Polycaprolactone scaffolds as a biomaterial for cementoblast delivery: An in vitro study.

OBJECTIVE: To define the potential of polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffold for cementoblast delivery. BACKGROUND: Dental cementum is critical for tooth attachment and position, and its regenerative capabilities remain unpredictable. METHODS: PCL scaffolds were manufactured by the electrospinning technique at 10% and 20% (w/v) and seeded with cementoblasts (OCCM-30). Scaffolds were characterized for their morphology and biological performance by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), confocal and conventional histology, cytocompatibility (PrestoBlue assay), gene expression (type I collagen - Col1; bone sialoprotein - Bsp; runt-related transcription factor 2 - Runx-2; alkaline phosphatase - Alpl; osteopontin - Opn; osteocalcin - Ocn, osterix - Osx), and the potential to induce extracellular matrix deposition and mineralization in vitro. RESULTS: Overall, data analysis showed that PCL scaffolds allowed cell adhesion and proliferation, modulated the expression of key markers of cementoblasts, and led to enhanced extracellular matrix deposition and calcium deposition as compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: Altogether, our findings allow concluding that PCL scaffolds are a viable tool to culture OCCM-30 cells, leading to an increased potential to promote mineralization in vitro. Further studies should be designed in order to define the clinical relevance of cementoblast-loaded PCL scaffolds to promote new cementum formation.

Childhood Hypophosphatasia Associated with a Novel Biallelic ALPL Variant at the TNSALP Dimer Interface.

The goal of this study was to perform a clinical and molecular investigation in an eight-year-old female child diagnosed with hypophosphatasia (HPP). The proband and her family were evaluated by medical and dental histories, biochemical analyses, radiographic imaging, and genetic analysis of the tissue-nonspecific alkaline phosphatase (ALPL) gene. A bioinformatic analysis was performed to predict the structural and functional impact of the point mutations in the tissue-nonspecific alkaline phosphatase (TNSALP) molecule and to define their potential contribution to the phenotype. We identified a novel combination of heterozygous ALPL missense variants in the proband, p.Ala33Val and p.Asn47His, compatible with an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance and resulting in skeletal and dental phenotypes. Computational modeling showed that the affected Asn47 residue is located in the coil structure close to the N-terminal α-helix, whereas the affected Ala33 residue is localized in the N-terminal α-helix. Both affected residues are located close to the homodimer interface, suggesting they may impair TNSALP dimer formation and stability. Clinical and biochemical follow-up revealed improvements after six years of ERT. Reporting this novel combination of ALPL variants in childhood HPP provides new insights into genotype-phenotype associations for HPP and specific sites within the TNSALP molecule potentially related to a childhood-onset HPP and skeletal and dental manifestations. Beneficial effects of ERT are implicated in skeletal and dental tissues.

Comparative proteomic analysis of dental cementum from deciduous and permanent teeth.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Dental cementum (DC) is a mineralized tissue covering tooth roots that plays a critical role in dental attachment. Differences in deciduous vs. permanent tooth DC have not been explored. We hypothesized that proteomic analysis of DC matrix would identify compositional differences in deciduous (DecDC) vs. permanent (PermDC) cementum that might reflect physiological or pathological differences, such as root resorption that is physiological in deciduous teeth but can be pathological in the permanent dentition. METHODS: Protein extracts from deciduous (n = 25) and permanent (n = 12) teeth were pooled (five pools of DecDC, five teeth each; four pools of PermDC, three teeth each). Samples were denatured, and proteins were extracted, reduced, alkylated, digested, and analyzed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The beta-binomial statistical test was applied to normalized spectrum counts with 5% significance level to determine differentially expressed proteins. Immunohistochemistry was used to validate selected proteins. RESULTS: A total of 510 proteins were identified: 123 (24.1%) exclusive to DecDC; 128 (25.1%) exclusive to PermDC; 259 (50.8%) commonly expressed in both DecDC and PermDC. Out of 60 differentially expressed proteins, 17 (28.3%) were detected in DecDC, including myeloperoxidase (MPO), whereas 43 (71.7%) were detected in PermDC, including decorin (DCN) and osteocalcin (BGLAP). Overall, Gene Ontology (GO) analysis indicated that all expressed proteins were related to GO biological processes that included localization and response to stress, and the GO molecular function of differentially expressed proteins was enriched in cell adhesion, molecular binding, cytoskeletal protein binding, structural molecular activity, and macromolecular complex binding. Immunohistochemistry confirmed the trends for selected differentially expressed proteins in human teeth. CONCLUSIONS: Clear differences were found between the proteomes of DecDC and PermDC. These findings may lead to new insights into developmental differences between DecDC and PermDC, as well as to a better understanding of physiological/pathological events such as root resorption.

