled cells was significantly lower than in PDSG at all periods. A positive correlation between IL‐6/MMP‐1 and IL‐6/MMP‐9 was detected in PDSG and PDCimG. Conclusion: Cimetidine decreases bone loss through reduction of osteoclast number and induces reduction of IL‐6, MMP‐1, and MMP‐9 immunoexpression, reinforcing the idea that the beneficial effect of cimetidine in PD may be due to reduction of IL‐6 immunolabeling in the inflamed gingival mucosa.     

Local osteoprotegerin gene transfer to periodontal tissue inhibits lipopolysaccharide-induced alveolar bone resorption

Background and Objective:  Osteoclastogenesis is primarily activated by receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL) and is inhibited by osteoprotegerin (OPG). A previous study demonstrated that local OPG gene transfer to periodontal tissue inhibited RANKL-mediated osteoclastogenesis and experimental tooth movement. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that local OPG gene transfer to the periodontium can neutralize RANKL activity induced by lipopolysaccharide injection, thereby inhibiting osteoclastogenesis and diminishing alveolar bone resorption in experimental periodontal disease.
Material and methods:  Seven-week-old male Wistar rats received an injection of lipopolysaccharide or phosphate-buffered saline in the palatal gingiva of the upper first molars on both the right and left sides. An inactivated haemagglutinating virus of Japan (HVJ) envelope vector containing a mouse OPG expression plasmid [pcDNA3.1(+)-mOPG] or mock vector was injected periodically into the palatal periodontal tissue of the upper first molars.
Results:  Lipopolysaccharide injection induced severe periodontal bone resorption. Local OPG gene transfer induced OPG production, and osteoclastogenesis was inhibited. Local OPG gene transfer significantly decreased alveolar bone resorption.
Conclusion:  Osteoprotegerin gene transfer to periodontal tissue inhibited osteoclastogenesis and alveolar bone resorption in lipopolysaccharide-induced experimental periodontal disease.     

Td92, an outer membrane protein of Treponema denticola,induces osteoclastogenesis via prostaglandin E2‐mediated RANKL/osteoprotegerin regulation

Kim M, Jun H‐K, Choi B‐K, Cha J‐H, Yoo Y‐J. Td92, an outer membrane protein of Treponema denticola, induces osteoclastogenesis via prostaglandin E₂‐mediated RANKL/osteoprotegerin regulation. J Periodont Res 2010; 45: 772–779. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S Background and Objective: Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the periodontium that causes significant alveolar bone loss. Osteoclasts are bone‐resorbing multinucleated cells. Osteoblasts regulate osteoclast differentiation by expression of RANKL and osteoprotegerin (OPG). Td92 is a surface‐exposed outer membrane protein of Treponema denticola, a periodontopathogen. Although it has been demonstrated that Td92 acts as a stimulator of various proinflammatory mediators, the role of Td92 in alveolar bone resorption remains unclear. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the role of Td92 in bone resorption. Material and Methods: Mouse bone marrow cells were co‐cultured with calvariae‐derived osteoblasts in the presence or absence of Td92. Osteoclast formation was assessed by TRAP staining. Expressions of RANKL, osteoprotegerin (OPG) and prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) in osteoblasts were estimated by ELISA. Results: Td92 induced osteoclast formation in the co‐cultures. In the osteoblasts, RANKL and PGE₂ expressions were up‐regulated, whereas OPG expression was down‐regulated by Td92. The addition of OPG inhibited Td92‐induced osteoclast formation. The prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors NS398 and indomethacin were also shown to inhibit Td92‐induced osteoclast formation. The effects of Td92 on the expressions of RANKL, OPG and PGE₂ in osteoblasts were blocked by NS398 or indomethacin. Conclusion: These results suggest that Td92 promotes osteoclast formation through the regulation of RANKL and OPG production via a PGE₂‐dependent mechanism.     

