Oral behaviors and anxiety are significant predictors of jaw function limitation in patients with anterior disc displacement without reduction.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to describe jaw function characteristics in patients with anterior disc displacement without reduction (ADDWoR) using the jaw function limitation scale (JFLS), and to investigate the effects of biopsychosocial risk factors on limited jaw function. DESIGN: In this cross-sectional study of 636 patients with ADDWoR (females, 568; males, 68), we used the JFLS to assess jaw function. Behavioral, psychological, sociodemographic, and biomedical data were collected. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine risk factors affecting limited jaw function. A receiver operating characteristic curve was used to evaluate the predictive effect of these risk factors. RESULTS: ADDWoR-associated limitations included restricted jaw mobility and mastication, which exceeded median global functional limitations scale scores, especially mouth opening to bite an apple and chewing tough food. Females had greater limitations in jaw mobility, verbal and emotional communication, and overall. Multivariate logistic regression analysis findings indicated that oral behaviors, anxiety, sex, pain intensity, and maximal mouth opening (MMO) were predictive of limited jaw function (area under the curve, 72 %). CONCLUSION: Patients with ADDWoR reported mastication and jaw mobility restrictions, with females having more pronounced limitations, and specific risk factors identified as significant predictors of jaw function limitations. Along with pain relief and improvement in MMO, appropriate psychological counseling and oral behavioral correction facilitates recovery of jaw function in such patients.

Uncovering the shared neuro-immune-related regulatory mechanisms between spinal cord injury and osteoarthritis.

Adults with spinal cord injury (SCI), a destructive neurological injury, have a significantly higher incidence of osteoarthritis (OA), a highly prevalent chronic joint disorder. This study aimed to dissect the neuroimmune-related regulatory mechanisms of SCI and OA using bioinformatics analysis. Using microarray data from the Gene Expression Omnibus database, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened between SCI and sham samples and between OA and control samples. Common DEGs were used to construct a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was used to mine SCI- and OA-related modules. Shared miRNAs were identified, and target genes were predicted using the Human MicroRNA Disease Database (HMDD) database. A miRNA-gene-pathway regulatory network was constructed with overlapping genes, miRNAs, and significantly enriched pathways. Finally, the expression of the identified genes and miRNAs was verified using RT-qPCR. In both the SCI and OA groups, 185 common DEGs were identified, and three hub clusters were obtained from the PPI network. WGCNA revealed three SCI-related modules and two OA-related modules. There were 43 overlapping genes between the PPI network clusters and the WGCNA network modules. Seventeen miRNAs shared between patients with SCI and OA were identified. A regulatory network consisting of five genes, six miRNAs, and six signaling pathways was constructed. Upregulation of CD44, TGFBR1, CCR5, and IGF1, while lower levels of miR-125b-5p, miR-130a-3p, miR-16-5p, miR-204-5p, and miR-204-3p in both SCI and OA were successfully verified using RT-qPCR. Our study suggests that a miRNA-gene-pathway network is implicated in the neuroimmune-related regulatory mechanisms of SCI and OA. CD44, TGFBR1, CCR5, and IGF1, and their related miRNAs (miR-125b-5p, miR-130a-3p, miR-16-5p, miR-204-5p, and miR-204-3p) may serve as promising biomarkers and candidate therapeutic targets for SCI and OA.

Analysis of risk factors and interactions for pain in temporomandibular disorder: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Risk factors for temporomandibular disorder (TMD) pain remain unclear. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to identify risk factors for TMD pain using a biopsychosocial model and to investigate interactions between potential risk factors-oral behaviours (OBs), psychological factors and sleep quality-and their direct and indirect effects on TMD pain. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study of 488 patients with TMDs (422 women; 30.8 ± 9.4 years). Pain was assessed using the Numerical Rating Scale. Demographic, behavioural, psychological and biomedical data were collected through clinical examination, face-to-face interviews and questionnaires. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with TMD pain. Mediation and moderation analysis were used to evaluate interactions between variables. Significant mediation ('0' not included in the 95% confidence interval (CI)) and moderation (p < .05) effects on TMD pain were identified. RESULTS: Marital status, diagnosis subgroup, previous medication use, depression and sleep quality were significant risk factors for TMD pain (p < .05). Significant mediation effects were observed as follows: depression and sleep quality mediated the association between OBs and pain; sleep quality mediated the association between somatization, depression, anxiety and pain; and depression mediated the association between sleep quality and pain (all 95% CI did not contain '0'). CONCLUSIONS: (1) Marital status, diagnosis subgroup, previous medication use, depression and sleep quality were associated with TMD pain. (2) OBs can exacerbate pain by promoting depression and reducing sleep quality. Psychological factors and sleep quality can interact to exacerbate pain.

