Protein kinase C delta enhances the diagnostic performance of hepatocellular carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: The conventional markers for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), α-fetoprotein (AFP) and des-γ-carboxy prothrombin (DCP), have several limitations; both have low sensitivity in patients with early-stage HCC; low sensitivity for AFP with HCC after eliminating hepatitis C virus (HCV); low specificity for DCP in patients with non-viral HCC, which is increasing worldwide; low specificity for AFP in patients with liver injury; and low specificity for DCP in patients treated with warfarin. To overcome these issues, the identification of novel biomarkers is an unmet need. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the usefulness of serum protein kinase C delta (PKCδ) for detecting these HCCs. METHODS: PKCδ levels were measured using a sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 363 chronic liver disease (CLD) patients with and without HCC. RESULTS: In both viral and non-viral CLD, PKCδ can detect HCCs with high sensitivity and specificity, particularly in the very early stages. Notably, the value and sensitivity of PKCδ were not modified by HCV elimination status. Liver injury and warfarin administration, which are known to cause false-positive results for conventional markers, did not modify PKCδ levels. CONCLUSIONS: PKCδ is an enhanced biomarker for the diagnosis of HCC that compensates for the drawbacks of conventional markers.

DYRK2 promotes chemosensitivity via p53-mediated apoptosis after DNA damage in colorectal cancer.

Dual-specificity tyrosine-regulated kinase 2 (DYRK2) is a protein kinase that phosphorylates p53-Ser46 and induces apoptosis in response to DNA damage. However, the relationship between DYRK2 expression and chemosensitivity after DNA damage in colorectal cancer has not been well investigated. The aim of the present study was to examine whether DYRK2 could be a novel marker for predicting chemosensitivity after 5-fluorouracil- and oxaliplatin-induced DNA damage in colorectal cancer. Here we showed that DYRK2 knockout decreased the chemosensitivity to 5-fluorouracil and oxaliplatin in p53 wild-type colorectal cancer cells, whereas the chemosensitivity remained unchanged in p53-deficient/mutated colorectal cancer cells. In addition, no significant differences in chemosensitivity to 5-fluorouracil and oxaliplatin between scramble and siDYRK2 p53(-/-) colorectal cancer cells were observed. Conversely, the combination of adenovirus-mediated overexpression of DYRK2 with 5-fluorouracil or oxaliplatin enhanced apoptosis and chemosensitivity through p53-Ser46 phosphorylation in p53 wild-type colorectal cancer cells. Furthermore, DYRK2 knockout decreased chemosensitivity to 5-fluorouracil and oxaliplatin in p53 wild-type xenograft mouse models. Taken together, these findings demonstrated that DYRK2 expression was associated with chemosensitivity to 5-fluorouracil and oxaliplatin in p53 wild-type colorectal cancer, suggesting the importance of evaluating the p53 status and DYRK2 expression as a novel marker in therapeutic strategies for colorectal cancer.

Dyrk2 gene transfer suppresses hepatocarcinogenesis by promoting the degradation of Myc and Hras.

Background & Aims: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide, and has a poor prognosis. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying hepatocarcinogenesis and progression remain unknown. In vitro gain- and loss-of-function analyses in cell lines and xenografts revealed that dual-specificity tyrosine-regulated kinase 2 (DYRK2) influences tumour growth in HCC. Methods: To investigate the role of Dyrk2 during hepatocarcinogenesis, we developed liver-specific Dyrk2 conditional knockout mice and an in vivo gene delivery system with a hydrodynamic tail vein injection and the Sleeping Beauty transposon. The antitumour effects of Dyrk2 gene transfer were investigated in a murine autologous carcinogenesis model. Results: Dyrk2 expression was reduced in tumours, and that its downregulation was induced before hepatocarcinogenesis. Dyrk2 gene transfer significantly suppressed carcinogenesis. It also suppresses Myc-induced de-differentiation and metabolic reprogramming, which favours proliferative, and malignant potential by altering gene profiles. Dyrk2 overexpression caused Myc and Hras degradation at the protein level rather than at the mRNA level, and this degradation mechanism was regulated by the proteasome. Immunohistochemical analyses revealed a negative correlation between DYRK2 expression and MYC and longer survival in patients with HCC with high-DYRK2 and low-MYC expressions. Conclusions: Dyrk2 protects the liver from carcinogenesis by promoting Myc and Hras degradation. Our findings would pave the way for a novel therapeutic approach using DYRK2 gene transfer. Impact and Implications: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common cancers, with a poor prognosis. Hence, identifying molecules that can become promising targets for therapies is essential to improve mortality. No studies have clarified the association between DYRK2 and carcinogenesis, although DYRK2 is involved in tumour growth in various cancer cells. This is the first study to show that Dyrk2 expression decreases during hepatocarcinogenesis and that Dyrk2 gene transfer is an attractive approach with tumour suppressive activity against HCC by suppressing Myc-mediated de-differentiation and metabolic reprogramming that favours proliferative and malignant potential via Myc and Hras degradation.

