Changes in galectin-1 expression in pulp tissue and CD68 + macrophages in irreversible pulpitis and healthy pulp

Galectin-1 is a protein from the lectin family that is capable of recognizing β-galactosides, and it is involved in modulating the inflammatory response and tissue homeostasis. However, the presence and distribution of galectin-1 in pulp tissue, as well as its role in pulp inflammation, are poorly understood. Although galectin-1 has been reported to be present in healthy and necrotic pulp tissue at the proteomic level, the modifications and implications of these changes in galectin in tissues with irreversible pulpitis and infiltrating macrophages that could help clarify the inflammatory phenomenon have not yet been described. Objective: To determine the presence and distribution of galectin-1 in the dental pulp and in macrophages in tissues with irreversible pulpitis and healthy pulp. Materials and Methods: Immunofluorescence assays were performed on tissues from patients with irreversible pulpitis and their healthy counterparts to explore the presence of galectin-1 in different pulp regions. In addition, galectin-1 was detected in tissue macrophages (CD68 +). Images were analyzed via Fiji/ImageJ software. Results: Our data revealed that galectin-1 is expressed in both healthy pulp tissue and tissue with irreversible pulpitis, with a greater intensity of galectin-1 in tissues with irreversible pulpitis. Odontoblasts and macrophages (CD68 +) colocalized with galectin-1. Our findings indicate a higher number of CD68 + macrophages in the peripheral region of healthy pulp tissue, and that Gal-1 is expressed in these cells under both inflammatory and non-inflammatory conditions. Conclusion: Galectin-1 is present in tissues from patients with irreversible pulpitis and their healthy counterparts. Gal-1 is a molecule anti-inflammatory, suppressive, and pro-resolving functions, Gal-1 could potentially mitigate the pulpal inflammatory response and influence macrophage M2 polarization with the aim of preserving pulp vitality. Elucidating the precise function of galectin-1 in dental pulp will be a crucial focus of future research.