BACKGROUND: This study investigated the association between periodontitis, a chronic bacteria-initiated inflammatory disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). METHODS: Based on the US National Health and...BACKGROUND: This study investigated the association between periodontitis, a chronic bacteria-initiated inflammatory disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). METHODS: Based on the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2009-2014 data including 3626 adults aged 30-79, we analyzed the bidirectional association using multivariable binary logistic regression for periodontitis with COPD and ordinal regression for COPD with periodontitis severity. Besides, we compared systemic inflammation markers-including neutrophil-to-lymphocyte (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte (PLR), and monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratios (MLR), alongside the systemic immune-inflammation (SII) and aggregate systemic inflammation indices (AISI)-among healthy control, periodontitis, and COPD groups using local clinical data from 210 subjects at the second affiliated hospital of Nanchang University. RESULTS: After multivariable adjustment, individuals with mild-moderate and severe periodontitis had 44% (OR = 1.44, 95% CI: 1.10-1.88) and 52% (OR = 1.52, 95% CI: 1.01-2.26) higher risks of COPD, respectively (p for trend = 0.007). Conversely, COPD was an independent risk factor for periodontitis severity (OR = 1.44, 95% CI: 1.14-1.82). Local data demonstrated that compared to healthy controls, AISI, SII, NLR, and MLR were significantly elevated in both periodontitis and COPD groups, while no significant difference was found between the two disease groups. CONCLUSIONS: Periodontitis and COPD are both characterized by a similar systemic inflammatory profile and demonstrate a robust, independent, bidirectional association.
OBJECTIVES: Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) presents with diverse systemic and oral manifestations. The aim of this study was to investigate the periodontal status and salivary alterations in NF1 individuals. METHODS: A t...OBJECTIVES: Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) presents with diverse systemic and oral manifestations. The aim of this study was to investigate the periodontal status and salivary alterations in NF1 individuals. METHODS: A total of 38 individuals with NF1 diagnostic criteria were compared with a control group paired by age and sex. The periodontal indexes, sialometry at rest and under stimulation, saliva collection for biochemistry and pH evaluation, tongue coating, and oral hygiene indexes were performed. Socioeconomical and oral dryness questionnaire were also applied. RESULTS: Individuals with NF1 had poor periodontal status according to the periodontal indexes compared to the control group (community periodontal index, p = 0.013; clinical attachment loss, p = 0.001; periodontal status, p = 0.002). Hyposalivation was significantly more prevalent in NF1 individuals at rest and under stimulation (p < 0.0001). There was also a high score on the dry mouth questionnaire in the NF1 group (evidencing xerostomia; p = 0.040), as well as greater and thicker tongue coating (p = 0.022). Salivary flow rates, pH, buffering capacity, biochemical composition, and socioeconomic levels did not differ between the periodontal classifications. CONCLUSION: Individuals with NF1 had poor periodontal status, higher rates of hyposalivation and oral dryness, and thicker and greater tongue coating than the control population.
OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the expression of invadopodia-associated proteins-HIF-1α, NOTCH-1, ADAM-12, and HB-EGF-across different histological subtypes of unicystic ameloblastomas (UA) to assess their inv...OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the expression of invadopodia-associated proteins-HIF-1α, NOTCH-1, ADAM-12, and HB-EGF-across different histological subtypes of unicystic ameloblastomas (UA) to assess their invasiveness under hypoxic conditions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Immunohistochemical analysis was performed on 29 UA samples, 9 conventional ameloblastomas (CAM), and 9 dental follicles (DF). RESULTS: Mural unicystic ameloblastomas (MUA) exhibited significantly higher immunoexpression of all proteins compared to luminal (LUA) and intraluminal (IUA) subtypes (p < 0.0001). Neoplastic cells in the cystic capsule of MUA also showed greater expression of these proteins than those in the lumen. Conventional ameloblastomas demonstrated lower expression of NOTCH-1, ADAM-12, and HIF-1α compared to the MUA cystic capsule cells. Dental follicles had the lowest immunostaining of all groups. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that hypoxia may contribute to more aggressive behavior in MUA, potentially enhancing its invasive capacity compared to LUA and IUA.