In vitro cytotoxicity of resin cement and its influence on the expression of antioxidant genes.

AIM: This study evaluated cytotoxicity and antioxidant gene expression of resin cements on human gingival fibroblasts (hGF). MATERIALS AND METHOD: RelyX Ultimate™(RXU), Variolink™II(VLII), and RelyXU200™(RXU200) resin cements were incubated with culture medium for 24 h to obtain eluates. Then, the eluates were applied over hGF to assess cell viability at 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h and antioxidant gene expression at 24 h. hGF cultures non-exposed to the eluates were used as Control. Data were submitted to ANOVA and Bonferroni tests (α≤0.05). RESULTS: RXU and RXU200 reduced the number of viable cells in 24 h. Longer exposure to cement extracts caused cell death. Gene expression showed peroxiredoxin 1 (PRDX1) induction by all resin cement types, and superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) induction by RXU200 and VLII. Moreover, RXU200 induced not only PRDX1 and SOD1, but also glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPX1), catalase (CAT), and glutathione synthetase (GSS). CONCLUSIONS: All resin cements showed toxicity, and induced antioxidant genes in hGF. Antioxidant gene induction is at least partly associated with cytotoxicity of tested cements to oxidative stress experience.

OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a toxicidade dos cimentos resinosos Rely X Ultimate 2, Rely X U200 e Variolink II, bem como sua influência na expressão de genes antioxidantes em fibroblastos gengivais humanos. Materiais e Método: Corpos de prova de cada cimento foram colocados em meio de cultura por 24 h e os extratos correspondentes foram aplicados aos fibroblastos. A viabilidade celular foi avaliada após 24, 48 e 72 h de exposição pelo ensaio de exclusão do azul de tripano e MTT. A expressão gênica foi avaliada por PCR quantitativo após 24 h de exposição aos extratos. Estes parâmetros foram comparados aos das células não expostas aos cimentos. Os dados foram submetidos ao teste ANOVA, seguido pelo pós-teste de Bonferroni (a≤0.05). RESULTADOS: Os resultados demonstraram que todos os cimentos promoveram redução do número de células viáveis e da atividade mitocondrial nos períodos de 48 e de 72 h (p< 0,01), sendo que o Variolink II apresentou o menor efeito e os cimentos Rely X Ultimate e Rely X U200 promoveram similarmente os maiores efeitos. A análise de expressão gênica evidenciou influência significativa em todos os cimentos avaliados sobre os níveis de transcritos de PRDX1, SOD1, GPX1 e GSS (p> 0,05), com um aumento considerável no Rely X U200. Conclusão: A indução de genes antioxidantes está, pelo menos em parte, associada à citotoxicidade dos cimentos testados para a experiência de estresse oxidativo.

Influence of melatonin associated with the Bio-Gide® membrane on osteoblast activity: an in vitro Study.

