Influence of Nano, Micro, and Macro Topography of Dental Implant Surfaces on Human Gingival Fibroblasts.

Current research on dental implants has mainly focused on the influence of surface roughness on the rate of osseointegration, while studies on the development of surfaces to also improve the interaction of peri-implant soft tissues are lacking. To this end, the first purpose of this study was to evaluate the response of human gingival fibroblasts (hGDFs) to titanium implant discs (Implacil De Bortoli, Brazil) having different micro and nano-topography: machined (Ti-M) versus sandblasted/double-etched (Ti-S). The secondary aim was to investigate the effect of the macrogeometry of the discs on cells: linear-like (Ti-L) versus wave-like (Ti-W) surfaces. The atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis showed that the Ti-S surfaces were characterized by a significantly higher micro and nano roughness and showed the 3D macrotopography of Ti-L and Ti-W surfaces. For in vitro analyses, the hGDFs were seeded into titanium discs and analyzed at 1, 3, and 5 days for adhesion and morphology (SEM) viability and proliferation (Cck-8 and MTT assays). The results showed that all tested surfaces were not cytotoxic for the hGDFs, rather the nano-micro and macro topography favored their proliferation in a time-dependent manner. Especially, at 3 and 5 days, the number of cells on Ti-L was higher than on other surfaces, including Ti-W surfaces. In conclusion, although further studies are needed, our in vitro data proved that the use of implant discs with Ti-S surfaces promotes the adhesion and proliferation of gingival fibroblasts, suggesting their use for in vivo applications.

Relevance of Caspase-1 and Nlrp3 Inflammasome on Inflammatory Bone Resorption in A Murine Model of Periodontitis.

This study investigates the role of NLRP3 inflammasome and its main effector Caspase-1 in inflammation and alveolar bone resorption associated with periodontitis. Heat-killed Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa) was injected 3x/week (4 weeks) into gingival tissues of wild-type (WT), Nlrp3-KO and Caspase1-KO mice. Bone resorption was measured by µCT and osteoclast number was determined by tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining. Inflammation was assessed histologically (H/E staining and immunofluorescence of CD45 and Ly6G). In vitro studies determined the influence of Nlrp3 and Caspase-1 in Rankl-induced osteoclast differentiation and activity and on LPS-induced expression of inflammation-associated genes. Bone resorption was significantly reduced in Casp1-KO but not in Nlrp3-KO mice. Casp1-KO mice had increased in osteoclast numbers, whereas the inflammatory infiltrate or on gene expression were similar to those of WT and Nlrp3-KO mice. Strikingly, osteoclasts differentiated from Nlrp3-deficient macrophages had increased resorbing activity in vitro. LPS-induced expression of Il-10, Il-12 and Tnf-α was significantly reduced in Nlrp3- and Casp1-deficient macrophages. As an inceptive study, these results suggest that Nlrp3 inflammasome does not play a significant role in inflammation and bone resorption in vivo and that Caspase-1 has a pro-resorptive role in experimental periodontal disease.

Short Peptides Protect Oral Stem Cells from Ageing.

Primary stem cells, after several cell divisions, enter into a senescence state, that is characterized by alterations to spindle-shape typical morphology. This concern is one of the main problems in the use of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) in clinical applications which demand cells in large numbers. Short peptides had geroprotective properties and stimulated stem cell differentiation. The aim of the study is to demonstrate the role of AEDG and KED peptides in maintaining oral hMSCs morphology and functions over long-term expansion. 2 types of hMSCs were investigated: human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPLSCs) and human gingival mesenchymal stem cells (hGMSCs). Cells at the 25th passage were divided into 3 groups: 1 - control (without adding peptide), 2 - treated with AEDG peptide, 3 - treated with KED peptide. Cell cultures were analyzed by an immunofluorescence method and RT-PCR on the p16 and p21 senescence markers expression. AEDG peptide decreased p16 and p21 mRNA expression by 1.56-2.44 times in comparison with the control group. KED peptide decreased p16 and p21 mRNA expression by 1.82-3.23 times in comparison with the control group. These results were confirmed by immunofluorescent visualization. AEDG and KED peptides could be used as supplementary substances in a culture medium to delay the expression of senescence markers in long term stem cell cultivation in order to promote the large-scale in vitro expansion necessarily required for stem cell therapy clinical application. The data obtained confirm the geroprotective effect of AEDG and KED peptide, which was shown early in animal and cells models.

