[Morphological changes of upper airway in patients with skeletal Class â ¢ malocclusion after bimaxillary surgery and correlation analysis].

PURPOSE: To analyze the morphological changes of the upper airway and related influencing factors in patients with skeletal Class Ⅲ malocclusion after bimaxillary surgery. METHODS: Twenty skeletal Class Ⅲ patients who underwent Le Fort I osteotomy and bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy(BSSRO) for maxillary advancement and mandibular setback were selected. The patients received CT scans before(T0) and 3-6 months after surgery, and the images were reconstructed three-dimensionally with Dolphin Imaging 11.9 software. Changes in the volume, cross-sectional area, and landmarks of each soft and hard tissue of the airway were measured. Statistical analysis of the data was performed using SPSS 25.0 software package. RESULTS: The volume of nasopharyngeal airway increased after operation (P＜0.05), and the volume of oropharyngeal airway decreased significantly(P＜0.01). The cross-sectional area of the airway at the plane of the second cervical vertebra was significantly decreased (P＜0.01), and the coronal and sagittal diameters were decreased(P＜0.05). The change of nasopharyngeal airway volume was moderately positively correlated with the sagittal change of the posterior nasal spine (r=0.460, P＜0.05), and the change of oropharynx and laryngopharyngeal airway volume was positively correlated with the vertical change of the midpoint of the soft palate(r=0.496, 0.696, P＜0.05). The airway cross-sectional area in the second and third cervical vertebra planes and the sagittal diameter of the airway in the third cervical vertebra plane were positively correlated with the vertical changes of the midpoint of the soft palate(r=0.474, 0.629, 0.547, P＜0.05). The change of airway cross-sectional area at the third cervical vertebra plane was moderately negatively correlated with the change of mandibular plane angle(r=-0.536, P＜0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The volume and cross-sectional area of oropharyngeal airway in skeletal Class Ⅲ patients after bimaxillary surgery will decrease. However, the total upper airway volume doesn't change significantly. The changes in the upper airway are correlated with the changes in some soft and hard tissue landmarks.

Species identity and combinations differ in their overall benefits to Astragalus adsurgens plants inoculated with single or multiple endophytic fungi under drought conditions.

Although desert plants often establish multiple simultaneous symbiotic associations with various endophytic fungi in their roots, most studies focus on single fungus inoculation. Therefore, combined inoculation of multiple fungi should be applied to simulate natural habitats with the presence of a local microbiome. Here, a pot experiment was conducted to test the synergistic effects between three extremely arid habitat-adapted root endophytes (Alternaria chlamydospora, Sarocladium kiliense, and Monosporascus sp.). For that, we compared the effects of single fungus vs. combined fungi inoculation, on plant morphology and rhizospheric soil microhabitat of desert plant Astragalus adsurgens grown under drought and non-sterile soil conditions. The results indicated that fungal inoculation mainly influenced root biomass of A. adsurgens, but did not affect the shoot biomass. Both single fungus and combined inoculation decreased plant height (7-17%), but increased stem branching numbers (13-34%). However, fungal inoculation influenced the root length and surface area depending on their species and combinations, with the greatest benefits occurring on S. kiliense inoculation alone and its co-inoculation with Monosporascus sp. (109% and 61%; 54% and 42%). Although A. chlamydospora and co-inoculations with S. kiliense and Monosporascus sp. also appeared to promote root growth, these inoculations resulted in obvious soil acidification. Despite no observed root growth promotion, Monosporascus sp. associated with its combined inoculations maximally facilitated soil organic carbon accumulation. However, noticeably, combined inoculation of the three species had no significant effects on root length, surface area, and biomass, but promoted rhizospheric fungal diversity and abundance most, with Sordariomycetes being the dominant fungal group. This indicates the response of plant growth to fungal inoculation may be different from that of the rhizospheric fungal community. Structural equation modeling also demonstrated that fungal inoculation significantly influenced the interactions among the growth of A. adsurgens, soil factors, and rhizospheric fungal groups. Our findings suggest that, based on species-specific and combinatorial effects, endophytic fungi enhanced the plant root growth, altered soil nutrients, and facilitated rhizospheric fungal community, possibly contributing to desert plant performance and ecological adaptability. These results will provide the basis for evaluating the potential application of fungal inoculants for developing sustainable management for desert ecosystems.

[Cone-beam CT measurement of morphological changes of the root and alveolar bone of the central incisor during orthodontic treatment with extraction].