牙龈卟啉单胞菌诱导的耐受对小鼠牙槽骨吸收的影响

目的:研究牙龈卟啉单胞菌(P.gingivalis)诱导的耐受对小鼠骨吸收相关因子白细胞介素-1β(IL-1β)、骨保护素(OPG)/NF-κB受体激活蛋白配体(RANKL)表达水平,以及牙槽骨吸收的影响。方法:采用1×10~9CFU P.gingivalis口内涂布给菌5 d,磷酸盐缓冲液(PBS)洗脱后,再次口内涂布P.gingivalis给菌2 d,构建Balb/c小鼠牙周组织耐受模型。10 d后收集新鲜牙龈组织,采用western bolt检测牙龈组织中IL-1β、OPG和RANKL表达水平的变化。6周后,收集上颌骨,采用亚甲基蓝染色法检测牙槽骨吸收水平的改变。结果:耐受组小鼠牙龈组织中IL-1β表达水平较非耐受组降低,OPG/RANKL比值较非耐受组升高。亚甲基蓝染色结果显示,耐受组小鼠釉牙骨质界至牙槽嵴顶(ABC-CEJ)的距离小于非耐受组(P<0.01),说明耐受组小鼠牙槽骨吸收较非耐受组降低。结论:P.gingivalis诱导小鼠牙周组织耐受后,小鼠牙龈组织中骨吸收相关因子IL-1β分泌降低,OPG/RANKL比值升高,抑制了牙槽骨吸收。     

Dry Extract of Matricaria recutita L. (Chamomile) Prevents Ligature‐Induced Alveolar Bone Resorption in Rats via Inhibition of Tumor Necrosis Factor‐α and Interleukin‐1β

Background: Matricaria recutita L. (chamomile) has demonstrated anti‐inflammatory activity. Accordingly, the ability of the Matricaria recutita extract (MRE) to inhibit proinflammatory cytokines and its influence on alveolar bone resorption (ABR) in rats. Methods: Wistar rats were subjected to ABR by ligature with nylon thread in the second upper‐left molar, with contralateral hemiarcade as control. Rats received polysorbate TW₈₀ (vehicle) or MRE (10, 30, and 90 mg/kg) 1 hour before ligature and daily until day 11. The periodontium was analyzed by macroscopy, histometry, histopathology, and immunohistochemistry for the receptor activator of nuclear factor‐kappa B ligand (RANKL), osteoprotegerin (OPG), and tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP). The gingival tissue was used to quantify the myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α and interleukin (IL)‐1β levels by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Blood samples were collected to evaluate bone‐specific alkaline phosphatase (BALP), leukogram, and dosages of aspartate and alanine transaminases, urea, and creatinine. Aspects of liver, kidneys, spleen, and body mass variations were also evaluated. Results: The 11 days of ligature induced bone resorption, low levels of BALP, leukocyte infiltration; increase of MPO, TNF‐α, and IL‐1β; immunostaining increase for RANKL and TRAP; reduction of OPG and leukocytosis, which were significantly prevented by MRE, except for the low levels of BALP and the leukocytosis. Additionally, MRE did not alter organs or body weights of rats. Conclusion: MRE prevented the inflammation and ABR by reducing TNF‐α and IL‐1β, preventing the osteoclast activation via the RANKL–OPG axis, without interfering with bone anabolism.     

Epithelial Cells Secrete Interferon‐γ Which Suppresses Expression of Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor Kappa‐B Ligand in Human Mandibular Osteoblast‐Like Cells

Background: Prostaglandin (PG)E₂ accumulates in inflamed periodontal tissue and induces receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa‐B ligand (RANKL)‐RANK‐osteoprotegerin (OPG) signaling associated with bone resorption. Although oral epithelial cells maintain tissue homeostasis, the role of these cells in RANKL regulation remains unknown. Methods: To mimic an inflamed condition, RANKL upregulation in human mandibular osteoblast‐like cells (HMOBs) were stimulated with PGE₂. Effect of recombinant human interferon (IFN)‐γ or epithelial‐derived IFN‐γ in constitutively released or Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide (PgLPS)‐stimulated epithelial supernatant was investigated in HMOBs. Some HMOBs were pretreated with an anti‐IFN‐γ antibody before PGE₂ stimulation. THP‐1 human monocytes and HMOBs were cocultured in a transwell system to investigate RANKL‐driven THP‐1 osteoclastic activity. Results: PGE₂ significantly increased RANKL messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein in HMOBs in a dose‐dependent manner, while OPG protein remained similar to baseline. Epithelial cells constitutively released IFN‐γ, which was substantially increased by PgLPS. HMOBs treated with epithelial supernatant or recombinant IFN‐γ, concurrently with PGE₂ stimulation, reduced RANKL, but not OPG, expression. In contrast, anti‐IFN‐γ antibody reversed the effect of epithelial mediators on RANKL expression. When cocultured with THP‐1, RANKL released by PGE₂‐stimulated HMOBs is adequate to drive THP‐1 differentiation as osteoclastogenic gene expression and bone resorption pit are increased. However, recombinant IFN‐γ, or IFN‐γ derived from oral epithelial cells, suppressed RANKL expression at both the mRNA and protein level, resulting in decreased THP‐1‐derived osteoclastic activity. Conclusion: Oral epithelial cells interact with HMOBs by releasing IFN‐γ to regulate RANKL expression and contribute to osteoclastogenesis.     