STIM1 R304W in mice causes subgingival hair growth and an increased fraction of trabecular bone.

Calcium signaling plays a central role in bone development and homeostasis. Store operated calcium entry (SOCE) is an important calcium influx pathway mediated by calcium release activated calcium (CRAC) channels in the plasma membrane. Stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1) is an endoplasmic reticulum calcium sensing protein important for SOCE. We generated a mouse model expressing the STIM1 R304W mutation, causing Stormorken syndrome in humans. Stim1R304W/R304W mice showed perinatal lethality, and the only three animals that survived into adulthood presented with reduced growth, low body weight, and thoracic kyphosis. Radiographs revealed a reduced number of ribs in the Stim1R304W/R304W mice. Microcomputed tomography data revealed decreased cortical bone thickness and increased trabecular bone volume fraction in Stim1R304W/R304W mice, which had thinner and more compact bone compared to wild type mice. The Stim1R304W/+ mice showed an intermediate phenotype. Histological analyses showed that the Stim1R304W/R304W mice had abnormal bone architecture, with markedly increased number of trabeculae and reduced bone marrow cavity. Homozygous mice showed STIM1 positive osteocytes and osteoblasts. These findings highlight the critical role of the gain-of-function (GoF) STIM1 R304W protein in skeletal development and homeostasis in mice. Furthermore, the novel feature of bilateral subgingival hair growth on the lower incisors in the Stim1R304W/R304W mice and 25 % of the heterozygous mice indicate that the GoF STIM1 R304W protein also induces an abnormal epithelial cell fate.

Targeting macrophages and their recruitment in the oral cavity using swellable (+) alpha tocopheryl phosphate nanostructures.

The phosphorylation of (+) alpha tocopherol produces adhesive nanostructures that interact with oral biofilms to restrict their growth. The aim of this work was to understand if these adhesive (+) alpha tocopheryl phosphate (α-TP) nanostructures could also control macrophage responses to the presence of oral bacteria. The (+) α-TP planar bilayer fragments (175 nm ±â€¯21 nm) formed in a Trizma®/ethanol vehicle swelled when exposed to the cell lines (maximum stabilized size = 29 µm). The swelled (+) α-TP aggregates showed selective toxicity towards THP-1 macrophages (LD50 = 304 µM) compared to human gingival fibroblasts (HGF-1 cells; LD50 > 5 mM), and they inhibited heat killed bacteria stimulated MCP-1 production in both macrophages (control 57.3 ±â€¯18.1 pg/mL vs (+) α-TP 6.5 ±â€¯3.2 pg/mL) and HGF-1 cells (control 673.5 ±â€¯133 pg/mL vs (+) α-TP - 463.9 ±â€¯68.9 pg/mL).

Evaluation of inductive effects of different concentrations of cyclosporine A on MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-3, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2 in fetal and adult human gingival fibroblasts.

