Objective To study the correlation between the expression of activator protein-1 (c-Fos/c-Jun) mRNA and gingival inflammation,so as to discuss the pathogenesis of periodontitis.Methods The gingival tissues were divided into three groups according to the gingival index (GI),including GI=0 group (control group,14 cases),GI=1 group (15 cases) and GI=2 group (11 cases).The total RNA in each gingival tissue was extracted,and cDNA was synthesized by reverse transcription synthesis.The expressions of c-Fos and c-Jun mRNA in healthy gingival tissue (GI=0 group) were detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction.The levels of c-Fos and c-Jun mRNA in all the groups were detected by real-time quantitative PCR.Results Both c-Fos and c-Jun mRNA was expressed in healthy gingival tissues.The levels of c-Fos and c-Jun mRNA in GI=1 group was 15.58±9.19 and 3.47± 1.77,respectively,which was significantly higher than 1.31±1.03 and 1.32±0.94 in GI=0 group,and the differences were statistically significant (all P＜0.05).The level of c-Fos mRNA in GI=2 group was 3.01±1.48,which was lower than that in GI=1 group (P＜0.05) and higher than that in GI=0 group (P＜0.05).The level of c-Jun mRNA in GI=2 group was 1.48±0.65,which was lower than that in GI=1 group,and had no significant difference with GI=0 group (P＞ 0.05).Conclusions Activator protein-1 (c-Fos/c-Jun) is associated with the degree of gingival inflammation,suggesting that it is involved in the occurrence and development of gingival inflammation.

Objective To investigate the factors related to the depression in the retired old army officers in Beijing, to establish effective nursing intervention on these factors. Methods Various factors related to depression were investigate using questionnaire in 500 retired army officers. Results Among 500 subjects, 23.0% (115/500) were with minor depression, 6.4% (32/500) with moderate depression, while 1.6% with severe depression. Subjects whose wife were still alive had much less incurrence rate of depression than ones remarried or widowed. The less time after retirement and less satisfaction in life were other important factors related to depression. Conclusion Psychological care should be emphasized on widowed, freshly retired, or people feeling less satisfactory in life. Active nursing intervention should be applied to lower the harmful effect of depression on health.

Objective To investigate the change of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) in the skin of diabetic rats, and to explore the potential role of MMP-9/TIMP-1. Methods Diabetic rats were induced with streptozotocin (STZ). Then all rats were maintained for 6 weeks. Routine pathological examination and immnnohistochemistry were made to reveal the histological and cytological appearances. RT-PCR and Western blotting were used to detect the expression of mRNA and protein of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 in the skin. Results Six weeks after STZ treatment, examination of HE-stained skin sections from normal and diabetic animals revealed that the epidermis and dermis layers were thinner in diabetic rats than those in control rats. The skin of diabetic rats showed features of atrophy such as disorganization of connective tissue fiber bundles and enlarged space between collagen fiber bundles. In contrast, thick bundles of connective tissue were observed in the dermis of normal rat skin. In normal skin, cells had a bipolar, spindle-shaped appearance in the thick collagen bundles, while in the skin of diabetic animals the interstitial cells had a rounded, shrunken and crenated appearance. The relative values of expression of MMP-9 in diabetic group were higher than those in normal group with significant difference, however, the relative values of expression of TIMP-I in diabetic group were lower than those in control group. Conclusion The changes in cutaneous histology and cytology appear earlier than skin wound. These "underlying disorders" may be associated with the imbalance of MMP-9/TIMP-1.

BACKGROUND: Studies demonstrated that small intestinal submucosa (SIS) had no immunogenicity, which can not lead to rejection following transplantation, thus, this is an ideal skin substitutes for natural skin.OBJECTIVE: Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) gene was transfected into bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs),and combined the cells with SIS to construct tissue-engineered skin.METHODS: BMSCs were obtained from Japanese big-earad rabbits, and in vitro cultured. Then the subculturad BMSCs were transfected by pCDNA3.1 plasmid, followed by incubation on swine SIS to construct the tissue-engineered skin. The growth of cells and phenotype of BMSCs were detected by flow cytometry. In addition, the result of transfecting BMSCs with pCDNA-bFGF vector was measured by Western blot, and the structure of tissue-engineered skin was observed.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: After passaged, BMSCs were grown quickly with Iong-fusiform shape. The cells were positive expressed CD90 and CD44, but negative expressed CD45. bFGF had been transfected into BMSCs, and stable expressed. The transfected BMSCs grew well in SIS. By this method, tissue-engineered skin can be constructed in vitro.