RANKL and OPG expression: Jiggling force affects root resorption in rats

Objective:To immunohistochemically investigate the longitudinal changes in root resorption by jiggling force in experimental animal models.Materials and Methods:Fifty-six 12-week-old male Wistar rats were used. The maxillary first molars were alternately moved in the buccal and lingual direction in 28 rats (experimental group) using an experimental appliance to produce jiggling forces of 10 g. In another 28 rats (control group), the maxillary first molars were moved in only the lingual direction with a force of 10 g. After 1, 3, 7, 10, 14, 17, and 21 days, the maxillae were resected and subjected to immunohistochemical analysis. The resorption area was quantified histomorphometrically and the number of odontoclasts on the root surface was counted. Expression of RANKL and OPG was also examined by immunohistochemical staining.Results:The root resorption area and the number of odontoclasts were significantly greater in the experimental group than in controls. Odontoclasts were detected in the resorption lacunae and PDL in the experimental group, whereas osteoclasts were located only along the alveolar bone in controls. OPG was detected on the alveolar bone in the experimental group and on the root surfaces of the controls.Conclusions:Jiggling force is a critical factor in severe root resorption, affecting RANKL and OPG expression, which accelerates and inhibits odontoclastic induction, respectively.     

抑制核因子-κB受体活化因子及其配体通路治疗牙周炎的研究进展

核因子-κB受体活化因子(RANK)及其配体(RANKL)在牙周炎患者的牙槽骨吸收中具有重要的作用,抑制RANKL/RANK通路,可有效抑制破骨细胞的分化和激活,从而抑制牙槽骨的吸收。骨保护蛋白(OPG)可和RANKL结合,干扰RANKL和RANK的结合,从而防止骨组织的过度破坏。本文就RANKL/RANK/OPG轴、RANKL/RANK/OPG与牙周炎、抑制RANKL/RANK通路治疗牙周炎的可行性等研究进展作一综述。     

壳寡糖对牙周炎大鼠牙槽骨吸收及Th17/Treg平衡和OPG/RANKL/RANK通路的影响

目的: 探讨壳寡糖对牙周炎大鼠牙槽骨吸收及Th17/Treg平衡和OPG/RANKL/RANK通路的影响。方法: 建立牙周炎大鼠模型,随机分为模型组、壳寡糖低剂量组、壳寡糖中剂量组、壳寡糖高剂量组和甲硝唑组,每组12只,另取12只作为对照组。分组处理后,评估牙龈指数、牙槽骨吸收值;H-E染色观察牙周组织病理形态学变化;流式细胞术检测外周血中Th17/Treg细胞比值;酶联免疫吸附试验（ELISA）检测各组大鼠血清中IL-17、TGF-β、RANKL、OPG水平,实时荧光定量PCR（qRT-PCR）检测各组大鼠牙周组织OPG、RANKL mRNA表达水平。采用SPSS 24.0软件包对数据进行统计学分析。结果: 与对照组相比,模型组大鼠牙周组织呈现牙周膜纤维束断裂、排列紊乱,毛细血管扩张、增生,炎症细胞浸润等病理损伤;牙龈指数、牙槽骨吸收值、Th17/Treg比值、血清RANKL及IL-17水平、牙周组织RANKL mRNA水平显著升高（P<0.05）,血清OPG及TGF-β水平、牙周组织OPG mRNA水平显著降低（P<0.05）。与模型组相比,壳寡糖低、中、高剂量组和甲硝唑组大鼠牙周组织病理损伤减轻;牙龈指数、牙槽骨吸收值、Th17/Treg比值、血清RANKL及IL-17水平、牙周组织RANKL mRNA水平显著降低（P<0.05）,血清OPG及TGF-β水平、牙周组织OPG mRNA水平显著升高（P<0.05）,且壳寡糖各组呈剂量依赖性,壳寡糖高剂量组与甲硝唑组相比,差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）。结论: 壳寡糖可促使Th17/Treg平衡恢复正常,上调OPG表达,下调RANKL表达,抑制牙周炎大鼠牙槽骨吸收,改善其临床症状。     

