Chondrocyte apoptosis in rat mandibular condyles induced by dental occlusion due to mitochondrial damage caused by nitric oxide.

•Two kinds of abnormal biomechanical stimulation models were used both in vivo and in vitro.•Temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis is related to mitochondrial injury.•Mitochondrial injury can be caused by an increase in nitric oxide.•Targeting mitochondrial pathway can be a strategy for the treatment of osteoarthritis.