Significance of Development and Reversion of Collaterals on MRI in Early Neurologic Improvement and Long-Term Functional Outcome after Intravenous Thrombolysis for Ischemic Stroke.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Predicting response to rtPA is essential in the era of endovascular therapy for stroke. The purpose of this study was to elucidate prognostic factors of early neurologic improvement and long-term outcome with respect to the development and reversion of leptomeningeal collaterals in recanalization therapy after acute ischemic stroke. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed consecutive patients with proximal MCA occlusion treated with rtPA from 2007 to 2012 at 2 hospital stroke centers. All patients routinely underwent brain MR imaging before rtPA. To assess the reversion of collateral signs, we included patients who underwent follow-up MR imaging. We assessed the development and reversion of collaterals by using a combination of 2 MR imaging collateral markers, the hyperintense vessel sign and the posterior cerebral artery laterality sign. Early neurologic improvement was defined as a decrease in the NIHSS score of ≥10 or a score of ≤2 at 24 hours of treatment. RESULTS: Early neurologic improvement was observed in 22 of 48 eligible patients. The development of collaterals at arrival (15/22 versus 9/26, P = .042) was significantly associated with early neurologic improvement. Multivariate analysis adjusting for other variables showed that the development of collaterals at arrival (OR, 4.82; 95% CI, 1.34-19.98; P = .015) was independently associated with early neurologic improvement. Reversion of collaterals was significantly associated with successful recanalization (P < .001), and multivariate analysis showed that the reversion of collaterals was an independent prognostic factor of long-term functional outcome (OR, 5.07; 95% CI, 1.38-22.09; P = .013). CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that the development of leptomeningeal collaterals plays a crucial role in achieving early neurologic improvement, and reversion of collaterals predicts a favorable outcome via arterial recanalization after rtPA treatment for acute stroke.

Expression profiles of NOS isoforms in gingiva of nNOS knockout mice.

Nitric oxide is a gaseous molecule associated with many distinct physiological functions, and is derived from L-arginine catalyzed by nitric oxide synthase (NOS). Nitric oxide synthase has 3 isoforms: nNOS, iNOS and eNOS. Although these NOS isoforms are believed to play an important role in gingival tissue, little information is available on their morphological dynamics. The aim of this study was to investigate the profiles of NOS isoforms in deficiency of nNOS in gingiva of mice. Twelve male (6 normal (C57BL/6) and 6 nNOS knockout) mice were used. All mice were 5-week-old, weighing approximately 20-25 g each. After sacrifice, the jaws of the mice were removed by mechanical means and specimens analyzed by histology, in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. Immunohistochemical observation revealed positive staining for iNOS and eNOS, especially in lamina propria. Similar results in the mRNA expression levels were shown by in situ hybridization analysis. It may suggest that iNOS and eNOS compensated nNOS deficiency in the gingiva of nNOS knockout mice.

Ultrasound-guided surgery of particulate cancellous bone and marrow from the iliac crest for cleft palate.

Minimally invasive procedures for treatment of disease have become increasingly popular and require specialized instruments and precise imaging guidance. We here propose a technique of minimally invasive surgery with ultrasound echo-guided procedures as a less traumatic and invasive procedure to get particulate cancellous bone and marrow from the iliac crest for cleft palate. This technique has been used successfully at our institutions. Our experience suggests that it can provide reliable ultrasound echo imaging-guided surgery.

Interleukin-1 beta in unstimulated whole saliva is a potential biomarker for oral squamous cell carcinoma.

The objective of this study was to evaluate cytokines in unstimulated whole saliva (UWS) of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) patients as compared to those with pre- and post-operation for evaluation as markers of OSCC. Sixteen OSCC patients were included in this study. Cytokine concentrations in resting saliva were measured using a Bio-Plex suspension array system. Only interleukin-1 (IL-1) beta showed significantly different cytokine concentration in saliva between pre- and post-operation. IL-1 beta was released from cultured OSCC cells confirmed by ELISA and immunohistochemistry. From this study, IL-1 beta in UWS may be useful for detection of early stage OSCC. More studies are needed to accept the utility of IL-1 beta in UWS for predicting, diagnosis and evaluation of OSCC.

