Application of nerve growth factor by gel increases formation of bone in mandibular distraction osteogenesis in rabbits

Application of chemical factors for acceleration of consolidation phase of the distraction osteogenesis: a scoping review

PURPOSE

This study aimed to analyze the effect of injecting chemical factors compared to conventional distraction osteogenesis (DO) treatment on the bone formation of the distracted area of the maxillofacial region in human and animal studies.

METHOD

Electronic search was done in PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Cochrane database for studies published until September 2021. The studies' risk of bias (ROB) was assessed using the Cochrane Collaborations and NIH quality assessment tools. Meta-analyses were performed to assess the difference in the amount of bone formation and maximal load tolerance.

RESULTS

Among a total of 58 included studies, eight studies analyzed the bone formation rate of the distracted area in human models and others in animal models. Results of the human studies showed acceptable outcomes in the case of using bone morphogenic protein-2 (BMP-2), autologous bone-platelet gel, and calcium sulfate. However, using platelet reach plasma does not increase the rate of bone formation significantly. Quantitative analyses showed that both BMP-2 (SMD = 26.57; 95% CI = 18.86 to 34.28) and neuron growth factor (NGF) (SMD = 16.19; 95% CI = 9.64 to 22.75) increase the amount of bone formation. Besides, NGF increased the amount of load tolerance significantly (SMD = 30.03; 95% CI = 19.91 to 40.16). Additionally, BMP-2 has no significant impact on the post-treatment maxillary length (SMD = 9.19; 95% CI =  - 2.35 to 20.73).

CONCLUSION

Limited number of human studies with low quality used chemical factors to enhance osteogenesis and showed acceptable results. However, more studies with higher quality are required.

Role of the Peripheral Nervous System in Skeletal Development and Regeneration: Controversies and Clinical Implications

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review examines the diverse functional relationships that exist between the peripheral nervous system (PNS) and bone, including key advances over the past century that inform our efforts to translate these discoveries for skeletal repair.

RECENT FINDINGS

The innervation of the bone during development, homeostasis, and regeneration is highly patterned. Consistent with this, there have been nearly 100 studies over the past century that have used denervation approaches to isolate the effects of the different branches of the PNS on the bone. Overall, a common theme of balance emerges whereby an orchestration of both local and systemic neural functions must align to promote optimal skeletal repair while limiting negative consequences such as pain. An improved understanding of the functional bidirectional pathways linking the PNS and bone has important implications for skeletal development and regeneration. Clinical advances over the next century will necessitate a rigorous identification of the mechanisms underlying these effects that is cautious not to oversimplify the in vivo condition in diverse states of health and disease.

Identification of Functional Modules and Key Pathways Associated with Innervation in Graft Bone-CGRP Regulates the Differentiation of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells via p38 MAPK and Wnt6/β-Catenin

Bone resorption occurs after bone grafting, however, contemporaneous reconstruction of the innervation of the bone graft is a potential treatment to maintain the bone mass of the graft. The innervation of bone is an emerging research topic. To understand the potential molecular mechanisms of bone innervation after bone grafting, we collected normal iliac bone tissue as well as bone grafts with or without innervation from nine patients 1 year after surgery and performed RNA sequencing. We identified differentially expressed genes) from these samples and used the gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes databases for functional enrichment and signaling pathway analysis. In parallel, we established protein-protein interaction networks to screen functional modules. Based on bioinformatic results, we validated in vitro the osteogenic differentiation potential of rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) after calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) stimulation and the expression of p38 MAPK and Wnt6/β-catenin pathways during osteogenesis. Our transcriptome analysis of bone grafts reveals functional modules and signaling pathways of innervation which play a vital role in the structural and functional integration of the bone graft. Simultaneously, we demonstrate that CGRP regulates the differentiation of BMMSCs through p38 MAPK and Wnt6/β-catenin.

Green approaches for extraction, chemical modification and processing of marine polysaccharides for biomedical applications

Over the past few decades, natural-origin polysaccharides have received increasing attention across different fields of application, including biomedicine and biotechnology, because of their specific physicochemical and biological properties that have afforded the fabrication of a plethora of multifunctional devices for healthcare applications. More recently, marine raw materials from fisheries and aquaculture have emerged as a highly sustainable approach to convert marine biomass into added-value polysaccharides for human benefit. Nowadays, significant efforts have been made to combine such circular bio-based approach with cost-effective and environmentally-friendly technologies that enable the isolation of marine-origin polysaccharides up to the final construction of a biomedical device, thus developing an entirely sustainable pipeline. In this regard, the present review intends to provide an up-to-date outlook on the current green extraction methodologies of marine-origin polysaccharides and their molecular engineering toolbox for designing a multitude of biomaterial platforms for healthcare. Furthermore, we discuss how to foster circular bio-based approaches to pursue the further development of added-value biomedical devices, while preserving the marine ecosystem.

