Soluble Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor Ligand and Osteoprotegerin Levels in Gingival Crevicular Fluid among Cigarette Smokers and Non-smokers with and without Periodontitis.

AIM: This study aimed to measure and compare the levels of soluble receptor activator of nuclear factor ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) in the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF), as well as their ratio, in smokers and nonsmokers with periodontitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Gingival crevicular fluid samples were collected using PerioPaper strips, from 150 individuals, who were categorized into three groups: current smokers with periodontitis stage III grades C and B (n = 50), nonsmokers with periodontitis stages I and II grade A (n = 50), and control healthy individuals (n = 50). The concentrations (pg/mL) of sRANKL and OPG in the GCF were measured by enzyme-linked immunesorbent assays (ELISA). RESULT: The smokers' group exhibited the highest sRANKL (pg/mL) concentration as a subsequent lead to a higher sRANKL/OPG ratio. The healthy control group exhibited higher OPG and lower sRANKL concentration, subsequently, the sRANKL/OPG ratio was reduced compared with the other study groups. However, there was no statistical significance of sRANKL and its relative ratio between periodontitis stage III grades C and B, periodontitis stages I and II grade A, and healthy control individuals. There was a statistically significant positive moderate correlation between smoking duration (years) and the sRANKL (pg/mL) concentration and a statistically significant negative moderate correlation between OPG (pg/mL) concentration and cigarettes smoked per day. CONCLUSION: As a result, compared to the other research groups, smokers with periodontitis stage III grades C and B had greater GCF concentrations of sRANKL, lower OPG, and a higher sRANKL/OPG ratio. The difference in OPG (pg/mL) level was statistically significant. However, there was no statistically significant difference in sRANKL (pg/mL) or its relative ratio, sRANKL/OPG, across the groups. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: A characteristic that sets periodontitis apart is alveolar bone loss. Resorption is induced by RANKL and inhibited by OPG, resulting in a relative ratio. In light of this, the levels of RANKL and OPG may be helpful indicators for monitoring the activity of periodontal disease in both smokers and nonsmokers with and without periodontitis.

Molecular Biomarkers in Peri-Implant Health and Disease: A Cross-Sectional Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this feasibility study was to investigate the concentration level of CCL-20/MIP-3α, BAFF/BLyS, IL-23, RANKL, and Osteoprotegerin in the Peri-Implant Crevicular Fluid (PICF), from patients diagnosed with peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis, and to compare them with PICF from patients with healthy implants. METHODS: Participants with at least one dental implant with healthy peri-implant tissues, peri-implant mucositis, or peri-implantitis were included. PICF was collected using paper strips from healthy and diseased peri-implant sites (n = 19). Biomarker levels were analyzed using a custom Multiplex ELISA Assay Kit. RESULTS: In comparison to peri-implant health, the peri-implant mucositis group showed an increased concentration of CCL-20 MIP-3α, BAFF/BLyS, IL-23, RANKL, and Osteoprotegerin. The peri-implantitis group had the lowest median concentration of Osteoprotegerin (1963 ng/mL); this group had a similar concentration of RANKL (640.84 ng/mL) when compared to the peri-implant health group. BAFF/BLyS (17.06 ng/mL) showed the highest concentration in the peri-implantitis group. CONCLUSIONS: This feasibility study suggests that IL-23 and RANKL may help to elucidate the pathogenesis during the conversion from peri-implant health to peri-implantitis. Further research is required in BAFF/BLyS for the early diagnosis of peri-implantitis.

The use of probiotics can reduce the severity of experimental periodontitis in rats with metabolic syndrome: An immunoenzymatic and microtomographic study.

