Tissue engineering innovations to enhance osseointegration in immediate dental implant loading: A narrative review.

The demand for efficient and accelerated osseointegration in dental implantology has led to the exploration of innovative tissue engineering strategies. Immediate implant loading reduces treatment duration and necessitates robust osseointegration to ensure long-term implant success. This review article discusses the current studies of tissue engineering innovations for enhancing osseointegration in immediate dental implant loading in the recent decade. Keywords "tissue engineering," "osseointegration," "immediate implant loading," and related terms were systematically searched. The review highlights the potential of bioactive materials and growth factor delivery systems in promoting osteogenic activity and accelerating bone regeneration. The in vivo experiment demonstrates significantly improved osseointegration in the experimental group compared to traditional immediate loading techniques, as evidenced by histological analyses and biomechanical assessments. It is possible to revolutionize the treatment outcomes and patient satisfaction in dental implants by integrating bioactive materials and growth factors.

Do Platelet-Rich Concentrates Improve the Adverse Sequelae of Impacted Mandibular Third Molar Removal?

BACKGROUND: Several measures have been implemented to minimize the side effects of impacted third molar (M3) removal including the use of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF). PURPOSE: This study compared the effects of three modifications of PRF (leukocyte-PRF [L-PRF], advanced-PRF [A-PRF], and advanced-PRF plus [A-PRF +]) on the side effects of impacted M3 removal. STUDY DESIGN, SETTING, AND SAMPLE: This double-blinded randomized controlled trial was conducted at the Oral Surgery Department of Kashan University between September 2022 and May 2023 on patients undergoing mandibular impacted M3 removal. Exclusion criteria were age over 30, local inflammation and infection, medication usage, and systemic disease. INDEPENDENT VARIABLE: The independent variable was the PRF product grouped into four categories (control, L-PRF, A-PRF, and A-PRF+). Study subjects were randomly distributed among the four groups. MAIN OUTCOME VARIABLE(S): The main outcome variables were postoperative sequelae including measures of soft tissue healing, pain, analgesic use, alveolar osteitis, trismus, and swelling. Subjects were assessed at baseline and on days 1, 2, 3, and 7 postsurgery. COVARIATES: Age, sex, duration of surgery, and side of surgery were the covariates. ANALYSES: Changes at different time points were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance. Pairwise comparisons were performed if significant. P values ≤.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The sample consisted of 64 subjects (16 per group). All three modifications of PRF yielded significantly better soft tissue healing index than the control group on days 2, 3, 7, and 14 postoperatively (P > .05). A-PRF and A-PRF + had significantly better healing index than L-PRF on the third day (P = .02, P = .01). All the study groups significantly reduced visual analog scale pain score than the control group on days 1, 2, and 3. A-PRF and A-PRF + had significantly lower visual analog scale scores than L-PRF on the second day (P = .003, P = .02). No significant difference was found in maximum mouth opening during follow-up sessions (P = .2). Study groups had less facial swelling on days 2 and 3 than the control group (P < .05). CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE: L-PRF, A-PRF, and A-PRF + can improve postoperative outcomes after M3 removal but may not impact trismus. A-PRF and A-PRF + may be more effective than L-PRF in promoting soft tissue healing and reducing pain. A-PRF and A-PRF + have comparable results.

Prevalence and pattern of maxillofacial injuries associated with domestic violence: A retrospective study at a major trauma center.

