Midkine expression in human periapical granulomas.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

The expression of midkine (MK), a heparin-binding growth factor, is increased in various human tumors, making it a promising tumor marker and target for tumor therapy. MK is also related to the regulation of the development and etiology of chronic or autoimmune diseases; however, the involvement of MK in apical periodontitis has never been examined. This study compared the localization of MK-expressing cells and MK messenger RNA expression in periapical granulomas with healthy gingival tissues.

METHODS:

Periapical lesions were removed surgically from chronic apical periodontitis patients, and serial tissue sections were stained with hematoxylin-eosin. The lesions diagnosed as periapical granulomas pathologically were examined by immunohistochemistry using human MK monoclonal antibodies. MK messenger RNA expression was also detected using real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis. Healthy gingival tissues were analyzed in the same manner.

RESULTS:

MK was expressed by inflammatory cells, such as macrophages, lymphocytes, and neutrophils, as well as by endothelial cells in periapical granulomas but not in healthy gingival tissues. The MK-expressing inflammatory cells were seen adjacent to blood vessels, which contained MK-expressing endothelial cells, suggesting the interaction of MK among these cells during the process of inflammatory cell infiltration. Quantitative analysis of MK messenger RNA expression revealed that periapical granulomas expressed significantly more MK than healthy gingival tissues.

CONCLUSIONS:

These findings suggest that MK is involved in the pathogenesis of periapical granulomas.

• Authors: Keisuke Hatori, Osamu Takeichi, Bunnai Ogiso, Masao Maeno, Kazuo Komiyama
• Journal: Journal of endodontics (J Endod) Vol. 37 Issue 6 Pg. 781-5 (Jun 2011) ISSN: 1878-3554 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 21787488 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2011 American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Chemical References

• Antibodies, Monoclonal
• Cytokines
• Nerve Growth Factors
• RNA, Messenger
• Midkine

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Antibodies, Monoclonal
• Cytokines (analysis, genetics)
• Endothelial Cells (pathology)
• Endothelium, Vascular (pathology)
• Female
• Gingiva (cytology)
• Humans
• Immunohistochemistry
• Lymphocytes (pathology)
• Macrophages (pathology)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Midkine
• Nerve Growth Factors (analysis, genetics)
• Neutrophils (pathology)
• Periapical Granuloma (pathology)
• RNA, Messenger (analysis)
• Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction
• Young Adult