Effects of handheld nonthermal plasma on the biological responses, mineralization, and inflammatory reactions of polyaryletherketone implant materials.

Background/purpose: The handheld nonthermal plasma (HNP) treatment may alter the surface properties, bone metabolism, and inflammatory reactions of polyaryletherketone (PAEK) dental implant materials. This study tested whether the HNP treatment might increase the biocompatibility, surface hydrophilicity, surface free energies (SFEs), and the cell adhesion and mineralization capability of PAEK materials. Materials and methods: Disk-shaped samples of titanium (Ti), zirconia (Zr), polyetheretherketone (PEEK [PE]), and polyetherketoneketone (PEKK [PK]) were subjected to HNP treatment and termed as TiPL, ZrPL, PEPL, and PKPL, respectively. Water-surface reactions were examined using a goniometer. MG-63 cells were cultured on all samples to assess the cell viability, cytotoxicity, cell attachment, and mineralization characteristics. The expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6) and key mineralization markers (alkaline phosphatase [ALKP], osteopontin [OPN], and dentin matrix protein 1 [DMP1]) was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Results: The HNP-treated samples exhibited significantly enhanced surface hydrophilicities and SFEs compared to the untreated samples. The cell viability remained high across all samples, indicating no cytotoxic effects. The HNP treatment significantly enhanced MG-63 cell adherence and proliferation. Elevated levels of ALKP and OPN were observed for the plasma-treated PEPL and PKPL specimens, while DMP1 levels increased significantly only in the PKPL specimen. Pro-inflammatory cytokine levels were low across all samples, suggesting no inflammatory response. Conclusion: The HNP-treated PAEKs have enhanced the surface hydrophilicity and SFEs as well as superior cell adhesion and mineralization capability, and thus may be good clinical dental implant materials.

Magnolol's Therapeutic Efficacy and Immunomodulatory Effects in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) presents a significant health challenge, requiring effective treatments. Magnolol, a compound with potential anticancer properties, warrants investigation in OSCC treatment. Here, we aimed to assess the efficacy of magnolol in inhibiting progression of OSCC and to explore the underlying mechanisms of its action. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated the effect of magnolol on tumor progression using the MOC1-bearing orthotopic model. We examined its impact on pathology and toxicity through hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and biochemical analysis. We also investigated the immunoregulatory effects of magnolol in the MOC1-bearing model using flow cytometry. RESULTS: At high doses, magnolol significantly reduced tumor volume (p<0.0001 for comparisons between treated with magnolol and untreated groups) and weight loss by 70% in vivo. It also induced caspase-dependent apoptosis, evidenced by 2.42-, 2-, and 2.2-fold increases in the expression of caspase-3, -8, and -9, respectively, in mouse tumors treated with high 60 mg/kg of magnolol compared to untreated (p<0.0001 for all comparisons). Magnolol demonstrated no toxicity, maintaining body weight and normal biochemical parameters, including liver and kidney function. Pathological evaluations showed no adverse effects on organs in all treatment groups. Moreover, high doses of magnolol enhanced natural killer cells (by 3%), dendritic cells (20-25%), and cytotoxic T cells (20-40%) while reducing myeloid-derived suppressor cells and regulatory T cells by 1.5 times. CONCLUSION: Magnolol demonstrates potential as a therapeutic agent for OSCC, offering antitumor efficacy and immunomodulatory benefits.

Differential outcomes of jaw bone position after surgical-orthodontic treatment in three types of skeletal Class III asymmetry patients.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Facial asymmetry is common in Class III patients requiring orthognathic surgery. This study aimed to analyze jaw bone position after surgical-orthodontic treatment in three types of skeletal Class III asymmetry patients. METHODS: The retrospective study included 30 Class III patients who underwent surgical-orthodontic treatment comprising LeFort I osteotomy and bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO) without genioplasty. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images obtained before surgery (T1) and after post-surgical orthodontic treatment (T2) were superimposed with voxel-based registration. Patients were classified into three groups based on T1 CBCT scans. Groups 1 and 2 exhibited menton and ramus deviated to the same side. Menton deviation was larger than ramus width asymmetry in group 1, while the reverse was true for group 2. Group 3 had menton deviation contralateral to the side with greater ramus width. RESULTS: Menton deviation after treatment was improved in all groups. Ramus width asymmetry and coronal ramus angle difference decreased in groups 1 and 2. Neither improvement nor deterioration of ramus width asymmetry was noted for group 3. Comparing to groups 1 and 2, group 3 had greater roll and yaw rotations of distal segment, more upward pitch of proximal segment on chin deviation side, and largest inward yaw as well as backward translation of proximal segment on non-deviation side. CONCLUSION: The positional changes of osteotomy segments differed among three types of mandibular asymmetry. Special attention should be given to the atypical mandibular asymmetry with mandibular body and ramus deviating to opposite directions during surgical correction of jaw deflection.

