Biomedical subjects

W H Lan

Publications and source records attributed to W H Lan.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

PubMed1999

Effects of butyrate and propionate on the adhesion, growth, cell cycle kinetics, and protein synthesis of cultured human gingival fibroblasts.

BACKGROUND: Various periodontal and root canal pathogens, such as the Bacteroides species, can produce significant amounts of short chain fatty acids (SCFA). The roles of SCFA in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease are still not fully understood. METHODS: We therefore investigated 2 main SCFA, butyrate and propionate, on the functional behavior of cultured human gingival fibroblasts (GF) such as cell growth, protein synthesis, cell adhesion capacity, and cell cycle progression. RESULTS: Butyrate and propionate inhibited the growth of healthy (HGF) and inflamed gingival fibroblasts (IGF) in a dose dependent manner. At concentrations of 4, 8, and 16 mM, butyrate suppressed the cell growth by 11 to 58%, 16 to 60%, and 50 to 71%, respectively. The response of cultured gingival fibroblasts to SCFA showed individual differences. Morphologically, GF became larger and more flattened in appearance following exposure to butyrate (>8 mM) and propionate (>24 mM) for 5 days. Inhibitory effects of butyrate (>2 mM) and propionate (>8 mM) on the growth of GF were due possibly to their inhibition of cell-cycle progression. At concentrations of 2 and 8 mM, butyrate led to G0/G1 arrest. Elevation of the exposure concentration to 8 to 24 mM further result in G2/M phase arrest of GF. On the other hand, propionate, at concentrations ranging from 4 to 24 mM, led to G0/G1 arrest. Butyrate (>2 mM) inhibited the proline-rich protein synthesis of GF. At concentrations of 4, 8, 16, and 24 mM, butyrate inhibited the protein synthesis of HGF-1 by 42%, 43%, 51%, and 54%, respectively. In all strains of cultured GF, the suppressive effect of propionate is less than that of butyrate. At concentration range of 4 to 24 mM, propionate suppressed the protein synthesis of HGF-1 by 23 to 43%. However, both butyrate and propionate (4 to 48 mM) exerted little effects on the adhesion of GF to type I collagen within 3 hours of incubation. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggested that SCFA released by pathogenic microorganisms can contribute to the gingival tissue dysfunction and breakdown through their actions on specific biological functions of GF.

Butyrates↗

PubMed1999

Ultrastructural changes of the tooth root surface by Nd:YAG laser irradiation followed by citric acid and tetracycline.

The neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser has been used for treatment of dentinal hypersensitivity, eradicating periodontal pathogens, and facilitating calculus removal. However, Nd:YAG laser irradiation exerts potentially harmful effects on the tooth root surface. The purpose of this study was to examine the ultrastructural changes of the tooth root surface caused by Nd:YAG laser irradiation, and to determine whether chemical and mechanical preparations can correct these ultrastructural changes. Eighteen tooth specimens (3 x 3 x 0.5 mm) with healthy root surfaces were prepared and irradiated with an Nd:YAG laser at various power densities. Root surfaces were irradiated at 100 mJ at 20 pulses per second (pps) for 2 seconds followed by the application of citric acid (pH 1.2) or tetracycline solution (100 mg/mL) for 3 and 5 minutes, respectively, or ultrasonic scaling for 5 strokes of 3 seconds per stroke. As observed with low-vacuum scanning electron microscopy, (Wet-SEM), Nd:YAG laser irradiation at 70 to 100 mJ, 20 pps for 2 seconds caused surface cratering, areas of porosity, pitting, fissures, and lava-like structures in an area 140 to 280 microns in diameter. Irradiation of 50 mJ, 20 pps for 2 seconds, led to only mild surface charring. No evidence of morphologic changes was found when root surfaces were irradiated with the Nd:YAG laser at 20 mJ, 20 pps for 2 seconds or at 50 mJ, 10 pps for 8 seconds. The laser-induced lava-like structures were partially detached by citric acid (pH 1.2) etching and ultrasonic scaling, but not by tetracycline (100 mg/mL). These results indicate that chemical and mechanical preparations can be used effectively in conjunction with Nd:YAG laser irradiation for root surface preparation during both nonsurgical and surgical periodontal treatments.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

PubMed1999

Treatment of dental root fracture by medium energy CO2 laser and DP-bioactive glass paste. Part. II: Compositional, structure, and phase changes of DP-bioglass paste after exposed to CO2 laser.

