Complex Hernia Presentation: A Case Study of Concurrent Spigelian and Pantaloon Hernias in a 49-Year-Old Female.

A 49-year-old woman with a complicated hernia presentation, including direct and indirect inguinal hernias, Spigelian hernias, and Pantaloon hernias, is presented in the case report. The diagnosis was verified by a comprehensive physical examination and imaging, which resulted in a Lichtenstein operation for repair. The surgical procedure for hernia comprised of painstaking dissection, reduction of the hernia sac, and implantation of a prosthetic mesh. The instance emphasizes the value of individualized treatment programs and draws attention to the intricate anatomical details of hernia surgery. Analyzing situations that are similar to one another highlights the necessity of customized strategies to improve patient outcomes.

Incidental Discovery of a Phrygian Cap During Whipple's Procedure: A Case Report.

Obstructive jaundice, characterised by yellow discolouration of the skin and mucous membranes due to reduced bile flow, often necessitates surgical intervention for resolution. This article provides a comprehensive literature review to contextualise the management of obstructive jaundice, focusing on common treatment modalities such as common bile duct (CBD) stenting and Whipple's procedure for pancreatic head cancer. Additionally, the incidental finding of a Phrygian cap of the gallbladder during surgical intervention for pancreatic head cancer is described in detail. A case presentation of a 48-year-old female with obstructive jaundice and pancreatic head cancer is outlined, detailing the diagnostic process, treatment decisions, and surgical interventions. The patient underwent CBD stenting followed by Whipple's procedure to address the pancreatic head cancer, during which the incidental discovery of a Phrygian cap of the gallbladder was noted. The discussion of the incidental finding highlights the complexity it adds to surgical interventions and emphasises the importance of adaptability and precision in managing anatomical variations. A comparison with similar cases underscores varying approaches to managing incidental findings, ranging from conservative observation to surgical excision based on clinical indications. This case underscores the significance of thorough diagnostic evaluation and surgical intervention in managing incidental findings such as the Phrygian cap, ensuring appropriate patient management and favourable clinical outcomes in complex surgical scenarios.

Correlation Between Hypothyroidism and Gallstone Disease in Central India.

Introduction The decreased thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels affect almost every nucleated cell in our body, which directly affects the basal metabolic rate (BMR). It tends to affect multiple organ systems in the human body. In recent times, there have been changes in lifestyle and the consumption of processed foods has increased. Thus, cholelithiasis and hypothyroidism are being encountered frequently, even in rural populations. In recent times, the overt clinical presentation of hypothyroidism is rare due to early diagnosis and treatment of the subclinical hypothyroidism state itself. Aim The aim is to determine the correlation between cholelithiasis and hypothyroidism. Methods This was a cross-sectional study done on the patients presenting to the surgical department at Acharya Vinoba Bhave Rural Hospital affiliated to Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Sawangi (Meghe), Wardha, Maharashtra, India between the duration from December 2020 to December 2022, having gallstone disease or with symptoms suggestive of gall bladder stones. The admitted patients were then evaluated for hypothyroidism by thyroid profile tests, and the results were documented. Using the collected data, factors such as clinical spectrum, correlation between cholelithiasis and hypothyroidism, relation with the demographic data, and body mass index (BMI) were studied. Results A total of 52 gallstone patients were included in the study. A greater number of patients were found to be above the age of 40 years (82.7%), with female preponderance (61.5%). More patients with cholelithiasis were from the group with having BMI more than normal (57.6%). More patients having both cholelithiasis and hypothyroidism were also from the group with having BMI more than normal. Most symptomatic patients complained of pain in the right hypochondriac region (88.5%). Of these 52 patients, nine (17.3%) were found to have hypothyroidism (seven were subclinical, two patients had overt clinical symptoms and signs) and the remaining 43 patients were euthyroid. Conclusions Our study supports that there is a correlation between cholelithiasis and hypothyroidism. Out of all the 52 patients, nine had hypothyroidism, seven were subclinical, and two had overt symptoms. Thus, we conclude that there is a correlation between cholelithiasis and hypothyroidism.

Dynamic Changes in Macrophage Polarization during the Resolution Phase of Periodontal Disease.

