D-Mannose Enhanced Immunomodulation of Periodontal Ligament Stem Cells via Inhibiting IL-6 Secretion

Circulating Metabolites and Dental Traits: A Mendelian Randomization Study

It is of great importance to uncover causal biomarkers to gain insight into the pathogenesis of oral diseases and identify novel treatment targets for prevention and treatment thereof. This study aimed to systematically evaluate the causal effects of hundreds of metabolites on 10 dental traits using a 2-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) approach. Genetic variants from genome-wide association studies of 309 known metabolites were used as instrumental variables. We selected 10 dental traits, including clinical measures of dental diseases, from the Gene-Lifestyle Interactions in Dental Endpoints Consortium and self-reported oral health data from the UK Biobank. The causal relationships between metabolites and dental traits were inferred using the inverse variance-weighted approach and further controlled for horizontal pleiotropy using 5 additional MR methods. After correcting for multiple tests, 5 metabolites were identified as causal biomarkers. Genetically predicted increased levels of mannose were associated with lower risk of bleeding gums (odds ratio [OR] = 0.72; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.61-0.85; P = 9.9 × 10-5). MR also indicated 4 metabolites on the causal pathway to dentures, with fructose (OR = 0.50; 95% CI, 0.36-0.70; P = 5.2 × 10-5) and 1-palmitoleoyl-glycerophosphocholine (OR = 0.67; 95% CI, 0.56-0.81; P = 4.8 × 10-5) as potential protective factors and glycine (OR = 1.22; 95% CI, 1.11-1.35; P = 5.6×10-5) and 1,5-anhydroglucitol (OR = 1.32; 95% CI, 1.14-1.52; P = 1.5 × 10-4) as risk factors. The causal associations were robust in various sensitivity analyses. We further observed some shared metabolites among different dental traits, implying similar biological mechanisms underlying the pathogenic processes. Finally, the pathway analysis revealed several significant metabolic pathways that may be involved in the development of dental disorders. Our study provides novel insights into the combination of metabolomics and genomics to reveal the pathogenesis of and therapeutic strategies for dental disorders. It highlighted 5 metabolites and several pathways as causal candidates, warranting further investigation.

D-mannose reduces adipogenesis by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway

PURPOSE

To explore the effects and potential mechanisms of D-mannose on adipogenic differentiation of two kinds of representative mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs).

METHODS

We cultured two kinds of representative MSCs, human adipose tissue-derived stromal cells (hADSCs) as well as human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs), with adipogenic-induced medium containing D-mannose or D-fructose as the control. Oil red O staining, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), and western blot (WB) were used to detect whether D-mannose had effects on adipogenic differentiation of MSCs. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) transcriptomic analysis was further used to explore the potential mechanisms of D-mannose on adipogenic differentiation of MSCs. After that, qRT-PCR and WB were used to verify the results of RNA-seq. Last, we removed bilateral ovaries of female rats to establish an estrogen deficiency obesity model, and gave D-mannose intragastric administration. One month later, the femurs of rats were sliced for oil red O staining, and the inhibitory effect of D-mannose on lipid formation in vivo was studied.

RESULTS

Oil red O staining, qRT-PCR and WB in vitro demonstrated that D-mannose inhibited the adipogenic differentiation of both hADSCs and hBMSCs. Oil red O staining of femur sections proved that D-mannose was able to reduce in vivo adipogenesis. The results of RNA-seq transcriptomic analysis revealed that the adipogenesis-inhibition effects of D-mannose were performed by antagonizing the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Besides, qRT-PCR and WB further verified the results of RNA-seq.

CONCLUSION

Our study indicated that D-mannose was able to reduce adipogenic differentiation of both hADSCs and hBMSCs by antagonizing the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. D-mannose is expected to be a safe and effective treatment strategy for obesity.

Integrated 'omics analysis for the gut microbiota response to moxibustion in a rat model of chronic fatigue syndrome

OBJECTIVE

To observe the efficacy of moxibustion in the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and explore the effects on gut microbiota and metabolic profiles.