Electrochemical control of bone microstructure on electroactive surfaces for modulation of stem cells and bone tissue engineering.

Controlling stem cell behavior at the material interface is crucial for the development of novel technologies in stem cell biology and regenerative medicine. The composition and presentation of bio-factors on a surface strongly influence the activity of stem cells. Herein, we designed an electroactive surface that mimics the initial process of trabecular bone formation, by immobilizing chondrocyte-derived plasma membrane nanofragments (PMNFs) on its surface for rapid mineralization within 2 days. Moreover, the electroactive surface was based on the conducting polymer polypyrrole (PPy), which enabled dynamic control of the presentation of PMNFs on the surface via electrochemical redox switching, further resulting in the formation of bone minerals with different morphologies. Furthermore, bone minerals with contrasting surface morphologies had differential effects on the differentiation of human bone marrow-derived stem cells (hBMSCs) cultured on the surface. Together, this electroactive surface showed multifunctional characteristics, not only allowing dynamic control of PMNF presentation but also promoting the formation of bone minerals with different morphologies within 2 days. This electroactive substrate could be valuable for more precise control of stem cell growth and differentiation, and further development of more suitable microenvironments containing bone apatite for housing a bone marrow stem cell niche, such as biochips/bone-on-chips.

Pharmacologic inhibition of PARP5, but not that of PARP1 or 2, promotes cytokine production and osteoclastogenesis through different pathways.

OBJECTIVES: PARPs, which are members of the poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase superfamily, promote tumorigenesis and tumour-associated inflammation and are thus therapeutic targets for several cancers. The aim of the present study is to investigate the mechanistic insight into the roles PARPs for inflammation. METHODS: Primary murine macrophages were cultured in the presence or absence of the PARP5 inhibitor NVP-TNKS656 to examine the role of PARP5 for cytokine production. RESULTS: In contrast to the roles of other PARPs for induction of inflammation, we found in the present study that pharmacologic inhibition of PARP5 induces production of inflammatory cytokines in primary murine macrophages. We found that treatment with the PARP5 inhibitor NVP-TNKS656 in macrophages enhanced steady-state and LPS-mediated cytokine production through degradation of IκBα and subsequent nuclear translocation of NF-κB. We also found that pharmacologic inhibition of PARP5 stabilises the adaptor protein 3BP2, a substrate of PARP5, and that accelerated cytokine production induced by PARP5 inhibition was rescued in 3BP2-deleted macrophages. Additionally, we found that LPS increases the expression of 3BP2 and AXIN1, a negative regulator of ß-catenin, through suppression of PARP5 transcripts in macrophages, leading to further activation of cytokine production and inhibition of ß-catenin-mediated cell proliferation, respectively. Lastly, we found that PARP5 inhibition in macrophages promotes osteoclastogenesis through stabilisation of 3BP2 and AXIN1, leading to activation of SRC and suppression of ß-catenin, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that pharmacologic inhibition of PARP5 against cancers unexpectedly induces adverse autoinflammatory side effects through activation of innate immunity, unlike inhibition of other PARPs.

Extracellular vesicles of P. gingivalis-infected macrophages induce lung injury.

