Expression analysis of microRNAs and cytokine mRNAs in pregnancies complicated by gestational hypertension.

OBJECTIVES: Gestational hypertension (GH1) is one of the most common pregnancy-related complications, however, there is still insufficient knowledge about its development and molecular changes. The aim of our study was to examine the expression of miR-17, miR-29a and miR-181a, as well as TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6 and IL-17 in women with GH and to investigate possible correlations between these parameters. STUDY DESIGN: The study included 64 pregnant women, placed either in the control or the GH group. Quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR2) was used to determine expression levels of microRNAs and cytokines' mRNAs. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Expression levels of miRNAs (miR-17, miR-29a and miR-181a) and proinflammatory cytokines mRNAs (TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6 and IL-17) in women with gestational hypertension were compared to the control group (healthy pregnant women). RESULTS: No significant changes in microRNAs expression level were found between compared groups. TNF-α was significantly upregulated in the GH group compared to controls. Expression levels of other investigated cytokines did not differ between examined groups. ROC curve analysis indicated that TNF-α does not show sufficient ability to discriminate between CG and GH patients. TNF-α was significantly positively correlated with IL-1ß and IL-17 and negatively correlated with miR-181a. CONCLUSIONS: Our results point to the involvement of proinflamatory cytokines in gestational hypertension. Although increased expression of TNF-α was found in the GH group, this cytokine did not show sufficient ability to discriminate between GH and healthy pregnancies.

MiR-26a and miR-191 are upregulated while PLAG1 and HIF2 are downregulated in pleomorphic adenomas of the salivary glands compared to Warthin tumors.

BACKGROUND: Salivary gland tumors (SGTs) are a heterogenous group of pathologies, which still represents a challenge regarding differential diagnosis and therapy. Although histological findings govern SGTs management, detection of molecular alterations is emerging as an effective additional tool. The aim of this study was to analyze the relative expression levels of three micro RNAs (miR-26a, miR-26b, and miR-191), and three pro-oncogenic molecular markers (PLAG1, MTDH, and HIF2) in SGTs and normal salivary gland (NSG) tissues and evaluate them as potential differential diagnosis markers. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 58 patients with SGTs (23 pleomorphic adenomas, 27 Warthin tumors, and 8 malignant SGTs) and 10 controls (normal salivary gland tissues). Relative gene expression levels of all investigated molecules were determined by reverse transcriptase-real-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: All three micro RNAs exhibited highest expression levels in benign SGTs, whereas miR-26a And miR-191 were significantly more expressed in PAs compared to WTs (p = 0.045 and p = 0.029, respectively). PLAG1 And HIF2 were both overexpressed in WTs compared to PAs (p = 0.048 and p = 0.053, respectively). Bioinformatic analysis suggested that all investigated micro RNAs function as negative regulators of MTDH. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that all three micro RNAs have a considerable negative impact on MTDH oncogene expression in malignant tumors, while the differences between levels of miR-26a, miR-191, PLAG1, and HIF2 in PA and WT represent possible differential diagnosis markers.

Expression of miRNAs and proinflammatory cytokines in pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus.

Altered microRNAs (miRNAs1) and cytokines expression levels are associated with several pregnancy-induced complications. We evaluated the profile of circulating miRNAs (miR-17, miR-29a and miR-181a) and proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6 and IL-17) in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM2), as well as their potential use as GDM biomarkers. The case-control study included 65 pregnant women divided into 2 groups - GDM and control. Expression levels of miRNAs in plasma samples and cytokines mRNA isolated from peripheral blood buffy coat were analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR3). Significant miR-29a downregulation was found in GDM compared to the control group, and was even more significant after adjustments for covariates. miR-17 and miR-181a expression levels did not differ between the examined groups. Expression levels of IL-1ß were significantly higher in GDM group compared to controls, while TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-17 did not show significant changes in expression between the two groups. As jugded from the ROC curve analysis, miR-29a and IL-1ß had a significant capacity to discriminate between CG and GDM. Additionally, a positive correlation was established between IL-1ß and TNF-α in the GDM group. GDM appeared to be associated with altered levels of miR-29a and IL-1ß making them markers of this condition.

Streptococcus mitis and Prevotella melaninogenica Influence Gene Expression Changes in Oral Mucosal Lesions in Periodontitis Patients.

