Abstract:
The objective of this study was to compare the periradicular responses in endodontic infections among members of two populations: an urban Brazilian population and a non-mixed indigenous population. Samples were collected immediately and 7 days after the cleaning and shaping procedures (after reducing the intracanal microbial load) in an attempt to characterize the expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-9, interferon (IFN)-γ, IL-17, IL-10, and the chemokines CXCR4, CCL2/monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP)-1, and CCR6. The endogenous cytokine and chemokine expression levels were analyzed using real-time PCR. Only the urban population showed a significant increase in TNF-α, CCL2/MCP-1, CXCR4, and CCR6 expression following the cleaning and shaping of the root canal system. The IFN-γ levels were increased at the 2nd collection (p < 0.05) in the indigenous population. In turn, a significant increase in IL-10 and IL-17 expression (p < 0.05) was observed after the cleaning and shaping procedures (2nd collection) in both populations. No significant differences in the IL-1β, IL-9, and CCL4 expression levels were observed between the 1st and 2nd collections in both populations. The results demonstrate a cytokine and chemokine expression profile that is specific to each analyzed population. However, immune modulation mediated by IL-10 began on the 7th day after the beginning of the endodontic treatment in both populations.
Keywords:
Cytokines; Root Canal Therapy; Population Groups; Indigenous Population
Introduction
The host response against microorganisms present in the root canal system (RCS) involves immunological mechanisms, with some components acting to protect pulp and periapical tissue and other mediators being involved in periapical bone destruction, specifically bone resorption.11. Stashenko P, Yu SM. T helper and T suppressor cell reversal during the development of induced rat periapical lesions. J Dent Res. 1989 May;68(5):830-4. https://doi.org/10.1177/00220345890680051601
https://doi.org/10.1177/0022034589068005...
Our immune system is incredibly complex, with diverse armies of white blood cells and signaling proteins coursing through our veins, ready to mount an attack on potential invaders. Every individual's immune system is slightly different and contains a unique mixture of hundreds of these cells and proteins. However, the main driver of this variation is unclear.22. Conover E. Environment, more than genetics, shapes immune system. Science. 2015 Jan 15. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.aaa6349
https://doi.org/10.1126/science.aaa6349...
A wide variety of cells are present in human periradicular lesions, including CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes, macrophages, antigen-presenting cells, mast cells, and eosinophils. However, T cells are the most numerous cells in these lesion.33. Colić M, Gazivoda D, Vucević D, Vasilijić S, Rudolf R, Lukić A. Proinflammatory and immunoregulatory mechanisms in periapical lesions. Mol Immunol. 2009 Nov;47(1):101-13. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molimm.2009.01.011
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molimm.2009.01...
CD4+ T lymphocytes are subdivided into Th1 and Th2 subsets according to the cytokines they produce. Other cells, such as Th17 and regulatory T (Treg) cells, also modulate the periapical immune response. The Th1 response is characterized by the production of interferon (IFN)-γ, interleukin (IL)-2, IL-12, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF), which are involved in the development and progression of periradicular bone destruction.33. Colić M, Gazivoda D, Vucević D, Vasilijić S, Rudolf R, Lukić A. Proinflammatory and immunoregulatory mechanisms in periapical lesions. Mol Immunol. 2009 Nov;47(1):101-13. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molimm.2009.01.011
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molimm.2009.01...
The Th2 response induces the synthesis and activity of the IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-9, and IL-13 cytokines, which are involved in the healing and regeneration of periradicular tissues.44. Sasaki H, Hou L, Belani A, Wang CY, Uchiyama T, Müller R, et al. IL-10, but not IL-4, suppresses infection-stimulated bone resorption in vivo. J Immunol. 2000 Oct;165(7):3626-30. https://doi.org/10.4049/jimmunol.165.7.3626
https://doi.org/10.4049/jimmunol.165.7.3...
The Th17 subtype produces IL-17, which is a proinflammatory cytokine that acts on several cells involved in the innate response and is considered a bridge between the innate and adaptive responses.55. Yu JJ, Gaffen SL. Interleukin-17: a novel inflammatory cytokine that bridges innate and adaptive immunity. Front Biosci. 2008 Jan;13(13):170-7. https://doi.org/10.2741/2667
https://doi.org/10.2741/2667...