Periodontal inflammation is largely governed by infiltration of myeloid cells, in particular macrophages. Polarization of Mφ within the gingival tissues is a well-controlled axis and has considerable consequences for how Mφ participate in inflammatory and resolution (tissue repair) phases. We hypothesize that periodontal therapy may instigate a pro-resolution environment favoring M2 Mφ polarization and contribute towards resolution of inflammation post-therapy. We aimed to evaluate the markers of macrophage polarization before and after periodontal therapy. Gingival biopsies were excised from human subjects with generalized severe periodontitis, undergoing routine non-surgical therapy. A second set of biopsies were excised after 4-6 weeks to assess the impact of therapeutic resolution at the molecular level. As controls, gingival biopsies were excised from periodontally healthy subjects, undergoing crown lengthening. Total RNA was isolated from gingival biopsies to evaluate pro- and anti-inflammatory markers associated with macrophage polarization by RT-qPCR. Mean periodontal probing depths, CAL and BOP reduced significantly after therapy and corroborated with the reduced levels of periopathic bacterial transcripts after therapy. Compared to heathy and treated biopsies, higher load of Aa and Pg transcripts were observed in disease. Lower expression of M1Mφ markers (TNF-α, STAT1) were observed after therapy as compared to diseased samples. Conversely, M2Mφ markers (STAT6, IL-10) were highly expressed in post-therapy as opposed to pre-therapy, which correlated with clinical improvement. These findings corroborated with murine ligature-induced periodontitis and resolution model, comparing the respective murine Mφ polarization markers (M1 Mφ: cox2 , iNOS2 and M2 Mφ: tgm2 and arg1 ). Our findings suggest that imbalance in M1 and M2 polarized macrophages by assessment of their markers can provide relevant clinical information on the successful response of periodontal therapy and can be used to target non-responders with exaggerated immune responses.

Downregulation of miRNA-26 in chronic periodontitis interferes with innate immune responses and cell migration by targeting phospholipase C beta 1.

AIM: To evaluate the potential role of miR-26 family members in periodontal pathogenesis by assessing innate immune responses to periopathic bacteria and regulation of cytoskeletal organization. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Expression of miR-26a-5p and miR-26b-5p was quantified in gingival biopsies derived from healthy and periodontally diseased subjects before and after non-surgical (scaling and root planing) therapy by RT-qPCR. Global pathway analysis and luciferase assays were performed for target identification and validation. Cytokine expression was assessed in miR-26a-5p transfected human oral keratinocytes upon stimulation with either live Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg), Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans or Pg lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Wound closure assays were performed in cells transfected with miR-26a-5p, while the impact on cytoskeletal organization was assessed by F-actin staining. RESULTS: miR-26a-5p and miR-26b-5p were downregulated in diseased gingiva and restored 4-6 weeks post-therapy to levels comparable with healthy subjects. Target validation assays identified phospholipase C beta 1 as a bona fide novel target exhibiting antagonistic expression pattern in disease and post-therapy cohorts. miR-26a-5p transfected cells secreted higher levels of cytokine/chemokines upon stimulation with periopathogens and demonstrated impaired cell migration and cytoskeletal rearrangement. CONCLUSIONS: Downregulated miR-26a-5p levels in periodontal inflammation may interfere with key cellular functions that may have significant implications for host defence and wound healing.

Successful Outcome With a Multimodal Approach in the Management of Pediatric Necrotizing Fasciitis: A Report of a Rare Case.

Necrotizing fasciitis is a commonly encountered modality by a practicing clinician which needs urgent and vigilant management. To decrease the potential morbidity and mortality of the pathology, an aggressive multimodal approach shows promising results. In our report, we present a case of a three-year-old male child who presented to us with the findings consistent with necrotizing fasciitis. The case report highlights the importance of multimodal approach in such a case.

Adenocarcinoma of the Stomach With Situs Inversus Totalis: A Rare Case.

Situs inversus is a scarce congenital anomaly. Situs inversus totalis (SIT) is a mirroring of the normal. Thoracic and abdominal viscera transposition is a characteristic feature of situs inversus. It is considered to be a premalignant condition. This uncommon genetic disorder is often identified incidentally during thoracic and abdominal imaging. The coexistence of SIT and gastric cancer is rare. Because this anomaly is known to have associated anatomical and vascular anomalies, due care is required to identify it preoperatively and during the surgical procedure. At centers with prior experience, consistent with oncological practices, open surgeries, laparoscopic surgeries, and robotic surgeries can be done. We present a patient with a stomach adenocarcinoma with SIT who underwent distal gastrectomy with gastrojejunostomy along with resection and anastomosis of the transverse colon and capecitabin-oxaliplatin chemotherapy. The postoperative course was favorable. To our knowledge, only 13 cases of diffuse-type gastric cancer in a patient with SIT have been reported in the English-language literature.