Oral microbiome disruptions in periodontitis are related to the chronic inflammatory reactions that could in turn lead to the development of multiple oral diseases. The objective of the study was to assess the frequencies of Streptococcus mitis, Prevotella melaninogenica, and Prevotella intermedia in oral benign lesions, oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs), and oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCCs) and investigate the impact of these bacteria on the expression patterns of the selected (potential) target genes (PI3CA/AKT2/mTOR, DUSP16/MAPK14, and COX2). After sample collection (25 benign lesions, 30 OPMDs, and 35 OSCCs) and DNA/RNA extraction, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was performed to detect bacterial presence and assess relative gene expression levels in different lesion groups. Prevotella melaninogenica was the most prevalent of the three analyzed bacteria, with the frequency being 60% in benign lesions, 87% in OPMDs (p = 0.024), and 77% in OSCC. The OPMD tissues in which Prevotella melaninogenica was present exhibited a higher expression level of AKT2 (p = 0.042). Significantly lower expression of DUSP16 was observed in OSCC tissues containing Streptococcus mitis (p = 0.011). The obtained results indicate a substantial contribution of P. melaninogenica and Str. mitis in the pathogenesis of oral mucosal lesions, possibly via AKT2 upregulation and DUSP16 downregulation.

A Survey of the Course: 'How to Successfully Write a Scientific Article'.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present survey was to analyze the knowledge and skills in medical paper writing of physicians who attended the course "how to write successfully a scientific paper." METHODS: A blind survey was used to analyze participants' knowledge on the topic of the course "how to write successfully a scientific paper." Before starting the workshop, participants anonymously filled out the input questionnaire containing 12 preliminary data questions. The three-hour course included a lecture on the steps of creating and writing a scientific article with examples. At the end, all participants anonymously completed the exit questionnaire consisting of 18 questions. Differences and associations between the collected data were analyzed using appropriate statistical tests. RESULTS: The survey included 22 participants, most of whom were women (16, 72.7%). The participants' educational level was proportional to their age. 12 of the participants had an intermediate level, while the others reported higher English proficiency. Half of the participants had never published an article. A significant difference was observed between English level and being the first author of an article published in a scientific journal (p = 0.044). Before class, only 13.6% of participants knew that guidelines are mandatory for making clinical decisions according to evidence- based medicine. There was a significant positive correlation between sex and current affiliation (p = 0.038). A negative correlation was observed between sex and article publication (p = 0.037). A positive correlation was observed between English level and current affiliation (p = 0.020). There was a negative correlation observed between previous sources of learning scientific article writing and having already published an article (p = 0.025). A positive correlation was found between reading an article and publishing it (p = 0.046). Statistical analysis showed a significant difference between reading frequency, number of published articles, being the first author, and knowing the title of a scientific article (p = 0.036, p = 0.027, and p = 0.030, respectively). CONCLUSION: The results of the questionnaires revealed discrepancies in prior research engagement and understanding of scientific concepts and rules. This survey highlights the importance of the course "how to successfully write a scientific article" in improving participants' knowledge of scientific work and the process of creating an article for submission to medical journals.

Red Light and 5% Aminolaevulinic Acid (5%) Inhibit Proliferation and Migration of Dysplastic Oral Keratinocytes via ROS Production: An In Vitro Study.

Undiagnosed and untreated oral precancerous lesions often progress into malignancies. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) might be a minimally invasive alternative to conventional treatments. 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) is one of the most commonly used photosensitizers in PDT, and it is effective on many cancer types. However, its hydrophilic characteristic limits cell membrane crossing. In the present study, the effect of a newly formulated gel containing 5% 5-ALA in combination with red light (ALAD-PDT) on a premalignant oral mucosa cell line was investigated. The dysplastic oral keratinocyte (DOK) cells were incubated with ALAD at different concentrations (0.1, 0.5, 1, and 2 mM) at two different times, 45 min or 4 h, and then irradiated for 7 min with a 630 nm LED (25 J/cm2). MTT assay, flow cytometry, wound healing assay, and quantitative PCR (qPCR) were performed. ALAD-PDT exerted inhibitory effects on the proliferation and migration of DOK cells by inducing ROS and necrosis. mRNA analysis showed modulation of apoptosis-related genes' expression (TP53, Bcl-2, survivin, caspase-3, and caspase-9). Furthermore, there was no difference between the shorter and longer incubation times. In conclusion, the inhibitory effect of the ALAD-PDT protocol observed in this study suggests that ALAD-PDT could be a promising novel treatment for oral precancerous lesions.

