ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Mechanical loading induces remodeling of the periodontal ligament and the alveolar bone and is mediated by cytokines and chemokines. In this study, we investigated the kinetics of interleukin-6 and chemokine ligands 2 and 3 levels in periodontal ligaments subjected to orthodontic forces. METHODS: We used 64 premolars in this split-mouth design study. The experimental group consisted of premolars subjected to a force of 0.980 N in the apical direction for 3 hours, 15 hours, 3 days, 12 days, or 21 days with a 0.017 × 0.025-in beta-titanium alloy cantilever. The contralateral teeth, without orthodontic appliances, were used as controls. The premolars were extracted for orthodontic reasons, and the periodontal ligaments were scraped for analysis of cytokine levels by ELISA. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, an increase in chemokine ligand 2 was observed on days 3 and 12, and increases in interleukin-6 and chemokine ligand 3 were observed on day 12 in the experimental group. CONCLUSIONS: Our data demonstrated differential expressions of interleukin-6 and chemokine ligands 2 and 3 in periodontal ligaments after mechanical loading; this might reflect the distinct roles of these molecules in the bone remodeling process.
