SUMMARY Chromosomal inversion between 3q21 and 3q26 results in high-risk acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Here, we identified a mechanism whereby a GATA2 distal hematopoietic enhancer (G2DHE or −77-kb enhancer) is brought into close proximity to the EVI1 gene in inv(3)(q21;q26) inversions, leading to leukemogenesis. We examined the contribution of G2DHE to leukemogenesis by creating a bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) transgenic model that recapitulates the inv(3)(q21;q26) allele. Transgenic mice harboring a linked BAC developed leukemia accompanied by EVI1 overexpression, neoplasia that was not detected in mice bearing the same transgene but missing the GATA2 enhancer. These results establish the mechanistic basis underlying the pathogenesis of a severe form of leukemia through aberrant expression of the EVI1 proto-oncogene.

Objective-To study the in vitro effects of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles loaded with the photosensitizer methylene blue (MB) and light against Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 29212).Materials and Methods-The uptake and distribution of nanoparticles in E. faecalis in suspension was investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) after incubation with PLGA complexed with colloidal gold particles for 2.5, 5 and 10 minutes. E. faecalis species were sensitized in planktonic phase and in experimentally infected root canals of human extracted teeth with MB-loaded nanoparticles for 10 minutes followed by exposure to red light at 665 nm.Results-The nanoparticles were found to be concentrated mainly on the cell walls of microorganisms at all three time points. The synergism of light and MB-loaded nanoparticles led to approximately 2 and 1 log 10 reduction of colony-forming units in planktonic phase and root canals, respectively. In both cases, mean log 10 CFU levels were significantly lower than controls and MBloaded nanoparticles without light.Conclusion-The utilization of PLGA nanoparticles encapsulated with photoactive drugs may be a promising adjunct in antimicrobial endodontic treatment.

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Objective-This study was carried out to determine in vitro the effect of fluoride on 1) the demineralization of sound human enamel and 2) the progression of artificial caries-like lesions, under relevant oral conditions.Methods-Thin sections of sound human enamel were exposed to solutions undersaturated with respect to tooth enamel to a degree similar to that found in dental plaque fluid following sucrose exposure in vivo, containing fluoride concentrations (0 -0.38 ppm) found in plaque fluid. Mineral changes were monitored for 98 days, using quantitative microradiography. The effect of fluoride (1.0 -25.0 ppm) on the progression of artificial caries-like lesions was similarly studied.Results-Fluoride concentrations of 0.19 ppm and greater were found to prevent the demineralization of sound enamel in vitro. However, significantly higher concentrations of fluoride (25.0 ppm) were required to prevent further demineralization of artificial caries-like lesions. Demineralizing solutions with intermediate fluoride concentrations (2.1 -10.1 ppm) induced simultaneously remineralization in the outer portion of the lesion and demineralization in the inner portion. Simultaneous remineralization and demineralization were also observed in hydroxyapatite pellets.Conclusions-Our results show that the observed effect of fluoride on enamel demineralization is not solely a function of bulk solution properties, but also depends on the caries-status of the enamel surface. A mechanistic model presented indicates that, in comparison to sound enamel surfaces, higher concentrations of fluoride are required to prevent the progression of artificial caries-like lesions under in vivo-like conditions since the diffusion of mineral ions that promote remineralization is rate-limiting.

As the elderly population increases, a growing number of individuals suffer from age-associated neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD). Oxidative stress is considered to play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of age-related diseases. The transcription factor Nrf2 (nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2) is activated by oxidative stress and regulates the expression of a variety of antioxidant enzymes and proteins that exert cytoprotective effects against oxidative stress. Numerous studies have addressed the role of Nrf2 in age-related diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases, using animal or in vitro cell culture models. Here, we introduce the role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases and critically examine the recent findings concerning the role for Nrf2 in the amelioration of AD and PD. Nrf2 not only regulates antioxidant proteins but also regulates the genes associated with autophagy and nerve growth factor signaling. Current research unequivocally demonstrates that the activation of the Nrf2 pathway is a promising novel strategy for the prevention and modification of neurodegenerative diseases.