Sirtuin 6 ameliorates arthritis through modulating cyclic AMP-responsive element binding protein/CCN1/cyclooxygenase 2 pathway in osteoblasts.

INTRODUCTION: CCN1 is an immediate-early gene product pivotal for arthritis progression. We have previously shown that sirtuin 6 (SIRT6) inhibited hypoxia-induced CCN1 expression in osteoblasts. Herein we examined the contribution of cyclic AMP-responsive element binding protein (CREB)/CRE to this suppressive action and the influence of CCN1 on cyclooxygenase (COX) 2 synthesis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MC3T3-E1 murine osteoblasts were cultured under normoxia (21% oxygen) or hypoxia (2% oxygen). Expressions of CCN1, phospho-CREB (Ser133), COX2 and relevant kinases were assessed by Western blot. SIRT6 was overexpressed in cultured osteoblasts and arthritic joints by a lentiviral-based technique. Activities of CCN1 gene promoter constructs were examined by luciferase reporter assay. Interaction between CREB and CCN1 promoter was assessed by chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP). Collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) was established in 20 rats to evaluate the effects of SIRT6 therapy on osteoblastic expressions of phospho-CREB, CCN1 and COX2. RESULTS: SIRT6 suppressed hypoxia-enhanced CCN1 expression and CREB phosphorylation. Attenuation of calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) may be responsible for SIRT6-induced CREB inhibition. CRE at - 286 bp upstream of the ATG start codon was essential for CCN1 expression under hypoxia and SIRT6 reduced hypoxia-stimulated CREB/CRE interaction. Forced expression of CREB rescued SIRT6-suppressed CCN1 synthesis. CCN1 induced COX2 expression in osteoblasts. In rat CIA, the therapeutic effect of SIRT6 was accompanied by decreases in osteoblastic expressions of phospho-CREB, CCN1 and COX2. CONCLUSION: Our study indicated that the benefits of SIRT6 to inflammatory arthritis and bone resorption are at least partially derived from its modulation of CREB/CCN1/COX2 pathway in osteoblasts.

Metformin Reduces Bone Resorption in Apical Periodontitis Through Regulation of Osteoblast and Osteoclast Differentiation.

INTRODUCTION: We have previously demonstrated that auxiliary metformin therapy promotes healing of apical periodontitis. Here we aimed to investigate the effects of metformin on osteoblast differentiation and osteoclast formation in cultured cells and rat apical periodontitis. METHODS: Murine pre-osteoblasts MC3T3-E1 and macrophages RAW264.7 were cultured under hypoxia (2% oxygen) or normoxia (21% oxygen) and stimulated with receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) when indicated. Metformin was added to the cultures to evaluate its anti-hypoxic effects. Expressions of osteoblast differentiation regulator runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), RANKL, and osteoclast marker tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) were assessed by Western blot. Apical periodontitis was induced in mandibular first molars of 10 Sprague-Dawley rats. Root canal therapy with or without metformin supplement was performed. Periapical bone resorption was measured by micro-computed tomography. Immunohistochemistry was used to examine RUNX2, RANKL, and TRAP expressions. RESULTS: Hypoxia suppressed RUNX2 expression and enhanced RANKL synthesis in pre-osteoblasts. TRAP production increased in macrophages after hypoxia and/or RANKL stimulation. Metformin reversed hypoxia-induced RUNX2 suppression and RANKL synthesis in pre-osteoblasts. Metformin also inhibited hypoxia and RANKL-enhanced TRAP synthesis in macrophages. Intracanal metformin diminished bone loss in rat apical periodontitis. Comparing with vehicle control, cells lining bone surfaces in metformin-treated lesions had significantly stronger expression of RUNX2 and decreased synthesis of RANKL and TRAP. CONCLUSIONS: Alleviation of bone resorption by intracanal metformin was associated with enhanced osteoblast differentiation and diminished osteoclast formation in rat apical periodontitis. Our results endorsed the role of metformin as an effective medicament for inflammatory bone diseases.

