Objectives: The aim of this study was to analyze the expression of genes involved in bone remodeling process finding in dental pulp, and in particular the expression of, COL1A1, MMP9 and BMP family, using Microarray technique.

Methods: Inflamed dental samples were obtained from teeth with pulpitis, while Healthy dental pulp samples were obtained from impacted human third molars extracted for orthodontic reasons. Total RNA was isolated using SV Total RNA Isolation System. Results were analyzed by clusters, in order to individuate series of homogeneous genes. Data were analysed by SAM and ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA). In order to confirm Microarray results, the same genes were analysed by RT-PCR.

Results: Our results highlighted the overexpression, in inflamed pulp, of genes involved in inflammatory process like MMP10 , able to degrades proteoglycans and fibronectin and TIMP3 , involved in degradation of the extracellular matrix (ECM), while in healthy pulp, the overexpression of genes involved in bone remodelling, MMP9 , Col1a1 and BMP1 .

Conclusions: TIMP3 is involved in ECM degradation and MMP10 in proteoglycans and fibronectin destruction. MMP9 is involved in the breakdown of extracellular matrix, like tissue remodeling. BMP1 is able to induce the formation of bone and cartilage. COL1A1 gene provides instructions for making part of a large molecule called type I collagen that strengthen and support many tissues, including cartilage and bone, so the high expression of these genes in healthy pulp tissue, suggest their possible involvement in guided bone regeneration using stem cells isolated from dental pulp.

Conflict of interest: None declared.