VEGF and VEGFR2 in dentigerous cysts associated with impacted third molars

Nuclear receptor 4A1 ameliorates renal fibrosis by inhibiting vascular endothelial growth factor A induced angiogenesis in UUO rats

INTRODUCTION

Angiogenesis is closely related to renal fibrosis; however, its basic mechanism remains unclear. In our study, we found that nuclear receptor 4A1 (NR4A1) inhibits vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA)-induced angiogenesis, ameliorating renal fibrosis.

METHODS

We prepared a renal fibrosis animal model with unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) and NR4A1 knockdown UUO mice model, Using Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) to conduct all in vitro experiments. We then detected and analyzed the expression levels of NR4A1 and other genes related to angiogenesis and fibrosis.

RESULTS

The angiogenesis related genes, such as VEGFA, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2), endoglin (CD105), as well as the expression of fibrosis related genes that included, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), Vimentin, and Collagen I are all significantly increased in the UUO rat model. In addition, the expression of NR4A1 of the kidney tissue of UUO rats was significantly reduced. Therefore, according to the above results, we speculated that angiogenesis may exacerbate renal fibrosis and NR4A1 may repress renal fibrosis by inhibiting angiogenesis. To further verify the above results, we used VEGFA to stimulate HUVECs with (or without) overexpression or knockdown of NR4A1. The results showed that with prolonged stimulation using VEGFA, the expression of NR4A1 decreases. Overexpression of NR4A1 significantly inhibits the expression of related indicators of angiogenesis and renal fibrosis. Furthermore, knockdown of NR4A1 induces endothelial cell proliferation and migration; therefore, exacerbating angiogenesis and fibrosis. Finally, the results of NR4A1 knockdown UUO mice showed that knockdown of NR4A1 can aggravating kidney damage and induce the expression of angiogenesis and renal fibrosis related indicators, while UUO can significantly induce kidney damage, angiogenesis and renal fibrosis. When knockdown of NR4A1, renal kidney damage, angiogenesis and fibrosis becomes more severe than UUO. Thus, all of these results indicate that NR4A1 can ameliorate renal fibrosis by inhibiting angiogenesis.

CONCLUSIONS

NR4A1 can inhibit angiogenesis to ameliorate renal fibrosis.

Immunohistochemical Analysis of Dentigerous Cysts and Odontogenic Keratocysts Associated with Impacted Third Molars-A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVE

This systematic review investigates the diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic implications of immunohistochemical markers in dentigerous cysts (DCs) and odontogenic keratocysts (OKCs) associated with impacted third molars.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A comprehensive search strategy was employed across major databases including MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science, from the inception of the databases to March 2024. Keywords and Medical Subject Heading (MeSH) terms such as "dentigerous cysts", "odontogenic keratocysts", "immunohistochemistry", "Ki-67", and "p53" were used. The PRISMA 2020 guidelines were followed to ensure methodological rigor. Inclusion criteria encompassed studies on humans and animals providing definitive diagnoses or specific signs and symptoms related to DCs and OKCs, with results on protein expression derived from immunohistochemistry, immune antibody, proteomics, or protein expression methods.

RESULTS

Of the 159 studies initially identified, 138 met the inclusion criteria. Our analysis highlighted significantly higher expressions of Ki-67 (22.1% ± 4.7 vs. 10.5% ± 3.2, p < 0.001), p53 (15.3% ± 3.6 vs. 5.2% ± 1.9, p < 0.001), and Bcl-2 (18.4% ± 3.2 vs. 8.7% ± 2.4, p < 0.001) in OKCs compared to DCs, indicating a higher proliferative index, increased cellular stress, and enhanced anti-apoptotic mechanisms in OKCs. Additionally, PCNA levels were higher in OKCs (25.6% ± 4.5 vs. 12.3% ± 3.1, p < 0.001). Genetic mutations, particularly in the PTCH1 gene, were frequently observed in OKCs, underscoring their aggressive behavior and potential malignancy.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings emphasize the significant role of immunohistochemical markers in distinguishing between DCs and OKCs, with elevated levels of Ki-67, p53, Bcl-2, and PCNA in OKCs suggesting a higher potential for growth and recurrence. Genetic insights, including PTCH1 mutations, further support the need for personalized treatment approaches. These markers enhance diagnostic accuracy and inform targeted therapeutic strategies, potentially transforming patient management in oral and maxillofacial surgery.

