• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.40
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• pp.34.1-34.8
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• 2018

Background: Radiation therapy is widely employed in the treatment of head and neck cancer. Adverse effects of therapeutic irradiation include delayed bone healing after dental extraction or impaired bone regeneration at the irradiated bony defect. Development of a reliable experimental model may be beneficial to study tissue regeneration in the irradiated field. The current study aimed to develop a relevant animal model of post-radiation cranial bone defect. Methods: A lead shielding block was designed for selective external irradiation of the mouse calvaria. Critical-size calvarial defect was created 2 weeks after the irradiation. The defect was filled with a collagen scaffold, with or without incorporation of bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2) (1 ㎍/ml). The non-irradiated mice treated with or without BMP-2-included scaffold served as control. Four weeks after the surgery, the specimens were harvested and the degree of bone formation was evaluated by histological and radiographical examinations. Results: BMP-2-treated scaffold yielded significant bone regeneration in the mice calvarial defects. However, a single fraction of external irradiation was observed to eliminate the bone regeneration capacity of the BMP-2-incorporated scaffold without influencing the survival of the animals. Conclusion: The current study established an efficient model for post-radiation cranial bone regeneration and can be applied for evaluating the robust bone formation system using various chemokines or agents in unfavorable, demanding radiation-related bone defect models.

• International Journal of Oral Biology
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.33-43
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• 2008

In the process of bone remodeling, mineral phase of bone is dissolved by osteoclasts, resulting in elevation of calcium concentration in micro-environment. This study was performed to explore the effect of high extracellular calcium ($Ca{^{2+}}_e$) on mineralized nodule formation and on the expression of progressive ankylosis (Ank), plasma cell membrane glycoprotein-1 (PC-1) and osteopontin by primary cultured mouse calvarial cells. Osteoblastic differentiation and mineralized nodule formation was induced by culture of mouse calvarial cells in osteoblast differentiation medium containing ascorbic acid and ${\beta}$-glycerophosphate. Although Ank, PC-1 and osteopontin are well known inhibitors of mineralization, expression of these genes were induced at the later stage of osteoblast differentiation during when expression of osteocalcin, a late marker gene of osteoblast differentiation, was induced and mineralization was actively progressing. High $Ca{^{2+}}_e$(10 mM) treatment highly enhanced mRNA expression of Ank, PC-1 and osteopontin in the late stage of osteoblast differentiation but not in the early stage. Inhibition of p44/42 MAPK activation but not that of protein kinase C suppressed high $Ca{^{2+}}_{e^-}$induced expression of Ank, PC-1 and osteopontin. When high $Ca{^{2+}}_e$(5 mM or 10 mM) was present in culture medium during when mineral deposition was actively progressing, matrix calcifiation was significantly increased by high $Ca{^{2+}}_e$. This stimulatory effect was abolished by pyrophosphate (5 mM) or levamisole (0.1-0.5 mM), an alkaline phosphatase inhibitor. In addition, probenecid (2mM), an inhibitor of Ank, suppressed matrix calcification in both control and high $Ca{^{2+}}_{e^-}$treated group, suggesting the possible role of Ank in matrix calcification by osteoblasts. Taken together, these results showed that high $Ca{^{2+}}_e$ stimulates expression of Ank, PC-1 and osteopontin as well as matrix calcification in late differentiation stage of osteoblasts and that p44/42 MAPK activation is involved in high $Ca{^{2+}}_{e^-}$induced expression of Ank, PC-1 and osteopontin.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.189-194
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• 2015

Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) is one of the most important bacteria in the formation of dental plaque and dental caries. S. mutans adheres to an acquired pellicle formed on the tooth surface, and aggregates with many oral bacteria, and initiates plaque formation by synthesizing glucan from sucrose, which is catalyzed by glucosyltransferases. S. mutans metabolizes the dietary sugar to the organic acids. The organic acids demineralize tooth surface and result in dental caries. Galla Chinensis have been traditionally used for stopping bleeding of gingiva, removing edema and halitosis, drainage, fixing the teeth and as an antiphlogistic agent. In previous reports, antibacterial effects of Galla Chinensis have been investigated whereas anti-cariogenic effects is still not examined enough. Therefore we tested effects of ethanol extracts of Galla Chinensis on the cariogenic properties such as the growth, acid production, adhesion, and insoluble glucan synthesis of S. mutans. In the result, ethanol extracts of Galla Chinensis showed the inhibition of S. mutans growth and organic acids production over 0.031 mg/ml concentrations. The adhesion of S. mutans to Saliva-coated Hydroxyapatite beads S-HAs has decreased with the increase of concentration of ethanol extracts of Galla Chinensis. And it seems to have adhesion inhibitory effect in concentration of over 0.25 mg/ml. It gives us the result that Galla Chinensis have anti-caries effects. But ethanol extract of Galla Chinensis didn't have inhibitory effect on insoluble glucan synthesis. Preliminary phytochemical analysis of the ethanol extract of Galla Chinensis showed strong phenolic compounds, medium steroids & terpenoids and glycosides, and weak organic acids and peptides. These results suggest that the ethanol extracts of Galla Chinensis may have anti-cariogenic properties, which may be able to be related with strong phenolic compounds.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.9 no.4
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• pp.239-246
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• 2005

In the central nervous system, nitric oxide (NO) is associated with many pathological diseases such as brain ischemia, neurodegeneration and inflammation. The epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a major compound of green tea, is recognized as protective substance against neuronal diseases. This study is aimed to investigate the effect of EGCG on NO-induced cell death in PC12 cells. Administration of sodium nitroprusside (SNP), a NO donor, decreased cell viability in a dose- and time-dependent manner and induced genomic DNA fragmentation with cell shrinkage and chromatin condensation. EGCG diminished the decrement of cell viability and the formation of apoptotic morphologenic changes as well as DNA fragmentation by SNP. EGCG played as an antioxidant that attenuated the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by SNP. The cells treated with SNP showed downregulation of Bcl-2, but upregulation of Bax. EGCG ameliorated the altered expression of Bcl-2 and Bax by SNP. The release of cytochrome c from mitochondria into cytosol and expression of voltage -dependent anion channel (VDAC)1, a cytochrome c releasing channel in mitochondria, were increased in SNP-treated cells, whereas were attenuated by EGCG. The enhancement of caspase-9, preceding mitochondria-dependent pathway, caspase-8 and death receptor-dependent pathway, as well as caspase-3 activities were suppressed by EGCG. SNP upragulated Fas and Fas-L, which are death receptor assembly, whereas EGCG ameliorated the expression of Fas enhanced by SNP. These results demonstrated that EGCG has a protective effect against SNP-induced apoptosis in PC12 cells, through scavenging ROS and regulating the mitocondria- and death receptor-mediated signal pathway. The present study suggest that EGCG might be a natural neuroprotective substance.

• International Journal of Oral Biology
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• v.39 no.2
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• pp.65-73
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• 2014

Chios Gum Mastic (CGM) is a natural resin extracted from the leaves of Pistacia lentiscus, a plant endemic to the Greek island of Chios. It has been used by traditional healers, and it has antibacterial, antifungal properties, and therapeutic benefits for the skin. The CGM reduces the formation of dental plaque and bacterial growth in oral saliva, and recent studies have demonstrated the role of antioxidant activity of CGM. Although CGM has been widely investigated, its protective effect against oxidative-damage to keratinocytes, as well as the relationship between CGM and autophagy, has not been investigated. The aim of this study was to assess the protective effect of CGM against $H_2O_2$-induced oxidative stress and to evaluate the autophagic features induced by CGM in human keratinocytes. The pretreatment with CGM significantly reduced apoptosis in $H_2O_2$-exposed HaCaT cells. It promoted the degradation of caspase-3, caspase-8, and caspase-9; and it induced the formation of the processed PARP. The treatment with CGM caused an increase in vesicle formation compared to control group. The level of p62 was reduced and the conversion of LC3-I to LC3-II was increased in CGM treated HaCaT cells. Also, the treatment with CGM increased cleavage of ATG5-ATG12 complex. In summary, CGM helps the cells to survive under stressful conditions by preventing apoptosis and enhancing autophagy. Besides, the present investigation provides evidence to support the antioxidant potential of CGM in vitro and opens up a new horizon for future experiments.

