Prevalence of Enterococci and Vancomycin Resistance in the Throat of Non-Hospitalized Individuals Randomly Selected in Central Italy.

Enterococci are commonly found in the environment and humans as a part of the normal microbiota. Among these, Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium can convert into opportunistic pathogens, making them a major cause of nosocomial infections. The rapid diffusion of vancomycin-resistant strains and their impact on nosocomial settings is of considerable concern. Approximately one-third of the E. faecium infections in Italy are caused by vancomycin-resistant strains. This study explored the hypothesis that the oral cavity could represent a silent reservoir of virulent enterococci. A sample of 862 oral flora specimens collected from healthy human volunteers in Central Italy was investigated by real-time PCR to detect E. faecalis and E. faecium, as well as the genetic elements that most frequently determine vancomycin resistance. The prevalence of E. faecalis was 19%, a value that was not associated with alcohol consumption, tobacco smoking, or age of the subjects. Less frequently detected, with an overall prevalence of 0.7%, E. faecium was more common among people older than 49 years of age. The genes conferring vancomycin resistance were detected in only one sample. The results indicate that the oral cavity can be considered a reservoir of clinically relevant enterococci; however, our data suggest that healthy individuals rarely carry vancomycin-resistant strains.

Ultra-Rare Variants Identify Biological Pathways and Candidate Genes in the Pathobiology of Non-Syndromic Cleft Palate Only.

In recent decades, many efforts have been made to elucidate the genetic causes of non-syndromic cleft palate (nsCPO), a complex congenital disease caused by the interaction of several genetic and environmental factors. Since genome-wide association studies have evidenced a minor contribution of common polymorphisms in nsCPO inheritance, we used whole exome sequencing data to explore the role of ultra-rare variants in this study. In a cohort of 35 nsCPO cases and 38 controls, we performed a gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and a hypergeometric test for assessing significant overlap between genes implicated in nsCPO pathobiology and genes enriched in ultra-rare variants in our cohort. GSEA highlighted an enrichment of ultra-rare variants in genes principally belonging to cytoskeletal protein binding pathway (Probability Density Function corrected p-value = 1.57 × 10-4); protein-containing complex binding pathway (p-value = 1.06 × 10-2); cell adhesion molecule binding pathway (p-value = 1.24 × 10-2); ECM-receptor interaction pathway (p-value = 1.69 × 10-2); and in the Integrin signaling pathway (p-value = 1.28 × 10-2). Two genes implicated in nsCPO pathobiology, namely COL2A1 and GLI3, ranked among the genes (n = 34) with nominal enrichment in the ultra-rare variant collapsing analysis (Fisher's exact test p-value < 0.05). These genes were also part of an independent list of genes highly relevant to nsCPO biology (n = 25). Significant overlap between the two sets of genes (hypergeometric test p-value = 5.86 × 10-3) indicated that enriched genes are likely to be implicated in physiological palate development and/or the pathological processes of oral clefting. In conclusion, ultra-rare variants collectively impinge on biological pathways crucial to nsCPO pathobiology and point to candidate genes that may contribute to the individual risk of disease. Sequencing can be an effective approach to identify candidate genes and pathways for nsCPO.

Prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus and mec-A Cassette in the Throat of Non-Hospitalized Individuals Randomly Selected in Central Italy.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a cause of life-threatening infections that are difficult to treat because of resistance to several antibiotics. Most documented MRSA infections are acquired nosocomially or among community with frequent contact with health facilities. However, an increasing attention to community acquired MRSA strains appears justified. A population of Central Italy was investigated for the presence of S. aureus and for the methicillin-resistance determinant mec-A gene. Exclusion was due to systemic diseases, pathologies or therapies inducing systemic immunosuppression, facial trauma or poor oral hygiene. Throat swabs obtained from 861 randomly selected participants were tested for the presence of DNA sequences of S. aureus and the mec-A gene by real-time PCR. The DNA of S. aureus was detected in 199 specimens (23.1%), while the mec-A gene was detected in 27 samples (3.1%). The prevalence of patients carrying methicillin-resistant strains was higher in younger and older strata. The prevalence of mec-A among S. aureus positive samples was 7.5%. Our data confirm that S. aureus and methicillin-resistant strains are common in the throat of the general population of Central Italy. Although the PCR methods used in this study are different from traditional culture-based approaches, the observed prevalence was consistent to those observed in Italians and other populations. Considering that carriers have a higher risk to develop post surgically life-threatening infections, it is worth evaluating a preventive approach based on rapid PCR screening of incoming patients to reduce the risk of developing health-care-associated infections.

