Dynamic study into autophagy and apoptosis during orthodontic tooth movement

Orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) has been widely observed worldwide. The OTM process is involved in several biological activities and can result in temporary hypoxia. The dynamic changes of autophagy and apoptosis during OTM have not, to the best of our knowledge, been previously reported. In the present study, an OTM animal model was established. Periodontal ligament cells (PDLCs) and osteoclasts were investigated using H&E and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining. The changes in the expression levels of certain autophagy and apoptotic markers were investigated using immunohistochemical staining. A significant decrease in PDLC and an increase in osteoclast numbers were observed 1 day following OTM induction. The expression levels of Beclin-1 and LC3-II peaked at 1 h post-OTM, followed by a gradual decrease. The expression levels of P62 in each experimental group were significantly lower than those noted in the 0 h group. The expression levels of Bcl-2 were markedly increased 1 h following OTM and reached a maximum at 1 day post-OTM. The highest expression levels of Bax and caspase-3 were observed 7 days following OTM induction. The present study provided additional information regarding the involvement of autophagy and apoptotic markers in the OTM process and aided the understanding of the initiation and pathophysiological progression of this condition.