Defects in the lip and perilabial regions can be caused by lip oncosurgery. Currently, there is a lack of clear classification and principles for repairing and reconstructing the lip and perilabial defects after lip tumor resection surgery. Lip defects are categorized into three types based on their extent by author: partial lip defects, full-thickness lip defects, and full-thickness lip defects with surrounding lip defects. The partial lip defects include four types: labial vermilion defects, labial cutaneous defects, labial mucosal defects, and through-and-through labial defects. There are four types of full-thickness lip defects, including less than half of labial defects, one half of labial defects, subtotal labial defects, and total labial defects. There are three types of full-thickness lip defects with surrounding lip defects, including through-and-through commissure and cheek defects, total labial and nasal defects, and total labial and chin defects. Different types of defects in the lip and perilabial region should be repaired during radical surgery for lip tumors. The methods of repair and reconstruction of lip and perilabial defects include primary closure, skin or mucosal grafting, local flaps, regional flaps, pedicle flaps, free flaps, and allogeneic dermal matrix (ADM). Multiple tissue flaps can also be combined for repair and reconstruction. Among them, the anteriorly based ventral tongue flap is an ideal tissue flap for repairing and reconstructing labial vermilion defects. The Abbe-Estlander flap is a very important technique for repairing and reconstructing lip defects. The combination of bilateral mental neurovascular V-Y island advancement flap and an anteriorly based ventral tongue flap for reconstruction of the total lower lip defect is a reliable and effective method. The Estlander flap, foldable supraclavicular fasciocutaneous island flap, or foldable facial-submental artery island flap can be used to repair the through-and-through labial commissure and cheek defects. Large perilabial defects such as total labial and chin defects or total labial and nasal defects require repair using pectoralis major muscle flaps, trapezius muscle flaps, free tissue flaps, or even a combination of multiple flaps. This article proposes the classification of lip and perilabial defects following oncosurgery and systematically elaborates on the functional repair and reconstruction of the defects, which has certain guiding and promotional application value for clinical practice.

Objective To explore the mechanism of isorhamnetin (Iso) in the treatment of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) using network pharmacology and molecular docking methods and to verify it in vitro. Methods The key targets were obtained by constructing the PPI protein interaction network based on the common intersection targets of Iso-OSCC. At the same time, gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) were used to analyze the related signaling pathways of the intersection targets. Iso and core targets were also analyzed through molecular docking and visualization. Colony formation assay and Transwell assay were used to identify the effect of Iso on the proliferation and invasion of Cal-27 cells. Western blot was used to analyze the regulatory effects of different concentrations of Iso on estrogen receptor-1 (ESR1), phosphoinositide-3-kinase regulatory subunit-1 (PIK3R1), Src tyrosine kinase (SRC), and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) signaling pathway proteins. Results A total of 269 potential intersection targets of Iso-regulated OSCC were obtained. According to the degree obtained by topological analysis, PIK3R1, AKT1, SRC, ESR1, and other core targets were screened out. KEGG analysis showed that 165 signaling pathways were enriched in the intersection targets of Iso-OSCC, among which the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway played an important role in the treatment of OSCC with Iso. Molecular docking results showed that the absolute value of binding energy between target proteins PIK3R1, AKT1, SRC, ESR1, and Iso was high. After Cal-27 cells were treated with Iso, the number of cell colony formations, the number of transmembrane cells, and the expression of PIK3R1, ESR1, SRC, p-PI3K, and p-AKT were negatively correlated with the increase in Iso concentration (P < 0.05). Conclusion Iso can inhibit PI3K/AKT signal transduction and influence the expression of PIK3R1, AKT1, SRC, and ESR1 proteins, thereby inhibiting the occurrence and development of OSCC.

