Search Results (309)

Postmenopausal osteoporosis is estrogen-dependent and results in an imbalance between bone formation and resorption. The approved therapy is intended to reduce the risk and consequences of fractures, but still has a number of contraindications and associated adverse effects. Recently, oxytocin has been shown to have an anabolic effect on bone tissue, increasing the production of osteoblasts and inhibiting the activity of osteoclasts. Thus, this study aimed to examine the potential of oxytocin as a biomarker and therapeutic agent for postmenopausal osteoporosis. A PubMed search yielded 16 articles upon analysis of the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The results showed that, compared to women in the same age group without bone loss, those diagnosed with osteoporosis exhibited lower blood oxytocin levels, possibly related to a greater tendency towards fractures. The administration of oxytocin could be a promising strategy to enhance bone quality and, consequently, to reduce the incidence of fragility fractures; however, no human studies have been conducted regarding its use as a possible treatment. Thus, it is essential to increase the number of clinical trials in women with ovarian dysfunction and bone loss, in which oxytocin could become a viable therapeutic alternative. Full article

Osteoclasts, which are derived from myeloid precursors, are essential for physiologic bone remodeling but also mediate pathological bone loss in inflammatory diseases such as periodontitis and rheumatoid arthritis. Lysine-specific demethylase (LSD1/KDM1A) is a histone demethylase that modulates the chromatin landscape via demethylation of H3K4me1/2 and H3K9me1/2, thereby regulating the expression of genes essential for deciding cell fate. We previously demonstrated that myeloid-specific deletion of LSD1 (LSD1LysM-Cre) disrupts osteoclast differentiation, leading to enhanced BV/TV under physiological conditions. In this study, we show that LSD1LysM-Cre female mice are similarly resistant to inflammatory bone loss in both ligature-induced periodontitis and K/BxN serum-transfer arthritis models. Bulk RNA-seq of mandibular-derived preosteoclasts from LSD1LysM-Cre mice with ligature-induced periodontitis revealed the upregulation of genes involved in inflammation, lipid metabolism, and immune response. Notably, LSD1 deletion blocked osteoclastogenesis even under TGF-β and TNF co-stimulation, which is an alternative RANKL-independent differentiation pathway. Upregulation of Nlrp3, Hif1α, and Acod1 in LSD1LysM-Cre preosteoclasts suggests that LSD1 is essential for repressing inflammatory and metabolic programs that otherwise hinder osteoclast commitment. These findings establish LSD1 as a critical epigenetic gatekeeper integrating inflammatory and metabolic signals to regulate osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption. Therapeutic inhibition of LSD1 may selectively mitigate inflammatory bone loss while preserving physiological bone remodeling. Full article

Secondary iron overload exacerbates osteoporosis by elevating reactive oxygen species (ROS), which suppress osteoblast function and enhance osteoclast activity, disrupting bone remodeling. Reducing iron overload and oxidative stress may improve bone health. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), the main bioactive compound in green tea extract (GTE), is recognized for its antioxidant and iron-chelating properties. This study examined the effect of GTE on bone formation and mineralization in iron-overloaded human osteoblast-like MG-63 cells. An iron-overloaded model was established using ferric ammonium citrate (FAC), followed by treatment with GTE, deferiprone (DFP), or their combination. GTE significantly reduced intracellular iron, ROS levels, and lipid peroxidation while upregulating the osteogenic marker BGLAP, the anti-resorptive marker OPG, and osteogenic mineralization, indicating restored bone health. These results suggest that EGCG-containing GTE mitigates iron-induced oxidative stress and promotes osteogenesis, highlighting its potential as a natural therapeutic supplement for managing iron-overload-associated osteoporosis. Full article

