{"title":"Evaluating Dickkopf-1 as a biomarker: insights into periodontitis, rheumatoid arthritis, and their comorbidity-a systematic review and meta-analysis.","authors":"Bawatharani Maharavi, Jaideep Mahendra, Deepa Ponnaiyan, Vijayalakshmi Rajaram, Pragya Gyanchand, Roshan R Rughwani, Kaustubh Suresh Thakare, Gayathri Kumar, Gauri Patil","doi":"10.3389/fdmed.2025.1593218","DOIUrl":"10.3389/fdmed.2025.1593218","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Dickkopf-1 is a glycoprotein that inhibits Wingless-related integration site signaling, impairing osteoblast and osteoclast functions, leading to bone loss and systemic inflammation linked to periodontitis and rheumatoid arthritis. <i>Porphyromonas gingivalis</i> exacerbates rheumatoid arthritis through citrullination and inflammation, highlighting their bidirectional relationship. To date no meta-analysis has examined the role of Dickkopf-1 in periodontitis, rheumatoid arthritis, and their comorbidity. Therefore, we conducted this meta-analysis to investigate the association and role of Dickkopf-1 in these comorbid conditions.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The present study was conducted in accordance with the guidelines of Transparent Reporting of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses PRISMA statement (registered at PROSPERO under the number CRD42025643227). A total of 15 studies (14 case-control and 1 cross-sectional) were selected out of 386 using databases like PubMed and Google Scholar (by BM, JM, and DP). A random-effects model evaluated Dickkopf-1 levels in serum/gingival crevicular fluid in periodontitis and rheumatoid arthritis via standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Heterogeneity and publication bias were assessed using statistical metrics, forest plots, funnel plots, Begg's test, and Egger's regression.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 386 studies were retrieved and 15 were included in the meta-analysis, encompassing 4,438 participants (2,190 cases and 2,248 controls). The pooled SMD of 2.694 (<i>p</i> = 0.02; 95% CI: 1.170-6.203) indicated a significant association of Dickkopf-1 with periodontitis and/or rheumatoid arthritis compared to healthy controls. However, Egger's test revealed a t-value of 3.05 (<i>p</i> = 0.009), indicating significant publication bias.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Elevated Dickkopf-1 levels in rheumatoid arthritis and periodontitis patients suggest its critical role in the pathogenesis of both conditions. Hence, Dickkopf-1 holds therapeutic potential for managing interconnected inflammatory and bone disorders and may serve as a biomarker for diagnosing these diseases.</p><p><strong>Systematic review registration: </strong>https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/search, PROSPERO CRD42025643227.</p>","PeriodicalId":73077,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in dental medicine","volume":"6 ","pages":"1593218"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-07-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12318980/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144786092","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ana Iglesias-Poveda, Javier Flores-Fraile, Diego González-Gil, Joaquín López-Marcos
{"title":"Comparative evaluation of caries detector dyes and laser fluorescence systems for intraoperative diagnosis during selective caries removal: a scoping review.","authors":"Ana Iglesias-Poveda, Javier Flores-Fraile, Diego González-Gil, Joaquín López-Marcos","doi":"10.3389/fdmed.2025.1600500","DOIUrl":"10.3389/fdmed.2025.1600500","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Selective caries removal aims to preserve pulp vitality and tooth structure by eliminating only infected dentin. Caries detector dyes and laser fluorescence devices are the main diagnostic tools supporting this minimally invasive approach.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To evaluate and compare the diagnostic performance, benefits, and limitations of these two modalities. Additionally, it examines potential synergies with magnification tools and proposes future directions for clinical protocol development.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A scoping review was conducted following PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Of 124 articles screened, four met the inclusion criteria for direct comparison of caries detector dyes and laser fluorescence systems. Diagnostic accuracy, clinical outcomes, and bias risk (ROBINS-I/ROBINS-E) were assessed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>All four studies supported the effectiveness of both techniques in selective caries removal. Laser fluorescence devices showed higher sensitivity (ranging from 0.76 to 0.92) and specificity (0.74 to 0.88), along with better accuracy in detecting infected dentin compared to dyes. Dyes were noted for ease of use but showed greater variability in outcomes. Risk of bias ranged from low to moderate across studies.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Laser fluorescence systems appear to be more reliable for intraoperative caries detection during selective caries removal. Nevertheless, a combined diagnostic approach, particularly with magnification, may optimize outcomes. These findings support the integration of fluorescence systems in caries management protocols. Further clinical trials are needed to validate these findings and develop standardized, evidence-based protocols.