Age-Dependent Differential Expression of Apoptotic Markers in Rat Oral Mucosa

Abstract

Objective: This study tests the hypothesis that gingival tissue produces age-dependent activation of apoptotic<br />markers. Methods: To address the hypothesis, a prospective experimental study was conducted on 20 adult male<br />albino rats, which were divided into two groups. Group 1 comprised rats aged six months (weighing 150–200 g), and<br />group 2 included old rats aged one year (weighing 250–300 g). Gingival tissue and buccal mucosa biopsy samples<br />were obtained from both groups. Histological and immunohistochemical (Bax apoptotic protein marker) sections were<br />analyzed for both groups. Results: Our data showed a significant decrease in the proliferative activity of oral mucosa<br />(gingiva and buccal mucosa) in old rats and an increase in the immunoreactivity of Bax apoptotic proteins related to<br />increased susceptibility of cells to apoptosis. The mucosal structures (epithelium and lamina propria) were significantly<br />different between the two groups. Furthermore, immunoreactivity for Bax was different between young and old rats.<br />Conclusions: Aging is associated with changes that lead to progressive, irreversible deterioration of the functional<br />capacities of several tissues and organs. Our study demonstrated the effect of age on the histological and apoptotic<br />behavior of oral mucosa (gingiva and buccal mucosa) cells.