Recently, soluble TNF receptor homolog osteoprotegerin (OPG) and its membrane-bound ligand osteoclast differentiation factor (ODF) were found to regulate osteoclast formation and function, and bone metabolism. It is now well established that ODF acts via RANK expressed on hematopoietic osteoclast precursor cells to facilitate their differentiation to osteoclasts, and OPG prevents the formation of osteoclasts by interfering the binding of ODF and RANK. Expression of OPG and ODF was believed to be closely related to the pathogenesis of bone resorption and destruction from osteoporosis, periodontal diseases, malignant bone tumor, and arthritis.

The periodontal ligament fibroblasts (PDLF), located between the tooth and tooth socket, has been thought to play an important role in maintaining bone homeostasis of periodontal tissues. However, the exact mechanism by which bone formation and resorption are regulated by PDLF is not well understood. In this study we have prepared primary cultures of human PDLF from periodontium of malaligned tooth extracted due to orthodontic reason, and determined steady state or inflammatory signal-induced OPG and ODF expression using RT-PCR and western blot analysis. OPG and ODF mRNA and protein were expressed constitutively in the PDLF and these expression were slightly increased by osteotropic cytokine IL-1β. Lipopolysaccharide-treated PDLF showed decrease in OPG mRNA and protein expression, and increase in ODF mRNA and protein expression. These results indicated that PDLF influence the osteoclastogenesis by OPG and ODF expression in the inflammatory situation as well as physiological condition, and thereby pathogenesis of periodontal alveolar bone destruction.