piRNA mmu_piR_037459 suppression alleviated the degeneration of chondrocyte and cartilage.

OBJECTIVE: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent chronic degenerative joint ailment. Its primary pathological characteristics encompass degeneration of articular cartilage, inflammation of the synovium, and alterations in the subchondral bone proximate to the cartilage. Chondrocytes, as the sole cell type within articular cartilage, assume a crucial role in upholding the dynamic equilibrium between anabolic and catabolic processes within the extracellular matrix of articular cartilage. IL-1ß stands as a pivotal inflammatory factor that instigates cartilage degeneration. piRNA, categorized as a subset of brief non-coding RNAs spanning nucleotide lengths of 26-31nt, assumes a significant regulatory role in cellular function. METHODS: Small RNA sequencing and quantitative PCR (qPCR) were employed to investigate the impact of the inflammatory factor IL-1ß on piRNA expression within chondrocytes. The regulation of mmu_piR_037459 expression in chondrocytes was achieved using piRNA mimics and inhibitors. Additionally, collagen II expression was assessed through both qPCR and Western blot analysis. Chondrocyte apoptosis was evaluated via flow cytometry and clonogenesis assays. To assess the influence of mmu_piR_037459 on osteoarthritis, a mouse model of anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT) was established. Furthermore, the regulatory effect of mmu_piR_037459 on USP7 was investigated using bioinformatics and a luciferase reporter gene assay. RESULTS: mmu_piR_037459 inhibited the expression of collagen II in chondrocytes, inhibited the proliferation of chondrocytes, and promoted the apoptosis of chondrocytes. mmu_piR_037459 affected the function of chondrocytes by regulating the expression of USP7. Inhibition of mmu_piR_037459 expression could promote chondrocyte proliferation, inhibit chondrocyte apoptosis, and alleviate the degeneration of OA cartilage. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that mmu_piR_037459 maybe a new therapeutic targets and strategies for the treatment of OA.

Platelet-rich plasma therapy for temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis: A randomized controlled trial.

The study aimed to compare the efficacy of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections for the treatment of temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJ-OA) with hyaluronic acid (HA) therapy. This randomized controlled trial included 70 patients with TMJ-OA, randomly divided into either a PRP or HA group. The pain intensity, maximum mouth opening (MMO), TMJ sound score, and proportion of crepitus were recorded and compared at baseline and at 1, 3, and 6 months. Both groups showed statistically significant improvements in pain intensity, MMO, TMJ sound, and scale scores during the 6-month follow-up period. The improvements in pain intensity during mouth opening at 1 month, MMO at 1, 3, and 6 months, TMJ sound score at 1 and 3 months, and GAD-7 score at 6 months in the PRP group were greater than in the HA group (p < 0.05). Compared with the HA group, imaging improvement in the PRP group was also higher (p < 0.05). Within the limitations of the study it seems that the application of PRP therapy in TMJ-OA is should be considered whenever possible.

Time-Series Expression Profile Analysis of Post-Traumatic Joint Contracture in Rats at the Early Stages of the Healing Process.