Occlusal function and electromyographic activity of masticatory muscles in skeletal Class III patients with different patterns of mandibular asymmetry.

BACKGROUND: Although jaw asymmetry is commonly seen in skeletal Class III patients, its correlation with occlusal function and masticatory muscle activity has not been fully elucidated. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate the occlusal function and masticatory muscle activity in skeletal Class III patients with various patterns of mandibular asymmetry. METHODS: Forty-two patients and 10 normal participants were examined. The patients were categorised into three groups. Groups 1 and 2 exhibited menton and ramus deviation to the same side. Menton deviation was larger than ramus deviation in Group 1, whereas Group 2 showed the inverse relation. Group 3 patients showed menton and ramus deviation in opposite directions. Occlusal contact area (OCA), relative bite force (RBF), and temporalis anterior (TA) and masseter muscle (MM) activity at maximum clenching were measured using T-Scan Novus system and Bio-EMG-III. Statistical analysis was performed using the t-test, one-way analysis of variance with Bonferroni correction and Spearman correlation (α = .05). RESULTS: Compared with normal participants, the patients had smaller OCA and greater asymmetry in the distribution of masticatory muscle activity. Greater ramus deviation was associated with smaller OCA in Group 1 but with larger OCA in Group 3. In Group 1, greater menton deviation was related to stronger TA activity on the non-deviation side. In Group 2, greater ramus deviation was related to stronger MM activity on the deviation side. CONCLUSION: Deviation of the menton and ramus was individually related to OCA and masticatory muscle activity, and this relationship varied according to the pattern of mandibular asymmetry.

Prognosis of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws in metastatic prostate cancer patients.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to find out the prognosis of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws (MRONJ) in prostate cancer patients who received two different types of antiresorptive agents for bone metastasis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively surveyed a cohort of 95 metastatic prostate cancer patients with 122 MRONJ lesions treated in a single medical center. Treatment outcomes and prognostic factors were investigated. The cumulative complete response rate was calculated with the Kaplan-Meier method, and significance was examined with the log-rank and Breslow tests. Cox regression was used for the univariate and multivariate analyses of prognostic factors. RESULTS: The cumulative complete response rate of all patients at 12 months was 37.8%, and that of patients treated with zoledronic acid and denosumab was 22.9% and 70.5%, respectively. Denosumab, pretreatment C-terminal telopeptide of collagen I (CTX) level > 150 pg/ml, and anemia were identified as independent prognostic factors in a multivariate analysis with adjusted hazard ratios of 3.18 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.24-8.11), 3.24 (95% CI, 1.39-7.53), and 0.42 (95% CI, 0.19-0.93), respectively. CONCLUSION: A higher pretreatment level of CTX, using denosumab as the antiresorptive agent and without anemia, indicates a better treatment outcome of MRONJ in prostate cancer patients.

Differences of condylar changes after orthognathic surgery among Class II and Class III patients.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: The nature of susceptibility to condylar resorption after orthognathic surgery can be different between skeletal Class II and Class III populations, which was addressed by few in the past. The aim of the present study was to use cone-beam computed tomographic (CBCT) images to investigate the displacement and morphological changes of temporomandibular joints (TMJs) in patients received orthodontic treatment combined with orthognathic surgery. METHODS: Both Class III (n = 34) and Class II (n = 17) patients were compared through overall and regional superimpositions of the initial and posttreatment CBCTs. Two-sample t-test was used to identify significance between group differences. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to address changes of TMJ and the amount of setback or advancement. RESULTS: The axial ramal angle increased significantly in Class III group and decreased in Class II groups after orthognathic surgery (p < FDR_p). For condylar dimensions, significant widths and lengths reductions were noted only in Class II group. However, no significant difference was found after comparing subgroup differences according to one-jaw and two-jaw options, nor any significant correlation found between the condylar changes and the amount of surgical movements. CONCLUSION: The nature of condylar susceptibility could result more from different skeletal patterns than the amount of surgical movements. However, the direction of mandibular surgery may contribute to different changes of condylar angle in axial section.

Effects of Interleukin-6 on STAT3-regulated signaling in oral cancer and as a prognosticator of patient survival.

