Strain response in fibroblasts indicates a possible role of the Ca(2+)-dependent nuclear transcription factor NM1 in RNA synthesis

On the mechanistic level, response of periodontal fibroblasts permanently exposed to mechanical strain forces in vivo still lacks in clarity. Therefore, we first investigated putative strain modulation of proteins by combined 1D gel electrophoresis-based protein profiling and electrospray tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). Thereafter, the exponential-modified protein abundance index (emPAI) identified strain modulation of cytoskeleton-associated molecules, including decrease in talin and microtubule-associated protein 4 (MAP4), and significant increase in myosin IC (Myo IC), the latter ones regulated by Ca(2+). These findings were corroborated by western blotting (WB) and indirect immunofluorescence (IIF). Regarding the dual function of Myo IC as actin-based cytoplasmic motor protein and nuclear transcription factor NM1, WB and IIF revealed inverse correlation for Myo IC and NM1. During strain application, cytoplasmic increase of Myo IC was counteracted by nuclear NM1 deprivation, the latter coinciding with a decline in RNA quantity. Independent on strain, cytoplasmic Myo IC and nuclear NM1 abundance could be abrogated by the Ca(2+) channel blocker nifedipine, suggesting Ca(2+) dependency of cytoplasmic and/or nuclear Myo IC/NM1 expression. Mechanistically, we conclude that, application of strain appears as causative for the decline in RNA by impacting NM1, thereby indicating the possible role of NM1 in RNA synthesis.

Mechano-transduction in periodontal ligament cells identifies activated states of MAP-kinases p42/44 and p38-stress kinase as a mechanism for MMP-13 expression

Background

Mechano-transduction in periodontal ligament (PDL) cells is crucial for physiological and orthodontic tooth movement-associated periodontal remodelling. On the mechanistic level, molecules involved in this mechano-transduction process in PDL cells are not yet completely elucidated.

Results

In the present study we show by western blot (WB) analysis and/or indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) that mechanical strain modulates the amount of the matrix metalloproteinase MMP-13, and induces non-coherent modulation in the amount and activity of signal transducing molecules, such as FAK, MAP-kinases p42/44, and p38 stress kinase, suggesting their mechanistic role in mechano-transduction. Increase in the amount of FAK occurs concomitant with increased levels of the focal contact integrin subunits β3 and β1, as indicated by WB or optionally by IIF. By employing specific inhibitors, we further identified p42/44 and p38 in their activated, i.e. phosphorylated state responsible for the expression of MMP-13. This finding may point to the obedience in the expression of this MMP as extracellular matrix (ECM) remodelling executioner from the activation state of mechano-transducing molecules. mRNA analysis by pathway-specific RT-profiler arrays revealed up- and/or down-regulation of genes assigning to MAP-kinase signalling and cell cycle, ECM and integrins and growth factors. Up-regulated genes include for example focal contact integrin subunit α3, MMP-12, MAP-kinases and associated kinases, and the transcription factor c-fos, the latter as constituent of the AP1-complex addressing the MMP-13 promotor. Among others, genes down-regulated are those of COL-1 and COL-14, suggesting that strain-dependent mechano-transduction may transiently perturbate ECM homeostasis.

Conclusions

Strain-dependent mechano-/signal-transduction in PDL cells involves abundance and activity of FAK, MAP-kinases p42/44, and p38 stress kinase in conjunction with the amount of MMP-13, and integrin subunits β1 and β3. Identifying the activated state of p42/44 and p38 as critical for MMP-13 expression may indicate the mechanistic contribution of mechano-transducing molecules on executioners of ECM homeostasis.

Indications for digital volume tomography in orthodontics

Disturbances in tooth eruption and tooth impactions make great demands on radiographic diagnostics. There is often need for radiographic images in various projections to assess the exact position of unerupted and impacted teeth. Digital volume tomography (DVT) is a method for localizing hard tissue structures such as bone and teeth on various planes. Moreover, it makes a three-dimensional image of the teeth, jaws and the viscerocranium possible. From an orthodontic point of view, digital volume tomography is indicated to detect impacted and ectopic teeth and to demonstrate the amount of bone available for orthodontic tooth movement. In patients with cleft lip and palate, DVT can be used to visualize the size of the alveolar cleft and to evaluate the position and development of multiple teeth, as these patients often suffer from disturbances in tooth eruption.

Formen der velopharyngealen Dysfunktion bei Spaltpatienten

BACKGROUND

Velopharyngeal dysfunction (VPD) is generally known to be difficult to influence. Dysfunctional velopharyngeal motor patterns during speech were analyzed with the aim of optimizing the therapeutic strategies.

METHODS

Velopharyngeal dysfunctions were videotaped and contextually analyzed during 89 speech sequences in 25 patients. Distinctive features of the motor patterns formed the basis of categorization by three therapists experienced in nasopharyngoscopy. There was a high inter-rater reliability of 94%.

