Abstract
Objectives: To investigate the effects of compressive force and/or mechanical vibration on NFATc1, DCSTAMP, and CTSK (cathepsin K) gene expression and the number of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)-positive multinucleated cells in RAW 264.7 cells, a murine osteoclastic-like cell line. Materials and methods: RAW 264.7 cells were subjected to mechanical vibration, compressive force, or compressive force combined with vibration. Cell viability and the numbers of TRAP-positive multinucleated cells were evaluated. NFATc1, DCSTAMP, and CTSK gene expressions were analyzed using real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Results: Compressive force combined with mechanical vibration significantly increased the numbers of TRAP-positive multinucleated cells but did not significantly affect cell viability. In addition, compressive force combined with mechanical vibration significantly increased NFATc1, DCSTAMP, and CTSK mRNA expression compared with compressive force or vibration alone. Conclusions: Compressive force combined with mechanical vibration induces osteoclastogenesis and upregulates NFATc1, DCSTAMP, and CTSK gene expression in RAW 264.7 cells. These results provide more insight into the mechanisms by which vibratory force accelerates orthodontic tooth movement.