Fractured teeth are difficult to treat effectively. Currently, such as root fractures are usually treated by full-coverage restoration, root amputation, or tooth extraction. If the fusion of tooth fracture by laser were possible, it could offer a different therapy to repair fracture teeth. We tried to use a developed DP-bioactive glass paste to fuse or bridge the tooth crack line by a medium energy continuous-wave CO2 laser. The present report was focused on the phase transformation and rescrystallization of DP-bioactive paste during expose to the CO2 laser. The materials will examine by means of XRD, FTIR, DTA/TGA, and SEM. From the study, we could expect that the temperature increase due to laser irradiation must be over than 900 degrees C and the DP-bioactive glass paste could be melted in a short period of time after irradiation. In the study, we successfully developed a DP-bioactive glass paste which could form a melting glass within minutes after exposed to a medium energy density continuous-wave CO2 laser. The paste will be used to bridge the enamel or dentine surface crack by the continuous-wave CO2 laser in the near future.

Dental Cements↗

PubMed1998

The quality of ultrasonic root-end preparation: a quantitative study.

Ultrasonic root-end preparation techniques have recently been introduced and revolutionized the field of endodontic surgery. The purpose of this study was to compare quantitatively the quality of root-end preparation techniques prepared by a specially designed ultrasonic retrotip with those prepared in a traditional manner by a microhandpiece bur. Twenty roots with two canals and an isthmus from extracted maxillary human molars were selected for this study. After instrumentation, obturation, and root-end resection, root-end preparations were made using either an ultrasonic retrotip or a conventional microhandpiece bur. With the aid of the image processing and analysis system, the specimens were inspected under a stereomicroscope for further evaluation of the quality of the shape and size of preparation. The results of this investigation showed that the ultrasonic root-end preparations produced more conservative and less perforated cavities than those made with conventional microhandpiece bur preparations.

Evaluation Studies as Topic↗

PubMed1998

Thrombin-induced DNA synthesis of cultured human dental pulp cells is dependent on its proteolytic activity and modulated by prostaglandin E2.

To clarify the roles of alpha-thrombin and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in the healing and inflammatory processes of dental pulp, their effects on the DNA synthesis of human pulp cells were investigated by measurement of [3H]thymidine incorporation. At a concentration range of 1 to 25 units/ml, alpha-thrombin stimulated DNA synthesis of the pulp cells by 1.5 to 2.6-fold. On the contrary, PGE2 (> 0.05 microgram/ml) suppressed DNA synthesis by 24 to 39%. Using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, thrombin receptor mRNA expression was identified in the pulp cells. Furthermore, alpha-thrombin-induced DNA synthesis could be inhibited by antithrombin III (2 units/ml) with heparin (2 units/ml) or D-Phe-Pro-ArgCH2Cl (50 micrograms/ml). PGE2 (0.1 to 0.5 microgram/ml) also inhibited the thrombin-induced DNA synthesis by 39 to 64%. These results imply that pulp cells express the thrombin receptor that is activated by the serine protease activity of thrombin. Interactions of thrombin and PGE2 are important in modulating the inflammatory and healing processes of the pulp.

Cells, Cultured↗

PubMed1998

Prevalence and distribution of cervical dentin hypersensitivity in a population in Taipei, Taiwan.

The prevalence, distribution, and possible causal factors of cervical dentin hypersensitivity were studied in a population attending the Health Examination Center of National Taiwan University Hospital. A total of 780 patients were examined for the presence of cervical dentin hypersensitivity by means of a questionnaire and intraoral tests. There were 253 patients (32%) who claimed to have hypersensitive teeth at present and 90 patients (12%) who reported a history of hypersensitive teeth. The intraoral distribution of hypersensitivity showed that premolars and molars were the most common teeth sensitive to the air and probe stimuli, while the incisors were the least sensitive ones. The presence and history of dentin hypersensitivity were positively correlated with previous tooth-brushing and periodontal disease. Only a few of the patients who claimed to have dentin hypersensitivity had tried treatment with desensitizing tooth-pastes (11%) or sought professional help (5%).

Adult↗

PubMed1998

Cytotoxicity of sodium fluoride on human oral mucosal fibroblasts and its mechanisms.