METHODS

Forty-eight male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to control group (Con), CFS model group (Mod, established by multiple chronic stress for 35 d), MoxA group (CFS model with moxibustion Shenque (CV8) and Guanyuan (CV4), 10 min/d, 28 d) and MoxB group (CFS model with moxibustion Zusanli (ST36), 10 min/d, 28 d). Open-field test (OFT) and Morris-water-maze test (MWMT) were determined for assessment the CFS model and the therapeutic effects of moxibustion.16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis based gut microbiota integrated untargeted liquid chromatograph-mass spectrometer (LC-MS) based fecal metabolomics were executed, as well as Spearman correlation analysis, was utilized to uncover the functional relevance between the potential metabolites and gut microbiota.

RESULTS

The results of our behavioral tests showed that moxibustion improved the performance of CFS rats in the OFT and the MWMT. Microbiome profiling analysis revealed that the gut microbiomes of CFS rats were less diverse with altered composition, including increases in pro-inflammatory species (such as Proteobacteria) and decreases in anti-inflammatory species (such as Bacteroides, Lactobacillus, Ruminococcus, and Prevotella). Moxibustion partially normalized these changes in the gut microbiota. Furthermore, CFS was associated with metabolic disorders, which were effectively ameliorated by moxibustion. This was demonstrated by the normalization of 33 microbiota-related metabolites, including mannose (P = 0.001), aspartic acid (P = 0.009), alanine (P = 0.007), serine (P = 0.000), threonine (P = 0.027), methionine (P = 0.023), 5-hydroxytryptamine (P = 0.008), alpha-linolenic acid (P = 0.003), eicosapentaenoic acid (P = 0.006), hypoxanthine (P = 0.000), vitamin B6 (P = 0.000), cholic acid (P = 0.013), and taurocholate (P = 0.002). Correlation analysis showed a significant association between the perturbed fecal microbiota and metabolite levels, with a notable negative relationship between LCA and Bacteroides.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, we demonstrated that moxibustion has an antifatigue-like effect. The results from the 16S rRNA gene sequencing and metabolomics analysis suggest that the therapeutic effects of moxibustion on CFS are related to the regulation of gut microorganisms and their metabolites. The increase in Bacteroides and decrease in LCA may be key targets for the moxibustion treatment of CFS.

Additive manufacturing of functionally graded porous titanium scaffolds for dental applications

Graded porous titanium scaffolds are gaining increasing attention as dental implants due to their ability to mimic the mechanical and biological properties of human bone. In this study, we have developed titanium scaffolds with graded primitive structures with porosities of 50.7 %, 61.0 %, 70.5 %, and 80.3 % (denoted as P50, P60, P70, and P80, respectively) for dental applications. The simulation results in the oral environment showed that the maximum von Mises strains and stress of cortical bone tissue around P50, P60, and P70 were lower than 3000 με and 60 MPa, respectively, which was beneficial for bone regeneration. The elastic modulus and yield strength of P50, P60, and P70 ranged within 5.2-13.8 GPa and 88.6-217.8 MPa, respectively. Among these, P60 exhibited the most favorable mechanical properties with a compression yield strength of 163.2 MPa and an elastic modulus of 9.7 GPa, which are desirable mechanical properties for dental material applications. The tested permeabilities of the fabricated specimens were in the range 0.66-6.88 × 10^-9 m², which is within the range of human bone (0.01-12.10 × 10^-9 m²). In vitro biocompatibility assay results showed that P60 and P70 had better potential for cell viability and osteogenesis than P50. It can be concluded that P60, which has a compatible elastic modulus, high yield strength, high permeability, good cytocompatibility, and osteogenesis properties, is a promising candidate for bone-tissue engineering applications in dentistry.

