Quantitative Real-Time RT-PCR Verifying Gene Expression Profile of Cavitations Within Human Jaw Bone

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Immune cells are integral to bone homeostasis, including the repair and remodeling of bone tissue. Chronic dysregulation within this osteoimmune network can lead to bone marrow defects of the jaw (BMDJ), particularly fatty degenerative osteonecrosis of the jaw (FDOJ). These localized pathologies are implicated in systemic immune dysfunctions. Methods: This study is designed to determine whether BMDJ/FDOJ samples are indicative of medullary bone pathology by evaluating FDOJ gene expression patterns using quantitative real-time PCR. Results: Comparative analyses between pathological and healthy samples evaluated the dysregulation of key molecular pathways. BMDJ/FDOJ samples showed significant upregulation of inflammatory mediators, including CCL5/RANTES, VEGF, IGF and KOR, and downregulation of structural proteins, such as collagen types I, II and IV, and osteogenesis-associated factors, such as SP7. Conclusions: The study provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms of BMDJ/FDOJ by identifying potential molecular changes suggesting a pro-inflammatory state in the affected jawbone which may contribute to systemic immune dysregulation. The findings are consistent with morphologic observations of BMDJ/FDOJ in degenerated jawbone and underscore the need for integrative approaches in dentistry and medicine while highlighting BMDJ/FDOJ as a potential target for therapeutic and preventive strategies against systemic diseases and emphasizing its clinical significance.

Keywords: fatty degenerative osteonecrosis of the jaw; gene expression profile; inflammatory mediators; quantitative real-time RT-PCR; transalveolar ultrasonography.

Figure 1

Histological evaluation of BMDJ/FDOJ tissue samples (A,B,D,E) compared to healthy control bone tissue (C,F). Samples were stained using AZAN (A–C) and Masson Goldner (D–F). Scale bar 50 µm. The asterisks in (A,D) highlight few calcified bone structures (blue/green) in FDOJ tissue samples compared to controls (C,F).

Figure 2

The relative gene expression (RQ) of 22 factors were estimated during this study, providing significant insights into the molecular mechanisms connected to BMDJ/FDOJ. Ribosomal protein 37A (RPL37A) was taken as an endogenous standard and relative gene expression was determined using the ∆∆Ct method. Gene expression was compared by setting control cultures to 1 (healthy pOB as reference value, orange line) as indicated and data are presented as logarithmic scale.