Ultrastructural immunolocalization of dentin matrix protein 1 on Sharpey's fibers in monkey tooth cementum.

Despite the importance of dentin matrix protein 1 (DMP1) in the formation of mineralized tissue, including dentinogenesis and osteogenesis, its precise role in cementogenesis remains to be clarified fully. The purpose of our study was to demonstrate the ultrastructural immunolocalization of DMP1 in monkey molar tooth cementum. Japanese Macaca fuscata monkeys were fixed by perfusion. The upper molar teeth and accompanying periodontium then were dissected and demineralized with EDTA. Cryosections were obtained, incubated in anti-DMP1 polyclonal antibody, and processed by immunoperoxidase and immunogold labeling. Intense immunoperoxidase staining for DMP1 was observed in acellular extrinsic fiber cementum, particularly in Sharpey's fibers. Cementocyte lacunae with canaliculi showed DMP1 staining in the apical region of the tooth root. Electron immunomicroscopy revealed the close proximity of DMP1 to collagen fibrils in Sharpey's fibers at the mineralization front. Intense immunogold labeling was localized on the walls of the cementocyte lacunae in cellular cementum. These results should contribute to better understanding of the role of DMP1, not only in Sharpey's fiber biomineralization, but also in the maintenance of the cementocyte lacunar space in cementum.

Nasu-Hakola disease with a splicing mutation of TREM2 in a Japanese family.

BACKGROUND: Nasu-Hakola disease (NHD) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder, characterized by a combination of progressive presenile dementia and formation of multifocal bone cysts, caused by genetic mutations of DAP12 and TREM2, which constitute a receptor/adapter signaling complex expressed on osteoclasts, dendritic cells, macrophages, and microglia. No Japanese patients with TREM2 mutations have been reported previously. METHODS: We reported three siblings affected with NHD in a Japanese family. Amongst them, two died of NHD during the fourth decade of life. The analysis of genomic DNA, cDNA cloning, and western blot of lymphocyte proteins was performed on samples of the living patient. The transcriptome was studied in the autopsied brain of one patient. RESULTS: We identified a homozygous conversion of a single nucleotide T to C at the second position of intron 3 in the splice-donor consensus site (c.482+2T>C) of the TREM2 gene, resulting in exon 3 skipping and aberrant expression of truncated proteins. We identified 136 upregulated genes involved in inflammatory response and immune cell trafficking and 188 downregulated genes including a battery of GABA receptor subunits and synaptic proteins in the patient's brain. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report of a Japanese NHD family caused by a splicing mutation of TREM2 that induces both neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration.

Zygoma implant-supported prosthetic rehabilitation of a patient with a maxillary defect.

This clinical report describes the successful management of a patient who underwent extensive resection of a maxillary cancer, by introduction of a maxillary obturator prosthesis using zygoma implants. The patient was a 57-year-old man with cancer of the upper anterior gingiva. The maxillary bone in the affected region had been extensively excised by radical surgery. Owing to loss of teeth retaining the denture, the existing prosthesis was unstable, and the patient experienced severe speech and mastication disorders. Four zygoma implants (two on each side), and two conventional dental implants (one each at both maxillary tuberosities) were used as denture retainers. The obturator prosthesis was stabilized by the implants, and the patient's oral function improved. High-level compatibility between the implant and surrounding tissue was obtained by mucosal regeneration around the implant. The results suggest that the combination of zygoma and conventional dental implants improves postoperative oral function by facilitating retention of the obturator prostheses.

