To compare the expression of the receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B (RANK), matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) and parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) in primary chronic apical periodontitis lesions (CAPLs) between people living with HIV (PLWHIV) undergoing antiretroviral therapy (ART) and HIV- individuals, 32 CAPLs (16 lesions from each group) were submitted to histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses and compared between groups. The gene discussed is PTHLH; the disease is periodontitis.