Clinical, microbiological and osteoimmunological findings in different peri-implant conditions - A cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of certain microbiota and their potential correlation with clinical parameters, expression of proinflammatory cytokines, Notch signalling pathway molecules and bone remodelling mediators among different peri-implant conditions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Included participants had at least one dental implant minimally 1 year in function. They were divided into peri-implantitis (PI), peri-implant mucositis (PM) and healthy implants (HIs) groups. Prevalence of P. ginigvalis, Fusobacterium spp., EBV and C. albicans was detected in participants' crevicular fluid (CF) using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, different markers' expression, as well as clinical data, were correlated with the microbial presence. RESULTS: CF samples taken from one chosen implant from each of the 102 participants were analyzed. Significantly higher levels of P. gingivalis were found in PI compared with HI (p = .012) and PM (p = .026). Fusobacterium spp. was also more prevalent in PI (p = .041) and PM (0.008) than in HI. P. gingivalis was a predictor of PPDi (p = .011, R2 = 0.063) and CALi (p = .049, R2 = 0.038). A positive correlation was found in PI for the level of Fusobacterium spp. and TNFα expression (ρ = 0.419, p = .017) while in PM, P. gingivalis and Notch 2 expression were correlated (ρ = 0.316, p = .047). CONCLUSIONS: P. gingivalis appears to be involved in the osteolysis in patients with PI, while the positive correlation of its level with Notch 2 expression in patients with PM suggests a potential involvement of P. gingivalis in the progression of PM into PI.

Osteogenic and Adipogenic Differentiation Potential of Oral Cancer Stem Cells May Offer New Treatment Modalities.

(1) Treatment failure of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is generally due to the development of therapeutic resistance caused by the existence of cancer stem cells (CSCs), a small cell subpopulation with marked self-renewal and differentiation capacity. Micro RNAs, notably miRNA-21, appear to play an important role in OSCC carcinogenesis. Our objectives were to explore the multipotency of oral CSCs by estimating their differentiation capacity and assessing the effects of differentiation on stemness, apoptosis, and several miRNAs' expression. (2) A commercially available OSCC cell line (SCC25) and five primary OSCC cultures generated from tumor tissues obtained from five OSCC patients were used in the experiments. Cells harboring CD44, a CSC marker, were magnetically separated from the heterogeneous tumor cell populations. The CD44+ cells were then subjected to osteogenic and adipogenic induction, and the specific staining was used for differentiation confirmation. The kinetics of the differentiation process was evaluated by qPCR analysis of osteogenic (Bone Morphogenetic Protein-BMP4, Runt-related Transcription Factor 2-RUNX2, Alkaline Phosphatase-ALP) and adipogenic (Fibroblast Activation Protein Alpha-FAP, LIPIN, Peroxisome Proliferator-activated Receptor Gamma-PPARG) markers on days 0, 7, 14, and 21. Embryonic markers (Octamer-binding Transcription Factor 4-OCT4, Sex Determining Region Y Box 2-SOX2, and NANOG) and micro RNAs (miRNA-21, miRNA-133, and miRNA-491) were also correspondingly evaluated by qPCR. An Annexin V assay was used to assess the potential cytotoxic effects of the differentiation process. (3) Following differentiation, the levels of markers for the osteo/adipo lineages showed a gradual increase from day 0 to day 21 in the CD44+ cultures, while stemness markers and cell viability decreased. The oncogenic miRNA-21 also followed the same pattern of gradual decrease along the differentiation process, while tumor suppressor miRNA-133 and miRNA-491 levels increased. (4) Following induction, the CSCs acquired the characteristics of the differentiated cells. This was accompanied by loss of stemness properties, a decrease of the oncogenic and concomitant, and an increase of tumor suppressor micro RNAs.

Involvement of the Notch signaling system in alveolar bone resorption.

