Investigation of the Mechanisms Involved in Dental Resorption Due to Root Canal Infection

• Grant number: 22/16639-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: June 01, 2023
• End date: May 31, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Dentistry - Endodontics
• Principal Investigator: Francisco Wanderley Garcia de Paula e Silva
• Grantee: Samuel Moreira Lima
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Odontologia de Ribeirão Preto (FORP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to investigate tooth resorption resulting from endodontic infection, in the presence or absence of TNF-z receptor-1 (TNFR1). Methods: To evaluate the mechanisms involved in the process of tooth resorption, 10 C57BL/6 mice (Wild-type; wild) and 10 mice genetically deficient (knockout) of TNFR1 will be used. For induction of apical periodontitis, the animals will undergo an operative procedure for exposure and contamination of the root canals in the oral environment for a period of 42 days. Microtomographic analysis will be performed to evaluate the area and volume of resorptions of mineralized tissues (dentin and cementum), histopathological analysis in HE, histoenzymology to detect the activity of the enzyme tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) to evaluate the activity and identification of clastic cells and immunohistochemistry to identify osteoclastogenesis mediators in the periodontal ligament. The evaluation of the presence and location of active forms of matrix metalloproteinases in periapical tissues will be performed using in situ zymography. The results obtained will be analyzed using statistical tests, according to the data distribution.