Optimizing stress distribution at the bone–implant interface is critical to enhancing the long-term biomechanical performance of dental implant systems. Vertical misalignment between splinted implants can result in elevated localized stresses, increasing the risk of material degradation and peri-implant bone resorption. This study employs three-dimensional finite element analysis (FEA) to evaluate the mechanical response of peri-implant bone under oblique loading, focusing on how variations in vertical implant platform alignment influence stress transmission. Four implant configurations with different vertical placements were modeled: (A) all crestal, (B) central subcrestal with lateral crestal, (C) lateral subcrestal with central crestal, and (D) all subcrestal. A 400 N oblique load was applied at 45° simulated masticatory forces. Von Mises stress distributions were analyzed in both cortical and trabecular bone, with a physiological threshold of 100 MPa considered for cortical bone. Among the models, configuration B exhibited the highest cortical stress, exceeding the physiological threshold. In contrast, configurations with uniform vertical positioning, particularly model D, demonstrated more favorable stress dispersion and lower peak values. Stress concentrations were consistently observed at the implant–abutment interface across all configurations, identifying this area as critical for design improvements. These findings underscore the importance of precise vertical alignment in implant-supported restorations to minimize stress concentrations and improve the mechanical reliability of dental implants. The results provide valuable insights for the development of next-generation implant systems with enhanced biomechanical integration and material performance under functional loading. Full article

Diabetes is a risk factor for periodontitis. Increasing evidence suggests that a central player in this link is the vacuolar H+-ATPase (V-ATPase), which provides a physical and functional core for regulation by the catabolic lysosomal AMP-activated protein kinase complex (L-AMPK) and the anabolic mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1). These complexes detect levels of various cellular nutrients, including glucose at the lysosome, and promote cellular responses to restore homeostasis. The high-glucose conditions of diabetes foster anabolic mTORC1 signaling that increases inflammation and inflammatory bone resorption in response to periodontal infections. Here, we review the structure and composition of V-ATPase, L-AMPK, mTORC1, and other elements of the energy-sensing platform. Mechanisms by which V-ATPase passes signals to the complexes are examined and recent data are reviewed. Current anti-bone resorptive therapeutics, bisphosphonates and denosumab, enhance the risk of medicine-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) and are not used to treat periodontal bone loss. Accumulating data suggest that it may be possible to target inflammatory bone resorption through agents that stimulate L-AMPK, including metformin and glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists. This approach may reduce inflammatory bone resorption without major effects on overall bone remodeling or increased risk of MRONJ. Full article

Acid–base balance is critical to human health and can be significantly influenced by dietary choices. The Western diet, characterized by high meat and cheese consumption, induces excess acidity, highlighting the need for strategies to mitigate this. Recent studies have focused on bicarbonate-rich mineral water as a viable solution. In this context, the present narrative review synthesizes the findings from recent scientific studies on bicarbonate-rich mineral water, specifically those with bicarbonate levels over 1300 mg/L and medium or low PRAL values. This water has been shown to exert beneficial effects on both urinary and blood parameters. The key effects include an increase in the urine pH and a profound reduction in net acid excretion as a sign for a reduced acid load. Additionally, bicarbonate mineral water has been shown to decrease the excretion of nephrolithiasis-related constituents, including calcium and oxalates, as well as inhibitory substances such as magnesium and citrates. In blood, bicarbonate-rich water has been demonstrated to stabilize pH and increase bicarbonate levels, thereby enhancing systemic buffering capacity. Clinically, these changes have been associated with a lowered risk of calcium oxalate stone formation and improved kidney health. Furthermore, bicarbonate-rich water has been shown to support bone health by reducing bone resorption markers. Consequently, the integration of bicarbonate-rich mineral water into the diet has the potential to enhance urinary and blood parameters, mitigate the risk of kidney stones, and strengthen skeletal integrity, thereby serving as a promising strategy for health promotion and disease prevention. While promising, these findings underscore the need for further research to establish long-term recommendations. Future interventional studies should be designed with rigorous randomization, larger sample sizes, cross-over methodologies, and comprehensive dietary assessments to address the methodological limitations of previous research. Full article