Treg cells, which produce transforming growth factor (TGF)-β and IL-10, have an inhibitory effect on bone resorption during osteoclast formation and differentiation and regulate the immune response against infection.33. Colić M, Gazivoda D, Vucević D, Vasilijić S, Rudolf R, Lukić A. Proinflammatory and immunoregulatory mechanisms in periapical lesions. Mol Immunol. 2009 Nov;47(1):101-13. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molimm.2009.01.011
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molimm.2009.01...
Chemokines are proteins that regulate and determine the nature of the immune response and control leukocyte trafficking. They are essential because they act as chemotactic agents and are precursors of osteoclasts. Their respective receptors (CXCR4 and CCR1) are also involved in the bone resorption process and homeostasis.66. Ferreira SB, Brito LC, Oliveira MP, Maciel KF, Martelli Júnior H, Vieira LQ, et al. Periapical cytokine expression in sickle cell disease. J Endod. 2015 Mar;41(3):358-62. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joen.2014.11.016
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joen.2014.11.0...
Monocyte chemotactic protein (CCL2/MCP-1) has been detected in periapical granulomas and is associated with the modulation of human periapical lesions. MCP-1/CCL2-CCR2 activation plays a role in the activation and migration of macrophages while limiting polymorphonuclear (PMN) leukocyte infiltration.77. Brito LC, Teles FR, Teles RP, Nogueira PM, Vieira LQ, Ribeiro Sobrinho AP. Immunological profile of periapical endodontic infections from HIV- and HIV+ patients. Int Endod J. 2015 Jun;48(6):533-41. https://doi.org/10.1111/iej.12345
https://doi.org/10.1111/iej.12345...
CCR6 has been shown to be important for B-lineage maturation and antigen-driven B cell differentiation and may regulate the migration and recruitment of dendritic and T cells during inflammatory and immunological responses.88. Rubie C, Kruse B, Frick VO, Kölsch K, Ghadjar P, Wagner M, et al. Chemokine receptor CCR6 expression is regulated by miR-518a-5p in colorectal cancer cells. J Transl Med. 2014 Feb;12(1):48. https://doi.org/10.1186/1479-5876-12-48
https://doi.org/10.1186/1479-5876-12-48...
The systemic conditions of individuals affect these periapical immunoinflammatory responses.66. Ferreira SB, Brito LC, Oliveira MP, Maciel KF, Martelli Júnior H, Vieira LQ, et al. Periapical cytokine expression in sickle cell disease. J Endod. 2015 Mar;41(3):358-62. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joen.2014.11.016
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joen.2014.11.0...
,99. Brito LC, Ribeiro Sobrinho AP, Teles RP, Socransky SS, Haffajee AD, Vieira LQ, et al. Microbiologic profile of endodontic infections from HIV- and HIV+ patients using multiple-displacement amplification and checkerboard DNA-DNA hybridization. Oral Dis. 2012 Sep;18(6):558-67. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1601-0825.2012.01908.x
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1601-0825.2012...
Recently, analyses of genetic polymorphisms have demonstrated their effects on pulpal-periradicular responses.1010. Cardoso FP, Viana MB, Ribeiro Sobrinho AP, Diniz MG, Brito JA, Gomes CC, et al. Methylation pattern of the IFN-γ gene in human dental pulp. J Endod. 2010 Apr;36(4):642-6. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joen.2009.12.017
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joen.2009.12.0...
,1111. Campos K, Gomes CC, Correia-Silva JF, Farias LC, Fonseca-Silva T, Bernardes VF, et al. Methylation pattern of IFNG in periapical granulomas and radicular cysts. J Endod. 2013 Apr;39(4):493-6. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joen.2012.12.026
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joen.2012.12.0...
,1212. Campos K, Franscisconi CF, Okehie V, Souza LC, Trombone AP, Letra A, et al. FOXP3 DNA methylation levels as a potential biomarker in the development of periapical lesions. J Endod. 2015 Feb;41(2):212-8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joen.2014.10.003
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joen.2014.10.0...
Additionally, researchers have recently shown that most immune responses are genetic, very personalized, and finely tuned.1313. King's College London. Genetics play a significant role in immunity. ScienceDaily, 2017 [cited 2017 Jan 5]. Avilable from: www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/01/170105082755.htm
www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/01/17...
As a result, we are likely to respond to an infection in a very individualized manner. Moreover, the diversity and activity of leukocytes are controlled by genetic and environmental influences to maintain balanced immune responses.1414. Mangino M, Roederer M, Beddall MH, Nestle FO, Spector TD. Innate and adaptive immune traits are differentially affected by genetic and environmental factors. Nat Commun. 2017 Jan;8(1):13850. https://doi.org/10.1038/ncomms13850
https://doi.org/10.1038/ncomms13850...
