Irreversible inflammation is associated with decreased levels of the alpha1-, beta1-, and alpha2-subunits of sGC in human odontoblasts

The α1- and β1-Subunits of Nitric Oxide-Sensitive Guanylyl Cyclase in Pericytes of Healthy Human Dental Pulp

Nitric oxide-sensitive guanylyl cyclase (NO-GC) is a heterodimeric enzyme with an α- and a β-subunit. In its active form as an α1β1-heterodimer, NO-GC produces cyclic guanosine-3',5'-monophophate (cGMP) to regulate vasodilation and proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). In contrast to VSMCs, only a few studies reported on the expression of the NO-GC α1β1-heterodimer in human pericytes. Since NO-GC is a marker for platelet-derived growth factor-β (PDGFRβ)-positive pericytes, we investigated whether NO-GC is expressed in its active α1β1-heterodimer in pericytes of healthy human dental pulp. In our previous studies, we developed and validated an antibody against the α1-subunit of human NO-GC. Here, we developed a new antibody against the β1-subunit of human NO-GC and validated it by immunoblot, mass spectrometry, and immunohistochemistry on tissue samples from humans and NO-GC knockout (GCKO) mice. Using both antibodies, we detected α1- and β1-subunits of NO-GC in pericytes of pre-capillary arterioles, capillaries, and post-capillary venules in dental pulp of decalcified and non-decalcified human molars. We concluded that NO-GC as an active α1β1-heterodimer may be involved in the regulation of vascular permeability, vascular stability, organ homeostasis, and organ regeneration in healthy human dental pulp.

Immune System of Dental Pulp in Inflamed and Normal Tissue

Teeth are vulnerable to structural compromise, primarily attributed to carious lesions, in which microorganisms originating from the oral cavity deteriorate the mineralized structures of enamel and dentin, subsequently infiltrating the underlying soft connective tissue, known as the dental pulp. Nonetheless, dental pulp possesses the necessary capabilities to detect and defend against bacteria and their by-products, using a variety of intricate defense mechanisms. The pulp houses specialized cells known as odontoblasts, which encounter harmful substances produced by oral bacteria. These cells identify pathogens at an early stage and commence the immune system response. As bacteria approach the pulp, various cell types within the pulp, such as different immune cells, stem cells, fibroblasts, as well as neuronal and vascular networks, contribute a range of defense mechanisms. Therefore, the immune system is present in the healthy pulp to restrain the initial spread of pathogens, and then in the inflamed pulp, it prepares the conditions for necrosis or regeneration, so inflammatory response mechanisms play a critical role in maintaining tissue homeostasis. This review aims to consolidate the existing literature on the immune system in dental pulp, encompassing current knowledge on this topic that explains the diverse mechanisms of recognition and defense against pathogens exhibited by dental pulp cells, elucidates the mechanisms of innate and adaptive immunity in inflamed pulp, and highlights the difference between inflamed and normal pulp tissue.

Dental Pulp Inflammation Initiates the Occurrence of Mast Cells Expressing the α1 and β1 Subunits of Soluble Guanylyl Cyclase

The binding of nitric oxide (NO) to heme in the β₁ subunit of soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) activates both the heterodimeric α₁β₁ and α₂β₁ isoforms of the enzyme, leading to the increased production of cGMP from GTP. In cultured human mast cells, exogenous NO is able to inhibit mast cell degranulation via NO-cGMP signaling. However, under inflammatory oxidative or nitrosative stress, sGC becomes insensitive to NO. The occurrence of mast cells in healthy and inflamed human tissues and the in vivo expression of the α₁ and β₁ subunits of sGC in human mast cells during inflammation remain largely unresolved and were investigated here. Using peroxidase and double immunohistochemical incubations, no mast cells were found in healthy dental pulp, whereas the inflammation of dental pulp initiated the occurrence of several mast cells expressing the α₁ and β₁ subunits of sGC. Since inflammation-induced oxidative and nitrosative stress oxidizes Fe²⁺ to Fe³⁺ in the β₁ subunit of sGC, leading to the desensitization of sGC to NO, we hypothesize that the NO- and heme-independent pharmacological activation of sGC in mast cells may be considered as a regulatory strategy for mast cell functions in inflamed human dental pulp.