BACKGROUND/AIM: This study aimed to analyze the frequency and pattern of maxillofacial injuries associated with domestic violence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical records of victims of domestic violence between May 2016 and May 2023 were scrutinized retrospectively. The following data were analyzed: gender and age, history of previous abuse, hospital admission, pregnancy, type of facial injuries, anatomical location of injuries, side of injuries, concomitant injuries, mechanism of impact, treatment modality, and history of drug and alcohol abuse. RESULTS: Seventy-eight patients were included, comprising of 75 (96.2%) women and 3 (3.8%) men. Domestic violence was an etiology of 2.7% of all maxillofacial injuries. The mean age was 27.06 ± 5.5 years. 33.3% of cases had a history of previous domestic violence. The assailant was drug addicted in 47.4% of cases. The attacker was the current partner of the victim in 79.5% of the victims. Soft tissue injuries were found in 96.1% of cases. Maxillofacial fracture was observed in 52.6% of victims among which zygoma was the most common (16.7%) followed by the nose and mandible (15.4%). Isolated fracture was observed in 85.3% of patients and 71.8% of the injuries were observed on the left. Concomitant injuries were present in 51.3% of patients with arms/hands being the most frequent (48.7%). Punch (67.9%) constituted the majority of the mechanism of impact. Based on the statistical analysis, punches resulted in significantly higher soft tissue contusion (p = .046), and injuries that required no intervention were significantly higher in punched victims (p = .002). CONCLUSION: Maxillofacial soft tissue injuries with or without isolated fracture on the left side of the zygoma, mandibular angle, or nose in association with arms/hands injuries in young adult women could be clues of domestic violence. Appropriate care such as preventive programs for drug or alcohol abuse should be implemented to reduce domestic violence, thereby reducing these injuries.

The pattern of maxillofacial fractures associated with rollover accidents: A 7-year retrospective study.

BACKGROUND/AIM: This study aimed to assess the incidence and pattern of maxillofacial fractures and related demographic data in the victims of rollover crashes. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective study was based on medical records of patients who sustained maxillofacial injuries following rollover accidents. Investigated data included age, gender, accident date and time, accident cause, seat belt usage, airbag deployment, road type, anatomical location of the facial fracture, and treatment approach. RESULTS: Among the 147 patients who met the inclusion criteria, the most prevalent age groups were 20-30 (36.7%) and 30-40 (32.7%) years, with a mean age of 33.6 ± 9.7 years. The male-to-female ratio was 6:1. Most crashes occurred in March, August, and July. These accidents involved 69.4% light vehicles and 39.6% heavy vehicles. The leading causes of rollover crashes were speeding (58.5%) followed by distracted driving (21.1%) and traffic rule violations (13.6%). The most prevalent injuries were fractures of the maxillary sinus wall (40.8%), nasal bones (39.5%), zygomaticomaxillary complex (36.1%), and the mandible (32.6%). Surgical intervention was necessary for 44.2% of patients, while 12.9% of cases underwent close reduction, and 42.9% did not require any surgical intervention. The occurrence of nasal bone fractures was significantly lower in cases where seat belts were worn and zygomatic arch fractures were less frequent in incidents with airbag deployment. CONCLUSIONS: In rollover crashes, the midface is the most vulnerable anatomical location. Utilization of seat belts and airbag deployment has the potential to prevent nasal bone and zygomatic arch fractures.

Detection and classification of mandibular fractures in panoramic radiography using artificial intelligence.

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the performance of the YOLOv5 deep learning model in detecting different mandibular fracture types in panoramic images. METHODS: The dataset of panoramic radiographs with mandibular fractures was divided into training, validation, and testing sets, with 60%, 20%, and 20% of the images, respectively. An equal number of control images without fractures were also distributed among the datasets. The YOLOv5 algorithm was trained to detect six mandibular fracture types based on the anatomical location including symphysis, body, angle, ramus, condylar neck, and condylar head. Performance metrics of accuracy, precision, sensitivity (recall), specificity, dice coefficient (F1 score), and area under the curve (AUC) were calculated for each class. RESULTS: A total of 498 panoramic images containing 673 fractures were collected. The accuracy was highest in detecting body (96.21%) and symphysis (95.87%), and was lowest in angle (90.51%) fractures. The highest and lowest precision values were observed in detecting symphysis (95.45%) and condylar head (63.16%) fractures, respectively. The sensitivity was highest in the body (96.67%) fractures and was lowest in the condylar head (80.00%) and condylar neck (81.25%) fractures. The highest specificity was noted in symphysis (98.96%), body (96.08%), and ramus (96.04%) fractures, respectively. The dice coefficient and AUC were highest in detecting body fractures (0.921 and 0.942, respectively), and were lowest in detecting condylar head fractures (0.706 and 0.812, respectively). CONCLUSION: The trained algorithm achieved promising results in detecting most fracture types, particularly in body and symphysis regions indicating machine learning potential as a diagnostic aid for clinicians.

