Calcium chloride-enriched calcium aluminate cement promotes in vitro osteogenesis.

AIM: To evaluate the effects of 2.8% or 10% calcium chloride (CaCl2 ) in calcium aluminate cement (CAC) with either bismuth oxide (Bi2 O3 ) or zinc oxide (ZnO) as radiopacifiers on the progression of osteogenic cell cultures. METHODOLOGY: Rat calvaria-derived cells were grown on Thermanox® coverslips for 24 h and exposed to samples of (i) CACb: with 2.8% CaCl2 and 25% Bi2 O3 ; (ii) CACb+: with 10% CaCl2 and 25% Bi2 O3 ; (iii) CACz: with 2.8% CaCl2 and 25% ZnO; or (iv) CACz+: with 10% CaCl2 and 25% ZnO, placed on inserts. Nonexposed cultures served as the control. Calcium and phosphorus contents in culture media were quantified. The effects of the cements on cell apoptosis, cell viability and acquisition of the osteogenic cell phenotype were evaluated. Data were compared by Kruskal-Wallis test (α = 5%). RESULTS: CACb+ promoted the highest levels of calcium in the culture media; CACz+, the lowest levels of phosphorus (P < 0.05). CACz+ and CACb increased cell apoptosis (P < 0.05). CACb reduced cell viability (P < 0.05) and the expression of the osteoblastic phenotype. CACz+ and CACb+ promoted greater cell differentiation and matrix mineralization compared to CACz and CACb (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: For CAC with the lower CaCl2 content, the use of Bi2 O3 was detrimental for osteoblastic cell survival and differentiation compared to ZnO, while CAC with the higher CaCl2 content supported the acquisition of the osteogenic cell phenotype in vitro regardless of the radiopacifier used. Thus, CAC with 10% CaCl2 would potentially promote bone repair in the context of endodontic therapies.

Osteogenic cell response to calcium aluminate-based cement.

AIM: To evaluate the effect of a calcium aluminate-based cement (CAC+) on the development of the osteogenic phenotype in vitro. METHODOLOGY: Rat calvaria-derived cells were grown on Thermanox® coverslips for 24 h and then exposed to either samples (4-h set) of CAC+ or mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) placed on Transwell® inserts for periods of up to 14 days. Nonexposed cultures were used as the controls. The comparisons were made using the nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis test, followed by the Student-Newman-Keuls post hoc test when appropriate. RESULTS: The results showed that proximity to MTA or CAC+ samples inhibited cell growth, whereas at a distance, viable and proliferative cells adhered to and spread on the Thermanox® , expressing osteoblast differentiation markers prior to mineralization of the extracellular matrix. Compared with MTA, the osteogenic cell cultures exposed to CAC+ exhibited significantly greater cell viability, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and expression of runt-related transcription factor 2, osterix, ALP, bone sialoprotein and osteocalcin (P < 0.05 for all). For the osteogenic cell cultures exposed to CAC+, the quantification of matrix mineralization was not altered (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: CAC+ supported the acquisition of the osteogenic cell phenotype in vitro, rendering this novel material a potential alternative to MTA in endodontic procedures. Further in vivo studies are needed to verify if the beneficial in vitro effects of CAC+ on osteoblastic cells correspond to an increase and/or acceleration of bone repair in the periapical region.

Prevalence and factors associated with oral potentially malignant disorders in Brazil's rural workers.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) in a population of rural workers in the northeast of Brazil and to investigate the association with sociodemographic, occupational, and health factors. METHODS: A total of 1385 workers answered a validated questionnaire and were examined by calibrated dentists. A descriptive analysis, chi-square homogeneity test, and binary logistic regression were performed. RESULTS: The prevalence of OPMDs was 29.6%. Actinic cheilitis was the most predominant (28.4%), followed by leukoplakia (2.3%) and erythroplakia (0.3%). Gender, type of skin, and time exposed to the sun explained the presence of OPMD (P < 0.0001). The study found increased prevalence, especially for males over the age of 60 years and being exposed to the sun for more than 45 years. CONCLUSION: Rural workers showed high vulnerability to the presence of OPMDs, as estimated prevalence exhibited was high.

Nanotopography drives stem cell fate toward osteoblast differentiation through α1ß1 integrin signaling pathway.

