BBR affects macrophage polarization via inhibition of NF-κB pathway to protect against T2DM-associated periodontitis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Periodontitis is intimately associated with the development of various systemic diseases, among which type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has a bidirectional relationship with the pathogenesis of periodontitis. The objective of the present work was to investigate the role of berberine (BBR) in periodontitis with T2DM and related mechanisms. METHODS: The mRNA expression of macrophage polarization-related factors in the microenvironment of periodontal inflammation was detected using real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). The experimental periodontitis model was constructed in wild-type (WT) and T2DM (db/db) mice, which were administered BBR after 7 days of modeling. Alveolar bone loss (ABL) in each group of mice was measured utilizing micro-computed tomography images. RT-qPCR was performed to analyze the levels of macrophage polarization-related factors in mouse gingiva. Lastly, using western blotting and RT-qPCR, the signaling pathway of BBR affecting macrophage polarization in the microenvironment of periodontitis was explored. RESULTS: BBR inhibited M1 polarization and stimulated M2 polarization in the periodontitis microenvironment. BBR decreased ABL in the WT and T2DM periodontitis models. And BBR reduced the production of proinflammatory cytokines and increased anti-inflammatory cytokine expression in the gingiva of WT and T2DM model mice. Ultimately, BBR mediates its anti-inflammatory effects on periodontitis through inhibition of the NF-κB pathway. CONCLUSIONS: BBR had a therapeutic effect on T2DM-associated periodontitis via inhibiting the NF-κB pathway to affect macrophage polarization, which may have implications for the new pharmacological treatment of T2DM-associated periodontitis.

Arrestin beta-2 deficiency exacerbates periodontal inflammation by mediating activating transcription factor 6 activation and abnormal remodelling of the extracellular matrix.

AIM: To investigate the specific role of arrestin beta-2 (ARRB2) in the progression of periodontitis and the underlying mechanisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Single-cell RNA sequencing data were used to analyse gene expression in periodontal tissues from healthy controls and patients with periodontitis. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting and immunohistochemical staining were performed to detect the expression of ARRB2. Furthermore, a ligature-induced periodontitis model was created. Using radiographic and histological methods, RNA sequencing and luciferase assay, the role of ARRB2 in periodontitis and the underlying mechanisms were explored. Finally, the therapeutic effect of melatonin, an inhibitor of activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6), on periodontitis in mice was assessed in both in vivo and in vitro experiments. RESULTS: ARRB2 expression was up-regulated in inflammatory periodontal tissue. In the ligature-induced mouse model, Arrb2 knockout exacerbated alveolar bone loss (ABL) and extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation. ARRB2 exerted a negative regulatory effect on ATF6, an essential targeted gene. Melatonin ameliorated ABL and an imbalance in ECM remodelling in Arrb2-deficient periodontitis mice. CONCLUSIONS: ARRB2 mediates ECM remodelling via inhibition of the ATF6 signalling pathway, which ultimately exerts a protective effect on periodontal tissues.

Impact of transcranial direct current stimulation combined with motor-cognitive intervention on post-stroke cognitive impairment.

OBJECTIVE: In this study, it was explored whether the efficacy on applying transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) combined with motor-cognitive intervention for post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) was greater than that on applying each method alone. METHODS: A total of 90 patients with PSCI admitted to Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, China, from April 2021 to June 2022 were randomly divided into a tDCS group (n = 30), a motor-cognitive intervention group (n = 30), and a combination group (n = 30). All three groups received conventional rehabilitation therapy. The tDCS group was given tDCS therapy. The motor-cognitive intervention group received motor-cognitive intervention, whereas the combination group received tDCS combined with motor-cognitive intervention. The treatment duration was 4 weeks. The general data of patients were recorded before treatment. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) Scale and the Loewenstein Occupational Therapy Cognitive Assessment (LOTCA) Scale were used to evaluate the cognitive function of patients in three groups before and after treatment. Further, within- and between-groups comparisons were performed to determine differences in cognitive function. RESULTS: Before treatment, there was no significant difference between the baseline scores of the three groups (P > 0.05). After 4 weeks of treatment, except for the score for the LOTCA motor praxis subtest of the tDCS group, the MoCA and LOTCA scores of the three groups significantly improved compared with the corresponding scores before treatment (P < 0.05), and there was no drop-out case. After treatment, the MoCA and LOTCA scores of the three groups were compared in pairs. The results showed that except for the attention domain in MoCA, the method used for the combination group had more efficacy than those used for the other two groups (P < 0.05). Further, there was no statistical difference in efficacy between the tDCS and the motor-cognitive intervention groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The combination of tDCS and motor-cognitive intervention is safe and can help improve the cognitive function of patients with PSCI.

High expression of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) plays an important role in the formation of fibrous epulis.