A Review of Synchronous Findings of Hypothyroidism and Cholelithiasis.

Cholelithiasis is considered to be the most common biliary pathology. They have been categorized into three types, which are pigment stones, cholesterol stones, and mixed types of stones with varying incidence. The condition may be asymptomatic for significantly long durations and in most cases, the presence of gall stones is an incidental finding. The patients may present with pain in the abdomen in stages of cholecystitis or advanced stages or cases of gall stones causing the obstruction. Gallbladder stones are formed through a very complex procedure with the contribution of numerous factors, where the main initiating step is supposed to be the development of a state wherein there is supersaturation of the bile, which in turn gives rise to accumulation and stasis of the bile and the development of gall stones. One of the factors is said to be the hypothyroid state. Hypothyroidism itself is a significantly common endocrine disorder that affects almost every nucleated cell in the body. There is decreased efficacy of the thyroid gland. The serum T3 and T4 levels might be found on the lower side whereas thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) values are found to be high. In some of the cases, though the T3 and T4 levels are maintained within the normal limits, the TSH shows raised values, which are labeled as subclinical hypothyroidism. The state of hypothyroidism may act upon the amount of bile secretion, the flow of bile into the intestines, cholesterol metabolism, and the action of the sphincter of Oddi. Studies have shown results pointing towards the correlation between these two factors. The basic mechanism behind the correlation between cholelithiasis and hypothyroidism is supposed to be due to the action of the hypothyroid state on the functioning of the sphincter of Oddi. The hypothyroid state is supposed to be decreasing the tendency of the sphincter of Oddi to relax, thus causing stasis of the bile, which over time leads to initiation of supersaturation of the bile and formation of gall stones. Both subclinical hypothyroidism and clinical hypothyroidism are found to be significantly common in patients having cholelithiasis. We, in this review article, have taken into consideration various studies which have been performed regarding this topic worldwide. The studies have been performed on individuals who are already diagnosed with either of these diseases and are then screened for the presence of the other disease included in this study. The degree of correlation varies according to the location of the stones and their sizes. Though various studies show varying results to some extent, overall almost all the studies show significant pieces of evidence of the correlation between cholelithiasis and hypothyroidism.

Importance of Second-Look Surgery in a Newborn Presenting With Early Malrotation.

Intestinal malrotation refers to the abnormal positioning of the intestines due to a deviation from normal developmental stages. Volvulus is seen in 60%-70% of neonates diagnosed with intestinal malrotation. We are reporting a case of s six-day-old male who presented with multiple episodes of bilious vomiting and constipation and had malrotation of intestines with midgut volvulus. After a contrast upper GI study, the patient was taken for exploratory laparotomy, and extensive patches of an early stage of bowel ischemia were observed; resection was avoided at this stage. In the second-look surgery, all the gangrenous bowel loops were resected, and anastomosis was done.

Boiling Transitions During Droplet Contact on Superheated Nano/Micro-Structured Surfaces.

Manipulating surface topography is one of the most promising strategies for increasing the efficiency of numerous industrial processes involving droplet contact with superheated surfaces. In such scenarios, the droplets may immediately boil upon contact, splash and boil, or could levitate on their own vapor in the Leidenfrost state. In this work, we report the outcomes of water droplets coming in gentle contact with designed nano/microtextured surfaces at a wide range of temperatures as observed using high-speed optical and X-ray imaging. We report a paradoxical increase in the Leidenfrost temperature (TLFP) as the texture spacing is reduced below a critical value (∼10 µm) that represents a minima in TLFP. Although droplets on such textured solids appear to boil upon contact, our studies suggest that their behavior is dominated by hydrodynamic instabilities implying that the increase in TLFP may not necessarily lead to enhanced heat transfer. On such surfaces, the droplets display a new regime characterized by splashing accompanied by a vapor jet penetrating through the droplets before they transition to the Leidenfrost state. We provide a comprehensive map of boiling behavior of droplets over a wide range of texture spacings that may have significant implications toward applications such as electronics cooling, spray cooling, nuclear reactor safety, and containment of fire calamities.

A Rare Incidental Finding of Phrygian Cap in a Case of Pyloric Perforation.