PURPOSE: To study the effect of orthodontic treatment with extraction on root resorption and alveolar bone morphology of the central incisor in adult patients. METHODS: Eleven adult patients receiving orthodontic treatment were enrolled, and asked to take cone-beam CT(CBCT) scanning before and after treatment. Root resorption of the upper and lower central incisors after treatment, changes in alveolar bone thickness and height of alveolar bone were measured and compared. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 23.0 software package. RESULTS: The length of the tooth and root was reduced to a certain degree. The change in root length of the maxillary incisor was larger than that of the mandibular incisor. The alveolar bone width of the lingual and palatal neck of the central incisor showed some reduction, and alveolar bone width of the palatal neck of the upper central incisor and the middle lingual side of the mandibular central incisor changed to a certain extent. The width of the alveolar bone in the middle labial side of the mandibular central incisor increased, but the alveolar bone on the lingual and palatal side increased after orthodontic treatment, which was more obvious than that of the maxillary central incisor. CONCLUSIONS: Orthodontic treatment with tooth extraction is accompanied by a certain degree of root resorption of the central incisor and alveolar bone on the lingual and palatal side. However it is also accompanied by an increase in the amount of alveolar bone on the labial side. More fenestration and dehiscence are observed in the mandible.

Isoliquiritigenin mitigates oxidative damage after subarachnoid hemorrhage in vivo and in vitro by regulating Nrf2-dependent Signaling Pathway via Targeting of SIRT1.

BACKGROUND: Oxidative stress is a crucial factor leading to subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH)-induced early brain injury (EBI). Isoliquiritigenin has been verified as a powerful anti-oxidant in a variety of diseases models and can activate sirtuin 1 and nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathways. However, the effects of isoliquiritigenin against EBI after SAH and the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. PURPOSE: The primary goal of this study is to verify the therapeutic effects of isoliquiritigenin on EBI after SAH and the possible molecular mechanisms. STUDY DESIGN: A prechiasmatic cistern SAH model in rats and a hemoglobin incubation SAH model in primary neurons were established. Isoliquiritigenin was administered after SAH induction. EX527 was employed to inhibit sirtuin 1 activation and ML385 was used to suppress Nrf2 signaling. METHODS: In our study, neurological scores, brain edema, biochemical estimation, western blotting, and histopathological study were performed to explore the therapeutic action of isoliquiritigenin against SAH. RESULTS: Our data revealed that isoliquiritigenin significantly mitigated oxidative damage after SAH as evidenced by decreased reactive oxygen species overproduction and enhanced intrinsic anti-oxidative system. Concomitant with the reduced oxidative insults, isoliquiritigenin improved neurological function and reduced neuronal death in the early period after SAH. Additionally, isoliquiritigenin administration significantly enhanced Nrf2 and sirtuin 1 expressions. Inhibition of Nrf2 by ML385 reversed the anti-oxidative and neuroprotective effects of isoliquiritigenin against SAH. Moreover, inhibiting sirtuin 1 by EX527 pretreatment suppressed isoliquiritigenin-induced Nrf2-dependent pathway and abated the cerebroprotective effects of isoliquiritigenin. In primary cortical neurons, isoliquiritigenin treatment also ameliorated oxidative insults and repressed neuronal degeneration. The beneficial aspects of isoliquiritigenin were attributed to the promotion of sirtuin 1 and Nrf2 signaling pathways and were counteracted by EX527. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that isoliquiritigenin exerts cerebroprotective effects against SAH-induced oxidative insults by modulating the Nrf2-mediated anti-oxidant signaling in part through sirtuin 1 activation. Isoliquiritigenin might be a new potential drug candidate for SAH.

Circular RNA in cancer development and immune regulation.

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a class of single-stranded RNAs with closed loop structures formed by covalent bonds of head and tail. Exploration of circRNAs is continually increasing; however, their functional relevance largely remains to be elucidated. In general, they are stable, abundant, conserved and expressed in tissue-specific manner. These distinct properties and their diverse cellular actions indicate that circRNAs modulate transcription and translation, and may even function as translation templates. Growing evidence reveals that circRNAs contribute to various physiological and pathological processes, including the initiation and progression of cancer. In this review, we present the current knowledge about circRNAs in cancer development, as well as their potential for use as biomarkers and even therapeutic targets. CircRNA's role in immune regulation and antitumour immunotherapy is also discussed. In addition, possible challenges in antitumour therapy are raised, and current progress and future perspectives are provided.