Objective To investigate the effect of integrin α5 on the expression of NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3 (NLRP3) in periodontal ligament fibroblasts (PDLFs) within an inflammatory microenvironment. Methods This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Laboratory animals. After rat PDLFs were treated with LPS (0.5, 5, and 50 µg/mL) for 24 h, the primary medium was discarded and replaced with serum-free culture medium. After 24 h, the supernatant was collected and mixed with DMEM medium containing 10% exosome-free serum at a volume ratio of 1:1 to obtain conditioned medium (CM). The groups were labeled as the 0.5-CM, 5-CM, and 50-CM groups. In addition, PDLFs cultured in DMEM medium containing 10% exosome-free serum were considered the 0-CM group. PDLFs were cultured with the above CM. In the inhibitor group, PDLFs were cultured in 0-CM containing different concentrations of integrin α5 inhibitor ATN-161 (0, 0.025, 0.25, 2.5, 25, and 250 μg/mL). The effect of CM and integrin α5 inhibitor ATN-161 on cell viability was assessed using the CCK-8 assay. According to the CCK-8 results, in further inhibitor intervention experiments, PDLFs were cultured in 0-CM, 5-CM (without/with 25 μg/mL ATN-161), and 0-CM containing 25 μg/mL ATN-161, which were labeled as the 0-CM, 5-CM, ATN-161+5-CM, and ATN-161 groups, respectively. The expression changes of integrin α5 and NLRP3 were detected using Western blot and qRT-PCR techniques. For in vivo experiments, 24 rats were randomly divided into four groups (n=6). The control group contained healthy rats that received no treatment. The rats in the other three groups were injected with 40 µL of 0-CM containing 25 μg/mL ATN-161 or 5-CM (without or with 25 μg/mL ATN-161) on the palatal side of the left maxillary first molar every three days; these groups were classified as the ATN-161, 5-CM, and ATN-161+5-CM groups, respectively. On the 30th day, the left maxillary tissue of rats was used for Micro-CT, HE staining, and immunohistochemical detection. Results The CCK-8 assay showed that CM, 25 μg/mL ATN-161, and ATN-161 concentrations below 25 μg/mL had no significant effect on cell viability at 12 h and 24 h (P > 0.05). 50-CM and 25 μg/mL ATN-161 significantly inhibited cell viability at 48 h (P < 0.05). For in vitro experiments, compared to the 0-CM group, both the protein and mRNA levels of integrin α5 and NLRP3 were significantly increased in rat PDLFs in the 5-CM group (P < 0.05). Intervention with 25 μg/mL ATN-161 significantly attenuated the enhancement of 5-CM on the expression of integrin α5 and NLRP3 (P < 0.05). For in vivo experiments, compared to the control group, alveolar bone resorption and periodontal inflammatory cell infiltration were significantly increased in the 5-CM and ATN-161+5-CM groups, and the expression of integrin α5 and NLRP3 was significantly increased (P < 0.01). However, compared to the 5-CM group, the ATN-161+5-CM group had less alveolar bone resorption and fewer periodontal inflammatory cells. Further, the expression of integrin α5 and NLRP3 was significantly reduced (P < 0.01). Conclusion In vitro and in vivo experiments showed that integrin α5 mediated NLRP3 expression in PDLFs under an inflammatory microenvironment. ATN-161 inhibited the expression of integrin α5, thus significantly downregulating the expression of NLRP3, which plays a role in inhibiting inflammation.

Objective To analyze the relationship between tongue volume, tongue position, dental and skeletal parameters in adult patients with different skeletal malocclusions, providing references for the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of skeletal malocclusions. Methods This study has been reviewed and approved by the Ethics Committee, and informed consent has been obtained from patients. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and cephalometric radiographs were collected from 60 adult patients, divided into three groups based on ANB angle values: skeletal Class I (0° < ANB < 4°), II (ANB > 4°), and III (ANB < 0°), with 20 cases in each group. Dental and skeletal parameters were measured using Dolphin software. Mimics software was used for 3D reconstruction of the tongue, oral cavity, and upper airway to measure tongue position, tongue volume, oral cavity volume, and upper airway volume, followed by statistical analysis. Results The skeletal Class III group had significantly larger tongue and oral cavity volumes than the skeletal Class I and Class II groups (P = 0.02). Tongue length in the skeletal Class III group was also greater than in the skeletal Class I and Class II groups (P = 0.016). There was no significant difference in the ratio of tongue volume/oral cavity capacity among the three skeletal malocclusion groups (P > 0.05). Tongue volume was positively correlated with U1-SN and negatively correlated with overbite and overjet (P < 0.05). Additionally, tongue volume showed a significant positive correlation with Go-Gn and Pg-Np (P < 0.01), as well as with maxillary and mandibular dental arch width and basal bone arch width (P < 0.01). Upper airway volume was positively correlated with TT-VRL and TP-VRL (P < 0.05). Conclusion Patients with skeletal Class III malocclusion have larger tongue volumes and longer tongues. Patients with larger tongue volumes may also have larger, more forward-positioned mandibles. Patients with more posterior tongue positions may have smaller upper airway volumes. When developing orthodontic or orthognathic treatment plans, it is crucial to consider the relationship between tongue position, tongue volume, the jaws, and the airway to ensure optimal outcomes for both dental and orofacial function.