Deviation from the normal development of the biliary tree and gall bladder gives rise to numerous different types of anomalies. One of the anomalies is the Phrygian cap. The Phrygian cap is an even rarer condition. We report a case that was asymptomatic. In a rare case, the Phrygian cap anomaly may cause symptoms that are mainly due to superadded cholelithiasis. A detailed pre-operative history and thorough physical examination should be done. Many of the cases may be missed during the routine examination. The diagnosis, with the help of radiological investigations, will be helpful to keep the location and anatomy of the anomalous gall bladder in mind during the intra-operative period. The patient was operated on to seal off a perforation, where a Phrygian cap was observed as an incidental finding. The patient did not have any complaints pointing toward the presence of cholelithiasis or cholecystitis. Due to the asymptomatic incidental presentation of the condition, the operating surgeons decided on avoiding further dissection and an increase in the morbidity load. Thus, we report this case to focus on this rare entity and consider it a differential while dealing with a case of pain in the abdomen.

A Rare Case of a Mesenteric Cyst.

A mesenteric cyst is an uncommon ailment that can affect practically any abdominal quadrant in its presentation. They may turn up as an accidental discovery. Although there are a number of hypotheses explaining the genesis of these cysts, the exact etiology is unknown. A 70-year-old female patient came to see us complaining of abdominal pain for a month and had trouble passing stools for 15 days. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography was done for the patient, which revealed a heterogeneously enhancing mass lesion in the abdominal cavity. The patient was then taken for an exploratory laparotomy procedure. To make the procedure thorough and easy, intraoperative partial drainage of the cyst fluid was carried out. We were able to observe the margins of the mesenteric cyst more easily as the partial drainage was carried out. The partial drainage decreased the volume and size of the mesenteric cyst, reducing the pressure effect on the surrounding structures and allowing easy mobilization of the intraabdominal structures during intraoperative examinations. The partial drainage of the cystic fluid also made the dissection process safer. After releasing all adhesions, the cyst was delivered outside and sent for histopathological analysis. The histopathological reports confirmed it to be a mesenteric cyst. The aim of this article is to educate the readers and to make fellow surgeons well aware of this condition. This will not only help fellow clinicians in better diagnosis and treatment but also help in the reduction of the overall burden of the healthcare society by reducing mortality and morbidity.

Evidence-Based Clinical Outcomes of Immediate and Early Loading of Short Endosseous Dental Implants: A Meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: Short dental implants serve as a valuable alternative for patients with limited bone height. Immediate or early provisionalization facilitates a more physiologic environment for the gingival tissues to be modeled. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to systematically review and evaluate the implant survival and marginal bone loss with immediate and early loading protocols of short dental implants (≤ 6 mm). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A literature search (electronic and manual) was conducted to identify studies with a focused PICO question: "In patients with short dental implants, does loading time affect treatment outcomes?" Studies using an immediate or early loading protocol for restoration of short implants with a mean follow-up of at least 1 year, and refraining from the use of advanced surgical procedures (sinus floor elevation, bone augmentation), were included. After evaluating patient selection and outcome reporting biases, a meta-analysis was conducted to assess implant survival and bone loss for studies fulfilling the inclusion criteria. Bone loss differences between immediate and early loading protocols were evaluated by Student t test, and Spearman correlation analysis was used to analyze the trends between crown-to-implant (C/I) ratio and bone loss. RESULTS: A total of 396 studies with patients receiving short implants (≤ 6 mm) with immediate or early prosthetic loading protocols were identified. For the 7 included studies, the pooled implant survival rate for 322 implants with a follow-up ranging from 1 to 10 years (5 years) was 91.63% (95% CI: 88% to 94%), with a mean bone loss effect estimate of 0.52 ± 0.1 mm (z = 3.07, P < .002). The differences observed in the mean bone loss for studies using immediate loading as opposed to early loading were not statistically significant. A moderate but significant positive correlation was observed between the C/I ratio and mean bone loss levels (r = 0.67, P = .02). CONCLUSION: Short implants with immediate or early loading protocols have satisfactory long-term treatment prospects with satisfactory implant survival rates and minimal bone loss.

Coalescence and spreading of drops on liquid pools.

