Characteristics of craniofacial morphology and factors affecting them in patients with isolated cleft palate.

BACKGROUND: Myriad maxillo-mandibular occlusal relationships are observed in patients with isolated cleft palate (ICP), unlike in patients with other cleft types, such as cleft lip and palate. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to categorise the characteristics of craniofacial morphology in patients with ICP, and investigate the clinical factors affecting these categorised morphological characteristics. METHODS: Thirty-six girls with ICP (age (mean ± SD): 5.36 ± 0.36 years) underwent cephalometric measurement. Their craniofacial morphology was categorised using cluster analysis. Profilograms were created and superimposed onto the standard Japanese profilograms to visualise the morphological characteristics of each group (cluster). The mean values and variations in the linear and angular measurements of each group were compared with the Japanese standards and statistically analysed using Dunnett's test after the analysis of variance. Fisher's exact test was used to analyse the differences between the cleft types (cleft in the hard and/or soft palate) and skills of the operating surgeons in the groups. RESULTS: Cluster analysis of craniofacial morphologies in patients with ICP resulted in the formation of three categories: the first cluster exhibited a relatively harmonious anteroposterior relationship between the maxilla and the mandible (22.2%); the second cluster exhibited crossbite owing to a significantly smaller maxilla (33.3%); and the third cluster exhibited a smaller mandible with posterior rotation showing skeletal class II malocclusion (44.4%). Differences in cleft types and surgeons were not associated with the distribution of patients in each cluster. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with ICP exhibited characteristic morphological patterns, such as bimaxillary retrusion or severe mandibular retrusion, besides the anterior crossbite frequently found in patients with cleft lip and palate . Understanding the typical morphological characteristics could enable better diagnostic categorisation of patients with ICP, which may eventually improve orthodontic treatment planning.

Distribution of substance P and neurokinin-1 receptors in the peri-implant epithelium around titanium dental implants in rats.

We examined the distribution of substance P and neurokinin-1 (NK1) receptors and substance-P-containing nerve fibers in the peri-implant mucosa around titanium dental implants in rats. Immunohistochemistry and immunocytochemistry revealed that substance-P-immunoreactive nerve fibers abundantly innervated the peri-implant epithelium (PIE) compared with other epithelia of the peri-implant mucosa. NK1 receptor mRNA and protein expression in the peri-implant mucosa were confirmed by reverse transcription with the polymerase chain reaction and immunoblotting. Immunoelectron microscopy revealed that NK1 receptor immunoreactivity was preferentially localized in peri-implant epithelial cells. NK1-receptor-positive products were found on the plasma membrane and in vesicles and granules in PIE cells. Neutrophils and intraepithelial nerve axons in the PIE were positive for the NK1 receptor. NK1 receptor immunoreactivity was also detected in endothelial cells, fibroblasts, and nerve fibers in the connective tissue beneath the PIE. These findings suggest that peri-implant tissue receives sensory information through regenerated nerves expressing substance P and the NK1 receptor. In the peri-implant mucosa, the substance P/NK1 receptor system may play a role in pain transmission, the endocytosis of neutrophils, the extravasation of crevicular fluid, and the migration of macrophages and neutrophils in response to neurogenic inflammation, as in healthy gingiva.

Milk basic protein supplementation enhances fracture healing in mice.

OBJECTIVES: There is an unmet need for agents that can stimulate bone healing. The goal of this study was to evaluate the effects of basic proteins from milk whey (milk basic protein [MBP]) on fracture healing in mice. METHODS: Closed tibial transverse fractures were generated in 6-wk-old male C3 H/HeJ mice given either tap water or MBP-supplemented water for 3, 7, 14, 28, and 56 d after fracture generation. The tibial tissues were analyzed by radiography, µCT, and a three-point bending test. The expression levels of genes associated with bone metabolism were analyzed by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Quantitative µCT analysis showed that MBP-treated fractured tibiae had a larger hard callus in the sectional area and a larger volume compared with fractured tibiae without MBP treatment. The expression levels of genes associated with chondrogenesis and osteogenesis showed greater increases in fractured tibiae with MBP treatment. Significant increases in the callus mechanical properties were found in MBP-treated tibiae. CONCLUSIONS: MBP supplementation has the potential to improve fracture healing and bone strength in mouse tibiae. MBP could be a potential safe, low-cost, and easily administered nutritional element to prevent secondary fractures in patients with bone fractures.