Tanshinones are a class of lipophilic diterpenoid quinones extracted from Salvia miltiorrhiza (Dan shen), a widely used herb in traditional Chinese medicine. These compounds, particularly tanshinone IIA (T-IIA) and sodium tanshinone sulfonate (STS), have been acknowledged for their broad spectrum of biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-tumor, antiresorptive, and antimicrobial effects. Recent studies have highlighted the potential of tanshinones in the treatment of osteolytic diseases, characterized by excessive bone resorption, such as osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and periodontitis. The therapeutic effects of tanshinones in these diseases are primarily attributed to their ability to inhibit osteoclast differentiation and activity, suppress inflammatory cytokine production (e.g., tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6), and modulate critical signaling pathways, including NF-kB, MAPK, PI3K/Akt, and the RANKL/RANK/OPG axis. Additionally, tanshinones promote osteoblast differentiation and mineralization by enhancing the expression of osteogenic markers such as Runx2, ALP, and OCN. Preclinical models have demonstrated that T-IIA and STS can significantly reduce bone destruction and inflammatory cell infiltration in arthritic joints and periodontal tissues while also enhancing bone microarchitecture in osteoporotic conditions. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the pharmacological actions of tanshinones in osteolytic diseases, summarizing current experimental findings, elucidating underlying molecular mechanisms, and discussing the challenges and future directions for their clinical application as novel therapeutic agents in bone-related disorders, especially periodontitis. Despite promising in vitro and in vivo findings, clinical evidence remains limited, and further investigations are necessary to validate the efficacy, safety, and pharmacokinetics of tanshinones in human populations. Full article

Alveolar bone loss due to trauma, extraction, or periodontal disease often requires bone grafting prior to implant placement. Although human allograft bone is widely used as an alternative to autograft, it has limited osteoinductive potential and a prolonged healing time. Mesenchymal stem cell–conditioned media (MSC-CM), rich in paracrine factors, has emerged as a promising adjunct to enhance bone regeneration. This study evaluated the regenerative effect of MSC-CM combined with human allograft bone in a rabbit calvarial defect model. Bilateral 8 mm defects were created in eight rabbits. Each animal received a human allograft alone (HB group) on one side and an allograft mixed with MSC-CM (HB+GF group) on the other. Histological and histomorphometric analyses were performed at 2 and 8 weeks postoperatively. Both groups showed new bone formation, but the HB+GF group demonstrated significantly greater bone regeneration at both time points (p < 0.05). New bone extended into the defect center in the HB+GF group. Additionally, greater graft resorption and marrow formation were observed in this group at 8 weeks. These findings suggest that MSC-CM enhances the osteogenic performance of human allograft bone and may serve as a biologically active adjunct for bone regeneration. Full article

Background: Intercostal artery perforator (ICAP) flaps are a reliable option for volume replacement in breast-conserving surgery (BCS), particularly for lower pole defects. However, limited flap volume may reduce their applicability in selected patients. Autologous fat grafting has been proposed to enhance both volume and aesthetic outcomes. Methods: This retrospective study evaluated 10 patients undergoing BCS with immediate reconstruction using fat-graft-augmented ICAP flaps. Nine anterior ICAP (AICAP) flaps and one lateral ICAP (LICAP) flap were employed. The outcomes included flap viability, complications, and aesthetic results over a 6-month follow-up. Results: Partial flap resorption occurred in 2 patients (20%), both of whom were active smokers. No cases of skin necrosis were observed. Fat grafting volumes ranged from 20 to 60 cc. Aesthetic outcomes were satisfactory, with good restoration of the breast contour and stable integration of the flap and grafted fat. Conclusions: The combined use of ICAP flaps and autologous fat grafting is a feasible and effective technique for immediate reconstruction after BCS. It allows volume enhancement, maintains natural contour, and shows low complication rates in properly selected patients. Smoking remains a significant risk factor. Full article

