Expression of receptor activator of NF-κB ligand and osteoprotegerin in alveolar cleft after teeth moving towards defect area

Objective:To study the expression and role of receptor activator of NF-κB ligand(RANKL)and osteoprotegerin(OPG)in alveolar cleft when teeth moving towards defect area. Method:An animal model of alveolar cleft was established in 4 male Beagle dogs of 4 months old. With/Under orthodontic force,teeth beside the defect moved towards each other. Real-time PCR was used to detect the expression of RANKL and OPG mRNA in alveolar bone adjacent to the defect. Result:After 16~20 w orthodontic treatment,bone defect was narrowed and even closed,and bone formation was observed in this area. The expression of RANKL and OPG mRNA in alveolar bone adjacent to the defect was increased. Conclusion: RANKL and OPG play an important role in bone remodeling during orthodontic tooth movement to repair alveolar bone cleft. This study provide a new method of alveolar cleft treatment.