Klotho Supplementation Reverses Renal Dysfunction and Interstitial Fibrosis in Remnant Kidney.

INTRODUCTION: While recent investigations show that klotho exerts renoprotective actions, it has not been fully addressed whether klotho protein supplementation reverses renal damage. METHODS: The impacts of subcutaneous klotho supplementation on rats with subtotal nephrectomy were examined. Animals were divided into 3 groups: group 1 (short remnant [SR]): remnant kidney for 4 weeks, group 2 (long remnant [LR]): remnant kidney for 12 weeks, and group 3 (klotho supplementation [KL]): klotho protein (20 µg/kg/day) supplementation on the remnant kidney. Blood pressure, blood and urine compositions with conventional methods such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and radioimmunoassay, kidney histology, and renal expressions of various genes were analyzed. In vitro studies were also performed to support in vivo findings. RESULTS: Klotho protein supplementation decreased albuminuria (-43%), systolic blood pressure (-16%), fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 23 (-51%) and serum phosphate levels (-19%), renal angiotensin II concentration (-43%), fibrosis index (-70%), renal expressions of collagen I (-55%), and transforming growth factor ß (-59%) (p < 0.05 for all). Klotho supplementation enhanced fractional excretion of phosphate (+45%), glomerular filtration rate (+76%), renal expressions of klotho (+148%), superoxide dismutase (+124%), and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) 7 (+174%) (p < 0.05 for all). CONCLUSION: Our data indicated that klotho protein supplementation inactivated renal renin-angiotensin system, reducing blood pressure and albuminuria in remnant kidney. Furthermore, exogenous klotho protein supplementation elevated endogenous klotho expression to increase phosphate excretion with resultant reductions in FGF23 and serum phosphate. Finally, klotho supplementation reversed renal dysfunction and fibrosis in association with improved BMP7 in remnant kidney.

Shear bond strength of an acrylic resin to a ceria-stabilized zirconia-alumina nanocomposite.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Ceria-stabilized zirconia-alumina nanocomposite (Ce-TZP-Al2O3) has properties that may be suitable for partial denture frameworks. However, studies on its adhesion strength and durability with denture base resin are lacking. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to determine the optimal surface treatment for Ce-TZP-Al2O3 to secure a durable bond with an acrylic resin. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The surface of Ce-TZP-Al2O3 test specimens was alumina airborne-particle abraded (Group APA) and then treated with 10-methacryloyloxydecyl dihydrogen phosphate (MDP) (Group MDP) and 2 silica coating methods: the flame spraying method (Group SLP) and the tribochemical treatment (110 µm: Group TRB-P, 30 µm: Group TRB-S). TRB-P and TBR-S were further treated by MDP (Group CBT-P and CBT-S). Autopolymerizing acrylic resin was bonded to the specimens, and the shear bond strength was tested after thermocycling (5 °C and 60 °C, 10 000 cycles). The area of the resin remaining on the fractured surfaces was also measured. To evaluate the effect of the surface treatment condition on shear bond strength and the resin remaining, 1-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted, followed by the Tukey multiple comparison post hoc test. Additionally, the effect of thermocycling on the specimens was evaluated by the Student t test. RESULTS: After placement in deionized water for 24 hours, the shear bond strengths of Group MDP and 2 types of combination treatment (Groups CBT-P and CBT-S) were significantly higher than those of Groups SLP, TRB-P, and TRB-S (P<.05). Moreover, the fractured surface of all the treatment conditions except Group APA showed cohesive failure. The shear bond strength as a result of all treatment conditions decreased significantly after thermocycling (P<.05). Group CBT-S showed the highest shear bond strength; however, no significant differences were found between Groups CBT-S and MDP (P=.908). In particular, the area of resin remaining on the fractured surfaces of Group CBT-S was 100% (cohesive failure). CONCLUSIONS: The combined surface treatment of alumina airborne-particle abrasion and tribochemical treatment, along with primer treatment using silane coupling and an MDP monomer, improved the adhesion strength and adhesion durability between base resins and Ce-TZP-Al2O3.

Klotho supplementation attenuates blood pressure and albuminuria in murine model of IgA nephropathy.

