Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 10, 2026

05:25
Using Inducible Osteoblastic Lineage-Specific Stat3 Knockout Mice to Study Alveolar Bone Remodeling During Orthodontic Tooth Movement
Published on: July 21, 2023
Orthodontic stress Bcl-2 modulation and human odontoblast survival
1Section of Histology and Embryology, Palermo University Medical and Dental School, Palermo, Italy. luana.lipari@tiscali.it
Summary
Orthodontic traction may decrease Bcl-2 expression, promoting apoptosis in dental pulp. This suggests physical stress, even without harm, could hinder odontoblast regeneration.
Area of Science:
- Dental Science
- Orthodontics
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Odontoblast regeneration is crucial for dental pulp health.
- The impact of orthodontic forces on dental pulp cell apoptosis and regeneration is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effect of orthodontic traction on Bcl-2 expression and apoptosis in human dental pulp.
- To investigate odontoblast regeneration potential under orthodontic stress.
Main Methods:
- Histology and immunohistochemistry were used to assess Bcl-2 and Caspase 9 expression in orthodontically treated and untreated dental pulps.
- Quantitative PCR (qPCR) was performed on dental pulp samples to correlate gene expression levels.
Main Results:
- Histology revealed microanatomical changes in dental pulp after 8 months of orthodontic treatment.
- Immunohistochemistry and qPCR showed decreased Bcl-2 expression in orthodontically treated pulps.
- Caspase expression was detected in both groups, with a stronger presence of the non-active form.
Conclusions:
- Orthodontic traction may inhibit Bcl-2 expression, potentially leading to increased apoptosis.
- Physical stress from orthodontic treatment, even without noxious stimuli, might reduce the likelihood of odontoblast regeneration.

