Molecular mechanisms underlying the effect of tooth shortening on memory dysfunction in Wistar male rat.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: We investigated the effects of molar tooth shortening on the mRNA expression of the AßPP/BACE1, BDNF/TrkB, and Bax/Bcl-2 signaling pathways in the Wistar male rat hippocampal regions. DESIGN: Four groups (n = 5 per group) of male Wistar rats (control, SRM (shortened right molar), SLM (shortened left molar), and SBM (shortened bilateral molar)) were used. RNA was isolated from the hippocampus and transformed into cDNA. Real-time quantitative PCR was used to evaluate the mRNA expression levels of AßPP, BACE1, Bax, Bcl-2, BDNF, and TrkB. RESULTS: Differential mRNA expression was observed in rat groups. SBM significantly upregulated the AßPP, BACE1, and Bax mRNA expressions, whereas the expression levels of Bcl-2, BDNF, and TrkB were decreased. SRM and SLM approximately had the same effect on the expression enhancement of AßPP, BACE1, and Bax; however, SRM was more effective than SLM in increasing the expression of these genes. CONCLUSIONS: Symmetrical molar teeth shortening affected the mRNA expression of AßPP and BACE1, which is related to learning and memory dysfunction.