Laser Photobiomodulation Over Teeth Subjected to Orthodontic Movement.

Background: Orthodontics of the 21st century requires aesthetic, painless, predictable, and quick treatments. This demand for faster results generated orthodontic movement acceleration protocols (OMAPs); among other OMAPs we present low-level laser (LLL) as a candidate. Objective: To evaluate levels of interleukin (IL)-1, IL-10, and type 1 collagen in the periodontal ligament of first molars of rats subjected to orthodontic traction with and without LLL irradiation, compared with untreated controls (CO), and to evaluate whether the dose of LLL used in this work is eligible as an OMAP. Materials and methods: A total of 35 male Wistar rats were distributed into three groups: group 1 NI (nonirradiated) n = 15, group 2 IR (laser irradiated using 5 J, 177 J/cm2, and 100 mW applied in contact to the vestibular mesial, vestibular distal, and palatal faces of gum tissue around molar region for 50 sec each point, for 3 consecutive days, immediately 24 and 48 h after orthodontic device placement.) n = 15, and group 3 CO n = 5; groups 1 and 2 were subjected to orthodontic force and each group was divided into three subgroups that were sacrificed after 3, 5, and 7 days, IL-1/10 and COL-1 levels were analyzed. Results: In the IR group, levels of IL-1/10 and COL-1 showed peak anticipation after LLL irradiation compared with those in the NI and CO groups. Conclusions: These results can also infer that this dose of LLL can be used as an OMAP.

Effects of electroacupuncture on experimental periodontitis in rats.

BACKGROUND: Acupuncture has shown the capability of modulating the immuno-inflammatory response of the host. This study aims to evaluate the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) on ligature-induced periodontitis in rats. METHODS: Thirty-two animals were divided into four groups: 1) control; 2) experimental periodontitis (EP); 3) sham-treated (EP/EA-sham); and 4) treated with EA (EP/EA). For the EP groups, a ligature was placed around the right mandibular first molars at day 1. Sessions of EA or EA-sham were assigned every other day. For EA treatment, large intestine meridian points LI4 and LI11 and stomach meridian points ST36 and ST44 were used. EA-sham was performed in off-meridian points. Animals were euthanized at day 11. Histomorphometric and microtomographic analyses were performed. Immunolabeling patterns for the receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL), osteoprotegerin (OPG), and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) were assessed. Expressions of interleukin (IL)-1ß, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-8, IL-6, and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 messenger RNAs (mRNAs) were evaluated by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Data were analyzed statistically (P <0.05, analysis of variance). RESULTS: Histomorphometric and microtomographic analyses demonstrated that group EP/EA presented reduced alveolar bone loss when compared to group EP (P <0.05). Reduced RANKL immunolabeling and fewer TRAP-positive multinucleated cells were observed in the EA-treated group in relation to group EP. No differences were observed in OPG expression among groups. EA treatment decreased the genic expression of IL-1ß and MMP-8 (P <0.05), increased the mRNA expression of IL-6 (P <0.05), and did not modify the genic expression of COX-2 in animals with EP (P >0.05). CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that EA reduced periodontal tissue breakdown and the expression of some proinflammatory mediators and a proresorptive factor in EP in rats.

Immunolocalization of FGF-2 and VEGF in rat periodontal ligament during experimental tooth movement.

OBJECTIVE: This article aimed at identifying the expression of fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the tension and pressure areas of rat periodontal ligament, in different periods of experimental orthodontic tooth movement. METHODS: An orthodontic force of 0.5 N was applied to the upper right first molar of 18 male Wistar rats for periods of 3 (group I), 7 (group II) and 14 days (group III). The counter-side first molar was used as a control. The animals were euthanized at the aforementioned time periods, and their maxillary bone was removed and fixed. After demineralization, the specimens were histologically processed and embedded in paraffin. FGF-2 and VEGF expressions were studied through immunohistochemistry and morphological analysis. RESULTS: The experimental side showed a higher expression of both FGF-2 and VEGF in all groups, when compared with the control side (P < 0.05). Statistically significant differences were also found between the tension and pressure areas in the experimental side. CONCLUSION: Both FGF-2 and VEGF are expressed in rat periodontal tissue. Additionally, these growth factors are upregulated when orthodontic forces are applied, thereby suggesting that they play an important role in changes that occur in periodontal tissue during orthodontic movement.