Background The etiology of gingival overgrowth due to cyclosporine A (CsA) is still unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the possible role of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of MMPs (TIMPs) on extra-cellular matrix (ECM) homeostasis when treated with different levels of CsA and its difference between fetal and adult human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs). Methods Each group of cells (adult and fetal) was cultured in 40 wells that consisted of four different CsA treatment concentrations. Every 10 wells were treated with 0, 50, 100, and 150 ng/mL of CsA which makes a total of 80 wells. Supernatants of every well were used to determine the concentration of MMPs and TIMPs using the Elisa kits from Boster, CA, USA. Results MMP-1 level increased with the treatment of CsA when treated with 50 and 150 ng/mL of CsA (p = 0.02 and p = 0.04) as TIMP-1 decreased (p < 0.0001) in adult group; while in the fetal group, TIMP-1 level increased with treatment of 150 ng/mL (p < 0.0001). MMP-2 level increased in both adult and fetal groups (p < 0.0001). MMP-3 level decreased in adult group (p < 0.0001) but went up in fetal HGFs (p = 0.01) when treated with 150 ng/mL CsA. TIMP-2 level increased in all wells significantly when treated with CsA (p < 0.0001). The study showed that CsA affects secretion of MMPs and TIMPs. MMP-1 increment and TIMP-1 decrement were observed, which indicate more degradation of ECM. This may be due to single donor use in this study. TIMP-2 and MMP-2 were both more active when treated with CsA which may be due to the gelatinase activity of them and that in CsA gingival overgrowth. There was more inflammation rather than fibrosis.

First systematic assessment of dental growth and development in an archaic hominin (genus, Homo) from East Asia.

Several human dental traits typical of modern humans appear to be associated with the prolonged period of development that is a key human attribute. Understanding when, and in which early hominins, these dental traits first appeared is thus of strong interest. Using x-ray multiresolution synchrotron phase-contrast microtomography, we quantify dental growth and development in an archaic Homo juvenile from the Xujiayao site in northern China dating to 161,000-224,000 years or 104,000-125,000 years before present. Despite the archaic morphology of Xujiayao hominins, most aspects of dental development of this juvenile fall within modern human ranges (e.g., prolonged crown formation time and delayed first molar eruption). For its estimated age-at-death (6.5 years), its state of dental development is comparable to that of equivalently aged modern children. These findings suggest that several facets of modern human dental growth and development evolved in East Asia before the appearance of fully modern human morphology.

Mechanical force promotes the proliferation and extracellular matrix synthesis of human gingival fibroblasts cultured on 3D PLGA scaffolds via TGF­ß expression.

Human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) are responsible for connective tissue repair and scarring, and are exposed to mechanical forces under physiological and pathological conditions. The exact mechanisms underlying gingival tissue reconstruction under mechanical forces remain unclear. The present study aimfed to investigate the effects of mechanical forces on the proliferation and extracellular matrix synthesis in HGFs by establishing a 3­dimensional (3D) HGF culture model using poly(lactide­co­glycolide) (PLGA) scaffolds. HGFs were cultured in 3D PLGA scaffolds and a mechanical force of 0, 5, 15, 25 or 35 g/cm2 was applied to HGFs for 24 h. A mechanical force of 25 g/cm2 induced the highest proliferation rate, and thus was selected for subsequent experiments. Cell viability was determined using the MTT assay at 0, 24, 48 and 72 h. The expression levels of type I collagen (COL­1) and matrix metallopeptidase (MMP)­1 were examined by reverse transcription­quantitative polymerase chain reaction and ELISA, and transforming growth factor (TGF)­ß expression was evaluated by ELISA. The application of mechanical force on HGFs cultured on the 3D PLGA scaffolds resulted in a significant increase in cell proliferation and COL­1 expression, as well as a decrease in MMP­1 expression. A TGF­ß1 inhibitor was also applied, which attenuated the effects of mechanical force on HGF proliferation, and COL­1 and MMP­1 expression, thus suggesting that TGF­ß signaling pathways may mediate the mechanical force­induced alterations observed in HGFs. In conclusion, these findings helped to clarify the mechanisms underlying mechanical force­induced HGF proliferation and ECM synthesis, which may promote the development of targeted therapeutics to treat various diseases, including gingival atrophy caused by orthodontic treatment.

Recent Advances of Useful Cell Sources in the Periodontal Regeneration.

