High-power microwave exposure impairs the osteogenic capacity of periodontal tissues in mice
DANG Gaopeng
ZHU Yi'na
WANG Yuzhu
LI Jing
LI Cuixia
GUO Youxiang
NIU Li'na
GU Junting
Abstract：Objective To analyze the effects of high-power microwave(HPM)exposure on the osteogenic capacity of oral periodontal tissues in mice,with a focus on the expression changes of bone morphogenetic protein-2(BMP-2),osteocalcin(OCN),and runt-related transcription factor 2(Runx2),thereby preliminarily elucidating the specific mechanisms by which HPM exposure causes damage to oral periodontal tissues.Methods Eight-week-old SPF-grade male C57BL/6N mice were selected and randomly divided into a control group(pseudo-radiation treatment)and an HPM exposure group[using a microwave source(2.856 GHz,peak power density 200 W/cm2,average power density 8 mW/cm2)for 15 min at a single time,4 times a day].Oral periodontal tissue samples were collected from both groups after the 7th day of radiation exposure.HE staining was used to observe pathological morphological changes in periodontal tissues.qRT-PCR was employed to detect mRNA expression levels of BMP-2,OCN,and Runx2.ELISA,immunohistochemistry,and immunofluorescence staining were used to assess protein expression of BMP-2,OCN,and Runx2 in the samples.Results Compared with the control group,HPM-exposed mice exhibited loosened and fractured periodontal ligament fiber bundles with disordered alignment.Gaps appeared at the bone attachment surfaces,accompanied by thinner and sparser trabeculae,with resorption pits visible in some areas.The mRNA and protein expressions of BMP-2 and OCN were significantly down-regulated,while the expression of Runx2 showed no statistical significance compared with the control group.Conclusion This study confirms that HPM radiation induces pathological damage in mouse oral periodontal tissues.The mechanism involves downregulation of BMP-2 and OCN expression on the periodontal ligament and alveolar bone surfaces,coupled with inhibition of periodontal tissue repair and bone metabolic balance.This study provides an experimental basis for assessing the oral health risks of workers exposed to HPM,and also offers a new direction for subsequent related prevention and control strategies.
Keywords：periodontal tissueshigh-power microwaveelectromagnetic radiationbone morphogenetic protein-2osteocalcinrunt-related transcription factor 2osteoblastsbone regeneration
Publication Date：2026-06-30
Online Publishing Date：2026-08-26(First online date of this platform, not the publication date of the document)
Pages：7( 882-888 )