Morphometric and molecular characterization of the role of iNOS in alveolar bone repair process in homeostatic and infectious conditions

Author(s)

Carolina Fávaro Francisconi

• Document type: Master's Dissertation
• Press: Bauru.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Faculdade de Odontologia de Bauru (FOB/SDB)
• Defense date: 2013-05-09

Examining board members

Gustavo Pompermaier Garlet; Roberta Okamoto; Rodrigo Cardoso de Oliveira

• Advisor: Gustavo Pompermaier Garlet

Abstract

The inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) is an enzyme responsible for the synthesis of nitric oxide, a reactive molecule involved in the regulation of several physiological processes, highlighting relevant effects on bone tissue. However, the role of iNOS in alveolar bone repair remains unknown. The aim of this study was to characterize the role of iNOS in alveolar bone healing process after dental extraction in homeostatic and infectious conditions in mice. With this aim, WT (C57Bl/6) and iNOSKO mice strains were divided into 2 groups, homeostatic condition (extraction of the upper right incisor) and experimental alveolitis (induced by inoculation of a suspension of bacterial culture), and analyzed according to the different experimental periods (0, 7, 14 and 21 days post-extraction), through molecular and histomorphometric analysis. In histomorphometric analysis, the volume density of structures related to blood clot, tissue and bone were evaluated. The molecular analysis quantified the expression of mRNA encoding genes of defined as bone metabolism markers; osteoclast markers, as well cytokines and chemokines through RealTimePCR reactions. The expression of iNOS was detected during the all process of the alveolar bone repair in C57Bl/6 mice, with an expression peak at 7 days post-extraction time point, and was significantly enhanced by alveolitis induction. Histomorphometric analysis showed small changes in alveolar bone repair process in the absence of iNOS, in both homeostatic as infectious conditions. Under homeostatic conditions, the absence of iNOS did not impact significantly the process of alveolar bone healing after dental extraction, but it was associated with modulation of blood vessels formation. In the infectious conditions scenario, the absence of iNOS was associated with modulation of inflammatory cells, osteoblasts and osteoclasts counts. In general, it is concluded that even the enzyme iNOS module some aspects of alveolar bone repair in a particular and punctual manner, their absence does not interfere significantly in the overall outcome of alveolar bone repair process. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 10/13626-7 - Morphometric and molecular characterization of iNOS role in alveolar bone repair under homeostatic and infectious conditions
• Grantee: Carolina Fávaro Francisconi Mortari
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master