BACKGROUND: This study evaluated the effects of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis HN019 (B. lactis HN019) in the development of periodontitis (PE), associated or not with metabolic syndrome, (MS) in rats. METHODS: Ninety-six rats were grouped according to a food protocol: high-fat diet for induction of MS or standard diet for the control groups (C). They were subdivided into groups with (+) and without (-) PE, receiving (*) or not (**) probiotic (PROB): C-**, CP-*, PE+**, PEP+*, MS- MSP-*, MSPE+**, and MSPEP+*. PROB administration started on the eighth week of the study and PE was induced on the 14th week by placing ligature on the animals' lower first molars. Euthanasia occurred in the 16th week. Biomolecular analyzes, immunoenzymatic assays, and microtomographic analyses were performed. The data obtained were analyzed statistically (P < 0.05). RESULTS: The PEP and MSPEP groups showed lower levels of alveolar bone loss when compared with the PE and MSPE groups, respectively (P < 0.05). The immunoenzymatic analysis showed higher levels of interleukin (IL)-1ß and a higher receptor activator of NF-kappaB ligand (RANKL)/osteoprotegerin (OPG) ratio in the MSPE group when compared with the MSPEP group (P < 0.05). The PEP group showed lower levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and IL-6 when compared with the PE group. The use of PROB attenuated dyslipidemia parameters in animals with MS, with or without PE. CONCLUSION: B. lactis HN019 reduced more significantly the severity of PE in rats with MS, modulating both systemic metabolic and immunoinflammatory parameters in periodontal tissues.

The association of OPG polymorphisms with risk of osteoporotic fractures: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Subjects with low bone mineral density and osteoporosis are more likely to suffer osteoporotic fractures during their lifetime. Polymorphisms in osteoprotegerin (OPG) gene are found to be associated with low bone mineral density and osteoporosis risk but their association with fracture risk is inconclusive. Here, we performed a meta-analysis to investigate the relationship between OPG polymorphisms with susceptibility to osteoporotic fractures. METHODS: Eligible studies investigating the association between common OPG polymorphisms (A164G, T245G, T950C, and G1181C) and risk of osteoporotic fracture were retrieved from PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library. Odds ratio (OR) and the 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated in the allelic, dominant, recessive, and homozygous model. Subgroup analyses of vertebral fractures, Caucasians, and postmenopausal women were also performed. RESULTS: A total of 14 studies comprising 5459 fracture cases and 9860 non-fracture controls were included. A163G was associated with fracture risk in dominant (OR = 1.29, 95%CI 1.11-1.50), recessive (OR = 1.64, 95%CI 1.10-2.44), and homozygous model (OR = 1.73, 95%CI 1.16-2.59). T245G was significantly correlated with susceptibility to fractures in all genetic models. Subjects with CC genotype of T950C had a reduced risk of fracture compared to those with CT or TT genotypes (OR = 0.81, 95%CI 0.70-0.94, P = .004). Subgroup analysis showed that A163G and T245G but not T950C and G1181C were associated with vertebral fracture risk. CONCLUSION: OPG A163G and T245G polymorphisms were risk factors of osteoporotic fractures while T950C had a protective role. These polymorphisms can be used as predictive markers of fractures.

Leptin regulates OPG and RANKL expression in Gingival Fibroblasts and Tissues of Chronic Periodontitis Patients.

Objective: Chronic periodontitis is a bone-destructive disease affecting periodontal support structures. Although leptin has a protective effect against periodontitis, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the possible role of leptin by examining its relationship with OPG and RANKL in human gingival tissues obtained from patients with chronic periodontitis. Method: Twenty-two patients with chronic periodontitis were enrolled (10 with moderate periodontitis and 12 with severe periodontitis) in the experimental group, and 12 healthy individuals were enrolled in the control group. Gingival tissue samples were collected, and the protein levels and localization of leptin, OPG, and RANKL were studied using immunohistochemistry (IHC). The staining intensities of leptin, OPG, and RANKL were correlated with the periodontal clinical index. Moreover, real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) was used to determine OPG and RANKL mRNA levels in gingival fibroblasts stimulated with gradient concentrations of leptin protein in vitro. Result: Leptin, OPG, and RANKL were located in the cytoplasm of gingival epithelial cells and the connective tissue. Leptin was widely and significantly expressed in the control group, whereas it was lightly stained in the severe group. RANKL was lightly stained in the control group, whereas it was widely and significantly expressed in the severe group. The control and the moderate groups had similar OPG levels, which were significantly higher than that in the severe group. Leptin was positively correlated with OPG(r = 0.905, p < 0.01) and negatively correlated with RANKL (r = -0.635, p < 0.01). In vitro low concentrations of leptin led to an increased OPG/RANKL mRNA ratio, whereas the opposite effect was observed at high concentrations. Conclusion: Leptin can regulate OPG and RANKL expression in gingival fibroblasts and may thus play a role in the development of chronic periodontitis by modulating the OPG/RANKL ratio.

Sclerostin and osteoprotegerin: new markers of chronic kidney disease mediated mineral and bone disease in children.