Frontiers of Hydroxyapatite Composites in Bionic Bone Tissue Engineering

Bone defects caused by various factors may cause morphological and functional disorders that can seriously affect patient's quality of life. Autologous bone grafting is morbid, involves numerous complications, and provides limited volume at donor site. Hence, tissue-engineered bone is a better alternative for repair of bone defects and for promoting a patient's functional recovery. Besides good biocompatibility, scaffolding materials represented by hydroxyapatite (HA) composites in tissue-engineered bone also have strong ability to guide bone regeneration. The development of manufacturing technology and advances in material science have made HA composite scaffolding more closely related to the composition and mechanical properties of natural bone. The surface morphology and pore diameter of the scaffold material are more important for cell proliferation, differentiation, and nutrient exchange. The degradation rate of the composite scaffold should match the rate of osteogenesis, and the loading of cells/cytokine is beneficial to promote the formation of new bone. In conclusion, there is no doubt that a breakthrough has been made in composition, mechanical properties, and degradation of HA composites. Biomimetic tissue-engineered bone based on vascularization and innervation show a promising future.

Epigenetic Regulation of NGF-Mediated Osteogenic Differentiation in Human Dental Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Nerve growth factor (NGF) is the best-characterized neurotrophin and is primarily recognized for its key role in the embryonic development of the nervous system and neuronal cell survival/differentiation. Recently, unexpected actions of NGF in bone regeneration have emerged as NGF is able to enhance the osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells. However, little is known regarding how NGF signaling regulates osteogenic differentiation through epigenetic mechanisms. In this study, using human dental mesenchymal stem cells (DMSCs), we demonstrated that NGF mediates osteogenic differentiation through p75NTR, a low-affinity NGF receptor. P75NTR-mediated NGF signaling activates the JNK cascade and the expression of KDM4B, an activating histone demethylase, by removing repressive H3K9me3 epigenetic marks. Mechanistically, NGF-activated c-Jun binds to the KDM4B promoter region and directly upregulates KDM4B expression. Subsequently, KDM4B directly and epigenetically activates DLX5, a master osteogenic gene, by demethylating H3K9me3 marks. Furthermore, we revealed that KDM4B and c-Jun from the JNK signaling pathway work in concert to regulate NGF-mediated osteogenic differentiation through simultaneous recruitment to the promoter region of DLX5. We identified KDM4B as a key epigenetic regulator during the NGF-mediated osteogenesis both in vitro and in vivo using the calvarial defect regeneration mouse model. In conclusion, our study thoroughly elucidated the molecular and epigenetic mechanisms during NGF-mediated osteogenesis.

Nerve Growth Factor Biodelivery: A Limiting Step in Moving Toward Extensive Clinical Application?

Nerve growth factor (NGF) was the first-discovered member of the neurotrophin family, a class of bioactive molecules which exerts powerful biological effects on the CNS and other peripheral tissues, not only during development, but also during adulthood. While these molecules have long been regarded as potential drugs to combat acute and chronic neurodegenerative processes, as evidenced by the extensive data on their neuroprotective properties, their clinical application has been hindered by their unexpected side effects, as well as by difficulties in defining appropriate dosing and administration strategies. This paper reviews aspects related to the endogenous production of NGF in healthy and pathological conditions, along with conventional and biomaterial-assisted delivery strategies, in an attempt to clarify the impediments to the clinical application of this powerful molecule.

Recent Progress on Polysaccharide-Based Hydrogels for Controlled Delivery of Therapeutic Biomolecules

A plethora of applications using polysaccharides have been developed in recent years due to their availability as well as their frequent nontoxicity and biodegradability. These polymers are usually obtained from renewable sources or are byproducts of industrial processes, thus, their use is collaborative in waste management and shows promise for an enhanced sustainable circular economy. Regarding the development of novel delivery systems for biotherapeutics, the potential of polysaccharides is attractive for the previously mentioned properties and also for the possibility of chemical modification of their structures, their ability to form matrixes of diverse architectures and mechanical properties, as well as for their ability to maintain bioactivity following incorporation of the biomolecules into the matrix. Biotherapeutics, such as proteins, growth factors, gene vectors, enzymes, hormones, DNA/RNA, and antibodies are currently in use as major therapeutics in a wide range of pathologies. In the present review, we summarize recent progress in the development of polysaccharide-based hydrogels of diverse nature, alone or in combination with other polymers or drug delivery systems, which have been implemented in the delivery of biotherapeutics in the pharmaceutical and biomedical fields.

