Objective To analyze the long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) expression profile in patients with severe periodontitis and explore its potential regulatory mechanisms. Methods Gingiva samples were collected from five patients who underwent tooth extraction due to severe periodontitis (test group) and simultaneous extraction of impacted third molars (control group) at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Suzhou Vocational Health College, between November 2024 and December 2024. High-throughput sequencing was performed to identify differentially expressed lncRNAs and mRNAs. Target genes of these lncRNAs were further screened within these mRNAs, followed by GO and KEGG functional enrichment analysis to investigate the potential regulatory roles of these lncRNAs in severe periodontitis. Results High-throughput sequencing results revealed 1 473 significantly differentially expressed lncRNAs and 7 222 differentially expressed mRNAs. GO enrichment analysis indicated that the differentially expressed lncRNAs may be involved in the pathological process of severe periodontitis by regulating biological processes such as apoptosis, adaptive immune response and endoplasmic reticulum stress. KEGG pathway analysis showed that these lncRNAs might influence the development and progression of severe periodontitis through pathways including leukocyte transendothelial migration, Fcγ receptor-mediated phagocytosis, arachidonic acid metabolism, drug metabolism-cytochrome P450, and transcriptional misregulation in cancer. Conclusion The differentially expressed lncRNAs in patients with severe periodontitis may contribute to the pathogenesis and progress by regulating molecular mechanisms involved in adaptive immune response, apoptosis, and endoplasmic reticulum stress.
Objective To evaluate the clinical efficacy of periodontal endoscope-assisted subgingival debridement compared with periodontal flap surgery for residual deep periodontal pockets in molar regions. Methods A retrospective study with non-inferiority analysis was performed on 40 patients with Stage Ⅲ/Ⅳ periodontitis who presented with residual periodontal pockets of probing depth (PD) ≥ 5 mm in the molar area after initial periodontal therapy.The 40 patients were allocated into two groups: 20 cases (96 teeth, 214 sites) in the endoscopy group received residual deep periodontal pocket debridement using periodontal endoscopy combined with ultrasonic instrumentation. Another 20 cases (78 teeth, 184 sites) in the flap group underwent open flap debridement for residual deep periodontal pockets. Clinical attachment level (CAL), probing depth (PD) and gingival recession (GR) were measured at baseline, 3 and 6 months after surgery to evaluate the efficacy of the two treatment modalities. The intergroup difference in the change of CAL at 6 months postoperatively was defined as the primary outcome indicator. The intergroup difference in the change of CAL at 3 months postoperatively, as well as the intergroup differences in the changes of PD and GR at 3 and 6 months postoperatively, were set as secondary outcome indicators. Based on baseline CBCT measurements, the pattern and severity of alveolar bone resorption and the classification of furcation lesions in the molar region were recorded, and their influences on the efficacy of the two treatments were further evaluated. Results At 6 months postoperatively, in the endoscopy group, the CAL change was (2.25±1.64) mm, PD change was (3.02±1.61) mm, and GR change was (-0.77±0.92) mm; in the flap group, the CAL change was (0.56±1.89) mm, PD change was (1.85±1.60) mm, and GR change was (-1.29±1.26) mm. The improvements in CAL and PD in the endoscopy group were significantly greater than those in the flap group (P<0.000 1), whereas GR was significantly smallerin the endoscopy group (P<0.000 1). At sites with baseline PD ≥7 mm, the PD change in the endoscopy group (4.08±1.60) mm was significantly greater than that in the flap group (2.38±1.75) mm (P<0.001). For grade Ⅰ and Ⅱ furcation involvement, the improvements in CAL and PD in the endoscopy group were also significantly greater than those in the flap group (P<0.05), but no statistically significant difference in ΔPD was found between the two groups in grade Ⅲ furcation involvement. In addition, at sites with horizontal and non-horizontal bone resorption, the endoscopy group showed significantly greater improvements in CAL and PD (P<0.001) and significantly less gingival recession (P<0.05) compared with the flap group. Conclusion Periodontal endoscopy-assisted subgingival debridement can effectively ameliorate periodontal inflammation in molars. Its clinical efficacy is non-inferior to open flap debridement, with prominent advantages indeep periodontal pockets and grade Ⅰ and Ⅱ furcation involvements.Meanwhile, it canbetter preserve periodontal soft tissues, serving as an effective minimally invasive therapeutic option.