Background Sclerostin and osteoprotegerin (OPG) are new markers of chronic kidney disease (CKD) mediated mineral bone disease (CKD-MBD) which were extensively evaluated in adult population. We aimed to evaluate the associations between serum levels of sclerostin/OPG and parameters of bone turnover and compare the serum levels of sclerostin/OPG in different stages of CKD in children. Methods 70 children with CKD stage 1-5, aged 2-21 years were examined. Serum levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), creatinine, total calcium, phosphorus , intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) and vitamin D were measured. Serum sclerostin and OPG levels were measured in children with different levels of CKD stage and their association with bone turnover parameters were noted. Results We did not observe any significant correlation between serum levels of sclerostin and OPG and stages of CKD. A negative relationship was present between serum sclerostin and 25-OH vitamin D levels. Osteoprotegerin was positively and significantly correlated with ALP but serum sclerostin was negatively correlated with ALP. Conclusion Our study, which includes only children and adolescents with a growing skeleton under uremic conditions and excluding diabetes and atherosclerosis interference, is very valuable. We couldn't find any significant relationship between either sclerostin or OPG levels among different stages of CKD. Also our study demonstared a strong negative relationship between ALP and sclerostin levels and a strong positive relationship between ALP and OPG levels, reminding the importance of ALP levels to predict the bone-mineral status of the children with CKD.

Collagen Extract Derived from Yeonsan Ogye Chicken Increases Bone Microarchitecture by Suppressing the RANKL/OPG Ratio via the JNK Signaling Pathway.

Yeonsan Ogye is a traditional Korean chicken breed (Gallus domesticus, GD), with a dominant gene for fibromelanosis, showing entirely black fluffy head feathers, ear lobes, and pupils. GD collagen extract (78.6 g per 100 g total protein) was derived from the flesh of Yeonsan Ogye. The effects of GD collagen on bone mass, microarchitecture, osteogenic, osteoclastogenic differentiations, and function factor expression were investigated in ovariectomized (OVX) rats. GD collagen stimulated osteogenesis in OVX rats and increased tibial bone strength and calcium content. Micro-computed tomography analysis of tibia cross-sections revealed that GD collagen attenuated the OVX-induced changes in trabecular thickness, spacing, and number. GD collagen stimulated alkaline phosphatase activity, bone-specific matrix proteins (alkaline phosphatase (ALP), osteocalcin, collagen type I (COL-I)) and mineralization by activating bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2)/mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 5 (SMAD5)/runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2). GD collagen inhibited osteoclast differentiation and function gene markers (TRAP, cathepsin K) by interfering with the Wnt signaling, increasing OPG production, and reducing the expression of RANKL, TRAP, and cathepsin K. GD collagen promoted osteogenesis by activating the p38 signal pathway and prevented osteoclastogenesis by lowering the RANKL/OPG ratio and blocking the JNK signaling pathway. Dietary supplementation with GD collagen might inhibit osteoclastogenesis, stimulate osteoblastogenesis, and regulate bone metabolism.

Elevated Osteoprotegerin Concentration Predicts Increased Risk of Cardiovascular Mortality in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Studies have shown inconsistent results regarding the association between osteoprotegerin (OPG) concentration and cardiovascular mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to investigate the association between OPG concentration and cardiovascular mortality in patients with CKD. METHODS: Between January 1970 and February 2020, the PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for eligible studies investigating the association between OPG concentration and cardiovascular mortality in patients with CKD. Pooled hazard ratios (HRs) and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using random effects models. RESULTS: In total, 10 studies comprising 2,120 patients (including 1,723 receiving dialysis) with CKD were included. The included studies were considered to be of fair to high quality. Patients in the highest OPG concentration group had a significantly higher risk of cardiovascular mortality (4 studies; adjusted HR, 2.05; 95% CI, 1.39-3.00) than patients in the low OPG concentration group. An increase of 1 pmol/L in OPG concentration was associated with a 4% increased risk of cardiovascular mortality (6 studies; adjusted HR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.02-1.07). CONCLUSION: Elevated OPG concentrations are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular death in patients with CKD.

Effect of enhanced masticatory force on OPG, RANKL and MGF in alveolar bone of ovariectomized rats.

