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Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are novel members of the noncoding RNA family. Their characteristic covalent closed-loop structure endows circRNAs that are much more stable than the corresponding linear transcript. circRNAs are ubiquitous in eukaryotic cells, and their functions are diverse and include adsorbing microRNAs (miRNAs; acting as miRNA sponges), regulating transcription, interacting with RNA-binding proteins, and translating and deriving pseudogenes. Moreover, circRNAs are associated with the occurrence and progression of a variety of cancers, acting as new biomarkers for early diagnosis to evaluate curative effects and patient prognosis. Here, this paper briefly describes the characteristics and functions of circRNAs, and it further concludes the relationship between circRNAs and human cancer.

Poor periodontal health, dental care, and oral health knowledge were significantly associated with an increased risk of COPD. Our findings indicate the importance of promoting dental care and oral health knowledge that can be integrated into the prevention and treatment of COPD.

Emerging evidences have suggested the vital roles of circular RNA (circRNA) in the human cancers. However, the underlying biological functions and biogenesis of circRNA in the oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is still ambiguous. Here, we investigate the oncogenic roles and biogenesis of the novel identified circRNA, circUHRF1 (hsa_circ_0002185), in the OSCC tumorigenesis. Results showed that circUHRF1 was markedly upregulated in the OSCC cells and tissue, besides, the overexpression was closely correlated with the poor prognosis of OSCC patients. Functionally, circUHRF1 promoted the proliferation, migration, invasion, and epithelial mesenchymal transformation (EMT) in vitro and the tumor growth in vivo. Mechanically, circUHRF1 acted as the sponge of miR-526b-5p, thereby positively regulating c-Myc. Transcription factor c-Myc could accelerate the transcription of TGF-β1 and ESRP1. Moreover, splicing factor ESRP1 promoted the circularization and biogenesis of circUHRF1 by targeting the flanking introns, forming the circUHRF1/miR-526b-5p/c-Myc/ TGF-β1/ESRP1 feedback loop. In conclusion, our research identified the oncogenic roles of circUHRF1 in the OSCC tumorigenesis and EMT via circUHRF1/miR-526b-5p/c-Myc/TGF-β1/ESRP1 feedback loop, shedding light on the pathogenic mechanism of circUHRF1 for OSCC and providing the potential therapeutic target.

Effects of periodontal treatment on lung function and exacerbation frequency in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and chronic periodontitis: A 2-year pilot randomized controlled trial. J Clin Periodontol 2014; 41: 564-572. doi: 10.1111/jcpe.12247. AbstractAim: To evaluate the direct effects of periodontal therapy in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) patients with chronic periodontitis (CP). Materials and Methods: In a pilot randomized controlled trial, 60 COPD patients with CP were randomly assigned to receive scaling and root planing (SRP) treatment, supragingival scaling treatment, or oral hygiene instructions only with no periodontal treatment. We evaluated their periodontal indexes, respiratory function, and COPD exacerbations at baseline, 6 months, 1, and 2 years. Results: Compared with the control group, measurements of periodontal indexes were significantly improved in patients in two treatment groups at 6-month, 1-year, and 2-year follow-up (all p < 0.05). Overall, the means of forced expiratory volume in the first second/forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) and FEV1 were significantly higher in the two therapy groups compared with the control group during the follow-up (p < 0.05). In addition, the frequencies of COPD exacerbation were significantly lower in the two therapy groups than in the control group at 2-year follow-up (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Our preliminary results from this pilot trial suggest that periodontal therapy in COPD patients with CP may improve lung function and decrease the frequency of COPD exacerbation.

Fewer remaining teeth, high PLI scores, and low tooth brushing times are significant correlates of COPD exacerbations, indicating that improving periodontal health and oral hygiene may be a potentially preventive strategy against COPD exacerbations.

Our study found a strong association between periodontitis and COPD, and PI seemed to be a major periodontal factor for predicting COPD among Chinese adults.