Expression of NLRP3 and mTORC1 Post LPS induction in pyroptosis of nerve cell in dental pulp tissue

Post-treatment pain, affecting a significant proportion of patients after root canal therapy, may be linked to the health of nerve cells in dental pulp tissue. Pyroptosis, a form of programmed cell death associated with inflammation, can impact the quality of pulp tissue. This study investigates pyroptosis in nerve cells of dental pulp tissue following lipopolysaccharide (LPS) administration from Porphyromonas gingivalis, focusing on the expression of NLRP3 and mTORC1.  We utilized 32 Sprague Dawley rats, divided into two groups of 16. The control group received only access opening of the mandibular incisors, while the treatment group underwent access opening plus LPS induction. Both groups were euthanized after 48 hours. Immunohistochemical staining was used to assess NLRP3 and mTORC1 expression, and Hematoxylin-Eosin staining quantified nerve cells. Statistical analyses included an independent t-test to compare NLRP3 and mTORC1 expression between groups and correlation analyses to examine the relationship between these factors and nerve cell count. LPS administration resulted in significantly increased expression of NLRP3 and mTORC1, and a significant decrease in nerve cell count compared to controls. Pyroptosis in dental pulp nerve cells is triggered by LPS from Porphyromonas gingivalis, with NLRP3 playing a prominent role. Statistical analyses confirm the robustness of these findings.