BACKGROUND: Menopause induces oral bone loss, leading to various oral diseases. Mastication importantly affects bone metabolism in the jawbone. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effect of enhanced masticatory force on osteoprotegerin (OPG), receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand (RANKL), and mechano-growth factor (MGF) in alveolar bone of ovariectomized rats and to study the mechanics mechanism of the alveolar bone of ovariectomized rats response to enhanced masticatory force. METHODOLOGY: Thirty Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups: sham-operation group (fat around the removed ovary + normal hard diet), model group (ovariectomy + normal hard diet), and experimental group (ovariectomy + high hard diet). It was a 2-month experiment. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) detected serum estradiol (E2), osteocalcin (BGP) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in rats. Bone histomorphometric indices in the third molar region of maxilla were detected by micro-CT; protein expressions of OPG, RANKL, and MGF in the third molar region of maxilla was detected by Western blot; and gene expression of OPG, RANKL, and MGF in the third molar region of maxilla was detected by Quantitative Real-Time PCR. RESULTS: Comparing with model group, serum E2 in experimental group increased but not significantly, serum BGP and serum ALP in experimental group decreased but not significantly, OPG in experimental group in alveolar bone increased significantly, RANKL in experimental group in alveolar bone decreased significantly, RANKL/OPG ratio in experimental group decreased significantly, MGF in experimental group in alveolar bone increased significantly, bone volume to total volume fraction increased significantly in experimental group, trabecular thickness increased significantly in experimental group, and trabecular separation decreased significantly in experimental group. CONCLUSION: Enhanced masticatory force affected the expression of OPG, RANKL, and MGF in alveolar bone of ovariectomized rats, improved the quality of jaw bone of ovariectomized rats, and delayed oral bone loss by ovariectomy.

Can injection of adipose stem cells to non-union zone increase bone union? Experimental rat study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate the effects of local adipose stem cell injection on non-union and diabetic non-union of rat femurs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-eight female Wistar albino rats (weighing mean 200 g and aged 8 weeks) were used in this study. The rats were divided into six groups. Group 1 was chosen as a reference for receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa (κ) B (RANK), receptor activator of nuclear factor-κ B ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) genes and no femur osteotomy was performed in this group. Group 2 underwent femur osteotomy, the osteotomy was fixed with a 1.5 mm K-wire as retrograde from the knee joint, and no gap was left in the osteotomy line. In order to induce non-union, femurs underwent osteotomy fixed with K-wires in groups 3, 4, 5 and 6. In addition, the osteotomy line was measured as 1.8 mm gap with electronic calipers and the gap was fixed with U staple. Before osteotomy, streptozocin was injected intraperitoneally at a dose of 60 mg/kg in 0.1 mol/L citrate buffer solution (Ph 4.4) in groups 4 and 6, in order to induce diabetes mellitus. Left femur anteroposterior and lateral X-rays were taken 10 weeks after the operation and the union in group 2 and non-union in groups 3, 4, 5, and 6 were confirmed. To see if injection of adipose stem cells into the non-union site increases bone union, 2 mL 0.9% sodium chloride (NaCl) in groups 3 and 4 and 2×106 adipose stem cell in groups 5 and 6 were locally injected into the non-union area with fluoroscopy. Femur X-rays were taken eight weeks after the injection and all rats were sacrificed. Femurs of rats were removed for histopathological and gene expression evaluation. RESULTS: There were significant differences between the groups injected 0.9% NaCI and adipose stem cells in terms of bone healing according to radiological and histopathological evaluations (p<0.05). No statistically significant difference was observed between the groups in terms of gene expression levels. CONCLUSION: According to the results of our study, local adipose stem cell injection has positive radiological and histopathological effects in diabetic and non-diabetic femoral non-unions, independently of RANK, RANKL, or OPG gene expression pathways.

Impact of history of periodontitis on gene expression of bone-related factors in young patients.

Although dental implants and bone regenerative procedures are important approaches for the reestablishment of esthetics and function in young patients with a history of generalized aggressive periodontitis (GAP), no predictable outcomes have been reported, and the host osteo-immunoinflammatory response may play a relevant role in this context. In view of the lack of molecular investigations into the bone tissue condition of young patients with periodontitis, the aim of this study was to evaluate the gene expression of bone-related factors in this population. Bone biopsies were obtained from the posterior mandible in 16 individuals previously diagnosed with GAP and on periodontal support therapy and from 17 periodontally healthy (PH) patients. The gene expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß, receptor activator of the NF-κB ligand (RANKL), osteoprotegerin (OPG), osteocalcin (OC), bone sialoprotein (BSP), and type I collagen (COL-I), important biomarkers of bone turnover, was evaluated by qRT-PCR. Lower TGF-ß and OPG mRNA levels were observed in GAP patients compared to PH individuals (p ≤ 0.05). There were no between-group differences in levels of TNF-α, BSP, RANKL, OC, or COL-I mRNA (p>0.05). In young adults, a history of periodontal disease can negatively modulate the gene expression of important bone-related factors in alveolar bone tissue. These molecular outcomes may contribute to the future development of therapeutic approaches to benefit bone healing in young patients with history of periodontitis via modulation of osteo-immuno-inflammatory biomarkers.