The Notch pathway is an evolutionarily preserved signaling pathway involved in a variety of vital cell functions. Additionally, it is one of the key regulators of inflammation, and controls the differentiation and function of different cells. Moreover, it was found to be involved in skeletal development and bone remodeling process. This review provides an overview of the involvement of the Notch signaling pathway in the pathogenesis of alveolar bone resorption in different forms of pathological conditions such as apical periodontitis, periodontal disease, and peri-implantitis. In vitro and in vivo evidence have confirmed the involvement of Notch signaling in alveolar bone homeostasis. Nonetheless, Notch signaling system, along with complex network of different biomolecules are involved in pathological process of bone resorption in apical periodontitis, periodontitis, and peri-implantitis. In this regard, there is a substantial interest to control the activity of this pathway in the treatment of disorders associated with its dysregulation. This review provides knowledge on Notch signaling and outlines its functions in alveolar bone homeostasis and alveolar bone resorption. Further investigations are needed to determine whether inhibition of the Notch signaling pathways might be beneficial and safe as a novel approach in the treatment of these pathological conditions.

Notch signalling cascade and proinflammatory mediators in peri-implant lesions with different RANKL/OPG ratios-An observational study.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: Notch signaling pathway has been linked to bone loss in periodontitis and peri-implantitis. This research aimed to determine the Notch signaling molecules expression levels (Notch1, Notch2, Jagged1, Hes1, and Hey1), along with bone remodeling mediators (RANKL and OPG) and proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-17, IL-1ß, and IL-6) in patients with peri-implant diseases. The aforementioned markers' expression was evaluated in patients with different RANKL/OPG ratios. METHODS: Fifty patients with peri-implantitis (PI group) and 45 patients with peri-implant mucositis (PM group) were enrolled. Relative gene expression levels of investigated molecules were determined by reverse transcriptase-real-time polymerase chain reaction. On the basis of RANKL/OPG ratio, all peri-implant lesions were divided into subgroups: RANKL-predominant (RANKL > OPG) and OPG-predominant (RANKL < OPG). Clinical periodontal parameters (probing depth-PD, bleeding on probing-BOP, clinical attachment level-CAL and plaque index-PLI), were recorded for each patient around every tooth, and around placed implants (PDi, BOPi, CALi, PLIi). RESULTS: RANKL-predominant PM patients exhibited higher expression levels of Notch2 (p = .044) and Hey1 (p = .005) compared to OPG-predominant lesions. In all RANKL-predominant cases, Hey1 (p = .001), IL-1ß (p = .005), IL-6 (p = .002) were overexpressed in PI comparing to PM, accompanied with significantly higher PDi, CALi and PLIi in PI than PM (p = .001, p = .001 and p = .009). CONCLUSIONS: Notch2 upregulation in RANKL-predominant PM lesions could be an important contributor to alveolar bone resorption and represent a predictor of PM to PI transition. Similarly, the overexpression of IL-1ß and IL-6 might provide an osteoclastogenic environment in PI RANKL-predominant lesions.

Analyses of P16INK4a gene promoter methylation relative to molecular, demographic and clinical parameters characteristics in non-small cell lung cancer patients: A pilot study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to examine the methylation status of p16INK4a promoter region in non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients and their associations with single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene, as well as with demographic or clinical characteristics. METHODS: Formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded (FFPE) DNA samples extracted from 22 NSCLC patients were analyzed with methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method to obtain promoter methylation profile. The same cohort was genotyped for - 216G > T, -191 C > A, and 181,946 C > T EGFR SNPs. RESULTS: There was a significant association between methylated p16INK4a in patients prior therapy (p = 0.017) since a significantly higher frequency of methylated p16INK4a was detected in these patients (40.9%) in comparison to frequency in patients after therapy (31.8%). Also, a higher frequency of methylated p16INK4a was detected among patients with leucopenia (p = 0.056). No associations were observed between the methylation status of the p16INK4a promoter region and EGFR SNPs or other clinical and demographic data in this cohort. CONCLUSION: High frequency of methylation of the p16INK4a gene promoter was observed in NSCLC patients prior therapy and with leucopenia that can indicate their significance related to advanced clinical stage.

Single nucleotide polymorphisms MYO1H 1001 C>T SNP (rs3825393) is a strong risk factor for mandibular prognathism.