Luteolin Confers Cerebroprotection after Subarachnoid Hemorrhage by Suppression of NLPR3 Inflammasome Activation through Nrf2-Dependent Pathway.

Luteolin (LUT) possesses multiple biologic functions and has beneficial effects for cardiovascular and cerebral vascular diseases. Here, we investigated the protective effects of LUT against subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and the involvement of underlying molecular mechanisms. In a rat model of SAH, LUT significantly inhibited SAH-induced neuroinflammation as evidenced by reduced microglia activation, decreased neutrophil infiltration, and suppressed proinflammatory cytokine release. In addition, LUT markedly ameliorated SAH-induced oxidative damage and restored the endogenous antioxidant systems. Concomitant with the suppressed oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, LUT significantly improved neurologic function and reduced neuronal cell death after SAH. Mechanistically, LUT treatment significantly enhanced the expression of nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), while it downregulated nod-like receptor pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation. Inhibition of Nrf2 by ML385 dramatically abrogated LUT-induced Nrf2 activation and NLRP3 suppression and reversed the beneficial effects of LUT against SAH. In neurons and microglia coculture system, LUT also mitigated oxidative stress, inflammatory response, and neuronal degeneration. These beneficial effects were associated with activation of the Nrf2 and inhibitory effects on NLRP3 inflammasome and were reversed by ML385 treatment. Taken together, this present study reveals that LUT confers protection against SAH by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathway, which may be modulated by Nrf2 activation.

A20 Establishes Negative Feedback With TRAF6/NF-κB and Attenuates Early Brain Injury After Experimental Subarachnoid Hemorrhage.

Nuclear factor (NF)-κB-ty -50mediated neuroinflammation plays a crucial role in early brain injury (EBI) after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). As an important negative feedback regulator of NF-κB, A20 is essential for inflammatory homeostasis. Herein, we tested the hypothesis that A20 attenuates EBI by establishing NF-κB-associated negative feedback after experimental SAH. In vivo and in vitro models of SAH were established. TPCA-1 and lentivirus were used for NF-κB inhibition and A20 silencing/overexpression, respectively. Cellular localization of A20 in the brain was determined via immunofluorescence. Western blotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were applied to observe the expression of members of the A20/tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6)/NF-κB pathway and inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-1ß, TNF-α). Evans blue staining, TUNEL staining, Nissl staining, brain water content, and modified Garcia score were performed to evaluate the neuroprotective effect of A20. A20 expression by astrocytes, microglia, and neurons was increased at 24 h after SAH. A20 and inflammatory cytokine levels were decreased while TRAF6 expression was elevated after NF-κB inhibition. TRAF6, NF-κB, and inflammatory cytokine levels were increased after A20 silencing but suppressed with A20 overexpression. Also, Bcl-2, Bax, MMP-9, ZO-1 protein levels; Evans blue, TUNEL, and Nissl staining; brain water content; and modified Garcia score showed that A20 exerted a neuroprotective effect after SAH. A20 expression was regulated by NF-κB. In turn, increased A20 expression inhibited TRAF6 and NF-κB to reduce the subsequent inflammatory response. Our data also suggest that negative feedback regulation mechanism of the A20/TRAF6/NF-κB pathway and the neuroprotective role of A20 to attenuate EBI after SAH.

[Adsorption and Desorption Behaviors of Antibiotics on TWP and PVC Particles Before and After Aging].

In recent years, microplastics (MPs), a new type of pollutant, have been widely dispersed in aquatic ecosystems. Compared with typical MPs (PVC, PP, PE, and PS), tire wear particles (TWP) exhibit significant differences in composition, additives, and characteristics. In this study, the adsorption and desorption of organic pollutants were compared between the typical MPs and TWP. With TWP and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) particles as adsorbents, oxytetracycline (OTC) and sulfamethoxazole (SMZ) as adsorbates, the adsorption and desorption of organic pollutants by TWP and PVC particles before and after aging were studied. Correctly understanding the behavior of MPs in an aquatic environment is of great significance. The results indicated that during the UV aging process, both TWP and PVC exhibited cracks, pits, and bulges on the particle surface, increased specific surface areas, increased strength of oxygen-containing functional groups, and enhanced hydrophilicity. The adsorption modes of TWP and PVC before and after aging were in two stages:surface adsorption and liquid film diffusion. TWP has a better fit for the Freundlich model, belonging to multi-layer adsorption, while PVC has a better fit for the Langmuir model, belonging to monolayer adsorption. The carrier effect of TWP on antibiotics was better than that of PVC, with the adsorption capacity of OTC on virgin TWP and PVC reaching 5.14 mg·g-1 and 1.38 mg·g-1, respectively. Additionally, the adsorption capacity of OTC on the aged TWP and PVC reached 5.82 mg·g-1 and 2.13 mg·g-1, respectively, which was better than with the virgin samples. The desorption capacity of aged TWP and PVC for antibiotics was better than the virgin materials, while the desorption rate was lower. In the same desorption solution, the desorption effect of TWP on antibiotics before and after ageing was better than that of PVC. The desorption effect of TWP and PVC on antibiotics in a simulated intestinal fluid environment was significantly better than that in an ultra-pure water environment.