OBJECTIVES: Human oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) produces an inflammatory microenvironment enriched with cytokines including interleukin-6 (IL-6); however, the underlying molecular mechanisms of OSCC progression are unclear. We aimed to delineate the STAT3-mediated signaling pathways involved in tumor cell survival and growth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Immunohistochemistry was used to semi-quantitate IL-6 and STAT3 in 111 OSCC tissues. IL-6-induced STAT3 signaling pathways and effects on tumor cell survival and progression were investigated in vitro and in xenograft mouse models. Effects of blocking IL-6-induced activation of STAT3 in an OSCC cell line were determined in vitro. RESULTS: A higher level of IL-6 or STAT3 in situ was associated with an unfavorable prognosis in OSCC patients with regard to both disease-free and overall survival rates. Overexpressed or exogenous IL-6 could induce SAS cell proliferationin vitroand significantly enhanced tumor growthin vivo. In addition, knockdown or inhibition of STAT3 expression in SAS cells significantly reduced tumor growth and abolished the responsiveness to IL-6 stimulation. Siltuximab or Tocilizumab could also significantly suppress IL-6-induced STAT3 phosphorylation and STAT3 nuclear translocation, resulting in a significant decrease of downstream anti-apoptotic proteins Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, and survivin. CONCLUSION: The IL-6 level in the tumor microenvironment could serve as a stage-independent predictor of OSCC progression and survival. Further, IL-6 may play a role in this disease through STAT3-dependent upregulation of anti-apoptotic genes and subsequent proliferation of tumor cells.

The possible role of sirtuin 5 in the pathogenesis of apical periodontitis.

OBJECTIVES: We investigated the relation between expression of sirtuin 5 (SIRT5) in osteoblastic cells and progression of apical periodontitis. The role of SIRT5 in hypoxia-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation and osteoblast apoptosis was also examined. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Progression of rat apical periodontitis was monitored by conventional radiography and microcomputed tomography. SIRT5 and oxidative stress biomarker 8-OHdG in bone-lining cells were assessed by immunohistochemistry. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling was used to demonstrate apoptosis. In primary human osteoblasts cultured under hypoxia, Western blot was used to analyze SIRT5 expression and cleavage of pro-caspase 3 and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP). SIRT5 was overexpressed through lentiviral technique. ROS formation and mitochondrial membrane potential changes were assessed by MitoSOX-Red and JC-1 fluorescence, respectively. Immunofluorescence microscope was used to evaluate mitochondrial release of cytochrome c. RESULTS: In rat apical periodontitis, disease progression was accompanied by decreased expression of SIRT5, increased oxidative stress, and enhanced apoptosis in bone-lining cells. SIRT5 was suppressed in cultured osteoblasts under hypoxia. SIRT5 overexpression ameliorated hypoxia-enhanced ROS formation, mitochondrial depolarization, cytochrome c leakage, activation of caspase-3, and PARP fragmentation. CONCLUSIONS: SIRT5 is able to alleviate hypoxia-enhanced osteoblast apoptosis. SIRT5 augmentation may have therapeutic potential for apical periodontitis.

Prognosis of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws in cancer patients using antiresorptive agent zoledronic acid.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Anti-resorptive agents are commonly used in cancer patients with bone metastasis or multiple myeloma (MM). An adverse event termed medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws (MRONJ) was discovered in patients using these agents but relatively little attention has been paid to its prognosis. Our aims were to find out the treatment outcomes and prognostic indicators of MRONJ in cancer patients who received zoledronic acid as antiresorptive therapy. METHODS: We retrospectively surveyed a cohort of 133 cancer patients who received zoledronic acid. A total of 150 MRONJ lesions were included for investigation. Cumulative complete response rate after treatment was calculated with the Kaplan-Meier method, and significance was examined with the log-rank tests. Cox regression was used for univariate and multivariate analyses of prognostic factors. RESULTS: The cumulative complete response rate of all patients at 24 months was 53.2%, and those of patients with MM, breast cancer and prostate cancer were 27.8%, 60.7% and 68.0%, respectively. Having MM was identified as an independent prognostic factor in a multivariate analysis with adjusted hazard ratios of 0.28 (95% confidence interval, 0.09-0.83). CONCLUSION: For cancer patients with ONJ related to zoledronic acid, patients with MM endure a worse treatment outcome.

Intracanal Metformin Promotes Healing of Apical Periodontitis via Suppressing Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase Expression and Monocyte Recruitment.

