Biomimetic natural biomaterials for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine:new biosynthesis methods,recent advances,and emerging applications

Biomimetic materials have emerged as attractive and competitive alternatives for tissue engineering(TE)and regenerative medicine.In contrast to conventional biomaterials or synthetic materials,biomimetic scaffolds based on natural biomaterial can offer cells a broad spectrum of biochemical and biophysical cues that mimic the in vivo extracellular matrix(ECM).Additionally,such materials have mechanical adaptability,micro-structure interconnectivity,and inherent bioactivity,making them ideal for the design of living implants for specific applications in TE and regenerative medicine.This paper provides an overview for recent progress of biomimetic natural biomaterials(BNBMs),including advances in their preparation,functionality,potential applications and future challenges.We highlight recent advances in the fabrication of BNBMs and outline general strategies for functionalizing and tailoring the BNBMs with various biological and physicochemical characteristics of native ECM.Moreover,we offer an overview of recent key advances in the functionalization and applications of versatile BNBMs for TE applications.Finally,we conclude by offering our perspective on open challenges and future developments in this rapidly-evolving field.

Visceral adipose tissue predicts severity and prognosis of acute pancreatitis in obese patients

Acute pancreatitis is a common systemic inflammatory disease, manifested by a spectrum of severity, ranging from mild in the majority of patients to severe acute pancreatitis. Patients with severe acute pancreatitis suffer from severe local and systemic complications and organ failure, leading to a poor prognosis. The early recognition of the severe condition is important to improve prognosis. Obesity has risen in tandem with an increase in the severity of acute pancreatitis in recent years. Studies have revealed that adipose tissue, particularly visceral adipose tissue is associated with the prognosis of acute pancreatitis. This review discussed the role of visceral adipose tissue in obese patients with acute pancreatitis and explored the possible mechanism involved.

Biomaterials and tissue engineering in traumatic brain injury:novel perspectives on promoting neural regeneration

Traumatic brain injury is a serious medical condition that can be attributed to falls, motor vehicle accidents, sports injuries and acts of violence, causing a series of neural injuries and neuropsychiatric symptoms. However, limited accessibility to the injury sites, complicated histological and anatomical structure, intricate cellular and extracellular milieu, lack of regenerative capacity in the native cells, vast variety of damage routes, and the insufficient time available for treatment have restricted the widespread application of several therapeutic methods in cases of central nervous system injury. Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine have emerged as innovative approaches in the field of nerve regeneration. By combining biomaterials, stem cells, and growth factors, these approaches have provided a platform for developing effective treatments for neural injuries, which can offer the potential to restore neural function, improve patient outcomes, and reduce the need for drugs and invasive surgical procedures. Biomaterials have shown advantages in promoting neural development, inhibiting glial scar formation, and providing a suitable biomimetic neural microenvironment, which makes their application promising in the field of neural regeneration. For instance, bioactive scaffolds loaded with stem cells can provide a biocompatible and biodegradable milieu. Furthermore, stem cells-derived exosomes combine the advantages of stem cells, avoid the risk of immune rejection, cooperate with biomaterials to enhance their biological functions, and exert stable functions, thereby inducing angiogenesis and neural regeneration in patients with traumatic brain injury and promoting the recovery of brain function. Unfortunately, biomaterials have shown positive effects in the laboratory, but when similar materials are used in clinical studies of human central nervous system regeneration, their efficacy is unsatisfactory. Here, we review the characteristics and properties of various bioactive materials, followed by the introduction of applications based on biochemistry and cell molecules, and discuss the emerging role of biomaterials in promoting neural regeneration. Further, we summarize the adaptive biomaterials infused with exosomes produced from stem cells and stem cells themselves for the treatment of traumatic brain injury. Finally, we present the main limitations of biomaterials for the treatment of traumatic brain injury and offer insights into their future potential.

