Compressive force-induced autophagy in periodontal ligament cells downregulates osteoclastogenesis during tooth movement.

BACKGROUND

Autophagy has recently emerged as a protective mechanism in response to compressive force and an important process in maintenance of bone homeostasis. It appears to be involved in the degradation of osteoclasts, osteoblasts, and osteocytes. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of compressive force-induced autophagy in periodontal ligament (PDL) cells in regulating osteoclastogenesis of orthodontic tooth movement (OTM).

METHODS

An OTM model and compressive force on PDL cells were employed to investigate the expression of autophagy markers in vivo and in vitro, respectively. Autophagosomes and autolysosomes were observed in PDL cells by transmission electron microscope (TEM) and autophagy LC3 double labelling. 3-Methyladenine (3-MA) and rapamycin were respectively used to inhibit and promote autophagy, and the effect of autophagy on osteoclastogenesis was explored via microcomputed tomography, hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, histochemistry of titrate-resistant acid phosphatase, and real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in vivo. Receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand/osteoprotegerin (RANKL/OPG) was investigated by RT-PCR and ELISA in vitro.

RESULTS

Orthodontic force-induced autophagy was prominent on the pressured side of PDL tissues. Administration of 3-MA downregulated bone density and upregulated osteoclasts, while rapamycin had reverse results in OTM. The autophagy activity increased initially then decreased in PDL cells during compressive force application and responded to light force. In PDL cells, administration of 3-MA upregulated while rapamycin downregulated the RANKL/OPG ratio.

CONCLUSION

Autophagy is activated by compressive force in PDL cells. Besides, it could modulate OTM by negatively regulating osteoclastogenesis and keep bone homeostasis via RANKL/OPG signaling.