Periodontal diseases are common inflammatory diseases that are induced by infection with periodontal bacteria such as Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg). The association between periodontal diseases and many types of systemic diseases has been demonstrated; the term "periodontal medicine" is used to describe how periodontal infection/inflammation may impact extraoral health. However, the molecular mechanisms by which the factors produced in the oral cavity reach multiple distant organs and impact general health have not been elucidated. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nano-sized spherical structures secreted by various types of cells into the tissue microenvironment, and influence pathophysiological conditions by delivering their cargo. However, a detailed understanding of the effect of EVs on periodontal medicine is lacking. In this study, we investigated whether EVs derived from Pg-infected macrophages reach distant organs in mice and influence the pathophysiological status. EVs were isolated from human macrophages, THP-1 cells, infected with Pg. We observed that EVs from Pg-infected THP-1 cells (Pg-inf EVs) contained abundant core histone proteins such as histone H3 and translocated to the lungs, liver, and kidneys of mice. Pg-inf EVs also induced pulmonary injury, including edema, vascular congestion, inflammation, and collagen deposition causing alveoli destruction. The Pg-inf EVs or the recombinant histone H3 activated the NF-κB pathway, leading to increase in the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in human lung epithelial A549 cells. Our results suggest a possible mechanism by which EVs produced in periodontal diseases contribute to the progression of periodontal medicine.

Roles for B[a]P and FICZ in subchondral bone metabolism and experimental temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis via the AhR/Cyp1a1 signaling axis.

Bone loss due to smoking represents a major risk factor for fractures and bone osteoporosis. Signaling through the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) and its ligands contributes to both bone homeostasis and inflammatory diseases. It remains unclear whether the same AhR signaling axis affects the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The aim of this study was to investigate possible mechanisms which mediate bone loss in the TMJ due to smoking. In particular, whether benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P), a carcinogen of tobacco smoke, induces expression of the AhR target gene, Cyp1a1, in mandibular condyles. Possible functions of an endogenous ligand of FICZ, were also investigated in a TMJ-osteoarthritis (OA) mouse model. B[a]P was administered orally to wild-type and AhR-/- mice and bone metabolism was subsequently examined. TMJ-OA was induced in wild-type mice with forceful opening of the mouth. Therapeutic functions of FICZ were detected with µCT and histology. Exposure to B[a]P accelerated bone loss in the mandibular subchondral bone. This bone loss manifested with osteoclastic bone resorption and upregulated expression of Cyp1a1 in an AhR-dependent manner. In a mouse model of TMJ-OA, FICZ exhibited a dose-dependent rescue of mandibular subchondral bone loss by repressing osteoclast activity. Meanwhile, in vitro, pre-treatment with FICZ reduced RANKL-mediated osteoclastogenesis. B[a]P regulates mandibular subchondral bone metabolism via the Cyp1a1. The AhR ligand, FICZ, can prevent TMJ-OA by regulating osteoclast differentiation.

Camouflage Treatment for Skeletal Maxillary Protrusion and Lateral Deviation with Classic-Type Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.

We herein report the case of a 19-year-old female with a transverse discrepancy, skeletal Class II malocclusion, severe crowding with concerns of classic-type Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS), aesthetics problems and functional problems. The main characteristics of classic EDS are loose-jointedness and fragile, easily bruised skin that heals with peculiar "cigarette-paper" scars. The anteroposterior and transverse skeletal discrepancies can generally be resolved by maxilla repositioning and mandibular advancement surgery following pre-surgical orthodontic treatment. However, this patient was treated with orthodontic camouflage but not orthognathic surgery because of the risks of skin bruising, poor healing and a temporomandibular disorder. A satisfactory dental appearance and occlusion were achieved after camouflage treatment with orthodontic anchor screws and the use of Class II elastics, including the preservation of the stomatognathic functions. Acceptable occlusion and dentition were maintained after a two-year retention period. This treatment strategy of orthodontic camouflage using temporary anchorage, such as anchor screws and Class II elastics, may be a viable treatment option for skeletal malocclusion patients with EDS.

RFX1-mediated CCN3 induction that may support chondrocyte survival under starved conditions.