Objective: This study aimed to characterize the gene expression profile at the early stages of the healing process of post-traumatic joint contracture (PTJC). Methods: Twelve rats were used for PTJC model establishment and were divided into four groups according to the sampling time: S0d, S3d, S7d and S2w. Transcriptome sequencing was performed on fibrotic joint capsule samples in four groups followed by bioinformatics analyses including differentially expressed genes (DEGs) screening, Short Time-series Expression Miner (STEM) analysis, network construction, and pathway analysis. Five important genes were validated by qRT-PCR. Results: A total of 1171, 1052 and 793 DEGs were screened in S3d vs S0d, S7d vs S0d, and S2w vs S0d comparison groups, respectively. A total of 383 overlapping genes were screened out, which were significantly enriched in some inflammatory functions and pathways. Through STEM analysis, three clusters were identified, including 105, 57 and 57 DEGs, respectively. Then, based on the cluster genes, 10 genes, such as Il6, Timp1, Cxcl1, Cxcr4 and Mmp3, were further selected after PPI and pathway analyses. The expression levels of Il6, Timp1, Cxcl1, Cxcr4 and Mmp3 were validated by qRT-PCR. Conclusion: The present study screened out several genes with significant changes in expression levels at the early stages of the healing process in PTJC, such as Il6, Timp1, Cxcl1, Cxcr4 and Mmp3. Our study offers a valuable contribution to the understanding pathomechanism of PTJC.

Diagnostic performance of magnetic resonance imaging for degenerative temporomandibular joint disease.

BACKGROUND: Degenerative joint disease (DJD) of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is an important type of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) potentially leading to orofacial pain and jaw dysfunction. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is important in TMD diagnosis; however, its diagnostic ability for DJD remains unknown. OBJECTIVE: To explore the utility of MRI in diagnosing DJD according to the latest diagnostic criteria for TMD and detecting condylar bone abnormalities and their severity. METHODS: Overall, 122 participants were examined using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and MRI. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of MRI for detecting DJD and different types of TMJ condylar bone abnormalities were calculated (considering CBCT as gold standard); in addition, we tested MRI and CBCT's consistency in scoring five types of condylar bone abnormalities. RESULTS: The sensitivity and specificity of MRI for DJD were 95.3% and 43.1%, respectively. The MRI sensitivities for condylar flattening, erosion, osteophytes, sclerosis and cysts were 98.6%, 96.2%, 79.4%, 50%, and 79.2% (specificity, 53.6%, 48.3%, 81.6%, 83.3%, and 88.2%, respectively), respectively. The consistency between MRI and CBCT in assessing the severity of condylar bone abnormalities was fair-to-moderate (kappa coefficient: 0.278-0.491). The inter-observer consistency for CBCT was good, whereas for MRI, it was relatively poor. CONCLUSION: MRI can detect DJD and condylar bone abnormalities. However, MRI could not efficiently detect the severity of condylar bone abnormalities.

Investigation of Titanium Mesh and Nano-Hydroxyapatite/Polyamide 66 Bone Graft in Cervical Reconstruction of Spondylosis After Sub-Total Vertebral Body Resection.

The nano-hydroxyapatite/polyamide 66 (n-HA/PA66) bionic bone column, as a high-performance tissue repair and replacement material, introduced as a high osteo-induction ability agent. Nanomaterial has significantly taken a place in orthopedic surgery, however, the efficacy of using n-HA/PA66 is yet to be established. In this regard, this study evaluated various sagittal parameters (such as imaging measurement) and clinical efficacy in postoperative patients, whom underwent cervical reconstruction surgery due to cervical spondylosis myelopathy (CSM). In this study, total 62 CSM cases were enrolled between October 2016 to March 2020, and were hospitalized for cervical reconstruction surgery. 31 cases were grafted with titanium mesh and 31 cases were grafted with n-HA/P66. The sagittal parameters such as cervical spine lateral radiographs (C0-2Coob, C2-7Coob, T1S, CSVA, and TIA) were taken before operation, after operation (within 1 week), 3, 6, and 9 months after operation. In order to evaluate the clinical efficacy, we used JOA scores before, after, 3 months, 6 months and 9 months after operation. Results showed that JOA scores after the re-examination in the two groups (titanium and n-HA/P66) were significantly higher than before the operation, suggesting a well postoperative functional recovery after surgery in both groups; however, there was no significant difference in JOA score and JOA improvement index between the two groups. In regard of angles measurement (C0-2Cobb, C2-7Cobb, T1S, CSVA, and TIA), we observed no significant difference between these two groups before and after the operation. In addition, we showed that C0-2Cobb and C2-7Cobb angle had a significant positive correlation; and C0-2Cobb angle is positively correlated with T1S, and negatively correlated with CSVA. Both titanium mesh and n-HA/PA66 can be well improved and maintained within 9 months after surgery with clinical efficacy, however, using n-HA/PA66 might have more benefits.