INTRODUCTION: We have previously shown that intracanal metformin ameliorates apical periodontitis, partially by modulation of osteoblast apoptosis. The action of metformin on other cell types pertinent to the development of apical periodontitis needs to be examined. In the present study, we aimed to analyze whether its effects on the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and monocyte recruitment contribute to the therapeutic effect on apical periodontitis. METHODS: Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced expression of iNOS in a human monocytic cell line, Mono-Mac-6, was assessed by Western blot. The amount of nitrite in culture medium was assessed to quantify nitric oxide (NO) production. C-C motif chemokine ligand-2 (CCL-2) synthesis was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Experimental apical periodontitis in rats was treated with root canal debridement with or without intracanal metformin medication. Lesion progression was assessed by conventional radiography and micro-computed tomographic imaging. Cellular expression of iNOS and the number of monocytes/macrophages were assessed by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Metformin suppressed LPS-induced iNOS and NO production by monocytes. More importantly, metformin inhibited LPS-enhanced CCL-2 synthesis through modulation of the iNOS/NO pathway. Intracanal metformin reduced bone resorption associated with apical periodontitis and suppressed iNOS expression and monocyte recruitment. CONCLUSIONS: Our results confirmed the therapeutic efficacy of intracanal metformin for apical periodontitis. Suppression of monocyte recruitment through modulation of iNOS expression and NO production is an important mechanism underlying the beneficial effect of metformin.

Reciprocal activation of cancer-associated fibroblasts and oral squamous carcinoma cells through CXCL1.

OBJECTIVES: Crosstalk between cancer cells and carcinoma-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) is known to be involved in various aspects of tumor biology, including during invasion. Using oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cells as a model, we examined whether and how CAFs respond to inflammatory signals to influence cancer cell migration and invasion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Chemokine signatures within the human HNSCC datasets from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) were analyzed together with tissue assessment using immunohistochemical staining (IHC) and real-time PCR. A co-culture system was used to identify reciprocal effects exerted by CAFs and cancer cells upon one another. Recombinant CXCL1, CXCL1 neutralizing antibodies, and CXCR2 antagonist were used to confirm CXCL1/CXCR2 axis-mediated cell behaviors. RESULTS: Analysis of the TCGA dataset revealed that CXCL1 is associated with poor survival, and IHC demonstrated CXCL1 is highly expressed in OSCC stromal cells. Moreover, real-time PCR showed that in addition to CXCL1, IL-1ß and CXCR2 are also highly expressed in OSCC and IL-1ß mRNA levels positively correlate with CXCL1 expression. Furthermore, CAFs co-cultured with SAS, a poorly differentiated OSCC cell line, or stimulated with IL-1ß exhibit increased CXCL1 secretion in an NF-κB-dependent manner. Treatment of SAS cells with CAF-conditioned medium or CXCL1 increased their invasion and migration capabilities, indicating a reciprocal activation between CAFs and cancer cells. Moreover, CXCL-1 upregulated matrix metalloprotease-1 (MMP-1) expression and activity in CAFs. CONCLUSION: The induction of IL-1ß following CXCL1 stimulation of CAFs mediates cancer cell invasion, and there is a reciprocal dependency between CAFs and cancer cells in the OSCC microenvironment.

Metformin Ameliorates Periapical Lesions through Suppression of Hypoxia-induced Apoptosis of Osteoblasts.

INTRODUCTION: Intramuscular injection of metformin has been shown to inhibit the progression of periapical lesions in rats by decreasing the number of receptor activator of nuclear factor-κß ligand- and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-positive cells. In this study, we investigated the effect of metformin on hypoxia-induced apoptosis of osteoblasts and the therapeutic activity of intracanal metformin in induced periapical lesions in rats. METHODS: The influence of metformin on hypoxia-induced mitochondrial superoxide production in human osteoblasts was examined by using MitoSOX (Invitrogen, Carlsbad, CA) fluorescence dye signaling. The release of cytochrome c from mitochondria and the cleavage of procaspase-9 and poly(adenosine diphosphate-ribose) polymerase were evaluated by Western blot analysis. Apoptotic cell fraction was assessed by DNA content flow cytometry. In a rat model of induced periapical lesions, the effect of intracanal metformin on disease progression was appraised by 2-dimensional radiography and micro-computed tomographic imaging. Oxidative lesions and apoptotic activity of osteoblasts in vivo were estimated, respectively, by 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine staining and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling. RESULTS: Metformin inhibited hypoxia-enhanced mitochondrial superoxide production in osteoblasts. Metformin suppressed hypoxia-induced cytochrome c release from mitochondria and the cleavage of procaspase-9 and poly(adenosine diphosphate-ribose) polymerase. Metformin repressed hypoxia-augmented apoptotic cell fraction. In a rat model, intracanal metformin diminished the size of periapical lesions and the oxidative damage and apoptotic activity in osteoblasts. CONCLUSIONS: Hypoxia increased oxidative stress in osteoblasts and enhanced cell death through activation of the mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis. Metformin attenuated the oxidative and cytotoxic action of hypoxia. The therapeutic effect of metformin on periapical lesions is partially caused by its antioxidative activity.