Dentinogenesis imperfecta (DGI) is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by abnormal dentin structure, manifesting as tooth discoloration, enamel fragility, dental wear, and pulp chamber alterations, which significantly impair masticatory function and aesthetics. Molecular genetic studies classify DGI into isolated and syndromic forms, with core pathogenic genes including DSPP and COL1A1/COL1A2. Advances in high-throughput sequencing and molecular diagnostics have facilitated precise disease subtyping and early intervention. Clinical management emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach. In childhood, preventive oral care is paramount, incorporating high-concentration fluoride application, home oral hygiene, and regular follow-up to delay dentin wear and enamel loss. Depending on the severity of tooth defects, restorative options including composite resin veneers, stainless-steel crowns, or full-coverage crowns can be used. In the permanent dentition and adulthood, digital dentistry, CAD/CAM restorations, and implant-supported prostheses can restore occlusal function and aesthetics. Early orthodontic intervention is recommended for patients with malocclusion or dental arch abnormalities. Emerging regenerative medicine, stem cell therapies, and potential gene-based interventions provide promising avenues for personalized and precision treatment. Integrating multidisciplinary collaboration with modern technological advances can optimize oral function and long-term quality of life for DGI patients, offering valuable guidance for clinical management.
Objective To explore the changes of condylar position among Class Ⅱ malocclusion patients with clinical symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorder(TMD) through cone beam CT(CBCT) images. Methods Among the patients with Class Ⅱ malocclusion, a retrospective analysis was performed for the CBCT data of 30 patients without clinical symptoms of TMD (NTMD group) and 37 patients with clinical symptoms of TMD (TMD group). Condylar volume, condylar horizontal angle, articular fossa volume, anterior joint space, and posterior joint space were measured by Mimics 21.0 and 3-matic 13.0 software. SPSS 22.0 software was used for statistical analysis. Results The bilateral condyle volume of the NTMD group was significantly different (the right (2 302.71±546.35)mm3, the left (1 679.06±356.07)mm3; P<0.001). The bilateral condylar volume (the right (2 299.19±810.53)mm3, the left (1 683.93±519.61)mm3; P<0.001) and bilateral condylar horizontal angle (the right (13.41°±7.31°), the left (11.30°±6.56°); P=0.015) in the TMD group were significantly different. Conclusion Among the patients with Class Ⅱ malocclusion, patients show asymmetry in the horizontal angles of bilateral condyles in the early stage of TMD. The symmetrical condylar position is crucial for the prevention of TMD, but is not the primary problem for the treatment of TMD.
Objective To investigate the effect of DJK-5 on the bactericidal efficacy and cariogenic virulence factors of Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) biofilms. Methods S. mutans suspensions were treated with DJK-5 at concentrations of 0, 5, 10, 20, and 40 μg/mL, and bacterial growth was observed. S. mutans biofilms were treated with sterile deionized water (Control group), 2% chlorhexidine (CHX group) and DJK-5 at concentrations of 10, 20, 40 μg/mL. The structural changes in biofilm were observed using laser confocal microscopy. The production of water-insoluble extracellular polysaccharide (IEPS) and pH values were quantified using the anthrone-sulfuric acid method and a pH meter, respectively. Additionally, the effects of 10 μg/mL DJK-5 on the expression of cariogenic virulence genes in S. mutans biofilms were detected by RT-qPCR. Results DJK-5 at concentrations ≥10 μg/mL exhibited an inhibitory effect on the growth of planktonic S. mutans. The higher the concentration of DJK-5, the more pronounced the inhibitory effect. The volume ratios of dead bacteria in the DJK-5 groups were significantly higher than those in the control and chlorhexidine group. The disruption of spatial structure became more severe with increasing DJK-5 concentrations. The pH values in DJK-5-treated biofilms were significantly higher than those in the control group, and the pH levels in the 20 and 40 μg/mL DJK-5 groups were significantly higher than those in the NaF group. The production of IEPS in DJK-5-treated biofilms was significantly lower than that in the control group. The 10 μg/mL DJK-5 group produced significantly more IEPS than the 40 μg/mL DJK-5 group and the NaF group. DJK-5 promoted the expression of gtfC and gbpB genes, while suppressed the expression of ldh, comDE, and relA genes. Conclusion DJK-5 significantly inhibits acid production and IEPS synthesis in biofilms by targeting and modulating the cariogenic virulence factors of S. mutans, thereby demonstrating highly efficient bactericidal activity against biofilms.