Magnetic κ-carrageenan/chitosan/montmorillonite nanocomposite hydrogels with controlled sunitinib release

This work aimed to design montmorillonite-incorporated pH-responsive and magnetic κ-carrageenan/chitosan hydrogels via a completely green route for controlled release of sunitinib anticancer drug. This was accomplished by ionic cross-linking of two biopolymers, κ-carrageenan and chitosan, in the presence of magnetic montmorillonite (mMMt) nanoplatelets. Interestingly, it was observed that the amount of mMMt affected not only the microstructure of hydrogels, but also the drug loading efficiency of nanocomposite hydrogels was noticeably increased by introducing mMMt (from 69 to 96%). The in vitro sunitinib release experiments showed that a low content of loaded sunitinib was released from all hydrogels in the buffered solution with pH 7.4. In contrast, a relatively sustained release with a high content of drug release was observed in the acidic solution of pH 5.5. During 48 h, the hydrogels nanocomposite containing a high content of mMMt showed cumulative release of 64.0 and 8.6% at pH 5.5 and 7.4, respectively. During two days, while the cumulative release of sunitinib was obtained 84.3% for the magnetic-free hydrogel, the magnetic ones showed 74.4 and 64% with the low and high contents of magnetic MMt, respectively. The developed κ-carrageenan/chitosan hydrogels with a high capacity of drug loading and subsequent pH-sensitive drug release can be considered in prolonged cancer therapy with reduced side effects.

The neural system regulates bone homeostasis via mesenchymal stem cells: a translational approach

Large bone reconstruction is a major clinical issue associated with several challenges, and autograft is the main method for reconstructing large defects of maxillofacial bone. However, postoperative osteoporosis of the bone graft, even with sufficient vascularization, remains a primary problem. Therefore, better understanding of the mechanisms and clinical translation of bone homeostasis is required. Neuronal innervation of the bone is an emerging research topic, especially with regards to the role of peripheral nerves in regulating bone homeostasis. Moreover, sensory and autonomic nerves regulate this process via different types of neurotransmitters, but the specific mechanism is still elusive. In this review article, the current understanding of the interaction between the peripheral nerve and the skeleton system is summarized, with a particular focus on bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs), except for osteoblasts and osteoclasts. The novel application of nerve-based bone regeneration via BMMSCs may provide a new strategy in tissue engineering and clinical treatment of osteoporosis and bone disorders.

No pain, no gain? The effects of pain-promoting neuropeptides and neurotrophins on fracture healing

Neuropeptides and neurotrophins are key regulators of peripheral nociceptive nerves and contribute to the induction, sensitization, and maintenance of pain. It is now known that these peptides also regulate non-neuronal tissues, including bone. Here, we review the effects of numerous neuropeptides and neurotrophins on fracture healing. The neuropeptides calcitonin-gene related peptide (CGRP), substance P (SP), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), and pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide (PACAP) have varying effects on osteoclastic and osteoblastic activity. Ultimately, CGRP and SP both accelerate fracture healing, while VIP and PACAP seem to negatively impact healing. Unlike the aforementioned neuropeptides, the neurotrophins nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) have more uniform effects. Both factors upregulate osteoblastic activity, osteoclastic activity, and, in vivo, stimulate osteogenesis to promote fracture healing. Future research will need to clarify the exact mechanism by which the neuropeptides and neurotrophins influence fracture healing. Specifically, understanding the optimal expression patterns for these proteins in the fracture healing process may lead to therapies that can maximize their bone-healing capabilities and minimize their pain-promoting effects. Finally, further examination of protein-sequestering antibodies and/or small molecule agonists and antagonists may lead to new therapies that can decrease the rate of delayed union/nonunion outcomes and fracture-associated pain.

