Gelatinase A (MMP-2) in developing tooth tissues and amelogenin hydrolysis

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are thought to play important roles during enamel and dentin biomineralization. Previously, membrane type-1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP) was localized to the plasma membranes of ameloblasts and odontoblasts of the developing tooth. The best-characterized function of MT1-MMP is to initiate the activation of gelatinase A (MMP-2). Thus, we hypothesized that gelatinase A may also be expressed by developing tooth tissues. A full-length porcine gelatinase A mRNA was isolated by RT-PCR homology cloning of an enamel-organ-specific cDNA library. Northern blot and in situ hybridization analyses demonstrated gelatinase A expression in developing tooth tissues. Immunohistochemical analysis localized gelatinase A close to the plasma membrane of these tissues. Furthermore, recombinant gelatinase A was demonstrated to cleave recombinant amelogenin into several fragments of differing molecular masses. Thus, gelatinase A is expressed by developing tooth tissues along with its activator MT1-MMP and may, therefore, play an important role during tooth development.     

A comparative study on the initial stability of different implants placed above the bone level using resonance frequency analysis

PURPOSE

This study evaluated the initial stability of different implants placed above the bone level in different types of bone.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

As described by Lekholm and Zarb, cortical layers of bovine bone specimens were trimmed to a thickness of 2 mm, 1 mm or totally removed to reproduce bone types II, III, and IV respectively. Three Implant system (Brånemark System® Mk III TiUnite™, Straumann Standard Implant SLA®, and Astra Tech Microthread™-OsseoSpeed™) were tested. Control group implants were placed in level with the bone, while test group implants were placed 1, 2, 3, and 4 mm above the bone level. Initial stability was evaluated by resonance frequency analysis. Data was statistically analyzed by one-way analysis of variance in confidence level of 95%. The effective implant length and the Implant Stability Quotient (ISQ) were compared using simple linear regression analysis.

RESULTS

In the control group, there was a significant difference in the ISQ values of the 3 implants in bone types III and IV (P<.05). The ISQ values of each implant decreased with increased effective implant length in all types of bone. In type II bone, the decrease in ISQ value per 1-mm increase in effective implant length of the Brånemark and Astra implants was less than that of the Straumann implant. In bone types III and IV, this value in the Astra implant was less than that in the other 2 implants.

CONCLUSION

The initial stability was much affected by the implant design in bone types III, IV and the implant design such as the short pitch interval was beneficial to the initial stability of implants placed above the bone level.     

Microbiome of Deep Dentinal Caries from Reversible Pulpitis to Irreversible Pulpitis

Introduction

This study examined the identity of the microbiome of deep dentinal caries and its correlation with the inflammation status of caries-induced pulpitis.

Preparation and properties of nano-sized calcium fluoride for dental applications.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to prepare nano-sized calcium fluoride (CaF(2)) that could be used as a labile F reservoir for more effective F regimens and as an agent for use in the reduction of dentin permeability. METHODS: Nano-sized CaF(2) powders were prepared using a spray-drying system with a two-liquid nozzle. The properties of the nano-CaF(2) were studied and the effectiveness of a fluoride (F) rinse with nano-CaF(2) as the F source was evaluated. The thermodynamic solubility product of the nano-CaF(2) solution was determined by equilibrating the nanosample in solutions presaturated with respect to macro-CaF(2). Reactivity of the nano-CaF(2) was assessed by its reaction with dicalcium phosphate dehydrate (DCPD). F deposition by 13.2 mmol/L F rinse with the nano-CaF(2) as the F source was determined using a previously published in vitro model. RESULTS: X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis showed pattern of low crystalline CaF(2). BET measurements showed that the nano-CaF(2) had a surface area of 46.3m(2)/g, corresponding to a particle size of 41nm. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) examinations indicated that the nano-CaF(2) contained clusters comprising particles of (10-15) nm in size. The nano-CaF(2) displayed much higher solubility and reactivity than its macro-counterpart. The CaF(2) ion activity product (IAP) of the solution in equilibrium with the nano-CaF(2) was (1.52+/-0.05)x10(-10), which was nearly four times greater than the K(sp) (3.9 x 10(-11)) for CaF(2). The reaction of DCPD with nano-CaF(2) resulted in more F-containing apatitic materials compared to the reaction with macro-CaF(2). The F deposition by the nano-CaF(2) rinse was (2.2+/-0.3)mug/cm(2) (n=5), which was significantly (p<0.001) greater than that ((0.31+/-0.06)mug/cm(2)) produced by the NaF solution. SIGNIFICANCE: The nano-CaF(2) can be used as an effective anticaries agent in increasing the labile F concentration in oral fluid and thus enhance the tooth remineralization. It can also be very useful in the treatment for the reduction of dentin permeability.     

CSF-1对体外培养人牙囊细胞OPG表达的影响

目的研究集落刺激因子(CSF-1)对体外培养的人牙囊细胞骨保护素(OPG)表达的影响。方法原代培养人牙囊细胞,传代至第3代,制备细胞爬片,进行OPG免疫组化染色;3~6代人牙囊细胞长至80%时,用胰酶消化,离心,重悬,制成单细胞悬液,接种到细胞培养皿,细胞长满至80%时,培养基中加入25ng/ml的CSF-1,孵育0.5、1、3、6h,分别收集上清液,ELISA法检测OPG蛋白分泌量的变化,提取总RNA进行RT-PCR,检测OPG mRNA的表达变化。结果正常人牙囊细胞OPG蛋白表达阳性;25ng/ml的CSF-1可降低人牙囊细胞OPG的表达,共同孵育1h,OPG表达降至最低(P<0.05)。结论牙囊细胞表达OPG,同时在牙齿萌出的特定时期,CSF-1通过下调人牙囊细胞OPG,减弱对破骨细胞形成的抑制作用,促进破骨细胞分化成熟,调节牙齿萌出。     

Distribution of plasma-membrane Ca2+ pump in mandibular condyles from growing and adult rabbits

Chondrocytes may control the mineralization of the extracellular matrix of condylar cartilage by several mechanisms including the release of microvesicles involved in the initial nucleation, the creation or modification of the local matrix to help propagate or restrict mineralization, and the regulation of the ionic environment at the calcifying foci within the matrix. The plasma membrane Ca2+-Mg2+ ATPase (Ca2+ pump) is known to play a part in the vectorial efflux of calcium in a variety of cells including chondrocytes. The purpose here was to study the distribution of Ca2+-pump protein in mandibular condyles from growing and adult rabbits, and compare the expression of that protein in progressively differentiating chondrocytes whose final stage is associated with a mineralized extracellular matrix. Ca2+-pump antigen was identified immunohistochemically in six growing and six adult rabbit mandibular condyles with a Ca2+ pump-specific monoclonal antibody. The presence of Ca2+-pump antigen was established in hypertrophic chondrocytes, and in osteoblasts and osteoclasts of subchondral bone. Slot-blot analysis of nitrocellulose-immobilized chondrocyte homogenates showed that the amount of Ca2+ pump in growing cartilage was more than twice that in adult cartilage (p < 0.05). The demonstration of Ca2+-pump antigen in the hypertrophic chondrocytes of growing rabbit condyles is consistent with a role for the plasma-membrane Ca2+ pump in the calcification of mandibular condylar cartilage.