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Transforming growth factor beta-1 expression in macrophages of human chronic periapical diseases
1Department of Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.
Abstract:
The objective of this study was to observe the distribution of macrophages (MPs) expressing transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-β1) in tissue samples from patients with different human chronic periapical diseases. In this study, samples were collected from 75 volunteers, who were divided into three groups according to classified standards, namely, healthy control (N = 25), periapical granuloma (N = 25), and periapical cyst (N = 25). The samples were fixed in 10% buffered formalin for more than 48 h, dehydrated, embedded, and stained with hematoxylin and eosin for histopathology. Double immunofluorescence was conducted to analyze the expression of TGF-β-CD14 double-positive MPs in periapical tissues. The number of double-positive cells (cells/mm2) were significantly higher in the chronic periapical disease tissues (P < 0.01) compared to that in the control tissue; in addition, the density of TGF-β1-CD14 double positive cells was significantly higher in the periapical cyst group than in the periapical granuloma group (P < 0.01). The number of TGF-β1 expressing macrophages varied with human chronic periapical diseases. The TGF-β1-CD14 double-positive cells might play an important role in the pathology of human chronic periapical diseases.
Insights
Macrophages expressing transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-β1) are more prevalent in chronic periapical diseases. Their density is higher in periapical cysts than granulomas, suggesting a role in disease pathology.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Oral Pathology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Chronic periapical diseases are inflammatory conditions affecting the tissues around the root apex of teeth.
- Macrophages (MPs) are key immune cells involved in inflammation and tissue remodeling.
- Transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-β1) is a cytokine with diverse roles in immunity and tissue repair.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the distribution and density of macrophages expressing TGF-β1 (TGF-β1-CD14 double-positive MPs) in human chronic periapical lesions.
- To compare the expression levels of TGF-β1-positive macrophages in periapical granulomas and periapical cysts versus healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- Histopathological analysis of tissue samples from 75 volunteers (25 healthy controls, 25 periapical granulomas, 25 periapical cysts).
- Double immunofluorescence staining to identify macrophages (CD14) expressing TGF-β1.
- Quantification of TGF-β1-CD14 double-positive cells per square millimeter.
Main Results:
- Significantly higher numbers of TGF-β1-CD14 double-positive MPs were found in chronic periapical disease tissues compared to healthy controls (P < 0.01).
- The density of these cells was significantly greater in periapical cysts than in periapical granulomas (P < 0.01).
- TGF-β1-expressing macrophage counts varied across different human chronic periapical diseases.
Conclusions:
- TGF-β1-expressing macrophages are significantly associated with the presence and severity of human chronic periapical diseases.
- The elevated presence of TGF-β1-CD14 double-positive cells in periapical cysts suggests a specific role in their pathogenesis.
- These findings highlight the potential importance of TGF-β1-producing macrophages in the pathology of chronic periapical conditions.