Inflammation of the Human Dental Pulp Induces Phosphorylation of eNOS at Thr495 in Blood Vessels

The activity of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) in endothelial cells increased with the phosphorylation of the enzyme at Ser1177 and decreased at Thr495. The regulation of the phosphorylation sites of eNOS at Ser1177 and Thr495 in blood vessels of the healthy and inflamed human dental pulp is unknown. To investigate this, healthy and carious human third molars were immersion-fixed and decalcified. The localization of eNOS, Ser1177, and Thr495 in healthy and inflamed blood vessels was examined in consecutive cryo-sections using quantitative immunohistochemical methods. We found that the staining intensity of Ser1177 in healthy blood vessels decreased in inflamed blood vessels, whereas the weak staining intensity of Thr495 in healthy blood vessels strongly increased in inflamed blood vessels. In blood vessels of the healthy pulp, eNOS is active with phosphorylation of the enzyme at Ser1177. The phosphorylation of eNOS at Thr495 in inflamed blood vessels leads to a decrease in eNOS activity, contributing to eNOS uncoupling and giving evidence for a decrease in NO and an increase in O2− production. Since the formation of the tertiary dentin matrix depends on intact pulp circulation, eNOS uncoupling and phosphorylation of eNOS at Thr495 in the inflamed pulp blood vessels should be considered during caries therapy.

In-Silico modulation of Interleukin-8 (IL8) for the therapeutic management of endodontic pulpitis

Emerging clinical evidences highlight the association of Interleukin-8 (IL8) with endodontic pulpitis. Relatively higher expression of IL8 has been found in the pulp samples of pulpitis patients with moderate/severe pain. It is speculated that IL8 can be considered as a potential target for therapeutics of endodontic pulpitis. A library consisting of 3072 small molecules from the ZINC database was used to identify potential lead molecules with drug-like properties against the IL8. Based on the in-silico structure-assisted drug designing involving molecular docking, MD simulations, and MMPBSA analyses, we found a small molecule ZINC14613097 inhibits IL8. This study provides a new lead molecule than can be further validated in in-vitro, in-vivo, and ongoing clinical studies for the therapeutic management of endodontic pulpitis.

The Role of microRNAs in Pulp Inflammation

The dental pulp can be affected by thermal, physical, chemical, and bacterial phenomena that stimulate the inflammatory response. The pulp tissue produces an immunological, cellular, and vascular reaction in an attempt to defend itself and resolve the affected tissue. The expression of different microRNAs during pulp inflammation has been previously documented. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous small molecules involved in the transcription of genes that regulate the immune system and the inflammatory response. They are present in cellular and physiological functions, as well as in the pathogenesis of human diseases, becoming potential biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis, monitoring, and safety. Previous studies have evidenced the different roles played by miRNAs in proinflammatory, anti-inflammatory, and immunological phenomena in the dental pulp, highlighting specific key functions of pulp pathology. This systematized review aims to provide an understanding of the role of the different microRNAs detected in the pulp and their effects on the expression of the different target genes that are involved during pulp inflammation.

The colocalizations of pulp neural stem cells markers with dentin matrix protein-1, dentin sialoprotein and dentin phosphoprotein in human denticle (pulp stone) lining cells

BACKGROUND

The primary dentin, secondary dentin, and reactive tertiary dentin are formed by terminal differentiated odontoblasts, whereas atubular reparative tertiary dentin is formed by odontoblast-like cells. Odontoblast-like cells differentiate from pulpal stem cells, which express the neural stem cell markers nestin, S100β, Sox10, and P0. The denticle (pulp stone) is an unique mineralized extracellular matrix that frequently occurs in association with the neurovascular structures in the dental pulp. However, to date, the cellular origin of denticles in human dental pulp is unclear. In addition, the non-collagenous extracellular dentin matrix proteins dentin matrix protein 1 (DMP1), dentin sialoprotein (DSP), and dentin phosphoprotein (DPP) have been well characterized in the dentin matrix, whereas their role in the formation and mineralization of the denticle matrix remains to be clarified.