D-mannose alleviates osteoarthritis progression by inhibiting chondrocyte ferroptosis in a HIF-2α-dependent manner

OBJECTIVES

Chondrocyte ferroptosis contributes to osteoarthritis (OA) progression, and D-mannose shows therapeutic value in many inflammatory conditions. Here, we investigated whether D-mannose interferes in chondrocyte ferroptotic cell death during osteoarthritic cartilage degeneration.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In vivo anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT)-induced OA mouse model and an in vitro study of chondrocytes in an OA microenvironment induced by interleukin-1β (IL-1β) exposure were employed. Combined with Epas1 gene gain- and loss-of-function, histology, immunofluorescence, quantitative RT-PCR, Western blot, cell viability and flow cytometry experiments were performed to evaluate the chondroprotective effects of D-mannose in OA progression and the role of hypoxia-inducible factor 2 alpha (HIF-2 α) in D-mannose-induced ferroptosis resistance of chondrocytes.

RESULTS

D-mannose exerted a chondroprotective effect by attenuating the sensitivity of chondrocytes to ferroptosis and alleviated OA progression. HIF-2α was identified as a central mediator in D-mannose-induced ferroptosis resistance of chondrocytes. Furthermore, overexpression of HIF-2α in chondrocytes by Ad-Epas1 intra-articular injection abolished the chondroprotective effect of D-mannose during OA progression and eliminated the role of D-mannose as a ferroptosis suppressor.

CONCLUSIONS

D-mannose alleviates osteoarthritis progression by suppressing HIF-2α-mediated chondrocyte sensitivity to ferroptosis, indicating D-mannose to be a potential therapeutic strategy for ferroptosis-related diseases.

Mannose Treatment: A Promising Novel Strategy to Suppress Inflammation

High glucose and fructose intake have been proven to display pro-inflammatory roles during the progression of inflammatory diseases. However, mannose has been shown to be a special type of hexose that has immune regulatory functions. In this review, we trace the discovery process of the regulatory functions of mannose and summarize some past and recent studies showing the therapeutic functions of mannose in inflammatory diseases. We conclude that treatment with mannose can suppress inflammation by inducing regulatory T cells, suppressing effector T cells and inflammatory macrophages, and increasing anti-inflammatory gut microbiome. By summarizing all the important findings, we highlight that mannose treatment is a safe and promising novel strategy to suppress inflammatory diseases, including autoimmune disease and allergic disease.

Dental-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells: State of the Art

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) could be identified in mammalian teeth. Currently, dental-derived MSCs (DMSCs) has become a collective term for all the MSCs isolated from dental pulp, periodontal ligament, dental follicle, apical papilla, and even gingiva. These DMSCs possess similar multipotent potential as bone marrow-derived MSCs, including differentiation into cells that have the characteristics of odontoblasts, cementoblasts, osteoblasts, chondrocytes, myocytes, epithelial cells, neural cells, hepatocytes, and adipocytes. Besides, DMSCs also have powerful immunomodulatory functions, which enable them to orchestrate the surrounding immune microenvironment. These properties enable DMSCs to have a promising approach in injury repair, tissue regeneration, and treatment of various diseases. This review outlines the most recent advances in DMSCs' functions and applications and enlightens how these advances are paving the path for DMSC-based therapies.

D-Mannose Inhibits Adipogenic Differentiation of Adipose Tissue-Derived Stem Cells via the miR669b/MAPK Pathway