The role of RANKL and MMP‐9 in the bone resorption caused by ameloblastoma

J Oral Pathol Med (2010) 39 : 592–598 Background: Ameloblastoma, a common odontogenic tumor located in jaws, generally leads to severe damage to patient’s complexion and masticatory function. To expand in jaws, ameloblastoma must have a mechanism of resorbing the surrounding bone. Our objective was to explore the bone‐resorption mechanism of ameloblastoma by observing the role of Receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand (RANKL) and matrix metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9) in the bone‐resorption process. Methods: In the study, the expression of RANKL and MMP‐9 in ameloblastoma was detected using immunohistochemistry (IHC) and RT‐PCR. Then, co‐culture system of ameloblastoma cells and bone marrow cells from neonatal rabbit was erected to observe the potential of ameloblastoma cells to induce osteoclastogenesis. Finally, the induced osteoclasts were used for in vitro bone‐resorption assay. In the co‐culture system and the bone‐resorption assay, the selective inhibitor of RANKL and MMP‐9, osteoprotegerin (OPG) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase‐1 (TIMP‐1) were, respectively, used for observing the role of RANKL and MMP‐9. Results: The expression of RANKL and MMP‐9 in ameloblastoma was confirmed. Ameloblastoma cells were found to induce bone marrow cells from neonatal rabbit differentiate into osteoclasts with bone‐resorption activity. In addition, OPG was found to, respectively, have markedly inhibitory effect on osteoclastogenesis (P < 0.01), and slightly inhibitory action on bone resorption (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Ameloblastoma cells had the potential to induce osteoclastogenesis. Moreover, RANKL played an essential role in the in vitro osteoclast formation and bone resorption induced by ameloblastoma cells.     

抑制核因子-κB受体活化因子及其配体通路治疗牙周炎的研究进展

核因子-κB受体活化因子（RANK）及其配体（RANKL）在牙周炎患者的牙槽骨吸收中具有重要的作用,抑制RANKL／RANK通路,可有效抑制破骨细胞的分化和激活,从而抑制牙槽骨的吸收。骨保护蛋白（OPG）和RANKL结合,干扰RANKL和RANK的结合,从而防止骨组织的过度破坏。本文就RANKL／RANK／OPG轴、RANKL／RANK／OPG与牙周炎、抑制RANKL／RANK通路治疗牙周炎的可行性等研究进展作一综述。     

Effects of Estrogen Deficiency and/or Caffeine Intake on Alveolar Bone Loss,Density, and Healing: A Study in Rats

Background: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of caffeine and/or estrogen deficiency on ligature‐induced bone loss (BL), trabecular bone area (TBA), and postextraction bone healing (BH). Methods: Rats were assigned into one of the following groups (15 each): 1) control = non‐ingestion of caffeine/sham surgery; 2) caffeine = ingestion of caffeine/sham surgery); 3) ovariectomized (OVX) = non‐ingestion of caffeine/ovariectomy; or 4) caffeine/OVX = ingestion of caffeine/ovariectomy. The rats were under caffeine administration for 65 days and/or estrogen deficiency for 51 days. On day 21 after ovariectomy, one first mandibular molar received a ligature and the contralateral tooth was not ligated. The first maxillary molars were extracted 8 days before sacrifice. BL, TBA, the positive cells for tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), receptor activator of nuclear factor‐κB ligand (RANKL), and osteoprotegerin (OPG) were analyzed in the furcation area of mandibular molars. Histometric BH and gene expression of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)‐2, BMP‐7, osteopontin, and bone sialoprotein were evaluated in alveolar sockets. Results: The caffeine group presented the greatest BL and the OVX group the highest number of TRAP‐positive (TRAP⁺) cells around ligated teeth (P <0.05). The control group presented higher TBA and BH than the other groups (P <0.05). All test groups presented higher RANKL/OPG⁺ cells than the control group around ligated/unligated teeth. The OVX and caffeine/OVX groups presented a greater number of TRAP⁺ cells around unligated teeth than the control group (P <0.05). There were no differences among groups for gene expression (P >0.05). Conclusions: Caffeine increased BL in ligated teeth. Caffeine and/or estrogen deficiency decreased TBA in the unligated teeth and reduced BH after tooth extraction.     

