ABSTRACT
Microglia, the intrinsic neuroimmune cells residing in the central nervous system (CNS), exert a pivotal influence on brain development, homeostasis, and functionality, encompassing critical roles during both aging and pathological states. Recent advancements in comprehending brain plasticity and functions have spotlighted conspicuous variances between male and female brains, notably in neurogenesis, neuronal myelination, axon fasciculation, and synaptogenesis. Nevertheless, the precise impact of microglia on sex-specific brain cell plasticity, sculpting diverse neural network architectures and circuits, remains largely unexplored. This article seeks to unravel the present understanding of microglial involvement in brain development, plasticity, and function, with a specific emphasis on microglial signaling in brain sex polymorphism. Commencing with an overview of microglia in the CNS and their associated signaling cascades, we subsequently probe recent revelations regarding molecular signaling by microglia in sex-dependent brain developmental plasticity, functions, and diseases. Notably, C-X3-C motif chemokine receptor 1 (CX3CR1), triggering receptors expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2), calcium (Ca2+), and apolipoprotein E (APOE) emerge as molecular candidates significantly contributing to sex-dependent brain development and plasticity. In conclusion, we address burgeoning inquiries surrounding microglia's pivotal role in the functional diversity of developing and aging brains, contemplating their potential implications for gender-tailored therapeutic strategies in neurodegenerative diseases.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, and it is responsible for more than 95% of head and neck cancers. Despite advancements in research and treatment, patient's survival has not significantly increased in recent years. On the other hand, microRNAs (miRNAs) are a major class of small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression of the target mRNAs. Thus, understanding the mechanisms behind OSCC formation and progression may lead to the identification of potential diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic molecules for the treatment of OSCC. The aim of the current study was to analyze expression levels of miR-7110 in OSCC tissues and adjacent normal tissues as it could provide insights into its potential role in OSCC development or progression as a valuable biomarker. METHODS: A total of 20 OSCC and adjacent normal tissues were collected from the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals (Chennai, India). The tissues were processed for hematoxylin and eosin staining and expression studies. The data were shown as mean±standard deviation and P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Our histopathological observations revealed an invasive malignant epithelial neoplasm with malignant epithelial cells exhibiting features of severe epithelial dysplasia invading the connective tissue stroma as islands, strands and cords with varying degrees of differentiation. Our results have also revealed that the expression levels of miR-7110 were found to be significantly higher in OSCC samples when compared to the normal tissue. CONCLUSIONS: We can preliminarily conclude that based on the increased expression of miR-7110 in OSCC tissue samples, they can be used as an early diagnostic or prognostic biomarker and/or a therapeutic target for the treatment of OSCC even though more focused research in that direction is needed.
ABSTRACT
Numerous publications have reported revascularization of necrotic immature permanent teeth, but the regenerative potential of pulp in mature teeth has rarely been considered. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) meets many requirements of a scaffold for regenerative endodontics. To the best of our knowledge, no clinical study has evaluated PRP for endodontic regeneration in a mature avulsed tooth. The present case evaluated PRP for pulpal regeneration in an avulsed mature incisor (>8 hours extraoral dry time) of an 11-year-old boy after delayed replantation. The canal was disinfected after extraoral access cavity preparation and pulp extirpation. The root apex was enlarged, and the tooth was placed in doxycycline solution for 20 minutes. After tooth replantation and splinting, PRP was injected up to the level of the cementoenamel junction and sealed with glass ionomer cement. The 6-month follow-up revealed evidence of internal and external root resorption with periapical radiolucency and an apparent periodontal ligament space. Access was reopened; slurry of 2 antibiotics (minocycline and metronidazole) was inserted into the canal and sealed. Nine- and 12-month radiographs revealed resolution of periapical radiolucency with no further progression of internal resorption. The tooth showed a positive response to thermal and electric pulp tests. The findings observed in this case warrant further research under controlled conditions to evaluate endodontic and periodontal regeneration in a tooth that would otherwise be expected to have an unfavorable prognosis.