Expression of Interleukin-1 beta and Matrix Metalloproteinase-8 in Cytolytic and Noncytolytic Enterococcus faecalis-induced Persistent Apical Periodontitis: A Comparative Study in the Rat

摘要

Introduction: Cytolytic Enterococcus faecalis possesses a highly toxic and proinflammatory capacity. Cytokines and proteases play important roles in the host inflammatory response. The aim of this study was to compare the local expression of interleukin (IL)-1 beta and matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8) between persistent apical periodontitis (AP) infected by cytolytic and noncytolytic E. faecalis. Methods: Eighty-four left upper first rat molars were divided into 4 groups: chronic AP group (n = 6), disinfection group (n = 6), cytolytic E. faecalis-infected persistent AP group (n = 36), and noncytolytic E. faecalis-infected persistent AP group (n = 36). Periradicular lesions were established after pulp exposure. After 3 weeks, root canals were prepared, and disinfected. E. faecalis strains ATCC 29212 or ATCC 700802 suspensions were inoculated into root canals 2 weeks later. Six samples were collected at different time points (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 weeks). The expression levels of IL-1 beta and MMP-8 were detected by immunohistochemical staining. Results: IL-1 beta and MMP-8 expression trends in the cytolytic groups were similar to those of the noncytolytic group although at different time points the expression levels in the cytolytic group were significantly higher than those in the noncytolytic group (P < .01). IL-1 beta expression enhancement occurred during the early phase of infection, whereas increased MMP-8 expression lasted for a prolonged period. Conclusions: Both E. faecalis strains could induce local IL-1 beta and MMP-8 expression in persistent AP. Compared with noncytolytic E. faecalis, cytolytic E. faecalis may cause more severe local inflammation and tissue destruction in persistent AP.