Whitlockite (WH), a magnesium-enriched calcium phosphate mineral, is emerging as a promising biomaterial in bone tissue engineering due to its chemical similarity to natural bone and dual role in promoting osteogenesis and regulating bone resorption. Compared to conventional materials like hydroxyapatite (HA) and β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP), WH offers higher solubility, superior ion release (notably Mg²⁺), and enhanced bioactivity. This systematic review evaluates the in vivo efficacy of WH-based biomaterials in bone regeneration. Key outcomes include bone volume fraction (BV/TV), bone mineral density (BMD), osteogenic marker expression, and histological bone quality. A comprehensive search of PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Central was conducted up to March 2025. Eligible studies assessed WH-based materials in animal bone defect models with quantifiable regenerative outcomes. Two reviewers independently performed data extraction and quality assessment using the SYRCLE Risk of Bias tool. Meta-analysis was not feasible due to significant heterogeneity across models, scaffold types, and endpoints. Seventeen animal studies (rats, mice, rabbits) met inclusion criteria. WH was used in forms such as nanoparticles, granules, and scaffolds with polymers like chitosan and gelatin. WH consistently outperformed HA and β-TCP with up to a 2–6 % increase in BV/TV, BMD, and histological bone formation. Upregulation of ALP, OCN, RUNX2, and COL1 was observed. Doped WH variants and composites enhanced osteoinductive and angiogenic responses. No adverse effects were reported. WH demonstrates superior osteogenic and biocompatible properties over traditional calcium phosphates. Future standardized, long-term studies are needed to support clinical translation for orthopedic and dental bone regeneration.

Whitlockite (WH) is a magnesium-containing calcium phosphate mineral that occurs naturally in bone and teeth. Its biological relevance lies in its ability to promote osteogenesis and provide mechanical stability, making it a strong candidate for bone repair applications. Introducing mesoporosity into Whitlockite is expected to further enhance its biological activity by increasing surface roughness and surface area, which improves protein adsorption and supports cell growth. This work focused on preparing mesoporous Whitlockite (Meso-Wh) through a controlled acid treatment method, followed by detailed structural and surface characterization, and an in vitro evaluation of its cytocompatibility. Whitlockite was synthesized using a precipitation–hydrothermal method with calcium nitrate, magnesium nitrate, and diammonium hydrogen phosphate precursors. Mesoporosity was induced by hydrochloric acid treatment (pH 4). The particles were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and nitrogen adsorption–desorption studies with BET and BJH analysis. Cytocompatibility was tested by an indirect MTT assay using MG-63 osteoblast-like cells. SEM images showed that Meso-Wh particles were smaller and rougher compared with untreated Whitlockite. EDS confirmed calcium, phosphorus, oxygen, and magnesium as the major elements. XRD patterns indicated reduced crystallinity in Meso-Wh, and FTIR spectra revealed broadening of phosphate bands, suggesting lattice disorder due to acid treatment. BET analysis gave a surface area of 63.07 m²/g, while BJH pore distribution confirmed mesopores mainly in the 2–5 nm range. MTT results showed good cytocompatibility, with high cell viability at 25–75 % extract dilutions and a slight decrease at 100 %. The positive control exhibited marked cytotoxicity. Acid treatment effectively produced mesoporous Whitlockite with enhanced surface area and nanoscale porosity, without altering its chemical composition, indicating its suitability for further development as a bone tissue engineering scaffold.

Oxidative stress arises when the generation of free radicals exceeds the capacity of the body's antioxidant defense and repair mechanisms, leading to unchecked oxidative damage. These reactive oxygen species (ROS) significantly contribute to molecular degradation, promote neoplastic alterations at the cellular level, and exert a profound impact on all phases of the cancer development process. In the Indian subcontinent, oral potentially malignant disorders such as leukoplakia and oral submucous fibrosis are widespread, and often associated with habits such as tobacco chewing and areca nut use. This investigation focused on quantifying salivary concentrations of 8-OHDG, SOD, and GPx in patients diagnosed with OPMD and OSCC, both with and without concurrent diabetes mellitus. The levels of biomarkers were determined using an ELISA assay protocol. Specifically, 40 μL of sample diluent was dispensed into each well along with 10 μL of the saliva sample. Following proper sealing, the plates were incubated for 45 minutes at 37 °C. Post incubation, the wells underwent aspiration and a series of five washing cycles, each lasting approximately 1-3 minutes. Subsequently, an HRPlinked diagnostic antibody was added to initiate signal detection. This study represents an early effort to analyze markers of oxidative stress-namely 8-OHDG, SOD, and GPx-in saliva samples from OPMD and OSCC patients, with and without diabetes mellitus, aiming to understand their diagnostic relevance.

