Effects of Occlusal Disharmony on Cardiac Fibrosis, Myocyte Apoptosis, Cardiac Function and Autonomic Regulation in Mice

Abstract

　Occlusal disharmony leads to causes chronic stress and lead to sympathetic nerve activity. Various types of chronic stress are associated with increased incidence of cardiovascular disease, but the relationship between occlusal disharmony and cardiovascular disease remain poorly understood. Therefore, we examined the effects of occlusal disharmony on cardiac function in bite-opening (BO) mice, in which a 0.7 mm space was introduced by cementing a suitable applicance onto the mandibular incisor. Our data shown in this reviewpt indicated that occlusal disharmony might cause sympathetic nerve activity in the heart, leading to cardiac remodeling and dysfunction.