Avaliação da expressão de proteínas reguladoras do metabolismo ósseo na periodontite crônica em fumantes e não fumantes

Abstract

Periodontitis is a chronic disease modulated by cigarette consumption inducing innate and adaptive immune responses within the periodontal tissues. To assess these immune responses, we evaluated the expression of nucleotide-binding oligomerization domains (Nod)-1 and -2, receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL), osteoprotegerin (OPG), CD20 (B-cells), CD68 (monocytes/macrophages), CD45RO (T-cells) and matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-8 and -9 in periodontal tissues of smokers and nonsmokers in order to identify possible differences. Gingival tissues were obtained from periodontally health subjects (n=10), and patients with chronic periodontitis smokers (n=15) and nonsmokers (n=16). Nod1, Nod2, RANKL, OPG, CD20, CD68 and CD45RO expression was determined by immunohistochemistry (IHC). MMP-2 and -9 activity were verified by zymography. Periodontitis-affected patients presented higher levels of all studied proteins when compared with healthy sites (P < 0.001). However, no differences were observed between smokers and non-smokers (P > 0.05). All proteins were more expressed at the apical portion of periodontal pocket compared with the coronal portion. Considering periodontitis as an infectious disease, its progression induce the migration of B- and T-cells and monocytes/macrophages to inflamed site. In addition, pattern recognition receptors and bone turnover regulators are overexpressed. No differences were observed between smokers and nonsmokers.