Effects of inferior alveolar nerve rupture on bone remodeling of the mandible: A preliminary study

Although various animal studies have indicated that sensory nerves played an important role in bone metabolism and nerve injury could impair the process of bone remodeling, the actual effect of sensory nerve rupture on human bones remains unclear. The aim of this preliminary study was to investigate the effect of inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) rupture on mandibular bone remodeling of patients underwent bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy (BSSRO).Ten patients with unilateral IAN rupture during BSSRO were involved in this study. Neurosensory examinations were employed to assess the sensory function of bilateral IAN. The remodeling process of the post-operational mandible was evaluated by panoramic radiographs and computed tomography (CT) scans.Neurosensory examinations indicated that nerve rupture resulted in significant hypoesthesia at the IAN-rupture side. Assessment of panoramic radiographs showed no evident alterations of bone structure at the IAN-rupture side of mandible. Evaluation of CT images also indicated no statistical difference in bone density and thickness between IAN-rupture side and contralateral side.Accordingly, our study indicated that IAN rupture may not significantly impair the short-term bone remodeling process of human mandible.

Calcitonin gene-related peptide enhances osteogenic differentiation and recruitment of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in rats

The present study evaluated the effects of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) on bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) in vitro and in a rat model of mandibular distraction osteogenesis (MDO). Rat BMMSCs were isolated then treated with CGRP or CGRP antagonist (CGRP8-37). The proliferation and migration ability of BMMSCs was determined using 5-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine and Transwell assays, respectively. Osteogenic-related gene expression was analyzed with reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. For the in vivo analysis, thirty MDO rats were randomly assigned to control, CGRP or CGRP8-37 groups. To evaluate the mobilization of BMMSCs, nestin and stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF-1) were detected by immunohistochemistry and ELISA. Rats were sacrificed following 14 days and new bone formation was assessed by histological and micro-computed tomography analysis. In the in vitro results, the CGRP group demonstrated significantly higher migration and proliferation, as well as enhanced alkaline phosphatase and runt-related transcription factor 2 expression compared with the control. In the in vivo experiments, bone mineral density of the newly formed bone in the CGRP group was significantly higher than controls. The nestin and SDF-1 expression in the CGRP group was also significantly upregulated. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that CGRP administration increased new bone formation, possibly via enhancing BMMSC migration and differentiation in MDO rats.

Improving the anti-washout property of calcium phosphate cement by introducing konjac glucomannan/κ-carrageenan blend

Anti-washout calcium phosphate cement (CPC) was prepared by dissolving water-soluble konjac glucomannan (KGM) and κ-carrageenan (KC) blend in the cement liquid. The anti-washout property, setting time, compressive strength and in vitro cytocompatibility of the CPC modified with KGM/KC blend were evaluated. The results indicated that the CPC pastes modified with KGM/KC blend exhibited excellent anti-washout property. The addition of KGM/KC blend shortened the setting time and increased the injectability of CPC. Although the introduction of KGM/KC blend reduced the compressive strength of CPC, the compressive strength still surpassed that of human cancellous bone. The optimal KGM/KC mass ratio was 2:8, with which the modified cement exhibited the most efficient washout resistance and the highest compressive strength. The introduction of KGM/KC blend obviously promoted the proliferation of mouse bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells. This anti-washout CPC modified by KGM/KC blend with excellent in vitro cytocompatibility will have good prospects for application in bone defect repair.

Sensory Nerves Affect Bone Regeneration in Rabbit Mandibular Distraction Osteogenesis

Objectives: To investigate the effects of inferior alveolar nerve on new bone formation in rabbit mandibular distraction osteogenesis. Methods: 20 New Zealand White rabbits underwent bilateral distraction osteogenesis with a rate of 1 mm/day. The inferior alveolar nerve of one side was resected under the surgical microscope, with the inferior alveolar vascular intact. The contralateral side received sham operation. The rabbits were sacrificed at consolidation time of 28 days. The regenerate callus underwent radiograph examination, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, haematoxylin and eosin staining and histomorphometric analysis. A paired t-test was performed using SPSS 16.0 software package. Results: The BMD of the new bone in the distraction gap on the denervation side of mandibular was significantly lower (P<0.05) than on the control side. The histological investigation showed that the bone trabeculae were dis-arrayed containing dispersed cartilage cells on the denervation side, whereas the bone trabeculae were orderly with rich blood vessels and no cartilage cell on the control side. Both new bone volume and the thickness of new trabeculae were significantly lower on the denervation side than on the control side (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The loss of the sensory nerves could result in a decrease of the new bone quality during the mandibular distraction osteogenesis.