HYPOTHESIS: Oil spills have posed a serious threat to our marine and ecological environment in recent times. Containment of spills proliferating via small drops merging with oceans/seas is especially difficult since their mitigation is closely linked to the coalescence dependent spreading. This inter-connectivity and its dependence on the physical properties of the drop has not been explored until now. Furthermore, pinch-off behavior and scaling laws for such three-phase systems have not been reported. EXPERIMENTS: We investigate the problem of gentle deposition of a single drop of oil on a pool of water, representative of an oil spill scenario. Methodical study of 11 different n-alkanes, polymers and hydrocarbons with varying viscosity and initial spreading coefficients is conducted. Regime map, scaling laws for deformation features and spreading behavior are established. FINDINGS: The existence of a previously undocumented regime of delayed coalescence is reported. A novel application of the inertia-visco-capillary (I-V-C) scale collapses all experimental coalescence data on a single line while the early stage spreading is found to be either oscillatory or asymptotically reaching a constant value, depending on the viscosity of the oil drop unlike the well documented monotonic, power law late-time spreading behavior. These findings are equally applicable to applications like emulsions and enhanced oil recovery.

In-depth morphological evaluation of tooth anatomic lengths with root canal configurations using cone beam computed tomography in North American population.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the association between tooth size and root canal morphology by using CBCT analysis. METHODOLOGY: In this retrospective study, tooth anatomic lengths (crown and root lengths, buccolingual and mesiodistal dimensions) of 384 patients were assessed and correlated with Vertucci's root canal morphology classification. Data was analyzed for gender-related differences using the independent sample t-test, ANOVA, and the Pearson's correlation for a possible relation between anatomic lengths and canal morphology. RESULTS: The maxillary first and second premolars showed a greater predilection for Type IV and II variants, respectively, while the mandibular first premolar showed a greater predilection for Type II canal system. The root canal system of the mandibular second premolar showed maximal diversity (47% Type I, 30% Type II, and 20% Type III). The dimensions were greater in men regardless of tooth type. The most significant relation (p<0.05) between the anatomic size and canal morphology was observed in the maxillary first premolars, followed by the mandibular canines (buccolingual dimension) and the lower second premolars (crown length). Negative correlations existed between the crown length and the patient's age for the anterior teeth and mandibular second premolar (r=-0.2, p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The most common canal formation for anterior teeth was the Type I. The anatomic lengths had the strongest influence on the canal configuration of the maxillary first premolar, with Type IV being the most common root canal system. The mandibular second premolars showed maximal diversity in the canal classification terms and had a significant correlation with their crown lengths. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The complex relationship between the canal morphology and anatomic tooth sizes need meticulous awareness and recognition during endodontic procedures, in conjunction with the demographic variabilities.

In-depth morphological evaluation of tooth anatomic lengths with root canal configurations using cone beam computed tomography in North American population

Abstract Objective This study aimed to assess the association between tooth size and root canal morphology by using CBCT analysis. Methodology In this retrospective study, tooth anatomic lengths (crown and root lengths, buccolingual and mesiodistal dimensions) of 384 patients were assessed and correlated with Vertucci's root canal morphology classification. Data was analyzed for gender-related differences using the independent sample t-test, ANOVA, and the Pearson's correlation for a possible relation between anatomic lengths and canal morphology. Results The maxillary first and second premolars showed a greater predilection for Type IV and II variants, respectively, while the mandibular first premolar showed a greater predilection for Type II canal system. The root canal system of the mandibular second premolar showed maximal diversity (47% Type I, 30% Type II, and 20% Type III). The dimensions were greater in men regardless of tooth type. The most significant relation (p<0.05) between the anatomic size and canal morphology was observed in the maxillary first premolars, followed by the mandibular canines (buccolingual dimension) and the lower second premolars (crown length). Negative correlations existed between the crown length and the patient's age for the anterior teeth and mandibular second premolar (r=−0.2, p<0.01). Conclusions The most common canal formation for anterior teeth was the Type I. The anatomic lengths had the strongest influence on the canal configuration of the maxillary first premolar, with Type IV being the most common root canal system. The mandibular second premolars showed maximal diversity in the canal classification terms and had a significant correlation with their crown lengths. Clinical Relevance The complex relationship between the canal morphology and anatomic tooth sizes need meticulous awareness and recognition during endodontic procedures, in conjunction with the demographic variabilities.

Radio-Morphometric Evaluation of Greater Palatine Canal and Pterygopalatine Fossa Component: Maxillary Anesthetic Implications.