OBJECTIVES: Epulis is considered to be a massive reactive lesion rather than a true neoplasia. AhR is thought to be associated with inflammation and development of neoplasms. Here, we aimed to observe the expression of AhR in fibrous epulis and explore its role and possible mechanism in the pathogenesis of epulis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Epulis and normal gingival tissues were collected, and AhR expression was detected at the mRNA and protein levels by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and immunohistochemistry, respectively. The expression levels of proinflammatory cytokines and apoptosis-related factor genes in human periodontal ligament cells (hPDLCs) and human gingival fibroblasts (hGFs) transfected with AhR short interfering RNA (siRNA) or negative control siRNA, upon stimulation with lipopolysaccharide of Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg-LPS), were then examined. Finally, the expression levels of the proinflammatory cytokines and apoptosis-related factor genes in the epulis tissues were observed by qPCR. RESULTS: AhR expression in fibrous epulis was significantly increased at both the mRNA and protein levels. The expression of proinflammatory cytokines and apoptosis-related factor genes in hPDLCs transfected with AhR siRNA was significantly decreased when stimulated with Pg-LPS. The same trends were observed for hGFs. The opposite trend was detected in the epulis tissues. CONCLUSION: AhR may be a key factor in fibrous epulis pathogenesis that acts by regulating the expression of BCL2 family genes and inflammatory factor-related genes.

Porphyromonas gingivalis facilitated the foam cell formation via lysosomal integral membrane protein 2 (LIMP2).

OBJECTIVE: The involvement of lysosomal integral membrane protein 2 (LIMP2) in cholesterol transport and formation of foam cells under the infection of Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) is yet to be elucidated. The current study verified the role and explored the mechanism of LIMP2 in promoting foam cell formation by P. gingivalis. BACKGROUND: An association between periodontitis and atherosclerosis (AS) has been established. P. gingivalis is a key pathogen of periodontitis that promotes foam cell formation by regulating activities of CD36 scavenger receptors expressed on the macrophages. LIMP2, a member of CD36 superfamily, is involved in cholesterol efflux. However, whether LIMP2 is involved in the formation of foam cells promoted by P. gingivalis remains unclear. METHODS: The formation of foam cells was examined by Oil Red O staining. The knockdown of limp2 was identified by qRT-PCR. The accumulation of cholesterol was monitored by Cholesterol Assay Kit. The location of P. gingivalis was visualized by confocal microscopy. Cathepsin L activity was monitored with Magic Red Cathepsin L Assay Kit. The key genes and pathways in P. gingivalis-infected macrophages were explored by RNA sequencing. The protein level was investigated by Western blotting. RESULTS: Porphyromonas gingivalis increases foam cells formation and upregulates the expression of LIMP2 in foam cells. The knockdown of limp2 decreases the number of foam cells and increases cholesterol export, which is related to lysosomal functions. In addition, the interaction between LIMP2 and caveolin-1(CAV1) might contribute to this process, and NF-κB and JNK activity is required for increased expression of P. gingivalis-induced LIMP2. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggested that LIMP2 is involved in the foam cells formation facilitated by P. gingivalis, which favors a close connection between periodontitis and atherosclerosis (AS).

Formation of Human Periodontal Ligament Cell Spheroids on Chitosan Films.

Periodontal ligament (PDL) cells hold great promise for periodontal tissue regeneration. Conventionally, PDL cells are cultured on two-dimensional (2D) substrates such as tissue culture polystyrene (TCPS). However, characteristic changes of PDL cells have been observed during in vitro culture. This phenomenon is probably because the 2D TCPS differs from the in vivo three-dimensional (3D) microenvironment. Compared to cells cultured on 2D substrates, cells grown in a 3D microenvironment exhibit more similarities to in vivo cells. Therefore, 3D cell culture models provide a promising alternative for conventional 2D monolayer cell culture. To improve conventional PDL cell culture models, we have recently developed a 3D cell culture method, which is based on spheroid formation of PDL cells on chitosan films. Here, we present detailed cell spheroid culture protocols based on chitosan films. The 3D culture system of PDL cellular spheroids overcome some of the limitations related to conventional 2D monolayer cell culture, and thus may be suitable for producing PDL cells with an enhanced therapeutic efficacy for future periodontal tissue regeneration.

Adsorption of tricresyl phosphate onto graphene nanomaterials from aqueous solution.

Phosphorus flame retardant tricresyl phosphate (TCP) adsorption on graphene nanomaterials from aqueous solutions was explored using batch and column modes. Comparative studies were performed regarding the kinetics and equilibrium of TCP adsorption on graphene oxide (GO) and graphene (G) in batch mode. The adsorption kinetics exhibited a rapid TCP uptake, and experimental data were well described by the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. Adsorption isotherm data of TCP on the two adsorbents displayed an improved TCP removal performance with increasing temperature at pH 5, while experimental data were well described by the Langmuir isotherm model with a maximum adsorption capacity of 87.7 mg·g-1 for G, and 30.7 mg·g-1 for GO) at 303 K. The thermodynamic parameters show that the adsorption reaction is a spontaneous and endothermic process. In addition, dynamic adsorption of TCP in a fixed G column confirmed a faster approach to breakthrough at high flow rate, high influent TCP concentration, and low filling height of adsorbent. Breakthrough data were successfully described by the Thomas and Yoon-Nelson models.

Synthesis of graphene oxide-SiO2 coated mesh film and its properties on oil-water separation and antibacterial activity.

Oil-water separation has recently become a worldwide challenge due to the frequent occurrence of oil spill accidents and increasing industrial oily wastewater. In this work, the multifunctional mesh films with underwater oleophobicity and certain bacteriostatic effects are prepared by layer-by-layer assembly of graphene oxide-silica coatings on stainless steel mesh. The mesh film exhibits excellent environmental stability under a series of harsh conditions. The new, facile and reusable separation system is proposed to achieve deep treatment of oily wastewater, and the oil collection rate can reach over 99%.