Anti-NGF treatment reduces bone resorption in periodontitis.
Periodontitis is characterized by periodontal tissue destruction, including the alveolar bone. One of its critical components is the release of pro-inflammatory neuropeptides from sensory nerve endings innervating the periodontium. Since nerve growth factor (NGF) has been reported to up-regulate neuropeptides in sensory neurons, we hypothesized that it would be increased in ligature-induced periodontitis in rats, and that systemic NGF neutralization would reduce the periodontitis-associated alveolar bone resorption. Real-time PCR analysis disclosed a statistically significant time-dependent up-regulation of NGF mRNA in gingiva during 2 weeks of periodontitis. Interestingly, NGF up-regulation was also detected in the contralateral gingiva. In addition, immunohistochemistry of trigeminal ganglion neurons innervating the gingivomucosa demonstrated increased expression of TrkA receptor for NGF. Systemic anti-NGF treatment during periodontitis significantly reduced interleukin-1beta expression in gingiva and bilateral alveolar bone resorption. This suggests that NGF promotes periodontal inflammation and implicates a possible use of anti-NGF treatment in periodontitis.
Gaspersic
R
R
Department of Oral Medicine and Periodontology, University of Ljubljana, Hrvatski trg 6, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia. rok.gaspersic@mf.uni-lj.si
Kovacic
U
U
Glisovic
S
S
Cör
A
A
Skaleric
U
U
D016301:Alveolar Bone Loss / Q000145:classification / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D005881:Gingiva / Q000294:innervation; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D018836:Inflammation Mediators / Q000032:analysis / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D053583:Interleukin-1beta / Q000032:analysis; D009414:Nerve Growth Factors / Q000032:analysis / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*; D009479:Neuropeptides / Q000032:analysis / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D010518:Periodontitis / Q000150:complications*; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D020917:Receptor, trkA / Q000032:analysis; D011984:Sensory Receptor Cells / Q000378:metabolism; D012668:Trigeminal Ganglion / Q000378:metabolism; D015854:Up-Regulation
D018836:Inflammation Mediators; D053583:Interleukin-1beta; D009414:Nerve Growth Factors; D009479:Neuropeptides; D020917:Receptor, trkA