Melatonin (MLT) is a hormone responsible for regulating several physiological processes. It has been shown that MLT can be an important mediator in bone formation and stimulation, promoting osteoblast differentiation. In clinical practice, in tissue regeneration procedures, it is necessary to use membranes or barriers, associated with biomaterials, or not. The aim of this in vitro study was to assess the effect of melatonin on the activity of osteoblastic cells, associated, or not, with a resorbable collagen membrane (Bio-Gideä). For this, mice-derived pre-osteoblastic cells MC3T3 obtained from the ATCC (American Type Culture Collection) were used. Cultured cells were subject to the following treatments: MLT with a concentration of 1mM, a Bio-Gideä membrane and a membrane associated with MLT (Bio-Gideä + MLT). Proliferation and cell viability assays and protein lysate (ELISA test) quantification for the BMP-2 protein were carried out, in periods of 72 hours, 7 days and 10 days. After analyzing the data (one-way ANOVA, alpha=5%) it was observed that when MLT was used in isolation, there was an increase in cell proliferation and viability in osteoblastic cells (p<0.05). But, when MLT was associated with resorbable membranes, there was an inverse behavior, both in terms of proliferation and viability (p<0.05). In the case of the ELISA test, no secretion of BMP-2 was detected in any of the analyzed groups. It is concluded that MLT has a stimulatory effect on osteoblasts, but, when associated with Bio-Gideä resorbable membranes, it does not show any viable action in osteoblastic cell stimulation.

A melatonina (MLT) é um hormônio responsável pela regulação de diversos processos fisiológicos no nosso organismo. Tem sido demonstrado que a melatonina possa ser um importante mediador na formação e estimulação óssea, promovendo a diferenciação dos osteoblastos. Clinicamente, para o procedimento de regeneração tecidual, faz-se necessário a utilização de membranas ou barreiras, associadas ou não a biomateriais. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo in vitro foi avaliar o efeito da melatonina na atividade de células osteoblásticas, associada ou não a uma membrana de colágeno reabsorvível (Bio-Gide®). Para isto foram utilizadas células pré-osteoblásticas MC3T3 do ATCC (American Type Culture Collection), de camundongos. As células em cultura foram submetidas aos seguintes tratamentos: MLT na concentração de 1mM, membrana Bio Gide® e membrana associada à MLT (Bio-Gide® + MLT). Foram realizados os ensaios de proliferação e viabilidade celular e quantificação do lisado proteico (teste ELISA), para a proteína BMP-2, nos períodos de 72 horas, 7 e 10 dias. Após a análise dos dados (ANOVA um critério, alfa=5%) pode-se observar que a MLT quando utilizada sozinha, resultou em um aumento na proliferação e viabilidade celular nas células osteoblásticas (p<0,05). Entretanto, quando a MLT foi associada à membrana reabsorvível foi observado um comportamento inverso, tanto na proliferação quanto na viabilidade (p<0,05). Para o teste ELISA realizado, não houve secreção detectável de BMP-2 para nenhum grupo analisado. Conclui-se que a melatonina possui uma ação estimuladora nos osteoblastos, mas quando associada à membrana reabsorvível Bio-Gide®, não demonstra uma ação viável na estimulação de células osteoblásticas.

Cementocyte alterations associated with experimentally induced cellular cementum apposition in Hyp mice.

BACKGROUND: Cellular cementum, a mineralized tissue covering apical tooth roots, grows by apposition to maintain the tooth in its occlusal position. We hypothesized that resident cementocytes would show morphological changes in response to cementum apposition, possibly implicating a role in cementum biology. METHODS: Mandibular first molars were induced to super-erupt (EIA) by extraction of maxillary molars, promoting rapid new cementum formation. Tissue and cell responses were analyzed at 6 and/or 21 days post-procedure (dpp). RESULTS: High-resolution micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) and confocal laser scanning microscopy showed increased cellular cementum by 21 dpp. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed that cementocytes under EIA were 50% larger than control cells, supported by larger pore sizes detected by micro-CT. Cementocytes under EIA displayed ultrastructural changes consistent with increased activity, including increased cytoplasm and nuclear size. We applied EIA to Hyp mutant mice, where cementocytes have perilacunar hypomineralization defects, to test cell and tissue responses in an altered mechanoresponsive milieu. Hyp and WT molars displayed similar super-eruption, with Hyp molars exhibiting 28% increased cellular cementum area versus 22% in WT mice at 21 dpp. Compared to control, Hyp cementocytes featured well-defined, disperse euchromatin and a thick layer of peripherally condensed heterochromatin in nuclei, indicating cellular activity. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) for cementum markers revealed intense dentin matrix protein-1 expression and abnormal osteopontin deposition in Hyp mice. Both WT and Hyp cementocytes expressed gap junction protein, connexin 43. CONCLUSION: This study provides new insights into the EIA model and cementocyte activity in association with new cementum formation.