This is a retrospective analytical cross-sectional study involving 131 cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans of adult (18-99 years) that assessed greater palatine canal (GPC) attributes (length, curvature angle, diameter of curvature) and the type of the trajectory of GPC-pterygopalatine fossa (PPF) component. The GPC is an important landmark that connects the oral cavity and PPF. It contains greater and lesser palatine nerves, along-with descending palatine artery and vein by extending from the inferior part of the PPF to the hard palate. The GPC acts as a pathway for infiltration of local anesthesia. The inferior orbital fissure (IOF) is in close proximity to these vital anatomic structures and hence accurate identification of its location during regional block anesthesia is crucial. This is one of the very few studies investigating these important structures on CBCT scans highlighting the importance of preoperative scans for the anatomic determination. The images were analyzed for the lengths and anatomic paths of the right and left GPC-PPF in sagittal plane. The diameters of the upper (higher bony aspect of PPF) and lower openings (GPC opening) displayed statistically significant differences in the comparison between males and females (P < 0.05). Overestimation or underestimation of the GPC length can cause a lack of anesthesia and undesirable diffusion of the anesthetic solution into the orbit thorough the IOF causing diplopia, or into the cranial cavity. A thorough understanding of GPC length and pathway types is obligatory for proper anesthetic administration and performing any maxillofacial procedures.

MicroRNA: Dynamic Regulators of Macrophage Polarization and Plasticity.

The ability of a healthy immune system to clear the plethora of antigens it encounters incessantly relies on the enormous plasticity displayed by the comprising cell types. Macrophages (MΦs) are crucial member of the mononuclear phagocyte system (MPS) that constantly patrol the peripheral tissues and are actively recruited to the sites of injury and infection. In tissues, infiltrating monocytes replenish MΦ. Under the guidance of the local micro-milieu, MΦ can be activated to acquire specialized functional phenotypes. Similar to T cells, functional polarization of macrophage phenotype viz., inflammatory (M1) and reparative (M2) is proposed. Equipped with diverse toll-like receptors (TLRs), these cells of the innate arm of immunity recognize and phagocytize antigens and secrete cytokines that activate the adaptive arm of the immune system and perform key roles in wound repair. Dysregulation of MΦ plasticity has been associated with various diseases and infection. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as critical regulators of transcriptome output. Their importance in maintaining health, and their contribution toward disease, encompasses virtually all aspects of human biology. Our understanding of miRNA-mediated regulation of MΦ plasticity and polarization can be utilized to modulate functional phenotypes to counter their role in the pathogenesis of numerous disease, including cancer, autoimmunity, periodontitis, etc. Here, we provide an overview of current knowledge regarding the role of miRNA in shaping MΦ polarization and plasticity through targeting of various pathways and genes. Identification of miRNA biomarkers of diagnostic/prognostic value and their therapeutic potential by delivery of miRNA mimics or inhibitors to dynamically alter gene expression profiles in vivo is highlighted.

microRNAs: Emerging players in oral cancers and inflammatory disorders.

Association of oral diseases and disorders with altered microRNA profiles is firmly recognized. These evidences support the potential use of microRNAs as therapeutic tools for diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of various diseases. In this review, we highlight the association of altered microRNA signatures in oral cancers and oral inflammatory diseases. Advances in our ability to detect microRNAs in human sera and saliva further highlight their clinical value as potential biomarkers. We have discussed key mechanisms underlying microRNA dysregulation in pathological conditions. The use of microRNAs in diagnostics and their potential therapeutic value in the treatment of oral diseases are reviewed.

MiRNA-Target Interaction Reveals Cell-Specific Post-Transcriptional Regulation in Mammalian Cell Lines.

MicroRNAs are 18-22 nucleotides long, non-coding RNAs that bind transcripts with complementary sequences leading to either mRNA degradation or translational suppression. However, the inherent differences in preferred mode of miRNA regulation among cells of different origin have not been examined. In our previous transcriptome profiling studies, we observed that post-transcriptional regulation can differ substantially depending on the cell in context. Here we examined mechanistic differences in the regulation of a let-7a targeted (wild type) or resistant (mutant) engineered renilla transcript across various mammalian cell lines of diverse origin. Dual luciferase assays show that compared to mutant (mut), the reporter gene containing wild type (wt) let-7a binding sites was efficiently suppressed upon transfection in various cell lines. Importantly, the strength of miRNA regulation varied across the cell lines. Total RNA analysis demonstrates that wt renilla mRNA was expressed to similar or higher levels compared to mut suggesting that translation repression is a predominant mode of miRNA regulation. Nonetheless, transcript degradation was observed in some cell lines. Ago-2 immunoprecipitation show that miRNA repressed renilla mRNA are associated with functional mi-RISC (miRNA-RNA induced silencing complex). Given the immense potential of miRNA as a therapeutic option, these findings highlight the necessity to thoroughly examine the mode of mRNA regulation in order to achieve the beneficial effects in targeting cells.