Prevalence of Human Papillomavirus in the Oropharynx of Healthy Individuals in an Italian Population.

Oral cavity and oropharynx cancer associated with human papil loma virus infection, particularly in young people who are continuously exposed to this virus, is a serious public health problem worldwide, especially for high-risk strains that are most associated with premalignant lesions and tumors. These neoplasms remain asymptomatic for a long time and, when they occur, they are already at an advanced stage. If diagnosed and treated early, oral cancer induced by human papilloma virus allows for high survival, as it often has a more favorable prognosis than oral cancers not directly related to viral infection. In this study, the presence of different high-risk and low-risk HPV strains was investigated to assess the epidemiological status in a population of healthy individuals. Two types of samples, one from the tonsils and one from the base of the tongue, were collected from 2015 healthy individuals of different sex and age. A total of 1885 DNA samples belonging to 1285 patients were tested for the presence of 11 high-risk HPV types plus 4 low-risk HPV types using real-time PCR. Of the patients' DNA samples screened for 15 HPV types, only four samples were positive, all of which were taken from male smokers. These results indicate that newly acquired oral oncogenic HPV infections in the healthy population are rare and, in many cases, controversial. Therefore, more studies are needed to ensure fewer variations in outcomes and a greater clarification of HPV infection and its prevalence in the oropharynx of the healthy population, and to guide efforts to prevent the development of this infection which, if undiagnosed, can lead to the onset of malignant tumors in the oral cavity.

Role of vitamin D in the pathogenesis of atheromatosis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Cardiovascular disease is the main cause of death worldwide, but the collective efforts to prevent this pathological condition are directed exclusively to individuals at higher risk due to hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, obesity, diabetes. Recently, vitamin D deficiency was identified as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease in healthy people, as it predisposes to different vascular dysfunctions that can result in plaque development and fragility. In this scenario, the fundamental aim of the study was to reproduce a disease model inducing vitamin D deficiency and atheromatosis in ApoE-/- mice and then to evaluate the impact of this vitamin D status on the onset/progression of atheromatosis, focusing on plaque formation and instability. METHODS AND RESULTS: In our murine disease model, vitamin D deficiency was achieved by 3 weeks of vitamin D deficient diet along with intraperitoneal paricalcitol injections, while atheromatosis by western-type diet administration. Under these experimental conditions, vitamin D deficient mice developed more unstable atheromatous plaques with reduced or absent fibrotic cap. Since calcium and phosphorus metabolism and also cholesterol and triglycerides systemic concentration were not affected by vitamin D level, our results highlighted the role of vitamin D deficiency in the formation/instability of atheromatous plaque and, although further studies are needed, suggested a possible intervention with vitamin D to prevent or delay the atheromatous disease. CONCLUSIONS: The data obtained open the question about the potential role of the vitamins in the pharmacological treatments of cardiovascular disorders as coadjutant of the primary drugs used for these pathologies.

Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields Modulate miRNAs During Osteogenic Differentiation of Bone Mesenchymal Stem Cells: a Possible Role in the Osteogenic-angiogenic Coupling.

Despite the high intrinsic ability of bone tissue to regenerate, bone healing fails in some pathological conditions and especially in the presence of large defects. Due to the strong relationship between bone development and vascularization during in vivo bone formation and repair, strategies promoting the osteogenic-angiogenic coupling are crucial for regenerative medicine. Increasing evidence shows that miRNAs play important roles in controlling osteogenesis and bone vascularization and are important tool in medical research although their clinical use still needs to optimize miRNA stability and delivery. Pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs) have been successfully used to enhance bone repair and their clinical activity has been associated to their ability to promote the osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). In this study we investigated the potential ability of PEMF exposure to modulate selected miRNAs involved in the osteogenic differentiation of human bone mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs). We show that, during in vitro hBMSC differentiation, PEMFs up-modulate the expression of miR-26a and miR-29b, which favor osteogenic differentiation, and decrease miR-125b which acts as an inhibitor miRNA. As PEMFs promote the expression and release of miRNAs also involved in angiogenesis, we conclude that PEMFs may represent a noninvasive and safe strategy to modulate miRNAs with relevant roles in bone repair and with the potential to regulate the osteogenic-angiogenic coupling.

Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2 Signaling in the Osteogenic Differentiation of Human Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells Induced by Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields.

Pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs) are clinically used with beneficial effects in the treatment of bone fracture healing. This is due to PEMF ability to favor the osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Previous studies suggest that PEMFs enhance the osteogenic activity of bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP2) which is used in various therapeutic interventions. This study investigated the molecular events associated to the synergistic activity of PEMFs and BMP2 on osteogenic differentiation. To this aim, human MSCs (hMSCs) were exposed to PEMFs (75 Hz, 1.5 mT) in combination with BMP2, upon detection of the minimal dose able to induce differentiation. Changes in the expression of BMP signaling pathway genes including receptors and ligands, as well as in the phosphorylation of BMP downstream signaling proteins, such as SMAD1/5/8 and MAPK, were analyzed. Results showed the synergistic activity of PEMFs and BMP2 on osteogenic differentiation transcription factors and markers. The PEMF effects were associated to the increase in BMP2, BMP6, and BMP type I receptor gene expression, as well as SMAD1/5/8 and p38 MAPK activation. These results increase knowledge concerning the molecular events involved in PEMF stimulation showing that PEMFs favor hMSCs osteogenic differentiation by the modulation of BMP signaling components.

Effect of Electrode Distance in Grid Electrode: Numerical Models and In Vitro Tests.

Electrochemotherapy is an emerging local treatment for the management of superficial tumors and, among these, also chest wall recurrences from breast cancer. Generally, the treatment of this peculiar type of tumor requires the coverage of large skin areas. In these cases, electrochemotherapy treatment by means of standard small size needle electrodes (an array of 0.73 cm spaced needles, which covers an area of 1.5 cm2) is time-consuming and can allow an inhomogeneous coverage of the target area. We have previously designed grid devices suitable for treating an area ranging from 12 to 200 cm2. In this study, we propose different approaches to study advantages and drawbacks of a grid device with needles positioned 2 cm apart. The described approach includes a numerical evaluation to estimate electric field intensity, followed by an experimental quantification of electroporation on a cell culture. The electric field generated in a conductive medium has been studied by means of 3-dimensional numerical models with varying needle pair distance from 1 to 2 cm. In particular, the electric field evaluation shows that the electric field intensity with varying needle distance is comparable in the area in the middle of the 2 electrodes. Differently, near needles, the electric field intensity increases with the increasing electrode distance and supply voltage. The computational results have been correlated with experimental ones obtained in vitro on cell culture. In particular, electroporation effect has been assessed on human breast cancer cell line MCF7, cultured in monolayer. The use of 2-cm distant needles, supplied by 2000 V, produced an electroporation effect in the whole area comprised between the electrodes. Areas of cell culture where reversible and irreversible electroporation occurred were identified under microscope by using fluorescent dyes. The coupling of computation and experimental results could be helpful to evaluate the effect of the needle distance on the electric field intensity in cell cultures in terms of reversible or irreversible electroporation.

Notch pathway is active during osteogenic differentiation of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells induced by pulsed electromagnetic fields.

Pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs) have been used to treat bone diseases, particularly nonunion healing. Although it is known that PEMFs promote the osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs), to date PEMF molecular mechanisms remain not clearly elucidated. The Notch signalling is a highly conserved pathway that regulates cell fate decisions and skeletal development. The aim of this study was to investigate if the known PEMF-induced osteogenic effects may involve the modulation of the Notch pathway. To this purpose, during in vitro osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow hMSCs in the absence and in the presence of PEMFs, osteogenic markers (alkaline phosphatase activity, osteocalcin and matrix mineralization), the messenger ribonucleic acid expression of osteogenic transcription factors (Runx2, Dlx5, Osterix) as well as of Notch receptors (Notch1-4), their ligands (Jagged1, Dll1 and Dll4) and nuclear target genes (Hes1, Hes5, Hey1, Hey2) were investigated. PEMFs stimulated all osteogenic markers and increased the expression of Notch4, Dll4, Hey1, Hes1 and Hes5 in osteogenic medium compared to control. In the presence of DAPT and SAHM1, used as Notch pathway inhibitors, the expression of the osteogenic markers, including Runx2, Dlx5, Osterix, as well as Hes1 and Hes5 were significantly inhibited, both in unexposed and PEMF-exposed hMSCs. These results suggest that activation of Notch pathway is required for PEMFs-stimulated osteogenic differentiation. These new findings may be useful to improve autologous cell-based regeneration of bone defects in orthopaedics.

