The condyle plays a pivotal role in mandible development, which is regulated by various signaling molecules. The hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway is known to modulate several processes during bone formation. However, the role of Gli1, as the read-out of Hh signaling activity, in condylar development and fracture healing has not been clarified. In this study, we discovered that a population of Gli1+ cells residing immediately below the cartilage functions as osteogenic progenitors by using Gli1-CreERT2;tdTomato mice. These Gli1+ cells contributed to nearly all osteoblasts in the subchondral bone during condyle postnatal development. Interestingly, Gli1-lineage cells could differentiate into osteoblasts and chondrocytes during fracture healing. Inhibiting Wnt/β-catenin signaling downregulated the proliferation and differentiation of Gli1+ cells in vitro. These findings suggest that Gli1+ progenitor cells participate in not only normal bone formation but also fracture healing; moreover, these cells may provide a potential target for promoting bone regeneration of the mandible.
Background
Postoperative sialoceles and fistulas are frequent surgical complications of parotid tumor resection. Extracapsular dissection by the sternocleidomastoid muscle–parotid space approach (ECD‐SMPSA) is a minimally invasive technique. To our knowledge, the characteristics of sialoceles and fistulas secondary to ECD‐SMPSA have not been reported.
Methods
This prospective study enrolled 52 patients who underwent ECD‐SMPSA without sialocele/fistula prevention measures. Postoperative sialoceles and fistulas were evaluated during 2 months of follow‐up.
Results
Among the 52 patients, only one male patient developed a mild sialocele. No salivary fistulas occurred. The overall rate of sialocele/fistula formation was 1.92%.
Conclusions
When treating clinically benign tumors that involve the sternocleidomastoid muscle–parotid space, ECD‐SMPSA may prevent postoperative formation of sialoceles and salivary fistulas.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.