Circular RNAs: Promising biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and prognosis.

Circular RNAs (circRNAs), a group of non-coding RNA characterized by the presence of covalent bonds linking 3' and 5' ends, act as miRNA sponges to participate in the tumorigenesis. Being stable, conserved and cell- or tissue-specific, circRNAs have shown their potentials as molecular markers for cancer. Convenient and noninvasive approaches may be developed based on the roles of circRNAs to diagnose or predict the prognosis of tumors. Although most of the potential mechanisms are not entirely clear, circRNAs have shown a universal and critical role in regulating cellular processes of cancers. This review summarized the classification, formation, characteristics, detection, and biological functions of circRNAs. We proposed the possibility of using circRNAs as biomarkers for cancer diagnosis, treatment and prognosis.

Neuroprotective role of glutathione peroxidase 4 in experimental subarachnoid hemorrhage models.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Early brain injury is an essential pathological process after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), with many cell death modalities. Ferroptosis is a newly discovered regulated cell death caused by the iron-dependent accumulation of lipid peroxidation, which can be prevented by glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4). Our study aimed to investigate the role of GPX4 in neuronal cell death after experimental SAH. METHODS: In vivo experimental SAH was induced by injecting autologous arterial blood into the prechiasmatic cistern in male Sprague-Dawley rats. Meanwhile, the in vitro SAH model was performed with primary rat cortical neurons cultured in medium containing hemoglobin (Hb). Adenovirus was used to overexpress GPX4 before experimental SAH. GPX4 expression was detected by western blot and immunofluorescence experiments. Malondialdehyde (MDA) was measured to evaluate the level of lipid peroxidation. Nissl staining was employed to assess cell death in vivo, whereas lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release was used to evaluate cell damage in vitro. The brain water content and neurological deficits were evaluated to determine brain injury. RESULTS: Endogenous GPX4 was mainly expressed in neurons, and its expression decreased at 24 h after experimental SAH. Overexpression of GPX4 significantly reduced lipid peroxidation and cell death in the experimental SAH models both in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, overexpression of GPX4 ameliorated brain edema and neurological deficits at 24 h after SAH. CONCLUSIONS: The decrease of GPX4 expression potentially plays an important role in ferroptosis during early brain injury after SAH. Overexpression of GPX4 has a neuroprotective effect after SAH.

Early serum miR-1297 is an indicator of poor neurological outcome in patients with aSAH.

Objective: MiRNAs are important regulators of translation and have been described as biomarkers of a number of cardiovascular diseases, including stroke. The purpose of the study was to determine expression levels of serum miR-1297 in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH), and to assess whether miR-1297 was the prognostic indicator of aSAH. Methods: We treated 128 aSAH patients with endovascular coiling. The World Federation of Neurological Surgeons (WFNS) grades, Hunt-Hess grades, and modified Fisher scores were used to assess aSAH severity. Neurologic outcome was assessed using the Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at 1-year post-aSAH. Serum was taken at various time points (24, 72, and 168 h, and 14 days). Serum samples from aSAH patients and healthy controls were subjected to reverse transcription (RT) quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR). Results: A poor outcome at 1 year was associated with significantly higher levels of miR-1297 value at the four time points, higher WFNS grade, higher Hunt-Hess grade, and higher Fisher score. Serum miR-1297 levels were significantly higher in patients, compared with healthy controls. There were significant correlations of miR-1297 concentrations in serum with severity in aSAH. The AUCs of miR-1297 at the four time points for distinguishing the aSAH patients from healthy controls were 0.80, 0.94, 0.77, and 0.59, respectively. After multivariate logistic regression analysis, only miR-1297 at 24 and 72 h enabled prediction of neurological outcome at 1 year. Conclusion: Serum was an independent predictive factor of poor outcome at 1 year following aSAH. This result supports the use of miR-1297 in aSAH to aid determination of prognosis.