Distinct gene expression profiles associated with Notch ligands Delta-like 4 and Jagged1 in plaque material from peripheral artery disease patients: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: The lack of early diagnosis, progression markers and effective pharmacological treatment has dramatic unfavourable effects on clinical outcomes in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD). Addressing these issues will require dissecting the molecular mechanisms underlying this disease. We sought to characterize the Notch signaling and atherosclerosis relevant markers in lesions from femoral arteries of symptomatic PAD patients. METHODS: Plaque material from the common femoral, superficial femoral or popliteal arteries of 20 patients was removed by directional atherectomy. RNA was obtained from 9 out of 20 samples and analysed by quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). RESULTS: We detected expression of Notch ligands Delta-like 4 (Dll4) and Jagged1 (Jag1), of Notch target genes Hes1, Hey1, Hey2, HeyL and of markers of plaque inflammation and stability such as vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM1), smooth muscle 22 (SM22), cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2), Bcl2, CD68 and miRNAs 21-5p, 125a-5p, 126-5p,146-5p, 155-5p, 424-5p. We found an "inflamed plaque" gene expression profile characterized by high Dll4 associated to medium/high CD68, COX2, VCAM1, Hes1, miR126-5p, miR146a-5p, miR155-5p, miR424-5p and low Jag1, SM22, Bcl2, Hey2, HeyL, miR125a-5p (2/9 patients) and a "stable plaque" profile characterized by high Jag1 associated to medium/high Hey2, HeyL, SM22, Bcl2, miR125a and low Dll4, CD68, COX2, VCAM1, miR126-5p, miR146a-5p, miR155-5p, miR424-5p (3/9 patients). The remaining patients (4/9) showed a plaque profile with intermediate characteristics. CONCLUSIONS: This study reveals the existence of a gene signature associated to Notch activation by specific ligands that could be predictive of PAD progression.

Characterization of Notch Signaling During Osteogenic Differentiation in Human Osteosarcoma Cell Line MG63.

Osteogenic differentiation is a multi-step process controlled by a complex molecular framework. Notch is an evolutionarily conserved intercellular signaling pathway playing a prominent role in cell fate and differentiation, although the mechanisms by which this pathway regulates osteogenesis remain controversial. This study aimed to investigate, in vitro, the involvement of Notch pathway during all the developmental stages of osteogenic differentiation in human osteosarcoma cell line MG63. Cells were cultured in basal condition (control) and in osteoinductive medium (OM). Notch inhibitors were also added in OM to block Notch pathway. During osteogenic differentiation, early (alkaline phosphatase activity and collagen type I) and late osteogenic markers (osteocalcin levels and matrix mineralization), as well as the gene expression of the main osteogenic transcription factors (Runx2, Osterix, and Dlx5) increased. Time dependent changes in the expression of specific Notch receptors were identified in OM versus control with a significant reduction in the expression of Notch1 and Notch3 receptors in the early phase of differentiation, and an increase of Notch2 and Notch4 receptors in the late phase. Among Notch nuclear target genes, Hey1 expression was significantly higher in OM than control, while Hes5 expression decreased. Osteogenic markers were reduced and Hey1 was significantly inhibited by Notch inhibitors, suggesting a role for Notch through the canonical pathway. In conclusion, Notch pathway might be involved with a dual role in osteogenesis of MG63, through the activation of Notch2, Notch4, and Hey1, inducing osteoblast differentiation and the depression of Notch1, Notch3, and Hes5, maintaining an undifferentiated status. J. Cell. Physiol. 231: 2652-2663, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Experimentally induced cartilage degeneration treated by pulsed electromagnetic field stimulation; an in vitro study on bovine cartilage.