</p>","PeriodicalId":73077,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in dental medicine","volume":"6 ","pages":"1600500"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-07-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12307344/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144755261","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Teledentistry and one health: a sustainable framework for oral and planetary health.","authors":"Arish Naresh, Zac Morse, Silvana Bettiol","doi":"10.3389/fdmed.2025.1631548","DOIUrl":"10.3389/fdmed.2025.1631548","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This community case study documents the integration of One Health approaches in a teledentistry initiative designed to enhance oral health access for children in Tairāwhiti, New Zealand, a region where Māori children experience significantly higher rates of dental decay than non-Māori. Health New Zealand Tairāwhiti established a virtual dental clinic for children aged 0-2 years, providing care through mobile phones and Zoom. The initiative incorporated the Māori concept of \"whakawhanauatanga\" to build rapport while conducting assessments and delivering preventive guidance. Between March and December 2024, the service delivered 656 appointments, including 114 for patients in rural locations, resulting in a substantial reduction in travel time and associated carbon emissions. The program utilized a family-based enrollment approach that facilitated access for siblings who might otherwise have remained outside the oral health system into care. This model addresses multiple dimensions of planetary health and the One Health framework simultaneously improving clinical access for vulnerable populations, enhancing preventive education, supporting culturally responsive care for Māori families, and reducing environmental impacts through decreased travel. The findings demonstrate how teledentistry, when designed with sustainability principles, can effectively address oral health inequities while contributing to planetary health through reduced carbon footprint.</p>","PeriodicalId":73077,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in dental medicine","volume":"6 ","pages":"1631548"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-07-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12307373/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144755262","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Yusheng Meng, Min Wu, Shuang Wang, Xiuqiao Yang, Yun Liu
{"title":"The histological and radiological evaluation of autologous peripheral venous blood concentrates in socket preservation: a systematic review and meta-analysis.","authors":"Yusheng Meng, Min Wu, Shuang Wang, Xiuqiao Yang, Yun Liu","doi":"10.3389/fdmed.2025.1602738","DOIUrl":"10.3389/fdmed.2025.1602738","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>A detailed meta-analysis and systematic search was conducted to assess the histologic and radiographic efficacy of autologous peripheral venous blood concentrates (APVBCs) for the socket preservation.</p><p><strong>Design: </strong>Electronic databases were searched until 31 January 2025. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and controlled clinical trials (CCTs) in English were identified. Alveolar bone reconstruction was assessed through histologic and radiographic evaluation after tooth extraction. Data were analyzed using Revman5.3, and the risk of bias was evaluated with the Cochrane Collaboration tool.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 16 studies (12 RCTs and 4 CCTs) involving 619 sites was included in our meta-analysis. The results indicated that the APVBCs application significantly reduced the vertical bone resorption in the buccal ridge (standardized mean difference [SMD]: -0.30; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.54 to -0.06; <i>p</i> = 0.02, <i>I</i> <sup>2</sup> = 5%) and palatal/lingual ridge (SMD:-0.30, 95% CI: -0.54 to -0.06; <i>p</i> = 0.02, <i>I</i> <sup>2</sup> = 0%) by radiographic analysis. In addition, the vertical resorption of the buccal and palatal/lingual alveolar ridge was significantly reduced by using materials combined with APVBCs as the filling material for extraction sockets. The newly formed bone percentage showed a statistically significant increase in APVBC presence during socket preservation (SMD: 1.27, 95% CI: 0.65-1.89; <i>p</i> < 0.0001, <i>I</i> <sup>2</sup> = 71%) and APVBC + material groups (SMD: 0.85, 95% CI: 0.35-1.35; <i>p</i> = 0.0009, <i>I</i> <sup>2</sup> = 0%). However, APVBCs + materials did not show significant effects on the remaining graft particles.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>APVBCs in socket preservation can reduce vertical bone resorption and enhance new bone formation. Meanwhile, APVBCs may improve osteogenic efficiency with bone graft material.</p><p><strong>Systematic review registration: </strong>https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD420250653020, identifier CRD420250653020.</p>","PeriodicalId":73077,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in dental medicine","volume":"6 ","pages":"1602738"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-07-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12289649/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144735787","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Giuseppina Laganà, Arianna Malara, Roberta Lione, Patrizio Bollero, Paola Cozza
