Exploring the clinical significance of cuproptosis and bone metabolism factors in tooth eruption disturbances

Background: This study aimed to investigate the clinical significance of cuproptosis and bone metabolism factors in tooth eruption disturbances. Methods: Dental follicle tissue and alveolar bone tissue from 10 patients with tooth eruption disturbances were collected as the eruption disturbance group (Group EG). Likewise, corresponding tissues from 10 patients undergoing removal of impacted third molars for orthodontic treatment were collected as the control group (Group CG). Morphological changes in dental follicle cells were evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. Protein expression of ferredoxin1 (FDX1), dihydrolipoamide S-acetyltransferase (DLAT), receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL), and osteoprotegerin (OPG) in dental follicle tissue and alveolar bone tissue was examined by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Results: H&E staining of dental follicle tissue in Group EG showed reduced cell volume and condensed nuclei, suggesting impaired osteoblast/osteoclast differentiation. IHC analysis demonstrated that in Group EG, expression of FDX1, DLAT, and RANKL was reduced in the same direction in both dental follicle tissue and alveolar bone tissue, whereas OPG expression was increased. Consequently, the RANKL/OPG ratio was significantly decreased compared with Group CG. Conclusions: Excessive stress during tooth eruption may alter cuproptosis by affecting cell morphology, thereby disturbing the balance of bone differentiation factors in dental follicle cells and ultimately contributing to eruption disturbances.