Objective To explore the changes of periodontal soft and hard tissue parameters of the maxillary central incisors after the distant migration of the maxillary total dentition in adult patients with different periodontal phenotypes, so as to provide a reference for orthodontic treatment. Methods The study was approved by the hospital ethics committee, and the patients signed the informed consent form. Fifty-two adult patients in the orthodontic department of Hefei Stomatological Hospital were selected and divided into thick gingival and thin gingival groups, with 26 cases in each group. The labial and palatal alveolar bone parameters and various periodontal indexes of the maxillary central incisor teeth of the two groups were collected and recorded before and after treatment. SPSS 26.0 statistical software was used to statistically analyze the intra-group and inter-group differences. Results After orthodontic treatment, the differences in sella-nasion-subspinale angle (SNA), sella-nasion-supramental angle (SNB), and subspinale-nasion-supramental angle (ANB) were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). However, the inclination of the upper middle incisor teeth (U1-NA) decreased significantly (P < 0.05), and there was no significant difference in SNA, SNB, ANB, and U1-NA between the two groups after treatment (P > 0.05). The thickness of the labial alveolar bone of the maxillary central incisors in both groups increased at the labial neck 1/3 and labial middle 1/3 (P < 0.05), and decreased at the apical 1/3 (P < 0.05). The thickness of the palatal alveolar bone decreased at the labial neck 1/3 and labial middle 1/3 (P < 0.01), and increased at the apical 1/3 (P < 0.01). In both groups, the height of the lip and palate of the upper jaw decreased to different degrees, and the height of the palatal alveolar bone was lower in the thin gingival group (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in maxillary central incisor probing depth (PD), lip keratinized tissue width (KTW), or lip gingival recession (GR) between the two groups after treatment (P > 0.05). Conclusion In the process of maxillary central incisor adduction, the labial-palatine alveolar bone remodeling is not uniform, and the alveolar bone of palatine side is mainly absorbed, which should be paid attention to clinically. Palatal alveolar bone height decreased more significantly in patients with thin gingiva after orthodontic treatment, and the risk of bone fenestration and bone dehiscence was greater.

Objective To explore the treatment plan for severe papillary defects in the aesthetic zone caused by severe periodontitis, providing a reference for clinical practice. Methods A patient with severe periodontitis leading to severe papillary defects in the upper anterior teeth from 12 to 23 was treated using interdental tunnel technique combined with personalized connective tissue grafting for periodontal plastic surgery, and stable soft tissue augmentation was achieved. Resin restoration was conducted to modify the crown shape of the aesthetic zone teeth, reconstruct white aesthetics, guide the shaping of the gingival papillae, reduce “black triangles,” and enhance the patient’s confidence in smiling. Results The patient’s periodontal condition and the regeneration of soft tissues in the aesthetic zone were good, and the smile aesthetics were restored. After a 3-year follow-up, the gingival morphology, color, and texture were good, and the effect was stable. The literature review indicates that for papillary defects in the aesthetic zone, analysis should be conducted based on the following aspects: whether a defect is present in periodontal hard and soft tissues, crown shape, and the distance from the most apical part of the crown contact area to the top of the alveolar crest. Based on the analysis of aesthetic defects and surgical indications, a personalized treatment plan should be designed. Conclusion For patients with obvious papillary defects in the aesthetic zone due to the reduction of periodontal support tissues caused by severe periodontitis, factors such as periodontal hard and soft tissue defects, crown shape, and the distance from the most apical part of the crown contact area to the top of the alveolar crest should be fully considered, and a personalized treatment plan should be formulated after multidisciplinary joint consultation.