These factors may influence the extent and severity of the periapical inflammatory response.
The objective of this study was to compare the periradicular immune responses in two genetically diverse populations: an urban Brazilian population and a non-mixed indigenous population of the Tikuna – Wochtimaücü tribe (Amazonas, Brazil). Clinical samples were collected from the interstitial fluid adjacent to the infected root canal in both groups immediately after instrumentation of the RCS and seven days later. The expression of the cytokines TNF-α, IL-1-β, IL-9, IFN-γ, IL-17, and IL-10 and the chemokines CXCR4, CCL2/MCP-1, and CCR6 was evaluated using real-time PCR. The null hypothesis of this study is that each population carries several minor regulatory variants that have arisen over time in response to environmental factors, which may cause significant quantitative genetic variability among hosts in the regulation of the periapical immune response.
Methodology
Ethical considerations
This study was approved by the ethics committee of UFMG (CAAE: 65529617.0.0000.5149) and was presented to and approved by the xxx leadership. All participants read and signed an informed consent form.
Patients
Clinical samples were collected from 24 individuals with RCS infections. Twelve individuals belonged to the Tikuna tribe (Amazonas, Brazil) and were treated at the Endodontics Clinic of Paulista University, Manaus campus, Amazonas, Brazil. Twelve other individuals living in the city of Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil, were treated at the Endodontics Clinic of the Federal University of Minas Gerais.
Collection of clinical specimens
Clinical samples were taken from teeth with pulp necrosis and apical periodontitis, which were diagnosed based on clinical and radiographic analyses and pulp sensitivity tests. The teeth did not present acute periapical symptoms at the time of the appointment. The sampling procedures were performed as previously described.77. Brito LC, Teles FR, Teles RP, Nogueira PM, Vieira LQ, Ribeiro Sobrinho AP. Immunological profile of periapical endodontic infections from HIV- and HIV+ patients. Int Endod J. 2015 Jun;48(6):533-41. https://doi.org/10.1111/iej.12345
https://doi.org/10.1111/iej.12345...
Each tooth was isolated, and the root canals were cleaned and shaped using ProTaper universal NiTi files (Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland) and 2.5% sodium hypochlorite. Samples were collected immediately after root canal cleaning, when the cytokine expression corresponded to the response to the ongoing infection. After cleaning and drying, three paper points (#20) were introduced into the root canal and passively passed through the root apex (2 mm) into the periapical tissue, where they remained for 1 min.
The paper points were cut 4 mm from the tip, placed into microcentrifuge tubes, and stored at −70°C. This procedure was used to extract RNA from the periapical interstitial fluid. No endodontic dressing was inserted into the root canals. The coronal access cavities of the teeth were restored using eugenol-based cement. Seven days later (day 7), the teeth were opened, and the periapical interstitial fluid was resampled to characterize cytokine/chemokine expression in the teeth with reduced root canal bacterial loads, as demonstrated elsewhere.1515. Rodrigues RC, Zandi H, Kristoffersen AK, Enersen M, Mdala I, Ørstavik D, et al. Influence of the Apical Preparation Size and the Irrigant Type on Bacterial Reduction in Root Canal-treated Teeth with Apical Periodontitis. J Endod. 2017 Jul;43(7):1058-63. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joen.2017.02.004
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joen.2017.02.0...
Single- and multiple-root teeth were included in this study. In teeth with multiple canals, the first (day 0) and second (day 7) samples were collected from the same canal. At this time point, no teeth exhibited clinical signs or symptoms, and the root canals were filled using the lateral compaction technique.
Sample preparation
Total RNA was extracted from each sample using TRIzol reagent (Gibco/BRL Laboratories, Grand Island, NY, USA), as described elsewhere 77. Brito LC, Teles FR, Teles RP, Nogueira PM, Vieira LQ, Ribeiro Sobrinho AP. Immunological profile of periapical endodontic infections from HIV- and HIV+ patients. Int Endod J. 2015 Jun;48(6):533-41. https://doi.org/10.1111/iej.12345
https://doi.org/10.1111/iej.12345...
