Static tensional forces increase osteogenic gene expression in three-dimensional periodontal ligament cell culture

Orthodontic tooth movement results from the combinational process of both bone resorption and formation in the compressive and tension sides, respectively. However, the genes responsible for new bone formation in tension sides have not been determined. In this study, we used DNA microarray and real-time RT-PCR to identify genes in human periodontal ligament (PDL) cells that undergo significant changes in expression in response to static tensional forces (2 or 12 hours). The genes found were alkaline phospatase (ALP), matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and several collagen genes. Furthermore, an ELISA evaluating the expression of VEGF, type IV collagen and MMP-2 found levels significantly increased after 24 and 72 hours (P < 0.05). ALP activity was also increased after 24 hours (P < 0.05). Collectively, we found the genes up-regulated in our study by the static tensional force are related to osteogenic processes such as matrix synthesis and angiogenesis.