Biochemical and histochemical analysis of the enzyme arylsulfatase in human lesions of endodontic origin

Abstract

Lesions of endodontic origin are areas of inflammatory response which occur as a result of untreated disease process within the root canal system. Lysosomal hydrolytic arylsulfatase A and B have been identified as major enzymes initiating and propagating bone loss by degrading chondroitin-4-sulfate. The purpose of this investigation was to examine human lesions of endodontic origin for the presence of arylsulfatase A and B. Fifteen periapical lesions were obtained at the time of periapical surgery. The lesions were analyzed for the presence of arylsulfatases using the spectrophotometer by monitoring the liberated 4-nitrocatechol at 515-nm wavelength. The same lesions were examined histochemically using the electron microscope. Five control samples from healthy periodontal ligament were evaluated in a similar manner. The results showed higher levels of arylsulfatase A in lesions than in control tissues, and marked activity of arylsulfatase B in lesions, whereas no activity of this enzyme was detected in the control specimen. Histochemically, all lesions showed positive staining for enzyme activity, whereas the controls were negative. These findings indicate that arylsulfatase A and B play a role in the pathogenesis of human lesions of endodontic origin.