Stem Cells and Androgen Receptor in Human Periapical Periodontitis

Abstract

SUMMARY: Activation of macrophages in periapical granulomas occurs through the presence of cytokines, endotoxin and other genetic and epigenetic factors, allowing the initiation of inflammation and bone resorption. The present study aims to analyze the presence of CD133 protein (marker of stem cells) and the AR (androgen receptor) protein in biopsies of human odontogenic periapical granuloma. Biopsies from 14 adult male patients with diagnosis of periapical granuloma included in paraffin blocks were processed histologically to obtain 5-µm thick sections. Protein presence was detected and analyzed by immunohistochemistry of CD133 and AR. The quantification considered the number of positive cells in 0.17 mm2 random areas under the microscope using a 1000X objective. Both CD133 and AR proteins are expressed abundantly in cells in pathological periapical granulomas tissue. The number of cells expressing CD133 and AR shows a wide variation coefficient, so its variation is a particular feature for each individual. We concluded that in human odontogenic periapical granuloma there are abundant stem cells and cells expressing AR that may be important for the pathogenic inflammatory process.

The Impact of Testosterone Suppression on Dental Structures: An In vivo Study

“…However, Verdonck et al [26] demonstrate that testosterone would have an impact on craniofacial growth only between 40 to 50 days, and not during the animal's childhood. The period between 40 to 50 days corresponds to the peak of testosterone, GH, and IGF-1 in healthy animals [37][38][39]. Thus, testosterone suppression would only have an impact at the time of the peak of these hormones, and orchiectomy before puberty would be the most appropriate time to assess its effects on the development of dentoalveolar structures, as shown by the results found in our study.…”

“…Since ameloblasts are sensitive to testosterone through Androgen Receptors [9], it was expected that there would be an impact on the number or morphology of these cells. However, the literature has not yet shown whether testosterone impacts the differentiation of mesenchymal cells into mature ameloblasts, despite having already demonstrated an impact on the differentiation of odontoblasts and fibroblasts [8,39]. More studies are needed to identify the possible effects of testosterone on ameloblasts and, consequently, enamel.…”

Expression and immunohistochemical localization of leptin receptor in human periapical granuloma

“…All inflammatory elements of the connective tissue are commonly observed, with a great variety of cell shapes and different cell nuclear organization (Rodríguez et al . ). In the present study, all inflammatory cell types characteristic of human periapical granuloma were evident.…”

“…Humans periapical granulomas are characterized by an organization of profuse collagen fibres in diverse directions appearing as irregular dense connective tissue with vascular elements. All inflammatory elements of the connective tissue are commonly observed, with a great variety of cell shapes and different cell nuclear organization (Rodr ıguez et al 2011). In the present study, all inflammatory cell types characteristic of human periapical granuloma were evident.…”