Background and Aim: Oxidative stress markers have been firmly established as elevated in oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCCs). These markers play a crucial role in the pathogenic mechanism underlying the accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and their respective receptors. The primary objective of this study is to discern and compare the levels of receptors of AGEs (RAGEs) within tissue samples from patients diagnosed with oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) at varying stages, oral leukoplakia at various stages, and OSCC. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional investigation was conducted, enrolling a total of 49 patients, distributed across three distinct groups. Tissue samples were meticulously collected from the aforementioned patient groups. Subsequently, these samples underwent a process of homogenization and centrifugation. The supernatant obtained was subjected to enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay analysis to precisely determine the concentration of RAGE. Results: The concentration of RAGEs was found to be significantly higher at various stages of OSMF when compared to the reference group of OSCC ( P < 0.05). This difference was statistically significant, indicating a substantial association. In contrast, the levels of RAGE in patients with hyperkeratosis accompanied by epithelial dysplasia at various stages were observed to be lower than those in the OSCC group, with the difference in concentration being statistically insignificant ( P > 0.05). Conclusion: This comprehensive study has provided compelling evidence demonstrating the heightened levels of RAGE in OSMF when compared to OSCC. These findings collectively suggest the potential utility of anti-RAGE interventions as a promising avenue for novel therapeutic strategies in potentially malignant disorders such as OSMF.

Background Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) has a pivotal role in the pathogenesis and prognosis of cancer as well as diabetes mellitus (DM). Many oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) patients are reported to have associated comorbidities such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Furthermore, T2DM exaggerates inflammation due to a lack of insulin action. Therefore, OSCC patients with T2DM may progress to the advanced stage more rapidly resulting in reduced survival even after glycemic control creating a challenge to oncologists in managing these patients. Unfortunately, it is difficult to predict the course of disease in these patients just based on clinical and radiological parameters. Considering the impact of TNF alpha in both disease progression, it is an interesting biological marker to explore. Further, saliva being a noninvasive biological fluid can help measure the TNF-alpha levels, thereby predicating the prognosis of OSCC. Unfortunately, there is limited information about the salivary TNF-alpha nf levels in OSCC patients with DM. Aim The aim of this study was to compare the salivary TNF-alpha in OSCC patients with and without DM. Methods Saliva samples were obtained from healthy individuals, OSCC patients with DM, and OSCC patients without DM. The quantification of TNF-alpha levels was performed using the EliKineTM Human TNF-alpha ELISA Kit, an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The data were reported as means and standard deviations. To assess variations in salivary TNF-alpha levels among these groups, the Kruskal- Wallis test was employed. Results The study included a total of 30 participants with 10 in each group. There were 18 males and 12 females with a mean age of 37.2 +/- 4.7 years. The TNF-alpha levels between the control group (51+42 +/- 1.4 pg/ml), OSCC patients without DM (67.43 +/- 1.7 pg/ml), and OSCC patients with DM (268 +/- 8.5 pg/ml) were noted. The mean salivary TNF-alpha level was statistically higher in OSCC with DM compared to the control and OSCC without DM group. Conclusion The investigation compared the salivary TNF-alpha in OSCC patients with and without DM and has uncovered substantial differences in TNF-alpha concentrations within the examined cohorts, providing insights into the potential involvement of TNF-alpha in the context of OSCC, especially in patients with DM. Nevertheless, additional research is imperative to establish associations between TNF-alpha levels, the prognosis of OSCC, and the impact of DM.

Oxidative stress markers have been shown to be elevated in oral squamous cell carcinomas; plays a crucial role in the build-up of advanced glycation end-receptors of advanced glycation end (AGE-RAGE) products; and has been shown to exacerbate cellular dysfunction, vascular change, apoptosis, and activate inflammatory pathways. The purpose of this study is to assess comprehensively the involvement of RAGE in oral squamous cell malignancies. The findings imply that these receptors and their associated ligands play a significant role in the growth and spread of the tumor, hence impacting the prognosis and life expectancy of the affected individual. This comprehensive review uncovers promising evidence for the clinical use of these molecules, such as RAGEs, in prognostic considerations or as molecular targets for therapy. The available literature shows a role for RAGE in invasion, migration, and angiogenesis in oral cancers. These preliminary findings are encouraging for the therapeutic use of these molecules for prognostic considerations or molecularly targeted therapy.