Prophylactic nitrate supplementation mediates EGFR-AKT/ERK1/2 pathway to prevent masseter muscle atrophy
10.19405/j.cnki.issn1000-1492.2025.08.006
- VernacularTitle:硝酸盐通过调控 EGFR⁃AKT/ERK1/2 信号通路预防咬肌萎缩
- Author:
Wei Liu
1
;
Xiaoyu Liu
1
;
Tingting Wu
1
Author Information
1. School of Stomatology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032 ;Afiliated Stomatological Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032 ;Key Lab. of Oral Diseases Research of Anhui Province , Hefei 230032
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
occlusal alterations;
masseter muscle atrophy;
nitrate;
hypoxia;
angiogenesis;
apoptosis
- From:
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui
2025;60(8):1401-1409
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Objective:To investigate the effects of occlusal alterations on masseter muscle atrophy after the applica⁃tion of excessive orthodontic tension , and the role and mechanism of prophylactic nitrate supplementation in the pre⁃vention and treatment of masseter muscle atrophy.
Methods:Eight⁃week⁃old male SD rats were selected. An ortho⁃dontic appliance was placed in the oral cavity of the rats to obtain a rat model of occlusal alterations , and the mas⁃seter muscles were taken at various times after excessive orthodontic force application for relevant tests. Masseter muscle weighing , HE staining , Western blot and immunohistochemistry assays were used to detect the atrophic state of the masseter muscle. Meanwhile , immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the hypoxic status of the mas⁃[ cluster of differentiation 31 (CD31) , vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)] . After 28 days of prophylactic nitrate supplementation and application of orthodontic tension , the status of masseter muscle atrophy , tissue hypoxi⁃ growth factor receptor (EGFR) , protein kinase B (AKT ) , extracellular signal⁃regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2) to detect masseter muscle apoptosis.
Results :The molar displacement caused by overload traction could lead to masseter muscle atrophy , accompanied by hypoxia in the masseter tissue and decreased expression of angiogenesis⁃related proteins. Preventive nitrate supplementation could prevent masseter muscle atrophy , alleviate tissue hypoxi⁃a , and promote angiogenesis. The anti⁃apoptotic effects of the EGFR⁃AKT/ERK1/2 signaling pathway contributed to the preventive effects of nitrate on masseter muscle atrophy.
Conclusion :Occlusal alterations brought about by excessive orthodontic tension exertion in rats may lead to masseter muscle atrophy , and prophylactic nitrate supple⁃mentation may resist hypoxia and atrophy of masseter muscle tissues by promoting angiogenesis through the anti⁃ap⁃optotic effects of the EGFR⁃AKT/ERK1/2 pathway.
- Full text:2026040323152520048硝酸盐通过调控EGFR-AKT_ERK1_2信号通路预防咬肌萎缩_刘围.pdf