Impact of periodontal treatment on the RANKL/OPG ratio in crevicular fluid.

AIM: Alveolar resorption is one of the most important events in periodontitis. Osteoclast activity is regulated by the ratio between receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG). The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in the RANKL/OPG ratio in crevicular fluid after periodontal treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 15 patients with periodontitis were included in the study group. Samples were collected from an area with active periodontitis and a healthy area. The RANKL and OPG levels were measured before and after periodontal scaling and root planing (SRP) treatment. The study group was compared to the control group, which included 10 patients without periodontitis. ID Clinicaltrial.gov: NCT03787875. RESULTS: A decrease in the RANKL level was found in areas with active periodontitis after periodontal treatment, but no change in the OPG level was observed. Therefore, the treatment induced a decrease in the RANKL/OPG ratio in sites with destructive periodontal activity. CONCLUSIONS: Periodontal treatment acts on the RANKL/OPG ratio by decreasing osteoclastogenesis. These results encourage the use of these molecules for periodontal diagnosis, monitoring and treatment. ID CLINICALTRIAL.GOV: NCT03787875.

Biomarkers of vascular disease in diabetes: the adipose-immune system cross talk.

Experimental and clinical studies aimed at investigating the mechanism(s) underlying vascular complications of diabetes indicate that a great number of molecules are involved in the pathogenesis of these complications. Most of these molecules are inflammatory mediators or markers generated by immune or adipose tissue. Some of them, i.e. resistin and sortilin, have been shown to be involved in the cross talk between adipocytes and inflammatory cells. This interaction is an attractive area of research, particularly in type 2 diabetes and obesity. Other proteins, such as adiponectin and visfatin, appear to be more promising as possible vascular markers. In addition, some molecules involved in calcium/phosphorus metabolism, such as klotho and FGF23, have an involvement in the pathogenesis of diabetic vasculopathy, which appears to be dependent on the degree of vascular impairment. Inflammatory markers are a promising tool for treatment decisions while measuring plasma levels of adipokines, sortilin, Klotho and FGF23 in adequately sized longitudinal studies is expected to allow a more precise characterization of diabetic vascular disease and the optimal use of personalized treatment strategies.

Effect of enhanced masticatory force on OPG, RANKL and MGF in alveolar bone of ovariectomized rats

Abstract Menopause induces oral bone loss, leading to various oral diseases. Mastication importantly affects bone metabolism in the jawbone. Objective: To analyze the effect of enhanced masticatory force on osteoprotegerin (OPG), receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand (RANKL), and mechano-growth factor (MGF) in alveolar bone of ovariectomized rats and to study the mechanics mechanism of the alveolar bone of ovariectomized rats response to enhanced masticatory force. Methodology: Thirty Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups: sham-operation group (fat around the removed ovary + normal hard diet), model group (ovariectomy + normal hard diet), and experimental group (ovariectomy + high hard diet). It was a 2-month experiment. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) detected serum estradiol (E2), osteocalcin (BGP) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in rats. Bone histomorphometric indices in the third molar region of maxilla were detected by micro-CT; protein expressions of OPG, RANKL, and MGF in the third molar region of maxilla was detected by Western blot; and gene expression of OPG, RANKL, and MGF in the third molar region of maxilla was detected by Quantitative Real-Time PCR. Results: Comparing with model group, serum E2 in experimental group increased but not significantly, serum BGP and serum ALP in experimental group decreased but not significantly, OPG in experimental group in alveolar bone increased significantly, RANKL in experimental group in alveolar bone decreased significantly, RANKL/OPG ratio in experimental group decreased significantly, MGF in experimental group in alveolar bone increased significantly, bone volume to total volume fraction increased significantly in experimental group, trabecular thickness increased significantly in experimental group, and trabecular separation decreased significantly in experimental group. Conclusion: Enhanced masticatory force affected the expression of OPG, RANKL, and MGF in alveolar bone of ovariectomized rats, improved the quality of jaw bone of ovariectomized rats, and delayed oral bone loss by ovariectomy.