Immunolocalization of FGF-2 and VEGF in rat periodontal ligament during experimental tooth movement

OBJECTIVE: This article aimed at identifying the expression of fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the tension and pressure areas of rat periodontal ligament, in different periods of experimental orthodontic tooth movement. METHODS: An orthodontic force of 0.5 N was applied to the upper right first molar of 18 male Wistar rats for periods of 3 (group I), 7 (group II) and 14 days (group III). The counter-side first molar was used as a control. The animals were euthanized at the aforementioned time periods, and their maxillary bone was removed and fixed. After demineralization, the specimens were histologically processed and embedded in paraffin. FGF-2 and VEGF expressions were studied through immunohistochemistry and morphological analysis. RESULTS: The experimental side showed a higher expression of both FGF-2 and VEGF in all groups, when compared with the control side (P < 0.05). Statistically significant differences were also found between the tension and pressure areas in the experimental side. CONCLUSION: Both FGF-2 and VEGF are expressed in rat periodontal tissue. Additionally, these growth factors are upregulated when orthodontic forces are applied, thereby suggesting that they play an important role in changes that occur in periodontal tissue during orthodontic movement. .

OBJETIVO: o objetivo desse estudo foi identificar a expressão do fator de crescimento de fibroblastos 2 (FGF-2) e do fator de crescimento vascular endotelial (VEGF) nos lados de tensão e pressão do ligamento periodontal de ratos, durante movimento ortodôntico experimental, em diferentes períodos de tempo. MÉTODOS: uma força ortodôntica de 0,5N foi aplicada no primeiro molar superior direito de 18 ratos Wistar machos, por períodos de 3 (grupo I), 7 (grupo II) e 14 dias (grupo III). O primeiro molar do lado oposto foi utilizado como controle. Os animais foram sacrificados nos períodos de tempo mencionados, sendo a arcada superior removida e fixada. Após a desmineralização, os espécimes foram processados histologicamente e embebidos em parafina. A expressão do FGF-2 e do VEGF foram estudadas por meio de análise imuno-histoquímica. RESULTADOS: o ligamento periodontal dos dentes submetidos à movimentação ortodôntica mostraram maior expressão tanto de FGF-2 quanto de VEGF, em todos os grupos experimentais, quando comparados com os dentes do lado controle (p < 0,05). Diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre os lados de tensão e pressão também foram encontradas nos dentes submetidos à movimentação ortodôntica. CONCLUSÕES: tanto o FGF-2 quanto o VEGF são expressos no tecido periodontal de ratos, e esses fatores de crescimento são aumentados quando forças ortodônticas são aplicadas, sugerindo que esses desempenham um papel importante na reorganização do periodonto durante o movimento ortodôntico. .

Gene expression analysis in microdissected samples from decalcified tissues.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the impact of standard methods for processing decalcified highly mineralized tissues on RNA yield and quality from microdissected samples. DESIGN: Rat mandibles were fixed with either formalin-based or ethanol-based fixatives, decalcified in 20% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid solution for 15 days, and embedded in paraffin. Transversal sections of the molars were mounted on membrane glass slides for laser capture microdissection. Unfixed frozen liver samples were used as controls to determine the impact of fixatives, decalcification and paraffin embedding on RNA integrity and recovery after sample preparation, and laser microdissection. Total RNA was obtained from periodontal ligament and fresh-frozen liver; RNA quality was assessed by Bioanalyzer, and 5 ng of total RNA was used for cDNA synthesis followed by gene expression analyses by polymerase chain reaction using 3 sets of primers for glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase. RESULTS: Data analysis demonstrated that all fixed samples presented some level of RNA fragmentation as compared with fresh-frozen samples (P<0.05). Samples fixed with Protocol (10% formalin) showed the least RNA fragmentation as compared with other fixatives (P<0.05), and biologically useful RNA was extracted even from microdissected samples with a minimum RNA Integrity Number of 1.5. Moreover, RNA fragments up to 396 bp were assayable by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, although short-targeted fragments as 74 bp were more consistently amplified. CONCLUSIONS: Although variable levels of RNA fragmentation should be expected, gene expression analysis can be performed from decalcified paraffin-embedded microdissected samples, with the best results obtained for short-targeted fragments around 70 bp.