–99. Brito LC, Ribeiro Sobrinho AP, Teles RP, Socransky SS, Haffajee AD, Vieira LQ, et al. Microbiologic profile of endodontic infections from HIV- and HIV+ patients using multiple-displacement amplification and checkerboard DNA-DNA hybridization. Oral Dis. 2012 Sep;18(6):558-67. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1601-0825.2012.01908.x
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1601-0825.2012...
, and then stored at −70°C.
Real-time PCR
Complementary DNA was synthesized using 1 μg of RNA and reverse-transcribed, as described previously.1616. Tavares WL, Brito LC, Henriques LC, Oliveira RR, Maciel KF, Vieira LQ, et al. The impact of chlorhexidine-based endodontic treatment on periapical cytokine expression in teeth. J Endod. 2013 Jul;39(7):889-92. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joen.2013.02.005
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joen.2013.02.0...
The primer sequences were designed using Primer Express software (Applied Biosystems, Foster City, USA) based on nucleotide sequences available in the GenBank database. Real-time PCR assays were performed using Primer Express software (Applied Biosystems). The primer sequences used for the quantitative PCR analysis of TNF-α, IL-1-β, IL-9, IFN-γ, IL-17, IL-10, CXCR4, CCL2/MCP-1, and CCR6 mRNA expression are provided in Table 1. PCR was performed under the following standard conditions: a holding stage at 95°C (10 min); a cycling stage of 40 cycles at 95°C (15 s), followed by 60°C (1 min); and a melting curve stage at 95°C (15 s), 60°C (1 min), and 95 °C (15 s). A SYBR Green detection system (Applied Biosystems) was used to visualize primer amplification. Following amplification, a melting curve analysis was performed to determine the specificity of the amplified products. The melting curve was obtained from 60°C to 95°C, and continuous fluorescence measurements were recorded for every 1% increase in temperature. PCR products with melting temperatures that diverged from those established for standard DNA were considered false positives; for these cases, a null fluorescence value was assigned. Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) was used as a housekeeping gene for normalization and was assayed with each set of reactions. All samples were assayed in duplicate. Each reaction was performed using a volume of 25 μL containing 1 μg of cDNA. Sequence Detection System (SDS) Software version 2.4.1 (Applied Biosystems) was used to analyze the data after amplification. The results were obtained as threshold cycle (Ct) values, and the expression levels were calculated using the comparative 2−ΔΔCT method.1616. Tavares WL, Brito LC, Henriques LC, Oliveira RR, Maciel KF, Vieira LQ, et al. The impact of chlorhexidine-based endodontic treatment on periapical cytokine expression in teeth. J Endod. 2013 Jul;39(7):889-92. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joen.2013.02.005
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joen.2013.02.0...
The results were calculated as the mean value of duplicate assays for each patient, and the mRNA expression level for each specific primer in all samples was defined as the ratio to the GAPDH expression level (Table).
Statistical analysis
SPSS for Windows (version 15.0; SPSS, Chicago, USA) was used to perform the data analysis. The data were subjected to the Shapiro–Wilk test to characterize normality. Because the samples did not present a normal distribution, the Wilcoxon test was used to determine significant differences between groups (p < 0.05).
Results
The mRNA expression levels were determined by real-time PCR and quantified by comparison with the internal control gene GAPDH. The assessment revealed significant increases in the expression of TNF-α, MCP-1, CXCR4 and CCR6 in teeth with reduced bacterial loads (second collection) compared to the initial levels (first collection) only in the urban individuals (Figure 1b, Figure 2a, c, d). Conversely, the mRNA level of the IFN-γ gene was increased on day 7 (p < 0.05) (Figure 2b) in the indigenous population. The expression levels of IL-17A and the Treg mediator IL-10 were increased in both populations on day 7 (p < 0.05) (Figure 1c, d).
(a-d). Expression of TNF-α, IL-1, IL-17 and IL-10 genes in the periradicular tissues of indigenous and urban individuals with root canal infections. Levels of expression were determined by real-time PCR and quantified by comparison with an internal control (GAPDH). Bars represent the mean values of samples recovered from teeth that did or did not receive endodontic treatment; lines represent the standard error of the mean. *p < 0.05 by Wilcoxon or Mann–Whitney test.
(a-d). Expression of MCP-1, INF-γ, CXCR4 and CCR6 genes in the periradicular tissues of indigenous and urban individuals with root canal infections. Levels of expression were determined by real-time PCR and quantified by comparison with an internal control (GAPDH). Bars represent the mean values of samples recovered from teeth that did or did not receive endodontic treatment; lines represent the standard error of the mean. *p < 0.05 by Wilcoxon or Mann–Whitney test.
