The Bulletín of Kanagawa Dental College

Vol. 36 No. 2       September- 2008

ISSN: 0385-1443      UBIC: 65

ABSTRACT

In the present study, we evaluated the reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as hydroxyl radical (HO·) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) such as nitric oxide (NO·) in synovial fluid (SF) of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). This study comprised 9 patients (9 joints) with temporomandibular disease (TMD) and from 5 asymptomatic healthy volunteers (5 joints) as control. Visual analog scale, tenderness of TMJ, and pain at mandibular movements were registered, and the pressure pain threshold was measured. The characterization of HO· with NO· in SF were analyzed using by X-band electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy and NO· selective electrode. It was shown that significant correlation was observed in tenderness of TMJ and HO· generation. We also confirmed that no significant difference of both HO· and NO· generation between TMD patients and control. Interestingly, the results in this study demonstrated revered correlation between HO· generation and NO· generation in SF of TMD patients. These results suggested that redox reaction in SF of TMJ, including the balance of both ROS and RNS generation, may be involved in the pathogenesis of TMD. Key words: Temporomandibular disease / Synovial fliud / Reactive oxygen species / Reactive nitrogen species / Electron spin resonance.

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