Apoptosis activation in human carious dentin. An immunohistochemical study

Abstract

The exact mechanisms and enzymes involved in caries progression are largely unclear. Apoptosis plays a key role in dentin remodelling related to damage repair; however, it is unclear whether apoptosis in decayed teeth is activated through the extrinsic or the intrinsic pathway. This ex vivo immunohistochemical study explored the localization of TRAIL, DR5, Bcl-2 and Bax, the main proteins involved in apoptosis, in teeth with advanced caries. To evaluate TRAIL, DR5, Bcl-2 and Bax immunoexpressions twelve permanent carious premolars were embedded in paraffin and processed for immunohistochemistry. The results showed that TRAIL and DR5 were overexpressed in dentin and in pulp vessels and mononuclear cells; strong Bax immunostaining was detected in dilated dentinal tubules close to the lesion, and Bcl-2 staining was weak in some dentin areas under the cavity or altogether absent. These findings suggest that both apoptosis pathways are activated in dental caries. Further studies are required to gain insights into its biomolecular mechanisms.

A Docking and Network Pharmacology Study on the Molecular Mechanisms of Curcumin in Dental Caries and Streptococcus mutans

“…Previous reports have shown that apoptosis is active in caries; furthermore, although fluoride can prevent caries, excessive fluoride intake can cause fluorosis. However, curcumin attenuates fluoride-mediated apoptosis through Akt activation and suppresses fluoride-mediated DNA damage [ 26 , 27 ]. Therefore, curcumin may reverse the apoptotic process caused by dental caries and excessive fluoride intake.…”

“…Therefore, curcumin could decrease caries inflammation through MAPK1. BCL2 is a protein that regulates cell death and has been reported to be overexpressed in teeth with advanced caries [ 26 ]. However, it has also been reported that curcumin ameliorates bone loss by inhibiting osteoclastogenesis through several molecules, including BCL2 [ 36 ].…”

Histochemistry in biology and medicine: a message from the citing journals

“…Extracellular matrix and hard tissues have become increasingly important topics, demonstrating that histochemistry may be suitably applied in particular to investigate cartilage or dentin during the histogenetic process 49-51 and in pathological conditions; 52 , 56 some papers were devoted to the temporomandibular joint in healthy and diseased subjects, 50 , 57-59 while other proposed in vitro models for chondrogenesis 60-62 or dentinogenesis. 63 Techniques for culture in vitro were also used for tissue engineering, using different supports for growing and differentiating various cell types: 64-67 Histochemistry thus proved to be an effective mean to characterize the structural and functional features of cells to be used for reconstructive medicine.…”