Significant differences were not observed in the IL-1β, IL-9, or CCL4 mRNA expression levels between the first and second collections in either population (Figure 1a, Figure 3a, b).
(a, b). Expression of IL-9 and CCL4 genes in the periradicular tissues of indigenous and urban individuals with root canal infections. Levels of expression were determined by real-time PCR and quantified by comparison with an internal control (GAPDH). Bars represent the mean values of samples recovered from teeth that did or did not receive endodontic treatment; lines represent the standard error of the mean. *p < 0.05 by Wilcoxon or Mann–Whitney test.
Discussion
Subsets of pathogens and human hosts have been geographically compartmentalized over long periods of time. This study aimed to determine whether changes in human society brought about by technological advances, such as the ease of travel and wide availability of antibiotics, have led to an increased danger of pathogenic infections and human genetic variation that interfere with the periapical immune response.
Apical periodontitis is a condition characterized by inflammation or destruction of the periradicular tissues and is considered a defensive reaction of the organism against microorganisms and their byproducts. This inflammatory response involves the recruitment and activation of macrophages, plasma cells, mast cells, eosinophils, PMN cells, and T (CD4+ and CD8+) and B lymphocytes, as well as the expression of mediators, such as cytokines, chemokines, arachidonic acid and its metabolites, and neuropeptides.99. Brito LC, Ribeiro Sobrinho AP, Teles RP, Socransky SS, Haffajee AD, Vieira LQ, et al. Microbiologic profile of endodontic infections from HIV- and HIV+ patients using multiple-displacement amplification and checkerboard DNA-DNA hybridization. Oral Dis. 2012 Sep;18(6):558-67. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1601-0825.2012.01908.x
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1601-0825.2012...
,1717. Stashenko P, Teles R, D’Souza R. Periapical inflammatory responses and their modulation. Crit Rev Oral Biol Med. 1998;9(4):498-521. https://doi.org/10.1177/10454411980090040701
https://doi.org/10.1177/1045441198009004...
The diversity and activity of leukocytes are controlled by genetic and environmental influences to maintain a balanced immune response.1414. Mangino M, Roederer M, Beddall MH, Nestle FO, Spector TD. Innate and adaptive immune traits are differentially affected by genetic and environmental factors. Nat Commun. 2017 Jan;8(1):13850. https://doi.org/10.1038/ncomms13850
https://doi.org/10.1038/ncomms13850...
However, the relative contribution of environmental factors compared with genetic factors to variations in immune traits is unknown. Here, we analyzed the periradicular immune responses in two genetically and environmentally diverse populations located more than 3,000 km apart: an urban Brazilian population and a non-mixed indigenous population of the Tikuna – Wochtimaücü tribe (Amazonas, Brazil).
The progression of apical periodontitis and consequent bone resorption are attributed to the Th1 response, which induces osteoclast differentiation and activation. Th1 cells produce a proinflammatory response that involves the production of IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-1β.1818. Martinho FC, Nascimento GG, Leite FR, Gomes AP, Freitas LF, Camões IC. Clinical influence of different intracanal medications on Th1-type and Th2-type cytokine responses in apical periodontitis. J Endod. 2015 Feb;41(2):169-75. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joen.2014.09.028
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joen.2014.09.0...
TNF-α and IL-1β are proinflammatory and osteoclastogenic cytokines that are involved in the progression of periradicular lesions.1919. Stashenko P, Yu SM, Wang CY. Kinetics of immune cell and bone resorptive responses to endodontic infections. J Endod. 1992 Sep;18(9):422-6. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0099-2399(06)80841-1
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0099-2399(06)80...
In this study, IL-1β expression remained at baseline levels at both time points in the two evaluated populations, in agreement with previous results demonstrating that the levels of this cytokine were not significantly different between diseased teeth and healthy control teeth in urban individuals.2020. Henriques LC, Brito LC, Tavares WL, Vieira LQ, Ribeiro Sobrinho AP. Cytokine analysis in lesions refractory to endodontic treatment. J Endod. 2011 Dec;37(12):1659-62. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joen.2011.08.007
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,2121. Graves DT, Oates T, Garlet GP. Review of osteoimmunology and the host response in endodontic and periodontal lesions. J Oral Microbiol. 2011 Jan;3(1):5304-99. https://doi.org/10.3402/jom.v3i0.5304
https://doi.org/10.3402/jom.v3i0.5304...
