Aging effect of osteoprotegerin and receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand expression in human periodontal ligament cells under continuous static pressure.

OBJECTIVES
The expression of osteoprotegerin (OPG) and receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) in human periodontal ligament cells (HPDLCs) was investigated by cell culture under continuous static pressure.


METHODS
HPDLCs were primarily cultured by tissue explant method and divided into three groups: group A (13-18 years old), group B (19-29 years old), and group C (30-44 years old). CCK-8 was used to detect the proliferation of HPDLCs. The senescence of HPDLCs was detected by senescence-associated β-galactosidase staining. Cells in the three groups were respectively given 0, 1.5, 3, 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h of continuous static pressure in vitro. The expression of OPG and RANKL in the supernatant was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.


RESULTS
After continuous static pressure in vitro for stimulation, the expression of OPG and RANKL changed. The expression of OPG increased with time and age (P<0.01). The expression of RANKL increased with time and decreased with age (P<0.01). The ratio of OPG/RANKL initially decreased, increased with time, and then continued to rise with age (P<0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
Aging could increase the expression of OPG and the ratio of OPG/RANKL and decrease the expression of RANKL in HPDLCs under continuous static pressure in vitro.