Impact of history of periodontitis on gene expression of bone-related factors in young patients

Abstract Although dental implants and bone regenerative procedures are important approaches for the reestablishment of esthetics and function in young patients with a history of generalized aggressive periodontitis (GAP), no predictable outcomes have been reported, and the host osteo-immunoinflammatory response may play a relevant role in this context. In view of the lack of molecular investigations into the bone tissue condition of young patients with periodontitis, the aim of this study was to evaluate the gene expression of bone-related factors in this population. Bone biopsies were obtained from the posterior mandible in 16 individuals previously diagnosed with GAP and on periodontal support therapy and from 17 periodontally healthy (PH) patients. The gene expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, receptor activator of the NF-κB ligand (RANKL), osteoprotegerin (OPG), osteocalcin (OC), bone sialoprotein (BSP), and type I collagen (COL-I), important biomarkers of bone turnover, was evaluated by qRT-PCR. Lower TGF-β and OPG mRNA levels were observed in GAP patients compared to PH individuals (p ≤ 0.05). There were no between-group differences in levels of TNF-α, BSP, RANKL, OC, or COL-I mRNA (p>0.05). In young adults, a history of periodontal disease can negatively modulate the gene expression of important bone-related factors in alveolar bone tissue. These molecular outcomes may contribute to the future development of therapeutic approaches to benefit bone healing in young patients with history of periodontitis via modulation of osteo-immuno-inflammatory biomarkers.

Quantification of pro-inflammatory cytokines and osteoclastogenesis markers in successful and failed orthodontic mini-implants.

OBJECTIVES: Miniscrew has been frequently used, considering that anchorage control is a critical point in orthodontic treatment, and its failure, the main adverse problem. Using two groups of stable (successful) and unstable (failed) mini-implants, this in vivo study aimed to quantify proinflammatory cytokines IL-1 α, IL-6, IL-17, and TNF-α and osteoclastogenesis marker RANK, RANKL, and OPG in gingival tissue, using the real-time polymerase chain reaction technique. METHODOLOGY: Thirteen patients of both sexes (11-49 years old) under orthodontic treatment were selected, obtaining 11 successful and 7 failed mini-implants. The mini-implants were placed and removed by the same surgeon, in both jaws. The mean time of permanence in the mouth was 29.4 months for successful and 7.6 months for failed mini-implants. At removal time, peri-mini-implant gingival tissue samples were collected and processed for quantification of the proinflammatory cytokines and osteoclastogenesis markers. Nonparametric Wilcoxon rank-sum test considering the clusters and Kruskal-Wallis test were used for statistical analysis (α=0.05). RESULTS: No significant difference (p>0.05) was observed between the groups for either quantification of cytokines or osteoclastogenesis markers, except for IL-6 (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: It may be concluded that the expression of IL-1α, IL-17, TNF-α, RANK, RANKL, and OPG in peri-implant gingival tissue were not determinant for mini-implant stability loss, but the higher IL-6 expression could be associated with mini-implant failure.

Clinical attachment loss and molecular profile of inflamed sites before treatment.

OBJECTIVE: To monitor early periodontal disease progression and to investigate clinical and molecular profile of inflamed sites by means of crevicular fluid and gingival biopsy analysis. METHODOLOGY: Eighty-one samples of twenty-seven periodontitis subjects and periodontally healthy individuals were collected for the study. Measurements of clinical parameters were recorded at day -15, baseline and 2 months after basic periodontal treatment aiming at monitoring early variations ofthe clinical attachment level. Saliva, crevicular fluid and gingival biopsies were harvested from clinically inflamed and non-inflamed sites from periodontal patients and from control sites of healthy patients for the assessment of IL-10, MMP-8, VEGF, RANKL, OPG and TGF-ß1 protein and gene expression levels. RESULTS: Baseline IL-10 protein levels from inflamed sites were higher in comparison to both non-inflamed and control sites (p<0.05). Higher expression of mRNA for IL-10, RANK-L, OPG, e TGF-ß1 were also observed in inflamed sites at day -15 prior treatment (p<0.05). After the periodontal treatment and the resolution of inflammation, seventeen percent of evaluated sites still showed clinically detectable attachment loss without significant differences in the molecular profile. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical attachment loss is a negative event that may occur even after successful basic periodontal therapy, but it is small and limited to a small percentage of sites. Elevated inflammation markers of inflamed sites from disease patients reduced to the mean levels of those observed in healthy subjects after successful basic periodontal therapy. Significantly elevated both gene and protein levels of IL-10 in inflamed sites prior treatment confirms its modulatory role in the disease status.

