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Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) is a Gram-negative anaerobe involved in the pathogenesis of chronic periodontitis, including local inflammation of the oral cavity. However, periodontal disease has recently been identified as a significant factor in the pathogenesis of neural diseases, including Alzheimer's disease. A virulence factor, P. gingivalis-lipopolysaccharide (LPS-PG), is involved in pro-inflammatory responses, not only in peripheral tissues but also in the brain. In this study, we examined whether P. gingivalis-induced brain inflammation could be ameliorated by pharmacotherapy, using in vivo and in vitro studies. In an animal experiment, peripheral administration of LPS-PG induced inflammation in the hippocampus via microglial activation, which was inhibited by pre-treatment with the antidepressant imipramine. Similarly, LPS-PG-induced inflammation in MG-6 cells, a mouse microglial cell line, was inhibited by pre-treatment with imipramine, which caused imipramine-induced inhibition of NF-κB signaling. Culture media obtained from LPS-PG-treated MG-6 cells induced neuronal cell death in Neuro-2A cells, a mouse neuroblastoma cell line, which was prevented by pre-treatment of MG-6 cells with imipramine. These results indicate that imipramine inhibits LPS-PG-induced inflammatory responses in microglia and ameliorates periodontal disease-related neural damage.

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is one of the most common types of human cancer. Typically, HNSCC cells show persistent invasion that frequently leads to local recurrence and distant lymphatic metastasis. However, molecular mechanisms associated with the invasion and metastasis of HNSCC remain poorly understood. Here, we identified periostin as an invasion-promoting factor in HNSCC by comparing the gene expression profiles between parent HNSCC cells and a highly invasive clone. Indeed, periostin overexpression promoted invasion and anchorage-independent growth both in vitro and in vivo in HNSCC cells. Moreover, periostin-overexpressing cells spontaneously metastasized to cervical lymph nodes and to the lung through their aggressive invasiveness in an orthotopic mouse model of HNSCC. Interestingly, periostin was highly expressed in HNSCCs in comparison with normal tissues, and the level of periostin expression was well correlated with the invasiveness of HNSCC cases. In summary, these findings suggest that periostin plays an important role in the invasion and anchorage-independent growth of HNSCC. (Cancer Res 2006; 66(14): 6928-35)

Supplementary Data 2 from Periostin Promotes Invasion and Anchorage-Independent Growth in the Metastatic Process of Head and Neck Cancer

Supplementary Data 1 from Periostin Promotes Invasion and Anchorage-Independent Growth in the Metastatic Process of Head and Neck Cancer

Although recent echocardiographic studies have suggested that left atrial appendage (LAA) remodeling contributes to the development of LAA thrombus (LAAT), histological evidence is absent. The objective of this study was to examine clinical parameters and histological findings to clarify the factors involved in LAAT formation.A total of 64 patients (no atrial fibrillation [AF], N = 22; paroxysmal AF, N = 16; nonparoxysmal AF, N = 26) who underwent LAA excision during surgery were enrolled. Transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography were performed before surgery. We evaluated the fibrosis burden (%) in the excised LAA sections with Azan-Mallory staining in patients with a LAAT compared with those without.Patients with paroxysmal and non-paroxysmal AF had a higher LAA fibrosis burden than those without AF (p = .005 and p .0001, respectively). Among the patients enrolled, 16 had a LAAT and 15 of them had nonparoxysmal AF. Among the nonparoxysmal AF patients, those with a LAAT had significantly higher LAA fibrosis burden than those without (23.8% [14.8%-40.3%] vs. 12.8% [7.4%-18.2%], p = .004) and echocardiographic parameters of the left atrial volume index (R = 0.543, p = .01), LAA depth (R = 0.452, p = .02), and LAA flow velocity (R = - 0.487, p = .01) were correlated with the LAA fibrosis burden.This study provided histological evidence that LAA fibrosis is related to LAAT formation. Echocardiographic parameters of LAA remodeling and function were correlated with the LAA fibrosis burden.