The aim of our study was to investigate the osteoinductive potential of a titanium (Ti) surface with nanotopography, using mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and the mechanism involved in this phenomenon. Polished Ti discs were chemically treated with H2 SO4 /H2 O2 to yield nanotopography and rat MSCs were cultured under osteogenic and non-osteogenic conditions on both nanotopography and untreated polished (control) Ti surfaces. The nanotopography increased cell proliferation and alkaline phosphatase (Alp) activity and upregulated the gene expression of key bone markers of cells grown under both osteogenic and non-osteogenic conditions. Additionally, the gene expression of α1 and ß1 integrins was higher in cells grown on Ti with nanotopography under non-osteogeneic condition compared with control Ti surface. The higher gene expression of bone markers and Alp activity induced by Ti with nanotopography was reduced by obtustatin, an α1ß1 integrin inhibitor. These results indicate that α1ß1 integrin signaling pathway determines the osteoinductive effect of nanotopography on MSCs. This finding highlights a novel mechanism involved in nanosurface-mediated MSCs fate and may contribute to the development of new surface modifications aiming to accelerate and/or enhance the process of osseointegration.

Mandibular symphysis and ramus as sources of osteoblastic cells for bone tissue engineering.

OBJECTIVES: Autografts from mandibular symphysis and ramus are often used for bone reconstruction. Based on this, we hypothesized that these sites could be useful cell sources for bone tissue engineering approaches. Thus, our study aimed at evaluating the proliferation and osteoblast phenotype development of cells derived from mandibular symphysis and ramus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cells were isolated from bone fragments of four patients by enzymatic digestion and cultured under osteogenic condition for up to 17 days. Cultures were assayed for cell proliferation, gene expression of key bone markers runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), distal-less homeobox 5 (DLX5), SATB homeobox 2 (SATB2), Osterix (OSX), family with sequence similarity 20, member C (FAM20C), bone sialoprotein (BSP), osteopontin (OPN) and osteocalcin (OC), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) expression and activity, and extracellular matrix mineralization. Data were compared by two-way ANOVA or t-test for independent samples when appropriate. RESULTS: Cells derived from ramus displayed lower proliferative activity and higher gene expression of Runx2, DLX5, SATB2, OSX, FAM20C, BSP, OPN and OC, ALP protein expression and activity and extracellular matrix mineralization compared with symphysis-derived cells. CONCLUSION: Symphysis and ramus may be considered as cell sources for bone tissue engineering approaches but due to the higher osteogenic potential, ramus-derived cells are more appealing for constructing cell-based biomaterials.

Response of human alveolar bone-derived cells to a novel poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene)/barium titanate membrane.

This study investigated the response of human alveolar bone-derived cells to a novel poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene)/barium titanate (P(VDF-TrFE)/BT) membrane. Osteoblastic cells were cultured in osteogenic conditions either on P(VDF-TrFE)/BT or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) for up to 14 days. At 7 and 14 days, the mRNA expression of Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), Type I collagen (COL I), Osteopontin (OPN), Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Bone sialoprotein (BSP), and Osteocalcin (OC), key markers of the osteoblastic phenotype, and of Bcl2-associated X protein (Bax), B-cell CLL/lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), and Survivin (SUR), associated with the control of the apoptotic cell death, was assayed by real-time PCR. In situ ALP activity was qualitatively evaluated by means of Fast red staining. Surface characterization was also qualitatively and quantitatively assayed in terms of topography, roughness, and wettability. Cells grown on P(VDF-TrFE)/BT exhibited a significantly higher mRNA expression for all markers compared to the ones on PTFE, except for Bcl-2, which was not detected for both groups. Additionally, Fast red staining was noticeably stronger in cultures on P(VDF-TrFE)/BT at 7 and 14 days. At micron- and submicron scale, SEM images and roughness analysis revealed that PTFE and P(VDF-TrFE)/BT exhibited a smooth topography and a similar roughness, respectively. PTFE membrane displayed higher contact angles compared with P(VDF-TrFE)/BT, as indicated by wettability assay. The novel P(VDF-TrFE)/BT membrane supports the acquisition of the osteoblastic phenotype in vitro, while up-regulating the expression of apoptotic markers. Further in vivo experiments should be carried out to confirm the capacity of P(VDF-TrFE)/BT membrane in promoting bone formation in guided bone regeneration.

