α-IRAK-4 Suppresses the Activation of RANK/RANKL Pathway on Macrophages Exposed to Endodontic Microorganisms.

Periapical lesions are common pathologies affecting the alveolar bone, often initiated by intraradicular lesions resulting from microbial exposure to dental pulp. These microorganisms trigger inflammatory and immune responses. When endodontic treatment fails to eliminate the infection, periapical lesions persist, leading to bone loss.

Bacteria associated with apical periodontitis promotes in vitro the differentiation of macrophages to osteoclasts.

Objective: To analyze the possible in vitro effect of the cytokine RANKL and bacteria involved in apical periodontitis on the differentiation of macrophages into osteoclasts.

Material And Methods: Bacteria were isolated (mainly E. faecium and E.