Effect of milk renewal on human periodontal ligament fibroblast viability in vitro.

Milk has been studied extensively and has gained wide acceptance as a suitable storage medium capable of maintenance of avulsed teeth that cannot be replanted immediately. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether the renewal of milk as a storage medium every 24 h for up to 120 h is able to increase its ability to maintain human periodontal ligament fibroblasts (PDLF) viability in vitro. Plates with confluent PDLF were soaked in minimum essential medium (MEM) at 37°C (positive control) and in skimmed milk (22 wells) and water (negative control) for 24, 48, 72, 96, and 120 h at 5 and 20°C. The skimmed milk was renewed every 24 h in 11 of the wells of each plate. After these periods, cell viability was determined by the tetrazolium salt-based colorimetric (MTT) assay. Data were statistically analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis and Scheffé tests (α = 5%). At 24 h, milk and MEM performed similarly. However, from 48 h onwards, MEM was significantly better than renewed and not renewed milk at both temperatures. Regardless of temperature (5 or 20°C), renewal of milk with fresh milk did not affect its ability to maintain PDLF viability.

Adesão de células do ligamento periodontal de ratos a diferentes superfícies de titânio: estudo comparativo in vitro / Adhesion of ligament periodontal cells to different titanium surfaces: an in vitro comparative study

Objetivo: o presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar, através de experimentos in vitro utilizando cultura celular, a capacidade de adesão das células do ligamento periodontal de ratos sobre as superfícies de titânio polidas e tratadas por nitretação iônica (plasma). Método: foram utilizados discos de titânio grau II ASTM F86 nas dimensões de 15mm de diâmetro por 1,5mm de espessura, os quais receberam diferentes tratamentos de superfície em 2 grupos distintos: polido e nitretado a plasma por gaiola catódica. As células foram isoladas do ligamento periodontal de ratos e cultivadas em meio de cultura alfa-MEM contendo antibióticos e suplementado com 10% de FBS, por 72 horas, em atmosfera úmida com 5% de CO2 a 37ºC. No subcultivo as células foram cultivadas sobre os discos de titânio em uma placa de 24 poços, na densidade de 1 x 104 células por poço, incluindo-se controles positivos sem os discos de titânio. Após 24 horas de cultivo, as células foram submetidas à contagem em câmara de Neubauer. Resultados: os resultados mostraram que a média de adesão celular foi maior na superfície controle (0,62±0,22) do que nos grupos polido (0,46±0,14) e nitretado (0,33±0,10). Foi observada diferença estatisticamente significante entre os grupos controle e nitretado (p=0,04), porém não se observou diferença na adesão celular entre os grupos polido e nitretado. Conclusão: a capacidade de adesão das células do ligamento periodontal de rato a superfícies de titânio não sofreu influência do tratamento de superfície dado ao material.

