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Background: polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are a category of fatty acids that contain omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which constitute a substantial portion of the Western diet and are vital for maintaining human wellness. The extent to which circulating PUFAs influence the effects of BMI on leukocyte telomere length (LTL) is unknown. Additionally, the impact of circulating PUFA on LTL remains controversial in observational studies. Methods: Using publicly accessible datasets, a genome-wide association study (GWAS) was carried out to determine genetic association estimates for BMI, circulating PUFAs, and LTL. The circulating PUFAs considered were omega-3 PUFAs (i.e., docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and total omega-3 PUFAs) and omega-6 PUFAs (i.e., linoleic acid (LA) and total omega-6 PUFAs). Two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) was used to investigate the causal relationships between BMI and PUFA with LTL. Additionally, we examined whether certain PUFA mediate the impact of BMI on LTL. Results: None of the evidence supported a causal effect of genetically predicted DHA and total omega-3 PUFA on LTL (DHA: β = 0.001, 95% CI: −0.023 to 0.026, p = 0.926; total omega-3 PUFA: β = 0.008, 95% CI: −0.013 to 0.029, p = 0.466). After conducting sensitivity analyses to account for various models of horizontal pleiotropy, the causal association between higher levels of LA and longer LTL persisted (β = 0.034, 95% CI 0.016 to 0.052, p < 0.001). Adjusting for LA in genetics reduced the effect of BMI on LTL from β = -0.039 (95% CI: -0.058 to -0.020, p < 0.001) to -0.034 (95% CI: -0.054 to -0.014, p < 0.001). Conclusions: This MR study indicates that an increase in genetically predicted circulating LA levels is associated with longer LTL. Additionally, it appears that circulating LA levels play a role in mediating some of the impact that BMI has on LTL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease of microbial etiology caused primarily by dysbiosis of the oral microbiota. Our aim was to compare variations in the composition of the oral microbiomes of youths with severe periodontitis according to gender.Methods: Subgingival plaque samples collected from 17 patients with severe periodontitis (11 males and 6 females) were split for 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The composition, α-diversity, and β-diversity of the patients' oral microbiomes were compared between the males and the females. Linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) was used to analyze the specific taxa enriched in the two groups. Functional profiles (KEGG pathways) were obtained using PICRUSt based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing data.Results: The Chao1 index and phylogenetic diversity whole tree were significantly higher in males than in females. The Simpson and Shannon indices were not significantly different between the two groups. β-Diversity suggested that the samples were reasonably divided into groups. The Kruskal-Wallis test based on the relative abundance of species, combined with the LEfSe analysis showed that the dominant bacteria in males were Pseudomonas and Papillibacter, whereas the dominant bacteria in women were Fusobacteriales and Tannerella. KEGG analysis predicted that the variation in the oral microbiome may be related to the immune system in women, whereas immune system diseases were the dominant pathway in men.Conclusion: We found sex-specific differences in the oral microbiome in a sample of youths with severe periodontitis. The differences may be related to changes in immune homeostasis and lead to a better understanding of periodontitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stem cell therapy for periodontal defects has shown good promise in preclinical studies. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of stem cell support on the regeneration of both soft and hard tissues in periodontal treatment. PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Web of Science were searched and patients with periodontal defects who received stem cell therapy were included in this study. The quality of the included articles was assessed using Cochrane's tool for evaluating bias, and heterogeneity was analyzed using the I2 method. An Mendelian randomization investigation was conducted using abstract data from the IEU public databases obtained through GWAS. Nine articles were included for the meta-analysis. Stem cell therapy effectively rebuilds periodontal tissues in patients with periodontal defects, as evidenced by a reduction in probing depth, clinical attachment level and bone defect depth. And delta-like homolog 1 is a protective factor against periodontal defects alternative indicator of tooth loosening. The findings of this research endorse the utilization of stem cell treatment for repairing periodontal defects in individuals suffering from periodontitis. It is recommended that additional extensive clinical investigations be carried out to validate the efficacy of stem cell therapy and encourage its widespread adoption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To evaluate the long-term therapeutic effect of EASYDO ACTIVATOR, passive ultrasonic irrigation, and needle irrigation in experimental apical periodontitis in rats. Materials and methods: Sprague-Dawley male rats were used to produce periapical lesions. The pulp chambers of the bilaterally first mandibular molars were exposed and left open for 21 days. The rats were divided into four groups according to different irrigation protocols. Seven days after irrigation, the mandibles were removed for micro-CT, histological, and immunohistochemical analysis. Serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Statistical data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with LSD tests. Results: The passive ultrasonic irrigation