BACKGROUND: Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease that can result in destruction of the tooth attachment apparatus. Therefore, periodontal tissue regeneration is currently an important focus of research in the field. Approaches using stem cells and reprogrammed cells, such as induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) or trans-differentiated cells, represent the cutting edge in periodontal regeneration, and have led to many trials for their clinical application. Objectives and Results: In this review, we consider all available stem cell sources, methods to obtain the cells, their capability to differentiate into the desired cells, and the extent of their utilization in periodontal regeneration. In addition, we introduce the new concepts of using iPSCs and transdifferentiated cells for periodontal regeneration. Finally, we discuss the promise of tissue engineering for improving cell therapy outcomes for periodontal regeneration. CONCLUSIONS: Despite their limitations, iPSCs and trans-differentiated cells may be promising cell sources for periodontal tissue regeneration. Further collaborative investigation is required for the effective and safe application of these cells in combination with tissue engineering elements, like scaffolds and biosignals.

Multi-species oral biofilm promotes reconstructed human gingiva epithelial barrier function.

Since the oral mucosa is continuously exposed to abundant microbes, one of its most important defense features is a highly proliferative, thick, stratified epithelium. The cellular mechanisms responsible for this are still unknown. The aim of this study was to determine whether multi-species oral biofilm contribute to the extensive stratification and primed antimicrobial defense in epithelium. Two in vitro models were used: 3D reconstructed human gingiva (RHG) and oral bacteria representative of multi-species commensal biofilm. The organotypic RHG consists of a reconstructed stratified gingiva epithelium on a gingiva fibroblast populated hydrogel (lamina propria). Biofilm was cultured from healthy human saliva, and consists of typical commensal genera Granulicatella and major oral microbiota genera Veillonella and Streptococcus. Biofilm was applied topically to RHG and host-microbiome interactions were studied over 7 days. Compared to unexposed RHG, biofilm exposed RHG showed increased epithelial thickness, more organized stratification and increased keratinocyte proliferation. Furthermore biofilm exposure increased production of RHG anti-microbial proteins Elafin, HBD2 and HBD3 but not HBD1, adrenomedullin or cathelicidin LL-37. Inflammatory and antimicrobial cytokine secretion (IL-6, CXCL8, CXCL1, CCL20) showed an immediate and sustained increase. In conclusion, exposure of RHG to commensal oral biofilm actively contributes to RHG epithelial barrier function.

An In Vitro Comparative Study of Multisource Derived Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Bone Tissue Engineering.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been considered promising tools for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. However, the optimal cell source for bone regeneration remains controversial. To better identify seed cells for bone tissue engineering, we compared MSCs from seven different tissues, including four from dental origins, dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs), periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs), gingival MSCs (GMSCs), and dental follicle stem cells (DFSCs); two from somatic origins, bone marrow-derived MSCs (BM-MSCs) and adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs); and one from birth-associated perinatal tissue umbilical cord (UCMSCs). We cultured the cells under a standardized culture condition and studied their biological characteristics. According to our results, these cells exhibited similar immunophenotype and had potential for multilineage differentiation. MSCs from dental and perinatal tissues proliferated more rapidly than those from somatic origins. Simultaneously, DPSCs and PDLSCs owned stronger antiapoptotic ability under the microenvironment of oxidative stress combined with serum deprivation. In respect to osteogenic differentiation, the two somatic MSCs, BM-MSCs and ADSCs, demonstrated the strongest ability for osteogenesis compared to PDLSCs and DFSCs, which were just a little bit weaker than the formers. However, GMSCs and UCMSCs were the most pertinacious ones to differentiate to osteoblasts. We also revealed that the canonical intracellular protein kinase-based cascade signaling pathways, including PI3K/AKT, MAPK/ERK, and p38 MAPK, possessed different levels of activation in different MSCs after osteoblast induction. Our conclusions suggest that PDLSCs might be a good potential alternative to BM-MSCs for bone tissue engineering.