The current applications of nano and biomaterials in drug delivery of dental implant.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Dental implantology has revolutionized oral rehabilitation, offering a sophisticated solution for restoring missing teeth. Despite advancements, issues like infection, inflammation, and osseointegration persist. Nano and biomaterials, with their unique properties, present promising opportunities for enhancing dental implant therapies by improving drug delivery systems. This review discussed the current applications of nano and biomaterials in drug delivery for dental implants. METHOD: A literature review examined recent studies and advancements in nano and biomaterials for drug delivery in dental implantology. Various materials, including nanoparticles, biocompatible polymers, and bioactive coatings, were reviewed for their efficacy in controlled drug release, antimicrobial properties, and promotion of osseointegration. RESULTS: Nano and biomaterials exhibit considerable potential in improving drug delivery for dental implants. Nanostructured drug carriers demonstrate enhanced therapeutic efficacy, sustained release profiles, and improved biocompatibility. Furthermore, bioactive coatings contribute to better osseointegration and reduced risks of infections. CONCLUSION: Integrating current nano and biomaterials in drug delivery for dental implants holds promise for advancing clinical outcomes. Enhanced drug delivery systems can mitigate complications associated with dental implant procedures, offering improved infection control, reduced inflammation, and optimized osseointegration.

Marginal fit of monolithic versus layered zirconia crowns assessed with 2 marginal gap methods.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Zirconia can be used either monolithically or veneered with porcelain. However, whether veneering zirconia affects marginal fit is unclear. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the marginal fit of the monolithic and layered zirconia prostheses using 2 different assessment methods. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An ideal complete crown with a chamfer finish line was prepared on an extracted maxillary central incisor. Two prosthesis designs, a framework and a monolithic design, and 2 marginal fit evaluation methods, the silicone replica and the triple scanning techniques, were used. In the first group, 10 crowns were fabricated with the framework design followed by porcelain veneering, and 10 crowns were fabricated monolithically in the second group. The marginal gap in each group was evaluated with both the silicone replica and triple scan methods. Data were statistically analyzed with a 2-way repeated measures ANOVA (α=.05). RESULTS: A significant difference was found in the mean marginal gap by design type (P=.003), with the monolithic prostheses having lower mean marginal gaps (31.0 and 84.0 µm). However, both groups showed clinically acceptable marginal fit. No significant difference was found between the assessment methods (P=.092). CONCLUSIONS: Monolithic zirconia crowns had a better marginal fit than veneered zirconia frameworks. Both the replica and triple scan techniques for marginal gap assessment yielded similar results.

Bond Strength of Resin Cement and Glass Ionomer to Nd:YAG Laser-Treated Zirconia Ceramics.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser irradiation on the surface properties and bond strength of zirconia ceramics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-eight zirconia ceramic pieces (4 × 4 × 1 mm3 ) were divided into four groups according to surface treatment as follows: two control groups (no treatment) for resin bonding (CRC) and glass ionomer (GI) bonding (CGC); two laser treatment groups (Nd:YAG irradiation, 3 W, 200 MJ, 10 Hz, 180 µs) for resin bonding (LRC) and GI bonding (LGC). The ceramics in the control groups and the laser groups were distinguished by the application of different cements (resin cement and GI). Following surface treatments, the specimens were cemented to human dentin with resin cement and GI. After bonding, the shear bond strength (SBS) of the ceramic to dentin was measured, and the failure mode of each specimen was analyzed using a stereomicroscope. A one-way ANOVA compared the average bond strength of the four groups. Pairwise comparisons among the groups were performed using the Games-Howell test. The level of significance was set at 0.05. RESULTS: The means (± standard deviation) of SBS values in the CRC, CGC, LRC, and LGC groups were 3.98 ± 1.10, 1.66 ± 0.59, 10.24 ± 2.46, and 2.21 ± 0.38 MPa, respectively. Data showed that the application of the Nd:YAG laser resulted in a significantly greater SBS of the resin cement to the zirconia ceramics (p < 0.001). The highest bond strength was recorded in the LRC group. In the CRC group, 75% of the failures were of the adhesive type, compared with 66.7% and 83.3% in the LRC and LGC groups, respectively. In the CGC group, all failures were adhesive. CONCLUSIONS: Pretreatment of zirconia ceramic via Nd:YAG laser improves the bond strength of the resin cement to the zirconia ceramic. GI cement does not provide sufficient bond strength of zirconia ceramics to dentin.

