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Background Gingival overgrowth (GO) is usually associated with multiple factors including immunosuppressive agents as cyclosporine (CsA) and Tacrolimus (TAC), and hereditary gingival fibromatosis (HGF). Objective To compare the expression of TGF-β1, PDGF, TIMP-1 and MMP-9 at the molecular and cellular levels in patients receiving (CsA or TAC) and patients manifested (HGF), to cast some light on the pathogenic mechanism potentially involved in the collagen (COL) turnover of both conditions. Subjects and methods: Gingival tissue samples were obtained from patients undergoing therapy with CsA (n = 6), TAC (n = 6), HGF (n = 3) as well as control tissues from systemically healthy control (n = 6). Tissue sections were immune-stained by labeled streptavidin-biotin (DAB) technique, using monoclonal antibodies against TGF-β1, PDGF-β, TIMP-1 and MMP-9. Results: comparison of type of expression among the studied groups, showed significant diffuse expression of TGF-β1 and PDGF-β in group I and II with P value = 0.58 and 0.38 respectively. The expression of MMP-9 was significantly diffuse in TAC or CsA group when compared to HGF group with P value = 0.38, mean while there was a significant diffuse expression of TIMP-1 in HGF group when compared to TAC or CsA group with P value = 0.38. Conclusions In conclusion the biological mechanisms behind the drug induced gingival overgrowth (DIGO) and HGF is targeting COL turnover but in different ways. Also, this may explain the need for periodic surgical correction of the gingival form and architecture in HGF cases, unlike the DIGO which can be overcame by replacement of CsA by TAC with improvement of oral health.

Objective To elucidate the effect of Alzheimer’s disease on the structure of circumvallate papilla taste buds and the possible role of exosomes on the taste buds in Alzheimer’s disease. Design Forty two ovariectomized female adult albino rats were utilized and divided into: Group I: received vehicle. Group II: received aluminum chloride to induce Alzheimer’s disease. Group III: after the induction of Alzheimer’s disease, each rat received single dose of exosomes then left for 4 weeks. The circumvallate papillae were prepared for examination by light and transmission electron microscope. Statistical analysis: histomorphometric data were statistically analyzed. Results Histological examination of circumvallate papilla in Group I showed normal histological features. Group II revealed distorted features. Group III illustrated nearly normal histological features of circumvallate. Silver impregnation results showed apparently great number of heavily impregnated glossopharyngeal nerve fibers in both Groups I & III but markedly decreased in Group II. Synaptophysin-immunoreactivity was strong in Group I, mild in Group II and moderate in Group III. The ultra-structural examination of taste bud cells revealed normal features in Group I, distorted features in Group II and almost normal features in Group III. Statistically highest mean of Synaptophysin-immunoreactivity area% was for Group I, followed by Group III, and the least value was for Group II. Conclusions Alzheimer’s disease has degenerative effects. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (BM-MSC)-derived exosomes have the ability to improve the destructive changes induced by Alzheimer’s disease.