Carrageenan based hydrogels for drug delivery, tissue engineering and wound healing

Carrageenan is a class of naturally occurring sulphated polysaccharides, which is currently a promising candidate in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine as it resemblances native glycosaminoglycans. From pharmaceutical drug formulations to tissue engineered scaffolds, carrageenan has broad range of applications. Here we provide an overview of developing various forms of carrageenan based hydrogels. We focus on how these fabrication processes has an effect on physiochemical properties of the hydrogel. We outline the application of these hydrogels not only pertaining to sustained drug release but also their application in bone and cartilage tissue engineering as well as in wound healing and antimicrobial formulations. Administration of these hydrogels through various routes for drug delivery applications has been critically reviewed. Finally, we conclude by summarizing the current and future outlook that promotes the seaweed-derived polysaccharide as versatile, promising biomaterial for a variety of bioengineering applications.

Guangxi cobra venom-derived NGF promotes the osteogenic and therapeutic effects of porous BCP ceramic

Neuro-osteological interactions have an important role in the regulation of bone metabolism and regeneration. Neuropeptides combined with porous biphasic calcium phosphates (BCP) using protein adsorption may contribute to the acceleration of bone formation. In the present study, we investigated the effect of BCP combined with nerve growth factor (NGF) on the growth of osteoblasts in vitro and the combinational therapeutic effect on the repair of calvarial defects in vivo. NGF was separated and purified from Chinese cobra venom using a simplified three-step chromatography method. BCP combined with NGF exerted a potent effect on osteoblast differentiation, as evidenced by enhanced cell proliferation, increased ALP activity and the up-regulated expression of osteogenesis-related genes and proteins. Further, combinational therapy with BCP and NGF improved calvarial regeneration, which was superior to treatment with therapy alone, as observed using imageological and morphological examination and histological and immunohistochemical staining. The results confirmed the effect of neuro-osteological interactions through combinatorial treatment with NGF and BCP to promote osteogenesis and bone formation, which may provide an effective and economical strategy for clinical application.

Norepinephrine inhibits mesenchymal stem cell chemotaxis migration by increasing stromal cell-derived factor-1 secretion by vascular endothelial cells via NE/abrd3/JNK pathway

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which are physiologically maintained in vascular endothelial cell (VEC)-based niches, play a critical role in tissue regeneration. Our previous studies demonstrated that sympathetic denervation could promote MSC mobilization, thereby enhancing bone formation in distraction osteogenesis (DO), a self-tissue engineering for craniofacial and orthopeadic surgeries. However, the mechanisms on how sympathetic neurotransmitter norepinephrine (NE) regulates MSC migration are not well understood. Here we showed that deprivation of NE by transection of cervical sympathetic trunk (TCST) inhibited stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1) expression in the perivascular regions in rat mandibular DO. In vitro studies showed that NE treatment markedly upregulated p-JNK and therefore stimulated higher SDF-1 expression in VECs than control groups, and siRNA knockdown of the abrd3 gene abolished the NE-induced p-JNK activation. On the other hand, osteoblasts differentiated from MSCs showed an increase in SDF-1 secretion with lack of NE. Importantly, NE-treated VECs inhibited the MSC chemotaxis migration along the SDF-1 concentration gradient as demonstrated in a novel 3-chamber Transwell assay. Collectively, our study suggested that NE may increase the SDF-1 secretion by VECs via NE/abrd3/JNK pathway, thereby inhibiting the MSC chemotaxis migration from perivascular regions toward bone trabecular frontlines along the SDF-1 concentration gradient in bone regeneration.

Sulfated Seaweed Polysaccharides as Multifunctional Materials in Drug Delivery Applications

In the last decades, the discovery of metabolites from marine resources showing biological activity has increased significantly. Among marine resources, seaweed is a valuable source of structurally diverse bioactive compounds. The cell walls of marine algae are rich in sulfated polysaccharides, including carrageenan in red algae, ulvan in green algae and fucoidan in brown algae. Sulfated polysaccharides have been increasingly studied over the years in the pharmaceutical field, given their potential usefulness in applications such as the design of drug delivery systems. The purpose of this review is to discuss potential applications of these polymers in drug delivery systems, with a focus on carrageenan, ulvan and fucoidan. General information regarding structure, extraction process and physicochemical properties is presented, along with a brief reference to reported biological activities. For each material, specific applications under the scope of drug delivery are described, addressing in privileged manner particulate carriers, as well as hydrogels and beads. A final section approaches the application of sulfated polysaccharides in targeted drug delivery, focusing with particular interest the capacity for macrophage targeting.