Multiple Functions of Lysyl Oxidase Like-2 in Oral Fibroproliferative Processes.

Gingival overgrowth is a side effect of certain medications, including calcium channel blockers, cyclosporin A, and phenytoin. Phenytoin-induced gingival overgrowth is fibrotic. Lysyl oxidases are extracellular enzymes that are required for biosynthetic cross-linking of collagens, and members of this enzyme family are upregulated in fibrosis. Previous studies in humans and in a mouse model of phenytoin-induced gingival overgrowth have shown that LOXL2 is elevated in the epithelium and connective tissue in gingival overgrowth tissues and not in normal tissues. Here, using a novel LOXL2 isoform-selective inhibitor and knockdown studies in loss- and gain-of-function studies, we investigated roles for LOXL2 in promoting cultures of human gingival fibroblasts to proliferate and to accumulate collagen. Data indicate that LOXL2 stimulates gingival fibroblast proliferation, likely by a platelet-derived growth factor B receptor-mediated mechanism. Moreover, collagen accumulation was stimulated by LOXL2 enzyme and inhibited by LOXL2 inhibitor or gene knockdown. These studies suggest that LOXL2 could serve as a potential therapeutic target to address oral fibrotic conditions.

Development of the gingival sulcus at the time of tooth eruption and the influence of genetic factors.

Tooth eruption is characterized by a concert of mechanisms that result in the emergence of teeth in the oral cavity. Genetic variants seem to regulate this process and the formation of a gingival sulcus around the teeth. Interindividual variability in the response to microbial triggers in the sulcus plays an important role in the onset and progression of periodontal diseases. Host genetic variants can influence this variability, affecting the response of the host to the subgingival biofilm. Genetic factors affecting tooth eruption could potentially influence susceptibility to periodontal diseases and, specifically, susceptibility to localized aggressive periodontitis. This review aims to discuss the evidence available for the role of host genetic variants in tooth eruption and to and to give some directions for prospective research in this topic.

Evaluation of Resins for Stereolithographic 3D-Printed Surgical Guides: The Response of L929 Cells and Human Gingival Fibroblasts.

Additive manufacturing is becoming increasingly important in dentistry for the production of surgical guides. The development of cost-effective desktop stereolithography (SLA) printing systems and the corresponding resins makes this novel technique accessible to dental offices and dental laboratories. The aim of the study was to reveal the response of soft tissue cells to Clear and Dental SG resins used in desktop SLA printing systems at different stages of processing. Cell activity of L929 cells and gingival fibroblasts (GF) in response to the materials was examined in indirect and direct monolayer culture models and a direct spheroid culture model based on MTT, resazurin-based toxicity assays, and live-dead staining. Overall we found that the impact of Clear and Dental SG resins on L929 and GF depends on the processing stage of the materials. Liquid Clear resin induced a stronger reduction of cell activity compared to Dental SG resin. Printing and postcuring reduced the impact on cell activity and viability. As in-house 3D printing for surgical guides is getting integrated in the digital workflow, our data suggest that careful adherence to processing guidelines-especially postcuring-is of clinical relevance.

Regeneration of gingival tissue using in situ tissue engineering with collagen scaffold.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate 2 types of collagen scaffold for gingival regeneration. STUDY DESIGN: Two types of collagen scaffolds, CS-pH7.4 and CS-pH3.0, were prepared by processing atelocollagen at pH 7.4 or 3.0, respectively, followed by dehydrothermal treatment. Gingival wounds with sizes of 4 × 6 mm (rectangle) or 6 mm diameter (circle) were made with buccal incisions in beagle dogs. The defective area was surgically covered with the CS-pH7.4, CS-pH3.0, or no scaffold (control). Gingival regeneration was assessed by monitoring the differences in the lengths of the epithelial and submucosal tissues at the wound site and the normal site. Histopathologic assessments were performed by 4 evaluators independently; statistical significance was evaluated by using the Wald test. RESULTS: Significantly higher recovery of epithelial and submucosal tissues, which, in turn, resulted in recovery of gum thickness, was observed in gingival wounds treated with the CS-pH7.4 compared with that in the control. CS-pH3.0 treatment also resulted in higher gingival regeneration compared with the control; however, the effects were more pronounced in wounds treated with the CS-pH7.4. CS-pH7.4-treated wounds showed better gingival regeneration compared with the control and CS-pH3.0-treated wounds, even after adjusting for interevaluator differences using a linear mixed model. CONCLUSIONS: CS-pH7.4 is a promising scaffold for gingival tissue regeneration.