Objective To examine the application of multi-disciplinary treatment (MDT) in the diagnosis and management of recurrence and metastasis of adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) of the palate, as well as the treatment of concurrent massive palatal bleeding. This article aimed to provide references for the diagnosis and treatment of patients with advanced oral cancer, along with strategies for managing massive hemorrhage. Methods This article reported on the MDT process for a patient diagnosed with ACC of the left upper palate, who experienced skull base recurrence and lung metastasis following surgery and radiotherapy. The case was further complicated by massive palatal hemorrhage. Additionally, the article analyzed patients with ACC recurrence and significant hemorrhage in the context of relevant literature. The patient was a 36-year-old female with ACC located in the left palate, initially diagnosed at clinical stage T3N0M0 in 2013. She underwent an extensive resection of the palatal lesion, followed by radioactive ¹²⁵I seed implantation, which was guided by a radiotherapy planning system (TPS) and a digital guide. The patient was monitored for four years post-surgery, during which no signs of tumor recurrence were observed. However, at the fifth year of follow-up, the patient developed recurrence with lung metastasis, classified as T4N0M1. Following a multidisciplinary consultation involving the oral and maxillofacial surgery, radiotherapy, medical oncology, and thoracic surgery, the patient underwent a procedure comprising left subtotal maxillary resection, autologous free flap transplantation, and thoracoscopic resection of pulmonary metastases. After surgery, the patient received 60 Gy of radiotherapy and was orally administered Anlotinib hydrochloride capsules to suppress tumor growth. After 31 months of follow-up, the patient reported experiencing slight bleeding in the mouth. A craniomaxillofacial CT scan revealed that the tumor had grown aggressively, resulting in destruction of the skull base. Consequently, the patient was admitted to the hospital. On the second day of admission, she experienced a sudden episode of oral bleeding. Despite the application of pressure, the bleeding continued unabated. An emergency tracheotomy was performed to relieve the obstruction of the patient’s respiratory tract, and a red blood cell suspension was transfused to address the hemorrhagic shock. Following an urgent consultation with the vascular interventional surgery department, super-selective embolization was promptly employed to effectively halt the bleeding and achieve rapid vascular occlusion. An individualized treatment plan was developed under MDT, incorporating postoperative radiotherapy, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy to manage the tumor. Results Through the MDT model, the patient successfully achieved emergency hemostasis, and normal vital signs were restored. With the addition of radiotherapy and immune-targeted drug treatment, tumor progression was effectively controlled, leading to an improved quality of life for the patient, who successfully survived for 129 months with the tumor by July 2024. A review of the relevant literature indicated that MDT offered significant advantages in the management of adenoid cystic carcinoma. In selecting surgical methods, the team administering MDT could comprehensively evaluate factors such as the patient’s age, physical condition, tumor location, size, and extent of invasion to develop a personalized treatment plan. Radical surgical resection was a common treatment option for ACC. Postoperative tissue defects could be restored to their corresponding functions and aesthetic appearance through autologous tissue reconstruction, utilizing techniques such as peroneal myocutaneous flaps or iliac myocutaneous flaps, or by the implantation of artificial materials. In complex cases involving positive margins, recurrence, and metastasis, the MDT model employed interdisciplinary collaboration to devise a comprehensive treatment plan that may have included re-operation, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, with the aim of minimizing the risk of ACC recurrence and controlling distant metastasis. Massive bleeding resulting from advanced oral cancer presented a complex medical challenge, influenced by various risk factors such as tumor type, metastasis, treatment options, and the patient’s overall condition. Early identification of bleeding risks, along with strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of bleeding on disease progression—through supportive care, medical treatment, surgical intervention, and interventional therapy—could significantly enhance patients’ quality of life. Conclusion The MDT model can provide comprehensive, precise, and personalized treatment plans for patients with advanced oral cancer and massive hemorrhage and improve the effectiveness of treatment strategies.