Conversely, TNF-α expression was significantly increased only in the urban population 7 days after RCS cleaning and shaping. For both populations, the increased expression of mediators of the immune response may have advantages and disadvantages. On the positive side, a more intense immune response, such as that indicated by the increased TNF-α mRNA expression level in the urban population, may clear infections more rapidly. On the negative side, immune effectors can often be harsh and cause collateral damage to host tissues, e.g., increased periapical bone loss.
IFN-γ is the main activator of macrophages, which subsequently produce cytokines and other mediators that play significant roles in the development of periradicular diseases.2222. Colić M, Lukić A, Vucević D, Milosavljević P, Majstorović I, Marjanović M, et al. Correlation between phenotypic characteristics of mononuclear cells isolated from human periapical lesions and their in vitro production of Th1 and Th2 cytokines. Arch Oral Biol. 2006 Dec;51(12):1120-30. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.archoralbio.2006.05.003
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,2323. Queiroz-Junior CM, Silva MJ, Corrêa JD, Madeira MF, Garlet TP, Garlet GP, et al. A controversial role for IL-12 in immune response and bone resorption at apical periodontal sites. Clin Dev Immunol. 2010;2010:327417. https://doi.org/10.1155/2010/327417
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Here, only the indigenous population showed a significant increase in IFN-γ expression on the seventh day. Conversely, a decrease in IFN-γ mRNA expression was demonstrated in the urban population after the root canal cleaning procedures.66. Ferreira SB, Brito LC, Oliveira MP, Maciel KF, Martelli Júnior H, Vieira LQ, et al. Periapical cytokine expression in sickle cell disease. J Endod. 2015 Mar;41(3):358-62. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joen.2014.11.016
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joen.2014.11.0...
,99. Brito LC, Ribeiro Sobrinho AP, Teles RP, Socransky SS, Haffajee AD, Vieira LQ, et al. Microbiologic profile of endodontic infections from HIV- and HIV+ patients using multiple-displacement amplification and checkerboard DNA-DNA hybridization. Oral Dis. 2012 Sep;18(6):558-67. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1601-0825.2012.01908.x
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1601-0825.2012...
Moreover, epigenetic events may be relevant to IFN-γ modulation in dental pulp.1010. Cardoso FP, Viana MB, Ribeiro Sobrinho AP, Diniz MG, Brito JA, Gomes CC, et al. Methylation pattern of the IFN-γ gene in human dental pulp. J Endod. 2010 Apr;36(4):642-6. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joen.2009.12.017
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joen.2009.12.0...
The difference in the cytokine expression levels between the populations demonstrates that it is crucial to understand both the variability of immune responses at the population level and how this variability relates to disease susceptibility.2424. Brodin P, Davis MM. Human immune system variation. Nat Rev Immunol. 2017 Jan;17(1):21-9. https://doi.org/10.1038/nri.2016.125
https://doi.org/10.1038/nri.2016.125...
IL-17A is expressed by members of the Th17 subtype and is believed to regulate osteoclastogenesis.2525. Sato K, Suematsu A, Okamoto K, Yamaguchi A, Morishita Y, Kadono Y, et al. Th17 functions as an osteoclastogenic helper T cell subset that links T cell activation and bone destruction. J Exp Med. 2006 Nov;203(12):2673-82. https://doi.org/10.1084/jem.20061775
https://doi.org/10.1084/jem.20061775...
IL-17 expression and maintenance of the inflammatory response may play important roles in the elimination of microorganisms.2626. Marçal JR, Samuel RO, Fernandes D, Araujo MS, Napimoga MH, Pereira SA, et al. T-helper cell type 17/regulatory T-cell immunoregulatory balance in human radicular cysts and periapical granulomas. J Endod. 2010 Jun;36(6):995-9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joen.2010.03.020
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joen.2010.03.0...
Here, the levels of this cytokine were significantly increased after the cleaning and shaping procedures (second collection) in both populations, which is important for the exacerbation of inflammation and the clearance of microbial periapical contamination.33. Colić M, Gazivoda D, Vucević D, Vasilijić S, Rudolf R, Lukić A. Proinflammatory and immunoregulatory mechanisms in periapical lesions. Mol Immunol. 2009 Nov;47(1):101-13. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molimm.2009.01.011
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molimm.2009.01...
