Alteration of extracellular matrix proteins in atrophic periodontal ligament of hypofunctional rat molars

Daneeya Na Nan; Vincent Everts; Joao N Ferreira; Vorapat Trachoo; Thanaphum Osathanon; Nuttha Klincumhom; Prasit Pavasant

doi:10.1038/s41405-023-00155-7

Alteration of extracellular matrix proteins in atrophic periodontal ligament of hypofunctional rat molars

BDJ Open. 2023 Jul 18;9(1):31. doi: 10.1038/s41405-023-00155-7.

Authors

Daneeya Na Nan¹, Vincent Everts^{2

3}, Joao N Ferreira⁴, Vorapat Trachoo⁵, Thanaphum Osathanon^{2

6}, Nuttha Klincumhom^{7

8}, Prasit Pavasant^{1

2}

Affiliations

¹ Center of Excellence in Regenerative Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.
² Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Dentistry, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.
³ Department of Oral Cell Biology, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Amsterdam and Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
⁴ Avatar Biotechnologies for Oral Health and Healthy Longevity Research Unit, Faculty of Dentistry, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.
⁵ Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.
⁶ Dental Stem Cell Biology Research Unit, Faculty of Dentistry, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.
⁷ Center of Excellence in Regenerative Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand. nuttha.k@chula.ac.th.
⁸ Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Dentistry, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand. nuttha.k@chula.ac.th.

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of mechanical force on possible dynamic changes of the matrix proteins deposition in the PDL upon in vitro mechanical and in vivo occlusal forces in a rat model with hypofunctional conditions.

Materials and methods: Intermittent compressive force (ICF) and shear force (SF) were applied to human periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs). Protein expression of collagen I and POSTN was analyzed by western blot technique. To establish an in vivo model, rat maxillary molars were extracted to facilitate hypofunction of the periodontal ligament (PDL) tissue of the opposing mandibular molar. The mandibles were collected after 4-, 8-, and 12-weeks post-extraction and used for micro-CT and immunohistochemical analysis.

Results: ICF and SF increased the synthesis of POSTN by human PDLSCs. Histological changes in the hypofunctional teeth revealed a narrowing of the PDL space, along with a decreased amount of collagen I, POSTN, and laminin in perivascular structures compared to the functional contralateral molars.

Conclusion: Our results revealed that loss of occlusal force disrupts deposition of some major matrix proteins in the PDL, underscoring the relevance of mechanical forces in maintaining periodontal tissue homeostasis by modulating ECM composition.