Identification of the characteristics of infiltrating immune cells in pulpitis and its potential molecular regulation mechanism by bioinformatics method.

OBJECTIVE: The inflammation of dental pulp will also trigger an immune response. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the immune cell's function and explore their regulatory molecules and signal pathways in pulpitis. METHOD: The CIBERSORTx method was used to quantitatively analyze 22 types of immune cells infiltrating in the GSE77459 dataset of dental pulp tissues. The immune-related differential genes (IR-DEGs) were further screened and enriched for the GO and KEGG pathways. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks were constructed and the hub IR-DEGs were screened. Finally, we constructed the regulatory network of hub genes. RESULTS: The GSE77459 dataset screened 166 IR-DEGs and was enriched for three signal pathways involved in pulpitis development: chemokine signaling, TNF signaling, and NF-κB signaling. Significant differences in immune cell infiltration were observed between normal and inflamed dental pulp. The proportions of M0 macrophages, neutrophils, and follicular helper T cells were significantly higher than that of the normal dental pulp, while the proportions of resting mast cells, resting dendritic cells, CD8 T cells, and monocytes were significantly lower. The random forest algorithm concluded that M0 macrophages and neutrophils were the two most important immune cells. We identified five immune-related hub genes IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1ß, CXCL8, and CCL2. In addition, IL-6, IL-1ß, and CXCL8 are highly correlated with M0 macrophages and neutrophils, and the five hub genes have many shared regulatory molecules: four miRNAs and two lncRNAs, three transcription factors. CONCLUSION: Immune cell infiltration plays an important role in pulpitis among which M0 macrophages and neutrophils are the most significant immune cells. IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1, CXCL8, and CCL2 may be essential molecule of the immune response regulation network in pulpitis. This will help us understand the immune regulatory network in pulpitis.

CBCT imaging and root canal treatment for taurodontism in mandibular second molar - A case report and literature review.

The mandibular second molar exhibits a wide range of intricate root canal variations, which can present challenges and difficulties in achieving successful root canal treatment. This report focuses on two specific cases involving a root canal variation in a typical taurodontism of the mandibular second molar. To provide a comprehensive analysis and illustration of the anatomical structure of intraoral taurodontism and the important considerations for root canal treatment, we utilized advanced imaging techniques such as cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and a dental microscope. By combining these tools, we were able to gain a deeper understanding of the complex root canal system and make informed decisions during the treatment process.