,2727. Wilson NJ, Boniface K, Chan JR, McKenzie BS, Blumenschein WM, Mattson JD, et al. Development, cytokine profile and function of human interleukin 17-producing helper T cells. Nat Immunol. 2007 Sep;8(9):950-7. https://doi.org/10.1038/ni1497
https://doi.org/10.1038/ni1497...
Treg cells produce TGF-β and IL-10, which are important immunoregulatory cytokines that have an inhibitory effect on bone resorption; these cytokines are also involved in regulating the immune response against infection.33. Colić M, Gazivoda D, Vucević D, Vasilijić S, Rudolf R, Lukić A. Proinflammatory and immunoregulatory mechanisms in periapical lesions. Mol Immunol. 2009 Nov;47(1):101-13. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molimm.2009.01.011
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molimm.2009.01...
,2828. Kollmann TR, Pettoello-Mantovani M, Katopodis NF, Hachamovitch M, Rubinstein A, Kim A, et al. Inhibition of acute in vivo human immunodeficiency virus infection by human interleukin 10 treatment of SCID mice implanted with human fetal thymus and liver. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 1996 Apr;93(7):3126-31. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.93.7.3126
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In this study, both populations presented high IL-10 mRNA expression levels after the cleaning and shaping procedures, which suggested that immune regulation at this time point started to decrease the proinflammatory response that was initiated earlier. Although the results of this study reinforce the idea that the immune system responds to periapical infection in a very individualized manner,1313. King's College London. Genetics play a significant role in immunity. ScienceDaily, 2017 [cited 2017 Jan 5]. Avilable from: www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/01/170105082755.htm
www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/01/17...
periapical immune regulation occurred in a similar manner in both populations after the cleaning and shaping procedures.
Th9 cells have been shown to have interesting plasticity and either act synergistically with Th2 cells in some inflammatory processes or perform immunosuppressive actions via IL-10 production.2929. Tan C, Aziz MK, Lovaas JD, Vistica BP, Shi G, Wawrousek EF, et al. Antigen-specific Th9 cells exhibit uniqueness in their kinetics of cytokine production and short retention at the inflammatory site. J Immunol. 2010 Dec;185(11):6795-801. https://doi.org/10.4049/jimmunol.1001676
https://doi.org/10.4049/jimmunol.1001676...
In this study, no significant differences were observed in the IL-9 mRNA expression levels in either population after the cleaning and shaping procedures. This finding correlates with the increase in IL-10 expression that paralleled the increase in IL-17 expression at the second collection, which may interfere with the differentiation of the Th9 phenotype to the Th2 or Th1/Th17 subtype.
Chemokines are proteins that regulate and determine the nature of immune responses and control immune cell trafficking by directing the movements of cells required for the initiation of T cell-mediated immune responses; these actions are thought to be important for recruiting appropriate effector cells to sites of inflammation, including the differential recruitment of Th1 and Th2 cells.3030. Silva TA, Garlet GP, Lara VS, Martins Junior W, Silva JS, Cunha FQ. Differential expression of chemokines and chemokine receptors in inflammatory periapical diseases. Oral Microbiol Immunol. 2005 Oct;20(5):310-6. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1399-302X.2005.00232.x
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1399-302X.2005...
Here, significant differences in mRNA expression of the CCL2/MCP-1 chemokine and the CXCR4 and CCR6 chemokine receptors were observed between the two analyzed time points only for the urban population. These chemokines and receptors, along with CCL4, were expressed at basal levels at both evaluation time points in the indigenous population. For these mediators, we suggest that the immune system responds in an individualized manner to root canal infections, depending on the genetic and environmental conditions. CCL2/MCP-1 not only influences inflammatory cell recruitment but also affects effector T cell differentiation because it leads to decreased IL-12 production by macrophages,3131. Chensue SW, Warmington KS, Ruth JH, Sanghi PS, Lincoln P, Kunkel SL. Role of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) in Th1 (mycobacterial) and Th2 (schistosomal) antigen-induced granuloma formation: relationship to local inflammation, Th cell expression, and IL-12 production. J Immunol. 1996 Nov;157(10):4602-8. which suppresses Th1 responses. In the urban population, its expression was high at the second collection, which paralleled the increase in the expression levels of the proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-17. No significant difference in CCL2 expression was observed after cleaning procedures elsewhere,66. Ferreira SB, Brito LC, Oliveira MP, Maciel KF, Martelli Júnior H, Vieira LQ, et al. Periapical cytokine expression in sickle cell disease. J Endod. 2015 Mar;41(3):358-62. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joen.2014.11.016
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joen.2014.11.0...
