Histological characteristics of dental pulp in teeth with periodontal problems and healthy teeth.

Background: Chronic periodontitis is the most common type of periodontitis, which is associated with calculus and plaque accumulation. Several studies have indicated that uncured periodontitis can affect the dental pulp. However, this relationship is controversial. This study aimed to compare histopathological results obtained from the dental pulp in teeth with periodontal problems and healthy teeth. Methods: In this study, 23 teeth with periodontal problems and 23 healthy teeth were extracted. After cutting off 2 mm from the root apex, the teeth were sectioned into apical, middle, and coronal thirds. Then, the specimens were evaluated in both groups based on histopathological features. Results: According to the evaluations, in the middle third, the amount of inflammation was only statistically significant in the group that consisted of teeth with periodontal problems (P=0.014). There was no significant difference in fibrosis and blood vessel diameter between the two groups. Necrosis in the middle (P=0.002) and coronal thirds (P=0.004) of teeth with periodontal problems was more than the healthy teeth. The lack of odontoblastic integrity in all the sections of teeth with periodontal problems was more than that in healthy teeth (P=0.0001). Conclusion: Inflammation of the periodontium in chronic periodontitis can lead to histological changes in the pulp, including an increase in inflammation, necrosis, and loss of odontoblastic integrity.

Relationship between miRNA-21, miRNA-155, and miRNA-182 expression and inflammatory factors in cerebrospinal fluid from patients with multiple sclerosis.

BACKGROUND: The impact of microRNAs (miRNAs) on the differentiation and function of inflammatory cells is well-established. MiRNAs play a crucial role in modulating the expression of pro-inflammatory genes in neuronal cells as well. With this knowledge in mind, our study aimed to explore the relationship between the expression of miRNAs and inflammatory markers in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS). By investigating this relationship, we aimed to gain insights into the potential involvement of miRNAs in the regulation of inflammation in the context of MS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The expression levels of miRNA-21, miRNA-155, and miRNA-182 in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples from multiple sclerosis (MS) patients and controls were determined by RT-PCR. CSF levels of the inflammatory cytokines IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In addition, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels were measured by quantitative turbidimetry. RESULTS: The expression levels of microRNAs and inflammatory factors were found to be significantly higher in the CSF of MS patients compared to controls (P < 0.05). Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis revealed that miRNA-21, miRNA-182, and miRNA-155 had a high area under the curve (AUC) in discriminating MS patients, with AUC values of 0.97 (P < 0.0001) for miRNA-21, 0.97 (P < 0.0001) for miRNA-182, and 0.96 (P < 0.0001) for miRNA-155. Notably, CSF miRNA-155 showed the highest accuracy in correctly diagnosing MS. Furthermore, a statistically significant relationship was observed between inflammatory cytokines and miRNA-21, miRNA-155 and miRNA-182. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrated that cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of IL-1ß, IL-6, TNF-α, hs-CRP and specific miRNAs serve as biomarkers for assessing central nervous system (CNS) inflammation and neurodegenerative processes in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS).

Chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cells: Novel cell therapy for hematological malignancies.

Over the last decade, the emergence of several novel therapeutic approaches has changed the therapeutic perspective of human malignancies. Adoptive immunotherapy through chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR-T), which includes the engineering of T cells to recognize tumor-specific membrane antigens and, as a result, death of cancer cells, has created various clinical benefits for the treatment of several human malignancies. In particular, CAR-T-cell-based immunotherapy is known as a critical approach for the treatment of patients with hematological malignancies such as acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), multiple myeloma (MM), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), Hodgkin lymphoma (HL), and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). However, CAR-T-cell therapy of hematological malignancies is associated with various side effects. There are still extensive challenges in association with further progress of this therapeutic approach, from manufacturing and engineering issues to limitations of applications and serious toxicities. Therefore, further studies are required to enhance efficacy and minimize adverse events. In the current review, we summarize the development of CAR-T-cell-based immunotherapy and current clinical antitumor applications to treat hematological malignancies. Furthermore, we will mention the current advantages, disadvantages, challenges, and therapeutic limitations of CAR-T-cell therapy.

Antibacterial and antibiofilm activity of Lactobacillus strains secretome and extraction against Escherichia coli isolated from urinary tract infection.