Comparison of long-term outcomes between pull-through resection and mandibular lip-split surgery for T4a tongue/floor of mouth cancers.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine whether the pull-through resection is better than the mandibular lip-split for advanced tongue/floor of mouth (FOM) cancers, which remains inconclusive. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was performed on 91 patients with T4a tongue/FOM cancers from 2009 to 2014. Cases with mandibular resection were excluded. The pull-through resection was used when the mouth opening was ≥15 mm; otherwise the mandibular lip-split was used. RESULTS: Fifty-eight patients received pull-through resections and 33 underwent mandibular-lip splits and the mean follow-up periods were 42 and 45 months, respectively. Surgical margin, locoregional recurrence, and 5-year survival were similar between the 2 groups. The pull-through approach had a significantly shorter operation time, lower rates of flap infection, osteoradionecrosis, metal plate exposure, loss of tooth vitality, and better aesthetics. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that the pull-through resection does not compromise disease control for advanced tongue/FOM cancers and is superior to the mandibular lip-split in terms of operation time, postoperative complications, and aesthetics.

Increased Expression of Glutaminase in Osteoblasts Promotes Macrophage Recruitment in Periapical Lesions.

INTRODUCTION: Recently, we have shown that tissue hypoxia stimulates the progression of periapical lesions by up-regulating glycolysis-dependent apoptosis of osteoblasts. Other facets of hypoxia-induced metabolic reprogramming in disease pathogenesis require further investigation. In this study, we examined the connection between hypoxia-augmented glutamine catabolism in osteoblasts and the development of periapical lesions. METHODS: Primary human osteoblasts were cultured under hypoxia. The expression of glutaminase 1 (GLS1) was examined using Western blot analysis. The production of glutamate was measured by colorimetric assay. Knockdown of GLS1 was performed with small interfering RNA technology. C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2) secretion and chemotaxis of J774 macrophages were examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and transwell migration assay, respectively. In a rat model of induced periapical lesions, the relations between disease progression and osteoblastic expression of GLS1 or macrophage recruitment were studied. RESULTS: Hypoxia enhanced GLS1 expression and subsequent glutamate production in osteoblasts. Glutamate induced chemoattraction of macrophages by osteoblasts through up-regulation of CCL2 synthesis. Hypoxia promoted CCL2 secretion and macrophage recruitment through augmentation of glutaminolysis. Knockdown of GLS1 abolished hypoxia-induced effects. In rat periapical lesions, progressive bone resorption was significantly related to elevated GLS1 expression in osteoblasts and increased macrophage recruitment. CONCLUSIONS: In addition to the rise in glycolytic activity, the progression of periapical lesions is also associated with enhanced glutamine catabolism in osteoblasts. GLS1 may be a potential therapeutic target in the management of periapical lesions.

HMGCS2 enhances invasion and metastasis via direct interaction with PPARα to activate Src signaling in colorectal cancer and oral cancer.

Mitochondrial 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA synthase (HMGCS2) is the rate-limiting enzyme of ketogenesis. Growing evidence indicates that HMGCS2 may be involved in cancer progression, but its exact role is largely unknown. In this study, we demonstrate that HMGCS2 mRNA expression is associated with poor clinical prognosis and outcomes in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). In vitro, ectopic expression of HMGCS2 enhanced cancer cell motility in a ketogenesis-independent manner. Moreover, HMGCS2 promoted Src activity by directly binding to peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα), a transcriptional activator of Src. Taken together, these results suggest that HMGCS2 may serve as a useful prognostic marker and vital target for future therapeutic strategies against advanced cancer.

Sirtuin 6 suppresses hypoxia-induced inflammatory response in human osteoblasts via inhibition of reactive oxygen species production and glycolysis-A therapeutic implication in inflammatory bone resorption.