Because sodium fluoride (NaF) is widely used for prevention of dental caries, pathobiological effects of NaF were investigated on human oral mucosal fibroblasts. The results showed that NaF was cytotoxic to oral mucosal fibroblasts at concentrations of 4 mmol/L or higher. Exposure of cells to NaF for 2 h also inhibited protein synthesis, cellular ATP level and functional mitochondrial activities in a dose-dependent manner. However, incubation of cells with NaF up to 12 mmol/L for 2 h depleted only 13% of cellular glutathione level. The IC50 of NaF on cellular ATP level was about 5.75 mmol/L. Preincubation of the cells with pyruvate and succinate did not protect cells from NaF-induced ATP depletion. At concentrations of 4 mmol/L, 8 mmol/L and 12 mmol/L, NaF inhibited 31%, 56% and 57% of mitochondrial functions, respectively, after 2 h incubation. No significant inhibition for NaF was found at concentrations lower than 2 mmol/L (40 ppm). These results indicate that NaF can be toxic to oral mucosal fibroblasts in vitro by its inhibition of protein synthesis, mitochondrial function and depletion of cellular ATP. Because of repeated and long-term usage of NaF, more detailed studies should be undertaken to understand its toxic effects in vitro and in vivo.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

PubMed1998

Serine protease activity is essential for thrombin-induced protein synthesis in cultured human dental pulp cells: modulation roles of prostaglandin E2.

Irritations and injuries to the dental pulp usually lead to different degrees of pulpal inflammation. To investigate the roles of thrombin and prostaglandins in the healing and inflammatory processes of dental pulp as well as their effects on pulpal protein synthesis, human dental pulp cell cultures were established and their protein production was measured with or without the presence of exogenous thrombin and prostaglandins. At concentrations of 1-25 U/ml, alpha-thrombin increased the protein synthesis to 1.4-2.3 fold over the vehicle control. On the contrary, 0.1 microg/ml of prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) suppressed protein synthesis by 60%. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) also inhibited protein synthesis with an IC50 of 0.4 microg/ml. The stimulatory effects of thrombin (10 U/ml) can be inhibited by antithrombin III (2 U/ml) (a natural thrombin inhibitor) with heparin (2 U/ml), PPACK (D-Phe-Pro-ArgCH2Cl) (20-50 microg/ml) (a serine protease inhibitor), and PGE2 (0.5-1.0 microg/ml). Moreover, TRAP (20-40 microg/ml), a thrombin receptor agonist peptide, also exerted a stimulatory effect (1.21-1.37 fold). In conclusion, thrombin-induced protein synthesis by pulp cells is dependent on proteolytic activity, but not on binding to receptors. Both PGE1 and PGE2 exert suppressive effects on protein synthesis, indicating that interactions between thrombin and prostaglandins are important in regulating the inflammation, repair and regeneration of pulp tissue following injury.

Adult↗

PubMed1997

Sealing depth of Nd:YAG laser on human dentinal tubules.

Dentin permeability and hypersensitivity are both reduced when the dentinal tubules are occluded. Previous scanning electron microscopic studies showed that Nd:YAG laser could cause melting of dentin and closure of exposed dentinal tubules without dentin surface cracking. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the sealing depth of Nd:YAG laser on human dentinal tubules. Thirty-six dentin specimens with exposed dentinal tubule orifices were used in this study. Samples were randomly divided into three groups. Groups A and B were lased by Nd:YAG laser at energy of 30 mJ with 10 pulses/s for a stroke along the dentin surface. Group C was not lased and served as a control. Subsequently, group B was frozen in liquid nitrogen and split by a sharp chisel. Under SEM observation, nonlased specimens showed numerous exposed dentinal tubule orifices, and lased specimens showed melting of dentin and closure of exposed dentinal tubule orifices. The sealing depth of Nd:YAG laser on human dentinal tubules was approximately 4 microns.

Dentin↗

PubMed1997

Immunolocalization of interstitial collagenase (MMP-1) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1) in radicular cysts.