The diagnosis of ameloblastic carcinoma is based on a combination of cytological features of malignancy and histological pattern of an ameloblastoma. We report a very rare case of ameloblastic carcinoma arising from a pre-existing ameloblastoma of the maxilla with challenging diagnostic aspects due to atypical histology. A 74-year-old female with a swelling in the right maxillary region was referred to our hospital in March 2015. Intraoral examination revealed a 45 × 30 mm sized swelling extending from the right upper first premolar to the maxillary tuberosity. Radiographic examination revealed a tumor mass with heterogeneous enhancement from the right maxillary alveolar area to the maxillary sinus, invading the pterygopalatine fossa under the cranial base, with bone destruction of the alveolar bone, floor of the maxillary sinus, and pterygoid plate. Incisional biopsy results revealed round or short spindle cells with clear cytoplasm, with low mitotic activity, cellular atypism, and Ki-67 labeling index. A low grade malignant epithelial tumor was suspected. Tumor resection with hemimaxillectomy and partial mandibulectomy was performed in April 2015. The surgical specimen was composed of diffusely distributed spindle cells and clusters of round cells with clear cytoplasm, similar to the biopsy findings. Although cellular atypism was scant, Ki-67 labeling index was high in most sections. Ameloblastoma was detected in part of the tumor and a definitive diagnosis of ameloblastic carcinoma was made. The patient died of metastatic colon cancer 3 years and 10 months post-operatively; there was no evidence of recurrence and metastasis of ameloblastic carcinoma in that duration.

AIM Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a critical liver disease showing potential progression to liver cirrhosis/cancer. Previously, we had reported that odontogenic infection of Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis), a major periodontal pathogen, exacerbates fibrosis in NASH through the production of fibrosis mediators such as transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and galectin-3. In this study, we determined the effects of therapeutic interventions using antibiotics on NASH progression induced by P. gingivalis odontogenic infection. MATERIALS AND METHODS To eliminate P. gingivalis infection, the macrolide antibiotic [azithromycin (AZM)] was applied locally and/or systemically to a high-fat-diet-induced NASH mouse model with P. gingivalis odontogenic infection. After treatment with AZM, liver and periodontal tissues were analysed with focus on inflammation markers such as tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)/Tnf-α and interleukin-1β (IL-1β)/Il-1β, and fibrosis markers such as galectin-3, phosphorylated Smad2 (pSmad2; key signalling molecule of TGF-β1), and the number of hepatic crown-like structures (hCLSs). Further, Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Activity Score (NAS), a common histological scoring system, and fibrosis area were evaluated. RESULTS P. gingivalis odontogenic infection significantly increased the expression of Tnf-α, Il-1β, galectin-3, and pSmad2, the number of hCLSs, and NAS score, whereas the elimination of P. gingivalis odontogenic infection, especially local with or without systemic application, significantly inhibited them. CONCLUSION This study suggests that elimination of P. gingivalis odontogenic infection inhibited NASH progression induced by the infection.

The purpose of the present study was to indicate that patients with anti-centromere antibodies (ACA) also experience ocular/oral dryness like patients with anti-Ro/SSA and/or anti-La/SSB antibodies (anti-SSA/SSB). A total of 80 patients with subjective ocular and/or oral dryness were classified into two groups, namely, anti-SSA/SSB-positive (anti-SSA/SSB [+]) group and ACA-positive (ACA [+]) group. The degree of ocular and oral dryness in ACA (+) patients is similar to that in anti-SSA/SSB (+) patients. On histopathological examination of the labial glands, the area of fibrosis was significantly larger in the ACA (+) group than in the anti-SSA/SSB (+) group. Thus, ACA (+) patients should be examined for Sjögren's syndrome.