The effect of augmented reality book on the proficiency of local anesthesia administration of the inferior alveolar nerve.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: Advancements in augmented reality (AR) technology enable developers to create augmented reality books (AR Books). AR Books can show interactive 3D objects and multimedia content to the user. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a developed AR Book on the theoretical and practical abilities in the administration of local anesthesia of the inferior alveolar nerve block. METHODS: An exclusive AR Book was developed based on Chapter 14, Handbook of Local Anesthesia, seventh edition, Stanley F. Malamed, which enabled students to use their book (printed or electronic) as an AR Book. Forty dental students were randomly divided into control and study groups. In the control group, students were asked to use regular books, while in the study group, students were instructed to use interactive AR Books. All students took the written exam, scoring 0 to 10. Also, the administration of mandibular local anesthesia was evaluated in students. The level of concentration during the study, the written exam score, the practical score, the success rate of local anesthesia, and the needed time for injection were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in the level of concentration during the study (p < 0.001), practical skill score (p = 0.037), and needed time for injection (p = 0.040) between the two groups. Conversely, the success rate of local anesthesia was almost similar (p = 0.705). Although the written exam score was higher in the study group than in the control group, the difference was not significant (p = 0.414). CONCLUSION: Using AR Books can engage students and help them to remain focused during the study. AR Books may be beneficial in enhancing the practical abilities of dental students.

Risk factors associated with early implant failure: A retrospective review.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between possible risk factors and early implant failure. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included consecutive patients receiving dental implant treatment in a four-year timeframe. Patient-related variables (age, sex, smoking, and systemic disease), local factors (area, reason for tooth extraction, and bone quality), surgical variables (bone augmentation, time of implant placement, staging, and antibiotic prophylaxis), and implant-related factors (brand, length, and diameter) were analyzed. Bivariate analyses and multivariate logistic regression model were used to determine the variables associated with early implant failure. RESULTS: The study group comprised 1323 implants in 738 patients with a mean of 1.8 implants/patient of which, 53 failed in 52 patients in the early stage (before final prosthetic loading). According to the multivariate model, smoking (Odds Ratio=1.836, P=0.031), posterior maxillary region (OR=2.958, P=0.006), implantation in place of teeth extracted due to periodontal problems (OR=2.531, P=0.004), bone type IV (OR=2.881, P=0.008), implant in previously augmented site (OR=2.239, P=0.014), and immediate provisional prosthesis (OR=3.418, P=0.019) were associated with a significantly higher risk of early implant failure. Narrow implants showed a significantly higher risk of early failure in bivariate analyses (P=0.012). However, the effect was no longer significant in the multivariate model (OR=2.322, P=0.068). CONCLUSION: Early implant failure would be more expected in smokers, posterior maxilla, history of periodontal problems, type IV bone, augmented bone, and immediately loaded cases.

The Effect of Delayed Photobiomodulation Therapy on Inferior Alveolar Nerve Recovery After Third Molar Removal: A Triple-Blinded Randomized Clinical Trial.

