COVID-19 disease, caused by infection with SARS-CoV-2, is related to a series of physiopathological mechanisms that mobilize a wide variety of biomolecules, mainly immunological in nature. In the most severe cases, the prognosis can be markedly worsened by the hyperproduction of mainly proinflammatory cytokines, such as IL-1, IL-6, IL-12, IFN-γ, and TNF-α, preferentially targeting lung tissue. This study reviews published data on alterations in the expression of different cytokines in patients with COVID-19 who require admission to an intensive care unit. Data on the implication of cytokines in this disease and their effect on outcomes will support the design of more effective approaches to the management of COVID-19.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune chronic inflammatory disease of unknown etiology, although genetic and environmental factors appear to contribute to its pathogenesis. Specifically, infectious processes are associated with SLE onset and exacerbation. However, we are far from a complete understanding of the interactions between infectious agents and the host, explaining the interest in gathering updated scientific information on this topic. According to the literature, the pathogens most frequently associated with SLE are viruses, notably human endogenous retroviruses, Epstein-Barr virus, parvovirus B19, cytomegalovirus and human immunodeficiency virus type 1, alongside certain bacterial components that can also trigger activation of the immune system. The mechanisms underlying autoreactivity remain unclear but various explanations have been proposed, including immunological changes responsible for infectious processes or molecular mimicry between host structures and those of infectious agents.

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Saliva is a highly versatile biological fluid that is easy to gather in a non-invasive manner—and the results of its analysis complement clinical and histopathological findings in the diagnosis of multiple diseases. The objective of this review was to offer an update on the contribution of salivary biomarkers to the diagnosis and prognosis of diseases of the oral cavity, including oral lichen planus, periodontitis, Sjögren’s syndrome, oral leukoplakia, peri-implantitis, and medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw. Salivary biomarkers such as interleukins, growth factors, enzymes, and other biomolecules have proven useful in the diagnosis and follow-up of these diseases, facilitating the early evaluation of malignization risk and the monitoring of disease progression and response to treatment. However, further studies are required to identify new biomarkers and verify their reported role in the diagnosis and/or prognosis of oral diseases.

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The aim of the present study was to elucidate the role of osteoblasts in bisphosphonates-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ). The specific objective was to evaluate the effect on osteoblasts of two nitrogen-containing BPs (zoledronate and alendronate) and one non-nitrogen-containing BP (clodronate) by analyzing modulations in their expression of genes essential for osteoblast physiology. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to study the effects of zoledronate, alendronate, and clodronate at doses of 10-5, 10-7, or 10-9 M on the expression of Runx-2, OSX, ALP, OSC, OPG, RANKL, Col-I, BMP-2, BMP-7, TGF-β1, VEGF, TGF-βR1, TGF-βR2, and TGF-βR3 by primary human osteoblasts (HOBs) and MG-63 osteosarcoma cells. Expression of these markers was found to be dose-dependent, with no substantive differences between these cell lines. In general, results demonstrated a significant increase in TFG-β1, TGF-βR1, TGF-βR2, TGF-βR3, and VEGF expressions and a significant reduction in RUNX-2, Col-1, OSX, OSC, BMP-2, BMP-7, ALP, and RANKL expressions, while OPG expression varied according to the dose and cell line. The results of this in vitro study of HOBS and MG-63 cell lines indicate that low BP doses can significantly affect the expression of genes essential for osteoblast growth and differentiation and of genes involved in regulating osteoblast-osteoclast interaction, possibly by increasing TGF-β1 production. These findings suggest that osteoblasts may play an important role in BRONJ development, without ruling out other factors.

The prevalence of hypovitaminosis D has risen in developed countries over the past few years in association with lifestyle changes and an increase in unhealthy habits. Vitamin D deficiency has been implicated in various diseases, including metabolic syndrome (MetS), which is clinically defined by a set of metabolic and vascular disorders. The objective of this study was to review scientific evidence on the relationship between MetS and vitamin D deficiency to support the development of prevention strategies and health education programs. An inverse relationship has been reported between plasma vitamin D concentrations and the features that define MetS, i.e., elevated serum concentrations of glucose, total cholesterol, low-density lipoproteins, triglycerides, glycosylated hemoglobin, and a high body mass index. Numerous studies have described the benefits of vitamin D supplementation to improve outcomes in individuals with MetS. Interventions to maintain optimal vitamin D concentrations are proposed as a preventive strategy against MetS.

The phenolic compounds of extra-virgin olive oil can act at various levels to protect individuals against cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, and osteoporosis, among others. Polyphenols in extra-virgin olive oil can stimulate the proliferation of osteoblasts, modify their antigen profile, and promote alkaline phosphatase synthesis. The objective of this work was to determine the effect of different extra-virgin olive oil phenolic compounds on the gene expression of osteoblast-related markers. The cells of the MG63 osteoblast line were cultured for 24 h with 10-6 M of the phenolic compounds ferulic acid, caffeic acid, coumaric acid, apigenin, or luteolin. The expression of studied markers was quantified using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (q-RT-PCR). The expression by MG63 osteoblasts of growth and differentiation/maturation markers was modified after 24 h of treatment with 10-6 M of the phenolic compounds under study, most of which increased the gene expression of the transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1), TGF-β receptor 1,2 and 3 (TGF-βR1, TGF-βR2, TGF-βR3), bone morphogenetic protein 2 and 7 (BMP2, BMP7), run-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX-2), Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Osteocalcin (OSC), Osterix (OSX), Collagen type I (Col-I) and osteoprotegerin (OPN). The extra-virgin olive oil phenolic compounds may have a beneficial effect on bone by modulating osteoblast physiology, which would support their protective effect against bone pathologies.