Differential Protein Expression in Human Dental Pulp: Comparison of Healthy, Inflamed, and Traumatic Pulp

Abstract

Trauma or injury to the dental pulp causes inflammation. This study compared the proteome of healthy pulp with inflamed pulp and traumatic pulp to identify the differentially expressed proteins in the diseased state. Five participants were grouped based on the pulpal status of the teeth: healthy, inflamed, or traumatic pulp. Pulp was extirpated and stored immediately in liquid nitrogen. Pulp tissues were subjected to 2-dimensional gel electrophoresis, and spot selection was performed. The selected spots were analyzed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and identified by correlating mass spectra to the proteomic databases. Fifteen spots showed increased expression in the inflamed and traumatic pulp. Annexin V, type II keratin, and hemoglobin levels were increased two-fold in the inflamed and traumatic pulp group and annexin V, mutant beta-actin, and hemoglobin were increased by ten-fold in the inflamed or traumatic pulp group, compared to levels in the healthy pulp group. Annexin V constituted two out of fifteen protein spots, and seemed to play a critical role in inhibiting inflammation and promoting the immune reaction. Further studies on this protein concerning its role in pulp repair are necessary to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.

Quantitative proteomic analysis in symptomatic and asymptomatic apical periodontitis

“…2019); and the study of pulp and periapical pathogenesis, as well as the treatment of pulp disease (Yue et al . 2019, Loureiro et al . 2020).…”

“…Through proteomics research in dentistry, important findings have been reported in the study of saliva (Siqueira & Dawes 2011, Lorenzo-Pouso et al 2018, acquired pellicle (Ventura et al 2017), caries (Jagr et al 2016), gingivitis (Huynh et al 2015), periodontitis (Bostanci & Bao 2017) and oral cancer (Carnielli et al 2018). In Endodontics specifically, studies are focused on three major areas: pulp regeneration and tissue engineering, based on the proteomic study of mesenchymal stem cells (Murakami et al 2012, Li et al 2017; identification of bacterial proteins from endodontic infections, mainly related to pathogenicity and microbial virulence (Provenzano et al 2013, Francisco et al 2019; and the study of pulp and periapical pathogenesis, as well as the treatment of pulp disease (Yue et al 2019, Loureiro et al 2020.…”