Background: Third molar removal is the primary reason for inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) damage, with 2% causing persistent neurosensory deficits. This study aimed to investigate how delayed photobiomodulation therapy affects long-lasting neurosensory disturbances. Methods: This study was conducted on patients with neurosensory disturbances lasting longer than 6 months. Patients were randomly allocated to the study and control groups, with the study group receiving a low-power diode laser (continuous wavelength of 810 nm, power of 200 mW) on 16 points (30 sec at each) for 12 sessions (2 sessions/week), while the control group received a placebo treatment by switched-off laser probe. Visual analog scale (VAS; ranging from 1 to 5), static light touch, two-point discrimination, direction discrimination, pinprick, and thermal discrimination tests were performed on each visit up to 9 months post-therapy to evaluate the recovery status. Results: Each group comprised 18 participants. The mean time since injury was 8.26 ± 2.05 and 8.38 ± 1.98 months for the control and intervention groups, respectively (p = 0.81). There was a significant improvement in the intervention group on the static light touch (p = 0.041), two-point discrimination (p = 0.028), VAS (p = 0.031), and pinprick (p = 0.014) tests on the 11th session and subsequent visits and also on direction discrimination test on the 12th session (p = 0.044) and after that. There was no significant difference in the thermal discrimination tests between the two groups (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Photobiomodulation demonstrated potential benefits in resolving persistent neurosensory deficits of the IAN, with noticeable improvements typically observed after around 35 days of treatment initiation (10 sessions).

Bleeding After Dental Extraction in Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention During Uninterrupted Single and Dual Antiplatelet Therapy.

Purpose: This study aimed to assess bleeding risk after exodontia in patients with recent percutaneous coronary intervention during uninterrupted single or dual antiplatelet therapy. Study design: A total of 100 patients who had a history of percutaneous stent insertion during the past year candidate for extraction of teeth were included in the study. Fifty patients took aspirin 100mg (monotherapy group), and 50 patients took a combination of aspirin 100mg and clopidogrel 75mg (dual therapy group). After exodontia, the bleeding status was categorized as "complete hemostasis," "persistent bleeding," and "delayed bleeding." Personal data, underlying diseases, number of teeth and roots extracted, and type of procedure required for exodontia were statistically analyzed. Results: No significant difference was observed in the status of bleeding between the two groups regarding sex, age, underlying diseases, number of teeth and roots extracted, and type of procedure (p > 0.05). 39/50 (78%) of monotherapy patients and 32/50 (64%) of dual therapy patients achieved complete hemostasis. Persistent bleeding was noted in 11/50 (22%) of monotherapy participants, and 14/50 (28%) of dual therapy patients. Only 4/50 (8%) of dual therapy patients experienced delayed bleeding. However, these differences were not significant (p = 0.08). All persistent and delayed bleeding was easily controlled via local measures. Conclusion: Simple or complicated extraction of multiple teeth can be performed safely during the first year after percutaneous coronary intervention without interruption of antiplatelet therapy.