To investigate the mechanisms involved in expansion of radicular cysts, monoclonal antibodies against interstitial collagenase (MMP-1) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1) were used to localize the sites of MMP-1 and TIMP-1 expression in 30 radicular cysts. Positive MMP-1 staining was detected in the lining epithelium and subepithelial fibroblasts, macrophages, endothelial cells and osteoblasts/osteocytes in all specimens. Positive TIMP-1 staining was identified in osteoblasts/osteocytes and endothelial cells of all specimens, and in the lining epithelium and subepithelial fibrous connective tissue wall of five radicular cysts with an intense inflammatory cell infiltrate. The number and distribution of positive cells for MMP-1 or TIMP-1 varied widely among individual specimens, but strong immunostaining was constantly detected at sites with prominent subepithelial inflammation. Results here support the hypothesis that MMP-1 may play an important role in the expansion of radicular cysts. The absence of TIMP-1 expression in lining epithelium and subepithelial fibroblasts and macrophages in most cases studied indicated that an imbalance between MMP-1 and TIMP-1 production may lead to radicular cyst expansion.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

PubMed1997

Scanning electron microscopic evaluation of the cleanliness of a new ultrasonic root end preparation.

Recently introduced ultrasonic instrumentation techniques for root end preparation have revolutionized the field of endodontic surgery. The specially designed tips offer improved access to the root end and create more conservative root and preparations while decreasing the amount of retained debris. This study compared the cleanliness of root end preparations made using ultrasonic instrumentation with that of those prepared in a traditional manner using a microhandpiece bur. We used 10 extracted maxillary human premolars and molars. After cleaning, shaping, and obturation of the root canals, a 3 mm root end resection perpendicular to the long axis of the root was performed with a carbide fissure bur. The roots were randomly divided into two groups and root end preparations were made using the two aforementioned techniques. The roots were longitudinally split and sputter-coated with gold for scanning electron microscopic study. Three independent dentists used a standardized grading system to evaluate the cleanliness of the root end preparations. The ultrasonic preparation had significantly less superficial debris and a thinner smear layer than the microhandpiece preparation (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences between the canal and isthmus portions of the root end preparations within each group in either superficial debris or smear layer. This indicates that cleaner surfaces for root end cavities are created using ultrasonic retrotips than using microhandpiece burs.

Dental Pulp Cavity↗

PubMed1996

The effects of cooling systems on CO2-lased human enamel.

The thermal effects on dentin during CO2 laser irradiation on human enamel were investigated. To simulate the clinical practice, two cooling methods (air and water spray) were applied immediately after laser exposure, whereas one group without cooling was served as control. Three hundred and sixty uniform tooth blocks were obtained from freshly extracted human third molars. Temperature change measurements were made via electrical thermocouple implanted within the tooth block 2 mm away from the enamel surface. Experimental treatments consisted of lasing without cooling, lasing with 0.5-ml/sec water cooling, and lasing with 15-psi air cooling. Our results indicated that (1) both air- and water-cooling groups could reduce temperature elevation significantly; (2) the larger power energy resulted in the higher temperature elevation. In conclusion, for CO2 laser irradiation on human enamel both water- and air-cooling methods may be effective on prevention of thermal damage of pulp.

Air↗

PubMed1996

Treatment of dentin hypersensitivity by Nd:YAG laser.

Our previous study indicated that dentin surface irradiated with an Nd:YAG laser at an energy output of 30 mJ, 10 pulses/sec (pps), for 2 min resulted in a melted surface and a closure of exposed dentinal tubules orifices, but without dentin surface cracking. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the Nd:YAG laser in the treatment of dentin hypersensitivity. Thirty subjects participated in this study and were followed for 3 months. Two sites of dentin hypersensitivity in a patient were treated; one received Nd:YAG laser treatment and the other served as control. Dentin hypersensitivity was assessed by mechanical and thermal stimulus. Pulpal vitality was measured using an electrical stimulus. The Nd:YAG laser treatment reduced dentin hypersensitivity to air by 65% and to mechanical stimulus by 72% over 3 months. All teeth remained vital after laser treatment, without adverse reactions or complications. In conclusion, the Nd:YAG laser can be used to reduce dentin hypersensitivity without detrimental pulpal effects.

Adult↗

PubMed1996

Inhibition of the migration, attachment, spreading, growth and collagen synthesis of human gingival fibroblasts by arecoline, a major areca alkaloid, in vitro.