Hydrogen-rich water (HRW) shows excellent antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and wound-healing properties and plays a positive role in the treatment of various diseases, such as brain injury, kidney injury, and periodontitis. Current studies found that HRW can inhibit periodontopathogenic biofilm formation, inhibit oral connective tissue and bone tissue destruction, and show anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in periodontitis. Additionally, HRW can alleviate periodontal tissue damage by inhibiting oxidative stress and up-regulating the expression of antioxidant enzymes, such as glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase. HRW exerts anti-inflammatory effects by regulating the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways, which are closely associated with inflammation. Additionally, HRW inhibits the expression of inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukins, inhibits the growth and proliferation of bacterial plaque biofilms, and down-regulates glycosyltransferases and glucan-binding proteins to prevent bacterial adhesion and subsequent development of periodontitis. Furthermore, HRW has a positive effect on the expression of various cell growth factors, α-smooth muscle actin, and type I collagen, which promotes wound healing. Current clinical studies have demonstrated the biological safety of HRW (to a certain extent) and reported no adverse reactions. However, most studies on HRW in oral diseases are preclinical in vivo and in vitro studies. Therefore, further clinical studies are required to validate the therapeutic significance and optimal therapeutic regimen of HRW in human periodontitis. This article aims to review the therapeutic role and the underlying mechanisms of HRW in periodontitis.

During orthodontic treatment, clinical monitoring of patients is a crucial factor in determining treatment success. It aids in timely problem detection and resolution, ensuring adherence to the intended treatment plan. In recent years, digital technology has increasingly permeated orthodontic clinical diagnosis and treatment, facilitating clinical decision-making, treatment planning, and follow-up monitoring. This review summarizes recent advancements in digital technology for monitoring orthodontic tooth movement, related complications, and appliance-wearing compliance. It aims to provide insights for researchers and clinicians to enhance the application of digital technology in orthodontics, improve treatment outcomes, and optimize patient experience. The digitization of diagnostic data and the visualization of dental models make chair-side follow-up monitoring more convenient, accurate, and efficient. At the same time, the emergence of remote monitoring technology allows orthodontists to promptly identify oral health issues in patients and take corresponding measures. Furthermore, the multimodal data fusion method offers valuable insights into the monitoring of the root-alveolar relationship. Artificial intelligence technology has made initial strides in automating the identification of orthodontic tooth movement, associated complications, and patient compliance evaluation. Sensors are effective tools for monitoring patient adherence and providing data-driven support for clinical decision-making. The application of digital technology in orthodontic monitoring holds great promise. However, challenges like technical bottlenecks, ethical considerations, and patient acceptance remain.

The F-box protein (FBP) family is a large and diverse protein family that is present in all eukaryotes. Based on the secondary structure of the C-terminal, FBPs can be classified as FBXW, FBXL, and FBXO. FBPs can form the SCF complex by binding with S-phase kinase-associated protein 1 (SKP1), cullin 1 (CUL1), and ring-box 1 (Rbx1), functioning as E3 ubiquitin ligase. They specifically recognize substrate proteins via the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway and participate in various biological activities, such as cell cycle regulation, transcriptional regulation, apoptosis, and cell signaling transduction. Numerous studies have shown that FBPs play important roles in host-virus interactions. Being the substrate recognition component of the SCF complex, FBPs bind, ubiquitinate (at K-48), and transport substrates for proteasomal degradation. Based on the type of substrate, F-Box family proteins can either exert antiviral or proviral (immune evasive) effects. Some FBPs can specifically recognize and degrade interferon pathway-associated signal molecules via the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway, thereby upregulating or inhibiting interferon signals and regulating host-related immune responses. Additionally, some FBPs can recognize and degrade viral proteins via the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway, thereby inhibiting viral replication and transmission. However, viruses can hijack FBPs to promote the degradation of immunogenic host proteins, resulting in immune evasion. Although several FBP-targeting inhibitors have been developed, there are limited reports on the application of FBPs in antiviral drug research. Given the large number of FBP family members, further research is required on the functions and mechanisms of FBPs in virus-host interactions, to provide novel directions for the development of antiviral drugs.