PDGF-AA guides cell crosstalk between human dental pulp stem cells in vitro via the PDGFR-α/PI3K/Akt axis.

AIM: To explore the influence of PDGF-AA on cell communication between human dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) by characterizing gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC) and its potential biomechanical mechanism. METHODOLOGY: Quantitative real-time PCR was used to measure connexin family member expression in DPSCs. Cell migration and CCK-8 assays were utilized to examine the influence of PDGF-AA on DPSC migration and proliferation. A scrape loading/dye transfer assay was applied to evaluate GJIC triggered by PDGF-AA, a PI3K/Akt signalling pathway blocker (LY294002) and a PDGFR-α blocker (AG1296). Western blotting and immunofluorescence were used to test the expression and distribution of the Cx43 and p-Akt proteins in DPSCs. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and immunofluorescence were used to observe the morphology of GJIC in DPSCs. RESULTS: PDGF-AA promoted gap junction formation and intercellular communication between human dental pulp stem cells. PDGF-AA upregulates the expression of Cx43 to enhance gap junction formation and intercellular communication. PDGF-AA binds to PDGFR-α and activates PI3K/Akt signalling to regulate cell communication. CONCLUSIONS: This research demonstrated that PDGF-AA can enhance Cx43-mediated GJIC in DPSCs via the PDGFR-α/PI3K/Akt axis, which provides new cues for dental pulp regeneration from the perspective of intercellular communication.

[Clinical value of oral repair membrane and ß-tricalcium phosphate in the treatment of the postoperative bone defect of jaw cyst].

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the clinical effect of oral repair membrane and ß-tricalcium phosphate (ß-TCP) on the treatment of jaw cyst. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on 81 cases of jaw cysts, and clinical data were collected for the comparison of traditional surgical curettage (group A, 27 cases), biofilm covering bone wounds after curettage (group B, 27 cases), and ß-TCP filling combined with biofilm covering. RESULTS: No recurrence occurred in 81 patients, and no significant difference in preoperative CT value among the three groups (P<0.05). Follow-up CT reexamination 3, 6, and 12 months after operation showed significant differences among the three groups of CT values (P<0.05). Group C was better than Group B or Group A (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In traditional jaw cyst curettage, the application of biofilm exhibited good osteogenesis effect, and the combined application of ß-TCP and biofilm exerted a better effect.

Study on clinical and biological characteristics of ameloblastic carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Ameloblastic carcinoma (AC) is an odontogenic malignant tumor which is closely related to benign ameloblastoma. Because of its rarity, diagnosis and treatment are difficult. In this study, we summarized and analyzed the clinical and biological characteristics of AC. RESULTS: Fifteen patients with AC and a median age of 53 years were identified. Among of them, five patients who were tested carried a BRAF-V600E mutation. Two patients presented with cervical lymph nodes and lung metastases. Primary AC was more invasive, and the bone destruction ability of the primary type was more radical than that of the secondary type. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed that the BRAF-V600E mutation was related to the aggressive behavior of AC, and early radical resection is crucial. Moreover, targeted therapy may be a new direction in the future.

[Clinical value of vacuum sealing drainage in the treatment of oral and maxillofacial space infection].

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to observe the efficacy of vacuum sealing drainage (VSD) by continuous negative pressure drainage and saline irrigation in the treatment of oral and maxillofacial space infection. METHODS: Retrospective analysis was conducted on 116 cases of maxillofacial space infection, and clinical data were collected to compare the therapeutic effects of routine incision with drainage treatment (traditional treatment group, 58 cases) and VSD treatment (VSD group, 58 cases). RESULTS: The length of hospital stay, white blood cell count, scar length, frequency of dressing change, and pain degree of patients in the VSD group were all lower than those in the traditional treatment group. Moreover, the improvement degree of mouth opening in the VSD groups was better than that in the traditional treatment group (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: VSD is a more effective method for the treatment of oral and maxillofacial space infection.