BACKGROUND: Klotho interacts with various membrane proteins, such as transforming growth factor-ß (TGFß) and insulin-like growth factor (IGF) receptors. The renal expression of klotho is diminished in chronic kidney disease. METHOD: In this study, we assessed the effects of klotho supplementation on a murine model of IgA nephropathy. Twenty-four-week-old hyper serum IgA (HIGA) mice were subcutaneously injected daily with recombinant human klotho protein (20 µg/kg per day) or the vehicle. After 2 months, the mice were killed using an anesthesia overdose and their kidneys were harvested for analysis. RESULTS: Supplementation of exogenous klotho protein reduced SBP, albuminuria, 8-epi-prostaglandin F2α excretion, glomerular filtration rate, renal angiotensin II concentration, and angiotensinogen expression in HIGA mice. Additionally, it enhanced renal expression of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and renal klotho itself. The findings using laser-manipulated microdissection demonstrated that klotho supplementation reduced the glomerular expression of TGFß, fibronectin, and IGF, and increased the glomerular expression of connexin (Cx) 40. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that klotho supplementation reduces blood pressure by suppressing the renin--angiotensin system in HIGA mice. Klotho inhibits IGF signaling to preserve glomerular Cx40 levels, ameliorating albuminuria in HIGA mice. Klotho protein supplementation attenuates mesangial expansion by inhibiting TGFß signaling in HIGA mice.

Klotho Ameliorates Medullary Fibrosis and Pressure Natriuresis in Hypertensive Rat Kidneys.

Renal expression of klotho is reduced in hypertension. Experiments were performed to examine whether exogenous klotho protein supplementation ameliorates pressure natriuresis in early phase of hypertension, using stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (sp-SHR). The interactions between klotho protein and renal renin-Ang (angiotensin) system were examined with immunoprecipitation and cell culture methods. Uninephrectomy was performed in sp-SHRs to induce nephrosclerosis, and they were treated with exogenous klotho protein or vehicle. Exogenous klotho protein supplementation to sp-SHR decreased blood pressure, renal Ang II levels, AGT (angiotensinogen) expression, HIF (hypoxia-inducible factor)-1α abundance, and medullary fibronectin levels, with increased renal klotho expression and serum and urine klotho levels. Klotho supplementation also reduced kidney weight, renal phosphorylated Akt, and mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) abundance. Furthermore, klotho supplementation restored renal autoregulation of glomerular filtration rate and enhanced pressure-induced natriuresis in sp-SHR. Klotho protein bound to AT1R (Ang II type-1 receptor) and decreased the presence of AT1R on HK-2 (human proximal tubular) cells, attenuating inositol triphosphate generation. Klotho protein suppressed Ang II-induced increments of AGT expression in HK-2 cells. Collectively, the present data demonstrate that klotho binds with the AT1R to suppress Ang signal transduction, participating in inactivating renal renin-Ang system. Our results also suggest that exogenous klotho supplementation represses Akt-mTOR signaling to reduce renal hypertrophy and restore the autoregulatory ability of glomerular filtration rate in uninephrectomized sp-SHRs. Finally, the present findings implicate that klotho supplementation inhibits HIF-1α pathway and medullary fibrosis, contributing to enhancements of pressure natriuresis and reduction in blood pressure.

Bending properties of Ce-TZP/A nanocomposite clasps for removable partial dentures.

PURPOSE: Ceria-stabilized zirconia/alumina nanocomposite (Ce-TZP/A) has excellent fracture toughness and bending strength that could be useful for partial denture framework application. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of three-dimensional (3D) geometry on the bending and fatigue properties of a model simulation of Ce-TZP/A clasps. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Half oval-shaped Ce-TZP/A rods were prepared in six 3D designs. Specimens were either of standard (width divided by thickness: 2.0/1.0 mm) or flat type (2.5/0.8 mm) cross-sectional areas with taper ratios of 1.0, 0.8, or 0.6. As a comparison, cobalt-chromium (Co-Cr) alloy rods of the same shape as the Ce-TZP/A standard shape rod were prepared. All specimens were subjected to the cantilever test and loaded until fracture. They were also cyclically loaded 106 times with various constant displacements, and the maximum displacement prior to fracture was determined for each specimen. Three-dimensional finite element analysis (3D FEA), simulating the cantilever test, was performed to determine the stress distribution during loading. RESULTS: Specimens with the standard cross-sectional shape exhibited higher rigidity and higher fracture loads than the flat specimens by the cantilever test. In addition, lower taper ratios were consistently associated with larger displacements at fracture. Fatigue tests revealed that the maximum displacement prior to fracture of Ce-TZP/A specimens was comparable to that of Co-Cr alloy specimens. The 3D FEA showed that specimens with a taper ratio of 0.6 had the least stress concentration. CONCLUSIONS: Ce-TZP/A clasp specimens with a standard cross-sectional shape and a 0.6 taper ratio exhibited the best bending properties among those tested.