TMEM88, CCL14 and CLEC3B as prognostic biomarkers for prognosis and palindromia of human hepatocellular carcinoma.

Hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the most mortal and prevalent cancers with increasing incidence worldwide. Elucidating genetic driver genes for prognosis and palindromia of hepatocellular carcinoma helps managing clinical decisions for patients. In this study, the high-throughput RNA sequencing data on platform IlluminaHiSeq of hepatocellular carcinoma were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas with 330 primary hepatocellular carcinoma patient samples. Stable key genes with differential expressions were identified with which Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed using Cox proportional hazards test in R language. Driver genes influencing the prognosis of this disease were determined using clustering analysis. Functional analysis of driver genes was performed by literature search and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis. Finally, the selected driver genes were verified using external dataset GSE40873. A total of 5781 stable key genes were identified, including 156 genes definitely related to prognoses of hepatocellular carcinoma. Based on the significant key genes, samples were grouped into five clusters which were further integrated into high- and low-risk classes based on clinical features. TMEM88, CCL14, and CLEC3B were selected as driver genes which clustered high-/low-risk patients successfully (generally, p = 0.0005124445). Finally, survival analysis of the high-/low-risk samples from external database illustrated significant difference with p value 0.0198. In conclusion, TMEM88, CCL14, and CLEC3B genes were stable and available in predicting the survival and palindromia time of hepatocellular carcinoma. These genes could function as potential prognostic genes contributing to improve patients' outcomes and survival.

Integrated Analysis and MicroRNA Expression Profiling Identified Seven miRNAs Associated With Progression of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

MicroRNAs have been used as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for many cancers including oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Several studies have been shown that microRNA (miRNA) play important roles during the progression of OSCC. However, the results vary largely in different studies due to different platforms and sample sizes. In this study, we systematically evaluated a large scale of miRNA profiles from current qualified OSCC samples, and further investigated the functions of genes regulated by these key miRNAs as well as the signaling pathways through which these miRNA effect carcinogenesis. Seven key miRNAs were identified, and of which three were significantly upregulated, including hsa-miR-21, hsa-miR-31, hsa-miR-338, and four were downregulated, namely hsa-miR-125b, hsa-miR-133a, hsa-miR-133b, and hsa-miR-139. The function enrichment analysis revealed that target genes of upregulated miRNAs were associated with cellular protein metabolic process, macromolecule metabolic process, and TGF-beta pathway, while the targets of downregulated were enriched in negative regulation of macromolecule biosynthetic process and gene expression, and p53, long-term potentiation and adherens junction pathways. Transcription factor analysis revealed that there were 67 (51.1%) transcription factors influenced by both up and downregulated miRNAs. In summary, seven key miRNAs were found to play essential role in progression of OSCC, as well as the target genes and transcription factors of these miRNAs. The potential functions of these target genes identified in our study may be profitable to diagnosis and prognostic prediction of OSCC as biomarkers. J. Cell. Physiol. 232: 2178-2185, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

[Condylar morphological changes before and after orthodontic treatment for angle Class I malocclusion adult patients].

PURPOSE: To evaluate the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of panoramic radiography in detection of maxillary teeth roots projecting into the maxillary sinus. METHODS: Paired panoramic radiographs and cone-beam CT (CBCT) images of maxilla from 110 subjects were analyzed. 42 males and 68 females (15~36 years old) with the second molars erupted completely were included. The 2 radiographic techniques were used to observe if the roots of maxillary teeth project into the sinus, including canine, the first premolar, the second premolar, the first molar and the second molar. With CBCT as a gold standard, the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of panoramic radiography were evaluated, as well as the accuracy, prevalence, positive likehood ratio, and negtive likehood ratio. RESULTS: The sensitivity for canine, the first premolar, the second premolar, the first molar, and the second molar was 100%, 100%, 96%, 99%, and 96%, respectively. The specificity for canine, the first premolar the second premolar, the first molar, and the second molar was 94%, 92%, 84%, 67%, and 67%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Panoramic radiography has a high diagnostic sensitivity in detection of the teeth roots projecting into the maxillary sinus for maxillary teeth. However, it can't afford sufficient proof for orthodontic anchorage design because of low specificity, especially for the second premolar, the first molar and the second molar.

[Osteogenic gene expression of human periodontal ligament stem cells during osteogenic induction].