METHODS

To characterize the formation of denticle, healthy human third molars (n = 59) were completely sectioned and evaluated by HE staining in different layers at 720 µm intervals. From these samples, molars with (n = 5) and without denticles (n = 8) were selected. Using consecutive cryo-sections from a layer containing denticles of different sizes, we examined DMP1, DSP, and DPP in denticle lining cells and tested their co-localizations with the glial stem cell markers nestin, S100β, Sox10, and P0 by quantitative and double staining methods.

RESULTS

DMP1, DSP and DPP were found in odontoblasts, whereas denticle lining cells were positive only for DMP1 and DSP but not for DPP. Nestin was detected in both odontoblasts and denticle lining cells. S100β, Sox10, and P0 were co-localized with DMP1 and DSP in different subpopulations of denticle lining cells.

CONCLUSIONS

The co-localization of S100β, Sox10, and P0 with DMP1 and DSP in denticle lining cells suggest that denticle lining cells are originated from glial and/or endoneurial mesenchymal stem cells which are involved in biomineralization of denticle matrix by secretion of DMP1 and DSP. Since denticles are atubular compared to primary, secondary, reactionary tertiary dentin and denticle formed by odontoblasts, our results suggest that DPP could be one of the proteins involved in the complex regulation of dentinal tubule formation.

Inflammatory Response Mechanisms of the Dentine-Pulp Complex and the Periapical Tissues

The macroscopic and microscopic anatomy of the oral cavity is complex and unique in the human body. Soft-tissue structures are in close interaction with mineralized bone, but also dentine, cementum and enamel of our teeth. These are exposed to intense mechanical and chemical stress as well as to dense microbiologic colonization. Teeth are susceptible to damage, most commonly to caries, where microorganisms from the oral cavity degrade the mineralized tissues of enamel and dentine and invade the soft connective tissue at the core, the dental pulp. However, the pulp is well-equipped to sense and fend off bacteria and their products and mounts various and intricate defense mechanisms. The front rank is formed by a layer of odontoblasts, which line the pulp chamber towards the dentine. These highly specialized cells not only form mineralized tissue but exert important functions as barrier cells. They recognize pathogens early in the process, secrete antibacterial compounds and neutralize bacterial toxins, initiate the immune response and alert other key players of the host defense. As bacteria get closer to the pulp, additional cell types of the pulp, including fibroblasts, stem and immune cells, but also vascular and neuronal networks, contribute with a variety of distinct defense mechanisms, and inflammatory response mechanisms are critical for tissue homeostasis. Still, without therapeutic intervention, a deep carious lesion may lead to tissue necrosis, which allows bacteria to populate the root canal system and invade the periradicular bone via the apical foramen at the root tip. The periodontal tissues and alveolar bone react to the insult with an inflammatory response, most commonly by the formation of an apical granuloma. Healing can occur after pathogen removal, which is achieved by disinfection and obturation of the pulp space by root canal treatment. This review highlights the various mechanisms of pathogen recognition and defense of dental pulp cells and periradicular tissues, explains the different cell types involved in the immune response and discusses the mechanisms of healing and repair, pointing out the close links between inflammation and regeneration as well as between inflammation and potential malignant transformation.

Inflammation in the Human Periodontium Induces Downregulation of the α1- and β1-Subunits of the sGC in Cementoclasts

Nitric oxide (NO) binds to soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC), activates it in a reduced oxidized heme iron state, and generates cyclic Guanosine Monophosphate (cGMP), which results in vasodilatation and inhibition of osteoclast activity. In inflammation, sGC is oxidized and becomes insensitive to NO. NO- and heme-independent activation of sGC requires protein expression of the α₁- and β₁-subunits. Inflammation of the periodontium induces the resorption of cementum by cementoclasts and the resorption of the alveolar bone by osteoclasts, which can lead to tooth loss. As the presence of sGC in cementoclasts is unknown, we investigated the α₁- and β₁-subunits of sGC in cementoclasts of healthy and inflamed human periodontium using double immunostaining for CD68 and cathepsin K and compared the findings with those of osteoclasts from the same sections. In comparison to cementoclasts in the healthy periodontium, cementoclasts under inflammatory conditions showed a decreased staining intensity for both α₁- and β₁-subunits of sGC, indicating reduced protein expression of these subunits. Therefore, pharmacological activation of sGC in inflamed periodontal tissues in an NO- and heme-independent manner could be considered as a new treatment strategy to inhibit cementum resorption.