Orthodontic tooth movement alters cementocyte ultrastructure and cellular cementum proteome signature.

Cementum is a mineralized tissue that covers tooth roots and functions in the periodontal attachment complex. Cementocytes, resident cells of cellular cementum, share many characteristics with osteocytes, are mechanoresponsive cells that direct bone remodeling based on changes in loading. We hypothesized that cementocytes play a key role during orthodontic tooth movement (OTM). To test this hypothesis, we used 8-week-old male Wistar rats in a model of OTM for 2, 7, or 14 days (0.5 N), whereas unloaded contralateral teeth served as controls. Tissue and cell responses were analyzed by high-resolution micro-computed tomography, histology, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining for odontoclasts/osteoclasts, and transmission electron microscopy. In addition, laser capture microdissection was used to collect cellular cementum, and extracted proteins were identified by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry. The OTM model successfully moved first molars mesially more than 250 µm by 14 days introducing apoptosis in a small number of cementocytes and areas of root resorption on mesial and distal aspects. Cementocytes showed increased nuclear size and proportion of euchromatin suggesting cellular activity. Proteomic analysis identified 168 proteins in cellular cementum with 21 proteins found only in OTM sites and 54 proteins only present in control samples. OTM-down-regulated several extracellular matrix proteins, including decorin, biglycan, asporin, and periostin, localized to cementum and PDL by immunostaining. Furthermore, type IV collagen (COL14A1) was the protein most down-regulated (-45-fold) by OTM and immunolocalized to cells at the cementum-dentin junction. Eleven keratins were significantly increased by OTM, and a pan-keratin antibody indicated keratin localization primarily in epithelial remnants of Hertwig's epithelial root sheath. These experiments provide new insights into biological responses of cementocytes and cellular cementum to OTM.

Membrane proteome characterization of periodontal ligament cell sets from deciduous and permanent teeth.

BACKGROUND: Physiological roles for the periodontal ligament (PDL) include tooth eruption and anchorage, force absorption, and provision of proprioceptive information. Despite the advances in understanding the biology of PDL cells, there is a lack of information regarding the molecular signature of deciduous (DecPDL) and permanent (PermPDL) PDL tissues. Thus, the present study was designed to characterize the membrane proteome of DecPDL and PermPDL cells. METHODS: Primary PDL cells were obtained (n = 6) and a label-free quantitative proteome of cell membrane-enriched components was performed. Proteome findings were validated by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot assays in fresh human tissues (n = 8) and primary cell cultures (n = 6). In addition, confocal microscopy was used to verify the expression of target factors in the PDL cell cultures. RESULTS: Comparative gene ontology enrichment analysis evidenced that most stickling differences involved "endomembrane system" (PICALM, STX4, and LRP10), "hydrolase activity" (NCSTN and XRCC6), "protein binding" (PICALM, STX4, GPNMB, VASP, extended-synaptotagmin 2 [ESYT2], and leucine-rich repeat containing 15 [LRRC15]), and "isomerase activity" (FKBP8). Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD010226. At the transcript level, high PICALM in DecPDL and ESYT2 and LRRC15 in PermPDL were confirmed in fresh PDL tissues. Furthermore, Western blot analysis confirmed increased levels of PICALM, LRRC15, and ESYT2 in cells and/or fresh tissues, and confocal microscopy confirmed the trends for PICALM and LRRC15 expression in PDL cells. CONCLUSION: We report the first comprehensive characterization of the membrane protein machinery of DecPDL and PermPDL cells, and together, we identified a distinct molecular signature for these cell populations, including unique proteins for DecPDL and PermPDL.

