RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Orthodontically induced root resorption (OIRR) is considered as an undesirable and unpredictable sequel of orthodontic treatment. Recent reports demonstrated that interleukin (IL)-17/IL-34, and T cells secrete inflammatory/osteoclastogenic cytokines, which might stimulate osteoclastogenesis/bone resorption. However, little is known about the role played by IL-17/IL-34 in OIRR. The present study was aimed at investigating the odontoclastic expression pattern of IL-17 and IL-34 in resorbed cementum during different experimental tooth movements in vivo. METHODS: Twenty-four 8-week-old male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: control group, optimal force group (10 g), heavy force group (50 g), and jiggling force group (compression and tension, repetition; 10 g). After 7, 14, and 21 days, the expression levels of IL-17 and IL-34 protein in the resorbed cementum were analyzed using immunohistochemical methods. RESULTS: On day 21, the immunoreactivity for IL-17 and IL-34 in resorbed roots in the jiggling force group was stronger than that in the heavy force and optimal force groups. Moreover, the number of IL-17-positive and IL-34-positive odontoclasts was significantly increased in the jiggling force group compared with those in the other groups on day 21. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that jiggling forces might exacerbate OIRR compared with heavy forces, as evidenced by the increased expression of IL-17 and IL-34 in odontoclasts obtained from resorbed roots.