INTRODUCTION: Mandibular prognathism (MP) is a common craniofacial disorder of Class III malocclusion that causes esthetic and functional problems. Class III malocclusion diversity is influenced by both environmental and genetic factors. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes involved in craniofacial morphogenesis, bone and cartilage development, and metabolism, could play a role as predisposing factors. The present study aimed to establish a potential association between MATN1 -1878 A>G (rs1149048), MYO1H 1001 C>T (rs3825393), and BMP-4 538 A>G (rs17563) SNPs and MP in Serbian population. METHODS: The study included 110 participants: 55 patients with Class III malocclusion diagnosed with MP and 55 with Class I malocclusion. The 3 SNPs were analyzed using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method. RESULTS: The genotype frequency of MYO1H showed a highly significant difference between patients and controls. Heterozygous carriers of the T allele had an almost 3-fold increase in odds for the development of MP (odds ratio, 2.79; 95% confidence interval, 1.26-6.19; P = 0.010). No association could be established between MATN1 and BMP-4 polymorphisms and MP. CONCLUSIONS: Our results support the concept of gene polymorphisms as risk modulators in mandibular prognathism development, although only the association between MYO1H and MP was found in Serbian patients with Class III malocclusion.

Association between innate immunity gene polymorphisms and neonatal sepsis development: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this meta-analysis was to analyze all available data from studies investigating associations between polymorphisms in genes responsible for innate immunity and neonatal sepsis development. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search, reported following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses-S guidelines, was performed with no language restriction. Studies derived using the PICO (population, intervention, comparison and outcomes) strategy, with data on the genotype distribution for innate immunity gene polymorphisms in newborns with and without sepsis. Data were analyzed using Review Manager. The Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel test was used to calculate odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals. Heterogeneity was tested using the I2 index. RESULTS: From a total of 9428 possibly relevant articles, 33 qualified for inclusion in this systematic review. According to the STrengthening the REporting of Genetic Association Studies, 23 studies were found to be of moderate quality, while 10 were of low quality. The results showed an association of the mannose-binding lectin (MBL) exon 1 genetic polymorphism with the risk of culture-proven sepsis. Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 rs4986791 genotype distribution suggests its association with the increased risk of culture-proven sepsis. The certainty of evidence per GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) varied from very low to low. Publication bias was not detected. CONCLUSIONS: Out of the 11 investigated single-nucleotide polymorphisms, this meta-analysis found a possible association between the risk for culture-proven sepsis and MBL exon 1 and TLR4 rs4986791 polymorphisms. There is an evident need for larger well-designed, multicentric observational studies investigating inflammatory gene polymorphisms in neonatal sepsis.

Single nucleotide polymorphisms as a predisposing factor for the development of apical periodontitis-An umbrella review.

BACKGROUND: The interaction between heredity and different environmental factors in the modification of apical periodontitis (AP) susceptibility and prediction of its progression remain poorly elucidated. OBJECTIVES: This umbrella review aimed to (i) analyse the available relevant systematic reviews in an attempt to determine the association between genotype and allelic distribution of different single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and the development of AP, (ii) report deficiencies and gaps in knowledge in this area and (iii) present recommendations to conduct future clinical studies and systematic reviews. METHODS: A literature search was conducted using Clarivate Analytics' Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, from inception to October 2021, with no language restrictions, including a grey literature search. Systematic reviews with/without meta-analysis evaluating genotype and allelic distribution of different SNPs between adult patients with/ without AP were included. All other type of studies were excluded. The methodological quality was assessed using the A MeaSurement Tool to Assess systematic Reviews (AMSTAR)-2 tool. Two independent reviewers were involved in study selection, data extraction and appraising the included reviews; disagreements were resolved by a third reviewer. RESULTS: The current study includes five systematic reviews. Three reviews performed meta-analysis. Three reviews were graded by AMSTAR 2 as 'critically low' quality, whereas the other two were graded as 'low' and 'moderate' quality. Two reviews indicated that carriers of specific genotypes and alleles of tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) -308 G > A and interleukin 1-beta (IL-1ß) + 3954 C/T gene polymorphisms are more susceptible to an acute and persistent form of AP. However, high heterogeneity was observed. DISCUSSION: The statistical heterogeneity within included systematic reviews was a consequence of clinical and methodological diversity amongst primary studies. Although some of the included reviews suggested that carriers of specific genotype and/or allele of TNF-α -308 G > A and IL-1ß + 3954 C/T SNPs are more susceptible to AP, their conclusions should be interpreted with caution. CONCLUSIONS: No candidate genes could be identified as a definitive genetic risk or protective factor for the development and progression of AP, and further high-quality genome-wide association studies are warranted.