Periodontal disease is the most prevalent infectious disease, and inflammatory mediators play critical roles in its progression. Therefore, controlling pro-inflammatory cytokine production, especially at initial disease stages, is essential to maintaining gingival and periodontal health. Glycyrrhizin (GL) has an anti-inflammatory effect and has been added to toothpaste and mouth rinse to prevent periodontal disease. However, there is a maximum dose for the use of GL. The aim of the present study is to screen plant extracts which can effectively enhance the effects of GL. The effects of extracts from six different plants on GL-suppressed TNF-α expression in Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (A.a.)-LPS-stimulated human oral keratinocytes (RT7) were examined. Results demonstrated that Equisetum arvense (EA) extract had the strongest additive effect on the suppression of TNF-α by GL at both mRNA and protein levels. In addition, GL downregulated the production of TNF-α by suppressing NF-κB p65 phosphorylation, but not JNK or p38 phosphorylation. In contrast, EA decreased JNK phosphorylation but not NF-κB p65 or p38 phosphorylation. The combination of GL and EA effectively attenuated A.a.-LPS-induced phosphorylation of NF-κB p65 and JNK. Furthermore, an LPS-induced periodontitis rat model showed that GL with EA supplementation significantly downregulated TNF-α mRNA in the gingival tissue. These results indicate that EA can suppress A.a.-LPS-induced pro-inflammatory cytokine production by inhibiting JNK activation and can promote the anti-inflammatory effects of GL. Our findings suggest that a combination of GL and EA may improve the development of new oral hygiene products aimed at enhancing periodontal health.

Deoxycholic acid (DCA), a secondary bile acid, is reportedly increased in the serum of patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and animals with experimentally induced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but its contribution to malignant behaviors of HCC has not been precisely clarified. This study aimed to examine the effect of DCA on hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), a major component of nonparenchymal cells in the liver, and its subsequent indirect effect on HCC cells. LX2 cells, a human HSC line, were treated with DCA in vitro. Then, HuH7 cells, a human hepatoma cell line, were incubated in conditioned media of DCA-treated LX2 to investigate the subsequent effect focusing on malignant behaviors. DCA resulted in cellular senescence in LX2 with the decreased cell proliferation via cell cycle arrest at G0/1 phase, together with the induction of senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) factors. To investigate the influence of SASP factors secreted by HSCs in response to DCA, HCC cells were treated with conditioned media that promoted cell migration and invasion via induction of epithelial mesenchymal transition. These changes were attenuated in the presence of neutralizing antibody against IL8 or TGFβ. Pathological analysis of surgical specimens from HCC patients revealed that senescent HSCs were detected in the stroma surrounding HCC. Our data suggest an important role of HSC senescence caused by DCA for the malignant biological behaviors of HCC via induction of SASP factors, particularly IL8 and TGFβ.

Objectives Lactoferrin (LF) possesses diverse biological functions. We previously reported that bovine LF (bLF) attenuates lipopolysaccharide-induced bone resorption in osteoblasts. In addition to its ability to inhibit osteoclastogenesis, bLF has been implicated in stimulating bone formation. However, the molecular mechanisms of bLF in bone cell anabolism remain unclear. Here, we tried to analyse the molecular mechanisms involved in osteogenesis in the presence of bLF. Methods Alkaline phosphatase activity, Runx2 activity, gene expression, and Alizarin red staining were analyzed to evaluate the osteogenic differentiation status. The expression of the Smads and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling molecules was analyzed via western blotting. Ex vivo organ cultures of mouse calvariae were performed to evaluate the effect of bLF on bone regeneration. Results bLF enhanced the osteoblastic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells through activation of Smad2/3 and p38 MAPK, which increased the transcriptional activity of Runx2. bLF treatment also enhanced osteoblastic differentiation and mineralized nodule formation of osteoblast-lineage cells, and repaired bone defects ex vivo. Moreover, inhibition of Smad2/3 or p38 MAPK signaling reduced the anabolic effects of bLF. Together, these results suggested that bLF is a potent osteogenic factor, which mediates its function via activation of the Smad2/3 and p38 MAPK signaling pathways. Conclusions Here, we described a novel function of bLF and its signal transduction mechanisms in osseous tissue. Along with inhibiting osteoclastogenesis, bLF may limit further osteoclast formation and contribute to bone mass enlargement. Thus, bLF represents a potentially valuable therapeutic agent for bone regeneration and destructive bone diseases.