• International Journal of Oral Biology
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• v.45 no.3
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• pp.99-106
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• 2020

Ficus carica L. (fig) is one of the first cultivated crops and is as old as humans. This plant has been extensively used as a traditional medicine for treating diseases, such as cough, indigestion, nutritional anemia, and tuberculosis. However, the physiological activity of fig leaves on oral cancer is as yet unknown. In this study, we investigated the anticancer effect of methanol extracts of Ficus carica (MeFC) and the mechanism of cell death in human FaDu hypopharyngeal squamous carcinoma cells. MeFC decreased the viability of oral cancer (FaDu) cells but did not affect the viability of normal (L929) cells, as determined by 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay and Live and Dead assay. In addition, MeFC induced apoptosis through the proteolytic cleavage of procaspase-3, -9, poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), downregulation of Bcl-2, and upregulation of Bax, as determined by 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole dihydrochloride staining and western blot analysis. Moreover, a concentration of MeFC without cytotoxicity (0.25 mg/mL) significantly suppressed colony formation, a hallmark of cancer development, and completely inhibited the colony formation at 1 mg/mL. Collectively, these results suggest that MeFC exhibits a potent anticancer effect by suppressing the growth of oral cancer cells and colony formation via caspase- and mitochondrial-dependent apoptotic pathways in FaDu human hypopharyngeal squamous carcinoma cells. Therefore, the methanol extract of Ficus carcica leaves provide a natural chemotherapeutic drug for human oral cancer.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.327-334
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• 2015

The cytoprotective enzyme heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) influences endothelial cell survival, proliferation, inflammatory response, and angiogenesis in response to various angiogenic stimuli. In this study, we investigate the involvement of HO-1 in the angiogenic activity of orexin-A. We showed that orexin-A stimulates expression and activity of HO-1 in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Furthermore, we showed that inhibition of HO-1 by tin (Sn) protoporphryin-IX (SnPP) reduced orexin- A-induced angiogenesis in vivo and ex vivo. Orexin-A-stimulated endothelial tube formation and chemotactic activity were also blocked in SnPP-treated vascular endothelial cells. Orexin-A treatment increased the expression of nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2 related factor 2 (Nrf2), and antioxidant response element (ARE) luciferase activity, leading to induction of HO-1. Collectively, these findings indicate that HO-1 plays a role as an important mediator of orexin-A-induced angiogenesis, and provide new possibilities for therapeutic approaches in pathophysiological conditions associated with angiogenesis.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.420-424
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• 2002

The purpose of this study is to investigate anticariotic activity of the ethyl acetate soluble extract of Sophora flavescens Ait. for the prevention of dental caries and glucosyltransferase activity caused by Streptococcus mutans. The fraction 5-4-3 showed strong growth inhibition activity against Streptococcus mutans (MIC, 3.13 $\mu\textrm{g}$/ml). The glucosyltransferase activity of the active fraction 5-4-3 inhibited the formation of glucan and showed 77% of the antiproliferative effect at 100 $\mu\textrm{g}$/ml (P<0.05). Two flavanones, (2S)-2'-methoxy kurarinone (1) and (+)-kurarinone (2), were isolated from the active fraction 5-4-3 of the ethyl acetate soluble extract of S. flavescens Ait. Their structures were elucidated using spectroscopic methods.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.665-683
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• 2002

