Decreased Expression of Semaphorin3ANeuropilin-1 Signaling Axis in Apical Periodontitis

Abstract EN

Apical periodontitis (AP) is a chronic infection of endodontic origin accompanied with bone destruction around the apical region.

Semaphorin3A (Sema3A) and neuropilin-1 (Nrp1) are regarded as a pair of immune regulators in bone metabolism.

In this study, we firstly investigated the expression pattern of Sema3A/Nrp1 in apical periodontitis and its correlation with bone destruction.

Using rat animal model, we analysed the level of mandibular bone destruction and the expression of Sema3A/Nrp1 on days 0, 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35 after pulp exposure.

In addition, clinical samples from apical periodontitis patients were obtained to analyse the expression of Sema3A/Nrp1.

These results indicated that the bone destruction level expanded from days 7 to 35.

The number of positive cells and level of mRNA expression of Sema3A/Nrp1 were significantly decreased from days 7 to 35, with a negative correlation with bone destruction.

Moreover, expression of Sema3A/Nrp1 in the AP group was reduced compared to the control group of clinical samples.

In conclusion, decreased expression of Sema3A/Nrp1 was observed in periapical lesions and is potentially involved in the bone resorption of the periapical area, suggesting that Sema3A/Nrp1 may contribute to the pathological development of apical periodontitis.