GCN5 participates in KLF4-VEGFA feedback to promote endometrial angiogenesis

Endometrial angiogenesis is necessary for good endometrial receptivity. Krüppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) is a transcription factor that is essential for regulating angiogenesis. Here we found that vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) can form a positive feedback loop with KLF4 to promote the proliferation and migration of human endometrial microvascular endothelial cells (HEMECs) and inhibit cell apoptosis. General control non-derepressible 5 (GCN5) is also time-dependent on VEGFA and participates in the KLF4-VEGFA loop. In addition, we found that GCN5 is a succinyltransferase that modulates the succinylation of histones and nonhistones. GCN5 interacts with KLF4 and is recruited to the KLF4-binding site of the VEGFA promoter to succinylate H3K79, which initiates gene transcription epigenetically. For nonhistones, GCN5 succinylates KLF4 that is activated by ERK signaling in HEMECs treated with VEGFA to increase its transcription activity. These results demonstrate KLF4-VEGFA positive feedback loop is regulated by epigenetics, which contributes to endometrial angiogenesis.

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KLF4 mediates VEGFA-induced endometrial angiogenesis

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VEGFA increases the interaction between KLF4 and GCN5

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VEGFA promotes H3K79 succinylation by upregulating KLF4 and GCN5

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VEGFA succinylates KLF4 and promotes interaction of KLF4 and GCN5 via ERK pathway

Advanced platelet-rich fibrin (A-PRF) has an impact on the initial healing of gingival regeneration after tooth extraction

OBJECTIVES

Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is widely used in wound healing because it contains several growth factors, including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). In this study, we investigated the effects of advanced PRF (A-PRF) in early-stage gingival regeneration after tooth extraction.

METHODS

Blood sample was collected from females beagle dogs (age: 12 months) before tooth extraction for A-PRF preparation. All animals were sacrificed by perfusion-fixation on postoperative days 1, 3, and 7. The upper jaws were prepared for hematoxylin and eosin staining and immunostaining (for CD34 and VEGF). The lower jaw samples were prepared for scanning electron microscope observations. Blood flow in the gingiva before and after surgery was measured using laser Doppler flowmetry.

RESULTS

In the A-PRF group, a large number of microvessels were observed in the gingival tissue on postoperative day 1. The microvessels in the control group were fewer and sparse. Regarding the vascular resin cast, a large number of new blood vessels were observed on postoperative day 1 in the A-PRF group. A stronger CD34-positive signal was obtained around the blood vessels in the A-PRF group than in the control group. Further, a strong VEGF-positive signal was observed in the perivascular tissue in the A-PRF group. Gingival blood flow was significantly higher in the A-PRF group after surgery.

CONCLUSION

A-PRF had a positive impact on angiogenesis in the gingiva through the induction of VEGF expression. Thus, A-PRF may be beneficial for gingival tissue regeneration.

Clinical significance of melanoma cell adhesion molecule CD146 and VEGFA expression in epithelial ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer is the fifth most common type of cancer in females; however, its asymptomatic progression and the lack of an efficient screening strategy leads to late diagnosis. The present study aimed to investigate the expression levels of cluster of differentiation (CD)146 and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) in epithelial ovarian cancer, and their clinical significance. A total of 52 ovarian samples were tested, of which 22 were from patients with epithelial ovarian cancer and 30 were from non-cancer patients. The relative gene expression of CD146 and VEGFA was quantified using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis. Western blotting was used to determine the protein expression levels. The relative gene expression levels of CD146 and VEGFA in tumor tissues were significantly increased compared with the control (4.92±0.44 vs. 1.05±0.06 and 3.08±0.17 vs. 1.06±0.07, P<0.01). The protein expression levels of CD146 and VEGFA in tumor tissue were also significantly increased compared with the control (0.70±0.02 vs. 0.41±0.07 and 0.54±0.01 vs. 0.26±0.01, P<0.01). There was a positive correlation between the expression levels of CD146 and VEGFA genes (r=0.78) and between the two proteins (r=0.69). Dot density frequency analysis indicated that CD146 and VEGFA were specifically present in tumor tissues. In conclusion, CD146 and VEGFA are co-overexpressed in ovarian cancer; their potential as tumor biomarkers or therapeutic targets for the treatment of ovarian cancer requires further investigation.