乳铁蛋白对大鼠上颌扩弓及复发过程中腭中缝骨吸收的影响及机制探究

目的 研究乳铁蛋白(lactoferrin,LF)对大鼠上颌扩弓及复发过程中腭中缝破骨活动的影响,并初探其作用机制.方法 对大鼠扩弓及复发模型给予剂量为1g/kg/d的LF灌胃,用免疫组织化学染色的方法观察LF对腭中缝破骨活动的影响,检测OPG/RANKL/RANK作用轴关键因子的表达变化.结果 与单纯扩弓组相比,LF...     

Lack of Toll‐like receptor 4 decreases lipopolysaccharide‐induced bone resorption in C3H/HeJ mice in vivo

Introduction: Few in vivo studies have demonstrated whether Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) is indispensable for lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced bone resorption and little is known about the receptor activator of nuclear factor‐κB ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) expression induced by LPS under conditions of lack of TLR4. Methods: We compared bone resorption histomorphometrically in C3H/HeN and C3H/HeJ mice that were repeatedly injected with Actinobacillus actionmycetemcomitans LPS into their gingiva every 48 h. RANKL‐, interleukin‐1β‐ and OPG‐positive cells in the connective tissue were also compared immunohistochemically. Results: Bone resorption in C3H/HeJ mice in the fourth, seventh, and tenth injection groups was significantly less than that C3H/HeN mice (P < 0.05). The number of RANKL‐positive cells in C3H/HeJ mice in the 10th injection group was significantly smaller than that in C3H/HeN mice (P < 0.05). The numbers of interleukin‐1β‐positive cells in C3H/HeJ mice in the seventh and tenth injection groups were significantly decreased compared with those in C3H/HeN mice (P < 0.05). The numbers of OPG‐positive cells in C3H/HeN and C3H/HeJ mice gradually increased, but there was no significant difference between the two strains of mice. Conclusion: TLR4 is indispensable for LPS‐induced bone resorption in vivo.     

Protective Mechanisms of Simvastatin in Experimental Periodontal Disease

Background: Simvastatin is a cholesterol‐lowering drug whose pleiotropic effects may have a therapeutic impact on bone. This study evaluates the effect of simvastatin on rats subjected to experimental periodontal disease. Methods: Periodontitis was induced by ligature placement around the maxillary left second molar of rats for 11 days. Groups of six animals received oral saline or simvastatin (3, 10, and 30 mg/kg/day) until sacrifice on day 11. Alveolar bone loss was determined by macroscopic and histologic examination. The serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and total alkaline phosphatase (TAP) were evaluated. Gingival myeloperoxidase activity and gingival levels of interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), tumor necrosis factor‐α, IL‐10, reduced glutathione, malonaldehyde, and nitrate/nitrite were analyzed to investigate oxidative stress and inflammation. Expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), matrix metalloproteinases 1 and 8 (MMP‐1 and ‐8), bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (BMP‐2), receptor activator of nuclear factor κB (RANK), RANK ligand (RANKL), and osteoprotegerin (OPG) were also investigated by immunohistochemistry to assess bone turnover and metabolism. Immunofluorescence microscopy was used to confirm the expression of RANKL in rats’ maxillae. Results: Treatment with simvastatin improved alveolar bone loss within all of the parameters studied, thus demonstrating anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant activity. Simvastatin reduced expression of iNOS, MMP‐1 and ‐8, RANK, and RANKL and increased BMP‐2 and OPG levels in the periodontal tissue. Simvastatin (30 mg/kg) increased TAP activity on day 11 compared with the saline group. No differences were found in the levels of AST and ALT in any of the groups studied. Conclusion: The present data suggest that simvastatin prevents inflammatory bone resorption in experimental periodontitis, which may be mediated by its anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant properties.     