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the occurrence of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) in mice following the sequential administration of romosozumab and zoledronate and to confirm their inhibitory e...OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the occurrence of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) in mice following the sequential administration of romosozumab and zoledronate and to confirm their inhibitory effects on osteoclast differentiation in vitro. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-five female C57BL/6 mice were divided into three groups: romosozumab followed by zoledronate (ROM+ ZOL), saline followed by zoledronate (ZOL), and control (Con) group receiving saline. After drug administration, the maxillary first molars were extracted. Bone healing and necrosis were evaluated using micro-computed tomography, histomorphometry, and immunohistochemistry. To investigate the mechanism underlying the in vivo study results, the effects of romosozumab and zoledronate were evaluated by analysing tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining and actin ring formation after differentiation of RAW 264.7 cells. RESULTS: The ROM+ZOL group exhibited more severe bone necrosis than the ZOL and Con groups. The ROM+ZOL group demonstrated a lower bone volume fraction and a reduction in the number of sclerostin-positive cells, suggesting enhanced osteonecrosis when romosozumab was administered before zoledronate. Moreover, both zoledronate and romosozumab effectively suppressed osteoclast differentiation and function in vitro. CONCLUSIONS: Sequential administration of romosozumab followed by zoledronate may exacerbate the risk of MRONJ, underscoring the need for careful consideration in clinical applications.
AIM: The objective of this study was to investigate the global profile of plasmatic proteins of individuals affected simultaneously or not by type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM, well/poorly-controlled), Dyslipidemia (DL), an...AIM: The objective of this study was to investigate the global profile of plasmatic proteins of individuals affected simultaneously or not by type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM, well/poorly-controlled), Dyslipidemia (DL), and Periodontitis (P). METHODS: Besides periodontal examination, plasma was collected for glycemic, and lipid analyses from 150 individuals divided into five groups. The same plasma was submitted to global proteomic investigation using the Liquid Chromatography Electrospray Ionization Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS), following searching data in the UniProt catalog by Proteome Discoverer 1.3. Funcional enrichment was evaluated by Cytoscape. RESULTS: In groups (G1)T2DMpoorly-DL-P, (G2)T2DMwell-DL-P, and (G3)DL-P, the presence of positively regulated CO4A (mediator of the inflammatory complement cascade) and TTN (sarcomeric protein linked to insulin-dependent muscle stiffness) proteins was observed, similar to VDBP (vitamin D transporter and systemic inflammatory modulator) protein in groups (G2)T2DMwell-DL-P and (G3)DL-P. Among others, LDLR, DST, SYNE1 (mediators of the lipid homeostasis axis and nuclear-cytoskeletal integrity) and Ceruloplasmin (involved in iron metabolism and oxidative stress regulation) proteins were exclusively found in respective (G1)T2DMpoorly-DL-P, (G2)T2DMwell-DL-P, (G3)DL-P and (G4)Perio groups. Functional enrichment analyses demonstrated complement binding, DNA metabolism and repair among the most up-regulated PPI. CONCLUSION: Each of the combined pathological conditions exhibited a distinct plasmatic proteomic profile. This specificity provides a foundation for future studies to functionally characterize the identified upregulated proteins, both unique and shared. Our findings, therefore, contribute to the identification of potential diagnostic and therapeutic targets for each of these disease scenarios.
BACKGROUND: IL-17 inhibitors are increasingly used in dermatologic and autoimmune diseases, yet the risks of associated oral complications remain unclear. METHODS: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials.gov w...BACKGROUND: IL-17 inhibitors are increasingly used in dermatologic and autoimmune diseases, yet the risks of associated oral complications remain unclear. METHODS: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials.gov were comprehensively searched. The primary outcome was the incidence of oral complications following IL-17 inhibitors therapy. A meta-analysis was conducted using random-effects models. RESULTS: A total of 106 clinical trials involving 57,017 participants were included. Oral mucosal infections were the most frequently observed complications. Meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the incidence of oral candidiasis and oral herpes, showing the pooled incidence of 4.73% (95% CI: 3.42-6.22) and 2.94% (95% CI: 2.50-3.42), respectively. Subgroup analysis indicated a higher risk of oral candidiasis with bimekizumab compared to secukinumab. Notably, the meta-analysis for oral candidiasis demonstrated high heterogeneity (I = 93.8%). Besides, bacterial odontogenic diseases (dental caries, pulpitis, abscesses, gingivitis, and periodontitis) and neuropathic disorders (trigeminal neuralgia and facial paralysis), neoplasm (lip neoplasms and tongue squamous cell carcinoma), were reported more frequently in IL-17 inhibitors users. CONCLUSION: IL-17 inhibitor administration is associated with an elevated incidence of oral complications, particularly oral candidiasis and herpetic infections, highlighting the importance of clinician awareness and assessment of oral complications during IL-17 inhibitors therapy.