Calcitriol supplementation improves endothelium-dependent vasodilation in rat hypertensive renal injury.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Vitamin D increases renal expression of klotho in normotensive rats. Klotho reduces oxidative stress. METHODS: In this study, we aimed to determine if vitamin D would suppress oxidative stress using 4 groups of hypertensive rats: uninephrectomized, stroke-prone, spontaneously hypertensive rats fed a high-salt (6%) diet (controls; C); those treated with irbesartan (I); those treated with calcitriol (V); and those treated with both irbesartan and calcitriol (I+V). RESULTS: Systolic blood pressure was higher in the C group than in the I and I+V groups. Albuminuria was attenuated in groups I, V, and I+V. Renal angiotensin II (AngII) concentration was lower in groups I and I+V than in group C, and plasma AngII levels of groups I and V were higher and lower than those in group C, respectively. Compared with group C, renal klotho expression, 8-epi-prostaglandin F2α excretion, and acetylcholine-induced decrease in blood pressure improved in the V and I+V groups. CONCLUSIONS: The data indicate that irbesartan effectively decreases blood pressure and renal AngII levels, and improves albuminuria. Our findings indicate that vitamin D enhances klotho expression, suppressing oxidative stress and albuminuria without substantial changes in renal AngII levels. These results suggest that the amelioration of endothelium function by vitamin D involves free klotho.

Zinc-Excess Intake Causes the Deterioration of Renal Function Accompanied by an Elevation in Systemic Blood Pressure Primarily Through Superoxide Radical-Induced Oxidative Stress.

Using rats fed 22 g/d of a control diet containing 0.005% zinc (Zn) or 2 Zn-excess diets containing 0.05% or 0.2% Zn for 4 weeks, we examined the mechanisms involved in the deterioration of renal function induced by Zn-excess intake. An increase in Zn intake elevated mean blood pressure (BP) and reduced renal blood flow (RBF) and inulin clearance in a dose-dependent manner. This decline in inulin clearance may be derived from a fall in RBF. Administration of the nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor, Nω-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester, markedly increased mean BP and significantly decreased RBF in the 3 groups of rats. Administration of the exogenous superoxide radical (OO-) scavenger, tempol, significantly decreased mean BP and substantially increased RBF in all groups of rats. These observations suggest that both an elevation in systemic BP and a reduction in RBF seen in the 2 Zn-excess diet groups result from a decrease in the action of the vasodilator, NO, through the formation of peroxynitrite based on the nonenzymatic reaction of NO and increased OO- Indeed, the activity of the endogenous OO- scavenger, copper/Zn-superoxide dismutase, was significantly reduced in the vessel wall of rats fed 2 Zn-excess diets versus a control diet. 8-Hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine formation caused by OO- generation was notably elevated in the kidneys of rats fed 2 Zn-excess diets relatively to rats fed a control diet. Thus, Zn-excess intake leads to the aggravation of renal function concomitantly with an increase in systemic BP predominantly through the oxidative stress caused by OO^.

Compatibility of Ce-TZP/Al2O3 nanocomposite frameworks and veneering porcelains.

The aim of this study was to examine the compatibility of Ce-TZP/Al2O3 nanocomposite (CTA) frameworks and veneering porcelains using the Schwickerath crack initiation test and clarify the effects on debonding/crack initiation strength (DIS) of both surface pretreatment (include heat treatment) of the frameworks, type of veneering porcelain varying the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE), and surface roughness of the frameworks. The surfaces of Ce-TZP/Al2O3 plates were mechanically treated and followed by post-heat treatment. The liner and body porcelains were built up and fired according to the manufacturer's instructions. Surface analyses of the fractured plates showed compatibility with liner porcelains. Since no statistically difference in the DIS was found amongst the different surface treatments, post-heat treatments don't be mandatory. Whereas, since differences in DIS were found when different porcelains with different CTE were used, we concluded the matching of CTE of the porcelain with that of Ce-TZP/Al2O3 was important for successful all-ceramic restorations using Ce-TZP/Al2O3 frameworks.

