Morphologic and gene expression analysis of periodontal ligament fibroblasts subjected to pressure.

INTRODUCTION: Force application (FA) during orthodontic tooth movement is mediated through periodontal ligament (PDL) fibroblasts. FA on deciduous teeth has an inherent risk of root resorption, which is less in permanent teeth. Currently, the root resorption mechanism is poorly understood. We hypothesized that FA alters the morphology and gene expression of PDL fibroblasts. This study was designed to achieve homogenous PDL fibroblast cultures, establish an in-vitro FA model, analyze fibroblast morphology after FA, and compare the gene expressions of PDL fibroblasts of deciduous and permanent teeth after FA. METHODS: Fibroblasts were sorted from primary cultures of deciduous and permanent tooth PDLs. Cell viability was evaluated in the Opticell (Thermo Scientific, Waltham, Mass) FA model. Cellular morphology was analyzed using immunofluorescence staining for actin and focal adhesion complexes. Gene expressions of untreated or pressure-treated PDL fibroblasts of deciduous and permanent teeth were compared by gene array and confirmed by real-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Cell sorting resulted in cultures containing 98% of PDL fibroblasts. The Opticell model showed 94% cell survival after FA. FA increased fibroblasts' adhesion. Gene arrays and real-time polymerase chain reactions indicated greater up-regulation of DKK2 mRNA in untreated PDL fibroblasts of deciduous teeth and greater up-regulation of ADAMTS1 mRNA in pressurized PDL fibroblasts of deciduous and permanent teeth. CONCLUSIONS: Cell sorting is an efficient method to establish homogenous PDL fibroblast cultures. Using the Opticell FA model allows the maintenance of excellent cell viability. FA increased the surface adherence of fibroblasts. Up-regulation of ADAMTS1 after FA may indicate its involvement in the remodeling of the periodontium during orthodontic tooth movement. Understanding root resorption mechanisms under FA will help to prevent it during orthodontic treatment.

Alveolar Bone Morphology Following Periodontally Accelerated Osteogenic Orthodontics: A Clinical and Radiographic Analysis.

The aim of this study was to analyze alveolar bone morphology following periodontally accelerated osteogenic orthodontics. Treated patients were called for a full periodontal examination and a cone beam computed tomography scan. Mean treatment time was 6.08 months. Mean probing pocket depth was 2.7 mm. No gingival recessions were noted. In the maxilla, buccal plate thickness was 0.48 to 2.14 mm. In the mandible, bone thickness was 0.2 to 1.82 mm. Root fenestrations and dehiscences were present in up to 40% of the anterior teeth. Although clinical outcomes were favorable, due to the presence of multiple posttreatment bone fenestrations and dehiscences, a revision of the treatment protocol might be considered.

Influence of Friction Resistance on Expression of Superelastic Properties of Initial NiTi Wires in "Reduced Friction" and Conventional Bracket Systems.

Objectives. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of resistance to sliding on expression of superelastic properties of NiTi wires. Methods and Materials. A three-point bending test was performed for 0.014 NiTi wire engaged in self-ligating (Damon, SmartClip, In-Ovation) and conventional brackets (Victory) ligated with regular and reduced friction modules (Slide). The wire was deflected in the buccal direction and allowed to straighten. The maximum load, unloading plateau and unloading capacity were registered. Results. The lowest activation load was required in the active self-ligating group (In-Ovation 2.2 ± 0.4 N) and reduced friction module group (Victory/Slide 2.9 ± 0.4 N), followed by the passive self-ligating systems (Damon 3.6 ± 0.7 N, SmartClip 3.7 ± 0.4 N). Higher activation load was obtained in the conventionally ligated group (Victory/module 4.5 ± 0.4 N). Unloading plateau phase with the load magnitude ranging from 1.27 ± 0.4 N (In-Ovation) to 1.627 ± 0.4 N (Slide) was distinct in all groups but one (Victory). Conclusions. Higher friction at flanking points reduces the net force delivered by the wire. Unloading plateau phase of NiTi load-deflection curve disappears in the conventionally ligated group thus indicating to an incomplete expression of NiTi superelastic properties. A rigid passive bracket clip amplifies resistance to sliding in an active configuration and produces a permanent deflection of the wire.

Measurement of friction forces between stainless steel wires and "reduced-friction" self-ligating brackets.

INTRODUCTION: In this study, we assessed the friction forces between various self-ligating brackets and stainless steel orthodontic wires, subjected to different shear and bending forces in the buccolingual plane. METHODS: Three kinds of self-ligating brackets and 2 kinds of ligated controls were tested in a newly developed in-vitro system. Friction was tested with stainless steel orthodontic wire in 3 deflection states. The Bonferroni multiple comparisons test was applied to evaluate intergroup differences (P <0.05). Wire samples were examined with a scanning electron microscope before and after sliding. RESULTS: The results showed significant intergroup differences in friction resistance in response to wire deflection. In nonzero buccolingual deflections, passive self-ligating brackets developed higher friction forces, comparable with those in the conventional elastic ligation control group. The control brackets with reduced friction ligature had considerably lower friction forces than any other group. The active self-ligating bracket ranked between the self-ligating brackets and the reduced friction ligature group. A tribologic survey showed substantial surface alterations among wire samples coupled with passive self-ligating brackets. CONCLUSIONS: In contrast to manufacturers' claims, this study illustrates that, in certain clinical situations, a firm passive bracket clip can have a negative influence on the wire-bracket frictional characteristics.

Gene profile in periodontal ligament cells and clones with enamel matrix proteins derivative.

AIM: Evaluate enamel matrix proteins derivative effect on gene expression profiles in cultured human periodontal ligament cell population and its clones. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Human periodontal ligament (PDL) cells were explanted. Cell cloning was performed and clones classified into fibroblastic (FB) and mineralized tissue forming (MTF) according to their capacity to express alkaline phosphatase and form mineralized tissue. All cell cultures were grown for 7 days, with and without enamel proteins added to the medium. Following RNA extraction, expression profiling was performed by hybridization with a DNA micro-array. Selected genes differed from the control at a significant level smaller than p<0.01. RESULTS: Enamel proteins induced major qualitative changes in mRNA expression in all PDL cell populations, differently affecting the entire PDL cell population and its clones. In the entire PDL cell population, enamel proteins significantly enhanced PDL cell function, with a general effect on enhanced cell functional metabolism. CONCLUSIONS: Enamel proteins enhanced gene expression responsible for protein and mineralized tissue synthesis in the entire PDL population. In the MTF clones, nucleic acid metabolism, protein metabolism and signal transduction related genes were up-regulated, while in the FB clones, up-regulated genes were related to cell adhesion, nucleic acid metabolism and signal transduction.