Tooth k
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Summary
8 papers analyzed
These studies suggest that cathepsin K (CK) is involved in tooth resorption, development, and mineralization, potentially affecting conditions like pycnodysostosis and orthodontic tooth movement.
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Role of Cathepsin K in Tooth Movement and Development
Cathepsin K in Tooth Movement
Expression in Odontoclasts and Osteoclasts
Cathepsin K (CK) is a crucial enzyme involved in the resorption of dental tissues during tooth movement. Studies have shown that CK mRNA and protein are expressed in odontoclasts and osteoclasts in the mouse maxilla following experimental tooth movement. CK mRNA is detected in odontoclasts in resorption lacunae in the tooth root, osteoclasts in bone resorption lacunae, and fibroblasts in the periodontal ligament. CK protein is found intracellularly in vesicles and granules, and extracellularly in vacuoles and on the plasma membrane of the ruffled border. This distribution suggests that CK plays a significant role in degrading the dentin matrix and type I collagen fibrils during tooth movement.
Time-Dependent Expression
In rats, CK mRNA expression is observed in osteoclasts on the pressure side of the alveolar bone as early as 12 hours after the application of orthodontic force. The number of CK mRNA-positive osteoclasts increases over time, peaking at 3-4 days, and then decreases by 7-12 days. This pattern indicates that CK is involved in the initial stages of osteoclast recruitment and activity during tooth movement.
Cathepsin K in Tooth Development
Role in Enamel and Dentin Formation
CK is also essential during the late stages of tooth germ development. It is abundantly expressed in ameloblasts during the secretory and maturation stages and in odontoblasts during the mineralization stage. CK is capable of hydrolyzing enamel matrix proteins such as Emdogain and cleaving amelogenin into multiple products, indicating its role in enamel and dentin formation.
Expression in Deciduous Tooth Resorption
In bovine models, CK is highly expressed in odontoclasts during the physiological root resorption of deciduous teeth. This expression is significantly higher in active root-resorbing tissues compared to resting tissues, suggesting that CK is crucial for the proteolysis of root resorption in deciduous teeth.
Clinical Implications
Post-Operative Pain in Root Canal Treatments
The use of different types of files in root canal treatments can affect post-operative pain. A study comparing hand K-files, H-files, and rotary Kedo-S files in primary teeth found that rotary Kedo-S files resulted in significantly less post-operative pain at 6 and 12 hours compared to the other two types. However, no significant differences were observed at 24, 48, and 72 hours.
Effect of Cathepsin K Inhibitors
Research on the use of CK inhibitors for delayed tooth replantation in dogs showed no significant inhibitory effects on root resorption. This suggests that while CK is crucial for normal tooth resorption processes, inhibiting it may not be effective in preventing resorption in clinical scenarios such as delayed replantation.
Conclusion
Cathepsin K plays a vital role in both tooth movement and development, particularly in the resorption of dental tissues and the formation of enamel and dentin. Its expression is tightly regulated during these processes, highlighting its importance in dental health and disease. Understanding the function and regulation of CK can provide insights into better clinical practices and potential therapeutic targets for dental treatments.
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