EMILIN proteins are novel extracellular constituents of the dentin-pulp complex

Odontoblasts and pulp stroma cells are embedded within supramolecular networks of extracellular matrix (ECM). Fibrillin microfibrils and associated proteins are crucial constituents of these networks, serving as contextual scaffolds to regulate tissue development and homeostasis by providing both structural and mechanical properties and sequestering growth factors of the TGF-β superfamily. EMILIN-1, -2, and -3 are microfibril-associated glycoproteins known to modulate cell behaviour, growth factor activity, and ECM assembly. So far their expression in the various cells of the dentin-pulp complex during development, in the adult stage, and during inflammation has not been investigated. Confocal immunofluorescence microscopy and western blot analysis of developing and adult mouse molars and incisors revealed an abundant presence of EMILINs in the entire dental papilla, at early developmental stages. Later in development the signal intensity for EMILIN-3 decreases, while EMILIN-1 and -2 staining appears to increase in the pre-dentin and in the ECM surrounding odontoblasts. Our data also demonstrate new specific interactions of EMILINs with fibulins in the dentin enamel junction. Interestingly, in dentin caries lesions the signal for EMILIN-3 was significantly increased in inflamed odontoblasts. Overall our findings point for the first time to a role of EMILINs in dentinogenesis, pulp biology, and inflammation.

Nitric Oxide in Dental Pulp Tissue: From Molecular Understanding to Clinical Application in Regenerative Endodontic Procedures

Nitric oxide (NO), which is synthesized by the enzyme NO synthase (NOS), is a versatile endogenous molecule with multiple biological effects on many tissues and organs. In dental pulp tissue, NO has been found to play multifaceted roles in regulating physiological activities, inflammation processes, and tissue repair events, such as cell proliferation, neuronal degeneration, angiogenesis, and odontoblastic differentiation. However, there is a deficiency of detailed discussion on the NO-mediated interactions between inflammation and reparative/regenerative responses in wounded dental pulp tissue, which is a central determinant of ultimate clinical outcomes. Thus, the purpose of this review is to outline the current molecular understanding on the roles of Janus-faced molecule NO in dental pulp physiology, inflammation, and reparative activities. Based on this knowledge, advanced physicochemical techniques designed to manipulate the therapeutic potential of NOS and NO production in endodontic regeneration procedures are further discussed. Impact statement The interaction between inflammation and reparative/regenerative responses is very important for regenerative endodontic procedures, which are biologically based approaches intended to replace damaged tissues. Inside dental pulp tissue, endogenous nitric oxide (NO) is generated mainly by immunocompetent cells and dental pulp cells and mediates not only inflammatory/immune activities but also signaling cascades that regulate tissue repair and reconstruction, indicating its involvement in both tissue destruction and regeneration. Thus, it is feasible that NO acts as one of the indicators and modulators in dental pulp repair or regeneration under physiological and pathological conditions.

Downregulation of the α1- and β1-subunit of sGC in Arterial Smooth Muscle Cells of OPSCC Is HPV-Independent