{"title":"Effects of Class II elastics on lower incisors during treatment with clear aligners vs. fixed appliance: a randomized clinical trial.","authors":"Giuseppina Laganà, Arianna Malara, Roberta Lione, Patrizio Bollero, Paola Cozza","doi":"10.3389/fdmed.2025.1613037","DOIUrl":"10.3389/fdmed.2025.1613037","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Aim: </strong>To analyze the inclination of the lower incisor in patients with Class II malocclusion treated with elastics and clear aligners compared to a group wearing the same elastics and fixed appliance.</p><p><strong>Trial design: </strong>Prospective two-arms parallel group randomized clinical trial with a 1:1 allocation ratio.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>A sample of 40 patients (19M and 21F), mean age 15.4 ± 1.8 years, was collected from the Department of Orthodontics at Policlinico Tor Vergata (Rome), and was randomly divided in two groups: Invisalign clear aligner group (AG), which consisted of 20 subjects (8M, 12F) and multibracket fixed appliance group (MBG), composed by 20 patients (9M, 11F). The subjects were selected according to inclusion criteria: full permanent dentition (excluding third molars), Class II molar relationship (2.5-4 mm), no history of orthodontic treatment. For each participant of the study, dental and aesthetic measurements, both millimeter and angular were performed on the lateral cephalogram at time T0 (before treatment) and time T1 (after 18 months of treatment).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In the short term (T1-T0 = 18 months), the analysis of the results showed no statistically significant changes in all evaluated parameters (IMPA, L1/A-Pg, Md1-TVL, LLA-TVL, <i>p</i> > 0.05). Therefore, there were no statistically significant change in the inclination of the lower incisors.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The use of Class II elastics in AG group showed a better control of the lower incisors' inclination, compared to the MBG group. Therefore, aligners represent a good alternative in the correction of mild Class II malocclusion in cases where the lower incisors proclination is undesirable.</p><p><strong>Trial registration: </strong>ClinicalTrials.gov (registration number: NCT06832475).</p>","PeriodicalId":73077,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in dental medicine","volume":"6 ","pages":"1613037"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-07-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12286962/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144710113","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Heber Isac Arbildo-Vega, Fredy Hugo Cruzado-Oliva, Franz Tito Coronel-Zubiate, Rubén Aguirre-Ipenza, Joan Manuel Meza-Málaga, Sara Antonieta Luján-Valencia, Eduardo Luján-Urviola, Adriana Echevarria-Goche, Carlos Alberto Farje-Gallardo, Tania Belú Castillo-Cornock, Katherine Serquen-Olano, Tania Padilla-Cáceres, Luz Caballero-Apaza
{"title":"Association between periodontal disease and Alzheimer's disease: umbrella review.","authors":"Heber Isac Arbildo-Vega, Fredy Hugo Cruzado-Oliva, Franz Tito Coronel-Zubiate, Rubén Aguirre-Ipenza, Joan Manuel Meza-Málaga, Sara Antonieta Luján-Valencia, Eduardo Luján-Urviola, Adriana Echevarria-Goche, Carlos Alberto Farje-Gallardo, Tania Belú Castillo-Cornock, Katherine Serquen-Olano, Tania Padilla-Cáceres, Luz Caballero-Apaza","doi":"10.3389/fdmed.2025.1635200","DOIUrl":"10.3389/fdmed.2025.1635200","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Alzheimer's disease (AD) and periodontal disease (PD) are both chronic conditions with rising global prevalence. Emerging research suggests a possible link between PD-induced systemic inflammation and neurodegeneration observed in AD.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>Employ an umbrella review to look into the association between periodontal disease and Alzheimer's disease.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>A comprehensive search was conducted until March 2025 across various electronic databases, including: PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, SciELO, Web of Science, Google Scholar, ProQuest, and OpenGrey, and Dissertations and Theses. There were no time or language restrictions on the inclusion of systematic reviews (SR), with or without meta-analysis, as long as they looked at primary research that connected PD and AD. The following were excluded: preclinical and fundamental research, summaries, comments, case reports, protocols, personal opinions, letters, posters, literary or narrative reviews, fast reviews, intervention studies, and observational studies. The quality and general confidence of the included studies were evaluated using the AMSTAR-2 technique.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 358 items were found following the first search. 16 articles were left for additional review after the selection criteria were applied. With odds ratios (OR) and risk ratios (RR) ranging from 1.67 to 2.17 and 1.11 to 2.26, respectively, 14 studies showed a correlation between PD and AD.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Drawing from the findings and conclusions of the SR demonstrating a high overall confidence, it's established that PD and tooth loss exhibit an association with AD.</p><p><strong>Systematic review registration: </strong>Registered in the Open Science Framework (OSF): DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/GS367.</p>","PeriodicalId":73077,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in dental medicine","volume":"6 ","pages":"1635200"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-07-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12283705/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144700524","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Lucas T Woods, Kimberly J Jasmer, Kevin Muñoz Forti, Alex Kearns, Gary A Weisman