The effect of a reconstituted basement membrane (matrigel) on a human salivary gland myoepithelioma cell line.

We have already demonstrated that a reconstituted basement membrane (Matrigel) is a key modulator of morphogenetic changes and cytodifferentiation of pleomorphic adenoma cells in culture. Myoepithelioma is considered to be a neoplasm closely related to pleomorphic adenoma and should experience similar induction processes. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate whether Matrigel would influence myoepithelioma cells. We used a cell line derived from a human salivary gland plasmacytoid myoepithelioma (M1 cells) grown in a three-dimensional preparation of Matrigel. Phenotype differences were assessed using conventional light microscopy technique (haematoxylin and eosin) and phase and differential interference contrast (Nomarski). Immunofluorescence was carried out to detect smooth-muscle actin, laminin and type-IV collagen. M1 cells exhibited all proteins studied, showing a myoepithelial differentiation. M1 cells grown inside Matrigel presented morphological changes and changes in smooth-muscle actin status. By growing M1 cells inside Matrigel, it was possible to reproduce the tumour architecture with no duct-like structures. Based on our findings, we suggest that myoepithelioma would be derived from a cell with a commitment to myoepithelial differentiation. We also suggest that the mechanical properties of the matrix environment will likely regulate smooth-muscle actin expression in myoepithelioma.

Preprosthetic periodontal surgery in the interproximal area with modification of the COL area: anatomic and histologic study in dogs.

BACKGROUND: Due to its concave morphology, a COL creates difficulties for proper oral hygiene. When this characteristic is accentuated by tooth position or caries and when restorations are necessary, they should be corrected by preprosthetic surgery. However, there are no data proving the efficacy of the procedures. The purpose of this study was to evaluate tissue response to preprosthetic surgery to modify COL morphology. METHODS: Five mongrel dogs received apically positioned flaps, osteotomy/plasty, and RAI (restorative alveolar interface technique) on the maxillary right third bicuspid and first molar; on the same teeth on the left side, a large tissue excision similar to gingivectomy and RAI were performed. Histologic specimens stained with hematoxylin and eosin and Mallory were evaluated at hour 0 and 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks under light microscopy. RESULTS: At hour 0, hemorrhage in the remaining interproximal tissue on the left side, and denuded bone modified by the osteotomy on the right side, were observed. At 1 week, both sides showed the presence of granulation tissue and the beginning of reepithelialization and fiber formation. At 2 weeks, the papillae were rebuilt and epithelialized, with fewer inflammatory cells and dilated blood vessels, with a convex morphology. At 3 weeks, the papillae were convex and saddle shaped, with thicker epithelium and denser connective tissue. The general aspect was similar to attached gingiva. However, on the right side, the total extension of the interproximal tissues was longer and had a less accentuated convex curvature. At 4 weeks, the tissues were more mature, but the morphologic and histological findings were similar to 3 weeks. CONCLUSION: Both techniques modified the COL morphology, suggesting that the RAI technique was effective; but the apically positioned flap with osteotomy and RAI created a more extensive convex surface and more interproximal space for the prosthesis. It is recommended that this technique be considered for use in humans.

Glandular odontogenic cyst: report of a case with cytokeratin expression.

The glandular odontogenic cyst is a rare lesion that was recognized as a distinct entity in the latest WHO typing of odontogenic tumors. We report a glandular odontogenic cyst that recurred after surgical removal from the anterior mandible of a 54-year-old white man. Immunohistochemical study showed that the cystic epithelium reacted positively to antibodies directed against cytokeratins (CKs) 7, 13, 14, and 19 and negatively to CKs 8 and 18.

Expression of smooth-muscle actin in cultured cells from human plasmacytoid myoepithelioma.

OBJECTIVE: The definition of plasmacytoid myoepithelioma, a neoplasm exhibiting myoepithelial differentiation, has been recently questioned. To better understand the histogenesis of this neoplasm, we searched for myoepithelial markers in histologic sections of plasmacytoid myoepithelioma and in a cell line (M1) derived from this same neoplasm. STUDY DESIGN: Expression of vimentin, pan-keratin (AE-3) and smooth-muscle actin was studied by immunohistochemistry in paraffin-embedded tissue and by immunofluorescence in M1 cells. RESULTS: Plasmacytoid myoepithelioma tumor sections showed vimentin and AE-3 reactivity, but evidence of smooth-muscle actin was not seen. The cell line derived from this tumor also produced vimentin and cytokeratin. In addition, all cultured cells expressed smooth-muscle actin. CONCLUSION: We demonstrated that cells derived from a case of plasmacytoid myoepithelioma appear to show full myoepithelial differentiation in vitro. Thus, they are myoepithelial-like cells in nature. The lack of myogenous differentiation in vivo could be due to an inhibitory process mediated by the extracellular matrix.