Effects of patient education on the oral behavior of patients with temporomandibular degenerative joint disease: a prospective case series study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of patient education and related factors on oral behaviors (OBs) in patients with temporomandibular joint degenerative diseases. METHODS: Sixty-three patients were included. Temporomandibular joint specialists conducted clinical examinations, provided patient education, and administered the Oral Behavior Checklist (OBC) questionnaire at baseline. Patients were followed up at 6 months. RESULTS: Eight OBs showed a high incidence among patients. At the 6-month follow-up, the incidence of 6 of the OBs decreased, all of which were high incidence OBs. The frequency of 9 OBs decreased, of which 8 were high incidence OBs. The average OBC score decreased from 22.97 ± 9.30 to 17.90 ± 9.28. Age, education level, and original OBC score had a significant effect on OB improvement. CONCLUSION: Patient education and the corresponding treatment are conducive to OB improvement. The related factors affecting the improvement in patients' OBs were age, education level, and OB severity.

Inter-examiner reliability of the Chinese version of Axis I diagnoses of the diagnostic criteria for temporomandibular disorders.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the inter-examiner reliability of the Chinese version of the Axis I diagnoses of the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD) and to compare the consistency between clinical diagnoses and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). METHODS: Sixty-seven individuals were evaluated by three TMD specialists, and 49 underwent MRI examination. Cohen's Kappa coefficient (κ) was used to evaluate the inter-examiner reliability and the consistency between clinical diagnoses and MRI manifestations. RESULTS: Diagnostic agreement was good to excellent for pain and disc displacement with or without reduction (κ = 0.659-1.000). Agreement between clinical diagnoses and MRI findings was fair to good (κ = 0.400). CONCLUSION: Inter-examiner diagnostic reliability using the Chinese version of the DC/TMD Axis I instruments was excellent, especially for arthrogenic TMDs.

Effect of platelet-rich plasma injection combined with individualised comprehensive physical therapy on temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis: A prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The effectiveness of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection combined with physical therapy for the treatment of temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJ-OA) has not been studied. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effectiveness of PRP injection combined with individualised comprehensive physical therapy for the treatment of TMJ-OA. METHODS: This prospective cohort study included 40 patients with TMJ-OA who received PRP injection or PRP injection combined with individualised comprehensive physical therapy. Pain intensity, maximum mouth opening, temporomandibular joint sounds, and the Jaw Functional Limitation Scale (JFLS) scores and imaging findings were compared before treatment and during follow-up. RESULTS: The pain intensity, maximum mouth opening, and temporomandibular joint sounds of the two groups significantly improved with an increase in treatment time (p < .05). The pain improvement in the combined treatment group was greater than that in the PRP injection group at 3 and 6 months (p < .05). The improvement of mouth opening was better in the combined treatment group, whereas the improvement of joint sounds was better in the PRP injection group. The improvement in JFLS scores in the combined treatment group was greater than that in the PRP injection group at 6 months (p < .05). The imaging improvement rates of the two groups were similar. CONCLUSIONS: Platelet-rich plasma injection can significantly improve pain, mouth opening, abnormal joint sound, and mandibular function in patients with TMJ-OA and has good repair effect on condylar bone defects. PRP injection combined with individualised comprehensive physical therapy can effectively control the medium- and long-term pain of patients.

Platelet-rich plasma attenuates the severity of joint capsule fibrosis following post-traumatic joint contracture in rats.