Conservative Treatment of Dentigerous Cyst by Marsupialization in a Young Female Patient: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Dentigerous cysts (DCs) are the most prevalent developmental odontogenic cysts that occur in middle-aged individuals. They frequently originate from the epithelial remnants of tooth-forming organs. Hereby, we present a case of a 13-year-old young female patient presenting with DC that was treated successfully by marsupialization. The patient's chief complaint was the crowding of the anterior teeth. Clinical examination showed that the patient had all her permanent teeth present with a retained mandibular left second primary molar that was previously treated by pulpectomy. The radiographic examination revealed a unilocular radiolucent lesion with well-defined margins associated with a mesially-tipped unerupted mandibular left second premolar. The differential diagnosis confirmed that the lesion was a DC. The treatment consisted of surgical removal of the DC to allow proper eruption of the permanent tooth and to prevent the lesion from becoming an aggressive one causing gross expansion of bone with subsequent facial asymmetry, pain, displacement of teeth, and root resorption. A removable acrylic obturator was delivered to the patient keeping the path clear and guiding the eruption of the premolar until fully erupted.

Prophylactic effects of alkaloids from Ba lotus seeds on L-NNA-induced hypertension in mice

Alkaloids from Ba lotus seeds (ABLS) are a kind of important functional compounds in lotus seeds. The present study was designed to determine its hypertension prophylactic effects in the L-NNA-induced mouse hypertension model. The mice were treated with ABLS, the serum and tissues levels of NO, MDA, ET-1, VEGF, and CGRP were determined using the experimental kits, the mRNA levels of various genes in the heart muscle and blood vessel tissues were further determined by RT-PCR assay. ABLS could reduce the systolic blood pressure (SBP), mean blood pressure (MBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), compared to that of the model control group. After ABLS treatment, the NO (nitric oxide) contents in serum, heart, liver, kidney and stomach of the mice were higher than that of the control mice, but the MDA (malonaldehyde) contents were lower than that of the control mice. The serum levels of ET-1 (endothelin-1), VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) were decreased after ABLS treatment, but CGRP (calcium gene related peptide) level was increased. The ABLS treated mice had higher mRNA expressions of HO-1, nNOS, and eNOS and lower expressions of ADM, RAMP2, IL-1β, TNF-α, and iNOS than the control mice. Higher concentration of ABLS had greater prophylactic effects, which were close to that of the hypertension drug captopril. These results indicated the hypertension prophylactic effects of ABLS could be further explored as novel medicine or functional food in the future.

Lactobacillus fermentum Suo Attenuates HCl/Ethanol Induced Gastric Injury in Mice through Its Antioxidant Effects

The purpose of the study was to determine the inhibitory effects of Lactobacillus fermentum Suo (LF-Suo) on HCl/ethanol induced gastric injury in ICR (Institute for Cancer Research) mice and explain the mechanism of these effects through the molecular biology activities of LF-Suo. The studied mice were divided into four groups: healthy, injured, LF-Suo-L and LF-Suo-H group. After the LF-Suo intragastric administration, the gastric injury area was reduced compared to the injured group. The serum MOT (motilin), SP (substance P), ET (endothelin) levels of LF-Suo treated mice were lower, and SS (somatostatin), VIP (vasoactive intestinal peptide) levels were higher than the injured group mice. The cytokine IL-6 (interleukin 6), IL-12 (interleukin 12), TNF-α (tumor necrosis factor-α) and IFN-γ (interferon-γ) serum levels were decreased after the LF-Suo treatment. The gastric tissues SOD (superoxide dismutase), GSH-Px (glutathione peroxidase), NO (nitric oxide) and activities of LF-Suo treated mice were increased and MDA (malondialdehyde) activity was decreased compared to the injured group mice. By the RT-PCR assay, LF-Suo raised the occludin, EGF (epidermal growth factor), EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor), VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor), Fit-1 (fms-like tyrosine kinase-1), IκB-α (inhibitor kappaB-α), nNOS (neuronal nitric oxide synthase), eNOS (endothelial nitric oxide synthase), Mn-SOD, Cu/Zn-SOD, CAT (catalase) mRNA or protein expressions and reduced the COX-2, NF-κB (nuclear factor kappaB), and iNOS (inducible nitric oxide synthase) expressions in gastric tissues compared to the gastric injured group mice. A high concentration (1.0 × 10⁹ CFU/kg b.w.) of LF-Suo treatment showed stronger anti-gastric injury effects compared to a low concentration of (0.5 × 10⁹ CFU/kg b.w.) of LF-Suo treatment. LF-Suo also showed strong survival in pH 3.0 man-made gastric juice and hydrophobic properties. These results indicate that LF-Suo has potential use as probiotics for its gastric injury treatment effects.