Objective: the present study aims to evaluate, through experiments in vitro, the adhesion capacity of rats periodontal ligament cells on polishing and treated by ionic nitriding (plasma) titanium surfaces. Method: degree II titanium discs (ASTM F86), 15mm of diameter for 1,5mm of thickness, which had received different treatments from surface in 2 distinct groups (polished and cathodic cage plasma nitriding) were used. The cells were isolated from periodontal ligament of rats and cultivated in alpha-MEM contend antibiotic and supplemented with 10% of FBS, for 72 hours, in humid atmosphere with 5% of CO2 at 37ºC. In the subculture the cells were cultivated on titanium discs in 24-well cell culture plates, with a density of 1 x 104 cells per well, including wells with no discs (control). After 24 hours of cultivation, the cells were counted in a Neubauer chamber. Results: the results had shown that the mean adhesion was greater on the control surface (0.62±0.22) than on polished (0.46±0.14) and nitriding (0.33±0.10) surfaces. Statistical significant difference was observed between the groups control and cathodic cage plasma nitriding (p=0.04), nevertheless no diference was found between polished and nitriding groups. Conclusion: the adhesion capacity of rat periodontal ligament cells on the titanium surfaces was not influenced by the different surface treatments given to the material, since none of these contributed positively in the process of cellular adhesion.

Human periodontal ligament: a niche of neural crest stem cells.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The periodontal ligament is a specialized connective tissue, derived from dental follicle and originated from neural crest cells. Recently it has been suggested, based on animal models, that periodontal ligament could be a niche for neural crest stem cells. However, there is still little knowledge on this subject. The identification of neural crest adult stem cells has received much attention based on its potential in tissue regeneration. The objective of the present work was to verify the human periodontal ligament as a niche for neural crest stem cells. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cells from human periodontal ligament were isolated from 10 teeth of seven individuals (periodontal ligament pool group) and also from four teeth of one individual (periodontal ligament single group), after enzymatic digestion. The cells were cultured in specific inductive medium. Analyses of protein and gene expression were performed through immunocytochemistry and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction techniques, respectively. RESULTS: Mesodermal phenotypes (adipogeneic, osteogenic and myofibroblastic) were identified after culture in inductive medium. Immunocytochemistry analyses showed the presence of the nestin marker of neural stem cells and also markers of undifferentiated neural crest cells (HNK1, p75). When cultured in inductive medium that allowed neural differentiation, the cells showed markers for beta-tubulin III, neurofilament M, peripherin, microtubule-associated protein 2 and protein zero. The results were similar between the two study groups (the periodontal ligament pool group and the periodontal ligament single group). CONCLUSION: This research provides evidence that human periodontal ligament, in addition to its mesodermal derivatives, produces neural crest-like cells. Such features suggest a recapitulation of their embryonic state. The human periodontal ligament revealed itself as a viable alternative source for possible primitive precursors to be used in stem-cell therapies.

Influence on pH of vehicle containing glycerin used with calcium hydroxide.

- The pH values of the external aqueous medium, relative to the roots of 41 human premolar teeth filled with Ca(OH)2 in to several vehicles, were evaluated in the present study. After root canal biomechanical preparation and smear-layer removal, the teeth were stored individually, immersed in flasks containing 800 ml of ultra-pure deionized water for a period of 118 days. A pH meter was used to analyse the pH values as a function of time. The measurements were divided into phase 1: dissolution, in which all canals remained empty and open in the absence of medicament for 48 days, and phase 2: diffusion, in which the specimens were divided into 10 groups which consisted of three control groups: group 1, water control; group 2, sealing control; and group 3, opened canal dissolution control, and seven experimental groups, with five teeth each, whose canals were filled with Ca(OH)2 paste associated with the following vehicles: group 4, saline solution; group 5, polyethylene glycol (Calen); group 6, glycerin and parachlorophenol (PMCC); group 7, PMCC; group 8, glycerin; group 9, glycerin and formo cresol (FC); and group 10, anesthetic solution. This phase lasted for 70 days. A total of 1058 measurements of the pH values were made. Regression analysis was used for statistical evaluation. The results show that all groups containing polyol in the composition of the paste had a trend to acidification in the interval between filling and 14 days later (therapeutic period) and, at the end of the experiment (1687 h to 70 days after canal filling), the pH was slightly alkaline. We conclude that polyhydroxy alcohol (glycerin and polyethylene glycol, Calen) diffusion enhances acidification of the aqueous medium.