The adipogenic differentiation of adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ADSCs) plays an important role in the process of obesity and host metabolism. D-Mannose shows a potential regulating function for fat tissue expansion and glucose metabolism. To explore the mechanisms through which D-mannose affects the adipogenic differentiation of adipose-derived stem cells in vitro, we cultured the ADSCs with adipogenic medium inducement containing D-mannose or glucose as the control. The adipogenic differentiation specific markers Pparg and Fabp4 were determined by real-time PCR. The Oil Red O staining was applied to measure the lipid accumulation. To further explore the mechanisms, microarray analysis was performed to detect the differences between glucose-treated ADSCs (G-ADSCs) and D-mannose-treated ADSCs (M-ADSCs) in the gene expression level. The microarray data were further analyzed by a Venn diagram and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA). MicroRNA inhibitor transfection was used to confirm the role of key microRNA. Results. D-Mannose intervention significantly inhibited the adipogenic differentiation of ADSCs, compared with the glucose intervention. Microarray showed that D-mannose increased the expression of miR669b, which was an inhibitor of adipogenesis. In addition, GSEA and western blot suggested that D-mannose suppressed the adipogenic differentiation via inhibiting the MAPK pathway and further inhibited the expression of proteins related to glucose metabolism and tumorigenesis. Conclusion. D-Mannose inhibits adipogenic differentiation of ADSCs via the miR669b/MAPK signaling pathway and may be further involved in the regulation of glucose metabolism and the inhibition of tumorigenesis.

D-mannose attenuates bone loss in mice via Treg cell proliferation and gut microbiota-dependent anti-inflammatory effects

Background:

D-mannose exhibits strong anti-inflammatory properties, but whether it has beneficial effects on preventing and treating osteoporosis remains unknown.

Methods:

Female, 12-month-old senile C57BL6/J mice (s-Man group) and 8-week-old ovariectomized C57BL6/J mice (OVX-Man group) were treated with D-mannose in drinking water for 2 months (six mice/group). Microcomputed tomography analysis and hematoxylin and eosin staining were performed to investigate the effect of D-mannose on attenuation of bone loss. Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining of tissue sections, flow cytometry, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, and gut microbiome biodiversity tests were used to explore the underlying mechanisms.

Results:

D-mannose-induced marked increases in cortical bone volume and trabecular bone microarchitecture in the s-Man and OVX-Man group compared with that in the s-CTRL (senile control) and OVX group, respectively. Moreover, D-mannose downregulated osteoclastogenesis-related cytokines in the bone marrow and expanded regulatory T cells in the spleen of mice. Furthermore, D-mannose reconstructed the gut microbiota and changed the metabolite composition.

Conclusion:

D-mannose attenuated bone loss induced by senility and estrogen deficiency in mice, and this effect may be mediated by D-mannose-induced proliferation of regulatory T cells and gut microbiota-dependent anti-inflammatory effects.

Inhibition of Tet1- and Tet2-mediated DNA demethylation promotes immunomodulation of periodontal ligament stem cells

Periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) possess great potential for clinical treatment of immune diseases due to their extensive immunomodulatory properties. However, the underlying mechanisms that govern the immunomodulatory properties of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are still not fully elucidated. Here, we show that member of the Ten-eleven translocation (Tet) family, a group of DNA demethylases, are capable of regulating PDLSC immunomodulatory functions. Tet1 and Tet2 deficiency enhance PDLSC-induced T cell apoptosis and ameliorate the disease phenotype in colitis mice. Mechanistically, we found that downregulation of Tet1 and Tet2 leads to hypermethylation of DKK-1 promoter, leading to the activation of WNT signaling pathway and therefore promoting Fas ligand (FasL) expression, which results in elevated immunomodulatory capacity of PDLSCs. These results reveal a previously unrecognized role of Tet1 and Tet2 in regulating immunomodulation of PDLSCs. This Tet/DKK-1/FasL cascade may serve as a promising target for enhancing PDLSC-based immune therapy.

Graphene Family Nanomaterials: Properties and Potential Applications in Dentistry

Graphene family nanomaterials, with superior mechanical, chemical, and biological properties, have grabbed appreciable attention on the path of researches seeking new materials for future biomedical applications. Although potential applications of graphene had been highly reviewed in other fields of medicine, especially for their antibacterial properties and tissue regenerative capacities, in vivo and in vitro studies related to dentistry are very limited. Therefore, based on current knowledge and latest progress, this article aimed to present the recent achievements and provide a comprehensive literature review on potential applications of graphene that could be translated into clinical reality in dentistry.