The purpose of this study was to antibacterial, and antibiofilm activity of two Lactobacillus strains secretome and extraction against E. coli isolated from women with urinary tract infection (UTI). We isolated 100 E. coli samples from women with UTI. Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus casei characteristics were evaluated, and their secretome and extraction were prepared. The antibacterial and antibiofilm activity of secretome and extraction of both Lactobacillus strains were evaluated against isolated E. coli samples. L. acidophilus and L. casei were able to tolerate pH 3, bile salts, and pancreatic enzymes. Both probiotics were not resistant to antibiotics and demonstrated an appropriate ability to adhere to the intestinal epithelial cells. Secretome and extraction of L. acidophilus and L. casei strains showed a good antibacterial and antibiofilm against E. coli isolates. Generally, present study suggested that the secretome and extraction of L. acidophilus and L. casei strains exhibits a good antimicrobial activity.

The Regulatory Role of Pivotal MicroRNAs in the AKT Signaling Pathway in Breast Cancer.

Breast cancer is the most prevalent type of cancer among women, and it remains the main challenge despite improved treatments. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a small non-coding family of RNAs that play an indispensable role in regulating major physiological processes, including differentiation, proliferation, invasion, migration, cell cycle regulation, stem cell maintenance apoptosis, and organ development. The dysregulation of these tiny molecules is associated with various human malignancies. More than 50% of these non-coding RNA sequences estimated have been placed on genomic regions or fragile sites linked to cancer. Following the discovery of the first signatures of specific miRNA in breast cancer, numerous researches focused on involving these tiny RNAs in breast cancer physiopathology as a new therapeutic approach or as reliable prognostic biomarkers. In the current review, we focus on recent findings related to the involvement of miRNAs in breast cancer via the AKT signaling pathway related to their clinical implications.

Melatonin increases the anticancer potential of doxorubicin in Caco-2 colorectal cancer cells.

Colorectal cancer (CC) is an important human malignancy with high cancer related death worldwide. The chemotherapy using doxorubicin hydrochloride is one of the most common cancer therapeutic methods. However, drug resistance lowers the treatment efficacy in CC patients. The combination therapies seem to be more promising by taking the advantage of synergistic effects. The present study aimed to evaluate a new strategy to enhance the anticancer activity of doxorubicin in Caco-2 CC cell line by co-administration of melatonin. The effects of doxorubicin, melatonin, and their combinations (Dox-Mel) were investigated on the proliferation and viability, morphological alterations, and tumor spheroid formation. Flow cytometry was employed to compare the apoptotic situation of the cells in study groups. Changes in metastatic potential of the cells were assessed by wound healing assay and trans-well migration assays. Moreover, expression of BAX, SMAC, BCL-2, SURVIVIN, MMP-2, and MMP-9 genes were evaluated by quantitative real time PCR and western blotting. Our study showed that doxorubicin, melatonin, and Dox-Mel significantly decreased the proliferation and viability, tumor spheroid formation, invasion, and migration. Furthermore, the changes were in a concentration and time dependent manner. There was an increase in apoptosis rate in the treatment groups. Expression of genes involved in apoptosis and cell motility were altered significantly. It was observed that anticancer activity of Dox-Mel combination was significantly more than doxorubicin and melatonin treatments alone. We showed an enhanced apoptotic and anticancer activity of doxorubicin and melatonin combination chemotherapy on CC cell line than doxorubicin or melatonin treatments alone. This combination could promote the treatment efficiency and alleviate the un-intended side effects by lowering the dose of doxorubicin prescription.

Effect of storage time on microtensile bond strength between quartz fiber post and composite core after different post surface treatments.

AIM: The aim was to evaluate the influence of water storage on fiber post-resin composite adhesion after different postsurface treatments. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-two fiber posts were used. Half of them were treated by hydrogen-peroxide and the other half were sandblasted. The adhesive (Single Bond, 3M, USA) was applied on the post. Core was built-up using flowable composite (Ælite Flow, Bisco, USA). The specimens were divided into eight groups. Group 1 was treated with H(2)O(2). Groups 2-4 were treated with H2O2 but stored for 3, 6, and 9 months, respectively. Groups 5-8 were sandblasted and stored for 0, 3, 6, and 9 months. µTBS was measured and data analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey HSD. The fractured surfaces were evaluated by a stereomicroscope. The morphology of interfaces was assessed under SEM. H(2)O(2)-treated groups showed higher bond-strength. RESULTS: The effect of "surface-treatment method" and "storage-time" was significant (P<0.0001), but there was no significant difference for their interaction effect (P=0.05). Water aging significantly decreased µTBS. CONCLUSIONS: Water aging significantly decreased microtensile bond strength regardless of the type of post surface treatment.