Regenerative nanotechnology in oral and maxillofacial surgery

Regenerative nanotechnology is at the forefront of medical research, and translational medicine is a challenge to both scientists and clinicians. Although there has been an exponential rise in the volume of research generated about it for both medical and surgical uses, key questions remain about its actual benefits. Nevertheless, some people think that therapeutics based on its principles may form the core of applied research for the future. Here we give an account of its current use in oral and maxillofacial surgery, and implications and challenges for the future.

Sympathetic denervation-induced MSC mobilization in distraction osteogenesis associates with inhibition of MSC migration and osteogenesis by norepinephrine/adrb3

The sympathetic nervous system regulates bone formation and resorption under physiological conditions. However, it is still unclear how the sympathetic nerves affect stem cell migration and differentiation in bone regeneration. Distraction osteogenesis is an ideal model of bone regeneration due to its special nature as a self-engineering tissue. In this study, a rat model of mandibular distraction osteogenesis with transection of cervical sympathetic trunk was used to demonstrate that sympathetic denervation can deplete norepinephrine (NE) in distraction-induced bone callus, down-regulate β3-adrenergic receptor (adrb3) in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), and promote MSC migration from perivascular regions to bone-forming units. An invitro Transwell assay was here used to demonstrate that NE can inhibit stroma-derived factor-1 (SDF-1)-induced MSC migration and expression of the migration-related gene matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and downregulate that of the anti-migration gene tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-3 (TIMP-3). Knockdown of adrb3 using siRNA abolishes inhibition of MSC migration. An in vitro osteogenic assay was used to show that NE can inhibit the formation of MSC bone nodules and expression of the osteogenic marker genes alkaline phosphatase (ALP), osteocalcin (OCN), and runt-related transcription factor-2 (RUNX2), but knockdown of adrb3 by siRNA can abolish such inhibition of the osteogenic differentiation of MSCs. It is here concluded that sympathetic denervation-induced MSC mobilization in rat mandibular distraction osteogenesis is associated with inhibition of MSC migration and osteogenic differentiation by NE/adrb3 in vitro. These findings may facilitate understanding of the relationship of MSC mobilization and sympathetic nervous system across a wide spectrum of tissue regeneration processes.

Nanotechnology in the targeted drug delivery for bone diseases and bone regeneration

Nanotechnology is a vigorous research area and one of its important applications is in biomedical sciences. Among biomedical applications, targeted drug delivery is one of the most extensively studied subjects. Nanostructured particles and scaffolds have been widely studied for increasing treatment efficacy and specificity of present treatment approaches. Similarly, this technique has been used for treating bone diseases including bone regeneration. In this review, we have summarized and highlighted the recent advancement of nanostructured particles and scaffolds for the treatment of cancer bone metastasis, osteosarcoma, bone infections and inflammatory diseases, osteoarthritis, as well as for bone regeneration. Nanoparticles used to deliver deoxyribonucleic acid and ribonucleic acid molecules to specific bone sites for gene therapies are also included. The investigation of the implications of nanoparticles in bone diseases have just begun, and has already shown some promising potential. Further studies have to be conducted, aimed specifically at assessing targeted delivery and bioactive scaffolds to further improve their efficacy before they can be used clinically.

Full length articles published in BJOMS during 2010-11--an analysis by sub-specialty and study type

Full length articles such as prospective and retrospective studies, case series, laboratory-based research and reviews form the majority of papers published in the British Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (BJOMS). We were interested to evaluate the breakdown of these types of articles both by sub-specialty and the type of study as well as the proportion that are written by UK colleagues compared to overseas authors over a 2 year period (2010-11). A total of 191 full length articles across all sub-specialties of our discipline were published, with 107 papers (56%) coming from UK authors. There were proportionately more oncology papers arising from the UK than overseas (60 and 30% of total respectively) while the opposite was found for cleft/deformity studies (10% and 22%). There was only one laboratory-based study published from the UK compared with 27 papers from overseas. The number of quality papers being submitted to the Journal continues to increase, and the type of article being published between UK and overseas probably reflects different practices and case-loads amongst colleagues. The relatively few UK laboratory based studies published in BJOMS compared to overseas authors are most likely due to authors seeking the most prestigious journals possible for their work.