Background: Post-traumatic joint contracture (PTJC) mainly manifests as excessive inflammation leading to joint capsule fibrosis. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß1, a key regulator of inflammation and fibrosis, can promote fibroblast activation, proliferation, migration, and differentiation into myofibroblasts. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is considered to have strong potential for improving tissue healing and regeneration, the ability to treat joint capsule fibrosis remains largely unknown. Methods: In this study, we aimed to determine the antifibrotic potential of PRP in vivo or in vitro and its possible molecular mechanisms. The TGF-ß1-induced primary joint capsule fibroblast model and rat PTJC model were used to observe several fibrotic markers (TGF-ß1, α-SMA, COL-Ⅰ, MMP-9) and signaling transduction pathway (Smad2/3) using histological staining, qRT-PCR and western blot. Results: Fibroblasts transformed to myofibroblasts after TGF-ß1 stimulation with an increase of TGF-ß1, α-SMA, COL-Ⅰ, MMP-9 and the activation of Smad2/3 in vitro. However, TGF-ß1-induced upregulation or activation of these fibrotic markers or signaling could be effectively suppressed by the introduction of PRP. Fibrotic markers' similar changes were observed in the rat PTJC model and PRP effectively reduced inflammatory cell infiltration and collagen fiber deposition in the posterior joint capsule. Interestingly, HE staining showed that articular cartilage was degraded after rat PTJC, and PRP injection also have the potential to protect articular cartilage. Conclusion: PRP can attenuate pathological changes of joint capsule fibrosis during PTJC, which may be implemented by inhibiting TGF-ß1/Smad2/3 signaling and downstream fibrotic marker expression in joint capsule fibroblasts.

Prognostic factor analysis in patients with temporomandibular disorders after reversible treatment: study protocol for a prospective cohort study in China.

INTRODUCTION: Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are complex multifactorial disorders. Reversible treatment has been suggested for the initial management of TMD; however, comparable therapeutic effects of different reversible intervention modalities remain controversial. Various biopsychosocial factors, which may be putative prognostic factors that influence the response to reversible treatment for TMD, have been reported to increase the risk of developing first-onset TMD. However, there is a paucity of research that aims to identify prognostic factors associated with the clinical outcomes of reversible treatment in people with TMD. The objective of this prospective cohort study is to identify prognostic factors that are associated with clinical outcomes of reversible treatment in patients with TMD and to analyse the risk factors that influence the development of chronic TMD. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: We plan to recruit 834 patients with TMD who meet the inclusion criteria. Once informed consent is obtained, baseline data, including anamnestic data, physical assessments and self-report questionnaires, will be collected from participants at their first clinic visit; subsequently, they will receive 1-4 weeks of reversible treatment. The primary treatment outcome measures will be a change in the anterior maximum mouth opening, worsening of TMD pain scores assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS) and a reduction in characteristic pain intensity. A good outcome will be defined as an anterior maximal opening ≥35 mm and at least a 30% reduction in VAS scores 3 months after baseline. The association between candidate prognostic factors and clinical outcomes of reversible TMD treatment will be analysed. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The protocol has been approved by the Ethics Committee of Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China, based on the guidelines outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki (SH9H-2019-T316-4). The results of this study will be reported in accordance with the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology statement. The authors intend to publish the results in a peer-reviewed journal. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ChiCTR2000033328.

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor regulates joint capsule fibrosis by promoting TGF-ß1 production in fibroblasts.

Joint capsule fibrosis caused by excessive inflammation results in post-traumatic joint contracture (PTJC). Transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß1 plays a key role in PTJC by regulating fibroblast functions, however, cytokine-induced TGF-ß1 expression in specific cell types remains poorly characterized. Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a proinflammatory cytokine involved in inflammation- and fibrosis-associated pathophysiology. In this study, we investigated whether MIF can facilitate TGF-ß1 production from fibroblasts and regulate joint capsule fibrosis following PTJC. Our data demonstrated that MIF and TGF-ß1 significantly increased in fibroblasts of injured rat posterior joint capsules. Treatment the lesion sites with MIF inhibitor 4-Iodo-6-phenylpyrimidine (4-IPP) reduced TGF-ß1 production and relieved joint capsule inflammation and fibrosis. In vitro, MIF facilitated TGF-ß1 expression in primary joint capsule fibroblasts by activating mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) (P38, ERK) signaling through coupling with membrane surface receptor CD74, which in turn affected fibroblast functions and promoted MIF production. Our results reveal a novel function of trauma-induced MIF in the occurrence and development of joint capsule fibrosis. Further investigation of the underlying mechanism may provide potential therapeutic targets for PTJC.