BACKGROUND: Osteoarthritis (OA) is the final result of progressive alterations to articular cartilage structure, composition and cellularity, followed by an increase in the concentration of pro-inflammatory cytokines in joint synovial fluid. Even though the effect of pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) stimulation in counteracting OA progression and inflammation is of increasing interest, because of its anabolic and anti-inflammatory properties, the present study aimed to improve the knowledge on cartilage extracellular matrix (ECM) and chondrocyte changes related to the exposure of PEMF, from a histological and histomorphometric point of view. METHODS: An in vitro OA model was realized, culturing bovine cartilage explants with a high dose of interleukin 1ß (IL1ß, 50 ng/ml) at different experimental times (24 h, and 7 and 21 days). The effects of PEMFs (75 Hz, 1.5 mT) were evaluated in cartilage explants treated with IL1ß or not (control), in terms of cartilage structure, cellularity and proteoglycans, glycosaminoglycans, collagen II and transforming growth factor ß1 synthesis by using histology, histomorphometry and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Making a comparison with control cartilage, IL1ß-treated explants showed a decrease in cartilage matrix, structure and cellularity parameters. PEMFs were able to counteract the progression of OA acting on both cartilage cellularity and ECM in cartilage previously treated with IL1ß. Normal distribution (Kolmogroc-Smirnov test) and homoscedasticity (Levene test) of data were verified, then, the non-parametric Kruskal Wallis test followed by Mann-Whiteny U test for pairwise comparisons were performed. The p-value was adjusted according to the Dunn-Sidak correction. CONCLUSIONS: These results, obtained by culturing and treating cartilage explants from two different joints, confirmed that PEMF stimulation can be used as adjuvant therapy to preserve cartilage from detrimental effects of high inflammatory cytokine levels during OA.

Electromagnetic fields counteract IL-1ß activity during chondrogenesis of bovine mesenchymal stem cells.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common joint disease associated with articular cartilage degeneration. To improve the therapeutic options of OA, tissue engineering based on the use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) has emerged. However, the presence of inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), during chondrogenesis reduces the efficacy of cartilage engineering repair procedures by preventing chondrogenic differentiation. Previous studies have shown that electromagnetic fields (EMFs) stimulate anabolic processes in OA cartilage and limit IL-1ß catabolic effects. We investigated the role of EMFs during chondrogenic differentiation of MSCs, isolated from bovine synovial fluid, in the absence and presence of IL-1ß. Pellets of MSCs were differentiated for 3 and 5 weeks with transforming growth factor-ß3 (TGFß3), in the absence and presence of IL-1ß and exposed or unexposed to EMFs. Biochemical, quantitative real-time RT-PCR and histological results showed that EMFs alone or in the presence of TGFß3 play a limited role in promoting chondrogenic differentiation. Notably, in the presence of IL-1ß and TGFß3 a recovery of proteoglycan (PG) synthesis, PG content and aggrecan and type II collagen mRNA expression in the EMF-exposed compared to unexposed pellets was observed. Also, histological and immunohistochemical results showed an increase in staining for alcian blue, type II collagen and aggrecan in EMF-exposed pellets. In conclusion, this study shows a significant role of EMFs in counteracting the IL-1ß-induced inhibition of chondrogenesis, suggesting EMFs as a therapeutic strategy for improving the clinical outcome of cartilage engineering repair procedures, based on the use of MSCs.

Enhancement of melphalan activity by buthionine sulfoximine and electroporation in melanoma cells.

Melphalan represents the reference drug for locoregional chemotherapy of melanoma; nevertheless, treatment failure may occur because of resistance to chemotherapy. Refractory melanoma cells show either an increased capability of drug inactivation, which is known to be associated with elevated intracellular levels of glutathione (GSH), or a decreased melphalan uptake. The aim of this study was to explore a biochemical and a biophysical strategy, and their combination, to overcome melphalan resistance in melanoma cells. The biochemical strategy was based on the treatment of melanoma cells with DL-buthionine (S,R)-sulfoximine (BSO) to deplete the GSH levels, thus reducing melphalan inactivation. In the biophysical strategy, cell membrane electroporation was used to increase melphalan uptake. The SK-MEL 28-resistant human melanoma cell line was pretreated with 50 µmol/l BSO for 24 h and then treated with increasing melphalan doses, with or without electroporation. Spectrophotometric quantification of cell viability was used to determine melphalan cytotoxicity. Intracellular total GSH was measured using a kinetic enzymatic assay. BSO induced 3.50-fold GSH depletion in untreated cells and a similar reduction was also maintained in melphalan-treated cells. BSO pretreatment produced a 2.46-fold increase in melphalan cytotoxicity. Electroporation increased melphalan cytotoxicity 1.42-fold. The combination of both BSO pretreatment with melphalan plus electroporation led to a 4.40-fold increase in melphalan cytotoxicity compared with melphalan alone. Pretreatment with BSO and cell membrane permeabilization by electroporation enhanced the cytotoxic activity of melphalan in melanoma cells. Their rational combination deserves further investigation and may improve the efficacy of locoregional chemotherapy of melanoma.