Methylation of tumour suppressor genes in benign and malignant salivary gland tumours: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The aim of the present systematic review was to critically analyse the relationship between tumour suppressor genes (TSGs) promoter methylation, a potent mechanism of gene silencing, and the development of salivary gland tumours, as well as the possible effect on clinical/histological characteristics. Review protocol was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) database (registration ID CRD42020218511). A comprehensive search of Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials was performed utilizing relevant key terms, supplemented by a search of grey literature. Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale (NOQAS) was used for the quality assessment of included studies. Sixteen cross-sectional and 12 case-control studies were included in the review, predominantly dealing with methylation in TSGs related to DNA repair, cell cycle, and cell growth regulation and differentiation. Quantitative synthesis could be performed on P16 (inhibitor of cyclin-dependent kinase 4a), RASSF1A (Ras association domain family 1 isoform A) and MGMT (O6-methylguanine DNA methyltransferase) genes only. It showed that P16 and RASSF1A genes were more frequently methylated in salivary gland tumours compared to controls (P = .0002 and P < .0001, respectively), while no significant difference was observed for MGMT. Additionally, P16 did not appear to be related to malignant transformation of pleomorphic adenomas (P = .330). In conclusion, TSG methylation is involved in salivary gland tumour pathogenesis and several genes might play a considerable role. Further studies are needed for a better understanding of complex epigenetic deregulation during salivary gland tumour development and progression.

Periapical lesions in two inbred strains of rats differing in immunological reactivity.

AIM: To investigate the influence of strain differences in immune responses on the pathogenesis of experimental periapical lesions in Dark Agouti (DA) and Albino Oxford (AO) inbred strains of rats. METHODOLOGY: Periapical lesions were induced in male DA and AO rats by pulp exposure of the first mandibular right molars to the oral environment. Animals were killed 21 days after pulp exposure. The mandibular jaws were retrieved and prepared for radiographic, pathohistological, immunohistochemical analysis, real-time PCR and flow cytometry. Blood samples and the supernatant of periapical lesions were collected for measurement of cytokines and oxidative stress marker levels. Statistical analysis was performed using the Kruskal-Wallis H and Mann-Whitney U non-parametric tests or parametric One-Way anova and Independent Samples T-test to determine the differences between groups depending on the normality of the data. A significant difference was considered when p values were <.05. RESULTS: DA rats developed significantly larger (p < .05) periapical lesions compared to AO rats as confirmed by radiographic and pathohistological analysis. The immunohistochemical staining intensity for CD3 was significantly greater in periapical lesions of DA rats compared to AO rats (p < .05). In DA rats, periapical lesions had a significantly higher (p < .05) percentage of CD3+ cells compared to AO rats. Also, the percentage of INF-γ, IL-17 and IL-10 CD3+CD4+ cells was significantly higher in DA rats (p < .05). DA rats had a significantly higher Th17/Th10 ratio. RT-PCR expression of IL-1ß, INF-γ and IL-17 genes was significantly higher in periapical lesions of DA compared to AO rats (p < .05). The receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-Β ligand/osteoprotegerin ratio was higher in DA compared to AO rats with periapical lesions (p < .05). Systemic levels of TNF-α and IL-6 were significantly higher in DA compared to AO rats (p < .05). Levels of lipid peroxidation measured as thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and reduced glutathione were significantly higher (p < .05) in the supernatant in the periapical lesions of DA rats. CONCLUSION: After pulp exposure, DA rats developed much larger periapical lesions compared to AO rats. Genetically determined differences in immunopathology have been demonstrated to be a significant element defining the severity of periapical lesions.

Gene polymorphisms in odontogenic keratocysts and ameloblastomas: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this systematic review was to critically analyze available data on gene polymorphisms in odontogenic keratocysts (OKC) and ameloblastomas, including their possible relationship with clinical and histological features of these lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A comprehensive search of Web of Science Scopus, PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and EMBASE was conducted using relevant key terms and supplemented by a gray literature search. Quality assessment of included studies was performed using criteria from the Strengthening the Reporting of Genetic Association (STREGA) statement. RESULTS: Ten studies were included in the final review. Survivin -31G/C, interleukin IL-1α -889 C/T, p53 codon 72 G/C, tumor necrosis factor TNF-α (-308G>A) and its receptor TNF-R1 (36A>G), glioma-associated oncogene homolog 1 rs2228224 and matrix metalloproteinase 2 rs243865 gene polymorphisms were reported to be associated with OKC. For ameloblastomas, p53 codon 72 G/C, X-ray repair cross-complementing protein 1-codons 194 and 399 and matrix metalloproteinase 9 rs3918242 gene polymorphisms were identified as risk factors. It was not possible to establish a relationship between specific polymorphisms and clinical and histological features of investigated lesions. CONCLUSIONS: Several gene polymorphisms might be considered as a risk factor for the development of these lesions. Future studies should investigate whether these polymorphisms might be used to identify patients with increased risk of recurrence or aggressive disease.

