Maria Luiza Diniz de Sousa Lopes

Understanding the pathogenesis of odontogenic cysts (OCs) may facilitate the development of alternative therapeutic strategies and improve patients’ quality of life. Given calcitonin's role in regulating bone metabolism and its clinical applications in gnathic bone-destructive lesions, including OCs, this study assessed potential associations between CTR and the bone resorption markers receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand (RANKL) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) in OCs. Immunohistochemical analyses were performed on 20 radicular cysts (RCs), 20 radicular residual cysts (RRCs), and 27 dentigerous cysts (DCs). RANKL expression in the epithelial lining was significantly higher in RCs and RRCs compared with DCs ( p =0.039 and p =0.046, respectively). In RCs, significant positive correlations were found between epithelial RANKL and capsular CTR ( p =0.039), epithelial TNF-α and capsular TNF-α ( p =0.037), and epithelial TNF-α and capsular CTR ( p =0.005). In RRCs, epithelial RANKL correlated positively with epithelial TNF-α ( p =0.007) and capsular CTR correlated positively with capsular TNF-α ( p =0.041), whereas epithelial RANKL correlated negatively with capsular TNF-α ( p =0.009). In DCs, significant positive correlations were observed between epithelial and capsular RANKL ( p p =0.019). These findings suggest that CTR contributes to the pathogenesis of DCs, RCs, and RRCs, and highlight the involvement of RANKL and TNF-α in the biological behavior of these cysts. The interplay among these proteins may promote either osteolytic or osteogenic activity depending on the cystic microenvironment.

This study is aimed at characterizing the physicochemical and biological properties of a hydroxyapatite–silver (HAp‐Ag) composite for bone regeneration. HAp and HAp‐Ag powders were analyzed using field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction and fluorescence, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Cylindrical pellets obtained by powder pressing and sintering were evaluated for fracture toughness, compressive strength, relative density, porosity, and wettability. Cell viability was assessed using the Alamar Blue assay. In the in vivo experiment, an 8‐mm critical‐size calvarial defect was surgically created in 36 male Wistar rats randomly divided into three groups: control group (CG), untreated defect; HAp group, defect filled with HAp pellet; and HAp‐Ag group, defect filled with HAp‐Ag pellet. Euthanasia was performed after 90 days, and calvaria samples were analyzed by μ ‐CT, histology, cytokine quantification, and gene expression analysis. The powders showed an irregular, agglomerated morphology, with HAp elements and silver detected in the HAp‐Ag sample. Incorporation of Ag into HAp increased fracture toughness (0.66–0.94 MPa.m ^1/2 ) and porosity (16.43%–25.95%) and reduced compressive strength (43.17–23.99 MPa) and contact angle (36.32°–10.51°). MC3T3‐E1 preosteoblastic cell viability was higher on HAp‐Ag surface compared to HAp pellets at Days 1 and 7. Compared to CG, defects filled with biomaterials showed greater bone formation and better bone quality parameters. In addition, a more advanced stage of bone maturation was observed in the animals treated with HAp‐Ag. HAp‐Ag composite upregulated TNF‐ α and IL‐1 β levels and Procollagen 3 and eNOS gene expression compared to CG. Silver incorporation into HAp increased fracture toughness and porosity, reduced compressive strength, and improved wettability. Despite these changes, HAp‐Ag enhanced cell viability and in vivo bone maturation, indicating that Ag addition does not compromise and may improve its bone regeneration potential.

Objectives: To evaluate the in vitro cytocompatibility and osteogenic potential and the in vivo biocompatibility of two experimental endodontic cements based on Portland cement combined with either Nb2O ₅ (F6) and/or bismuth oxide (F7) in a rat subcutaneous implantation model. Methods: For the in vitro study, MC3T3‐E1 preosteoblastic cells were exposed to MTA Angelus, F6, or F7, and cell viability was assessed at 24 and 48 h using the Alamar Blue assay. Osteogenic differentiation was evaluated by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity after 14 days. For the in vivo analysis, polyethylene tubes containing the materials were implanted into the dorsal subcutaneous tissue of rats and evaluated at 7, 14, and 30 days, with empty tubes used as controls. Histological and histochemical analyses included hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), Picrosirius Red, Von Kossa staining, and TNF‐ α immunohistochemistry. Chemical characterization was performed using Raman spectroscopy and X‐ray fluorescence (XRF). In vitro data were analyzed using one‐way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s post hoc test, while semiquantitative histological data were analyzed using the Kruskal–Wallis test followed by Dunn’s test. A significance level of 5% ( p < 0.05) was adopted. Results: In vitro, F6 showed cell viability comparable to MTA Angelus at both 24 h (36.22 ± 2.66 % vs. 35.75 ± 1.18 % ) and 48 h (34.18 ± 3.09 % vs. 35.20 ± 2.35 % ) ( p > 0.05). In contrast, F7 significantly reduced cell viability at 24 h (25.61 ± 1.11 % ) compared with MTA Angelus ( p = 0.002), although no difference was observed at 48 h ( p > 0.05). ALP activity after 14 days did not differ significantly among MTA Angelus (1.90 ± 1.23 UI/L/g), F6 (1.71 ± 0.88 UI/L/g), and F7 (1.78 ± 1.34 UI/L/g) ( p = 0.703). In vivo, F6 induced mild to moderate inflammatory responses at the early time period, with a significant reduction by Day 14 and minimal inflammation at Day 30, comparable to MTA Angelus. No multinucleated giant cells were observed, and TNF‐ α expression was moderate. Von Kossa staining and XRF confirmed calcium deposition, while Raman spectroscopy detected niobium species in peri‐implant tissues, indicating bioactivity. Picrosirius Red staining demonstrated progressive collagen fiber organization. Conversely, F7 elicited a pronounced and persistent inflammatory response characterized by multinucleated giant cells, intense TNF‐ α expression, and bismuth retention in surrounding tissues, as confirmed by XRF, with no niobium‐related signals detected by Raman analysis. Conclusion: The niobium‐containing cement (F6) demonstrated favorable in vitro cytocompatibility and in vivo biocompatibility.

