Therapeutic Potential of Synthetic Human ß-Defensin 1 Short Motif Pep-B on Lipopolysaccharide-Stimulated Human Dental Pulp Stem Cells.

Dental pulp inflammation is a widespread public problem usually caused by caries or trauma. Alleviating inflammation is critical to inflamed pulp repair. Human ß-defensin 1 short motif Pep-B is a cationic peptide that has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and immunoregulation properties, but its repair effect on human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) under inflammation remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to investigate anti-inflammatory function of Pep-B and explore its therapeutic potential in lipopolysaccharide-(LPS-) induced hDPSCs. CCK-8 assay and transwell assay evaluated effects of Pep-B on hDPSC proliferation and chemotaxis. Inflammatory response in hDPSCs was induced by LPS; after Pep-B application, lactate dehydrogenase release, intracellular ROS, inflammatory factor genes expression and possible signaling pathway were measured. Then, osteo-/odontoblast differentiation effect of Pep-B on LPS-induced hDPSCs was detected. The results showed that Pep-B promoted hDPSC proliferation and reduced LPS-induced proinflammatory marker expression, and western blot result indicated that Pep-B inhibited inflammatory activation mediated by NF-κB and MAPK pathways. Pep-B also enhanced the expression of the osteo-/odontogenic genes and proteins, alkaline phosphatase activity, and nodule mineralization in LPS-stimulated hDPSCs. These findings indicate that Pep-B has anti-inflammatory activity and promote osteo-/odontoblastic differentiation in LPS-induced inflammatory environment and may have a potential role of hDPSCs for repair and regeneration.

Anti-Tumor Effect of Vitamin D Combined with Calcium on Lung Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Although many studies have demonstrated the impact of vitamin D and calcium on lung cancer, it remains the discrepancy for the effect of vitamin D and calcium on lung cancer. In this study, we aimed to verify the roles of vitamin D and calcium in the incidence and prognosis of lung cancer. A systematic literature search was performed by February 29, 2020. The relative risks (RRs) and hazard ratio (HRs) were pooled to evaluate the risk for the incidence and mortality of lung cancer. A total of 58,625 lung cancer cases from 40 studies were included. The risk (RR: 0.915, 95% Cl: 0.849-0.986) and mortality (RR: 0.718, 95% Cl: 0.530-0.973) of lung cancer were significantly decreased due to high circulating 25(OH)D level. Although the separate intake of vitamin D (RR: 0.909, 95% Cl: 0.801-1.031) and calcium (RR: 0.890, 95% Cl: 0.741-1.070) did not exhibit a protective effect on lung cancer, the combination supplement of vitamin D and calcium significantly decreased the incidence of lung cancer (RR: 0.811, 95% Cl: 0.659-0.999). High level of serum 25(OH)D could play the preventive role in lung cancer. Furthermore, vitamin D could be supplemented together with calcium against lung cancer.

Intrafibrillar Mineralization and Immunomodulatory for Synergetic Enhancement of Bone Regeneration via Calcium Phosphate Nanocluster Scaffold.

Inspired by the bionic mineralization theory, organic-inorganic composites with hydroxyapatite nanorods orderly arranged along collagen fibrils have attracted extensive attention. Planted with an ideal bone scaffold will contribute greatly to the osteogenic microenvironment; however, it remains challenging to develop a biomimetic scaffold with the ability to promote intrafibrillar mineralization and simultaneous regulation of immune microenvironment in situ. To overcome these challenges, a scaffold containing ultra-small particle size calcium phosphate nanocluster (UsCCP) is prepared, which can enhance bone regeneration through the synergetic effect of intrafibrillar mineralization and immunomodulatory. By efficient infiltration into collagen fibrils, the UsCCP released from the scaffold achieves intrafibrillar mineralization. It also promotes the M2-type polarization of macrophages, leading to an immune microenvironment with both osteogenic and angiogenic potential. The results confirm that the UsCCP scaffold has both intrafibrillar mineralization and immunomodulatory effects, making it a promising candidate for bone regeneration.

An injectable photopolymerizable chitosan hydrogel doped anti-inflammatory peptide for long-lasting periodontal pocket delivery and periodontitis therapy.

Periodontitis is a common chronic inflammatory disease caused by plaque that leads to alveolar bone resorption and tooth loss. Inflammation control and achieving better tissue repair are the key to periodontitis treatment. In this study, human ß-Defensin 1 short motif Pep-B with inflammation inhibition and differentiation regulation properties, is firstly used in the treatment of periodontitis, and an injectable photopolymerizable Pep-B/chitosan methacryloyl composite hydrogel (CMSA/Pep-B) is constructed. We confirm that Pep-B improves inflammation, and restores osteogenic behavior and function of injured stem cells. CMSA/Pep-B has good injectability, fluidity and photopolymerizability, and can sustainably release Pep-B to maintain drug concentration in periodontal pockets. Furthermore, animal experiments showed that CMSA/Pep-B significantly ameliorated the inflammation of the periodontium and reduced the alveolar bone loss by decreasing inflammatory infiltration, osteoclast formation and collagen destruction. In conclusion, CMSA/Pep-B is envisaged to be a novel bioactive material or therapeutic drug for treating periodontitis.