Role of tumor necrosis factor-alpha in pulpal and periapical inflammation and repair

• Grant number: 19/02432-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Start date: September 01, 2019
• End date: January 31, 2023
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Dentistry - Pediatric Dentistry
• Principal Investigator: Francisco Wanderley Garcia de Paula e Silva
• Grantee: Luciano Aparecido de Almeida Junior
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Odontologia de Ribeirão Preto (FORP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) role in in vitro induction of dental pulp cell proliferation, migration and differentiation of dental pulp cells is already known and indicates that this mediator might be and important regulator of the recruitment of cells to injured sites for tissue regeneration or repair. Nevertheless, all these phenomena were demonstrated in vitro in cell culture models, opening avenues for in vivo investigation. Therefore, the general goal of this research is to investigate the role of TNF-alpha in dental pulp inflammation and repair and in the development of apical periodontitis, using genetically deficient mice to TNF-alpha receptor-1 (TNFRSF1) in comparison to wild type animals (C57Bl6). A pulp capping model will be used to evaluate the dental pulp response after tissue exposure and protection. To evaluate the periapical bone response, a model will be used in which the pulp tissue will be exposed to the buccal environment for microbial contamination. The specific objectives will be to investigate: (i) the degree of tissue inflammation by quantifying inflammatory cells and evaluating gene and protein expression; (ii) microbial contamination in pulp and periapical tissues; (iii) reabsorption of mineralized tissues by computerized microtomography and microscopic analysis; and (iv) osteoclastogenesis on bone tissue and dental root surfaces. In addition, TNF-alpha estimulated dental pulp cells will be used to dissect the possible mechanisms involved in the regulation of proteins important for the mineralization process under pro-inflammatory stimulation. (AU)

Scientific publications

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

LÍDIA REGINA DA COSTA HIDALGO; LUCIANO APARECIDO DE ALMEIDA-JUNIOR; MARÍLIA PACÍFICO LUCISANO POLITI; PAULO NELSON-FILHO; RAQUEL ASSED BEZERRA SEGATO; FRANCISCO WANDERLEY GARCIA PAULA-SILVA; LÉA ASSED BEZERRA DA SILVA. Randomized Clinical Study of the Use of MTA and Biodentine™ for Pulpotomy in Primary Teeth. Pesquisa Brasileira em Odontopediatria e Clínica Integrada, v. 23, 2023-12-04. (14/25692-5, 19/02432-1)

Academic Publications

(References retrieved automatically from State of São Paulo Research Institutions)

ALMEIDA JUNIOR, Luciano Aparecido de. Tnf-alpha-tnfr1 signaling differentially regulates periapical bone loss and neoformation dentin in a murine experimental model. 2023. Doctoral Thesis - Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Faculdade de Odontologia de Ribeirão Preto (PCARP/BC) Ribeirão Preto.