In vitro cytotoxicity of resin cement and its influence on the expression of antioxidant genes / Avaliação in vitro da toxicidade de cimentos resinosos e sua influência na expressão de genes antioxidantes em fibroblastos humanos

ABSTRACT Aim: This study evaluated cytotoxicity and antioxidant gene expression of resin cements on human gingival fibroblasts (hGF). Materials and Method: RelyX Ultimate™(RXU), Variolink™II(VLII), and RelyXU200™(RXU200) resin cements were incubated with culture medium for 24 h to obtain eluates. Then, the eluates were applied over hGF to assess cell viability at 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h and antioxidant gene expression at 24 h. hGF cultures non-exposed to the eluates were used as Control. Data were submitted to ANOVA and Bonferroni tests (α≤0.05). Results: RXU and RXU200 reduced the number of viable cells in 24 h. Longer exposure to cement extracts caused cell death. Gene expression showed peroxiredoxin 1 (PRDX1) induction by all resin cement types, and superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) induction by RXU200 and VLII. Moreover, RXU200 induced not only PRDX1 and SOD1, but also glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPX1), catalase (CAT), and glutathione synthetase (GSS). Conclusions: All resin cements showed toxicity, and induced antioxidant genes in hGF. Antioxidant gene induction is at least partly associated with cytotoxicity of tested cements to oxidative stress experience.

RESUMO Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a toxicidade dos cimentos resinosos Rely X Ultimate 2, Rely X U200 e Variolink II, bem como sua influência na expressão de genes antioxidantes em fibroblastos gengivais humanos. Materiais e Método: Corpos de prova de cada cimento foram colocados em meio de cultura por 24 h e os extratos correspondentes foram aplicados aos fibroblastos. A viabilidade celular foi avaliada após 24, 48 e 72 h de exposição pelo ensaio de exclusão do azul de tripano e MTT. A expressão gênica foi avaliada por PCR quantitativo após 24 h de exposição aos extratos. Estes parâmetros foram comparados aos das células não expostas aos cimentos. Os dados foram submetidos ao teste ANOVA, seguido pelo pós-teste de Bonferroni (a≤0.05). Resultados: Os resultados demonstraram que todos os cimentos promoveram redução do número de células viáveis e da atividade mitocondrial nos períodos de 48 e de 72 h (p < 0,01), sendo que o Variolink II apresentou o menor efeito e os cimentos Rely X Ultimate e Rely X U200 promoveram similarmente os maiores efeitos. A análise de expressão gênica evidenciou influência significativa em todos os cimentos avaliados sobre os níveis de transcritos de PRDX1, SOD1, GPX1 e GSS (p> 0,05), com um aumento considerável no Rely X U200. Conclusão: A indução de genes antioxidantes está, pelo menos em parte, associada à citotoxicidade dos cimentos testados para a experiência de estresse oxidativo.

Sedative effect of oral diazepam and chloral hydrate in the dental treatment of children.

PURPOSE: The purpose was to evaluate two sedation protocols during dental sessions in anxious children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: It was a randomized and double-blind study, with each individual being his/her own control within each protocol. Furthermore, the two protocols were compared. Twenty children (36 to 84 months old) who exhibited "definitely negative" behavior according to the Frankl scale were assigned to receive oral chloral hydrate (40 mg/kg) (Group I) or Diazepam (5 mg) (Group II). Behavior during local anesthesia, application of rubber dam, cavity preparation, restorative procedures was evaluated, considering the degree of sleep, body movement, crying and overall behavior. Vital signs were assessed at three different times. The Wilcoxon, Mann-Whitney, Exact Fisher's and Spearman correlation tests were used to analyze the data. RESULTS: Group I presented higher scores for sleep during the CH session than placebo session during rubber dam application (P = 0.0431) and restoration (P = 0.0431). In Group II there was no statistically significant difference (p > 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences between sessions and groups in the evaluation of body movement, crying and vital signs. Overall behavior in the placebo session was better than in the CH session during local anesthesia, but there was no difference between the two drug regimens. There was influence of age during anesthesia and cavity preparation in Group I and during rubber dam application in Group II. It was concluded that oral diazepam and chloral hydrate had no influence on the behavior management for dental treatment with the studied sample.

