Heat shock protein 70 and the extent of nuclear damage in periodontal ligament compression side cells with orthodontic force application - An ex-vivo evaluation.

OBJECTIVE

Increased levels of heat shock proteins after several types of stress play a central role in cellular homeostasis allowing for continued cell survival. This study was aimed at quantitatively analysing the expression pattern of major damage associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) - HSP70, and the amount of nuclear damage incident in periodontal ligament compression side cells.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Sixteen subjects with bimaxillary dentoalveolar protrusion requiring extraction of all first premolars as part of orthodontic treatment were selected. Extractions were carried out pretreatment from control group. In the experimental group, a buccally directed spring, with force range of 70-120gms promoting bodily movement of maxillary first premolars was placed. Periodontal ligament was scraped from the middle third of the root from the compression side, the cells were isolated and cultured followed by HSP70 protein estimation with western blot analysis and the extend of nuclear damage was assessed with COMET assay.

RESULTS

Western Blot analysis of HSP70 revealed a statistically significant increased expression of HSP70 (P<0.05; CI=95%) in the force applied group compared with the control group. COMET assay could demonstrate significant amount of nuclear fragmentation in the compression side periodontal ligament cells in comparison to control group (P<0.05; CI=95%).

CONCLUSIONS

All these findings demonstrated, for the first time, that orthodontic force application augments release of HSP70 from periodontal ligament cells as a measure to restore tissue homeostasis. Further the study demonstrated that orthodontic forces induce DNA fragmentation, which is quantified more than double the amount observed in the control group.