and EASYDO ACTIVATOR groups had the smallest apical lesions compared to the other groups (P < 0.05), while the needle irrigation group had smaller lesions than the control group (P < 0.05). The EASYDO ACTIVATOR group had less inflammation infiltration compared to the control and needle irrigation groups (P < 0.05). The control and needle irrigation groups had more TNF-α expression compared to the passive ultrasonic irrigation and EASYDO ACTIVATOR groups (P < 0.05). The lowest IL-6 expression was observed in the EASYDO ACTIVATOR group. The EASYDO ACTIVATOR group had the lowest serum level of TNF-α than other groups (P < 0.05). IL-6 expression was significantly lower in the EASYDO ACTIVATOR group in comparison with the control and needle irrigation groups (P < 0.05). Conclusions: EASYDO ACTIVATOR can significantly reduce the apical lesions and decrease the inflammatory response around the periapical area. Clinical relevance: EASYDO ACTIVATOR is recommended for clinical application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bone tissue engineering (BTE) is a promising method for the repair of difficult-to-heal bone tissue damage by providing three-dimensional structures for cell attachment, proliferation, and differentiation. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been introduced as an effective global medical program by the World Health Organization, comprising intricate components, and promoting bone regeneration by regulating multiple mechanisms and targets. This study outlines the potential therapeutic capabilities of TCM combined with BTE in bone regeneration. The effective active components promoting bone regeneration can be generally divided into flavonoids, alkaloids, glycosides, terpenoids, and polyphenols, among others. The chemical structures of the monomers, their sources, efficacy, and mechanisms are described. We summarize the use of compounds and medicinal parts of TCM to stimulate bone regeneration. Finally, the limitations and prospects of applying TCM in BTE are introduced, providing a direction for further development of novel and potential TCM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Periodontitis is a globally prevalent disease that imposes a functional and aesthetic burden on patients. The oral microbiome influences human health. The aim of this study was at assessing gender variation in the subgingival bacterial microbiome of elderly patients with initial periodontitis and to determine the causes of this variation. Twelve males and twenty females (range 50-68 years old) with initial periodontitis provided subgingival plaque samples. 16S rRNA gene sequencing, QIIME-based data processing, and statistical analyses were carried out using several different analytical approaches to detect differences in the oral microbiome between the two groups. Males had higher Chao1 index, observed species, and phylogenetic diversity whole tree values than females. Analysis of β-diversity indicated that the samples were reasonably divided by the gender. The linear discriminant analysis effect size showed that the most representative biomarkers were the genus Haemophilus in males, whereas the dominant bacteria in females were Campylobacter. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis showed that predicting changes in the female oral microbiota may be related to the immune system and immune system diseases are the main factor in males. These data suggest that gender may be a differentiating factor in the microbial composition of subgingival plaques in elderly patients with initial periodontitis. These results could deepen our understanding of the role of gender in the oral microbiota present during initial periodontitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The current research on single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) mutation sites at different positions of the FAM83H gene and their phenotypic changes leading to amelogenesis imperfecta (AI) is inconsistent. We identified a previously reported heterozygous nonsense mutation c.1192C>T (p.Q398*) in the FAM83H gene and conducted a comprehensive analysis of the dental ultrastructure and chemical composition changes induced by this mutation. Additionally, we predicted the protein feature affected by this mutation site. The aim was to further deepen our understanding of the diversity of AI caused by different mutation sites in the FAM83H gene. Methods: Whole-exome sequencing (WES) and Sanger sequencing were used to confirm the mutation sites. Physical features of the patient's teeth were investigated using various methods including cone beam computer tomography (CBCT), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), contact profilometry (roughness measurement), and a nanomechanical tester (nanoindentation measurement). The protein features of wild-type and mutant FAM83H were predicted using bioinformatics methods. Results: One previously discovered FAM83H heterozygous nonsense mutation c.1192C>T (p.Q398*) was detected in the patient. SEM revealed inconsistent dentinal tubules, and EDS showed that calcium and phosphorus were lower in the patient's dentin but higher in the enamel compared to the control tooth. Roughness measurements showed that AI patients' teeth had rougher occlusal surfaces than those of the control tooth. Nanoindentation measurements showed that the enamel and dentin hardness values of the AI patients' teeth were both significantly reduced compared to those of the control tooth. Compared to the wild-type FAM83H protein, the mutant FAM83H protein shows alterations in stability, hydrophobicity, secondary structure, and tertiary structure. These changes could underlie functional differences and AI phenotype variations caused by this mutation site. Conclusions: This study expands the understanding of the effects of FAM83H mutations on tooth structure. Clinical relevance: Our study enhances our understanding of the genetic basis of AI and may contribute