Influence of melatonin associated with the Bio-Gide® membrane on osteoblast activity: an in vitro Study / Influência da melatonina associada à membrana bio gide® na atividade de osteoblastos: um estudo in vitro

ABSTRACT Melatonin (MLT) is a hormone responsible for regulating several physiological processes. It has been shown that MLT can be an important mediator in bone formation and stimulation, promoting osteoblast differentiation. In clinical practice, in tissue regeneration procedures, it is necessary to use membranes or barriers, associated with biomaterials, or not. The aim of this in vitro study was to assess the effect of melatonin on the activity of osteoblastic cells, associated, or not, with a resorbable collagen membrane (Bio-Gideä). For this, mice-derived pre-osteoblastic cells MC3T3 obtained from the ATCC (American Type Culture Collection) were used. Cultured cells were subject to the following treatments: MLT with a concentration of 1mM, a Bio-Gideä membrane and a membrane associated with MLT (Bio-Gideä + MLT). Proliferation and cell viability assays and protein lysate (ELISA test) quantification for the BMP-2 protein were carried out, in periods of 72 hours, 7 days and 10 days. After analyzing the data (one-way ANOVA, alpha=5%) it was observed that when MLT was used in isolation, there was an increase in cell proliferation and viability in osteoblastic cells (p<0.05). But, when MLT was associated with resorbable membranes, there was an inverse behavior, both in terms of proliferation and viability (p<0.05). In the case of the ELISA test, no secretion of BMP-2 was detected in any of the analyzed groups. It is concluded that MLT has a stimulatory effect on osteoblasts, but, when associated with Bio-Gideä resorbable membranes, it does not show any viable action in osteoblastic cell stimulation.

RESUMO A melatonina (MLT) é um hormônio responsável pela regulação de diversos processos fisiológicos no nosso organismo. Tem sido demonstrado que a melatonina possa ser um importante mediador na formação e estimulação óssea, promovendo a diferenciação dos osteoblastos. Clinicamente, para o procedimento de regeneração tecidual, faz-se necessário a utilização de membranas ou barreiras, associadas ou não a biomateriais. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo in vitro foi avaliar o efeito da melatonina na atividade de células osteoblásticas, associada ou não a uma membrana de colágeno reabsorvível (Bio-Gide®). Para isto foram utilizadas células pré-osteoblásticas MC3T3 do ATCC (American Type Culture Collection), de camundongos. As células em cultura foram submetidas aos seguintes tratamentos: MLT na concentração de 1mM, membrana Bio Gide® e membrana associada à MLT (Bio-Gide® + MLT). Foram realizados os ensaios de proliferação e viabilidade celular e quantificação do lisado proteico (teste ELISA), para a proteína BMP-2, nos períodos de 72 horas, 7 e 10 dias. Após a análise dos dados (ANOVA um critério, alfa=5%) pode-se observar que a MLT quando utilizada sozinha, resultou em um aumento na proliferação e viabilidade celular nas células osteoblásticas (p<0,05). Entretanto, quando a MLT foi associada à membrana reabsorvível foi observado um comportamento inverso, tanto na proliferação quanto na viabilidade (p<0,05). Para o teste ELISA realizado, não houve secreção detectável de BMP-2 para nenhum grupo analisado. Conclui-se que a melatonina possui uma ação estimuladora nos osteoblastos, mas quando associada à membrana reabsorvível Bio-Gide®, não demonstra uma ação viável na estimulação de células osteoblásticas.

Neuropilin Controls Endothelial Differentiation by Mesenchymal Stem Cells From the Periodontal Ligament.