The antimicrobial peptide, human ß-defensin-1, potentiates in vitro osteoclastogenesis via activation of the p44/42 mitogen-activated protein kinases.

Previous studies have demonstrated increased expression and raised levels of human ß-defensin (hBD)-1 in gingival tissue and crevicular fluid of patients with chronic periodontitis and peri-implantitis, oral bone-resorbing diseases caused by enhanced osteoclastogenesis. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the effect of hBD-1 on osteoclast formation and function and to elucidate the involved signaling pathway in vitro. Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were first incubated with various doses of hBD-1 and cell viability was assayed by MTT. PBMCs were treated with macrophage-colony stimulating factor and receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL) in the presence or absence of non-toxic doses of hBD-1. In vitro osteoclastogenesis was analyzed by tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining, osteoclast-specific gene expression, and a resorption pit assay. Involvement of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) was studied by immunoblotting and specific MAPK inhibitors. HBD-1 potentiated induction of in vitro osteoclastogenesis by RANKL, as shown by significantly increased number of TRAP-positive multinuclear cells and resorption areas on the dentin slices, and further up-regulated expressions of osteoclast-specific genes compared to those by RANKL treatment (p <0.05). However, hBD-1 treatment without RANKL failed to induce formation of osteoclast-like cells. A significant and further increase in transient phosphorylation of the p44/42 MAPKs was demonstrated by hBD-1 co-treatment (p<0.05), consistent with the inhibitory effect by pretreatment with U0126 or PD98059 on hBD-1-enhanced osteoclastogenesis. Collectively, hBD-1 potentiates the induction of in vitro osteoclastogenesis by RANKL via enhanced phosphorylation of the p44/42 MAPKs.

Premolar autotransplantation in juvenile dentition: quantitative assessment of vertical bone and soft tissue growth.

OBJECTIVE: Premolar autotransplantation represents an effective therapeutic option for the treatment of juvenile dentition with either aquired or congenital hypodontia. The objective of this prospective clinical study was to quantitatively assess bone and soft tissue levels after autogenous premolar transplantation by clinical and radiographic parameters. STUDY DESIGN: In the study, 26 premolars were transplanted in 20 patients after traumatic tooth loss (n = 16) or congenital aplasia (n = 10) in the anterior maxilla. Based on standardized photographic documentation, the relative soft tissue level was measured compared to the healthy adjacent teeth. Radiographic findings included evaluation of root resorption, pulp canal obliteration, and relative bone height. RESULTS: Average survival rate of transplanted premolars (n = 26) was 100% over a follow-up period of 29 months (range 10-60 months). The relative soft tissue level significantly increased by +1.1 mm (P < .01). Radiographs showed a tendency toward vertical bone growth. Continuous root development and signs of pulpal healing were observed postoperatively in 18 transplants (69.2%). CONCLUSIONS: Autogenous premolar transplantation represents a safe method to ensure functional and aesthetic rehabilitation in the anterior maxilla irrespective of the nature of tooth loss.

Cytotoxicity and Antimicrobial Activity of Oral Rinses In Vitro.