Friend leukaemia insertion (Fli)-1 is a prediction marker candidate for radiotherapy resistant oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Radiotherapy is commonly used to treat oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), but its therapeutic effects are unpredictable. To determine which genes correlate with radiation resistance in oral cancer, the authors evaluated radiation sensitivity using a standard colony formation assay with a gene microarray system for seven OSCC cell lines. They found significant associations between dozens of gene-expression levels and radiation resistance of OSCC cell lines. Following analysis of the different radiosensitive cancer cell lines, the friend leukaemia insertion (Fli)-1 gene was selected as a prediction marker gene for OSCC radiotherapy resistance. Fli-1 expression was associated with radiation resistance in OSCC patients. These data help to predict the effects radiation therapy has on OSCC, in turn contributing to the development of alternative radiation therapies.

Analysis of bone volume using computer simulation system for secondary bone graft in alveolar cleft.

The purpose of this study was to measure the bone volume necessary for secondary bone grafting in the alveolar cleft using surgical simulation software based on three-dimensional computed tomography (CT) scan data, to compare this measurement with the actual volume of the bone graft, and to evaluate consistency. The subjects were 13 patients with cleft lip and palate who underwent CT using a cone-beam CT unit (CB-CT) 1 month before surgery, followed by bone grafting with particulate cancellous bone and marrow (PCBM) to close the cleft. The bone volume necessary for grafting was measured based on the CB-CT scan data. Correlation analysis, a test of the population mean between two samples, and Wilcoxon's signed rank test were conducted between these measurements and the actual bone volume (PCBM volume) used for grafting. SPSS was used for statistical analysis, and the level of significance was set below the 5% level. The results showed a significant correlation, with no significant differences between the two in all tests. These results suggest that measuring and preoperatively calculating the bone volume necessary for bone grafting with surgical simulation software using CB-CT scan data is beneficial.

Properties of synaptic transmission from the reticular formation dorsal to the facial nucleus to trigeminal motoneurons during early postnatal development in rats.

We previously reported that electrical stimulation of the reticular formation dorsal to the facial nucleus (RdVII) elicited excitatory masseter responses at short latencies and that RdVII neurons were antidromically activated by stimulation of the trigeminal motor nucleus (MoV), suggesting that excitatory premotor neurons targeting the MoV are likely located in the RdVII. We thus examined the properties of synaptic transmission from the RdVII to jaw-closing and jaw-opening motoneurons in horizontal brainstem preparations from developing rats using voltage-sensitive dye, patch-clamp recordings and laser photostimulation. Electrical stimulation of the RdVII evoked optical responses in the MoV. Combined bath application of the non-N-methyl-d-aspartate (non-NMDA) receptor antagonist 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (CNQX), and the NMDA receptor antagonist DL-2-amino-5-phosphonopentanoic acid (APV) reduced these optical responses, and addition of the glycine receptor antagonist strychnine and the GABA(A) receptor antagonist bicuculline further reduced the remaining responses. Electrical stimulation of the RdVII evoked postsynaptic currents (PSCs) in all 19 masseter motoneurons tested in postnatal day (P)1-4 rats, and application of CNQX and the NMDA receptor antagonist (+/-)-3(2-carboxypiperazin-4-yl)propyl-1-phosphonic acid (CPP) reduced the PSC amplitudes by more than 50%. In the presence of CNQX and CPP, the GABA(A) receptor antagonist SR95531 further reduced PSC amplitude, and addition of strychnine abolished the remaining PSCs. Photostimulation of the RdVII with caged glutamate also evoked PSCs in masseter motoneurons of P3-4 rats. In P8-11 rats, electrical stimulation of the RdVII also evoked PSCs in all 14 masseter motoneurons tested, and the effects of the antagonists on the PSCs were similar to those in P1-4 rats. On the other hand, RdVII stimulation evoked PSCs in only three of 16 digastric motoneurons tested. These results suggest that both neonatal and juvenile jaw-closing motoneurons receive strong synaptic inputs from the RdVII through activation of glutamate, glycine and GABA(A) receptors, whereas inputs from the RdVII to jaw-opening motoneurons seem to be weak.

Plasma resistin concentration determined by common variants in the resistin gene and associated with metabolic traits in an aged Japanese population.

