Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 8, 2026

A Mouse Model for Pathogen-induced Chronic Inflammation at Local and Systemic Sites
09:52

A Mouse Model for Pathogen-induced Chronic Inflammation at Local and Systemic Sites

Published on: August 8, 2014

Role of TNF-alpha and its receptors in pericoronitis

A Beklen1, M Laine, I Ventä

  • 1Department of Medicine/Invärtes medicin, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland.

Journal of Dental Research
|November 24, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) drives pericoronitis by activating inflammatory cells. Blocking TNF-alpha shows therapeutic potential for this condition.

Area of Science:

  • Oral pathology
  • Immunology
  • Cytokine biology

Background:

  • Bacterial lipopolysaccharide commonly stimulates cytokine production.
  • Pericoronitis is an inflammatory condition often associated with third molars.
  • Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) was investigated as a potential mediator.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of TNF-alpha and its receptors in pericoronitis.
  • To assess the pathogenic and therapeutic relevance of TNF-alpha in this condition.

Main Methods:

  • Immunohistochemical staining was used to detect TNF-alpha and its receptors (TNF-R1, TNF-R2).
  • Samples from ten pericoronitis patients and ten healthy controls were analyzed.
  • Expression of interleukin-1beta and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 was measured.

Main Results:

  • TNF-alpha positive cells were significantly higher in pericoronitis tissues (p = 0.0317).
  • TNF receptors were expressed on various cells in pericoronitis, with weak expression in controls.
  • Increased interleukin-1beta and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 indicated TNF-alpha activity.

Conclusions:

  • Inflammatory and resident cells produce and respond to TNF-alpha in pericoronitis.
  • TNF-alpha plays a pathogenic role in pericoronitis.
  • TNF-alpha blockers demonstrated control of inflammation in affected tissues, suggesting therapeutic potential.

More Related Videos

Inducing Apical Periodontitis in Mice10:26

Inducing Apical Periodontitis in Mice

Published on: August 6, 2019

Differentiation of Functional Osteoclasts from Human Peripheral Blood CD14+ Monocytes11:52

Differentiation of Functional Osteoclasts from Human Peripheral Blood CD14+ Monocytes

Published on: January 27, 2023

Related Concept Videos

NF-κB-dependent Signaling Pathway02:26

NF-κB-dependent Signaling Pathway

The transcription factor NF-κB was discovered in 1986 in the lab of Nobel laureate Professor David Baltimore, for its interaction with the immunoglobulin light chain enhancer in B-cells. After more than three decades of study, it is now evident that NF-κB regulates the expression of over 100 genes. Most of these genes play an essential role in the innate and adaptive immune responses as well as the inflammatory responses of animals.
NF-κB-dependent Signaling Mechanism
The heterodimer of NF-κB...
T Cell Types and Functions01:24

T Cell Types and Functions

When T cells with CD4 markers are activated, they give rise to two types of effector cells: helper T cells and regulatory T cells. Meanwhile, T cells with CD8 markers differentiate into effector cytotoxic T cells. The differentiation of CD4 T cells into helper T cell subsets, such as Th1, Th2, and Th17 cells, is dependent on the antigen type, antigen-presenting cell, and regulatory cytokines.
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...
Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Biologic Agents: Anti-TNF01:24

Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Biologic Agents: Anti-TNF

Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF), a proinflammatory cytokine, contributes significantly to the inflammation seen in Crohn's disease. It exists as soluble TNF and membrane-bound TNF, with actions mediated through TNF receptors (TNFR). TNFR activation leads to the release of proinflammatory cytokines, T-cell activation, collagen production, and leukocyte migration, all contributing to inflammation in Crohn's disease. Anti-TNF monoclonal antibodies, namely infliximab (Remicade), adalimumab (Humira),...
Pericarditis I: Introduction01:22

Pericarditis I: Introduction

Pericarditis is defined as the inflammation of the pericardium, the thin, sac-like membrane surrounding the heart. This condition can cause significant chest pain and other symptoms, often necessitating medical intervention. The pericardium has two layers: the inner visceral layer and the outer parietal layer, separated by a small amount of fluid that reduces friction during heartbeats.Types of PericarditisPericarditis can be classified into several types based on the duration and nature of the...
Chronic Inflammation: Introduction01:12

Chronic Inflammation: Introduction

Chronic inflammation is a prolonged, dysregulated immune response that persists for weeks to years when the inciting stimulus is difficult to eradicate or when self‑antigens drive ongoing reactivity. Morphologically, it is defined by mononuclear cell infiltration, progressive tissue destruction, and concurrent attempts at healing via angiogenesis and fibrosis. Compared with acute inflammation, edema is less prominent while cellular infiltration predominates; triggers include persistent...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease II: Ulcerative Colitis01:20

Inflammatory Bowel Disease II: Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the colon characterized by continuous mucosal inflammation that typically begins in the rectum and extends proximally in a uniform pattern. Its pathogenesis involves a complex interplay of genetic predisposition, immune dysregulation, and environmental influences. These factors converge to impair the colon’s epithelial defenses and promote an exaggerated inflammatory response against luminal contents.Breakdown of the Mucosal BarrierA...