Apoptosis activation in human carious dentin. An immunohistochemical study

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Dentistry
• Cell Biology

Background:

• The precise molecular mechanisms driving dental caries progression remain largely unknown.
• Apoptosis is crucial for dentin repair following damage, but its activation pathways (extrinsic vs. intrinsic) in carious teeth are not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the localization of key apoptosis-related proteins: TRAIL, DR5, Bcl-2, and Bax.
• To determine whether extrinsic or intrinsic apoptosis pathways are activated in advanced dental caries.

Main Methods:

• An ex vivo immunohistochemical analysis was performed on twelve permanent carious premolars.
• Proteins TRAIL, DR5, Bcl-2, and Bax were localized using specific antibodies and immunofluorescence techniques.

Main Results:

• TRAIL and DR5 showed overexpression in dentin and pulp vasculature/cells.
• Bax protein was strongly detected in dilated dentinal tubules near the carious lesion.
• Bcl-2 protein exhibited weak or absent staining in dentin areas beneath the cavity.

Conclusions:

• Both extrinsic and intrinsic apoptosis pathways appear to be activated during dental caries progression.
• Further research is needed to elucidate the specific biomolecular mechanisms of apoptosis in dental caries.