Cellular communication network factor (CCN) family members are multifunctional matricellular proteins that manipulate and integrate extracellular signals. In our previous studies investigating the role of CCN family members in cellular metabolism, we found three members that might be under the regulation of energy metabolism. In this study, we confirmed that CCN2 and CCN3 are the only members that are tightly regulated by glycolysis in human chondrocytic cells. Interestingly, CCN3 was induced under a variety of impaired glycolytic conditions. This CCN3 induction was also observed in two breast cancer cell lines with a distinct phenotype, suggesting a basic role of CCN3 in cellular metabolism. Reporter gene assays indicated a transcriptional regulation mediated by an enhancer in the proximal promoter region. As a result of analyses in silico, we specified regulatory factor binding to the X-box 1 (RFX1) as a candidate that mediated the transcriptional activation by impaired glycolysis. Indeed, the inhibition of glycolysis induced the expression of RFX1, and RFX1 silencing nullified the CCN3 induction by impaired glycolysis. Subsequent experiments with an anti-CCN3 antibody indicated that CCN3 supported the survival of chondrocytes under impaired glycolysis. Consistent with these findings in vitro, abundant CCN3 production by chondrocytes in the deep zones of developing epiphysial cartilage, which are located far away from the synovial fluid, was confirmed in vivo. Our present study uncovered that RFX1 is the mediator that enables CCN3 induction upon cellular starvation, which may eventually assist chondrocytes in retaining their viability, even when there is an energy supply shortage.

The expression and regulation of Wnt1 in tooth movement-initiated mechanotransduction.

INTRODUCTION: The Wnt signaling pathway acts as a key regulator of skeletal development and its homeostasis. However, the potential role of Wnt1 in the mechanotransduction machinery of orthodontic tooth movement-initiated bone remodeling is still unclear. Hence, this study focused on the regulatory dynamics of the Wnt1 expression in both the periodontal ligament (PDL) and osteocytes in vivo and in vitro. METHODS: The Wnt1 expression in the orthodontically moved maxillary first molar in mice was assessed at 0, 1, and 5 days, on both the compression and tension sides. Primary isolated human PDL (hPDL) fibroblasts, as well as murine long-bone osteocyte-Y4 (MLO-Y4) cells, were exposed to continuous compressive force and static tensile force. RESULTS: The relative quantification of immunodetection showed that orthodontic tooth movement significantly stimulated the Wnt1 expression in both the PDL and alveolar osteocytes on the tension side on day 5, whereas the expression on the compression side did not change. This increase in the Wnt1 expression, shown in vivo, was also noted after the application of 12% static tensile force in isolated hPDL fibroblasts and 20% in MLO-Y4 cells. In contrast, a compressive force led to the attenuation of the Wnt1 gene expression in both hPDL fibroblasts and MLO-Y4 cells in a force-dependent manner. In the osteocyte-PDL coculture system, recombinant sclerostin attenuated Wnt1 in PDL, whereas the antisclerostin antibody upregulated its gene expression, indicating that mechanically-driven Wnt1 signaling in PDL might be regulated by osteocytic sclerostin. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings provide that Wnt1 signaling plays a vital role in tooth movement-initiated bone remodeling via innovative mechanotransduction approaches.

Outer membrane vesicles derived from Porphyromonas gingivalis induced cell death with disruption of tight junctions in human lung epithelial cells.

OBJECTIVE: Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) is a major bacterium responsible for the progression of periodontitis. P. gingivalis produces small vesicles called outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) containing virulence factors. Increasing evidence suggests a close relationship between periodontitis and respiratory system diseases, such as aspiration pneumonia. However, little is known about whether P. gingivalis OMVs give rise to the impediment of lung epithelial cells. We investigated the effect of the OMVs on cell viability and tight junctions of lung epithelial cells. DESIGN: Human lung epithelial A549 cells were treated with P. gingivalis OMVs. Cell viability was evaluated, and cell morphology was examined using scanning electron and phase contrast microscopies. To detect apoptosis induced by P. gingivalis OMVs, activation of caspase-3 and poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) cleavage was examined by using Western blotting. Immunocytochemistry was performed to stain tight junction proteins. RESULTS: P. gingivalis OMVs decreased cell viability in A549 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Microscopic analysis revealed that the OMVs induced morphological changes leading to irregular cell membrane structures. The OMVs caused cell shrinkage, membrane blebbing, and cytoplasmic expulsion in a dose-dependent manner. Western blot analysis showed the OMVs induced caspase-3 activation and PARP cleavage. Treatment with the OMVs disrupted the intact distributions of tight junction proteins. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that P. gingivalis OMVs induced cell death by destroying the barrier system in lung epithelial cells. Our present study raises the possibility that P. gingivalis OMVs is an important factor in the engagement of periodontitis with respiratory system diseases.