to improved diagnostics and personalized treatment strategies for patients with FAM83H-related AI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Orofacial pain (OFP) is a highly prevalent disorder in mainland China that predisposes to an associated physical and psychological disability. There is lack of a good properties mainland Chinese version of instrument to examine OFP. This study aims to cross-cultural adaptation and evaluate psychometrics properties of the Manchester Orofacial Pain Disability Scale (MOPDS) in mainland Chinese Mandarin context. Methods: Translation and cross-cultural adaption of the mainland Chinese version MOPDS were conducted following accepted guidelines of self-report measures. Chinese college students (N = 1039) completed the mainland Chinese version of the MOPDS for item analysis, reliability and validity tests, and measurement invariance analysis, and after a one-month interval, around 10% of the sample (n = 110) were invited to retest. To conduct the CFA and measurement invariance analysis, Mplus 8.4 was used. IBM SPSS Statistics 26 software were used for all additional studies. Results: We found that the mainland Chinese version of MOPDS contains 25 items, divided into two categories: physical disability and psychological disability. The scale demonstrated excellent internal reliability, test-retest reliability, and validity. The measurement invariance results proved that the scale could be applied to people of different gender, age, and health consultation status. Conclusions: The results demonstrated the mainland Chinese version of MOPDS has good psychometric properties and can be used to measure the level of physical and psychological disability of Chinese OFP peoples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oral and maxillofacial bone defects severely impair appearance and function, and bioactive materials are urgently needed for bone regeneration. Here, we spheroid co-cultured green fluorescent protein (GFP)-labeled bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) and osteocyte-like MLO-Y4 cells in different ratios (3:1, 2:1, 1:1, 1:2, 1:3) or as monoculture. Bone-like tissue was formed in the 3:1, 2:1, and 1:1 co-cultures and MLO-Y4 monoculture. We found a continuous dense calcium phosphate structure and spherical calcium phosphate similar to mouse femur with the 3:1, 2:1, and 1:1 co-cultures, along with GFP-positive osteocyte-like cells encircled by an osteoid-like matrix similar to cortical bone. Flake-like calcium phosphate, which is more mature than spherical calcium phosphate, was found with the 3:1 and 2:1 co-cultures. Phosphorus and calcium signals were highest with 3:1 co-culture, and this bone-like tissue was ring-shaped. In a murine tooth extraction model, implantation of the ring-shaped bone-like tissue yielded more bone mass, osteoid and mineralized bone, and collagen versus no implantation. This tissue fabricated by spheroid co-culturing BMSCs with osteocytes yields an internal structure and mineral composition similar to mouse femur and could promote bone formation and maturation, accelerating regeneration. These findings open the way to new strategies in bone tissue engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Bone formation and loss are the characteristic clinical manifestations of leprosy, but the mechanisms underlying the bone remodeling with Mycobacterium leprae (M. leprae) infection are unclear. Methodology/Principal findings: Osteocytes may have a role through regulating the differentiation of osteogenic lineages. To investigate osteocyte-related mechanisms in leprosy, we treated osteocyte-like cell with N-glycosylated muramyl dipeptide (N.g MDP). RNA-seq analysis showed 724 differentially expressed messenger RNAs (mRNAs) and 724 differentially expressed circular RNA (circRNAs). Of these, we filtered through eight osteogenic-related differentially expressed genes, according to the characteristic of competing endogenous RNA, PubMed databases, and bioinformatic analysis, including TargetScan, Gene Ontology, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes. Based on these results, we built a circRNA–microRNA (miRNA)–mRNA triple network. Quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blots analyses confirmed decreased Clock expression in osteocyte-like cell, while increased in bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), implicating a crucial factor in osteogenic differentiation. Immunohistochemistry showed obviously increased expression of CLOCK protein in BMSCs and osteoblasts in N.g MDP–treated mice, but decreased expression in osteocytes. Conclusions/Significance: This analytical method provided a basis for the relationship between N.g MDP and remodeling in osteocytes, and the circRNA–miRNA–mRNA triple network may offer a new target for leprosy therapeutics. Author summary: Although the number of leprosy patients is gradually decreasing after the use of rifampin, those who have been cured still have bone damage. The Mycobacterium leprae is difficult to culture in vivo, and the potential biosafe problem should be considered. Thus, the minimal essential structure in Mycobacterium, N-glycosylated muramyl dipeptide, has been used to reveal the mechanism in leprosy. According to the analysis results, various differentially expressed genes have been filtered, and circadian Clock gene might be the key factor. We verified that Clock gene was upregulated in the process of osteogenesis. Osteocytes would maintain the balance between osteoblasts and osteoclasts in bone homeostasis. We noticed that the expression of Clock gene was decreased after treated with N-glycosylated muramyl dipeptide. This might be the reason why bone damage is still maintained in the cured patient, and regulating the expression of target at posttranscriptional level by microRNAs and circular RNAs can be the promising therapeutic method in leprosy bone damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]