Background/Objectives: Autologous fat grafting (AFT) has become a widely used technique in breast reconstruction, offering natural aesthetics, tissue integration, and patient satisfaction. However, its clinical outcomes require comparison with implant-based reconstruction (IBR), the most common method in clinical practice. While AFT provides a more natural appearance and avoids foreign body-related complications, issues such as fat resorption, procedural variability, and oncological concerns necessitate further investigation. Additionally, artificial intelligence (AI) has been increasingly integrated into breast imaging and reconstructive planning, improving diagnostic accuracy, procedural optimization, and complication prevention. This study aims to compare AFT and IBR while exploring AI’s role in enhancing breast reconstruction outcomes. Methods: A comprehensive review of clinical studies was conducted to evaluate the advantages, limitations, and oncological implications of AFT versus IBR. AI-driven applications in breast imaging and reconstructive planning were examined for their potential in predicting fat graft retention and optimizing implant selection. Data from systematic reviews and meta-analyses were incorporated to refine reconstruction strategies. Results: AFT offers superior aesthetic outcomes with better tissue integration but presents variability in fat resorption. IBR remains the preferred approach due to its predictability but carries risks of implant-related complications. AI technologies contribute to improved reconstruction planning, enhancing surgical precision and long-term patient outcomes. Conclusions: Optimized patient selection and long-term follow-up are essential for improving breast reconstruction techniques. AI-driven approaches provide valuable tools for enhancing procedural predictability and personalized treatment strategies. Future research should focus on refining AI algorithms and establishing standardized protocols for reconstructive decision-making. Full article

Adiponectin (APN) is a secreted adipokine that plays a key role in modulating energy and bone metabolism, as well as regulating inflammatory responses. The overexpression of APN has been proposed as a potential therapeutic strategy for treating obesity and related disorders. Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are promising vectors for transporting messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) molecules. This study tested whether delivering a stabilized version of adiponectin mRNA (APN mRNA) using lipid nanoparticles could reduce fat formation and promote bone repair in vitro and in vivo. We demonstrated that transfection with APN-LNP upregulated the mRNA and protein expression of APN, while inhibiting adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. APN-LNP enhanced osteogenic gene expression in MC3T3-E1 cells in a dose-dependent manner. It also reduced matrix metalloproteinase 9 expression in receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappaB ligand (RANKL)-stimulated RAW264.7 cells, suggesting an anti-resorptive effect. In vivo, a femoral fracture model was established to explore the application of APN-LNP in promoting bone healing in diet-induced obese mice. Micro-computed tomography and histology analysis indicated that intravenous injection with APN-LNP promoted bone healing. Fasting blood glucose and body weight were decreased in the APN-LNP group. Moreover, APN-LNP increased bone sialoprotein and runt-related transcription factor 2 expression in contralateral femurs, as well as interleukin-10 expression in white adipose tissues. Thus, our study provides promising preclinical data on the potential use of APN-LNP for treating bone disorders in obesity. Full article

The development of shale gas relies on hydraulic fracturing technology and requires the injection of a large amount of fracturing fluid. The well shut-off period after fracturing can promote water infiltration and suction. Optimizing the well shut-off time is crucial for enhancing the recovery rate. Among existing methods, the dimensionless time model is widely used, but it has limitations because it does not represent the length of on-site scale features. In this study, we focused on the shut-in time for a deep shale gas well (Lu-A) in Luzhou and a medium-deep shale gas well (Wei-B) in Weiyuan. By integrating the spontaneous seepage and aspiration experiments in the laboratory and the post-pressure backflow data (including mineralization degree, liquid volume recovery rate, etc.), a multi-scale well shutdown time prediction model considering the characteristic length was established. The experimental results show that the spontaneous resorption characteristic times of Lu-A and Wei-B are 3 h and 22 h, respectively. Based on the inversion of crack monitoring data, the key parameters such as the weighted average crack width (1.73/1.30 mm) and crack spacing (0.20/0.32 m) of Lu-A and Wei-B were obtained. Through the scale upgrade calculation of the feature length (0.10/0.16 m), the system determined that the optimal well shutdown times for the two wells were 14.5 days and 16.7 days, respectively. The optimization method based on a multi-parameter analysis of backflow fluid proposed in this study not only solves the limitations of the traditional dimensionless time model in characterizing the feature length but also provides a theoretical basis for the formulation of the well shutdown system and nozzle control strategy of shale gas wells. Full article

