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Fluoride-induced changes to proteoglycan structure synthesised within the dentine-pulp complex in vitro
R J Waddington1, R Moseley, A J Smith
1Matrix Biology and Tissue Repair Research Unit, Department of Dental Health and Biological Sciences, Dental School, University of Wales College of Medicine, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XY, UK. waddingtonrj@cardiff.ac.uk
Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta
|June 16, 2004
Summary
Fluoride exposure alters proteoglycan (PG) processing in dentine, impacting biglycan levels and glycosaminoglycan structure. These changes offer molecular insights into fluorosis-related mineralisation defects.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Dental Research
- Mineral Metabolism
Background:
- Fluoride influences dentine mineralization, with proteoglycan (PG) alterations proposed as a key factor.
- Recent studies highlight changing PG profiles during dentine mineralization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate fluoride's impact on major PG populations (decorin, biglycan, versican) in the pulp, predentine, and dentine.
- To characterize changes in PG structure and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) chains under fluoride exposure.
Main Methods:
- Rat incisor tooth sections cultured with 0, 1, or 6 mM sodium fluoride for 14 days.
- PG extraction and identification using immuno-reactivity.
- Characterization of GAG chains (nature, length, disaccharide composition).
Main Results:
- Fluoride reduced PG levels in pulp and predentine, especially biglycan.
- Decorin and versican levels in predentine/dentine were unaffected, but their processing was altered.
- Dermatan sulfate levels decreased, and GAG sulfation and chain length were reduced across tissues.
Conclusions:
- Fluoride significantly alters PG synthesis, structure, and processing in the dentine-pulp complex.
- These PG modifications provide a molecular basis for altered dentine mineralization observed in fluorosis.