RESULTS

A total of four different function profiles were found: 1. VPD with retracted articulatory placement (compensatory articulation) (38%), 2. VPD with motor coordination problems characterized by mistiming of VP movements and voice onset/offset (15%), 3. VPD with verbal dyspraxia characterized by a silent positioning of VP closure before phonation started and a malregulation of muscle tonus (10%) and 4. phoneme-specific VPD (37%).

CONCLUSION

Specific knowledge regarding the characteristics of dysfunctional speech motor patterns enables specifically tailored therapy.

Organotypic co-cultures allow for immortalized human gingival keratinocytes to reconstitute a gingival epithelial phenotype in vitro

We report here that the organotypic co-culture (OCC) system allows for significant preservation of the tissue-specific phenotype of human gingival keratinocytes (IHGK) immortalized with the E6/E7 gene of the human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV16). The approach adopted is based on the OCC system facilitating spatially separated cell growth and cell-to-cell interactions via diffusible growth factors. Generally, IHGK reveal transcription of the HPV16 E6/E7 gene at rising passages. Fluorescence in situ hybridization performed for chromosomes 1, 8, 10, and 18 demonstrates that disomic fractions differ between the tested chromosomes but otherwise remain fairly constant. Monosomies of chromosome 18 are more prominent in late passages 81 and 83, while polysomies of chromosome 10 and 18 are detected in early passages 25 and 27. In comparison with corresponding monolayer cultures (MCs), IHGK in OCCs form stratified epithelia, proliferate, and express gingival-specific gene products in vitro. Moreover, mRNA gene transcription for growth factors interleukin 1beta, granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor, fibroblast growth factor 7, and EGF in OCCs is different from that in MCs. When grafted onto nude mice, IHGK develop hyperplastic, differentiated surface epithelia devoid of malignant growth. We are not aware of any other OCC system comprising of IHGK, which allows for site-specific expression of gingival epithelial markers. This substantiates reconstitution of a gingival epithelial phenotype in vitro.

Analysis of interleukin-1β-modulated mRNA gene transcription in human gingival keratinocytes by epithelia-specific cDNA microarrays

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1beta are known to be synthesized in oral gingivitis and periodontitis and lead to the activation of the transcription factor nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB). Although numerous effects of interleukin-1beta on mesenchymal cells are known, e.g. up-regulation of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 in endothelial cells, little is known of the effects of interleukin-1beta on oral keratinocytes. The purpose of the present study was to seek interleukin-1beta-mediated alterations in mRNA gene transcription and a putative activation of NF-kappaB in oral gingival keratinocytes.

METHODS

As an in vitro model for gingivitis and periodontitis, immortalized human gingival keratinocytes (IHGK) were stimulated with the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-1beta. An epithelia-specific cDNA microarray was used to analyze mRNA expression profiles from IHGK cells treated with 200 units interleukin-1beta/ml for 3, 6, 9, 12, and 24 h. Indirect immunofluorescence was carried out to detect NF-kappaB in IHGK following interleukin-1beta treatment.

RESULTS

Detailed analysis revealed distinct patterns of time-dependent changes, including genes induced or repressed early (3-6 h) or late (12-24 h) after interleukin-1beta treatment. Differentially expressed genes were involved in (i) cell stress, (ii) DNA repair, (iii) cell cycle and proliferation, (iv) anti-pathogen response, (v) extracellular matrix turnover, and (vi) angiogenesis. A large number of genes were responsive to NF-kappaB and induction was concomitant with nuclear translocation of the p65 RelA subunit of NF-kappaB. Interestingly, many of these genes contain multiple NF-kappaB binding sites in their promoters.

CONCLUSION

Analysis of altered gene expression allows identification of gene networks associated with inflammatory responses. In addition to a number of well-known genes involved in gingivitis and periodontitis, we identified novel candidates that might be associated with the onset and maintenance of an inflammatory disease.

Molecules contributing to the maintenance of periodontal tissues. Their possible association with orthodontic tooth movement

This review is aimed at providing a depiction of molecules and their topography which characterize native gingiva and PDL fibroblasts, to describe their function in tissue maintenance, and to discuss their possible modulation due to orthodontic tooth movement. Maintenance of the human periodontium requires the balance of proliferation and differentiation in the respective tissues' cells. Moreover, the cells must synthesize the extracellular matrix molecules and receptors that facilitate adhesion. To describe the molecules that contribute to periodontal tissue maintenance, we illustrate the localization of their expression and topography on frozen sections from native gingival tissue and primary cell cultures derived from periodontal ligament. In native gingival epithelium, proliferation is confined to basal and parabasal cells. Keratin K14, when used as structural marker, is visible in the entire epithelium, while K13, an indicator of early differentiation, is restricted to the suprabasal cell compartment. Vimentin indicates mesenchymal cells in the subgingival connective tissue. Concerning the matrix molecules, collagen type-IV is abundant at the epithelium-lamina propria interface, and fibronectin is apparent throughout the mesenchyme. The matrix receptor integrin beta1 reveals a pericellular localization in basal and parabasal cells, while focal adhesion kinase p125FAK is seen pericellularly in all epithelial layers. Cultures of primary periodontal ligament (PDL) fibroblasts (PDL-F) reveal expression of vimentin, strong proliferation, synthesis and extracellular deposition of collagen type-I and fibronectin. The integrin subunits beta1 and p125(FAK) are largely detectable at the cell periphery.