Occlusal reconstruction of a patient with ameloblastoma ablation using alveolar distraction osteogenesis: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Ameloblastoma is one of the most common benign odontogenic neoplasms. Its surgical excision has the potential to lead to postoperative malocclusion. In this case report, we describe the successful interdisciplinary orthodontic treatment of a patient with ameloblastoma who underwent marginal mandibulectomy. CASE PRESENTATION: A woman of 20-year-old was diagnosed with ameloblastoma, and underwent marginal mandibulectomy when she was 8 years of age. She had an excessive overjet (11.5 mm) and a mild open bite (- 1.5 mm) with a severely resorbed atrophic edentulous ridge in the area around the mandibular left lateral incisor, canine and first premolar. An alveolar bone defect associated with tumor resection was regenerated by vertical distraction osteogenesis (DO). Subsequently, 3 dental implants were placed into the reconstructed mandible. Orthodontic treatment using implant-anchored mechanics provided a proper facial profile with significantly improved occlusal function. The occlusion appeared stable for a 7-year retention period. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that surgically assisted and implant anchored-orthodontic approaches might be effective for the correction of such malocclusions.

Comprehensive approach to simultaneous molar intrusion and canine retraction in the treatment of Class II anterior open bite using miniscrew anchorage

ABSTRACT Introduction: Anterior open bite is one of the most difficult malocclusions to correct in orthodontic treatment. Molar intrusion using miniscrew anchorage has been developed as a new strategy for open bite correction; however, this procedure still has an important concern about prolonged treatment duration in the patient with anteroposterior discrepancy due to the separate step-by-step movement of anterior and posterior teeth. Objective: This article illustrates a comprehensive orthodontic approach for dentoalveolar open bite correction of an adult patient, by using miniscrew. Case report: A woman 19 years and 5 months of age had chief complaints of difficulty chewing with the anterior teeth and maxillary incisor protrusion. An open bite of -2.0 mm caused by slight elongation of the maxillary molars was found. The patient was diagnosed with Angle Class II malocclusion with anterior open bite due to the vertical elongation of maxillary molars. After extraction of the maxillary first premolars, concurrent movements of molar intrusion and canine retraction were initiated with the combined use of sectional archwires, elastic chains and miniscrews. Results: At 4 months after the procedure, positive overbite was achieved subsequent to the intrusion of maxillary molars by 1.5 mm and without undesirable side effects. Class I canine relation was also achieved at the same time. The total active treatment period was 21 months. The resultant occlusion and satisfactory facial profile were maintained after 54 months of retention. Conclusion: The presented treatment shows the potential to shorten the treatment duration and to contribute to the long-term stability for open bite correction.

RESUMO Introdução: A mordida aberta anterior é um dos tipos de má oclusão mais difíceis de se corrigir no tratamento ortodôntico. A intrusão de molares usando ancoragem em mini-implantes foi desenvolvida como uma nova estratégia para a correção da mordida aberta. Entretanto, ainda há preocupações quanto à longa duração desse tratamento em pacientes com discrepâncias anteroposteriores, já que os dentes anteriores são movimentados em etapa distinta dos posteriores. Objetivo: Este artigo descreve uma abordagem ampla para a correção da mordida aberta dentoalveolar em uma paciente adulta, usando mini-implantes. Relato de caso: Uma paciente de 19 anos e 5 meses de idade procurou tratamento apresentando como queixas principais a dificuldade de mastigar com os dentes anteriores e a protrusão dos incisivos superiores. Verificou-se, ainda, mordida aberta de -2,0 mm, causada por um comprimento levemente maior dos molares superiores. A paciente foi diagnosticada com má oclusão de Classe II de Angle com mordida aberta anterior devido à dimensão vertical aumentada dos molares superiores. Após a extração dos primeiros pré-molares superiores, iniciou-se movimentos simultâneos de intrusão dos molares e retração dos caninos, com o uso combinado de arcos seccionados, elásticos em cadeia e mini-implantes. Resultados: Após quatro meses em tratamento, alcançou-se uma sobremordida positiva, devido à intrusão de 1,5 mm dos molares superiores, sem qualquer efeito colateral indesejável. Ao mesmo tempo, também alcançou-se relação de Classe I nos caninos. O tempo total de tratamento ativo foi de 21 meses. A oclusão e o perfil facial satisfatório alcançados ao fim do tratamento mantiveram-se após 54 meses em contenção. Conclusão: A abordagem aqui apresentada tem o potencial de encurtar a duração do tratamento e contribuir para a estabilidade em longo prazo da correção da mordida aberta.