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: Resistin is a cytokine derived from adipose tissue and is implicated in obesity-related insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Polymorphisms of the resistin gene (RETN) have been shown to affect the plasma resistin concentration. The aims of this study were to identify polymorphisms of RETN that influence plasma resistin concentration and to clarify the relation between plasma resistin level and metabolic disorders in an aged Japanese cohort. METHODS: The study participants comprised 3133 individuals recruited to a population-based prospective cohort study (KING study). Plasma resistin concentration, BMI, abdominal circumference, blood pressure, fasting plasma glucose and serum insulin concentrations, HbA(1c) content and serum lipid profile were measured in all participants. The HOMA index of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was also calculated. Eleven polymorphisms of RETN were genotyped. RESULTS: A combination of ANOVA and multiple linear regression analysis in screening and large-scale subsets of the study population revealed that plasma resistin concentration was significantly associated with rs34861192 and rs3745368 polymorphisms of RETN. Multiple linear regression analysis with adjustment for age and sex also showed that the plasma resistin level was significantly associated with serum concentrations of HDL-cholesterol, triacylglycerol and insulin, as well as with BMI. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: Our results implicate the rs34861192 and rs3745368 polymorphisms of RETN as robust and independent determinants of plasma resistin concentration in the study population. In addition, plasma resistin level was associated with dyslipidaemia, serum insulin concentration and obesity. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00262691.

Identification of a truncated cystatin SA-I as a saliva biomarker for oral squamous cell carcinoma using the SELDI ProteinChip platform.

New and more consistent biomarkers of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) are needed to improve early detection of the disease and to monitor patient management. The aim of this study was to detect new OSCC tumor markers in saliva. Unstimulated saliva, collected from patients with primary stage I OSCC as matched pre-and post-treatment samples, was used in the analysis. A surface-enhanced laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (SELDI-TOF) ProteinChip system was used to screen for differentially expressed proteins in the saliva samples. This analysis revealed 26 proteins with significantly different expression levels in the pre-and post-treatment samples (P<0.05). A 14 kDa protein detected in pre-treatment saliva from the OSCC patients was identified as a truncated cystatin SA-I, with deletion of three amino acids from the N-terminus. The authors propose that ProteinChip analysis may provide a reliable screening test for early diagnosis of OSCC and that truncated cystatin SA-I might be a useful tumor biomarker for OSCC.

Phex mutation causes overexpression of FGF23 in teeth.

OBJECTIVE: Hyp mice have a disorder in phosphate homeostasis, and display hypo-mineralization in bones and teeth, while the Phex (phosphate regulating gene homologies to endopeptidase on the X chromosome) gene in Hyp mice has a deletion of the 3' end. We investigated whether a mutation of Phex has an effect on the expression level of fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), one of the key factors of phosphate homeostasis, in developing teeth of Hyp mice. DESIGN: RT-PCR and in situ hybridisation analyses for FGF23 were performed using developing teeth of WT mice. Quantitative RT-PCR analyses for FGF23 were performed using the tooth germs of WT and Hyp mice in both in vivo and in vitro experiments. RESULTS: Undifferentiated and early secretory ameloblasts as well as odontoblasts expressed FGF23 mRNA during early tooth development. Further, quantitative RT-PCR analyses revealed that the amount of FGF23 mRNA in Hyp mouse teeth was significantly higher than that in wild type mice. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that loss of Phex function is related to overexpression of FGF23 in teeth, which is an intrinsic defect of Hyp mouse teeth.

Growth inhibition of human salivary gland tumor cells by introduction of progesterone (Pg) receptor and Pg treatment.