In vitro demineralization of tooth enamel subjected to two whitening regimens.

BACKGROUND: The resistance of bleached enamel to demineralization has not been elucidated fully. In this study, the authors aimed to examine the level of in vitro demineralization of human tooth enamel after bleaching by using two common bleaching regimens: home bleaching (HB) and office bleaching (OB) with photoirradiation. METHODS: The authors bleached teeth to equivalent levels by means of the two bleaching regimens. They used fluorescence spectroscopy to measure the reduction in enamel density and the release of calcium into solution after storing the treated teeth in a demineralizing solution for two weeks. They also visualized and quantified mineral distribution in demineralized bleached enamel over time by using a desktop microcomputed-tomographic analyzer. RESULTS: Enamel subjected to HB or to photoirradiation without bleaching showed increased demineralization. In contrast, enamel treated with OB was more resistant to demineralization. This resistance to demineralization in teeth treated with OB presumably is due to peroxide's permeating to deeper layers of enamel before being activated by photoirradiation, which enhances mineralization. CONCLUSIONS: The mineral distribution pattern of enamel after treatment plays a critical role in providing resistance to demineralization in whitened teeth. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: OB confers to enamel significant resistance to in vitro demineralization. Dentists should supervise the nightguard HB process.

Lysyl oxidase like-2 reinforces unsatisfactory ossification induced by bone morphogenetic protein-2: relating nanomechanical properties and molecular changes.

Bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP2) is among the most popular anabolic agents and substantially increase bone volume related to enhanced osteoblast differentiation. Here we demonstrate a remarkable deterioration in the nanomechanical properties of mineralized tissue induced from osteoblasts solely by the function of BMP2. Mineralized tissue of primary osteoblasts cultured with BMP2 shows molecular features of both bone and cartilage, but depletion of lysyl oxidase family members leads to poor nanomechanical properties of the mineralized tissue. Lysyl oxidase like-2 supplementation reinforces the inferior mineralized tissue induced from osteoblasts by BMP2 through intermolecular cross-linking of type II or type X collagen-rich extracellular matrix. This may also mimic a consolidation of bone fracture gaps, despite the fact that the distribution of the bone properties in such microenvironments has been poorly elucidated. These findings confirm the importance of testing newly induced bone down to the microscale and nanoscale in bone tissue engineering. FROM THE CLINICAL EDITOR: Bone morphogenetic protein-2 is known to substantially increase bone volume related to enhanced osteoblast differentiation; however, this team of investigators report a remarkable deterioration in the nanomechanical properties of mineralized tissue induced from osteoblasts solely by the function of BMP2.

Properties of experimental titanium cast investment mixing with water reducing agent solution.

This study aimed to develop a dental investment for titanium casting. ZrO(2) and Al(2)O(3) were selected as refractory materials to prepare three investments (Codes: A-C) according to the quantity of Zr. Al(2)O(3) cement was used as a binder at a ratio of 15%, they were mixed with special mixing liquid. B1 was used as a control mixed with water. Fundamental examinations were statistically evaluated. A casting test was performed with investment B. Fluidities, setting times, and green strengths showed no remarkable differences; however, they were significantly different from those of B1. Expansion values for A, B, C, and B1 at 850°C were 1.03%±0.08%, 1.96%±0.17%, 4.35%±0.23%, and 1.50%±0.28%, respectively. Castings were covered by only small amounts of mold materials. The hardness test showed no significant differences between castings from B and the ones from commercial investments. The experimental special mixing liquid effectively reduced the water/powder ratio and improved the strength and thermal expansion.

Effects of a convenient silica-coating treatment on shear bond strengths of porcelain veneers on zirconia-based ceramics.

Porcelain veneering of zirconia is necessary, but chipping of the veneer may cause clinical problems. We investigated the effects of silica coating to improve the bond strength between porcelain veneers and zirconia-based ceramics. The ceramics tested were zirconia/alumina nanocomposites stabilized with ceria. Three surface treatments, grinding with a carborundum point (CA), sandblasting with alumina (SB), and Silano-Pen treatment (SP), were performed. Untreated specimens (NT) were examined as a control. The surface roughnesses and contact angles after treatment were measured. Shear bond tests were conducted, and the average strengths were calculated. EPMA was used for elemental identifications and surface observations. The bond strengths with SP were 20.00±3.43MPa and were significantly larger than that (15.35±3.12 MPa) of NT (p<0.05). However, differences among treated specimens were not significant. Moreover, SP gave superior wettability, and smoothness as good as NT. These data suggest that SP affects the bond strength between zirconia and a porcelain veneer.