BACKGROUND: Periodontal ligament (PDL) has been reported to be a source of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs).New vascular networks from undifferentiated cells are essential for repair/regeneration of specialized tissues, including PDL. The current study aims to determine potential of CD105(+)-enriched cell subsets of periodontal ligament cells (PDLSCs) to differentiate into endothelial cell (EC)-like cells and to give insights into the mechanism involved. METHODS: CD105(+)-enriched PDLSCs were induced to EC differentiation by endothelial growth medium 2 (EGM-2) for 3, 7, 14, and 21 days, with mRNA/protein levels and functional activity assessed by: 1) real-time polymerase chain reaction; 2) Western blotting; 3) fluorescence-activated cell sorting; 4) immunohistochemistry; 5) immunofluorescence; 6) matrigel; and 7) small interfering RNA assays. RESULTS: Data analyses demonstrated that EGM-2 treated PDLSCs presented increased expression of EC markers, including: 1) CD105; 2) kinase domain-containing receptor; and 3) Ulex europaeus agglutinin 1, and were able to form cord/tube-like structures. Gene and protein expression analysis showed that neuropilin 2 (NRP2), a key factor for vascular development, was significantly downregulated during EC differentiation. NRP2 was constitutively expressed in mouse PDL tissues by immunohistochemistry analysis, and NRP2 knockdown in CD105(+)-enriched PDLSCs resulted in increased cord/tube-like structures in a matrigel assay. CONCLUSION: These findings demonstrated the potential of CD105(+)-enriched PDLSCs to support angiogenesis, and NRP2 as a pivotal factor regulating this process.

Secretome Profiling of Periodontal Ligament from Deciduous and Permanent Teeth Reveals a Distinct Expression Pattern of Laminin Chains.

It has been suggested that there are histological and functional distinctions between the periodontal ligament (PDL) of deciduous (DecPDL) and permanent (PermPDL) teeth. Thus, we hypothesized that DecPDL and PermPDL display differences in the constitutive expression of genes/proteins involved with PDL homeostasis. Primary PDL cell cultures were obtained for DecPDL (n = 3) and PermPDL (n = 3) to allow us to perform label-free quantitative secretome analysis. Although a highly similar profile was found between DecPDL and PermPDL cells, comparative secretome analysis evidenced that one of the most stickling differences involved cell adhesion molecules, including laminin subunit gamma 1 (LAMC1) and beta 2 (LAMB2). Next, total RNA and protein extracts were obtained from fresh PDL tissues of deciduous (n = 6) and permanent (n = 6) teeth, and Western blotting and qPCR analysis were used to validate our in vitro findings. Western blot analysis confirmed that LAMC1 was increased in DecPDL fresh tissues (p<0.05). Furthermore, qPCR data analysis revealed that mRNA levels for laminin subunit beta 1 (LAMB1), beta 3 (LAMB3), LAMC1, and gamma 2 (LAMC2) were higher in DecPDL fresh tissues, whereas transcripts for LAMB2 were increased in PermPDL (p<0.05). In conclusion, the differential expression of laminin chains in DecPDL and PermPDL suggests an involvement of laminin-dependent pathways in the control of physiological differences between them.

Minimally invasive dentistry: bond strength of different sealant and filling materials to enamel.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the shear bond strength of different sealant and filling materials, used in minimally invasive dentistry, to human enamel. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-five sound extracted third molars were selected. The crowns were longitudinally sectioned, embedded in polystyrene resin, and grounded until a flat enamel surface was reached. The samples were assigned into seven groups (n = 10), according to the materials: G1-Fluoroshield; G2-Clinpro; G3-Dyract AP; G4-F2000; G5-Vitremer; G6-Fuji IX; G7-Vidrion F. All materials were applied according to the manufacturer's instructions. The samples were stored in distilled water at 37 degrees C for 24 h and submitted to a shear bonding strength test in a universal testing machine with a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min. The failure sites were observed in Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The data were submitted to ANOVA and Tukey's tests (p < 0.05). RESULTS: The mean values (MPa) of shear bond strength were for Fluroshield (25.92 +/- 8.83), Vitremer (20.41 +/- 13.34), Dyract AP (17.08 +/- 6.38), Clinpro (12.82 +/- 8.38), F2000 (8.71 +/- 3.74), Fuji IX (7.64 +/- 2.57), and Vidrion F (4.54 +/- 2.11). Fluroshield resin sealant and Vitremer resin modified glass-ionomer showed statistically higher shear bond strength values than the conventional glass ionomer (GIC) cements. Clinpro and F2000 showed bond strength values with statistical difference only from Fluroshield. The failure mode varied among the groups. The majority of samples presented mixed failure. CONCLUSION: FluroShield and Vitremer showed better performance of shear bond strength to enamel than conventional GIC.