The nitric oxide (NO)-sensitive soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) is a heterodimeric enzyme with an α and β subunit. NO binds to heme of the β₁-subunit of sGC, activates the enzyme in the reduced heme iron state in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), and generates cGMP-inducing vasodilatation and suppression of VSMC proliferation. In the complex tumor milieu with higher levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), sGC heme iron may become oxidized and insensitive to NO. To change sGC from an NO-insensitive to NO-sensitive state or NO-independent manner, protein expression of sGC in VSMC is required. Whether sGCα₁β₁ exists at the protein level in arterial VSMCs of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) is unknown. In addition, whether differences in the genetic profile between human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive and HPV-negative OPSCC contributes to the regulation of sGCα₁β₁ is unclear. Therefore, we compared the effects of HPV-positive and HPV-negative OPSCC on the expression of sGCα₁β₁ in arterial VSMCs from tumor-free and tumor-containing regions of human tissue sections using quantitative immunohistochemistry. In comparison to the tumor-free region, we found a decrease in expression of both α₁- and β₁-subunits in the arterial VSMC layer of the tumor-containing areas. The OPSCC-induced significant downregulation of the α₁- and β₁-subunits of sGC in arterial VSMC was HPV-independent. We conclude that the response of sGC to NO in tumor arterial VSMCs may be impaired by oxidation of the heme of the β₁-subunit, and thus, α₁- and β₁-subunits of sGC could be targeted to degradation under oxidative stress in OPSCC in an HPV-independent manner. The degradation of sGCα₁β₁ in VSMCs may result in increased proliferation of VSMCs, promoting tumor arteriogenesis in OPSCC. This can be interrupted by preserving the active heterodimer sGCα₁β₁ in arterial VSMCs.

The roles of odontoblasts in dental pulp innate immunity

Odontoblasts located in the outermost layer of dental pulp form a natural barrier between mineralized tissues, dentin, and soft tissues, dental pulp, of the vital tooth, and they first recognize caries-related pathogens and sense external irritations. Therefore, odontoblasts possess a specialized innate immune system to fight oral pathogens invading into dentin. Generally, the rapid initial sensing of microbial pathogens, especially pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) shared by microorganisms, are mediated by pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), such as Toll-like receptor and the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD). The innate immune responses in odontoblasts initiated by sensing oral pathogens provide host protective events, such as inflammatory reactions, to produce a variety of pro-inflammatory mediators, including chemokines and cytokines. These attract various inflammatory cells and cause antibacterial reactions, such as the production of defensins, to kill microorganisms in the proximal region of the odontoblast layer. This review focuses on innate immunity, especially cellular and molecular mechanisms regarding the sensing of PAMPs from oral pathogens by PRRs, in odontoblasts and provides information for future studies for the development of novel therapeutic strategies, including diagnosis and treatment, to prevent exceeding dental pulp inflammation and preserve the dental pulp tissues.

Regulator of Calcineurin 1 in Periodontal Disease

Nuclear factor of activated T-cells (NFAT) and NF-kB pathway associated processes are involved in the pathogenesis of various inflammatory disorders, for example, periodontal disease. The activation of these pathways is controlled by the regulator of calcineurin 1 (RCAN1). The aim of this study was to elucidate the role of RCAN1 in periodontal disease. Healthy and inflamed periodontal tissues were analyzed by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence using specific rabbit polyclonal anti-RCAN1 antibodies. For expression analysis human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were used. HUVEC were incubated for 2 h with Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) or with wild type and laboratory strains of Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis). Expression analysis of rcan1 and cox2 was done by real time PCR using specific primers for rcan1.4 and cox2. The expression of rcan1 was found to be significantly suppressed in endothelial cells of chronically inflamed periodontal tissues compared to healthy controls. Rcan1 and cox2 were significantly induced by VEGF and wild type and laboratory P. gingivalis strains. Interestingly, the magnitude of the rcan1 and cox2 induction was strain dependent. The results of this study indicate that RCAN1 is suppressed in endothelial cells of chronically inflamed periodontal tissues. During an acute infection, however, rcan1 seems to be upregulated in endothelial cells, indicating a modulating role in immune homeostasis of periodontal tissues.

Gene expression profile of pulpitis

The cost, prevalence and pain associated with endodontic disease necessitate an understanding of the fundamental molecular aspects of its pathogenesis. This study was aimed to identify the genetic contributors to pulpal pain and inflammation. Inflamed pulps were collected from patients diagnosed with irreversible pulpitis (n=20). Normal pulps from teeth extracted for various reasons served as controls (n=20). Pain level was assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS). Genome-wide microarray analysis was performed using Affymetrix GeneTitan Multichannel Instrument. The difference in gene expression levels were determined by the Significance Analysis of Microarray program using a false discovery rate (q-value) of 5%. Genes involved in immune response, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction and signaling, integrin cell surface interactions, and others were expressed at relatively higher levels in the in the pulpitis group. Moreover, several genes known to modulate pain and inflammation showed differential expression in asymptomatic and mild pain patients (≥30mm on VAS) compared to those with moderate to severe pain. This exploratory study provides a molecular basis for the clinical diagnosis of pulpitis. With an enhanced understanding of pulpal inflammation, future studies on treatment and management of pulpitis and on pain associated with it can have a biological reference to bridge treatment strategies with pulpal biology.

