Denture flask fabrication using fused deposition modeling three-dimensional printing.

PURPOSE: This paper describes a method for making a customized denture flask using fused deposition modeling (FDM) by three-dimensional (3D) printing. We have proposed a new digital dental prosthesis using conventional dental base materials and artificial teeth. METHODS: Using the universal development system software, a denture-designed Standard Tessellation Language (STL) file and a denture flask STL file were superimposed, and the denture region was set as an empty space. After setting the offset value to 200µm between the denture base and teeth for artificial tooth positioning, the flask was created by FDM 3D printing. Conventional artificial teeth were inserted into the 3D-printed flask, and resin packing, finishing, and polishing were performed using the conventional method for fabricating the complete denture. CONCLUSIONS: The 3D printing materials used to make digital dental prostheses have not yet been fully validated. Therefore, the production of a 3D-printed denture flask, which can use conventional complete denture materials, presents a new alternative to the digital fabrication of dentures.

Euphorbia factor L1 inhibits osteoclastogenesis by regulating cellular redox status and induces Fas-mediated apoptosis in osteoclast.

Excessive bone resorption caused by increased osteoclast number or activity leads to a variety of bone diseases including osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis and periodontitis. Thus, the therapeutic strategy for these diseases has been focused primarily on the inhibition of osteoclast formation and function. This study shows that euphorbia factor L1 (EFL1), a diterpenoid isolated from Euphorbia lathyris, inhibited osteoclastogenesis and induced osteoclast apoptosis. EFL1 suppressed osteoclast formation and bone resorption at both initial and terminal differentiation stages. EFL1 inhibited receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL)-induced NFATc1 induction with attenuated NF-κB activation and c-Fos expression. EFL1 decreased the level of reactive oxygen species by scavenging them or activating Nrf2, and inhibited PGC-1ß that regulates mitochondria biogenesis. In addition, EFL1 induced apoptosis in differentiated osteoclasts by increasing Fas ligand expression followed by caspase activation. Moreover, EFL1 inhibited inflammation-induced bone erosion and ovariectomy-induced bone loss in mice. These findings suggest that EFL1 inhibits osteoclast differentiation by regulating cellular redox status and induces Fas-mediated apoptosis in osteoclast, and may provide therapeutic potential for preventing or treating bone-related diseases caused by excessive osteoclast.

Phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitor regulates the TRANCE/OPG ratio via COX-2 expression in a manner similar to PTH in osteoblasts.

Phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitors stimulate osteoclast formation by increasing the TRANCE/OPG mRNA ratio via cAMP-mediated pathways in a manner similar to parathyroid hormone (PTH) in osteoblasts. We investigated the role of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in osteoclast formation induced by the PDE4 inhibitor rolipram. Rolipram induced COX-2 expression in mRNA and protein levels, followed by increased prostaglandin E(2) production in osteoblasts. PKA, ERK, and p38 MAPK pathways regulate COX-2 mRNA expression induced by rolipram, in which PKA is a central regulator of the ERK and p38 MAPK pathways. A COX-2 inhibitor reversed the up-regulation of the TRANCE/OPG mRNA ratio induced by rolipram in osteoblasts, resulting in decreased osteoclast formation. These data suggest that COX-2 mediates rolipram induced osteoclast formation by regulating the TRANCE/OPG mRNA ratio in osteoblasts. Furthermore, the effects of the PDE4 inhibitor on osteoblasts were very similar to those of PTH, indicating that the PDE4 inhibitor largely shares the biological actions of PTH in osteoblasts.

TNF-related weak inducer of apoptosis receptor, a TNF receptor superfamily member, activates NF-kappa B through TNF receptor-associated factors.

TNF-related weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK) is a member of the TNF ligand family that induces angiogenesis in vivo. The TWEAK receptor (TweakR) is a recently identified member of the TNF receptor (TNFR) superfamily and is expressed on smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and endothelial cells (ECs). In this report we identify the TNF receptor-associated factor (TRAF) family of signal transducers as important components of TweakR-mediated NF-kappa B activation. Coimmunoprecipitation experiments suggested potential interactions between the cytoplasmic tail of TweakR with TRAFs 1, 2, 3, and 5. Dominant negative forms of TRAF2 and TRAF5 substantially inhibited TweakR-mediated NF-kappa B activation, suggesting a role of TRAFs in regulating smooth muscle and endothelial cell function. Using alanine-scanning analysis, we defined a TRAF-binding motif, PIEET, in TweakR that mediates TRAF binding and NF-kappa B activation. Furthermore, TweakR mutations within the TRAF-binding motif abolished TweakR-stimulated SMC migration, revealing a role for TRAFs in TweakR-induced activation events.