Caries-related bacteria and cytokines induce CXCL10 in dental pulp

Marked infiltration of inflammatory cells, such as activated T-cells, is observed in the progression of pulpitis; however, little is known about the mechanism of their recruitment into pulpal lesions. It has been recently demonstrated that CXC chemokine ligand 10 (CXCL10) chemoattracts CXC chemokine receptor 3 (CXCR3)-positive activated T-cells. We therefore examined whether CXCL10 is involved in the pathogenesis of pulpitis. CXCL10 mRNA expression levels in clinically inflamed dental pulp were higher than those in healthy dental pulp. Immunostaining results revealed that CXCL10 was detected in macrophages, endothelial cells, and fibroblasts in inflamed dental pulp, and that CXCR3 expression was observed mainly on T-cells. Moreover, cultured dental pulp fibroblasts produced CXCL10 after stimulation with live caries-related bacteria, peptidoglycans, and pro-inflammatory cytokines. In contrast, heat-killed bacteria did not induce CXCL10 secretion. These findings suggest that CXCL10-CXCR3 may play an important role in the pulpal immune response to caries-related bacterial invasion. Abbreviations: CXCL10, CXC chemokine ligand 10; CXCR3, CXC chemokine receptor 3; IFN, interferon; FBS, fetal bovine serum; LTA, lipoteichoic acid; PGN, peptidoglycan; IL, interleukin; TNF, tumor necrosis factor; PBS, phosphate-buffered saline; ELISA, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; CCL, C-C chemokine ligand; TLR, Toll-like receptor; NOD, nucleotide oligomerization domain; HDPF, human dental pulp fibroblasts.     

Eosinophilic granuloma of the ramus similar to malignant neoplasm or osteomyelitis: Report of a case

An eosinophilic granuloma was discovered in the region of the ramus of the mandible. This case occured in a very rare location limited only to the ramus, and showed similar features resembling osteomyelitis or malignant neoplasm at different stages of the disease. The radiographic findings indicated a diagnosis of malignant neoplasm and the scintigraphic manifestations showed that of osteomyelitis. The histopathological examinations showed different manifestations in accordance with the respective stages of the disease. This case was finally diagnosed as eosinophilic granuloma showing rapid regression.     

Application of interdental distraction osteogenesis to unilateral cleft lip and palate patients

Distraction osteogenesis is widely used for the treatment of craniofacial deformities. In patients with cleft lip and palate, distraction osteogenesis can be employed to repair the alveolar cleft. In this report, we describe the management of three cases of unilateral cleft lip and palate by interdental distraction osteogenesis. Interdental distraction osteogenesis of the maxillary bone was performed to reduce the width of the alveolar cleft in these patients in conjunction with orthodontic treatment. Tooth-tooth type distraction devices were fabricated and delivered at the same time as osteotomy. Distraction was continued until the midline of the dentition coincided with the facial midline, and until the width of the alveolar cleft was reduced to the width of lateral incisor or had closed. One month after distraction was complete, orthodontic treatment with an edgewise appliance was initiated, and neighboring teeth were moved into the newly created bone. A favorable treatment outcome was achieved in all three cases.     

Breast masses with mixed cystic-solid sonographic appearance

Retrospective analysis was performed for 56 breast masses with mixed cystic and solid sonographic patterns encountered in the last 5 years at Keio University Hospital, with the objective of elucidating their significance. The lesions were classified into two major groups: tumor with cyst (TWC—solid mass with cystic component) and intracystic tumor (ICT—cystic mass with solid component). According to the pathological diagnosis, 57% were benign and 43% were malignant. Fifty eight percent of malignant lesions were shown to have a TWC pattern and 42% an ICT pattern. Among benign lesions, 66% were shown to be TWC and 34% ICT. In malignant tumors, 96% of the cases showed irregular shape and heterogeneous internal content. Even in benign lesions, a high incidence of irregular shape and rough border was found, although the predominant internal echo texture was homogeneous, and threedimensional (3-D) contour was not clear. In conclusion, we observed that in the TWC group, the lack of a defined 3-D contour is the most important criterion, and tumors with multiples cysts tend to be benign. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Abstracts of selected papers from the current literature

Abstracts of selected papers from the current literature     

Abstracts of selected papers from the current literature

Abstracts of selected papers from the current literature