Loss of Aβ-nerve endings associated with the Merkel cell-neurite complex in the lesional oral mucosa epithelium of lichen planus and hyperkeratosis

The Merkel cell-neurite complex initiates the perception of touch and mediates Aβ slowly adapting type I responses. Lichen planus is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease with T-cell-mediated inflammation, whereas hyperkeratosis is characterized with or without epithelial dysplasia in the oral mucosa. To determine the effects of lichen planus and hyperkeratosis on the Merkel cell-neurite complex, healthy oral mucosal epithelium and lesional oral mucosal epithelium of lichen planus and hyperkeratosis patients were stained by immunohistochemistry (the avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex and double immunofluorescence methods) using pan cytokeratin, cytokeratin 20 (K20, a Merkel cell marker), and neurofilament 200 (NF200, a myelinated Aβ- and Aδ-nerve fibre marker) antibodies. NF200-immunoreactive (ir) nerve fibres in healthy tissues and in the lesional oral mucosa epithelium of lichen planus and hyperkeratosis were counted and statistically analysed. In the healthy oral mucosa, K20-positive Merkel cells with and without close association to the intraepithelial NF200-ir nerve fibres were detected. In the lesional oral mucosa of lichen planus and hyperkeratosis patients, extremely rare NF200-ir nerve fibres were detected only in the lamina propria. Compared with healthy tissues, lichen planus and hyperkeratosis tissues had significantly decreased numbers of NF200-ir nerve fibres in the oral mucosal epithelium. Lichen planus and hyperkeratosis were associated with the absence of Aβ-nerve endings in the oral mucosal epithelium. Thus, we conclude that mechanosensation mediated by the Merkel cell-neurite complex in the oral mucosal epithelium is impaired in lichen planus and hyperkeratosis.

Dental Pulp Defence and Repair Mechanisms in Dental Caries

Dental caries is a chronic infectious disease resulting from the penetration of oral bacteria into the enamel and dentin. Microorganisms subsequently trigger inflammatory responses in the dental pulp. These events can lead to pulp healing if the infection is not too severe following the removal of diseased enamel and dentin tissues and clinical restoration of the tooth. However, chronic inflammation often persists in the pulp despite treatment, inducing permanent loss of normal tissue and reducing innate repair capacities. For complete tooth healing the formation of a reactionary/reparative dentin barrier to distance and protect the pulp from infectious agents and restorative materials is required. Clinical and in vitro experimental data clearly indicate that dentin barrier formation only occurs when pulp inflammation and infection are minimised, thus enabling reestablishment of tissue homeostasis and health. Therefore, promoting the resolution of pulp inflammation may provide a valuable therapeutic opportunity to ensure the sustainability of dental treatments. This paper focusses on key cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in pulp responses to bacteria and in the pulpal transition between caries-induced inflammation and dentinogenic-based repair. We report, using selected examples, different strategies potentially used by odontoblasts and specialized immune cells to combat dentin-invading bacteria in vivo.

Human odontoblast-like cells produce nitric oxide with antibacterial activity upon TLR2 activation

