Josai University

Diet-derived nitrite can benefit cardiovascular function. However, the effects of nitrite supplementation on idiopathic intracerebral hemorrhage (spontaneous ICH) are unclear. This study, therefore, investigated the impacts of chronic nitrite supplementation on the survival rate and risk for spontaneous ICH in stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive/Izumo strain (SHRSP/Izm) rats fed with a high-salt diet. Experimental study I-six-week-old male rats were categorized into two groups: (1) SHRSP+salt, in which rats were administered saline drinking water, and (2) SHRSP+salt+nitrite, in which rats were administered nitrite-added saline drinking water for 14 weeks each. The survival curves during this period did not vary significantly between the groups. However, nitrite administration markedly reduced the incidence of ICH and the extent of cerebral hemorrhage. Experimental study II-the impacts of nitrite supplementation on blood pressure in salt-loaded 8-week-old male SHRSP/Izm rats were evaluated for >4 weeks. During the first week, systolic blood pressure was remarkably lower in the nitrite group than in the control (without nitrite feeding). Similarly, at week 4, cardiac mass and brain mass were significantly lower. In conclusion, nitrite treatment reduced the extent of cerebral hemorrhage caused by hypertension and administration of a high-salt diet.

The surgical outcome of planned Le Fort I osteotomy (LFI) is important for successful orthognathic surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of LFI using a CAD/CAM intermediate splint by performing a three-dimensional (3D) comparison of the planned and postoperative maxillary positions. This retrospective study evaluated 31 patients who underwent LFI with a CAD/CAM intermediate splint. The patients were classified into three skeletal malocclusion types: Class III, Class II, and facial asymmetry. Five maxillary reference points and two axes were measured using computed tomography obtained pre-surgery and at 4 days post-surgery and on the preoperative virtual operation 3D images. The 'movement by simulation' and 'deviation from simulation' of the maxilla were analysed by surface superimposition of the virtual LFI osteotomy segments. The deviation from simulation of Class II in the anteroposterior direction, ranging from 1.11 ± 1.05 mm (at PNS) to 3.24 ± 1.09 mm (at U1) (mean ± standard deviation values for the reference points), was significantly more forwards than that of Class III (P < 0.001). A detailed 3D study of the accuracy of LFI using CAD/CAM splints revealed high accuracy and good indication for Class III, but low accuracy, with deviation that exceeded the clinically acceptable range, in Class II and facial asymmetry.

Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease characterized by hyperproliferation of keratinocytes and excessive inflammation. Plant-derived nanoparticles (pdNPs) are promising agents for treating inflammatory skin diseases. In this study, we examined the characteristics and functions of rose hip-derived nanoparticles (RNPs) rich in various bioactive compounds. RNPs were isolated from rose hips using sucrose ultracentrifugation and characterized using NanoSight and transmission electron microscopy. Cellular uptake by HaCaT human keratinocytes was analyzed using flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. Uptake mechanisms were investigated using siRNA knockdown. Proliferation, apoptosis, and cytokine expression were evaluated in a HaCaT psoriasis model. Antioxidant activity was assessed by measuring reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in stimulated HaCaT and RAW264.7 mouse macrophage-like cells. The in vivo efficacy was evaluated in a mouse model of psoriasis via intradermal injection of RNPs. The RNPs obtained via ultracentrifugation exhibited a vesicular structure of approximately 100 nm in diameter. They were efficiently taken up by HaCaT cells and inhibited excessive inflammation-induced proliferation. RNPs reduced the mRNA levels of the inflammatory cytokines, interleukin-1β and interferon-γ. Additionally, RNPs were efficiently internalized by mouse macrophage-like RAW264.7 cells, decreasing the intracellular reactive oxygen species levels. The intradermal injection of RNPs effectively suppressed epidermal hyperproliferation and macrophage infiltration in an imiquimod-induced psoriasis mouse model. Collectively, these results suggest that RNPs can be used to treat psoriasis by regulating oxidative stress and inhibiting epidermal hyperproliferation. RNPs, which exerted potent effects on epidermal cells, target key pathological mechanisms such as oxidative stress and immune-driven keratinocyte proliferation. Therefore, they are promising natural therapeutic agents for psoriasis.