Cancer of the salivary gland is one of the common cancers in the head and the neck regions. This type of cancer develops in the minor and the major salivary glands, and it sometimes metastasizes to other organs, particularly the lung. Morphologic mimicry and similarity in the expression of steroid hormone receptors between salivary gland tumors (SGTs) and breast tumors are well-known phenomena and are occasionally debated in the field of surgical pathology. Progesterone (Pg), one of the female sex steroid hormone, is intimately involved in the development of the mammary gland. Further, it is believed that Pg plays a role in breast cancer progression. However, little is known regarding its role in SGTs. In this study, we used ACCM, a human adenoid cystic carcinoma cell line established from the salivary gland, in order to clarify the role of the Pg receptor (PR) on cell proliferation. No effect of Pg on cell proliferation was observed in the PR-deficient aggressive ACCM cells. However, after introducing PR into the ACCM cells, Pg markedly inhibited the proliferative activity of the cells. This inhibitory effect on cell proliferation was accompanied by p21 upregulation, and Id1 and c-myc downregulation. Moreover, Pg-treated PR transfectants showed significant morphological change; they appeared more flattened and spread out when compared with the ethanol-treated control cells. Our results provided significant insights into the mechanism of suppression of the proliferative property of the cells via the function of PR, and suggested that PR reintroduction therapy might be a viable method of inhibiting human SGT progression.

Acute multiple brain infarction in large-artery atherosclerosis is associated with hyperhomocyst(e)inemia.

OBJECTIVES: Although hyperhomocyst(e)inemia had been proven to be a potent risk factor for ischemic stroke, it is still controversial which subtype of stroke is associated with hyperhomocyst(e)inemia. The aim of this study was to clarify the association between plasma homocyst(e)ine (Hcy) levels and stroke subtypes according to TOAST classifications based on MRI findings. METHODS: We prospectively recruited 124 consecutive first-ever ischemic stroke patients hospitalized in Toride Kyodo General Hospital. Each patient underwent brain MRI including diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and was evaluated for total plasma Hcy levels in addition to routine laboratory tests. RESULTS: Of the 93 patients enrolled in this study, 19 were subtyped with large-artery atherosclerosis with acute multiple brain infarction [LA-AMBI(+)], 13 with LA-AMBI(-). Patients with LA-AMBI(+) showed significantly higher plasma Hcy levels than those with LA-AMBI(-). Moreover, for LA-AMBI, the plasma Hcy level was associated with an OR of 1.3 (95% CI 1.06-1.71, P=0.017) per 1 mumol increase in concentration, and 1.4 (95% CI 1.04-1.77, P=0.025) after adjustment for age, sex and serum cholesterol levels. CONCLUSION: In the subset of patients with LA strokes, those with high Hcy levels are more likely to have AMBI than those without elevated Hcy levels possibly due to plaque instability.

Phex mutation causes the reduction of npt2b mRNA in teeth.

Hyp mice (murine homologue of human X-linked hypophosphatemia) have a disorder in phosphate homeostasis, and display hypomineralization in bones and teeth. We investigated whether a mutation of Phex (phosphate regulating gene homologies to endopeptidase on the X chromosome) has an effect on the expression level of type II sodium-dependent phosphate co-transporter (Npt2) in the developing teeth of the Hyp mouse. Quantitative RT-PCR analyses revealed that the amount of Npt2b mRNA, an isoform of Npt2, in Hyp mouse tooth germs was significantly lower than that in wild-type mice, in both in vivo and in vitro experiments. In addition, tooth germs from wild-type mice cultured in medium supplemented with antisense oligo-deoxynucleotide for Phex also showed a reduction of Npt2b mRNA expression. These findings suggest that the loss of Phex function is related to the defect of Npt2b expression in teeth, and Npt2b reduction is an intrinsic defect of Hyp murine teeth.

P53-dependent radiosensitizing effects of Hsp90 inhibitor 17-allylamino-17-demethoxygeldanamycin on human oral squamous cell carcinoma cell lines.

