Specific signaling molecule expression in periodontal ligaments in different age groups: pilot study

Area of Science:

• Orthodontics
• Periodontal tissue engineering
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Orthodontic tooth movement involves alveolar bone remodeling.
• Periodontal signaling molecules are key regulators of this process.
• Age influences the remodeling potential of periodontal tissues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate age-related expression of signaling molecules in the periodontal ligament (PDL) of the interradicular septum.
• To identify specific signaling factors involved in tooth movement across different age groups.

Main Methods:

• Immunohistochemical analysis of PDL samples from 25 patients aged 12-80+ years.
• Semi-quantitative evaluation of signaling molecules including NGFR, TGF-β, bFGF, FGFR1, IL-1, IL-6, IL-8, MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-8, MMP-9, and MMP-13.
• Patients were categorized into three age groups: 12-14, 15-22, and 23+ years.

Main Results:

• FGFR1, bFGF, MMP-8, MMP-9, and IL-6 were detected in all samples.
• A statistically significant decrease in bFGF expression was observed with increasing age.
• Non-significant decreases in FGFR1, IL-6, MMP-8, and MMP-9 expression were noted with age.

Conclusions:

• bFGF, FGFR, IL-6, MMP-8, and MMP-9 are identified signaling factors in the PDL of the interradicular septum.
• Decreased expression of these factors with age, particularly bFGF, suggests reduced periodontal tissue remodeling capacity in older individuals.
• Higher PDL metabolic activity in younger patients correlates with increased signaling molecule expression.