Background: The rehabilitation of complex bone defects in the anterior maxilla presents significant challenges in restoring both function and esthetics. A multidisciplinary approach integrating guided bone regeneration (GBR) and connective tissue grafting (CTG) has proven effective in addressing such cases. Methods: This report describes the case of a 60-year-old female patient who presented with severe alveolar ridge resorption and peri-implant bone loss, necessitating an advanced regenerative strategy. The treatment protocol involved the use of autologous and xenogeneic bone grafts in combination with hyaluronic acid and polynucleotides to enhance osteogenesis and tissue integration. A six-month healing period was observed before histological and clinical evaluations were conducted. Results: The results demonstrated a significant increase in lamellar bone formation and vascularization in sites treated with biomodulators compared to conventional GBR techniques. Subsequently, CTG was employed to optimize peri-implant soft tissue volume and stability, leading to improved keratinized tissue thickness and enhanced esthetic outcomes. This case underscores the importance of a comprehensive surgical and prosthetic plan that integrates bone regeneration with mucogingival management for optimal results in implant rehabilitation. Additionally, histological analysis revealed that the incorporation of hyaluronic acid and polynucleotides resulted in improved cellular activity, reduced inflammatory responses, and enhanced overall bone quality. Conclusions: These results highlight the potential role of biomodulators in regenerative procedures. While the findings suggest promising clinical applications, further long-term studies are necessary to validate the outcomes and establish standardized protocols for the integration of advanced biomaterials in implantology. Full article

Stauntonia hexaphylla (Thunb.) Decne (SH) is known for its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antioxidant, and anti-osteoporotic properties. This study investigated the composition of SH leaves and fruits and assessed their individual and combined effects in an in vitro osteoporosis model. Extracts with varying leaf-to-fruit ratios (SH82, SH55, SH28) were evaluated in MC3T3-E1 and RAW264.7 cells to examine osteogenesis and bone resorption biomarkers. SH leaves were rich in chlorogenic acids (CGAs) and flavonoids, while fruits contained phenolic acids with minimal flavonoids. Leaf extracts exhibited superior antioxidant activity and ROS suppression. Both leaf and fruit extracts enhanced ALP activity, calcium deposition, and collagen formation in MC3T3-E1 cells, with leaf extracts demonstrating greater efficacy. Additionally, osteoblastogenesis-related genes were upregulated, while TRAP activity and osteoclast-related gene expression were significantly inhibited. The combined extract exerted a synergistic effect, with SH28 showing the most pronounced osteogenic enhancement and TRAP inhibition. Key components, including neo-CGA, CGA, rutin, and luteolin-7-O-glucoside, positively influenced ALP and TRAP activities. These findings highlight the potential of SH, particularly at a high leaf-to-fruit ratio, as a promising natural agent for osteoporosis prevention. Full article

Introduction: Although significant advancements have been made in surgical techniques for reconstructing severely resorbed alveolar bone, achieving predictable regeneration remains a considerable challenge. Many conventional ridge augmentation methods require extended edentulous healing periods and multiple surgical interventions. This clinical study introduces a simplified approach to advanced ridge augmentation using a wide-head tent-pole screw (WHTPS), aimed at enhancing procedural efficiency and achieving predictable clinical outcomes. Material and Methods: Thirteen patients with severely vertically resorbed mandibular segments or completely edentulous alveolar ridges—each presenting with a minimum vertical bone defect of 5 mm—were included in this study. A single WHTPS was placed at the most severe bone defect site, followed by bone grafting and coverage with a resorbable membrane. Postoperative panoramic radiographs were taken immediately after surgery and again on the day of WHTPS removal, following a healing period of 3 to 6 months. An additional follow-up radiograph was obtained after final prosthesis placement, with an average follow-up period of 5.5 months, to assess changes in the augmented bone. Patients were monitored clinically for a period ranging from 8 to 20 months (mean: 14.9 months). Results: The average vertical bone gain immediately after surgery was 8.86 mm (SD ± 2.59 mm), while an average bone resorption of 1.49 mm (17.79%) was observed during the follow-up period. Conclusions: A single WHTPS effectively stabilized the graft material in cases of severe alveolar bone loss, thereby preventing its resorption and displacement. Further clinical studies are necessary to validate its long-term effectiveness. Full article