Oral - Health, Diseases, Therapies, and Technologies

Background: Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory condition characterized by progressive destruction of the supporting tissues of the teeth. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as key post-transcriptional regulators of immune and inflammatory responses; however, their coordinated expression patterns in periodontal disease remain incompletely understood. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the expression of miR-141-3p, miR-146a-5p, and miR-148b-3p in periodontal disease and to explore their potential co-regulation in relation to periodontal inflammation. Methods: Gingival samples were collected from individuals with periodontal disease and periodontally healthy controls. miRNA expression levels were quantified by real-time quantitative PCR using TaqMan assays and normalized to miR-191-5p. Relative expression was calculated using the ΔΔCt method. Statistical analyses included group comparisons and correlation analyses to assess relationships among miRNA expression levels. Results: miR-146a-5p expression was significantly reduced in periodontal disease compared with healthy controls (p < 0.05), while miR-141-3p showed a consistent downward trend without reaching statistical significance. No significant differences were observed for miR-148b-3p expression between groups. Notably, strong positive correlations were identified among the three miRNAs, indicating coordinated expression patterns independent of disease stage or grade. Conclusions: The findings demonstrate altered expression of miR-146a-5p and coordinated regulation of miR-141-3p, miR-146a-5p, and miR-148b-3p in periodontal disease. These results support the concept that miRNAs act within regulatory networks rather than as isolated markers and contribute to a more nuanced understanding of miRNA-mediated regulation in periodontal inflammation.

Background: Periodontitis is a disease characterized by the destruction of periodontal tissue and tooth loss. The molecular mechanisms behind this disease, however, are not clearly understood. Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent, lipid peroxidation-driven form of regulated cell death that seems to play a role in periodontal pathogenesis by increasing oxidative stress and reducing tissue regeneration. Objective: The current narrative review aims to summarize current knowledge of the involvement of ferroptosis in periodontal tissue destruction and potentially to identify new targets of therapy. Methods: A comprehensive search of PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases was conducted. Original human, animal, and in vitro studies published in English were selected. Data on experimental models, molecular markers, and key outcomes were extracted and synthesized in the review. Results: After screening, four studies were identified and selected. Ferroptosis activation in periodontal ligament fibroblasts, stem cells, and gingival tissues was associated with increased ACSL4 and decreased GPX4 expression, iron accumulation, and oxidative stress. The administration of Ferrostatin-1 or antioxidants like curcumin seemed to reduce inflammation and alveolar bone loss in vivo. Transcriptomic analyses further revealed immune-related ferroptosis gene signatures in human periodontitis tissues. Conclusions: Ferroptosis represents a crucial mechanism in periodontal tissue destruction through not yet completely understood. Understanding these molecular pathways could be the key to developing new therapeutic strategies for periodontal treatment.

Objective: Bilateral cleft lip and palate (BCLP) is a craniofacial malformation often associated with anatomical and functional impairments, including a shallow oral vestibule in the premaxillary region. This condition requires a vestibuloplasty to restore the space between the teeth and upper lip, also improving aesthetics. Traditional techniques frequently require autologous grafts, leading to increased morbidity. Tissue bioengineering provides suitable alternatives. Methods: We present the case of a 19-year-old female, who had undergone several surgeries for BCLP management, complaining of a lack of upper lip projection and an insufficient vestibular dept in the premaxilla region. We reported short-term follow-up using Acellular Fish Skin Graft (AFSG, Kerecis™) as a substitute to autologous graft to perform a vestibuloplasty. Outcome assessment was based on clinical measurements. Results: The graft showed early signs of vascularization. Clinical outcomes included improved vestibular depth, from 1 mm preoperatively to 8 mm, upper lip projection, and functional mobility after a six-month follow-up period. The patient experienced an uneventful recovery and was satisfied with the aesthetic result. Conclusions: This case, presenting the first application of AFSG in vestibuloplasty, tends to reassure us about its safety. AFSG might be an effective biocompatible alternative to autologous grafts in vestibuloplasty, offering promising results in mucogingival reconstruction. Further studies are needed to confirm long-term stability and integration in oral tissues.