Association of Oral Behaviors with Anxiety, Depression, and Jaw Function in Patients with Temporomandibular Disorders in China: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to investigate the association of oral behaviors (OBs) with anxiety, depression, and jaw function in patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) in China. MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 537 patients diagnosed with TMD were included in this study (average age, 31.55±12.08 years; 86 men [16.0%] and 451 women [84.0%]). There were 31 cases of masticatory muscle pain, 459 cases of disc displacement, and 13 cases of arthralgia/arthrosis, and 34 cases were uncategorized. Patients were assessed using the Oral Behaviors Checklist (OBC), Jaw Functional Limitation Scale (JFLS), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) scale, and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). The relationships between OBC scores and mouth opening, pain scores, JFLS, PHQ-9, and GAD-7 were evaluated with Spearman's correlation analysis. The median TMD symptom duration was 3 (0.5-154) months; men and women did not differ significantly in symptom duration or in the number of episodes of depression and anxiety. RESULTS The following OBs were common in patients with TMDs: "putting pressure on the jaw (52.9%)", "chewing food on 1 side (47.5%)", and "holding teeth together during activities other than eating (33.3%)". The OBC scores were significantly correlated with the JFLS, PHQ-9, and GAD-7 scores (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS Patients with TMDs exhibit specific OBs, which are associated with depression, anxiety, and jaw function. It is necessary to further investigate the interaction of OBs with depression and anxiety in the development of TMDs.

The Impact of Education and Physical Therapy on Oral Behaviour in Patients with Temporomandibular Disorder: A Preliminary Study.

Patient education is important in the treatment of temporomandibular disorder (TMD), but little is known about its effect on oral behaviors. We aimed to determine the dominant oral behaviours in patients with TMD and assess the impact of education on such behaviours. Between July 2018 and April 2019, 54 patients diagnosed with TMD according to DC/TMD were recruited. They received physical therapy and were provided education on TMD and offered a list of recommendations for improving their oral behaviours. The patient education process usually lasted for 10-20 min. Of these patients, 48 were reexamined at the outpatient clinic, 3-9 months posttreatment. We recorded the Oral Behaviour Checklist (OBC) score, maximum painless mouth opening (mm), visual analogue scale (VAS) score for pain, and Jaw Functional Limitation Scale (JFLS) score pre- and posttreatment. Wilcoxon signed rank test and paired sample t-test were used for statistical analysis. Results showed that the most dominant oral behaviours included "putting pressure on the jaw" (59.3%); "chewing food on one side" (46.3%); "pressing, touching, or holding teeth together at times other than eating" (33.3%); and "eating between meals" (33.3%). Posttreatment, the patients reported a decrease in "chewing gum" (P = 0.002), "leaning with the hand on the jaw" (P = 0.013), "chewing food on one side" (P ≤ 0.001), and "eating between meals" (P = 0.007), but this change was not significant in subgroups with a follow-up interval of 9 months. We also observed a significant improvement in the maximum painless mouth opening (P ≤ 0.001), JFLS score (P ≤ 0.001), and VAS score (P ≤ 0.001) for pain, posttreatment. In conclusion, patient education can facilitate management of oral behaviours and should be targeted towards specific oral behaviours.

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor activates the inflammatory response in joint capsule fibroblasts following post-traumatic joint contracture.

OBJECTIVES: Joint capsule fibrosis caused by excessive inflammation leading to post-traumatic joint contracture (PTJC). Fibroblasts trigger inflammation under the challenge of various proinflammatory cytokines. Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a prominent proinflammatory cytokine involved in inflammation- and fibrosis-associated pathophysiology, we investigated the role of MIF in PTJC. METHODS: Using rat PTJC model and fibroblast inflammation model, we detected MIF expression in posterior joint capsule. Primary joint capsule fibroblasts (JFs) were used to investigate the effects of MIF on cell proliferation, migration and proinflammatory cytokines production. The mechanism of JF-mediated events was evaluated by qRT-PCR, western blot and immunoprecipitation. We screened the mRNA expression profile to identify gene candidates that mediate the effect of MIF on JFs. RESULTS: MIF increased in posterior joint capsule following PTJC and co-localized with fibroblasts. Injection of MIF inhibitor significantly suppressed joint capsule inflammation and fibrosis. In vitro, MIF promoted JF proliferation, migration, and inflammation by regulating mitogen-activated protein kinase/nuclear factor-κB pathway through coupling with CD74. Transcriptome analysis revealed that lipid metabolism-related factors Pla2g2a, Angptl4, and Sgpp2, downstream of MIF/CD74, were potentially implicated in JF inflammation. CONCLUSION: MIF/CD74 axis elicited JF inflammation and may provide new therapeutic targets for joint capsule fibrosis in PTJC.

