Peripheral nerve morphogenesis induced by scaffold micropatterning

Several bioengineering approaches have been proposed for peripheral nervous system repair, with limited results and still open questions about the underlying molecular mechanisms. We assessed the biological processes that occur after the implantation of collagen scaffold with a peculiar porous micro-structure of the wall in a rat sciatic nerve transection model compared to commercial collagen conduits and nerve crush injury using functional, histological and genome wide analyses. We demonstrated that within 60 days, our conduit had been completely substituted by a normal nerve. Gene expression analysis documented a precise sequential regulation of known genes involved in angiogenesis, Schwann cells/axons interactions and myelination, together with a selective modulation of key biological pathways for nerve morphogenesis induced by porous matrices. These data suggest that the scaffold's micro-structure profoundly influences cell behaviors and creates an instructive micro-environment to enhance nerve morphogenesis that can be exploited to improve recovery and understand the molecular differences between repair and regeneration.     

A comparative study of two different clear aligner systems

Background

This study aims to compare the ‘Nuvola®’ system with ‘Fantasmino®’ system, examine their material properties, and define the indications for use of the aligners.

Methods

Two groups of patients were selected and were respectively treated with Nuvola® aligner and Fantasmino® system.

Results

The goal of treatment has been achieved with the two systems.

Conclusions

The two types of aligners have shown differences during the treatment. Fantasmino® system has elastic properties of high performance, but its size does not encourage compliance throughout the day. Nuvola® system determines good tooth movement and its size facilitates the patient’s collaboration. In both aligner systems, difficulties were found in the correction of torque information and rotations.     

Impact of caloric restriction on peripheral nerve injury‐induced neuropathic pain during ageing in mice

The incidence of peripheral neuropathy development and chronic pain is strongly associated with the arrival of senescence. The gradual physiological decline that begins after the mature stage produces myelin dysregulation and pathological changes in peripheral nervous system, attributed to reduction in myelin proteins expression and thinner myelin sheath. Moreover in elder subjects, when nerve damage occurs, the regenerative processes are seriously compromised and neuropathic pain (NeP) is maintained. We previously demonstrated that caloric restriction (CR) in adult (4 months) nerve‐lesioned mice was able to facilitate remyelination and axons regeneration, to have anti‐inflammatory action and to prevent NeP chronification. Here, we show CR therapeutic potential on nerve injury‐induced neuropathy in mice at the beginning of the senescence (12 months). Long lasting decrease in hypersensitvity induced by peripheral nerve lesion and powerful reduction in proinflammatory circulating agents have been observed. Moreover, our results evidence that CR is able to counteract the ageing‐related delay in axonal regeneration, enhancing Schwann cells proliferation and accelerating recovery processes. Differently from adults, it does not affect fibres myelination. In light of a continuous growth in elderly population and correlated health problems, including metabolic disorders, the prevalence of neuropathy is enhancing, generating a significant public cost and social concern. In this context energy depletion by dietary restriction can be a therapeutic option in NeP.     

Effects of Aqueous Extract of Lycopersicum esculentum L. var. “Camone” Tomato on Blood Pressure,Behavior and Brain Susceptibility to Oxidative Stress in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats

Behavioral disorders affect millions of people worldwide. Hypertension contributes to both the development and progression of brain damage and cognitive dysfunction and could represent the most powerful modifiable risk factor for cerebral vessel dysfunction and consequent behavioral impairment. Tomato contains antioxidants and bioactive molecules that might play an important role in the prevention of cardiovascular and brain diseases. The effects of the combined gel and serum from Lycopersicum esculentum L. var. “Camone” tomatoes and those of purified tomato glycoalkaloids (tomatine) and an antihypertensive drug (captopril) were investigated in male spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) and compared with normotensive Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats. Body weight, systolic blood pressure, behavioral parameters, as well as brain susceptibility to oxidative stress and brain cytokine contents, were assessed. Treating hypertensive rats with tomato gel/serum or captopril for four weeks caused a significant reduction in blood pressure, decreased locomotor activity and increased grooming behavior; the last two parameters were also significantly affected by tomatine treatment. Brain slices obtained from hypertensive rats treated with tomato gel/serum were more resistant to oxidative stress and contained lower levels of inflammatory cytokines than vehicle-treated ones. In contrast, tomatine treatment had no effect. In conclusion, the tomato-derived gel/serum can be considered a dietary supplement able to drive in vivo blood pressure towards healthier values and also control some central effects such as behavior and brain oxidative stress.