Development of new molecular target therapeutic agents is expected to improve clinical outcome, ideally with efficacy in both single and combined treatment modalities. Because of the potential for affecting multiple signaling pathways, inhibition of the molecular chaperone heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) may provide a strategy for enhancing tumor cell radiation sensitivity. Therefore, we have investigated the effects of Hsp90 inhibitor 17-Allylamino-17-demethoxygeldanamycin (17-AAG) on radiation sensitivity of human tumor cells in vitro. We evaluated the effects of 17-AAG using oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cell lines (HSC2, HSC3 and HSC4), including two types of SAS cells with a wild-type (SAS/neo), or a mutated p53 status (SAS/Trp248). Apoptosis and clonogenic survival were examined after exposure of the cells to radiation. For mechanistic insight, we analyzed cell cycle, several signaling factors and molecular markers including Akt, Raf-1, p38 MAPK, Cdc25B, Cdc25C, Cdk2 and p21. Treatment of OSCC cell lines with 17-AAG resulted in cytotoxicity and, when combined with radiation, enhanced the radiation response. However, the responses depended on p53 status. 17-AAG enhanced the radiation sensitivity significantly and induced apoptosis in the SAS/neo cell which has a wild-type p53. But the radiation sensitizing effect of 17-AAG was limited in the SAS/Trp248 cell which has a mutated p53. We also measured the total levels of several prosurvival and cell cycle signaling proteins. Akt, Raf-1 and Cdc25C expression were down-regulated in 17-AAG-treated cells. These data indicate that 17-AAG inhibits the proliferation and enhances the radiation sensitivity of human OSCC cells in various levels. However, enhancement of radiation sensitivity by the Hsp90 inhibitor depended on p53 status. Therefore, Hsp90 therapy combined with radiation might synergize with conventional therapies in patients with wild-type p53.

Detection of p16 promoter methylation in the serum of oral cancer patients.

P16 promoter methylation occurs frequently in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). For the early detection of tumour-related aberrant DNA, we examined p16 methylation using the methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction (MSP) in tumour and serum samples of 17 OSCC patients. Aberrant p16 methylation was detected in 11 (64.7%) cases of primary OSCC. Of these 11 patients, 6 (54.5%) showed the same alteration in their serum. No methylation was found in control groups. Interestingly, DNA was detected in the serum of 3 out of 4 patients with recurrence. These results suggest that the MSP may be a sensitive and useful method for detecting recurrent OSCC.

Cariogenicity of the probiotic bacterium Lactobacillus salivarius in rats.

Probiotic bacteria such as lactobacilli and bifidobacteria are considered to be non-pathogenic and non-toxigenic on the basis of long years of safe usage. However, some species of lactobacilli are thought to be associated with the development of dental caries. The purpose of the present study was to examine the cariogenicity of the probiotic bacterium Lactobacillus salivarius in rats. Rats were divided into six groups, and infected with L. salivarius LS1952R and/or Streptococcus mutans MT8148R. L. salivarius LS1952R became established in the oral cavity of rats and induced significant level of dental caries even when infected for only 5 days from 18 to 22 days of age. In addition, the caries scores of rats superinfected with both Streptococcus mutans MT8148R and L. salivarius LS1952R from 18 days of age were significantly higher than those infected with either L. salivarius LS1952R or S. mutans MT8148R alone. Since strain LS1952R can adhere to saliva-coated hydroxyapatites, it is concluded that L. salivarius strain LS1952R possesses an inherent cariogenic activity following adherence to the tooth surface.

Microvessel density and expression of vascular endothelial growth factor, basic fibroblast growth factor, and platelet-derived endothelial growth factor in oral squamous cell carcinomas.

Angiogenesis, the growth of capillary vessels, plays an important role in the metabolic functions of malignant tissues. Tumor growth and malignant transformation are considered to be dominated by uncontrolled angiogenesis. To understand the mechanism of increased vascularity associated with malignant tissues, we immunohistochemically evaluated microvessel density (MVD) and the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), and platelet-derived endothelial growth factor (PDGF) in oral cancers. Microvessel density did not differ significantly between normal oral mucosa and epithelial dysplasia, but was significantly increased in tumor tissues. Expression of angiogenic factors was not found in normal oral mucosa, but increased in association with increasing vascularity in OSCC tissue. In tumor tissue, angiogenic factor expression correlated with MVD. MVD in OSCC was related to T stage, tumor differentiation, and stage of invasion. VEGF expression also correlated with tumor differentiation and the stage of invasion. These findings suggest that VEGF might play an important role in tumor angiogenesis of OSCC.