Because betel quid (BQ) chewing has been linked to a higher prevalence of periodontal diseases, the pathobiological effects of arecoline, a main alkaloid found in areca nut, were investigated in cultured human gingival fibroblasts. At concentrations higher than 0.4 mM, arecoline inhibits cell attachment, cell spreading and cell migration in a dose-dependent manner. These inhibitory effects were associated with intracellular depletion of glutathione (GSH). At concentrations of 0.4 mM and 1 mM, arecoline depleted about 26% and 45% of GSH after 2 h incubation. Exposure of cells to arecoline at concentrations lower than 0.4 mM for 2 h showed no significant decrease in either cell viability or intracellular GSH. However, incubation of cells for 24 h in 1 mM are colined decreased the cell numbers to only 35% of those in the untreated control. Arecoline also decreased cell growth and collagen synthesis in a dose-dependent manner. Because of repeated and long-term exposure to arecoline, BQ chewers could be more susceptible to periodontal damage and less responsive to new attachment procedures.

Arecoline↗

PubMed1996

Comparison of calcium phosphate cement mixture and pure calcium hydroxide as direct pulp-capping agents.

Calcium phosphate cement (CPC) and pure calcium hydroxide were used as direct pulp-capping agents on the deliberately exposed pulp tissue of 60 teeth in five monkeys. Their effects on the pulp tissue of individual teeth were observed and histologically compared after 12, 20 and 24 weeks. The results showed that both materials produced similar responses with regard to their biocompatibility and induction of hard tissue barrier formation. Vasodilatation, chronic inflammation and calcification nidi scattered within the pulp tissue of the 12-week group were observed. Twenty weeks after application of capping materials, a crude reparative dentinal bridge with inclusion of soft tissue or bulky capping agents appeared. A more mature, hard tissue barrier with a better degree of mineralization and formation of dentinal tubules was demonstrated in the 24-week group. The above findings associated with the abilities of self-setting and fair compressive strength suggest that CPC appears superior to pure calcium hydroxide and may have potential for clinical application, although many issues remain to be further investigated.

Animals↗

PubMed1995

Secondary dentin deposition in dens evaginatus: report of a case.

An unusual case of dens evaginatus in a 22-year-old man is reported. The involved tooth was the right upper second premolar which appeared to have been segregated into coronal and apical segments during the disease process. Although abscess formation was noted in the coronal portion, continuing secondary dentin deposition was found over the displaced apical segment. The pathogenesis of this unusual dentinal bridge formation is proposed based on the microscopic and radiographic findings.

Adult↗

PubMed1993

Hyaline ring granuloma: a case report with histochemical and polarized microscopic studies.

An unusual case of hyaline ring granuloma arising from the connective tissue wall of a residual apical periodontal cyst is reported. Hyaline rings with foreign-body type giant cell inclusions were a significant feature in the histopathologic diagnosis. Histochemical and polarized light microscopic studies suggested that the introduction of foreign material, possibly cellulose, through the postextraction socket into the cystic wall may have caused the granulomatous reaction and formation of the hyaline ring granuloma. The clinical features of this case and 66 previously reported cases, as well as the pathogenesis of the hyaline rings, are discussed.

Adult↗

PubMed1993

[Establishment of dental pulp hyperemia in an animal experiment model].

To establish an animal model of dental pulp hyperemia, 96 molars in 12 Wistar rats were studied. In each rat, the four right molars, including the right upper and lower first and second molars, were assigned as the experimental group. The four left corresponding molars in each rat were included in the control group. The animals were anesthetized and a 3% silver nitrate solution was applied to the exposed dentin at the cusp tip of the molars for one minute. After 2, 5, and 24 hours, four animals in each subgroup were sacrificed. The upper and lower jaws in conjunction with the dentition were removed and fixed in a 10% neutral formalin solution for 24 hours. The first and second molars and the surrounding alveolar bone in en bloc were trimmed off, fixed for another 24 hours, and processed according to routine histological procedures. The histopathologic changes in the dental pulp were examined by light microscopy. For convenience of interpretation, the intensity of the pulp tissue reaction was graded as follows: grade O: normal pulp tissue; grade I: vessel dilatation and congestion, as well as stromal edema; grade II: focal pulp hemorhage and plasma extravasation; grade III: pulp tissue destruction including pyknotic change in the odontoblastic nuclei; and grade IV: abscess formation in the pulp tissue.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