Novel strategies in HPV­16­related cervical cancer treatment: An in vitro study of combined siRNA-E5 with oxaliplatin and ifosfamide chemotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer, primarily caused by HPV infection, remains a global health concern. Current treatments face challenges including drug resistance and toxicity. This study investigates combining E5-siRNA with chemotherapy drugs, Oxaliplatin and Ifosfamide, to enhance treatment efficacy in HPV-16 positive cervical cancer cells, targeting E5 oncoprotein to overcome limitations of existing therapies. METHODS: The CaSki cervical cancer cell line was transfected with E5-siRNA, and subsequently treated with Oxaliplatin/Ifosfamide. Quantitative real-time PCR was employed to assess the expression of related genes including p53, MMP2, Nanog, and Caspases. Cell apoptosis, cell cycle progression, and cell viability were evaluated using Annexin V/PI staining, DAPI staining, and MTT test, respectively. Furthermore, stemness ability was determined through a colony formation assay, and cell motility was assessed by wound healing assay. RESULTS: E5-siRNA transfection significantly reduced E5 mRNA expression in CaSki cells compared to the control group. The MTT assay revealed that monotherapy with E5-siRNA, Oxaliplatin, or Ifosfamide had moderate effects on cell viability. However, combination therapy showed synergistic effects, reducing the IC50 of Oxaliplatin from 11.42 × 10-8 M (45.36 µg/ml) to 6.71 × 10-8 M (26.66 µg/ml) and Ifosfamide from 12.52 × 10-5 M (32.7 µg/ml) to 8.206 × 10-5 M (21.43 µg/ml). Flow cytometry analysis demonstrated a significant increase in apoptosis for combination treatments, with apoptosis rates rising from 11.02 % (Oxaliplatin alone) and 16.98 % (Ifosfamide alone) to 24.8 % (Oxaliplatin + E5-siRNA) and 34.9 % (Ifosfamide + E5-siRNA). The sub-G1 cell population increased from 15.7 % (Oxaliplatin alone) and 18 % (Ifosfamide alone) to 21.9 % (Oxaliplatin + E5-siRNA) and 27.1 % (Ifosfamide + E5-siRNA), indicating cell cycle arrest. The colony formation assay revealed a substantial decrease in the number of colonies following combination treatment. qRT-PCR analysis showed decreased expression of stemness-related genes CD44 and Nanog, and migration-related genes MMP2 and CXCL8 in the combination groups. Apoptosis-related genes Casp-3, Casp-9, and pP53 showed increased expression following combination therapy, while BAX expression increased and BCL2 expression decreased relative to the control. CONCLUSION: The study demonstrates that combining E5-siRNA with Oxaliplatin or Ifosfamide enhances the efficacy of chemotherapy in HPV-16 positive cervical cancer cells. This synergistic approach effectively targets multiple aspects of cancer cell behavior, including proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and stemness. The findings suggest that this combination strategy could potentially allow for lower chemotherapy doses, thereby reducing toxicity while maintaining therapeutic efficacy. This research provides valuable insights into targeting HPV E5 as a complementary approach to existing therapies focused on E6 and E7 oncoproteins, opening new avenues for combination therapies in cervical cancer treatment.

The current techniques in dorsal augmentation rhinoplasty: a comprehensive review.

BACKGROUND: An essential aspect of rhinoplasty is the enhancement of the nasal dorsal contour by performing dorsal augmentation (DA) rhinoplasty. A wide range of techniques are available for DA as the demand for aesthetic nasal refinement grows. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current techniques used in DA rhinoplasty. MAIN BODY: Research articles on DA rhinoplasty techniques were identified through a comprehensive literature search. Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science were used as electronic databases. Each database was searched for articles published since its inception. DA rhinoplasty techniques were examined in this literature review. Methodological quality was assessed for the selected studies, and data was extracted to examine materials used, surgical approaches, and reported outcomes for each technique. Various DA methods, including autologous grafts and synthetic implants, are examined in-depth in this review. Comparing approaches can help better understand their respective advantages and limitations. CONCLUSION: A wealth of techniques is available for DA rhinoplasty, each with advantages. Patients' nasal anatomy, desired outcomes, and potential risks must be considered by surgeons when determining their surgical approach. DA methods continue to evolve rapidly, creating a need for a thorough understanding of the current landscape to make informed decisions.

Accuracy of maxillary repositioning surgery in teaching hospitals using conventional model surgery.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of maxillary repositioning surgery in teaching hospitals using conventional model surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 73 patients undergoing single-piece LeFort I osteotomies in the maxilla and bilateral sagittal split osteotomies in the mandible were included in the study. Preoperative and immediate postoperative cone-beam CT were compared in computer software (Dolphin3D©). Maxillary landmarks relative to the vertical and horizontal reference lines were evaluated. The difference between the planned and achieved maxillary positions was measured. Distance error in millimeters and achievement ratio (achieved displacement/planned displacement*100) were calculated for different maxillary movements. RESULTS: Midline correction and advancement were the most accurate movements with an overall mean distance error of 0.53 mm and 0.63 mm respectively while posterior impaction and setback were the least accurate movements with 1.38 mm and 1.76 mm mean discrepancies, respectively. A significant difference was observed only in setback movement regarding the discrepancy value (P < .05). Although setback and down-graft movements tended to under-correction, all other movements were overcorrected. As the magnitude of maxillary movements increases, the accuracy decreases. In severe displacements (≥ 8 mm), the accuracy declines significantly (P < .05). CONCLUSION: Classic cast surgery and manually fabricated intermediate splints in teaching hospitals yield accurate and acceptable results in the majority of cases (84.6%). The accuracy of maxillary repositioning decreases as the magnitude of displacement increases.

