Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 7, 2026
Robust Ligature-Induced Model of Murine Periodontitis for the Evaluation of Oral Neutrophils
Published on: January 21, 2020
Enterococcus faecalis promotes orthodontic tooth movement in mice by M1-like macrophage polarization
Fei Yu1, Ting Jiang2, Wenxin Lu3
1State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Department of Orthodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
Objective:
Probiotic-mediated therapy has potential role in influencing bone remodeling. In this study, we aim to explore the impact of microorganisms on accelerating orthodontic tooth movement (OTM).
Design:
Potential probiotic candidates were identified through 16S rRNA gene sequencing in a mouse model of OTM. To investigate the osteoimmunomodulatory impact, primary mouse periodontal ligament cells (PDLCs) were cultured with or without conditioned media (CM) derived from macrophages post-incubation with microorganisms. The microbiota of the mice has be depleted using broad-spectrum antibiotic mixture (ABX) before being administered with microorganisms. The distance of OTM have been measured, and the alveolar bone have been analyzed using micro-CT and immunohistochemical staining.
Results:
The relative abundance of Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) increased in the move group. The results demonstrated that E. faecalis increased the number of M1-polarized macrophages, and a decreased osteogenic level in PDLCs treated with CM E. faecalis group. The distance of OTM in ABX mice has been increased via administration of E. faecalis.
Conclusions:
This study has explored the potential effects of E. faecalis administration on the OTM process through immunomodulation. By elucidating this mechanism, our work lays the groundwork for developing future microorganism-interventions that could safely accelerate OTM with non-invasive strategy.
Insights
Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) administration accelerated orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) in mice by modulating macrophage polarization and osteogenic activity. This suggests a potential non-invasive strategy for enhancing OTM.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Orthodontics
Background:
- Probiotic therapies show promise in influencing bone remodeling.
- Orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) is a complex biological process involving bone remodeling.
- Microorganisms may play a role in modulating OTM.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of specific microorganisms on accelerating orthodontic tooth movement (OTM).
- To explore the osteoimmunomodulatory effects of candidate probiotics in an OTM mouse model.
Main Methods:
- 16S rRNA gene sequencing identified potential probiotic candidates in an OTM mouse model.
- Primary mouse periodontal ligament cells (PDLCs) were treated with conditioned media from macrophages exposed to microorganisms.
- Microbiota depletion with antibiotics (ABX) followed by microorganism administration was performed.
- OTM distance, micro-CT, and immunohistochemistry analyzed alveolar bone changes.
Main Results:
- Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) abundance increased in the OTM group.
- E. faecalis promoted M1 macrophage polarization and reduced osteogenic levels in PDLCs.
- E. faecalis administration accelerated OTM in antibiotic-treated mice.
Conclusions:
- E. faecalis administration influences OTM through immunomodulation.
- This study provides a foundation for developing microorganism-based interventions to accelerate OTM.
- Potential for safe, non-invasive strategies to enhance orthodontic treatment outcomes.