,99. Brito LC, Ribeiro Sobrinho AP, Teles RP, Socransky SS, Haffajee AD, Vieira LQ, et al. Microbiologic profile of endodontic infections from HIV- and HIV+ patients using multiple-displacement amplification and checkerboard DNA-DNA hybridization. Oral Dis. 2012 Sep;18(6):558-67. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1601-0825.2012.01908.x
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1601-0825.2012...
but an opposite result was demonstrated by others.3232. Bambirra W Jr, Maciel KF, Thebit MM, Brito LC, Vieira LQ, Ribeiro Sobrinho AP. Assessment of apical expression of alpha-2 Integrin, heat shock protein, and proinflammatory and immunoregulatory cytokines in response to endodontic infection. J Endod. 2015 Jul;41(7):1085-90. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joen.2015.03.002
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joen.2015.03.0...
CXCR4 is the receptor of the anti-inflammatory immune modulator ubiquitin;3333. Majetschak M, King DR, Krehmeier U, Busby LT, Thome C, Vajkoczy S, et al. Ubiquitin immunoreactivity in cerebrospinal fluid after traumatic brain injury: clinical and experimental findings. Crit Care Med. 2005 Jul;33(7):1589-94. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.CCM.0000169883.41245.23
https://doi.org/10.1097/01.CCM.000016988...
in this study, CXCR4 was significantly increased in the urban population after the cleaning procedures, in parallel with IL-10, which is congruent with the results of a previous study.99. Brito LC, Ribeiro Sobrinho AP, Teles RP, Socransky SS, Haffajee AD, Vieira LQ, et al. Microbiologic profile of endodontic infections from HIV- and HIV+ patients using multiple-displacement amplification and checkerboard DNA-DNA hybridization. Oral Dis. 2012 Sep;18(6):558-67. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1601-0825.2012.01908.x
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1601-0825.2012...
Moreover, CXCR4 and CCR6 act as co-receptors for HIV entry.33. Colić M, Gazivoda D, Vucević D, Vasilijić S, Rudolf R, Lukić A. Proinflammatory and immunoregulatory mechanisms in periapical lesions. Mol Immunol. 2009 Nov;47(1):101-13. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molimm.2009.01.011
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molimm.2009.01...
CCR6 is preferentially expressed by immature dendritic cells and memory T cells.88. Rubie C, Kruse B, Frick VO, Kölsch K, Ghadjar P, Wagner M, et al. Chemokine receptor CCR6 expression is regulated by miR-518a-5p in colorectal cancer cells. J Transl Med. 2014 Feb;12(1):48. https://doi.org/10.1186/1479-5876-12-48
https://doi.org/10.1186/1479-5876-12-48...
In the urban population, CCR6 mRNA expression was increased after the cleaning procedures, which is in agreement with findings showing that this mediator is essential for the recruitment of both proinflammatory IL-17-producing helper T cells (Th17) and Treg cells to sites of inflammation.3535. Julian B, Gao K, Harwood BN, Beinborn M, Kopin AS. Mutation-induced functional alterations of CCR6. J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 2017 Jan;360(1):106-16. https://doi.org/10.1124/jpet.116.237669
https://doi.org/10.1124/jpet.116.237669...
The null hypothesis was accepted; minor regulatory variants that have arisen over time in response to environmental factors caused significant quantitative genetic variability among hosts in the regulation of the periapical immune response. Because the functional plasticity and redundancy of the immune system complicate the experimental study of each of its components, the results of this study contribute to the overall understanding of the specific immune responses that predominate in the periapical area in each individualized urban and indigenous population after instituting clinical endodontic therapy. However, to date, the genetic mechanisms and environmental factors that regulate the homeostasis of cell numbers and phenotypes in the peripheral immune system, especially in periapical lesions, remain poorly understood.
Acknowledgements
This work was supported by Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerais (FAPEMIG), Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES), and Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq). The authors wish to thank the postgraduate program at the School of Dentistry of UFMG. APRS and LQV are CNPq fellows.
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Publication Dates
-
Publication in this collection
02 Dec 2019 -
Date of issue
2019
History
-
Received
04 Feb 2019 -
Reviewed
15 Aug 2019 -
Accepted
16 Oct 2019