Pulsed electromagnetic fields stimulate osteogenic differentiation in human bone marrow and adipose tissue derived mesenchymal stem cells.

Pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs) play a regulatory role on osteoblast activity and are clinically beneficial during fracture healing. Human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from different sources have been extensively used in bone tissue engineering. Compared with MSCs isolated from bone marrow (BMSCs), those derived from adipose tissue (ASCs) are easier to obtain and available in larger amounts, although they show a less osteogenic differentiation potential than BMSCs. The hypothesis tested in this study was to evaluate whether PEMFs favor osteogenic differentiation both in BMSCs and in ASCs and to compare the role of PEMFs alone and in combination with the biochemical osteogenic stimulus bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-2. Early and later osteogenic markers, such as alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, osteocalcin levels, and matrix mineralization, were analyzed at different times during osteogenic differentiation. Results showed that PEMFs induced osteogenic differentiation by increasing ALP activity, osteocalcin, and matrix mineralization in both BMSCs and ASCs, suggesting that PEMF activity is maintained during the whole differentiation period. The addition of BMP-2 in PEMF exposed cultures further increased all the osteogenic markers in BMSCs, while in ASCs, the stimulatory role of PEMFs was independent of BMP-2. Our results indicate that PEMFs may stimulate an early osteogenic induction in both BMSCs and ASCs and they suggest PEMFs as a bioactive factor to enhance the osteogenesis of ASCs, which are an attractive cell source for clinical applications. In conclusion, PEMFs may be considered a possible tool to improve autologous cell-based regeneration of bone defects in orthopedics.

A simplified post preparation technique after Thermafil obturation: evaluation of apical microleakage and presence of voids using methylene blue dye penetration.

AIM: To evaluate the apical microleakage of Thermafil obturations after three different post space preparation techniques. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 33 root canals of mono-radiculated extracted teeth were prepared with M two and then obturated with Thermafil. Teeth so treated were then divided into three groups and the post space to middle root was prepared using three different techniques. In samples in group A the housing for the post was created using a Torpan bur, and the carrier was partially removed only in the coronal portion. In samples in group B the carrier was completely removed and gutta-percha was hand compacted, before canal preparation using a Torpan bur. In samples in group C the carrier was completely removed, without guttapercha compaction, before canal preparation using a Torpan bur. The roots were immersed for 72 hours in methylene blue dye solution and sectioned transversely at 1-3-5 mm from the apex for evaluation of dye penetration using a stereomicroscope. The data collected were processed using Win CAD software and subjected to statistical analysis using the Student t test for p<0.05. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the three groups, except for the presence of voids in the intermediate section of teeth in groups B and C. CONCLUSIONS: Post space preparation did not influence the apical seal, and gutta-percha without voids was always found in the last millimetre of the canal obturation. This study proposes a post preparation technique which provides for complete carrier removal using pliers, hand compaction of residual gutta-percha with a manual plugger and enlargement of the root canal, using appropriate post space burs, free of any interference from the carrier. Operating time is reduced, as is the risk of creating ledges or iatrogenic perforations.

Effect of titanium surface topographies on human bone marrow stem cells differentiation in vitro.

Coating characteristics of dental implants such as composition and topography regulate cell response during implant healing. The aim of this study was to assess how surface topography can affect osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) by analyzing the expression levels of bone-related genes and MSCs marker. Thirty disk-shaped, commercially pure Grade 2 titanium samples (10 × 2 mm) with 3 different surface topographies (DENTSPLY-Friadent GmbH, Mannheim, Germany) were used in the present study: 10 Ti machined disks (control), 10 Ti sandblasted and acid-etched disks (DPS(®)) and 10 sandblasted and acid-etched disks at high temperature (Plus(®)). Samples were processed for real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis. By comparing machined and Plus(®) disks, quantitative real-time RT-PCR showed a significant reduction of the bone-related genes osteocalcin (BGLAP) and osteoblast transcriptional factor (RUNX2). The comparison between DPS(®) and Plus(®) disks showed a slight induction of all the genes examined (RUNX2, ALPL, COL1A1, COL3A1, ENG, FOSL1, SPP1, and SP7); only the expression of BGLAP remained stable. The present study, demonstrated that implant surface topography affects osteoblast gene expression. Indeed, Plus(®) surface produces an effect on MSCs in the late differentiation stages.