BACKGROUND: Oral leukoplakia (OLK) lacks effective chemopreventive treatments. Thalidomide, with anti-angiogenic, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects, may influence OLK progression. This study assessed feasib...BACKGROUND: Oral leukoplakia (OLK) lacks effective chemopreventive treatments. Thalidomide, with anti-angiogenic, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects, may influence OLK progression. This study assessed feasibility and preliminary biological effects of low-dose thalidomide on dysplasia and microvasculature. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients with OLK treated with thalidomide 50 mg/day for ≥ 30 days (2020-2024). The primary endpoint was change in dysplasia grade on paired biopsies. The secondary endpoint was change in intrapapillary capillary loop (IPCL) patterns on narrow-band imaging (NBI). Lesion size was also recorded. Adverse events (AEs) were graded using CTCAE. RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients were included, most with moderate to severe dysplasia. No patient showed ≥ 50% lesion size reduction, and all maintained stable clinical size. Among 13 patients with paired biopsies, 38.5% showed histological improvement, while 30.8% showed progression. In 25 patients with NBI, 52.0% had improved IPCL patterns, while 32.0% remained stable, and 16.0% worsened. AEs were reported in 32.1%, most commonly peripheral neuropathy (14.3%), with no treatment discontinuations. CONCLUSIONS: Low-dose thalidomide was feasible and well tolerated, showing biological activity by modulating dysplasia and IPCL patterns, despite minimal change in lesion size. These results support further prospective trials to confirm efficacy and refine treatment protocols.
BACKGROUND: Identification of healthy bone margins is a critical step in the surgical resective treatment of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ). Fluorescence-guided surgery (FGS) has been proposed as a m...BACKGROUND: Identification of healthy bone margins is a critical step in the surgical resective treatment of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ). Fluorescence-guided surgery (FGS) has been proposed as a method to identify resection margins and improve clinical outcomes. The purpose of this review was to systematically evaluate the success rate of FGS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Cochrane Central Register, PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases were searched. Success was defined as the absence of exposed necrotic bone with full mucosal coverage and no signs of MRONJ recurrence, assessed at overall follow-up. The risk of bias was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale, the Moga Index and the GRADE approach. The PRISMA protocol was followed to evaluate and present the results. RESULTS: Nine studies met the inclusion criteria, comprising a total of 285 patients. Of the 314 lesions treated with FGS, 285 achieved complete healing during a mean follow-up of 13.0 months, with an overall success rate of 88.54%. The fluorescence modalities used included autofluorescence, tetracycline-induced fluorescence and near-infrared fluorescence imaging with indocyanine green. CONCLUSION: Fluorescence-guided surgery appears to be a promising adjunctive tool for the surgical management of MRONJ, contributing to high success rates.
OBJECTIVES: Endothelial dysfunction is a key contributor to periodontal disease and apical periodontitis. However, the role of macrophages in mediating endothelial function via exosomes in these inflammatory diseases rem...OBJECTIVES: Endothelial dysfunction is a key contributor to periodontal disease and apical periodontitis. However, the role of macrophages in mediating endothelial function via exosomes in these inflammatory diseases remains elusive. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Exosomes isolated from Porphyromonas gingivalis (P.g)-infected THP-1-derived macrophages (P.g-Exos) and uninfected macrophages (Con-Exos) were verified and their effects on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were investigated. The expression of TNF-α and IL-6 in HUVECs was tested by quantitative real time PCR (qRT-PCR) and ELISA. A fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-dextran leakage assay and a THP-1 monocyte adhesion assay were used to explore vascular permeability and cellular adhesion. The migration and angiogenic capacity were evaluated using transwell, cell scratch, and tube-forming assays. HUVECs were pretreated with SC79 (Akt activator) to explore the mechanism. RESULTS: P.g stimulation increased the release of exosomes from macrophages. P.g-Exos inhibited HUVECs' migration and tube formation capabilities while increasing vascular permeability, promoting leukocyte adhesion and releasing proinflammatory factors. Importantly, P.g-Exos induced endothelial dysfunction partially via the Akt/mTOR pathway suppression. CONCLUSIONS: Summarily, this study reveals that the exosomes derived from inflammatory macrophages mediate HUVECs dysfunction partially via the Akt/mTOR pathway, providing novel insights into potential treatments for oral inflammatory diseases.
OBJECTIVE: The study investigated the biological roles of LINC01106 in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) progression. METHODS AND METHODS: RT-qPCR quantified LINC01106 levels in OSCC tissues and cell lines. Cell prolif...OBJECTIVE: The study investigated the biological roles of LINC01106 in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) progression. METHODS AND METHODS: RT-qPCR quantified LINC01106 levels in OSCC tissues and cell lines. Cell proliferation, migration, and invasion assays evaluated its function, while luciferase reporter assays and Western blot confirmed the regulatory axis. RESULTS: Elevated LINC01106 expression in OSCC tissues and cell lines correlated with poor prognosis. Multivariate Cox analysis identified high LINC01106 as an independent adverse prognostic factor for overall survival (OS). LINC01106 silencing suppressed proliferation, migration, and invasion of OSCC cells and reduced xenograft growth. Mechanistically, LINC01106 sponged miR-449a to up-regulate MYC; inhibition of miR-449a or MYC re-expression rescued the malignant phenotype after LINC01106 knockdown. CONCLUSION: LINC01106 exerts oncogenic effects via the miR-449a/MYC axis and may serve as a therapeutic target in OSCC.
OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the impact of an individual's prior and familial cancer history on the risk of head and neck cancers (HNCs) and related mortality. METHODS: This observational cohort study utilized data f...OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the impact of an individual's prior and familial cancer history on the risk of head and neck cancers (HNCs) and related mortality. METHODS: This observational cohort study utilized data from the Kangbuk Samsung Health Study. Familial history among first-degree relatives was self-reported via questionnaires. Incident HNC and prior cancer histories were identified through data linkage with the national cancer registry, and mortality was verified via the nationwide Statistic Korea death registry. RESULTS: Among 341,789 participants, 253 developed HNC. A total of 85,519 individuals reported familial cancer histories (25.0%); of these, 73 developed HNCs. Familial history of HNC and leukemia was significantly associated with an increased HNC risk. Twenty-six participants had prior cancer histories, most commonly HNC. Multivariate logistic analyses demonstrated that a familial history of HNC and leukemia was significantly associated with HNC risk. Among the 253 HNC patients, 15 deaths (5.9%) were recorded. Notably, 4 occurred in individuals with a familial cancer history and 3 in those with a prior cancer history. CONCLUSIONS: While limited by small event counts and wide confidence intervals, familial histories of HNC and leukemia may be associated with HNC development. A prior HNC history may also influence survival outcomes.
OBJECTIVE: The oral cavity represents a key but underexplored interface between host immunity and microbial communities. The aim of this systematic review was to synthesize current literature on oral microbiota alteratio...OBJECTIVE: The oral cavity represents a key but underexplored interface between host immunity and microbial communities. The aim of this systematic review was to synthesize current literature on oral microbiota alterations in systemic autoimmune diseases. METHODS: PubMed and Web of Science databases were searched for human studies published between January 2000 and April 2025. Eligible observational studies compared adults with diagnoses of systemic autoimmune diseases to controls and characterized oral microbiota diversity and/or composition using sequencing-based methods. Different oral habitats were analyzed (saliva, dental plaque, oral mucosa, gingival crevicular fluid). RESULTS: 42 studies met inclusion criteria: 19 on rheumatoid arthritis, 18 on primary Sjögren's syndrome, 5 on systemic lupus erythematosus, and 1 on anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody-associated vasculitis. 16S rRNA gene sequencing predominated and only 3 studies used shotgun metagenomics, among which one also profiled the oral virome. Across systemic autoimmune diseases, dysbiosis was characterized by enrichment of anaerobic genera (Prevotella, Veillonella) and depletion of commensals (Neisseria, Haemophilus), with distinct β-diversity separation from controls. Periodontal disease and reduced salivary secretion significantly modulated microbial communities but did not fully explain disease-associated alterations. CONCLUSION: The oral microbiome exhibited shared dysbiotic signatures. However, methodological and clinical heterogeneity limited direct comparison between studies.
OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to compare the impact of osteoradionecrosis (ORN) and medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) on costs and length of stay (LOS) for patients hospitalized for head an...OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to compare the impact of osteoradionecrosis (ORN) and medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) on costs and length of stay (LOS) for patients hospitalized for head and neck cancer (HNC) and multiple myeloma (MM). METHODS: This retrospective cohort study utilized the 2017 National Inpatient Sample. We identified HNC patients with ORN and MM patients with severe MRONJ using the International Classification of the Disease-10 Clinical Modification codes. The outcomes were hospital charges and LOS. RESULTS: Of the 47,195 patients with HNC, 980 (2.1%) were diagnosed with ORN. Of the 113,915 patients with MM, 170 (0.1%) were diagnosed with severe MRONJ requiring hospitalization. ORN was independently associated with a longer LOS (coef = 1.75, 95% CI: 1.18-2.59) and higher charges (coef = 1.49, 95% CI: 1.13-1.98). MRONJ as the principal diagnosis was associated with a longer LOS (coef = 1.92, 95% CI: 1.28-2.88) and higher charges (coef = 1.78, 95% CI: 1.22-2.60), whereas incidental (secondary) MRONJ showed no significant incremental burden. CONCLUSIONS: ORN is associated with substantial inpatient resource utilization in HNC patients. Severe MRONJ requiring hospitalization as the primary indication incurs comparable incremental costs and LOS, while incidental MRONJ identified during MM-related admissions does not significantly increase resource use.