The influence of pore size on osteoblast phenotype expression in cultures grown on porous titanium.

This study investigated the effect of pore size on osteoblastic phenotype development in cultures grown on porous titanium (Ti). Porous Ti discs with three different pore sizes, 312 µm (Ti 312), 130 µm (Ti 130) and 62 µm (Ti 62) were fabricated using a powder metallurgy process. Osteoblastic cells obtained from human alveolar bone were cultured on porous Ti samples for periods of up to 14 days. Cell proliferation was affected by pore size at day 3 (p=0.0010), day 7 (p=0.0005) and day 10 (p=0.0090) in the following way: Ti 62

Comparative study of bone repair in mandibular body osteotomy between metallic and absorbable 2.0 mm internal fixation systems. Histological and histometric analysis in dogs: a pilot study.

The objective of this study was to compare the bone repair along a mandibular body osteotomy stabilized with 2.0 mm absorbable and metallic systems. 12 male, adult mongrel dogs were divided into two groups (metallic and absorbable) and subjected to unilateral osteotomy between the mandibular third and fourth premolars, which was stabilized by applying two 4-hole plates. At 2 and 18 weeks, three dogs from each group were killed and the osteotomy sites were removed and divided equally into three parts: the upper part was labelled the tension third (TT), the lower part the compression third (CT), and the part between the TT and CT the intermediary third (IT). Regardless of the treatment system, union between the fragments was observed at 18 weeks and the CT showed more advanced stages of bone repair than the TT. Histometric analysis did not reveal any significant differences among the 3 parts or systems in the distance between bone fragments at 2 weeks. Although at 18 weeks the proportions of newly formed bone did not differ among TT, IT and CT, significantly enhanced bone formation was observed in all sections for the metallic group. The patterns of repair were distinct between treatments.

In vitro biocompatibility of poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene)/barium titanate composite using cultures of human periodontal ligament fibroblasts and keratinocytes.

The aim of this work was to evaluate the biocompatibility of poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene)/barium titanate (P(VDF-TrFE)/BT) membrane to be used in guided tissue regeneration (GTR). Fibroblasts from human periodontal ligament (hPDLF) and keratinocytes (SCC9) were plated on P(VDF-TrFE)/BT and polytetrafluorethylene membranes at a cell density of 20,000 cells well(-1) and cultured for up to 21 days. Cell morphology, adhesion and proliferation were evaluated in hPDLF and keratinocytes, while total protein content and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity were assayed only for hPDLF. Using a higher cell density, real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to assess the expression of typical genes of hPDLF, such as periostin, PDLs17, S100A4 and fibromodulin, and key phenotypic markers of keratinocytes, including involucrin, keratins 1, 10 and 14. Expression of the apoptotic genes bax, bcl-2 and survivin was evaluated for both cultures. hPDLF adhered and spread more on P(VDF-TrFE)/BT, whereas keratinocytes showed a round shape on both membranes. hPDLF adhesion was greater on P(VDF-TrFE)/BT at 2 and 4h, while keratinocyte adhesion was similar for both membranes. Whereas proliferation was significantly higher for hPDLF on P(VDF-TrFE)/BT at days 1 and 7, no signs of keratinocyte proliferation could be noticed for both membranes. Total protein content was greater on P(VDF-TrFE)/BT at 7, 14 and 21 days, and higher levels of ALP activity were observed on P(VDF-TrFE)/BT at 21 days. Real-time PCR revealed higher expression of phenotypic markers of hPDLF and keratinocytes as well as greater expression of apoptotic genes in cultures grown on P(VDF-TrFE)/BT. These results indicate that, by favoring hPDLF adhesion, spreading, proliferation and typical mRNA expression, P(VDF-TrFE)/BT membrane should be considered an advantageous alternative for GTR.