Clinical application of cone beam digital volume tomography in children with cleft lip and palate

OBJECTIVES

The diagnostic advantages of digital volume tomography (DVT) over conventional imaging and computed tomography are demonstrated in terms of the respective radiation exposure. The potential role for three-dimensional imaging in cleft lip and palate patients is illustrated on the basis of clinical examples.

METHODS

The radiation exposure resulting from scans using a cone beam DVT (NEW TOM QR-DVT 9000, Marburg, Germany) was measured with an Alderson-Rando-Phantom (The Phantom Laboratory, New York, NY) and compared with that resulting from other standard imaging modalities. The patient sample consisted of young children with cleft lip and palate on whom orthodontic and surgical treatment was planned on an interdisciplinary basis at the University-Hospital of Heidelberg.

RESULTS

Digital volume tomography allows high-quality three-dimensional imaging of the premaxilla region, with an effective equivalent investigation dose of (110 kV, 5.4 mA) 0.342 mSv based on ICRP recommendations. While the effective equivalent investigation dose for DVT is higher than that for standard imaging techniques (for example digital panoramic radiograph Orthophos Plus DS Ceph (66 kV, 8 mA) 0.016 mSv), it is much lower than that for a normal CT scan (e.g. Picker International Inc., Highland Heights, OH) adjusted at (spiral 130 kV, 125 mA, and 30 mA, 1.5 s) 2.27 mSv. Digital volume tomography provides extensive data important in clinical decision making.

CONCLUSIONS

The clinical examples show the good applicability of DVT with a reduced radiation dose.

Incisor Trauma and the Planning of Orthodontic Treatment

Because of the frequency of dental injuries during infancy and adolescence, traumatized teeth with variable long-term prognoses present a problem for orthodontic treatment planning. Orthodontic therapy can remain unaffected, or be complicated, by traumatized teeth. In some cases, following dental injury, orthodontics can also be used to enhance (prosthetic and) restorative treatment results. The orthodontic challenges involved in treating patients with a history of dental trauma are complicated by the consequences of trauma on dentition development and the different treatment options that must be considered. In this paper, we provide actual examples of the effects dental trauma can have on orthodontic treatment planning.

Probleme und Bewältigungsverhalten von Jugendlichen mit Lippen-Kiefer-Gaumenspalte

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to improve the psychological care of young patients with cleft lip and palate by gaining insight into those problematic areas in which social conflicts arise and coping-strategies become necessary for the patients.

METHODS

The procedure included semi-standardized interviews with 20 patients aged between 12 - 17 and their mothers. Every interview was recorded on tape, transcribed, analyzed contextually and categorized.

RESULTS

Four areas of main problems showed up: the time of surgery, the experience of being rejected or teased by peers, remaining visible defects and how to integrate them into self-percept, the problems of the siblings. The mothers showed more pessimistic perceptions regarding the coping strategies of their children and the helpful role of parental support. Consequences for individual support and family therapy are derived.

Applications for Direct Composite Restorations in Orthodontics

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Besides prosthetic and indirect, laboratory-produced restorations, the focus of dental therapy is increasingly on restorative measures and direct restorations as minimally invasive treatment concepts. Thus, the use of direct composite restorations with modern restorative materials for the shaping and recontouring of teeth in combination with orthodontic treatment offers a diversified, extensive sphere of application. The aim of the study was to demonstrate applications for direct composite restorations with reference to selected cases.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The composites used were hybrid composites, which offer increased abrasion resistance and color stability and are applied incrementally. Special attention was paid to the shape, color and structure of the tooth.

CASE REPORTS

The case reports present patients in whom relatively narrow or peg-shaped teeth were built up with composite to correct various tooth size discrepancies or cuspids were recontoured by means of direct composite restorations following orthodontic space closure in cases with missing lateral incisors. Similarly, space closure was achieved using orthodontically repositioned lateral incisors recontoured to resemble central incisors after traumatic loss of upper central incisors. Finally, direct composite restorations were used for retention following completion of orthodontic treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Observations over recent years confirm the stability of composites in both form and color, as well as their ability to maintain gingival health. Our case reports demonstrate that, subject to a corresponding indication, recontouring single teeth using direct composite restorations can optimize orthodontic treatment results.