Effect of bisphosphonates on human gingival fibroblast production of mediators of osteoclastogenesis: RANKL,osteoprotegerin and interleukin‐6

Tipton DA, Seshul BA, Dabbous MKh. Effect of bisphosphonates on human gingival fibroblast production of mediators of osteoclastogenesis: RANKL, osteoprotegerin and interleukin‐6. J Periodont Res 2011; 46: 39–47.© 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S Background and Objective: Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) is associated with bisphosphonate (BP) therapy. BPs alter osteoblast production of mediators of osteoclastogenesis, including interleukin (IL)‐6, RANKL and osteoprotegerin (OPG), a RANKL antagonist. This can inhibit bone turnover and lead to necrosis. There is little information on the contribution of gingival fibroblasts, near bone‐resorption sites, to the IL‐6/RANKL/OPG network, the effects of BPs, or fibroblast involvement in ONJ pathogenesis. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the effects of alendronate and pamidronate on the constitutive production, or the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐ or IL‐1β‐stimulated production, of IL‐6, RANKL and OPG by human gingival fibroblasts. Material and Methods: Human gingival fibroblasts were derived from explants obtained from healthy individuals with noninflamed gingiva. Cytotoxicity was determined by measuring the activity of a mitochondrial enzyme. Fibroblasts were pre‐incubated or not with BPs (0.01 nm–1 μm ), then incubated or not with LPS or IL‐1β. The concentrations of IL‐6, OPG and RANKL were measured using ELISA. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Scheffé’s F procedure. Results: LPS and BPs were not cytotoxic. The cells produced IL‐6, OPG and RANKL, all of which were stimulated by IL‐1β or LPS (p ≤ 0.04). BPs generally increased the production of IL‐6 and OPG (p ≤ 0.04) and decreased the production of RANKL (p ≤ 0.02). BPs generally further increased the production of LPS‐ or IL‐1β‐stimulated IL‐6 (p ≤ 0.04) and had no effect on, or further increased, the production of LPS‐ or IL‐1β‐stimulated OPG (p ≤ 0.04). BPs decreased the production of LPS‐ or IL‐1β‐stimulated RANKL (p ≤ 0.04) and decreased constitutive, LPS‐stimulated and IL‐1β‐stimulated RANKL/OPG ratios (p ≤ 0.02). Conclusion: The action of alendronate and pamidronate on human gingival fibroblasts, through altering the production of RANKL and OPG, appears to contribute to a microenvironment favoring the inhibition of bone resorption and ONJ.     

Effect of low‐level laser therapy on the healing process after tooth replantation: a histomorphometrical and immunohistochemical analysis

Abstract – Success of tooth replantation is limited because part of the replanted tooth is lost because of progressive root resorption. This study used histomorphometry and immunohistochemistry to evaluate the effect of low‐level laser therapy (LLLT) on the healing process of rat teeth replanted after different extra‐oral periods, simulating immediate and delayed replantation. Sixty Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus albinus) had their maxillary right incisors extracted and randomly assigned to six groups (n = 10): C4, C30 and C45, in which the teeth were replanted 4 min (immediate), 30 min (delayed) and 45 min (delayed) after extraction, respectively, and L4, L30 and L45, in which the teeth were replanted after the same extra‐alveolar times, but the root surfaces and the alveolar wounds were irradiated with a gallium–aluminum–arsenate (GaAlAs) diode laser before replantation. The animals were sacrificed after 60 days. The anatomic pieces containing the replanted teeth were obtained and processed for either histomorphometrical analysis under optical microscopy or immunohistochemical expression of receptor activator of nuclear factor Kappa‐B (RANK), and its ligand (RANKL), osteoprotegerin (OPG) and tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) proteins. Areas of external replacement and inflammatory root resorption were observed in all groups, without statistically significant differences (P > 0.05). Ankylosis was more frequent in L30 than in C30 (P < 0.05). RANKL immunostaining predominated over RANK and OPG immunostaining in both groups with immediate tooth replantation (P < 0.05). For the 45‐min extra‐alveolar time, however, there was greater evidence of RANK immunostaining compared to RANKL for both control and laser‐treated groups (P < 0.05). Positive TRAP immunostaining predominated in L4 and L30 (P < 0.05). In conclusion, under the tested conditions, the treatment of the root surface and the alveolar wound with LLLT did not improve the healing process after immediate and delayed tooth replantation in rats.