Roles of Interaction between CCN2 and Rab14 in Aggrecan Production by Chondrocytes.

To identify proteins that cooperate with cellular communication network factor 2 (CCN2), we carried out GAL4-based yeast two-hybrid screening using a cDNA library derived from the chondrocytic cell line HCS-2/8. Rab14 GTPase (Rab14) polypeptide was selected as a CCN2-interactive protein. The interaction between CCN2 and Rab14 in HCS-2/8 cells was confirmed using the in situ proximity ligation assay. We also found that CCN2 interacted with Rab14 through its IGFBP-like domain among the four domains in CCN2 protein. To detect the colocalization between CCN2 and Rab14 in the cells in detail, CCN2, wild-type Rab14 (Rab14WT), a constitutive active form (Rab14CA), and a dominant negative form (Rab14DN) of Rab14 were overexpressed in monkey kidney-tissue derived COS7 cells. Ectopically overexpressed Rab14 showed a diffuse cytosolic distribution in COS7 cells; however, when Rab14WT was overexpressed with CCN2, the Rab14WT distribution changed to dots that were evenly distributed within the cytosol, and both Rab14 and CCN2 showed clear colocalization. When Rab14CA was overexpressed with CCN2, Rab14CA and CCN2 also showed good localization as dots, but their distribution was more widespread within cytosol. The coexpression of Rab14DN and CCN2 also showed a dotted codistribution but was more concentrated in the perinuclear area. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis revealed that the reduction in RAB14 or CCN2 mRNA by their respective siRNA significantly enhanced the expression of ER stress markers, BIP and CHOP mRNA in HCS-2/8 chondrocytic cells, suggesting that ER and Golgi stress were induced by the inhibition of membrane vesicle transfer via the suppression of CCN2 or Rab14. Moreover, to study the effect of the interaction between CCN2 and its interactive protein Rab14 on proteoglycan synthesis, we overexpressed Rab14WT or Rab14CA or Rab14DN in HCS-2/8 cells and found that the overexpression of Rab14DN decreased the extracellular proteoglycan accumulation more than the overexpression of Rab14WT/CA did in the chondrocytic cells. These results suggest that intracellular CCN2 is associated with Rab14 on proteoglycan-containing vesicles during their transport from the Golgi apparatus to endosomes in chondrocytes and that this association may play a role in proteoglycan secretion by chondrocytes.

Orthodontic management of a non-syndromic patient with concomitant bimaxillary hypohyperdontia: a case report

ABSTRACT Introduction: Tooth agenesis is one of the most common dental anomalies; however, the concomitant occurrence of opposite dental numerical variation of hypohyperdontia is extremely rare. Objective: To report the successful orthodontic management of a patient with non-syndromic concomitant bilateral agenesis of mandibular canines and two midline inverted supernumerary maxillary teeth. Case report: 21-year-old female patient with a chief complaint of protrusive right maxillary central incisor. The patient was diagnosed with a mild Class II skeletal base, Angle Class III molar relationship and increased overjet associated with hypohyperdontia. Anterior open bite accompanied with tongue-thrusting habit were also observed. Two temporary anchorage devices (TADs) were implanted at the buccal side of the maxillary molar region to control vertical height. Anterior teeth retraction was done after extraction of the maxillary first premolars, to improve the excessive overjet. The treatment mechanics involved lingual brackets system for the maxillary arch and transpalatal arch for anchorage control. Results: The total active treatment period was 35 months. Acceptable occlusion with increased bite force and contact area as well as functional excursion were established without interference, following complex orthodontic treatment with premolar substitution. The resultant occlusion and a satisfactory facial profile were maintained after 29 months of retention. Conclusion: The present case report provides implications regarding the orthodontic treatment of hypohyperdontia-associated substitution for missing teeth as an effective option for improving aesthetic and functional aspects.

