Drug delivery and release are a major challenge fabricating bone tissue engineering. In this study, we fabricated new sustained release hydrogel scaffolds composited of mesoporous bioactive glass, sodium alginate and gelatin by a three-dimensional printing technique. Naringin and calcitonin gene-related peptide were used as drugs to prepare drug-loaded scaffolds by direct printing or surface absorption. The physicochemical properties of the scaffolds and the drug release profiles of the two drug-loading models were investigated. We also examined the biocompatibility of the scaffolds, as well as the effect of the released medium on the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of human osteoblast-like MG-63 cell. The results showed that the scaffolds had a high porosity (approximately 80%) with an interconnected cubic pore structure, rough surface morphology, bioactivity and strong biocompatibility. Furthermore, the naringin or calcitonin gene-related peptide co-printed into the scaffold displayed a steady sustained release behaviour for up to 21 days without an initial burst release, while both naringin and calcitonin gene-related peptide absorbed onto the surface of the scaffold were completely released within two days. MG-63 cells cultured with the extraction containing released drugs displayed promoted cell proliferation and the expression of osteogenesis-related genes more effectively compared with the drug-free extractions. Therefore, these results demonstrate that the developed mesoporous bioactive glass/sodium alginate/gelatin sustained release scaffolds provide a potential application for bone tissue engineering.

Several circular RNAs (circRNAs) may have role important roles in biological processes, however, there is limited knowledge of circRNAs and their potential functions in RAW264.7 macrophages. The present study aimed to examine the expression of circRNAs and explore their effects on interleukin‑6 (IL‑6) expression induced by calcitonin gene‑related peptide (CGRP) in RAW264.7 macrophages. To identify circRNAs, the circRNA expression was measured in macrophages with or without CGRP stimulation. The interaction between circRNAs and microRNAs (miRs) were then identified using bioinformatic software and networks. In the current study, it was demonstrated that CGRP increased the expression of IL‑6 mRNA in a dose‑ and time‑dependent manner. Furthermore, mmu_circRNA_007893 was significantly increased in the CGRP‑stimulated macrophages. Silencing of mmu_circRNA_007893, IL‑6 mRNA expression was significantly decreased, whereas mmu‑miR‑485‑5p expression was markedly increased. Furthermore, when overexpression of mmu‑miR‑485‑5p, IL‑6 mRNA was markedly decreased. The results demonstrated that CGRP‑induced IL‑6 mRNA expression was mediated by mmu_circRNA_007893, and mmu_circRNA_007893 functioned as an endogenous mmu‑miR‑485‑5p sponge as part of induction of IL‑6 mRNA expression.

Accumulating evidence indicates that the interaction between immune and skeletal systems is vital in bone homeostasis. However, the detailed mechanisms between macrophage polarization and osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stromal cells (BMSCs) remain largely unknown. We observed enhanced macrophage infiltration along with bone formation in vivo, which showed a transition from early stage M1 phenotype to later stage M2 phenotype, cells at the transitional stage expressed both M1 and M2 markers actively participated in osteogenesis, which was mimicked by stimulating macrophages with lower inflammatory stimulus (as compared with typical M1). Using conditioned medium (CM) from M0, typical M1, low-inflammatory M1 (M1semi), and M2 macrophages, it was found that BMSCs treated with M1semi CM showed significantly induced migration, osteogenic differentiation, and mineralization, compared to others. Along with the induced osteogenesis, the autophagy level was the highest in M1semi CM treated BMSCs, which was responsible for BMSC migration and osteogenic differentiation, as autophagy-interruption significantly abolished this effect. This study indicated that low-inflammatory macrophage could activate autophagy in BMSCs to improve osteogenesis.

Highly nutritious traditional plants which are rich in bioactive substances are attracting increasing attention. In this study, the nutritional value, chemical composition, biological activities, and feed indices of different parts of Millettia speciosa were comprehensively evaluated. In terms of its nutritional value, this study demonstrated that the leaves, flowers and seeds of M. speciosa were rich in elements and amino acids; the biological values (BVs) of these ingredients ranged from 85% to 100%, showing the extremely high nutritional value of this plant. GC-MS analysis suggested that the main chemical components of the flower volatile oil were n-hexadecanoic acid (21.73%), tetracosane (19.96%), and pentacosane (5.86%). The antibacterial activities of the flower and seed extracts were significantly stronger than those of the leaves and branches. The leaf extract displayed the strongest antifungal activities (EC₅₀ values: 18.28 ± 0.54 μg/mL for Pseudocryphonectria elaeocarpicola and 568.21 ± 33.60 μg/mL for Colletotrichum gloeosporioides) and were the least toxic to mouse fibroblasts (L929) (IC₅₀ value: 0.71 ± 0.04 mg/mL), while flowers were the most toxic (IC₅₀ value: 0.27 ± 0.03 mg/mL). In addition, the abundance of fiber, protein, mineral elements, and functional metabolite contents indicated the potential applicability of M. speciosa as an animal feed. In conclusion, as a traditional herbal plant used for medicinal and food purposes, M. speciosa shows potential for safe and multifunctional development.

Organoids have emerged as powerful three-dimensional models that recapitulate the structure and function of dental and oral tissues through the self-organization of stem or progenitor cells. Recent advances in organoid technology have enabled the generation of tooth, salivary gland, and oral mucosal constructs, offering unprecedented opportunities in disease modeling, drug testing, and regenerative therapies. Despite rapid progress, research in this field remains fragmented, necessitating a comprehensive synthesis of current knowledge. This review systematically examines the latest strategies for constructing organoids and their transformative applications in dentistry and oral medicine, including pathogenesis studies, high-throughput drug screening, tissue engineering, and host-microbiome interactions. Furthermore, we critically evaluate the advantages and limitations of existing methodologies while outlining future directions for innovation. By consolidating key insights, this work aims to accelerate the standardization and clinical translation of organoid-based approaches, ultimately advancing precision medicine in dentistry and oral healthcare.

Elongated third molars have been associated with occlusal interference, mandibular deviation, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. However, their impact on TMJ space morphology and posterior tooth wear remains insufficiently explored. This study aimed to assess the relationship between unilateral third molar elongation, TMJ space asymmetry, and asymmetrical posterior tooth wear. Thirty patients presenting with unilateral third molar elongation (experimental group) and 30 controls with fully aligned dentition and absent third molars were included (Ethical approval ID:2023015). Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) was utilized to measure anterior, superior, and posterior TMJ spaces. Some of these CBCT scans were obtained specifically for this study. Some of CBCT scans were taken for therapeutic purposes. Bilateral differences in mean wear index (DBMWI) and the mean standard deviation (MSD) of posterior tooth wear were calculated using Lagan's modified scoring system. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS 22.0. Significant intergroup differences in TMJ space asymmetry (ΔAS, ΔSS, and ΔPS) were observed (p < 0.05). The experimental group demonstrated higher DBMWI (0.50 ± 0.30 vs. 0.19 ± 0.14, p = 0.015) and MSD values (0.81 ± 0.30 vs. 0.36 ± 0.16, p = 0.001), indicating more pronounced irregular posterior tooth wear. Unilateral elongation of the third molar is associated with TMJ space asymmetry and increased posterior tooth wear. Early intervention, including extraction of the elongated third molar, may help prevent occlusal imbalance and related complications such as tooth fractures.