Expression of OPG, RANKL, and RUNX2 in rabbit periodontium under orthodontic force

This study aims to investigate the expression changes of RANKL, RUNX2, and OPG in rabbit periodontal tissues under orthodontic force and explore its effect on the remodeling of periodontal tissues. A total of 16 specific pathogen-free rabbits were used in this study. The maxillary appliance was worn on the right (experimental) side, and the appliance-free left side was used as the control. Rabbits were sacrificed after 3, 5, 7, and 14 days of treatment. Changes in the expression levels of OPG, RANKL, and RUNX2 in the periodontium were detected using real-time PCR and western blotting methods. The OPG expression levels decreased after 3 to 14 days of treatment, while the expression levels of RANKL and RUNX2 increased after 3 to 14 days. The OPG expression levels decreased while those of RANKL and RUNX2 increased during orthodontic tooth movement, which suggested that they play a role in the osteogenesis process and the reconstruction of periodontal tissue.