Date of Award

2017

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Dentistry

Department

Stomatology

College

College of Dental Medicine

First Advisor

Keith Kirkwood

Second Advisor

Joe Krayer

Third Advisor

Robert Gellin

Abstract

Background: Tristetraprolin (TTP) is an RNA-­‐‑binding protein that targets several immunomodulatory mRNA transcripts for degradation. Many TTP targets are key players in the pathogenesis bone loss associated with periodontal disease. To better understand the extent that host immune factors play during periodontal bone loss, we assessed alveolar bone levels, inflammation and osteoclast activity in periodontal tissues in WT mice and TTP��ARE mice (mice with an overexpression of TTP). Materials and Methods: The study is an animal study where 20 mice were divided randomly into two groups; wild-­‐‑type (WT) and TTP��ARE mice were used for the study under specific pathogen free conditions. The WT group will have a normal amount of TTP while the other group has overexpression of TTP. A ligature was placed around the 2nd molar with the control on the contralateral side. After 10 days, data was collected on the 8-­‐‑month-­‐‑old mice. Microcomputed tomography (uCT) was performed on maxillae where three-­‐‑dimensional images were generated and bone loss was assessed. Histological sections of specimens were scored for inflammation and TRAP stained to visualized osteoclasts. Results: Results indicate that WT and TTP��ARE mice had significant alveolar bone loss and increased levels of inflammatory cell infiltration and an increased percentage of alveolar bone surfaces apposed with TRAP positive cells. The TTP��ARE control mice showed an increased amount of alveolar bone than WT prior to the placement of the ligature. There were no differences between the groups following ligature-­‐‑induced periodontitis in the mice. Conclusions: The outcomes of this study indicate that alveolar bone loss associated with the acute ligature model of experimental periodontits. TTP overexpression appears to play a significant role in periodontal homeostasis as indicated by the maintenance of alveolar bone in the non-­‐‑ligated TTP��ARE control mice as indicated by uCT analysis of alveolar bone integrity and microarchitecture.

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