Objetivo avaliar o uso, conhecimento objetivo e preferência da assistência odontológica domiciliar (AOD) pela população idosa e os fatores associados a esses desfechos.

Objective To assess the use, objective knowledge, and preference regarding home dental care (HDC) among older adults, as well as the factors associated with these outcomes.

This clinicopathological study evaluated 57 cases of non proliferative neoplastic processes (NPNP): pyogenic granuloma (PG) (n=20), peripheral ossifying fibroma (POF) (n=20), and peripheral giant cell lesion (PGCL) (n=17). Histopathological analysis included ulceration, bacterial colonization, inflammatory infiltrate, cellularity, mineralized tissue, and vascularization. The lesions were more prevalent in women between the third and sixth decades of life. Clinically, the three groups presented similar characteristics, with a nodular appearance, pink coloration, and exophytic growth. Ulceration was frequent, while bacterial colonization was rare. PG showed a tendency for greater vascularization, but no statistically significant differences were found among the groups (p=0.056). NPNPs share clinical and histopathological characteristics, highlighting the importance of differential diagnosis Este estudo clínicopatológico avaliou 57 casos de processos proliferativos não neoplásicos (PPNNs): granuloma piogênico (GP) (n=20), fibroma ossificante periférico (FOP) (n=20) e lesão periférica de células gigantes (LPCG) (n=17). A análise histopatológica incluiu ulceração, colonização bacteriana, infiltrado inflamatório, celularização, tecido mineralizado e vascularização. As lesões foram mais prevalentes em mulheres entre a terceira e sexta décadas de vida. Clinicamente, os três grupos apresentaram características semelhantes, com aspecto nodular, coloração rósea e crescimento exofítico. Ulceração foi frequente, enquanto colonização bacteriana foi rara. O GP demonstrou maior vascularização, mas sem diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre os grupos (p=0,056). Os PPNNs compartilham características clínicas e histopatológicas, reforçando a importância do diagnóstico diferencial.

Purpose Evaluate the immunohistochemical expression of the ING3 in actinic cheilitis and squamous cell carcinoma of the lower lip. Methods Forty-five specimens of actinic cheilitis and 48 specimens of squamous cell carcinoma of the lower lip were submitted to immunohistochemical detection of ING3. The protein expression in different cellular sublocations was compared between the two groups, and associations with the clinicopathological variables were analyzed. A significance level of 5% was adopted for all tests. Results Deaths were significantly more frequent in tumors with a high histopathological risk score (p < 0.05). In actinic cheilitis, significant differences were found in the nucleus-cytoplasmic expression of ING3 and expression restricted to the cytoplasm with binary histopathological grading (p < 0.05). In squamous cell carcinoma of the lower lip, there was no statistically significant difference when comparing ING3 expressions with clinical and morphological parameters (p > 0.05). Nucleo-cytoplasmic ING3 expression was significantly lower in squamous cell carcinoma of the lower lip when compared to actinic cheilitis (p < 0.05) and the expression restricted to the cytoplasm was significantly higher in squamous cell carcinoma of the lower lip (p < 0.05). Conclusion The results of this study suggest that there is a marked decrease in the nuclear expression of ING3 as malignant progression occurs, indicating an impaired tumor suppressor function of this protein in actinic cheilitis and squamous cell carcinoma of the lower lip.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of thermogenic supplementation on the bone tissue of rats subjected to orthodontic movement. A total of 38 male Wistar rats underwent orthodontic movement of the left permanent maxillary first molars for 21 days. The rats were assigned to three groups: Control group: water; Thermogenic 1: C4 Beta Pump thermogenic; or Thermogenic 2: PRE-HD/Pre-workout. Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) was used to investigate the dynamic changes in the microstructure of alveolar bone during orthodontic tooth movement in rats. Histopathologic analysis was performed by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, whereas tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) was employed for osteoclast count. Maxillary tissue was collected and evaluated by immunohistochemistry for receptor activator of NF-κB (RANK), receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL), and osteoprotegerin (OPG). The Thermogenic 2 group exhibited a significantly lower percentage of bone volume fraction (BV/TV) (68.21% ± 17.70%) compared to the control (86.84% + 12.91%) and Thermogenic 1 groups (86.84% + 15.94%) (p < 0.05). The control group had a significantly higher mean orthodontic movement in the mesial direction (0.2143 mm + 0.1513 mm) than the Thermogenic 2 group (0.0420 mm + 0.05215 mm) (p < 0.05). The Thermogenic 2 and Thermogenic 1 groups showed a stronger immunostaining for RANKL when compared to the control group (p < 0.05). The supplementation used in the Thermogenic 2 group (PRE-HD/Pre-workout) induced alveolar bone loss in rats subjected to orthodontic movement, which can be related to the regulation of the RANK/RANKL/OPG signaling pathway. This suggests the influence of thermogenic supplements on bone metabolism seems to depend on their composition.