Elevated glycolytic activity and redox imbalance induced by tissue hypoxia are common phenomena of chronic inflammation, including inflammatory bone diseases such as arthritis. However, relation between glycolysis and redox signaling in the inflammatory milieu is unclear. The histone deacetylase sirtuin 6 (SIRT6) is a crucial modulator of inflammation and glucose metabolism, and it is also involved in cellular protection against oxidative injury. The aims of the study were to examine the connection between glycolysis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in human osteoblastic cells (HOB) and whether SIRT6 modulates inflammatory response via regulation of glycolytic activity and ROS generation. In HOB cultured under hypoxia, expression of lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA), lactate production and ROS generation were examined. The reciprocal effects between lactate and ROS production and their impact on inflammatory cytokine induction were assessed. The action of SIRT6 on the above reactions was determined. In a rat model of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA), the relation between inflammatory activity and osteoblastic expression of LDHA, level of oxidative lesions, Cyr61 synthesis and macrophage recruitment were examined in joints with or without lentiviral-SIRT6 gene therapy. Results showed that hypoxia stress enhanced lactate and LDHA production in HOB. ROS generation was also increased, and there was a positive feedback between glycolysis and ROS formation. Overexpression of SIRT6 attenuated hypoxia-enhanced glycolysis and ROS generation. Hypoxia-induced expressions of Cyr61, TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-6 were suppressed by SIRT6 and the inhibitory effects overlapped with antiglycolytic and antioxidation mechanisms. In the model of CIA, forced expression of SIRT6 ameliorated disease progression, osteoblastic synthesis of Cyr61, and macrophage recruitment. More importantly, expression of LDHA and oxidative lesions were decreased in osteoblasts of SIRT6-treated joints. Our findings suggest that SIRT6 suppresses inflammatory response in osteoblasts via modulation of glucose metabolism and redox homeostasis. SIRT6-based strategy may possess therapeutic potential for inflammatory bone resorption. © 2016 BioFactors, 43(2):170-180, 2017.

A new classification of mandibular asymmetry and evaluation of surgical-orthodontic treatment outcomes in Class III malocclusion.

INTRODUCTION: Facial asymmetry is a common manifestation in patients with Class III malocclusion. The aims of this study were to classify mandibular asymmetry in Class III patients and to evaluate treatment outcomes according to different characteristics of asymmetry. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three dimensional cone-beam CT images of 38 patients were analyzed for menton deviation and discrepancies between bilateral structures of mandibular ramus and body. The patients were classified into 3 groups. Groups 1 and 2 exhibited a larger distance of ramus to midsagittal plane on menton-deviated side. In group 1, menton deviation was greater than ramus asymmetry and the condition was reversed for group 2. Group 3 had menton deviation contralateral to the side with larger transverse ramus distance. The features of asymmetry were delineated and the outcomes after surgical-orthodontic treatment were analyzed. RESULTS: Group 1 exhibited a roll rotation of mandibular structures. Mandibular deviation of group 2 patients was more of a horizontal shift nature rather than rotation. Group 3 patients displayed a yaw rotation of mandible to the side with lesser growth in body and ramus. After treatment, menton deviation and body asymmetry were significantly improved in all 3 groups, but the effect of therapy on ramus asymmetry was less predictable, especially for group 3. CONCLUSIONS: The classification system is simple and clinically useful and could form a base for future studies on facial asymmetry.

Factors influencing the incidence and prognosis of second primary tumors in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Although second primary tumors are common in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), their predisposing factors and treatment guideline remain uncertain. METHODS: Three hundred ninety-four patients with OSCC who received radical surgery from January 2002 to December 2009 were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: Forty-five patients developed oral second primary tumors. Areca quid chewing, tongue tumors, and nodal metastasis were risk factors for second primary tumors. Multivariate analyses revealed that no second primary tumor (hazard ratio [HR] = 5.046; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.704-12.246; p = .003), contralateral neck dissection for ipsilateral second primary tumors (HR = 6.254; 95% CI = 3.027-13.365; p = .007), and postoperative radiotherapy (RT; HR = 3.987; 95% CI = 1.099-10.381; p = .040) were independent favorable prognostic factors. CONCLUSION: Areca quid chewing, tongue tumors, and nodal metastasis predisposed patients with OSCC to second primary tumor development. Elective dissection of the contralateral neck in patients with second primary tumors ipsilateral to index tumors and postoperative RT for eligible patients should always be considered in the management of oral second primary tumors. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: First-1466, 2016.