Common variants at Bin1 are associated with sporadic Alzheimer's disease in the Han Chinese population.

OBJECTIVES: Recent genome-wide association studies identified bridging integrator 1 (Bin1) to be associated with sporadic Alzheimer's disease (SAD). To clarify the relevance of Bin1 as a genetic determinant of AD, we analyzed its association in a Han Chinese population from the South East part of mainland China. METHODS: This study investigated 427 SAD patients and 451 unrelated age-matched and sex-matched healthy controls. Two single nucleotide polymorphisms (rs7561528 and rs744373) adjacent to Bin1 that emerged from previous genome-wide association studies were genotyped using the MassARRAY Analyzer 4 Sequenom platform. RESULTS: As expected, the genotype distribution of rs7561528 was significantly different between the SAD group and the controls, with more AG in controls [odds ratio (OR) 0.605, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.429-0.854, P=0.004], and the difference increased using an additive genetic model (OR 0.593, 95% CI 0.425-0.828, P=0.002). However, we did not observe a difference in the genotype distribution of the rs744373 between the SAD and the control group (OR 1.189, 95% CI 0.809-1.747, P=0.378). CONCLUSIONS: To the best of our knowledge, our study is the first to confirm the association of the variant rs7561528 adjacent to Bin1 with SAD in a Han Chinese Population.

Associations between apolipoprotein E genotypes and serum levels of glucose, cholesterol, and triglycerides in a cognitively normal aging Han Chinese population.

PURPOSE: To determine the associations between apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotypes and serum levels of glucose, total cholesterol, and triglycerides in a cognitively normal aging Han Chinese population. METHODS: There were 1,003 cognitively normal aging subjects included in this study. APOE genotypes were analyzed and biochemical parameters were tested. All the subjects were divided into three groups according to APOE genotypes: (1) E2/2 or E2/3 (APOE E2); (2) E3/3 (APOE E3); and (3) E2/4, E3/4, or E4/4 (APOE E4). Correlations of serum levels of glucose, total cholesterol, and triglycerides with APOE genotypes were assessed. RESULTS: E2, E3, and E4 allele frequencies were found to be 6.2%, 82.1%, and 11.7%, respectively. Serum levels of total cholesterol were higher in the APOE E4 group (P<0.05). A higher level of total cholesterol was associated with the E4 allele (adjusted odds ratio 1.689, 95% confidence interval 1.223-2.334, P<0.01). However, no association was found between APOE status and serum levels of glucose (adjusted odds ratio 0.981, 95% confidence interval 0.720-1.336, P=0.903) or total triglycerides (adjusted odds ratio 1.042, 95% confidence interval 0.759-1.429, P=0.800). CONCLUSION: A higher serum level of total cholesterol was significantly correlated with APOE E4 status in a cognitively normal, nondiabetic aging population. However, there was no correlation between APOE genotypes and serum levels of glucose or total triglycerides.

Clusterin variants are not associated with southern Chinese patients with Alzheimer's disease.

Recent genome-wide association studies identified clusterin (CLU) to be associated with sporadic Alzheimer's disease. To help clarify the relevance of CLU as genetic determinant of AD, we analyzed its association in southern Chinese Han population. This study comprised 499 sporadic Alzheimer's disease patients and 592 unrelated age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Four single-nucleotide polymorphisms (rs2279590, rs9331888, rs11136000, and rs1532278) within CLU were selected for genotyping. No positive association was found between the CLU variants and AD. Our study suggests that CLU variants may not be an AD susceptibility factor in southern Chinese Han population.