MicroRNA‐21 promotes orthodontic tooth movement by modulating the RANKL/OPG balance in T cells

OBJECTIVES: The present study was designed to investigate the effects of microRNA-21 (miR-21) on orthodontic tooth movement. METHODS: mice with or without implantation of activated T cells. Histological and histomorphometrical analyses were performed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. Tartrate-resistant acid phosphate staining was used to analyze the osteoclast numbers during tooth movement. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, and immunohistochemistry analysis were used to examine the expression of RANKL and OPG. RESULTS: mice. MiR-21 was shown to promote orthodontic tooth movement by modulating the RANKL/OPG balance in T cells. CONCLUSIONS: The impact of miR-21 on tooth movement was better elucidated, furthering our understanding of its role and clinical applications in orthodontics.