Notch down-regulation and inflammatory cytokines and RANKL overexpression involvement in peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis: A cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: Notch signaling pathway, known to influence bone resorption in several oral diseases, has not been analyzed in peri-implantitis yet. Therefore, the aims of the present study were to determine the levels of Notch cascade, bone remodeling mediators, and pro-inflammatory cytokines, in conjunction with clinical parameters, in subjects with peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Clinical parameters: peri-implant probing depth, bleeding on probing, suppuration on probing, and plaque index (PI) were recorded. Samples were collected from 130 participants, divided into peri-implantitis (PI), peri-implant mucositis (PM), and healthy implants (HI) group. Relative expression levels (REL) of Notch 1, Notch 2, Jagged 1, Hes 1, Hey 1, TNF-α, IL-17, IL-1ß, IL-6, RANKL, and OPG mRNA were determined by reverse transcriptase-real-time polymerase chain reaction. Quantitation of Notch 1, Il-17, and IL-6 proteins was performed using ELISA assays. RESULTS: All clinical parameters were significantly higher in PI compared to HI. Significant decrease of Notch 1, and higher REL of Hey 1, IL-1ß, IL-6, and RANKL were found in PI compared to HI. PM showed significant increase of IL-1ß REL in comparison with HI. In PI versus PM, significantly higher REL was found for Hey 1, TNF-α, IL-17, IL-1ß, IL-6, and RANKL. Additionally, higher protein concentrations of IL-6 and IL-17 were detected in PI versus PM and versus HI group. CONCLUSION: The combined effect of Notch 1 down-regulation and elevated expression of some key inflammation modulators might result in osteoclast activity increase and subsequent osteolysis in peri-implantitis.

Association Between Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase (eNOS) -786 T/C and 27-bp VNTR 4b/a Polymorphisms and Preeclampsia Development.

The aim of the present study was to analyze the distribution of genotypes and haplotypes of functional eNOS gene polymorphisms in the promoter (-786 T/C), intron 4 (VNTR4b/a) and exon 7 (894 G/T), in Serbian population of pregnant women, and establish a possible association between these polymorphisms and preeclampsia development. DNA was isolated from venous blood samples of 50 heathy pregnant women and 50 preeclampsia patients. Polymerase Chain Reaction/Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR/RFLP) technique, with appropriate sets of primers and specific restriction enzymes, was used to determine polymorphisms in eNOS gene. Statistical analysis was done using the SPSS and HAPLOVIEW software packages. eNOS -786 T/C polymorphism was significantly associated with preeclampsia (P = 0.006). Homozygotes for the VNTR polymorphism had also an elevated risk of developing preeclampsia (OR=7.68, 95%CI (0.89-65.98)), especially the mild (OR=9.33, 95%CI (0.98-88.57)) and late form (OR=8.52, 95%CI (0.90-80.58)). The 894 G/T polymorphism was not associated with preeclampsia. "G-C-b" and "T-4a-T" haplotypes were more frequent in preeclampsia, though without reaching statistical significance. -786 T/C and VNTR 4b/a eNOS gene polymorphisms were associated with preeclampsia risk in Serbian patients.

Novel TEAD1 gene variant in a Serbian family with Sveinsson's chorioretinal atrophy.

Sveinsson's chorioretinal atrophy (SCRA) or helicoidal peripapillary chorioretinal degeneration (HPCD) as previously referred, is a rare ocular disease with autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance. The vast majority of reported cases were of Icelandic origin but the characteristic clinical picture of SCRA was also described in patients of non-Icelandic descent. Here, we report a novel disease-causing variant c.1261T>A, p.Tyr421Asn in TEAD1, detected in a Serbian family from Bosnia diagnosed with SCRA. The newly discovered change occurred at the same position as the "Icelandic mutation" (c.1261T>C, p.Tyr421His). According to our findings, this position in the exon 13 of the TEAD1 gene, at base pair 94, should be considered as a mutation hotspot and a starting point for future genetic analyses of patients with SCRA diagnosis.