A novel glucanhydrolase from a mutant of Lipomyces starkeyi KSM 22 has additional amylase activity besides mutanolytic activity and has been suggested as promising anti-plaque agent. It has been shown effective in hydrolysis of mutan, reduction of mutan formation by Streptococcus mutans and removal pre-formed sucrose-dependent adherent microbial film and has been strongly bound to hydroxyapatitie. These in vitro properties of Lipomyces starkeyi KSM 22 glucanhydrolase are desirable for its application as a dental plaque control agent. In human experimental gingivitis　model and 6 month clinical trial, mouthrinsing with Lipomyces　starkeyi KSM 22 dextranase was comparable to 0.12% chlorhexidine mouthwash in inhibition of plaque accumulation and gingival inflammation and local side effect was negligible. This study was aimed to evaluate the cytotoxic effect of Lipomyces starkeyi KSM 22 glucanhydrolase on human gingival fibroblasts. Primary culture of human gingival fibroblasts at the 4th to 6th passages were used. Glucanhydrolase solution was made from lyophilized glucanhydrolase powder from a mutant of Lipomyces stakeyi KSM 22 solved in PBS and added to DMEM medium to the final concentration of 0.5, 1, and 2 unit. Cells were exposed to glucanhydrolase solution or 0.1 % chlorhexidine and the cells cultured in DMEM with 10% FBS and 1% antibiotics as control. After exposure, the morphological change, cell attachment, and cell activity by MTT assay were evaluated in 0.5, 1.5, 3, 6, 24 hours after treatment. The cell proliferation and cell activity was also evaluated at 2 and 7 days after 1 minute exposure, twice a day. The cell morphology was similar between the Lipomyces smkeyi KSM 22 glucanhydrolase groups and control group during the incubation periods, while most fibroblasts remained as round cell regardless of incubation time in the chlorhexidine group. The numbers of the attached cells in the glucanhydrolase groups were comparable to that of control and significantly higher than the chlorhexidine group. The numbers of the proliferated cells in the glucanhydrolase groups at 7 days of incubation were comparable to the control group and higher than the chlorhexidine group. The cell activity in glucanhydrolase groups paralleled with the increased cell number by attachment and proliferation. According to these results, Lipomyces starkeyj KSM 22 glucanhydrolase has little harmful effect on attachment and proliferation of human gingival fibroblasts, in contrast to 0.1% chlorhexidine which was cytotoxic to human gingival fibroblasts. Therefore this glucanhydrolase preparation is considered as a safe and promising agent for new mouthwash formula in the near future.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.401-420
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• 2001

A novel glucanhydrolase from a mutant of Lipomyces starkeyi(KSM 22)has been shown effective in hydrolysis of mutan, reduction of mutan formation by Streptococcus mutans and removal pre-formed sucrose-dependent adherent microbial film and Lipomyces starkeyi KSM 22 dextranase has been strongly bound to hydroxyapatitie. These in vitro properties of Lipomyces starkeyi KSM 22 dextranase are desirable for its application as a dental plaque control agent. This study was performed to determine oral hygiene benefits and safety of dextranase(Lipomyces starkeyi KSM 22 dextranase)-containing mouthwash in human experimental gingivitis. This 3-week clinical trial was placebo-controlled double-blind design evaluating 1U/ml dextranase mouthwash and 0.12% chlorhexidine mouthwash. A total 39 systemically healthy subjects, who had moderate levels of plaque and gingivitis were included. At baseline, 1, 2 and 3 weeks, subjects were scored for plaque(Silness and $L{\ddot{o}e$ plaque index and plaque severity index), gingivitis($L{\ddot{o}e$ and Silness gingival index), and at baseline and 3 weeks of experiment, subjects were scored for plaque(Turesky-Quingley-Hein's plaque index and plaque severity index), tooth stain(Area and severity index system by Lang et al). Additionally, oral mucosal examinations were performed and subjects questioned for adverse symptoms. Two weeks after pre-experiment examinations and a professional prophylaxis, the subjects provided with allocated mousewash and instructed to use 20-ml volumes for 30s twice dailywithout toothbrushing. All the groups showed significant increase in plaque accumulation since 1 week of experiment. During 3 weeks' period, the dextranase group showed the least increase in plaque accumulation of Silness and $L{\ddot{o}e$ plaque index, compared to the chlorhexidine and placebo groups, but chlorhexidine group showed the least increase inplaque accumulation of Turesky-Quingley-Hein's plaque index. As for gingival inflammation, all the groups showed significant increase during 3 weeks of experiment. The dextranase group also showed the least increase in gingival index score, compared to the chlorhexidine as well as the placebo groups. Whereas the tooth stain was increased significantly in the chlorhexidine group, compared to the baseline score and the placebo group since 3 weeks of mouthrinsing. It was significantly increased after 3 weeks in the dextranase group, still less severe than the chlorhexidine group. As for the oral side effect, the dextranase group showed less tongue accumulation, bad taste, compared to the chlorhexidine group. From these results, mouthrinsing with Lipomyces starkeyi KSM 22 dextranase was comparable to 0.12% chlorhexidine mouthwashin inhibition of plaque accumulation and gingival inflammation and local side effects were if anything less frequent and less intense than chlorhexidine, in human experimental gingivitis. All data had provided positive evidence for Lipomyces starkeyi KSM 22 dextranase as an antiplaque agent and suggested that further development of dextranase formulations for plaque control are warranted.