Crocin Suppresses Colorectal Cancer Cell Proliferation by Regulating miR-143/145 and KRAS/RREB1 Pathways.

BACKGROUND: As a chemoprevention agent, crocin effectively decreases the risk of human cancers, including colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the mechanism underlying the anti-cancer effects of crocin is not entirely explained. Considering that in this study, we investigated the crocin effect on miR-143/145 and related signaling pathways in CRC cells. METHODS: HCT-116 and HT-29 CRC cells were treated with different concentrations of crocin and then were subjected to MTT and qRT-PCR assays to investigate cell viability and miR-143/miR-145, KRAS, and RREB1 expression, respectively. Also, western blotting was performed to evaluate gene expression at protein levels. RESULTS: Our results showed that treating CRC cells with crocin decreases cell viability by upregulating miR-143/145 expression and reducing KRAS and RREB1 expression dose-dependently. These effects on gene expression in CRC cells were reversed by removing crocin from the media after 48 h. Furthermore, western blotting results exhibited that crocin significantly reduced the protein expression of KRAS and RREB1. Also, it was found that treatment of CRC cells by crocin led to the inactivation of AKT by decreasing its phosphorylation. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that crocin may inhibit CRC cell proliferation by modulating KRAS, REEB1, and AKT signaling pathways mediated through miR-143/145 upregulation.

Interleukin-2 and Oncolytic Virotherapy: A New Perspective in Cancer Therapy.

By triggering immune responses in malignancies that have generally been linked to poor outcomes, immunotherapy has recently shown effectiveness. On the other hand, tumors provide an environment for cells that influence the body's immunity against cancer. Malignant cells also express large amounts of soluble or membrane-bound ligands and immunosuppressive receptors. In this regard, the combination of oncolytic viruses with pro-inflammatory or inflammatory cytokines, including IL-2, can be a potential therapy for some malignancies. Indeed, oncolytic viruses cause the death of cancerous cells and destroy the tumor microenvironment. They result in the local release of threat signals and antigens associated with tumors. As a result, it causes lymphocyte activity and the accumulation of antigenpresenting cells which causes them to accumulate in the tumor environment and release cytokines and chemokines. In this study, we reviewed the functions of IL-2 as a crucial type of inflammatory cytokine in triggering immune responses, as well as the effect of its release and increased expression following combination therapy with oncolytic viruses in the process of malignant progression, as an essential therapeutic approach that should be taken into consideration going forward.

Nonsurgical management of temporomandibular joint autoimmune disorders.

INTRODUCTION: Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are observed in a number of autoimmune diseases but limited studies have assessed the effect of autoimmune diseases on TMD. Therefore, the present review article was conducted to determine the effect of autoimmune diseases on TMD. METHODS: International databases, including Web of Sciences, PubMed and Scopus, were searched in order to find related articles. The search key words were; temporomandibular joint (TMJ) autoimmune disorders, TMJ, TMD, medical therapy and non-invasive, local and systemic management. Published articles from June, 2010 to June, 2019 were included in the review. RESULTS: A total of 11 related articles including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), lupus erythematosus and systemic sclerosis were found. All articles noted that TMJ has unique features that distinguishes it from other human body joints. Cases of TMJ injury and TMD require specific treatments. Therefore, early diagnosis of TMD is essential. It was also mentioned in the articles that the collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) method is a suitable method for investigating TMD and its relationship with RA. Treatment methods included oral steroids, Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, methotrexate 75 mg, and combination therapy with methotrexate. CONCLUSION: Based on the results of this study, TMD exists in some autoimmune diseases, including RA, lupus erythematosus and systemic sclerosis. Therefore, there should be an interdisciplinary collaboration between physicians and dentists in order to choose the best conservative treatment and medication therapy for TMD to reduce the progression and pain associated with this type of disorder.