Age estimation of unidentified bodies is of marked importance in forensic medicine. In previous studies, the analysis of DNA methylation in body fluids led to the identification of several age-related CpG sites in genes such as EDARADD and FHL2. However, limited information is available on whether interethnic differences may affect the age prediction results. In the present study, we examined the effect of ethnicity on the age prediction method based on methylation scores, which were determined via methylation-sensitive high-resolution melting. We found that there was a significant difference in methylation scores between Japanese and Indonesian participants of early 20 s group, and that the nationality coefficient was significant for age estimation when applying the existing method for the analysis of the methylation status of EDARADD and FHL2. This suggests that when using certain biochemical indicators as a predictor of age, the effects of ethnicity on DNA methylation should be considered to improve the accuracy of the estimation.

Genetic alterations and dysregulation of signaling pathways are indispensable for the initiation and progression of cancer. Understanding the genetic, molecular, and signaling diversities in cancer patients has driven a dynamic change in cancer therapy. Patients can select a suitable molecularly targeted therapy or immune checkpoint inhibitor based on the driver gene alterations determined by sequencing of cancer tissue. This “precision medicine” approach requires detailed elucidation of the mechanisms connecting genetic alterations of driver genes and aberrant downstream signaling pathways. The regulatory mechanisms of the Hippo pathway and Yes-associated protein/transcriptional co-activator with PDZ binding motif (YAP/TAZ) that have central roles in cancer cell proliferation are not fully understood, reflecting their recent discovery. Nevertheless, emerging evidence has shown that various genetic alterations dysregulate the Hippo pathway and hyperactivate YAP/TAZ in cancers, including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Here, we summarize the latest evidence linking genetic alterations and the Hippo pathway in HNSCC, with the aim of contributing to the continued development of precision medicine.

Introduction Inflammation is one of the main causes of atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence after ablation. Porphyromonas gingivalis is a key periodontal pathogen in the oral-systemic disease connection and serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody titers against P. gingivalis reflect the clinical status of periodontitis. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between late recurrence of AF after radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) and serum IgG antibody titers against P. gingivalis. Methods A total of 596 AF patients (mean age, 64.9 ± 10.0 years; 69% male; 61% paroxysmal AF) who underwent a first session of RFCA were enrolled. Patients were carefully examined for late recurrence during a mean follow-up period of 17.1 ± 14.5 months. Serum IgG antibody titers against P. gingivalis (types I-IV) were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The results of serum antibody titers were divided into a high-value and a low-value group. Results Among the five P. gingivalis subtypes, serum antibody titer against P. gingivalis type IV was associated with late recurrence (odds ratio, 1.937; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.301-2.884; p = .002). Multivariate Cox proportional-hazards regression analysis revealed that high-value serum antibody titer against P. gingivalis type IV independently predicted late recurrence (paroxysmal AF: adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 1.569; 95% CI, 1.010-2.427; p = .04; non-paroxysmal AF: adjusted HR, 1.909; 95% CI, 1.213-3.005; p = .004). Conclusion Periodontitis was related to the late recurrence of AF after RFCA. P. gingivalis type IV may be pathogenic for AF recurrence after RFCA.

Deoxycholic acid (DCA), a secondary bile acid, is reportedly increased in the serum of patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and animals with experimentally induced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but its contribution to malignant behaviors of HCC has not been precisely clarified. This study aimed to examine the effect of DCA on hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), a major component of nonparenchymal cells in the liver, and its subsequent indirect effect on HCC cells.LX2 cells, a human HSC line, were treated with DCA in vitro. Then, HuH7 cells, a human hepatoma cell line, were incubated in conditioned media of DCA-treated LX2 to investigate the subsequent effect focusing on malignant behaviors.DCA resulted in cellular senescence in LX2 with the decreased cell proliferation via cell cycle arrest at G0/1 phase, together with the induction of senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) factors. To investigate the influence of SASP factors secreted by HSCs in response to DCA, HCC cells were treated with conditioned media that promoted cell migration and invasion via induction of epithelial mesenchymal transition. These changes were attenuated in the presence of neutralizing antibody against IL8 or TGFβ. Pathological analysis of surgical specimens from HCC patients revealed that senescent HSCs were detected in the stroma surrounding HCC.Our data suggest an important role of HSC senescence caused by DCA for the malignant biological behaviors of HCC via induction of SASP factors, particularly IL8 and TGFβ.