URPOSE: To isolate and identify the human periodontal ligament stem cells, evaluate osteogenetic capacity, and investigate the changes of osteogenic bone related gene expression in mineralized medium at different times. METHODS: PDLSCs were isolated by tissue culture and magnetic activated cell sorting. Immunofluorescence staining was used for identification. The general situation of osteogenesis was assessed with alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and alizarin red staining. Real-time PCR was used to detect the expression of genes in osteoinduction. SPSS12.0 software package was used for data analysis. RESULTS: Tissue culture with magnetic cell sorting could isolate high-purity human periodontal ligament stem cells. During the osteogenic process, the expression of FoxO1 and Runx2 firstly increased and then decreased, ALP and OCN gene levels continued to increase. CONCLUSIONS: Similar to osteogenesis, ALP, Runx2, FoxO1 and OCN are regularly expressed during osteogenic induction.

AMP-activated protein kinase acts as a negative regulator of high glucose-induced RANKL expression in human periodontal ligament cells.

BACKGROUND: It is well known that the function of periodontal ligament cells may be affected by high glucose levels. This study investigated the direct effect of high glucose on the expression of receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand (RANKL) in human PDL (hPDL) cells. In addition, we examined whether this effect was mediated via AMPK activation. METHODS: We examined the expression of osteoprotegerin in hPDL cells cultured at different concentrations of glucose using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and Western blotting analysis. AMPK phosphorylation in hPDL cells was studied using immunoprecipitate kinase assay and Western blotting. The effect of AMPK activation on RANKL expression in hPDL cells was investigated by real-time PCR and Western blotting. RESULTS: High glucose levels caused an increase in RANKL mRNA and protein expression in hPDL cells. Moreover, the amount of p-AMPK and AMPK activity was lower in hPDL cells exposed to high glucose levels than in cells exposed to normal glucose levels. Suppression of AMPK by Compound C augmented RANKL expression, and AMPK activation by metformin significantly decreased RANKL expression in hPDL cells. Additionally, metformin down-regulated RANKL expression in hPDL cells exposed to high glucose via AMPK activation. CONCLUSION: High glucose-induced up-regulation of RANKL could be due to decreased AMPK activity, and AMPK activation may be involved in regulating of RANKL expression in hPDL cells.

[The biological effect of high glucose on human periodontal ligament fibroblast].

PURPOSE: The investigate the effect of high glucose on proliferation, total protein synthesis, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities, collagen-I(Col-I) and osteocalcin(OCN) secretion of human periodontal ligament fibroblast(hPDLF) in vitro and the regulative function of insulin in this process. METHODS: Glucose of different concentration (5.5,15,25,35and 45mmol/L) was used to culture hPDLF and insulin was used for each group as treatment control. 24 hrs after administration, cell proliferation was detected by cell counting kit (CCK-8), total protein synthesis, ALP activities, Col-I and OCN secretion were investigated. Data was analyzed with SPSS 13.0 soft ware package. RESULTS: Glucose of low concentration had no effect on biological function of hPDLF, but glucose of high concentration could inhibit proliferation, total protein synthesis, ALP activities, Col-I and OCN secretion of hPDLF significantly in a concentration-dependent manner. This effect could be blocked by insulin. CONCLUSIONS: High glucose could inhibit biological function of hPDLF and such effect could be blocked by insulin.

A novel possible strategy based on self-assembly approach to achieve complete periodontal regeneration.

Limitations of current regeneration modalities underscore the importance of restoring the three-dimensional (3D) microenvironment of periodontal development, which is able to elicit the intrinsic capacity of mesenchymal stem cells to proceed to engage in a redevelopment-like program. With increased attention for the potential therapeutic applications of periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) in periodontal regeneration, it has been proposed that bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) are very likely another cell source of physiological repair of periodontal tissues. With this in mind, enlightened from the research targeting the fabrication of laminar structures such as liver and kidney with heterotypic stratification of cell sheets, we proposed a novel possible strategy based on self-assembly approach, which is akin to the physiological phenomenon that occurs during organogenesis, to enhance complete reconstruction of functional complex periodontium-organ systems. We assumed that in this strategy, using the intrinsic capacity of monodispersed cells to self-assemble into a microtissue such as a 3D spheroid, bilayered cell pellet constructs comprising calcified bone-forming cell pellets (i.e., BMMSCs) and cementum/PDL-forming cell pellets (i.e., PDLSCs) would be fabricated in vitro in a tissue-mimicking way and then implanted into periodontal defects. We hypothesize that this novel strategy might open new options to reconstruct extended periodontal defects and then achieve the ultimate goal of predictable and complete regeneration of the periodontium.