Tape-cast and sintered ß-tricalcium phosphate laminates for biomedical applications: Effect of milled Al2O3 fiber additives on microstructural and mechanical properties.

The aim of this study was to develop the tape-cast, laminated, and sintered ß-tricalcium phosphate (ß-TCP) with milled Al(2)O(3) fibers for biomedical applications. Moreover, the effects of Al(2)O(3)-fiber content on the microstructural and mechanical properties of the sintered ß-TCP laminates were investigated. The milled Al(2)O(3) fibers were added at four different contents, namely 0, 5, 10, or 15 mass%, to the initial ß-TCP slurry. Next, ß-TCP green sheets were fabricated from the ß-TCP slurry containing the milled Al(2)O(3) fibers by a tape-casting method. Finally, six plies of ß-TCP monolayer sheet were laminated and sintered at a maximum temperature of 1100°C in a furnace. The results showed that there were large differences between the apparent porosities, dynamic hardness, and flexural properties of the sintered ß-TCP laminates with Al(2)O(3)-fiber contents of 0 and 5 mass%, but few differences among laminates with fiber contents of 5, 10, and 15 mass%. This indicates that the addition of only 5 mass% of Al(2)O(3) fibers strongly affects the degree of sintering, corresponding to crystallization of the ß-TCP matrix phase. Furthermore, the flexural moduli of our materials ranged from 10.7 to 16.0 GPa when the Al(2)O(3)-fiber content changed from 5 to 15 mass% and were the almost same as those of human bones reported by other researchers. In conclusion, sintered ß-TCP laminates with Al(2)O(3) fibers have potential uses in a wide range of biomedical applications because the microstructural and mechanical properties of the sintered ß-TCP laminates can be controlled by adding Al(2)O(3) fibers to the ß-TCP.

Novel fabrication method for zirconia restorations: bonding strength of machinable ceramic to zirconia with resin cements.

A novel method was developed to fabricate all-ceramic restorations which comprised CAD/CAM-fabricated machinable ceramic bonded to CAD/CAM-fabricated zirconia framework using resin cement. The feasibility of this fabrication method was assessed in this study by investigating the bonding strength of a machinable ceramic to zirconia. A machinable ceramic was bonded to a zirconia plate using three kinds of resin cements: ResiCem (RE), Panavia (PA), and Multilink (ML). Conventional porcelain-fused-to-zirconia specimens were also prepared to serve as control. Shear bond strength test (SBT) and Schwickerath crack initiation test (SCT) were carried out. SBT revealed that PA (40.42 MPa) yielded a significantly higher bonding strength than RE (28.01 MPa) and ML (18.89 MPa). SCT revealed that the bonding strengths of test groups using resin cement were significantly higher than those of Control. Notably, the bonding strengths of RE and ML were above 25 MPa even after 10,000 times of thermal cycling -adequately meeting the ISO 9693 standard for metal-ceramic restorations. These results affirmed the feasibility of the novel fabrication method, in that a CAD/CAM-fabricated machinable ceramic is bonded to a CAD/CAM-fabricated zirconia framework using a resin cement.

Comparison of nanohardness between coronal and radicular intertubular dentin.

This study investigated the hardness and Young's modulus of coronal and radicular intertubular dentin. Ten bovine teeth were each divided into coronal and radicular groups, and the flat surfaces of the coronal and radicular dentin were subsequently processed along the tooth axis. The hardness and Young's modulus of the coronal and radicular intertubular dentin were evaluated using nanoindentation tests, at two locations per tooth. Mean hardness and Young's modulus values were statistically compared by one-way ANOVA and Fisher's PLSD test. The hardness of coronal intertubular dentin was 0.81 +/- 0.05 GPa and that of radicular dentin was 0.55 +/- 0.02 GPa. Additionally, the Young's modulus of coronal intertubular dentin was 26.60 +/- 2.19 GPa and that of radicular dentin was 20.89 +/- 1.10 GPa. Findings of this study revealed that the hardness and Young's modulus of coronal intertubular dentin were greater than those of radicular intertubular dentin.