BACKGROUND: Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) has significant promotion effects on repair in trauma, but local application cannot play a role for a long time.OBJECTIVE: To observe expression of bFGF gene in rabbit bone marrow mesenchymai stem cells (BMSCs) following transfection.DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING: The cytogene in vitro observation was performed at the College of Life Science, Yunnan University from March to August 2009.MATERIALS: One Japan flap-eared rabbit was purchased from the Department of Animal, Kunming Medical College. pCDNA3.1plasmid (Invitrogen, USA) was used in this study.METHODS: Bone marrow was extracted from rabbit anterior superior iliac spine. BMSCs were harvested by the adherent method.Cells were digested and subcultured when 80% confluent. According to GeneBank bFGF cDNA sequence, gene was designed and synthesized. Following electropherosis, the gel was retrieved using xhol I, BamH I enzyme digestion. Restriction enzyme was used to perform enzyme digestion, electropherosis and gene recovery in PcDNA Vector plasmid. bFGF DNA was connected with PcDNA Vector plasmid. PcDNA-bFGF eukaryotic expression vector was constructed. Recombinant was transfected into rabbit BMSCs using liposome infection protocol, and stable transfected line was screened.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: BMSC surface antigen expression was measured. Western blot was utilized to determine the expression of target protein.RESULTS: Results of flow cytometry showed that cultured cells were positive for CD90 and CD44, but negative for CD45.Results of immunohistochemistry demonstrated that vessel-derived BMSCs were negative for CD34, but positive for CD44. In cell disruption liquid of bFGF-transfected BMSCs, a significant positive zone of hybridization was visible at M, 23 000. However, no positive band was found in protein from pCDNA3.1(-) blank vector-transfected BMSCs.CONCLUSION: The bFGF gene was successfully transfected into BMSCs, and this target gene can stably express.

Objective To investigate the pluripotency of human gingival fibroblasts (hGFs), and provide a novel cell source for tissue engineering. Methods With informed consent from volunteers, fresh and healthy gingiva were collected. The hGFs were obtained from the gingiva by tissue culture. The third passage of hGFs was cultured in osteogenic medium, chondrogenic medium and adipogenic medium. Cells without differentiation were taken as control. Cells were examined by al?kaline phosphatase (ALP) staining, Alizarin red staining, Alcian blue staining and oil red O staining for detecting of the abili?ty of differentiation pluripotency. Real-time polymerase chain reaction was applied to examine the expression of osteogenic marker genes ALP, runt-related transcript factor 2 (Runx2), chondrogenic marker aggrecan (AGR) and adipogenic marker peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma 2 (PPARγ2). Results The hGFs cultured in osteogenic medium showed massive violet deposit at day 7 and calcium nodulus at day 28, meanwhile, the expressions of ALP and Runx2 were higher than those of control (P<0.01). In chondrogenic group cells were found blue deposit at day 14. In adipogenic group lipid-filled droplets stained with oil red O were found in cells at day 14. However, hGFs in control group had no any positive stain?ing. Furthermore, expressions of AGR and PPARγ2 were significantly higher than those of control (P<0.01). Conclusion Human gingival fibroblasts have the pluripotency of osteogenic, adipogenic and chondrogenic differentiation.

Endo-periodontal lesions(EPLs)involve both the periodontium and pulp tissue and have complicated etiologies and pathogenic mechanisms,including unique anatomical and microbiological characteristics and multiple contributing factors.This etiological complexity leads to difficulties in determining patient prognosis,posing great challenges in clinical practice.Furthermore,EPL-affected teeth require multidisciplinary therapy,including periodontal therapy,endodontic therapy and others,but there is still much debate about the appropriate timing of periodontal therapy and root canal therapy.By compiling the most recent findings on the etiology,pathogenesis,clinical characteristics,diagnosis,therapy,and prognosis of EPL-affected teeth,this consensus sought to support clinicians in making the best possible treatment decisions based on both biological and clinical evidence.

Objective: To investigate the effects and mechanisms of microRNA-146a (miR-146a) on osteogenic differentiation of human periodontal ligament cells (hPDLC) stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg). Methods: hPDLC were cultured in vitro and induced to the phase of osteogenic differentiation. These cells were divided into five groups: non-osteogenic differentiation cells, osteogenic differentiation cells, osteogenic differentiation cells treated with Pg LPS, osteogenic differentiation cells treated with Pg LPS and miR-146a mimic, osteogenic differentiation cells treated with Pg LPS and miR-146a negative control. Osteogenic markers and mineralization were detected via quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) and alizarin red staining, respectively. Meanwhile, non-radioactive transcription factor assay was applied to explore the nuclear activity of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) p65 in nuclear extracts of hPDLC. Results: Compared with cells of osteogenic differentiation in non-LPS-stimulated groups, Pg LPS could decrease the markers of osteogenic differentiation of hPDLC such as collagen Ⅰ (Col-Ⅰ), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Runt-related transcription factor-2 (RUNX2) and osteocalcin (OCN) (P<0.05), inhibit mineralization, and stimulate NF-κB p65 nuclear activity expression (non-LPS stimulated group: 1.023±0.217, LPS stimulated group: 6.252±0.613, P=0.008). However, compared with cells in Pg LPS/miR-146a negative control group, miR-146a increased Col-Ⅰ (P=0.007) and OCN (P=0.049) mRNA expression, rather than ALP (P=0.167) and RUNX2 (P=0.580) at day 3; miR-146a also upregulated mRNA levels of Col-Ⅰ, ALP, RUNX2 and OCN (P<0.05) at day 7 and day 14, and enhance mineralization. Meanwhile, miR-146a mimic could decrease the nuclear activity of NF-κB p65 induced by Pg LPS in hPDLC (miR-146a: 2.427±0.354, negative control: 5.863±0.482, P=0.019). Conclusions miR-146a could reverse the inhibitory effects of Pg LPS on osteogenic differentiation of hPDLC through enhancing the expression of osteogenic markers and decreasing inflammatory pathway in hPDLC.