Effect of locally delivered protein complex-loaded nanoparticles on bone remodelling of atrophic alveolar ridge in beagles.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of local injection of mineralized hybrid nanoparticles loading dentin matrix protein-1 (DMP-1) and matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13) complex (P-NPs) on the bone remodelling on atrophic alveolar ridges (AAR) ahead of orthodontic tooth movement (OTM). SETTINGS AND SAMPLE POPULATION: Four beagles were randomly allocated into Group C (OTM only) and Group NP (OTM with P-NPs injection). Experimental model of AAR was prepared in 8 mandibular quadrants after extraction of the third premolars (n = 4 per Group). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Reciprocal traction of the second and fourth premolars was performed towards AAR for 8 weeks. P-NPs were prepared by loading recombinant DMP-1 and MMP-13 complex into calcium carbonate (CaCO3 )-mineralized hybrid nanoparticles and injected at 0, 3 and 6 weeks. The rate of OTM and the bone remodelling characteristics were compared between Groups using fluorescent microscopic analysis and microstructural histomorphometric analysis. RESULTS: Group NP revealed higher bone volume fraction and higher trabecular ratio with lower bone mineral density than Group C on AAR area. Meanwhile, the root movement towards AAR was facilitated in Group NP representing more bodily movement than Group C. CONCLUSION: Non-invasive intervention of P-NPs injection suggested a clinical potential to facilitate translational movement into the AAR with sustaining woven bone-like microstructural environment.

Craniofacial treatment protocol for a pediatric patient with obstructive sleep apnea and skeletal Class III malocclusion: A 13-year follow-up.

This report aimed to describe the long-term effects of craniofacial growth modification treatment on sleep and breathing functions in a 7-year-old girl diagnosed with skeletal Class III malocclusion and sleep-disordered breathing. Based on the flowchart of orthodontic intervention protocol that we proposed for phenotype-based patient selection and skeletal target-based treatment selection for pediatric patients with sleep-disordered breathing, a 2-phase treatment targeting the nasomaxillary complex was performed. Posttreatment 3-dimensional changes in the skeletal structure and upper airway were evaluated in association with functional assessment using a validated pediatric sleep questionnaire and home sleep test. Esthetic improvement and obstructive sleep apnea cure were achieved without skeletal surgery. The 2-year retention records showed stable occlusion and improved facial profile with normal breathing and sleep.

Kaempferol and kaempferol rhamnosides with depigmenting and anti-inflammatory properties.

The objective of this study was to examine the biological activity of kaempferol and its rhamnosides. We isolated kaempferol (1), a-rhamnoisorobin (2), afzelin (3), and kaempferitrin (4) as pure compounds by far-infrared (FIR) irradiation of kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) leaves. The depigmenting and anti-inflammatory activity of the compounds was evaluated by analyzing their structure-activity relationships. The order of the inhibitory activity with regard to depigmentation and nitric oxide (NO) production was kaempferol (1) > a-rhamnoisorobin (2) > afzelin (3) > kaempferitrin (4). However, a-rhamnoisorobin (2) was more potent than kaempferol (1) in NF-kB-mediated luciferase assays. From these results, we conclude that the 3-hydroxyl group of kaempferol is an important pharmacophore and that additional rhamnose moieties affect the biological activity negatively.

Maxillomandibular advancement surgery after long-term use of a mandibular advancement device in a post-adolescent patient with obstructive sleep apnea.

Patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) whose phenotype belongs to a craniofacial vulnerability are referred from sleep doctors to orthodontists. In adults, for osseo-pharyngeal reconstruction (OPR) treatment, permanent maxillomandibular advancement (MMA) surgery and use of a temporary mandibular advancement device (MAD) are applied. This case report demonstrates successful treatment of OSA through application of phased MAD and MMA in a 16-year-old male with craniofacial deformity and residual growth potential. This patient showed skeletal and dentoalveolar changes after 7-year MAD use throughout post-adolescence, which affected the design and timing of subsequent MMA surgery, as well as post-surgical orthodontic strategy. This case report suggests that OPR treatment can be useful for treatment of OSA in post-adolescent patients, from an orthodontic point of view, in close collaboration with sleep doctors for interdisciplinary diagnosis and treatment.

Effects of soy phytoestrogens on reference memory and neuronal cholinergic enzymes in ovariectomized rats.

The effects of soy phytoestrogens on Morris water maze (MWM) performance and neuronal cholinergic enzyme activities and immunoreactivity were studied in ovariectomized (OVX) rats. The rats were assigned to four groups fed control diet (CD), 3.9 mg/kg 17beta-estradiol diet (E2), 263.4 mg/kg soy phytoestrogens diet (SP1), and 526.9 mg/kg soy phytoestrogens diet (SP2). In the MWM task, escape latency and path length were significantly less in the E2 and SP2 groups than in the CD group on the second day. Choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) activity in the cerebral cortex and ChAT immunoreactivity in the diagonal band of Broca were significantly greater in the E2, SP1, and SP2 groups than in the CD group. Acetylcholinesterase activity in the hippocampus in the E2, SP1, and SP2 groups was significantly lower than in the CD group. This study suggests that soy phytoestrogens affect the reference memory and neuronal cholinergic system in OVX rats.

Soy isoflavones mitigate long-term femoral and lumbar vertebral bone loss in middle-aged ovariectomized mice.

We evaluated the protective effects of soy isoflavones (SIF) against osteoporosis in middle-aged ovariectomized (OVX) mice. SIF (30 mg/kg or 60 mg/kg) or 17beta-estradiol (E(2)) was administered to OVX mice for 4 months after bilateral ovariectomy. We observed the biochemical markers of bone turnover, e.g., alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), in serum. We also observed the bone mineral density (BMD) in femurs and lumbar vertebrae. In addition, we examined trabecular bone and interstitial cells in the femur using hematoxylin and eosin staining. The decrease in ALP levels and the increase in TRAP levels normally resulting from ovariectomy were suppressed by administration of 60 mg/kg SIF or E(2). Administration of 60 mg/kg SIF or E(2) also maintained the BMD, trabecular bone, and interstitial cells in OVX mice compared to those in pre-OVX mice. These results suggest that 60 mg/kg SIF effectively mitigates ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis in middle-aged mice.