HBx Mediated Increase of DDX17 Contributes to HBV-Related Hepatocellular Carcinoma Tumorigenesis.

HBV is strongly associated with HCC development and DEAD-box RNA helicase 17 (DDX17) is a very important member of the DEAD box family that plays key roles in HCC development by promoting cancer metastasis. However, the important role of DDX17 in the pathogenesis of HBV-related HCC remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the role of DDX17 in the replication of HBV and the development of HBV-associated HCC. Based on data from the GEO database and HBV-infected cells, we found that DDX17 was upregulated by the HBV viral protein X (HBx). Mechanistically, increased DDX17 expression promoted HBV replication and transcription by upregulating ZWINT. Further study showed that DDX17 could promote HBx-mediated HCC metastasis. Finally, the promotive effect of DDX17 on HBV and HBV-related HCC was confirmed in vivo. In summary, the results revealed the novel role of DDX17 in the replication of HBV and the metastasis of HBV-associated HCC.

[Adoption of the condyle position of patients with extensive tooth wear during occlusal rehabilitation].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the adoption of the condyle position of patients with extensive tooth wear during occlusal rehabilitation, and the correlation between increased vertical dimensions and the changes of joint spaces. METHODS: Twenty-seven patients (five from Beifang hospital, others from Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology) with extensive tooth wear were selected and received occlusal rehabilitation treatment. The radiographs of standard Schüllers position were taken before treatment (stage 1), 1 month following delivery of temporary restoration (stage 2), and 1 month following delivery of permanent restoration (stage 3). RESULTS: The superior, anterior and posterior joint spaces were (3.24 ± 0.16), (2.06 ± 0.11), (1.89 ± 0.13) mm at stage 1; (3.61 ± 0.15), (1.94 ± 0.10), (2.52 ± 0.11) mm at stage 2; (3.49 ± 0.19), (1.93 ± 0.10), (2.40 ± 0.13) mm at stage 3. The posterior joint spaces at stage 2 and stage 3 were significantly larger than that at stage 1(P < 0.01). The superior spaces at stage 2 were significantly larger than that at stage 1 (P < 0.05). No correlations between the increased vertical dimensions and the changes of joint spaces were found in the three stages (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The condyle positions in the patients with extensive tooth wear changed after occlusal rehabilitation.

[Short-term and long-term effects of occlusal rehabilitation on the co-contractration patterns of the electromyography of masticatory muscles].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the short-term and long-term effects of occlusal rehabilitation on the co-contractration patterns of masticatory muscles of patients with extensive tooth wear. METHODS: Twenty-nine patients with severe tooth wear were selected and conducted with occlusal rehabilitation. The surface electromyography (EMG) of masseter (MM), anterior temporalis (TA) and posterior temporalis (TP) at rest position, during clenching and chewing were separately recorded in the stage of pre-treatment, 1 month after temporary restoration, 1 month after permanent restoration and long-term observation (mean 3.5 years). The Asymmetry Indexes (AI) of bilateral muscles, Activity Indexes of MM/TA, MM/TP and TA/TP were compared in each stage. RESULTS: (1) After occlusal rehabilitation, all the AIs of bilateral MM, TA and TP at rest position, during clenching and chewing showed obvious decrements. (2) In every stage of occlusal rehabilitation, all of the Activity Indexes of MM/TA at rest position, during clenching and chewing had no obvious changes. (3) The Activity Indexes of MM/TP and TA/TP during clenching and chewing significantly increased after occlusal rehabilitation. CONCLUSION: The treatment of occlusal rehabilitation can significantly improve the bilateral symmetry of masticatory muscles in patients with extensive tooth wear, and also change the coordinated EMG activity of different masticatory muscles.

[Effects of occlusal rehabilitation on chewing patterns of patients with severe tooth wear].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of occlusal rehabilitation on chewing patterns of patients with extensive tooth wear. METHODS: 29 patients with severe tooth wear were selected and divided into two groups: Group I with complete posterior tooth support (15 cases) and group II with one-side or both side posterior support lost (14 cases). 15 normal old persons were also selected as control group. The surface electromyography (EMG) of masseter(MM), anterior temporalis (TA) and posterior temporalis (TP) during chewing movement were recorded in the stage of pre-treatment, 1 month after temporary restoration and 1 month after permanent restoration. The EMG activity, total cycle duration (TCD) and ratio of activation period to relaxation period (AP/RP) of chewing cycles were measured and compared. RESULTS: 1) Before treatment, the TCD of these two groups were longer than normal group, but the differences were not significant (P > 0.05). All of the AP/RPs of MM, TA and TP in group II were significantly higher than that of normal group (P < 0.01), and EMG activity of TA of group II was group I were both significantly lower than that in pre-treatment stage. 3)After permanent restoration, the TCD of group I were significantly lower than that in temporary restoration stage (P < 0.01). In group II, the TCD was continuously slightly shortened, while the AP/RP were significantly lower (P < 0.01) and EMG activities were significantly higher(P < 0.01) than that in the temporary restoration stage. CONCLUSION: Occlusal rehabilitation could obviously change the chewing patterns and the EMG activities of patients with severe tooth wear.