Chondroprotective effects of pulsed electromagnetic fields on human cartilage explants.

This study investigated the effects of pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs) on proteoglycan (PG) metabolism of human articular cartilage explants from patients with osteoarthritis (OA). Human cartilage explants, recovered from lateral and medial femoral condyles, were classified according to the International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) and graded based on Outerbridge scores. Explants cultured in the absence and presence of IL-1ß were treated with PEMF (1.5 mT, 75 Hz) or IGF-I alone or in combination for 1 and 7 days. PG synthesis and release were determined. Results showed that explants derived from lateral and medial condyles scored OA grades I and III, respectively. In OA grade I explants, after 7 days exposure, PEMF and IGF-I significantly increased (35) S-sulfate incorporation 49% and 53%, respectively, compared to control, and counteracted the inhibitory effect of IL 1ß (0.01 ng/ml). The combined exposure to PEMF and IGF-I was additive in all conditions. Similar results were obtained in OA grade III cartilage explants. In conclusion, PEMF and IGF-I augment cartilage explant anabolic activities, increase PG synthesis, and counteract the catabolic activity of IL-1ß in OA grades I and III. We hypothesize that both IGF-I and PEMF have chondroprotective effects on human articular cartilage, particularly in early stages of OA.

P2X(1) and P2X(3) purinergic receptors differentially modulate the inflammatory response in human osteoarthritic synovial fibroblasts.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: P2X receptors are membrane ion channels activated by extracellular adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) which contribute to various physiological processes. The present study describes in synovial fibroblasts (SFs) obtained from osteoarthritis (OA) patients and in SW 982 cells derived from human synovial sarcoma a pharmacological characterization of P2X(1) and P2X(3) receptors implicated in the modulation of inflammatory processes in joint diseases. METHODS: mRNA, western blotting, saturation and competition binding experiments were used to characterize purinergic receptors. From a functional point of view nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) activation, tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin 6 (IL-6) and prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) production were evaluated by means of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. RESULTS: P2X(1) and P2X(3) receptors were present with high affinity and density. Selected purinergic agonists and antagonists exhibited a different thermodynamic behavior. P2X(1) receptors showed an anti-inflammatory effect reducing NF-kappaB activation and TNF-alpha release whilst P2X(3) receptors mediated opposite response. No effect was mediated by P2X(1) and P2X(3) receptors on IL-6 and PGE(2) production. CONCLUSION: SFs from OA patients and SW 982 cells similarly express P2X(1) and P2X(3) receptors which are able to modulate in opposite way some functional responses closely associated with inflammation suggesting that purinergic receptors may represent a potential target in therapeutic anti-inflammatory joint interventions.

Human leukocyte antigen-G molecules are constitutively expressed by synovial fibroblasts and upmodulated in osteoarthritis.

Human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-G molecules are nonclassical HLA class I antigens expressed as membrane bound and soluble isoforms (sHLA-G) with a restricted tissue distribution and anti-inflammatory functions. Because inflammation is involved in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA), we have analyzed the expression and production of HLA-G molecules in in vitro cultured synovial fibroblasts (SFs) from OA patients and control subjects. We have analyzed the levels of sHLA-G1 and HLA-G5 isoforms by immunoenzymatic assay (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) in the SF culture supernatants from six OA patients and six control subjects in 70-day in vitro cultures and after the addition of lipopolysaccharide or recombinant interleukin (IL)-10 (rIL-10). We have confirmed HLA-G modulation by cytofluorimetry and immunofluorescence. The results have demonstrated the spontaneous production of sHLA-G1 molecules by both OA and control SFs. The expression was confirmed by cytofluorimetry and immunofluorescence. OA SFs produce both sHLA-G1 and HLA-G5 molecules during the first 23 days of culture and higher levels of sHLA-G1 during the first 40 days of in vitro culture and after lipopolysaccharide or rIL-10 activation compared with control SFs. The production of HLA-G1 molecules, constitutively expressed by control and OA SFs, is significantly increased in OA, suggesting a possible mechanism to counteract the inflammation of the synovial joints.