Estrogen-Mediated MicroRNA-101-3p Expression Represses Hyaluronan Synthase 2 in Synovial Fibroblasts From Idiopathic Condylar Resorption Patients

Idiopathic condylar resorption in adolescents: A scoping review

OBJECTIVE

Idiopathic condylar resorption (ICR), also known as progressive condylar resorption, is poorly understood, particularly in adolescent patients. Therefore, this scoping review aims to summarize the available literature on the prevalence, aetiology, pathogenesis, diagnostic process, treatment and/or any outcome regarding ICR in adolescent individuals.

METHODS

This scoping review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and its extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR), as well as Joanna Briggs Institute studies. The search strategy was defined adopting a core search structure for each source, and the search was performed on MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Scopus and Google Scholar. After duplicate removal, two independent reviewers screened abstracts, followed by complete articles, to achieve the definition of included studies. Data collection was performed, and the extracted data were organized in tabular form, along with a narrative summary of main findings that aligns with the objective of this review.

RESULTS

Six observational studies were included in this review. Three studies focused on signs and symptoms, one on prevalence and signs and symptoms, one on treatment and one on disease pathogenesis.

CONCLUSION

This scoping review revealed inadequate published research regarding prevalence, aetiology, early diagnosis, pathogenesis and treatment of ICR in adolescents.

Sex-dependent variation in cartilage adaptation: from degeneration to regeneration

Despite acknowledgement in the scientific community of sex-based differences in cartilage biology, the implications for study design remain unclear, with many studies continuing to arbitrarily assign demographics. Clinically, it has been well-established that males and females differ in cartilage degeneration, and accumulating evidence points to the importance of sex differences in the field of cartilage repair. However, a comprehensive review of the mechanisms behind this trend and the influence of sex on cartilage regeneration has not yet been presented. This paper aims to summarize current findings regarding sex-dependent variation in knee anatomy, sex hormones' effect on cartilage, and cartilaginous degeneration and regeneration, with a focus on stem cell therapies. Findings suggest that the stem cells themselves, as well as their surrounding microenvironment, contribute to sex-based differences. Accordingly, this paper underscores the contribution of both stem cell donor and recipient sex to sex-related differences in treatment efficacy. Cartilage regeneration is a field that needs more research to optimize strategies for better clinical results; taking sex into account could be a big factor in developing more effective and personalized treatments. The compilation of this information emphasizes the importance of investing further research in sex differences in cartilage biology.

Effects of microRNA-101-3p on predicting pediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome and its role in human alveolar epithelial cell

Pediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome (PARDS) is a severe form of respiratory failure associated with high mortality among children. The objective of this study is reported to explore the clinical function and molecular roles of microRNA-101-3p (miR-101-3p) in PARDS. The levels of miR-101-3p and mRNA levels of SRY-related high-mobility group box 9 (Sox9) were measured by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Additionally, the diagnostic role of miR-101-3p was identified by using the Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The cell proliferation and apoptosis were examined through Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and flow cytometry. To detect inflammation in cells, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) were performed. The target gene of miR-101-3p was confirmed through data obtained from the luciferase activity. In patients with PARDS, miR-101-3p expression was decreased. Moderate and severe PARDS patients had lower levels of miR-101-3p than mild PARDS patients. The inflammatory progression was related to the aberrant expression of miR-101-3p in all PARDS children. MiR-101-3p was highly predictive for the detection of children with PARDS. In addition, miR-101-3p might protect A549 cells from abnormal proliferation, apoptosis, and inflammation caused by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Sox9 might be a target gene of miR-101-3p and increased mRNA expression of Sox9 in LPS-treated A549 cells was inhibited by overexpression of miR-101-3p. Ultimately, this study suggested that reduced expression of miR-101-3p plays a role in PARDS, providing a novel angle to study the disease.

Signs, Symptoms, and Morphological Features of Idiopathic Condylar Resorption in Orthodontic Patients: A Survey-Based Study

Background: Idiopathic condylar resorption (ICR) is an aggressive degenerative disease of the temporomandibular joint that is most frequently observed in teenage girls. However, no specific cause of ICR has been identified. To explore the specific causes of the onset and progression of ICR, we performed a survey-based study on ICR in orthodontic patients and described its subjective symptoms, clinical signs, and condylar morphological features. Methods: A total of 1735 participants were recruited from 2193 orthodontic patients. For each participant, subjective symptoms and clinical signs of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) were evaluated through clinical examination and a questionnaire. Furthermore, three-dimensional computed tomography (CT) was performed to diagnose ICR. Results: Among the 1735 patients evaluated, ICR was present in two male and ten female patients. All 12 patients had maxillary protrusion and an anterior open bite. Four patients with ICR underwent orthodontic treatment. Based on CT findings, patients with ICR had significantly different condylar sizes and shapes from patients with TMDs alone. Conclusions: The coexistence of intrinsic and extrinsic factors, such as sex-hormone imbalance and a history of orthodontic treatment, might lead to the onset of ICR. We suggest that growing patients suspected of having ICR should undergo CT evaluation because CT findings may precede clinical symptoms and signs.

Do sex hormone imbalances contribute to idiopathic condylar resorption?

Idiopathic condylar resorption (ICR) is an aggressive form of temporomandibular joint disease that most frequently presents in adolescent girls during the pubertal growth spurt. Although numerous studies have indicated that the etiopathogenesis of ICR may be related to estrogen deficiency, the decisive role of estrogens remains controversial, and other sex hormone disturbances have not yet been investigated in this regard. Therefore, the aim of this study was to ascertain the role of serum estrogen levels and also the roles of other sex hormones in the pathogenesis of ICR. Ninety-four ICR patients and 324 disc displacement (DD) patients, of both sexes, were enrolled. Information on menstruation and serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, prolactin, 17β-estradiol (E2), testosterone, and progesterone were recorded and analyzed. The results showed that female ICR patients had normal puberty onset, within the average age range. Use of oral contraceptives and other menstruation-regulating pharmaceuticals was similar in the two groups. Of note, neither serum E2 levels nor those of the other sex hormones differed significantly between female ICR and DD patients. However, male ICR patients had significantly increased serum testosterone levels (P=0.002) and relatively higher E2 levels (P=0.095) compared to DD patients. This study found that reduced serum E2 did not contribute to ICR; instead, systemic testosterone disturbances were found to be related to ICR.

Hsa_circRNA_102002 facilitates metastasis of papillary thyroid cancer through regulating miR-488-3p/HAS2 axis

As important modulators in various physiological processes, circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been increasingly demonstrated in tumors, including papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). Hsa_circRNA_102002 (circ_102002) is a circRNA derived from alternative splicing of ubiquitin-specific peptidase 22 (USP22) transcript, the role of which needs further investigation. Our results suggested the upregulation of circ_102002 in PTC tissues and cells, and its promoting effects on epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cell migration. Mechanism studies showed that circ_102002 could sponge microRNA-488-3p (miR-488-3p) and downregulate its expression. The target relationship between miR-488-3p and hyaluronic acid synthetase 2 (HAS2) in PTC was systematically studied. In addition, our results showed that HAS2 overexpression could restore the inhibited cell EMT and migration. Moreover, the inhibitory effect of downregulation of circ_102002 on PTC growth was evaluated in a mouse xenograft model, which involved miR-488-3p and HAS2 regulation. These findings about the signal axis of circ_102002/miR-488-3p/HAS2 may further elucidate the PTC pathogenesis and improve clinical treatment.