While oral rinses used for cosmetic purposes only do not necessarily have to be antiseptic, antimicrobial activity is required for medical indications, including oral and periodontal surgery. So the question arises-is the antimicrobial activity of oral rinses associated with any destructive changes in cell viability in vitro? To answer this question, we examined twelve oral rinses with respect to their antimicrobial and cytotoxic activity. Antimicrobial activity was screened against five bacterial strains using disc diffusion. Cytotoxicity was determined by mitochondrial reductase activity with primary gingival fibroblasts, L929 cells, and HSC-2 epithelial cells. Phase contrast microscopy and trypan blue staining were then performed to reveal cell morphology. Cells remained vital after exposure to oral rinses that were only used for cosmetic purposes. Moderate cytotoxic effects were observed for oral rinses containing 0.05% chlorhexidine, ethanol, or pegylated hydrogenated castor oil and sodium dodecyl sulfate. Other oral rinses containing 0.2% chlorhexidine and cocamidopropyl betaine exhibited strong cytotoxic and antimicrobial activity. Strong cytotoxic but moderate antimicrobial activity was observed in oral rinses containing cetylpyridinium chloride. The in vitro data show that oral rinses are heterogeneous with respect to their cytotoxic and antimicrobial effects. Based on their respective properties, oral rinses can be selected either to reduce the microbial load or for cosmetic purposes.

The role of emergence profile in papilla maintenance after diastema closure with direct composite resin restorations.

The dental morphology usually determines the shape and volume of the interdental space, which must be filled by a dense connective tissue covered by oral epithelium to achieve pleasant esthetics. When composite resin restorations are placed to solve esthetic problems, the restorative procedure must be designed to allow the formation of healthy interdental papilla. This case report discusses aspects that should be considered when composite resin restorations are proposed for diastema closure. A 23-year-old man sought treatment for variations of space in the anterior dentition after orthodontic treatment. Direct composite resin restorations were placed in a way that respected the emergence profile, even though "black triangles" were evident immediately after the procedure. At the 45-day follow-up, complete closure of the interdental spaces by healthy papillae was observed. The emergence profile should be identified and respected when restorations are placed to obtain diastema closure because healthy periodontal tissues and acceptable esthetics depend on it.

Repeated exposure to whole cigarette smoke promotes primary human gingival epithelial cell growth and modulates keratin expression.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The gingiva is the first oral tissue directly exposed to cigarette smoke (CS). Exposure to CS compromises the structure and function of gingival tissue. Damaging or altering the gingival epithelium leads to a compromised protective barrier of the periodontium, resulting in several diseases. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of repeated exposure to CS on gingival epithelial cell growth and on expression of apoptotic protein and keratin. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Primary human gingival epithelial cells were seeded on a collagen scaffold for 5 d to allow growth and stratification. The cells were then exposed for 5 min to whole CS for 3, 6 and 9 d. At the end of each exposure period, cell proliferation [using (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) (MTT) and 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU) assays], gene expression [by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR)] and protein production (by western blot analysis) were investigated. RESULTS: Higher metabolic activity was found in the CS-exposed cells than in the nonexposed cells, specifically after 3 and 6 d of exposure to CS. At 9 d there was no significant difference between CS-exposed and nonexposed cells. Metabolic activity was supported by the BrdU cell-proliferation analyses, which showed increased cell growth at 3 d compared with the control. However, at 6 and 9 d, cell proliferation in the CS-exposed culture was comparable to that in the nonexposed culture. Interestingly, the Bax/Bcl-2 protein ratios decreased with increased CS exposure, suggesting cell resistance. Moreover, protein analyses showed that CS decreased expression of keratin(K) 5 at 3, 6 and 9 d, and increased expression of K14 at 6 and 9 d. Finally, mRNA analyses showed significant decreases of K1, K6, K10 and K16 in CS-exposed cultures, correlating, at times, with a decrease of protein production. CONCLUSION: CS was shown to increase epithelial cell proliferation, which may involve cell resistance to apoptosis. This is supported by the modulation of expression of different keratin genes and proteins. Altogether, these data may explain the hyperplasia reported in gingival tissue, as well as periodontal disease, in smokers.