Introduction Inflammation and infection, including dental infectious diseases, are factors that can induce preterm birth. We previously reported that mice with dental Porphyromonas gingivalis infection could be used as a model of preterm birth. In this model, cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and interleukin (IL)-1β levels are increased, and P. gingivalis colonies are observed in the fetal membrane. However, the mechanism underlying fetal membrane inflammation remains unknown. Therefore, we investigated the immune responses of human amnion to P. gingivalis in vitro. Methods Epithelial and mesenchymal cells were isolated from human amnion using trypsin and collagenase, and primary cell cultures were obtained. Confluent cells were stimulated with P. gingivalis lipopolysaccharide (P.g-LPS) or P. gingivalis. mRNA expressions of IL-1β, IL-8, IL-6 and COX-2, protein expressions of nuclear factor (NF)-κB pathway components and culture medium levels of prostaglandin E2 were evaluated. Results Following stimulation with 1 μg/mL P.g-LPS, the mRNA expression levels of IL-1β, IL-8, IL-6 and COX-2 in mesenchymal cells were increased 5.9-, 3.3-, 4.2- and 3.1-fold, respectively. Similarly, the expression levels of IL-1β, IL-8, IL-6 and COX-2 in mesenchymal cells were increased by 7.6-, 8.2-, 13.4- and 9.3-fold, respectively, after coculture with P. gingivalis. Additionally, stimulation with P.g-LPS or P. gingivalis resulted in the activation of NF-κB signaling and increased production of IL-1β and prostaglandin E2. In contrast, no significant changes were observed in epithelial cells. Discussion Our findings suggest that mesenchymal cells might mediate the inflammatory responses to P. gingivalis and P.g-LPS, thereby producing inflammation that contributes to the induction of preterm birth.

Odontogenic infection of Porphyromonas gingivalis (P.g.), a major periodontal pathogen, exacerbates pathological progression of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). In this study, we aimed to clarify the detailed mechanism in which P.g. induced hepatic stellate cells (HSCs; key effector cells in liver fibrosis) activation. In the liver of high fat diet-induced NASH mouse model with P.g. odontogenic infection, immunolocalization of P.g. was detected. The number of hepatic crown-like structure, which was macrophage aggregation and related to liver fibrosis, was drastically increased and fibrosis area was also increased through upregulating immunoexpression of Phosphorylated Smad2 (key signaling molecule of TGF-β1) and Galectin-3. P.g.-secreted trypsin-like enzyme [gingipain; an activator of protease-activated receptor 2 (PAR2)] stimulated HSC proliferation and differentiation through Smad and ERK signaling induced by TGF-β1 produced from HSCs with P.g.-infection. Further, Galectin-3 produced from HSCs with P.g. infection and P.g.-derived LPS/lipoprotein stimulation stabilized TGFβ-receptor II resulting in increasing sensitivity for TGF-β1, finally leading to HSC differentiation via activating Smad and ERK signaling. In addition to them, hepatocytes (main component cells of liver) contributed to HSC activation through TGF-β1 and Galectin-3 production in paracrine manner. Collectively, P.g.-odontogenic infection exacerbates fibrosis of NASH by HSC activation through TGF-β1 and Gal-3 production from HSCs and hepatocytes.

Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a biological process of invasion and metastasis in cancers, including in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). However, an effective anticancer drug that directly targets EMT has not yet been discovered. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the repressive effects of bovine lactoferrin (bLF) on EMT to achieve mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition (MET) in OSCC. OSCC cell lines, HOC313 (EMT-induced) and SCCVII (without EMT induction), were treated with bLF. The effects of bLF on EMT in OSCC were identified histologically by haematoxylin and eosin staining and observed morphologically and immunohistochemically using an anti-E-cadherin antibody. Expression levels of E-cadherin and vimentin were investigated using RT-PCR and western blotting. Immuno-expression of E-cadherin was examined in vivo in tumour tissues of C3H/HeN mice, transplanted with SCCVII cells, with or without bLF administration. We found that bLF changed the spindle-like mesenchymal cells to cuboidal-like epithelial cells and enhanced the affinity of membrane-bound E-cadherin in HOC313 cells. The transformation of EMT-MET in HOC313 cells was confirmed by the upregulation of E-cadherin and suppression of vimentin. Moreover, bLF suppressed TWIST expression through downregulation of ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Additionally, the inhibition tumour cell infiltration and increase in E-cadherin expression were observed in xenografts of the mice orally administered with bLF. Thus, based on the results from in vitro and in vivo studies, we concluded that bLF caused the restoration of epithelial properties through MET. Importantly, this finding is novel and is the first report indicating that bLF inhibited EMT and induced MET in OSCC, suggesting that bLF may provide a novel therapeutic strategy in OSCC.

N-cadherin is a neural cell adhesion molecule that aberrantly occurs in head and neck cancers to promote cancer cell growth. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here we report that N-cadherin increases cancer cell growth by inhibiting apoptosis. Apoptosis eliminates old, unnecessary, and unhealthy cells. However, tumor cells have the ability of avoiding apoptosis that increases cancer cell growth. Recent studies have found that tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) selectively induces apoptosis in tumor cells by reacting with four distinct cell surface receptors: TRAIL-R1 (DR-4), TRAIL-R2 (DR-5), TRAIL-R3 (DcR-1), and TRAIL-R4 (DcR-2). Among these TRAIL receptors, the death receptors DR-4 and DR-5 transmit apoptotic signals owing to the death domain in the intracellular portion. Conversely, the decoy receptors DcR-1 and DcR-2 lack a complete intracellular portion, so neither can transmit apoptotic signals. DcR-1 or DcR-2 overexpression suppresses TRAIL-induced apoptosis. In this study, N-cadherin overexpression increased DcR-2 expression and decreased DR-5 expression. In contrast, knockdown of N-cadherin expression upregulated DR-5 expression and downregulated DcR-2 expression. A significantly positive relationship between N-cadherin and DcR-2 expression was also found in HNSCC specimens. Those specimens with a lower apoptotic index showed a higher expression of N-cadherin and/or DcR-2. In addition, we demonstrated that N-cadherin interacts directly with DcR-2. Notably, DcR-2 induces cancer cell survival through the cleavage of caspases and PARP by activating MAPK/ERK pathway and suppressing NF-kB/ p65 phosphorylation, which has a very important role in resistance to chemotherapy.

Dental infection is risk for preterm birth (PTB) through unclear mechanisms. We established a dental infection-induced PTB mouse model, in which Porphyromonas gingivalis (P.g.) induced PTB by 2 days. We analysed pathogenic factors contributing to PTB and their effects on trophoblasts in vitro. TNF-α, IL-8, and COX-2 were upregulated in P.g.-infected placenta. Galectin-3 (Gal-3), an immune regulator, was significantly upregulated in placenta, amniotic fluid, and serum. In vitro, P.g.-lipopolysaccharide (P.g.-LPS) increased TNF-α and Gal-3 in trophoblasts via NF-κB/MAPK signalling. Gal-3 inhibition significantly downregulated P.g.-LPS-induced TNF-α production. TNF-α upregulated Gal-3. Gal-3 also increased cytokines and Gal-3 through NF-κB/MAPK signalling. Moreover, Gal-3 suppressed CD-66a expression at the maternal-foetal interface. Co-stimulation with Gal-3 and P.g.-LPS upregulated cytokine levels, while Gal-3 plus Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (A.a.)- or Escherichia coli (E. coli)-LPS treatment downregulated them, indicating the critical role of Gal-3 especially in P.g. dental infection-induced PTB. P.g.-dental infection induced PTB, which was associated with Gal-3-dependent cytokine production. New therapies and/or diagnostic systems targeting Gal-3 may reduce PTB.

Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1), a member of the TIMP family (TIMP-1 to 4), is highly expressed in various types of cancer and forms a complex with its receptor CD63 and Integrin β1. However, the precise oncogenic mechanism of TIMP-1 remains unclear. Yes-associated protein (YAP) and transcriptional co-activator with PDZ binding motif (TAZ) are transcription co-activators enhancing the transcription of specific genes related to cell proliferation. But the mechanism of aberrant YAP/TAZ activation in cancer is not fully understood. Here, we showed that TIMP-1 activates YAP/TAZ as novel downstream targets to promote cell proliferation. The TIMP-1-CD63-Integrin β1 axis activates Src and promotes RhoA-mediated F-actin assembly, leading to LATS1/2 inactivation. This results in under-phosphorylation, protein stabilization and nuclear translocation of YAP/TAZ (YAP/TAZ activation); CTGF production; and cell proliferation. Furthermore, the TIMP-1-YAP/TAZ axis is aberrantly activated in various types of cancer cells or tissues. TIMP-1 knockdown inhibits cell proliferation through YAP/TAZ inactivation in cancer cells. This study found that TIMP-1 accelerates cell proliferation through YAP/TAZ activation in cancer, and suggests the TIMP-1-YAP/TAZ axis may be a novel potential drug target for cancer patients.

The risk factors in the progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) have not been fully clarified. Porphyromonas gingivalis (P.g) has been considered to be a confounding risk factor for systemic diseases. We aimed to evaluate the effect of P.g infection on risk of progression to NASH. (1) Serum IgG antibody titers against P.g fimbriae (fimA) in 200 biopsy-proven NAFLD patients were measured by ELISA and compared with histological findings. (2) C57BL/6J mice were fed a control diet (CD) or high-fat diet (HFD) with or without P.g-odontogenic infection and analyzed histologically. Mouse livers were analyzed using CE–TOFMS and LC–TOFMS. (1) A significant correlation between fibrosis progression and antibody titers against P.g possessing fimA type 4 was identified (P = 0.0081). Multivariate analysis identified older age and type 4 P.g-positivity as risk factors for advanced fibrosis. (2) Fibrosis and steatosis were more severe in HFD P.g(+) mice compared with HFD P.g(−) mice. In metabolome analysis, fatty acid metabolism was significantly disrupted with HFD in P.g-infected mouse livers. Monounsaturated/saturated fatty acid ratios were significantly higher in the HFD P.g(+) group than in the HFD P.g(−) group (P

Primordial odontogenic tumor (POT) is a rare lesion in the jaw which has been included as a new entity of benign mixed epithelial and mesenchymal odontogenic tumour in the latest World Health Organization (WHO) classification (2017). Only seven cases have been reported. It typically occurs in the posterior mandible. We report an additional case of POT in the maxilla of an 8-year-old girl presenting with an asymptomatic buccal enlargement. A well-defined, unilocular, radiolucent lesion was observed radiographically. Histologically, the tumor was mostly composed of loose fibrous connective tissue resembling dental papilla and a single layer of columnar epithelium covering the periphery of the tumor. In part, cords or nests of epithelium were present in the mesenchyme close to the periphery. Nestin, a marker of odontogenic ectomesenchyme, was positive in the mesenchymal tumor cells. We finally diagnosed the lesion as POT considering the possibility of other odontogenic tumors like ameloblastic fibroma or developing odontoma as a differential diagnosis. The patient shows no recurrence after 16 months. This case is the first report from Japan using this novel diagnosis POT after it was recognized and defined in the latest WHO classification.

