Matrix metalloproteinases and Th17 cytokines in the gingival crevicular fluid during orthodontic tooth movement.

Abstract

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) contribute to remodeling in orthodontic tooth movement (OTM). Moreover, IL-17 can promote the production of MMPs. This study aimed to investigate the regulation of Th17 on MMPs expression during OTM. Eighteen children undergoing orthodontic treatment were recruited. The gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) was collected at different time points: the day of application (T0), one hour (T1), 24 hours (T2), one week (T3), 4 weeks (T4) and 12 weeks (T5) after the application of orthodontic force. Th17 cell-related cytokines and MMPs expression were measured in GCF by Multiplex Luminex analyser. Human periodontal ligament (hPDL) tissues were stimulated by IL-17. The levels of IL-17 and MMPs (MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-3, MMP-8, MMP-9 and MMP-13) of the study teeth at T2-T4 were significantly up-regulated compared with that of T0 and T1 and decreased to baseline level at T5. We found that the expression of IL-17 was correlated with MMPs. After rhIL-17 treatment, the expression of MMP-1, MMP-2, and MMP-9 were up-regulated significantly. The IL-17 expression was positively correlated with MMPs. IL-17 promotes the expression of MMP-1, MMP-2, and MMP-9 by hPDL cells, suggesting that IL-17 plays a crucial role in the remodeling during OTM.