{"title":"Salivary gland transcriptomic analysis and immunophenotyping in the IL-14α transgenic mouse model of Sjögren's disease.","authors":"Lucas T Woods, Kimberly J Jasmer, Kevin Muñoz Forti, Alex Kearns, Gary A Weisman","doi":"10.3389/fdmed.2025.1612522","DOIUrl":"10.3389/fdmed.2025.1612522","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Sjögren's disease (SjD) is a systemic autoimmune disorder primarily affecting the exocrine glands and characterized by dry mouth and dry eye, the presence of anti-SSA and/or anti-SSB autoantibodies in blood serum, and chronic lymphocytic infiltration of salivary and lacrimal glands (<i>i.e.</i>, sialadenitis and dacryoadenitis, respectively). In addition to reduced quality of life, SjD patients experience severe oral health complications and are at increased risk of developing B cell lymphoma. Because current SjD treatments primarily focus on oral and ocular symptom management, identifying initiating factors and mechanisms of disease progression may offer new therapeutic insights for SjD. The interleukin-14α transgenic (IL-14αTG) mouse model of SjD recapitulates many aspects of human SjD, including progressive sialadenitis, loss of salivary gland function, and development of B cell lymphoma. We utilized immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, bulk RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomic analyses to identify immune cell subpopulations and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in submandibular glands of IL-14αTG Sjögren's-like mice and age-matched C57BL/6 mouse controls. We further compared the gene ontology of DEGs in IL-14αTG mice to DEGs identified in minor salivary gland biopsies from SjD patients and healthy volunteers. Results demonstrated significantly increased sialadenitis in IL-14αTG compared to C57BL/6 mice that correlated with an increased proportion of marginal zone B cells infiltrating the submandibular gland. Whole transcriptome analyses showed substantial overlap in enriched DEG ontology between IL-14αTG mouse submandibular gland and SjD patient minor salivary gland, compared to C57BL/6 mice and healthy human volunteer controls, respectively. Lastly, we spatially resolved DEG expression and localization within IL-14αTG salivary glands, marking the first publication of a spatial transcriptomic dataset from submandibular glands in a SjD mouse model.</p>","PeriodicalId":73077,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in dental medicine","volume":"6 ","pages":"1612522"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-07-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12279800/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144692639","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Andrea Boggio, Mauro Cozzani, Fabrizio Anelli, Giorgio Gastaldi, Antonio Manni
{"title":"Full-Digital Manni Telescopic Herbst: structural innovation and digital manufacturing.","authors":"Andrea Boggio, Mauro Cozzani, Fabrizio Anelli, Giorgio Gastaldi, Antonio Manni","doi":"10.3389/fdmed.2025.1639784","DOIUrl":"10.3389/fdmed.2025.1639784","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Skeletal Class II malocclusion, commonly characterized by mandibular retrusion, affects a significant portion of the population and presents challenges in orthodontic correction. The Herbst Appliance has long been used for mandibular advancement, but traditional designs often lead to undesirable dental side effects and mechanical complications. This paper introduces the structural innovation and digital manufacturing of Full Digital Manni Telescopic Herbst (MTH) Appliance, a structurally innovative and digitally manufactured system aimed at enhancing clinical outcomes and reducing treatment failures.</p><p><strong>Materials and equipment: </strong>Utilizing a fully digital workflow, including CAD/CAM design, intraoral scanning, and additive manufacturing, the MTH appliance integrates a full-coverage mandibular splint, digitally designed and precision-engineered maxillary and mandibular components.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The clinical implementation of the MTH appliance demonstrates excellent fit and high mechanical reliability, reducing lower incisor proclination and offering a proper vertical control. Complications such as debonding or fractures can be significantly reduced and digital reproducibility allows for fast component replacement when needed.</p><p><strong>Discussion and conclusion: </strong>This design improves skeletal correction by enhancing anchorage, minimizing lower incisor proclination, and allowing precise vertical and sagittal control. The digital workflow not only improves fabrication accuracy and patient comfort but also facilitates easy component replacement and reduced chairside time. The MTH appliance sets a new benchmark in Class II treatment, blending digital precision with biomechanical effectiveness.</p>","PeriodicalId":73077,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in dental medicine","volume":"6 ","pages":"1639784"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-07-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12277251/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144683730","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
A C Myo, R Raju, J O Piña, P Chattaraj, M Furukawa