Correlations between Vascular Stiffness Indicators, OPG, and 25-OH Vitamin D3 Status in Heart Failure Patients.

Background and objectives: The purpose of the study is to correlate vascular calcification biomarkers osteoprotegerin (OPG) and 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25-OH-D3), indicators of arterial stiffness carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (c-f PWV) and renal resistive index (RRI), with parameters of left ventricular function in heart failure patients versus control. Materials and methods: Our case-control study compared 60 patients with ischemic heart failure and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (<40%) with a control group of 60 healthy age-matched subjects (CON). Serum levels of OPG and 25-OH-D3 were determined by ELISA. Left ventricular volumes (LVESV, LVEDV) and LVEF were measured by echocardiography. C-f PWV was determined using the arteriograph device. RRI was measured by duplex Doppler. Peak systolic velocity (PSV) and minimum end-diastolic velocity (EDV) were determined using angle correction. The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated using the MDRD equation. The Pearson's correlation coefficient was used for interpretation of results. Results: OPG values were significantly higher in heart failure (HF) patients vs. CON (4.7 ± 0.25 vs. 1.3 ± 0.67 ng/mL, p < 0.001). 25-OH vitamin D3 levels were significantly lower in HF patients vs. CON (20.49 ± 7.31 vs. 37.09 ± 4.59 ng/mL, p < 0.001). Multiple regression analysis considering 25-OH D3 as a dependent variable demonstrated indicators of vascular stiffness RRI, c-f PWV and vascular calcification biomarker OPG as predictors. OPG values were significantly correlated with cardiac parameters LVEDV (r = 0.862, p < 0.001), LVEF (r = -0.832, p < 0.001), and c-f PWV(r = 0.833, p < 0.001), and also with 25-OH-D3 (r = -0.636, p < 0.001). RRI values were significantly correlated with cardiac parameters LVEDV (r = 0.586, p < 0.001) and LVEF (r = -0.587, p < 0.001), and with eGFR (r = -0.488, p < 0.001), c-f PWV(r = 0.640, p < 0.001), and 25-OH-D3 (r = -0.732, p < 0.001). Conclusions: This study showed significant correlations between vitamin D deficit and vascular stiffness indicators in heart failure patients with reduced ejection fraction, demonstrating the importance of these examinations for a better evaluation of these patients. Together with the evaluation of renal function, the measurement of vascular stiffness indicators and biomarkers might play a key role in identifying patients at greater risk for worsening disease prognosis and for shorter life expectancy, who could benefit from vitamin D supplementation. The abstract was accepted for presentation at the Congress of the European Society of Cardiology, Munich, 2018.

Tenofovir Has Minimal Effect on Biomarkers of Bone Health in Youth with HIV Receiving Initial Antiretroviral Therapy.

Both HIV infection and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) treatment adversely impact bone metabolism and may lead to osteopenia, which has critical implications for youth with HIV (YWH). This study evaluates changes in the biomarkers of bone metabolism and inflammation among YWH receiving initial treatment with TDF- and non-TDF-containing antiretroviral therapies (ARTs). YWH [n = 23, median age 21 years (range 18-24), 87% male, 61% African American] were assessed for inflammatory and bone metabolism biomarkers at enrollment, after 48 weeks of TDF-containing ART, and 96 weeks of ART without TDF with continued viral suppression. Spearman's rank correlation evaluated biomarker associations. Bone alkaline phosphatase, parathyroid hormone, and osteopontin increased after TDF treatment. All fell after TDF was discontinued. Levels of RANKL and osteoprotegerin did not change throughout the study. There was little correlation between biomarkers of bone metabolism and either macrophage or lymphocyte activation at any time point. Our results establish baseline associations between bone metabolism and immune biomarkers for this population, and find that before CD4 T cell decline chronic inflammation does not perturb biomarkers of bone metabolism among YWH. The adverse effects of TDF on bone health may be marginal for YWH at the early stages of disease.