Fracture toughness measurement of dental ceramics using the indentation fracture method with different formulas.

This study examined fracture toughness (KIC) measurements obtained using the indentation fracture (IF) method with a view to improving their reliability. The KIC values of five dental ceramics were measured using the IF method with five different formulas, and the single-edge precracked beam (SEPB) method was used as a control. The elastic moduli of the dental ceramics were evaluated by dynamic hardness test. Load conditions of the dental ceramics that produced a median/radial crack for the IF method formulas were investigated. Based on the resultant c/a and P/c1.5 values, the indentation load (P) required for median/radial crack occurrence varied greatly from 29.4 to 196 N depending on the ceramic used. Among the five formulas, none of the KIC values obtained by the IF method with Miyoshi's formula differed significantly (p > 0.05) from the values obtained using SEPB method. These results suggested that, after an appropriate indentation load is determined, reliable KIC values for small dental ceramic specimens can be easily obtained using the IF method if Miyoshi's formula is used in combination with the dynamic hardness test.

Functionally gradient bonelike hydroxyapatite coating on a titanium metal substrate created by a discharging method in HBSS without organic molecules.

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the quality of coatings on titanium surfaces prepared by discharging in Hanks' balanced salt solution without organic molecules (HBSS-). MATERIALS AND METHODS: 10 x 10 x 1.0-mm titanium plates were used as cathodes of a coating device developed in the laboratory and immersed in HBSS-. A piece of platinum foil was used as a counterelectrode. Discharging was maintained at 1 A and 10 V (416 mA/cm2) for periods of 90, 270, and 540 seconds. Crystal phases of the coatings were identified by x-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). In addition, the surface characterization and Ca/P atomic ratio of the titanium surfaces were determined by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Furthermore, the surface topography, the thickness of the coatings, and the bonds between coatings and titanium substrates were observed by scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS: The FTIR and XRD studies demonstrated that the deposits on the titanium after 540 seconds of discharging were crystalline hydroxyapatite. In addition, the thickness of the titanium suboxide layer increased during discharging. The XPS studies indicated that after 540 seconds of processing, the mean Ca/P ratio of the coatings on the titanium was 1.71, which is similar to that of human bone. DISCUSSION: In addition, the replacement of sodium ions with calcium ions seemed important for the promotion of crystallization of the coating. Furthermore, the XPS studies demonstrated that the coatings had a gradient function. Scanning electron microscopy showed that adhesion between coatings and the titanium substrate was close. The coatings were approximately 1 microm thick. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that a very thin crystalline bonelike hydroxyapatite coating with a gradient function could be prepared on a titanium metal substrate in HBSS- by a discharging method.

Effect of Nd:YAG laser irradiation on shear bond strength of glass-lonomer luting cement to dentin surface.

PURPOSE: The purposes of this study were to evaluate the shear bond strength of luting glass-ionomer cement to a dentin surface treated by pulsed Nd:YAG laser irradiation, and to prove the hypothesis that the bond strength of glass-ionomer luting cement to dentin is favorably altered after Nd:YAG laser irradiation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-four extracted human molars with an exposed flat dentin surface were divided into four groups (n = 16). After painting black ink on their surfaces, the teeth of groups 1, 2, and 3 were irradiated by an Nd:YAG laser at 1.064-microm wavelength at 1, 2, and 3 W, respectively; group 4 was untreated and served as a control. Some specimens of each group were used for morphologic and atomic analytic study, and the others were used for shear bond testing. The shear bond test was performed after cylindric titanium specimens were cemented with glass-ionomer cement on a circular dentin area and specimens were immersed in distilled water. The tested specimens were also morphologically investigated. RESULTS: Shear bond strength of group 3 was significantly higher than that of the control group. Morphologic observation of the cement-dentin interface showed good adaptation of the luting cement to laser-treated dentin. Analysis of atomic contents on the dentin surface showed a significant increase of calcium:phosphorus ratio after laser irradiation. CONCLUSION: The dentin surface was modified morphologically and chemically, and the shear bond strength of glass-ionomer luting cement to dentin was increased by Nd:YAG laser irradiation at 3 W.