{"title":"Current insights on the genetics and mechanisms of MSX1-associated cleft palate.","authors":"A C Myo, R Raju, J O Piña, P Chattaraj, M Furukawa","doi":"10.3389/fdmed.2025.1610223","DOIUrl":"10.3389/fdmed.2025.1610223","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Cleft palate, a common congenital anomaly, is characterized by a failure of the palatal shelves to fuse during embryogenesis, resulting in an opening between the oral and nasal cavities. This malformation not only affects facial aesthetics but also significantly impacts speech, feeding, and hearing, necessitating multidisciplinary care from birth through adulthood. The etiology of cleft palate is complex, involving both genetic and environmental factors. Among the numerous genes implicated, Msx1 plays a pivotal role in palatal development. As a transcription factor, Msx1 regulates mesenchymal cell proliferation and epithelial-mesenchymal interactions, processes crucial for proper palatal shelf elevation and fusion. Disruptions in Msx1 expression or function have been directly linked to cleft palate through both animal and human studies, highlighting its significance in palatogenesis. This review focuses on the role of Msx1 in cleft palate, providing a comprehensive overview of its functions and the molecular mechanisms through which it influences palatal development. We examine recent research findings, including studies on Msx1 mutations, signaling pathways, and gene-environment interactions, to elucidate the complex relationship between Msx1 and cleft palate. Moreover, advancing research could establish Msx1 as a fundamental target in the creation of innovative therapeutic strategies for craniofacial disorders. By synthesizing current knowledge, this review aims to provide a deeper understanding of Msx1's role in cleft palate and pave the way for future research and clinical advancements.</p>","PeriodicalId":73077,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in dental medicine","volume":"6 ","pages":"1610223"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-07-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12277318/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144683729","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Association between the severity of gingival inflammation and microbial findings in children.","authors":"Hristina Tankova","doi":"10.3389/fdmed.2025.1638435","DOIUrl":"10.3389/fdmed.2025.1638435","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>The oral cavity is home to hundreds of distinct microbial species, and specific periodontal pathogens are isolated from different ecological niches. Present study aimed to investigate the relationship between the severity of gingival inflammation and the presence of subgingival microorganisms in children with dental biofilm induced gingivitis.</p><p><strong>Material and methods: </strong>The study included 30 children aged 12-14 years, divided into two groups based on the extent of gingival inflammation: <b>Group I</b>-16 children with BOP up to 30%; <b>Group II</b>-14 children with BOP over 30%. All children were interviewed to assess oral hygiene habits. Clinical examination was performed using an electronic periodontal probe, and the following were recorded: oral hygiene status (FMPS) and gingival status through BOP and SBI. For quantitative assessment of subgingival periodontopathogens, a genetic method - PCR-Real Time was used, and the following microorganisms were examined: <i>Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans</i>, <i>Porphyromonas gingivalis</i>, <i>Treponema denticola</i>, <i>Tannerella forsythia</i>, <i>Prevotella intermedia</i>, <i>Peptostreptococcus micros</i>, <i>Fusobacterim nucleatum</i>, <i>Eubacterium nodatum</i>, <i>Capnocytophaga gingivalis</i>. The critical significance level for testing the null hypothesis was set at <i>α</i> = 0.05, corresponding to a 95% confidence level.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The majority of children showed improper oral hygiene habits. Children with generalized gingival inflammation had significantly higher plaque accumulation index values compared to those with localized inflammation. In children with generalized gingival inflammation, the quantities of all isolated periodontopathogens were higher compared to those with localized inflammation, which was also confirmed regarding the overall microbial load. <i>A. actinomycetemcomitans</i> was not isolated in children with localized gingival inflammation, while <i>T. denticola</i> was isolated in significantly lower quantities compared to generalized inflammation. <i>P. intermedia</i> and <i>P. micros</i> were isolated in significantly higher quantities in more severe gingival inflammation. In children with localized gingival inflammation, combinations of an average of 2 microorganisms were found in microbial complexes, while in children with generalized inflammation, microorganisms were twice as many and in more complex combinations.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The microbial diversity within the subgingival biofilm significantly increases with disease severity, providing further evidence for the critical role of microbial ecology in the pathogenesis of gingival inflammation in children.</p>","PeriodicalId":73077,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in dental medicine","volume":"6 ","pages":"1638435"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-07-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12267162/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144661174","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}