Loading of erythropoietin on biphasic calcium phosphate bioceramics promotes osteogenesis and angiogenesis by regulating EphB4/EphrinB2 molecules.

Improving osteogenesis and angiogenesis using different cells and drugs is critical in the field of bone tissue engineering. Recent research has found that erythropoietin (EPO) plays an important role in both osteogenesis and angiogenesis. In this study, we grafted polydopamine and EPO onto the surface of biphasic calcium phosphate. The characterization and release property of the modified bioceramics were assessed. Cell proliferation, expression of osteoblastic and endothelial markers, and EphB4/EphrinB2 molecules were investigated while employing co-cultures of two different cells [rat vein endothelial cells (VECs) and rat bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (BMSCs)]. The modified bioceramics were finally implanted into the SD rats' femurs and followed by investigating the bone defect repair efficacy and the expression of EphB4/EphrinB2 molecules in vivo. The results indicated that the modified bioceramics could control the release of EPO continuously. The osteogenesis and angiogenesis were improved along with the increased expression of EphB4/EphrinB2 molecules. The expression of EphB4/EphrinB2 molecules was also significantly increased in vivo and the bone defect was repaired effectively. Overall, our findings demonstrated that EPO loading on biphasic calcium phosphate bioceramics could promote both osteogenesis and angiogenesis. The results suggest that EphB4/EphrinB2 may be crucial in the process. Graphical abstract.

Deformation Assessment of the Manually Pre-Bent Titanium Miniplates in Orthognathic Surgery With Finite Element Analysis.

ABSTRACT: This study summarized the literature regarding the application of pre-bent titanium miniplates in orthognathic surgery and evaluated the extra deformation of the manually pre-bent titanium miniplates via finite element analysis for acquiring higher surgical accuracy. The literature was reviewed with a chart. Three models of titanium miniplates with different thicknesses (1.0 mm, 0.8 mm, 0.6 mm) were created using COMSOL Multiphysics software for biomechanical behavior analysis. The 3 models were virtually bent into 5 angles (15 degree, 30 degree, 45 degree, 60 degree, 80 degree). respectively to simulate the preoperative virtual bending, then to simulate the practical manual bending via finite element analysis. The stresses and displacements of these models were recorded. The models from virtual bending simulation and manual bending simulation were registered to analyze the deviations. The results showed that the maximum stress and the displacement deviations between the virtual bending models and the manual bending models increased with the thickness and bending angle of the pre-bent miniplate models. To improve the surgical accuracy, measures should be applied to the manually pre-bent titanium miniplates to reduce the extra deformation when the plate being thicker and the bending angle being larger.

Osteogenesis Differences Around Titanium Implant and in Bone Defect Between Jaw Bones and Long Bones.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the osteogenesis around titanium implant and in bone defect or fracture in jaw bones and long bones in ovariectomized (OVX) animal models. The literature on the osteogenesis around titanium implant and in bone defect or fracture in jaw bones and long bones was reviewed with charts. Fourty-eight rats were randomly divided into OVX group with ovariectomy and SHAM (sham-surgery) group with sham surgery. Titanium implants were inserted in the right mandibles and tibiae; bone defects were created in the left mandibles and tibiae. Two-week postoperatively, mandibles and tibiae of 8 rats were harvested and examined by hematoxylin and eosin staining and histological analysis; 4-week postoperatively, all mandibles and tibiae were harvested and examined by Micro-CT and histological analysis. A total of 52 articles were included in this literature review. Tibial osteogenesis around titanium implant and in bone defect in OVX group were significantly decreased compared with SHAM group. However, osteogenesis differences in the mandible both around titanium implant and in bone defect between groups were not statistically significant. OVX-induced osteoporosis suppresses osteogenesis around titanium implant and in the bone defect or fracture in long bones significantly while has less effect on that in the jaw bones.

Characterization of upper airway and analysis of potential risk factor associated with OSA in patients with unilateral temporomandibular ankylosis and micrognathia deformities.