RESUMO Introdução: A agenesia é uma das anomalias dentárias mais comuns; porém, a ocorrência concomitante de variações numéricas do tipo hipo-hiperdontia em ambas as arcadas é extremamente rara. Objetivo: Descrever o tratamento ortodôntico bem-sucedido de uma paciente não sindrômica que apresentava agenesia bilateral dos caninos inferiores e dois dentes supranumerários na região de linha média superior. Descrição: Paciente do sexo feminino com 21 anos de idade, apresentando queixa principal de protrusão dos incisivos centrais superiores. Foi diagnosticada com leve Classe II esquelética, relação de molares em Classe III de Angle, sobressaliência aumentada e hipo-hiperdontia. Além disso, a paciente apresentava mordida aberta anterior associada ao hábito de interposição lingual. Dois dispositivos de ancoragem temporária (DATs) foram instalados por vestibular na região dos molares superiores, para controle vertical. A retração dos dentes anteriores foi feita após a extração dos primeiros pré-molares superiores, para reduzir a sobressaliência acentuada. A mecânica adotada envolveu o uso de braquetes linguais na arcada superior e barra transpalatina para controle da ancoragem. Resultados: Após 35 meses de fase ativa desse tratamento complexo, com substituição dos pré-molares, obteve-se oclusão aceitável, com aumento da força oclusal e da área de contatos oclusais, bem como movimentos excursivos funcionais bem estabelecidos e sem interferências. Após 29 meses de contenção, verificou-se estabilidade da oclusão e do perfil facial. Conclusão: Esse relato de caso clínico mostra que o tratamento ortodôntico com substituição de dentes ausentes associados à hipo-hiperdontia é uma opção efetiva para a melhora dos aspectos estéticos e funcionais.

The different effects of intraoral vertical ramus osteotomy (IVRO) and sagittal split ramus osteotomy (SSRO) on mandibular border movement.

OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the different effects of intraoral vertical ramus osteotomy (IVRO) and sagittal split ramus osteotomy (SSRO) on mandibular border movement. METHODS: The participants included 22 patients receiving IVRO and 22 patients receiving SSRO who were treated at Okayama University Hospital. Their mandibular border movement was evaluated in three dimensions with 6° of freedom using an optical recording system. RESULTS: A strong correlation between condylar and lower incisor movement was observed during maximum jaw protrusion and laterotrusion. Significant improvements in condylar and lower incisor movement were detected after orthognathic surgery during maximum jaw protrusion and laterotrusion in the IVRO group and during maximum jaw protrusion in the SSRO group. DISCUSSION: IVRO likely achieves greater improvement in jaw movement than SSRO. Therefore, the application of IVRO could be considered in the treatment of patients with jaw deformities featuring temporomandibular joint problems.

Physiological role of urothelial cancer-associated one long noncoding RNA in human skeletogenic cell differentiation.

A vast number of long-noncoding RNAs (lncRNA) are found expressed in human cells, which RNAs have been developed along with human evolution. However, the physiological functions of these lncRNAs remain mostly unknown. In the present study, we for the first time uncovered the fact that one of such lncRNAs plays a significant role in the differentiation of chondrocytes and, possibly, of osteoblasts differentiated from mesenchymal stem cells, which cells eventually construct the human skeleton. The urothelial cancer-associated 1 (UCA1) lncRNA is known to be associated with several human malignancies. Firstly, we confirmed that UCA1 was expressed in normal human chondrocytes, as well as in a human chondrocytic cell line; whereas it was not detected in human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs). Of note, although UCA1 expression was undetectable in hBMSCs, it was markedly induced along with the differentiation toward chondrocytes, suggesting its critical role in chondrogenesis. Consistent with this finding, silencing of the UCA1 gene significantly repressed the expression of chondrogenic genes in human chondrocytic cells. UCA1 gene silencing and hyper-expression also had a significant impact on the osteoblastic phenotype in a human cell line. Finally, forced expression of UCA1 in a murine chondrocyte precursor, which did not possess a UCA1 gene, overdrove its differentiation into chondrocytes. These results indicate a physiological and important role of this lncRNA in the skeletal development of humans, who require more sustained endochondral ossification and osteogenesis than do smaller vertebrates.