Periodontal disease is the most prevalent infectious disease, and inflammatory mediators play critical roles in its progression. Therefore, controlling pro-inflammatory cytokine production, especially at initial disease stages, is essential to maintaining gingival and periodontal health. Glycyrrhizin (GL) has an anti-inflammatory effect and has been added to toothpaste and mouth rinse to prevent periodontal disease. However, there is a maximum dose for the use of GL. The aim of the present study is to screen plant extracts which can effectively enhance the effects of GL. The effects of extracts from six different plants on GL-suppressed TNF-α expression in Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (A.a.)-LPS-stimulated human oral keratinocytes (RT7) were examined. Results demonstrated that Equisetum arvense (EA) extract had the strongest additive effect on the suppression of TNF-α by GL at both mRNA and protein levels. In addition, GL downregulated the production of TNF-α by suppressing NF-κB p65 phosphorylation, but not JNK or p38 phosphorylation. In contrast, EA decreased JNK phosphorylation but not NF-κB p65 or p38 phosphorylation. The combination of GL and EA effectively attenuated A.a.-LPS-induced phosphorylation of NF-κB p65 and JNK. Furthermore, an LPS-induced periodontitis rat model showed that GL with EA supplementation significantly downregulated TNF-α mRNA in the gingival tissue. These results indicate that EA can suppress A.a.-LPS-induced pro-inflammatory cytokine production by inhibiting JNK activation and can promote the anti-inflammatory effects of GL. Our findings suggest that a combination of GL and EA may improve the development of new oral hygiene products aimed at enhancing periodontal health.

Inflammation and infection have been reported to induce preterm delivery. We have studied the relationship between inflammation and various ion channels, including the L-type Ca(2+) channel and P2X7 receptor, during acute inflammation of the pregnant rat uterus induced by lipopolysaccharides. Recently, we found that mice with odontogenic Porphyromonas gingivalis (P.g, an important odontogenic pathogen) infection delivered at day 18.3 of gestation (vs. day 20.5 in normal mice). The purpose of this study was to investigate the expression of myometrial contractile-associated proteins inducing contractions and confirm that these mice are useful as a model for preterm delivery induced by chronic inflammation. We examined the expression of the oxytocin receptor, connexin 43, prostaglandin F receptors, L-type Ca(2+) channel, and P2X7 receptor in the myometrium at day 18 of gestation by real-time PCR and western blot analyses. We also measured TNF-α and IL-1β levels in the blood serum, placenta, fetal membrane and myometrium on the same day. mRNA expression of the oxytocin receptor, connexin 43, prostaglandin F receptors, L-type Ca(2+) channel, and P2X7 receptor was elevated by 5.4, 3.2, 2.4, 2.5, and 1.7 fold, respectively, in the P.g-infected mice. Protein levels of the oxytocin receptor and connexin 43 also increased. Serum levels of TNF-α and IL-1β were elevated, showing that systemic inflammation continued during pregnancy. IL-1β levels in the placenta and fetal membrane also increased, suggesting inflammatory reactions were induced. Thus, mice with odontogenic infection may be useful as a model of chronic inflammation-induced preterm delivery.

Background and Objectives Amelogenin proteins are the major constituent of developing extracellular enamel matrix and are believed to have an exclusively epithelial origin. Recent studies have suggested that amelogenins might induce the differentiation and maturation of various cells, including cementoblast lineage cells. However, the residues comprising the active site of amelogenin remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to identify the active site region of amelogenin by studying the effects of amelogenin fragments on the osteogenic differentiation of cementoblasts. Material and Methods Amelogenin fragments lacking the C-terminus (rh163) and N-terminus (rh128) and a fragment consisting of the C-terminal region of rh174 (C11 peptide) were synthesized and purified. Human cementoblast lineage cells were cultured in osteogenic differentiation medium and treated with 0, 10, 100 or 1000 ng/mL of rh163, rh128 or C11 peptide. The mRNA levels of bone markers were examined by real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis. Alkaline phosphatase activity and calcium deposition were also determined. Mineralization was evaluated by alizarin red staining. Results The osteogenic differentiation of human cementoblast lineage cells was significantly enhanced by treatment with rh128 or C11 peptide, whereas rh163 had no significant effect as compared with untreated controls. Conclusions The C-terminus of amelogenin promotes the osteogenic differentiation of human cementoblast lineage cells, indicating the possible utility of C11 peptide in periodontal tissue regeneration.