OBJECTIVE: To ascertain the airway characteristics in patients with unilateral temporomandibular joint ankylosis and maxilla-mandibular deformities (UTMAMD) and investigate the potential risk factors associated with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) among UTMAMD patients. METHODS: Authors conducted a retrospective single-center study to assess and compare study group consisting of a cohort of 32 patients diagnosed with UTMAMD between January 2011 and July 2022 with control group including 54 participants. The study group was further divided into two subgroups based on the presence or absence of OSA in patients. Parameters related to the upper airway were measured and analyzed using three-dimensional reconstruction of computed tomographic scans. The measurements of airway parameters were compared between study group and control group and between two subgroups. Pearson correlation analysis was used to identify the factors associated with the presence of OSA, and a multiple variable regression model was used to identify risk factors for OSA. RESULTS: Airway volume (VOL), Minimum cross-section area (min CSA), mean CSA, tilt in sagittal plane (TS), and tilt in sagittal plane (TC) in velopharynx; VOL, airway length (AL), min CSA, mean CSA, TS, TC, and airway deviation (AD) in glossopharynx; min CSA, TS, and AD in hypopharynx were found difference with significance between study group and control group. Lateral dimension/anterior-posterior dimension (LAT/AP) ratio in velopharynx and min CSA, TC, and LAT/AP ratio in glossopharynx were significant different between patients with UTMAMD with OSA and without OSA. CONCLUSIONS: The upper airway of patients with UTMAMD exhibits significant narrowing and distortion, rendering them susceptible to suffer from OSA. Patients with UTMAMD and OSA demonstrate more elliptical airways, and the glossopharyngeal LAT/AP ratio is a predictive indicator for the occurrence of OSA.

The accuracy of virtual surgical planning in segmental Le Fort I surgery: A comparison of planned and actual outcome.

Segmental Le Fort I surgery is an effective technique to correct complicated dentomaxillofacial deformities. This retrospective study evaluated the accuracy of segmental Le Fort I surgery under the guidance of virtual surgical planning (VSP). A total of 129 patients who accepted segmental Le Fort I surgery were investigated in this study. VSP was transferred to segmental surgery with different pieces precisely with the aid of 3D-printed surgical templates and splints. The surgical result was evaluated by postoperative complications, color distance maps, and quantitative accuracy analysis. Outcomes showed that the VSP was successfully transferred to actual surgery with high accuracy. The overall mean linear difference was 1.28 mm, and the overall mean angular difference was 2.4°. Except for one case of root injury, there was no serious complication recorded. The results suggested that VSP was a reliable assistance for segmental Le Fort I surgery.

The inverted-L ramus osteotomy versus sagittal split ramus osteotomy in maxillomandibular advancement for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea patients: A retrospective study.

This study aimed to compare the effectiveness and feasibility of inverted-L osteotomy (ILO) and sagittal split ramus osteotomy (SSRO) on obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) treatment. According to different surgery procedures, 28 OSA patients who underwent maxillomandibular advancement (MMA) were divided into 2 groups (group A: ILO, n = 9; group B: SSRO, n = 19). Polysomnography (PSG) and Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS) on T0, T1and T2 were used to evaluate the effectiveness of OSA treatments. Patients' airway structures and facial appearances were also evaluated. From T0 to T1, the mean apnea-hypopnea index (AHI,/per hour) dropped from 69.2 ± 8.4 to11.2 ± 2.4 (P < 0.01) in group A and from 54.6 ± 14.6 to 9.4 ± 5.4 (P < 0.01) in group B; LSpO2 (lowest pulse oxygen saturation, %) increased from 66.5 ± 7.7% to 88.2 ± 4.6 (P < 0.01) and from 76.6 ± 10.7%to 89.4 ± 2.4% (P < 0.01) while the mean ESS score decreased by 51% in group A and 44% in group B. Most patients (group A: 88.9%; group B: 84.3%) were satisfied with their postoperative appearance. Mild relapse was observed in both groups on T2. This study concluded that MMA containing ILO and MMA containing SSRO are both feasible and effective for selected OSA patients.