Modification of Dentofacial Growth Associated with Goldenhar Syndrome.

The rare developmental defect, Goldenhar syndrome is characterized by complex craniofacial and dentofacial anomalies. Here we describe the successful orthodontic treatment of a 5-year-old Japanese Goldenhar syndrome patient with mild facial asymmetry, right microtia, right-side hearing loss, and tongue-thrusting by a modification of dentofacial growth using a non-surgical orthopedic treatment approach. Improvement of the vertical discrepancies on the affected side and canted occlusal plane as well as mandibular deviation were achieved with a functional orthopaedic approach. Stable and acceptable occlusion were obtained over the 32-month post-retention period. A non-surgical orthodontic treatment approach offers satisfactory facial aesthetic outcomes in Goldenhar syndrome.

Orthognathic surgery during breast cancer treatment-A case report.

INTRODUCTION: In recent years, patients with orthognathic surgery in middle-aged and elderly people have come to be a more frequent occurrence. Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in woman worldwide, and its prevalence rate is steadily increasing. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We report a case of a 47-year-old Japanese woman in whom left-side breast cancer (Stage 1) was unexpectedly found just before orthognathic surgery in April 2012. Breast-conserving surgery was performed (estrogen receptor+, progesterone receptor+, HER2 -, surgical margin+, sentinel lymph node +) that May. From June to August docetaxel (75mg/m2) and cyclophosphamide (600mg/m2) were administrated four times every 21days and thereafter radiotherapy (total 60Gy) was completed. The cancer surgeon declared the prognosis good and the patient had a strong desire to undergo orthognathic surgery, so in November we performed a bimaxillary osteotomy, and administration of tamoxifen began 6 weeks after the osteotomy. DISCUSSION: There are breast cancer cases in which the prognosis is sufficiently good for a planned orthognathic surgery to proceed. Good communication among surgeons and the patient is important. CONCLUSION: We experienced a case in which breast cancer was found just before the orthognathic surgery; we performed a bimaxillary osteotomy, including follow-up tamoxifen administration, during breast cancer treatment.

A case of severe mandibular retrognathism with bilateral condylar deformities treated with Le Fort I osteotomy and two advancement genioplasty procedures.

We report a case involving a young female patient with severe mandibular retrognathism accompanied by mandibular condylar deformity that was effectively treated with Le Fort I osteotomy and two genioplasty procedures. At 9 years and 9 months of age, she was diagnosed with Angle Class III malocclusion, a skeletal Class II jaw relationship, an anterior crossbite, congenital absence of some teeth, and a left-sided cleft lip and palate. Although the anterior crossbite and narrow maxillary arch were corrected by interceptive orthodontic treatment, severe mandibular hypogrowth resulted in unexpectedly severe mandibular retrognathism after growth completion. Moreover, bilateral condylar deformities were observed, and we suspected progressive condylar resorption (PCR). There was a high risk of further condylar resorption with mandibular advancement surgery; therefore, Le Fort I osteotomy with two genioplasty procedures was performed to achieve counterclockwise rotation of the mandible and avoid ingravescence of the condylar deformities. The total duration of active treatment was 42 months. The maxilla was impacted by 7.0 mm and 5.0 mm in the incisor and molar regions, respectively, while the pogonion was advanced by 18.0 mm. This significantly resolved both skeletal disharmony and malocclusion. Furthermore, the hyoid bone was advanced, the pharyngeal airway space was increased, and the morphology of the mandibular condyle was maintained. At the 30-month follow-up examination, the patient exhibited a satisfactory facial profile. The findings from our case suggest that severe mandibular retrognathism with condylar deformities can be effectively treated without surgical mandibular advancement, thus decreasing the risk of PCR.