The penetration of cariogenic oral bacteria into enamel and dentin during the caries process triggers an immune/inflammatory response in the underlying pulp tissue, the reduction of which is considered a prerequisite to dentinogenesis-based pulp regeneration. If the role of odontoblasts in dentin formation is well known, their involvement in the antibacterial response of the dental pulp to cariogenic microorganisms has yet to be elucidated. Our aim here was to determine if odontoblasts produce nitric oxide (NO) with antibacterial activity upon activation of Toll-like receptor-2 (TLR2), a cell membrane receptor involved in the recognition of cariogenic Gram-positive bacteria. Human odontoblast-like cells differentiated from dental pulp explants were stimulated with the TLR2 synthetic agonist Pam2CSK4. We found that NOS1, NOS2, and NOS3 gene expression was increased in Pam2CSK4-stimulated odontoblast-like cells compared to unstimulated ones. NOS2 was the most up-regulated gene. NOS1 and NOS3 proteins were not detected in Pam2CSK4-stimulated or control cultures. NOS2 protein synthesis, NOS activity and NO extracellular release were all augmented in stimulated samples. Pam2CSK4-stimulated cell supernatants reduced Streptococcus mutans growth, an effect counteracted by the NOS inhibitor L-NAME. In vivo, the NOS2 gene was up-regulated in the inflamed pulp of carious teeth compared with healthy ones. NOS2 protein was immunolocalized in odontoblasts situated beneath the caries lesion but not in pulp cells from healthy teeth. These results suggest that odontoblasts may participate to the antimicrobial pulp response to dentin-invading Gram-positive bacteria through NOS2-mediated NO production. They might in this manner pave the way for accurate dental pulp healing and regeneration.

Lipoteichoic acid of Streptococcus mutans interacts with Toll-like receptor 2 through the lipid moiety for induction of inflammatory mediators in murine macrophages

Streptococcus mutans is a pathogenic Gram-positive bacterium that is closely associated with dental caries and subsequent pulpal inflammation. Although lipoteichoic acid (LTA) is considered a major virulence factor of Gram-positive bacteria, little is known about the innate immunity to S. mutans LTA. In this study, we purified LTA from S. mutans (Sm.LTA) through n-butanol extraction, hydrophobic interaction column chromatography, and ion-exchange column chromatography to investigate its immunological properties using murine macrophages. The Sm.LTA preparation had no detectable contamination with endotoxins, proteins, or nucleic acids. Upon exposure to Sm.LTA, the murine macrophage cell-line RAW 264.7 cells produced TNF-α and nitric oxide (NO) in a dose-dependent manner. Sm.LTA preferentially bound to and activated CHO/CD14/TLR2 cells rather than CHO/CD14/TLR4 cells, which are stable transfectants expressing CD14 and TLR2 or CD14 and TLR4, respectively. Sm.LTA could not induce TNF-α or NO production in macrophages derived from TLR2-deficient mice whereas it dose-dependently induced those inflammatory mediators in wild-type macrophages. TLR2-dependent induction of NO by Sm.LTA was also confirmed in RAW 264.7 cells using specific antibodies blocking TLR2. Furthermore, Sm.LTA deacylated by alkaline hydrolysis neither stimulated TLR2 nor induced TNF-α or NO production, suggesting that Sm.LTA lipid moieties are crucial for the immuno-stimulatory activity of Sm.LTA. Unlike Staphylococcus aureus LTA, which has potent immuno-stimulating activity, Sm.LTA showed a modest induction of NO production comparable to LTAs of other oral bacteria Enterococcus faecalis and Lactobacillus plantarum. In conclusion, our results suggest that the Sm.LTA interacts with TLR2 through the lipid moiety for the induction of inflammatory mediators in macrophages.

Histone deacetylases 2 and 9 are coexpressed and nuclear localized in human molar odontoblasts in vivo

Histone deacetylases (HDACs) are components of nuclear multiprotein complexes that deacetylate histones and perform important roles in repression of transcription.Using specific rabbit mAbs, we analyzed by immune histochemistry and confocal immunofluorescence analysis the expression and subcellular localization of HDAC1–4 and HDAC9 in sections of adult human third molars. HDAC2 and HDAC9 were expressed in some pulpal cells and strongly expressed in the majority of mature odontoblasts.In contrast, only weak expression of HDAC1, HDAC3 and HDAC4 was observed. Confocal immunofluorescence analysis together with the DNA stain DRAQ5 revealed that HDAC2 and HDAC9 were coexpressed within the odontoblast nucleus, but localized to distinct subnuclear structures.In contrast to the current point of view, HDAC2 is strongly expressed in a terminally differentiated cell type.Our results imply that class I and II HDACs are involved in the transcriptional regulation of human odontoblasts in vivo.