Sleep bruxism (SB) involves involuntary jaw movements during sleep and is potentially caused by motor neuronal hyperexcitability and GABAergic system dysfunction. However, the molecular basis remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to investigate changes in the expression of several genes associated with the pathophysiology of SB. Bulk RNA sequencing (bulk RNA-seq) and single-nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq) of neurons derived from patient and control human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) were performed to comprehensively assess gene expression and cell type-specific alterations, respectively. Bulk RNA-seq revealed significant upregulation of calcium signaling-related genes in SB neurons, including those encoding G protein-coupled receptors and receptor-operated calcium channels. snRNA-seq confirmed the increased expression of GRIN2B (an N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor subunit) and CHRM3 (an M3 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor), particularly in glutamatergic and GABAergic neurons. These alterations were linked to hyperexcitability, with GRIN2B contributing to glutamatergic signaling and CHRM3 contributing to cholinergic signaling. These findings suggest that disrupted calcium signaling and overexpression of GRIN2B and CHRM3 drive neuronal hyperexcitability, providing insight into the pathophysiology of SB. Targeting these pathways may inform therapeutic strategies for SB treatment.

This study explores the complex relationship between psychological maturity and subjective age perception through analyses using uniform manifold approximation and projection and machine learning. A survey involving 3,000 adults revealed a general tendency for subjective age to be perceived as younger than the actual age. Participants were categorized into six clusters based on psychological characteristics and the gap between subjective and actual ages. Based on cluster analysis, psychologically mature groups exhibited high ego resilience, adaptability, self-awareness, and autonomy, aligning with traits of successful aging. Cluster 2 participants perceived themselves as younger due to positive psychological traits associated with increased longevity and improved health outcomes. Conversely, Cluster 6 participants exhibited low psychological maturity and high depressive symptoms, recognizing their subjective age as older. Subjective age and psychological maturity significantly impact the trajectory of successful aging. The current psychological maturity classification model provides a new framework to enhance strategies for successful aging.

Saliva is a crucial bodily fluid that protects the oral cavity from infections. The composition of saliva also changes dynamically depending on conditions such as illness, stress, and diet. Thus, the organic substances in saliva, particularly enzymes, proteins, and hormones, reflect overall health status and are increasingly valued as non-invasive diagnostic tools. Aptamers, which are short single-stranded DNA or RNA molecules with high affinity and specificity, have gained attention as novel biomarker detection tools. This study explores the feasibility of employing aptamers as an innovative diagnostic technique for detecting salivary biomarkers. Specifically, we discuss the development and application of aptamers tailored to detect key salivary biomarkers, such as salivary alpha-amylase, secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA), human beta-defensin, C-reactive protein, and lactate dehydrogenase. Our group used base-appended bases to achieve high affinity and stability against targets. For instance, cortisol and sIgA in saliva are useful for assessing chronic stress and fatigue, thereby enabling objective evaluations of diseases. Enhanced techniques for measuring salivary biomarkers promise non-invasive and cost-effective diagnostic methods that can significantly contribute to early infection detection, chronic disease monitoring, and psychological stress assessment. This review underscores the extensive applicability of salivary biomarkers and provides critical insights that could improve future public health and medical care quality.