Effect of micro-osteoperforations on the gene expression profile of the periodontal ligament of orthodontically moved human teeth

Objectives This study aimed to evaluate the effect of micro-osteoperforations (MOPs) on the gene expression profile of the periodontal ligament (PDL) of orthodontically moved teeth. Materials and methods Fifteen participants were randomly assigned into two groups: tooth movement only (Tr1, n = 7) and tooth movement supplemented with MOPs (Tr2, n = 8). In each subject, orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) was performed on premolar in one side, while no force was applied on contralateral premolar (Unt, n = 15). Seven days after loading, premolars were extracted for orthodontic reasons. RNA extraction from PDL and subsequent RNA-sequencing were performed. False discovery rates (Padj < 0.05) and log2 fold change (+ / − 1.5) thresholds were used to identify sets of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) among the groups. DEGs were analyzed with gene ontology enrichment, KEGG, and network analysis. Results Three hundred thirty-one DEGs were found between Tr1 and Unt, and 356 between Tr2 and Unt. Although, there were no significantly DEGs between Tr2 and Tr1, DEGs identified exclusively in Tr1 vs. Unt were different from those identified exclusively in Tr2 vs. Unt. In Tr1, genes were related to bone metabolism processes, such as osteoclast and osteoblast differentiation. In Tr2, genes were associated to inflammation processes, like inflammatory and immune responses, and cellular response to tumor necrosis factor. Conclusions MOPs do not significantly alter the PDL gene expression profile of orthodontically moved human teeth. This study provides for the first time evidence on the whole PDL gene expression profiles associated to OTM in humans. Novel biomarkers for OTM are suggested for additional research. Clinical relevance The identified biomarkers provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms that would occur when OTM is supplemented with MOPs. These markers are expected to be useful in the near future for the application of personalized strategies related to the OTM.