Process,Material,and Regulatory Considerations for 3D Printed Medical Devices and Tissue Constructs

Three-dimensional(3D)printing is a highly automated platform that facilitates material deposition in a layer-by-layer approach to fabricate pre-defined 3D complex structures on demand.It is a highly promising technique for the fabrication of personalized medical devices or even patient-specific tissue constructs.Each type of 3D printing technique has its unique advantages and limitations,and the selection of a suitable 3D printing technique is highly dependent on its intended application.In this review paper,we present and highlight some of the critical processes(printing parameters,build orientation,build location,and support structures),material(batch-to-batch consistency,recycling,protein adsorption,biocompatibility,and degradation properties),and regulatory considerations(sterility and mechanical properties)for 3D printing of personalized medical devices.The goal of this review paper is to provide the readers with a good understanding of the various key considerations(process,material,and regulatory)in 3D printing,which are critical for the fabrication of improved patient-specific 3D printed medical devices and tissue constructs.

Engineering vascularized organotypic tissues via module assembly

Adequate vascularization is a critical determinant for the successful construction and clinical implementation of complex organotypic tissue models. Currently, low cell and vessel density and insufficient vascular maturation make vascularized organotypic tissue construction difficult,greatly limiting its use in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. To address these limitations, recent studies have adopted pre-vascularized microtissue assembly for the rapid generation of functional tissue analogs with dense vascular networks and high cell density. In this article, we summarize the development of module assembly-based vascularized organotypic tissue construction and its application in tissue repair and regeneration, organ-scale tissue biomanufacturing, as well as advanced tissue modeling.

Interplay between mesenchymal stem cells and macrophages:Promoting bone tissue repair

The repair of bone tissue damage is a complex process that is well-orchestrated in time and space,a focus and difficulty in orthopedic treatment.In recent years,the success of mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs)-mediated bone repair in clinical trials of large-area bone defects and bone necrosis has made it a candidate in bone tissue repair engineering and regenerative medicine.MSCs are closely related to macrophages.On one hand,MSCs regulate the immune regulatory function by influencing macrophages proliferation,infiltration,and phenotype polarization,while also affecting the osteoclasts differentiation of macrophages.On the other hand,macrophages activate MSCs and mediate the multilineage differentiation of MSCs by regulating the immune microenvironment.The cross-talk between MSCs and macrophages plays a crucial role in regulating the immune system and in promoting tissue regeneration.Making full use of the relationship between MSCs and macrophages will enhance the efficacy of MSCs therapy in bone tissue repair,and will also provide a reference for further application of MSCs in other diseases.

Characteristics and mechanisms of subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue aging

Aging is one of the most significant health challenges worldwide and is a primary cause of chronic diseases and physiological decline.Among the myriad changes that occur with aging,alterations in adipose tissue distribution and function have gained considerable attention because of their profound impact on metabolic health and overall well-being.Subcutaneous adipose tissue(SAT)and visceral adipose tissue(VAT)are the two major depots of white adipose tissue,each with distinct roles in metabolism and health.Understanding the characteristics and underlying mechanisms of SAT and VAT is crucial for elucidating the aging process and developing strategies to promote healthy aging.This review focuses on delineating and analyzing the characteristics and intrinsic mechanisms underlying the aging of subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue during the aging process,which can contribute to a better understanding of the aging process and enhance healthy aging.

Research on the Development of Fibroin and Nano-Fiber from Silk Cocoons for Regenerated Tissue Engineering Applications by Electro-Spinning

In this paper, the main goal is to prepare silk fibroin nano-fiber, which is used for regenerated tissue applications. Silk scaffold nano-fibers made by electro-spinning technology can be used in regenerated tissue applications. The purpose of the research is to prepare a silk-fibroin nano-fiber solution for potential applications in tissue engineering. Using a degumming process, pure silk fibroin protein is extracted from silk cocoons. The protein solution for fibroin is purified, and the protein content is determined. The precise chemical composition, exact temperature, time, voltage, distance, ratio, and humidity all have a huge impact on degumming, solubility, and electro-spinning nano-fibers. The SEM investigates the morphology of silk fibroin nano-fibres at different magnifications. It also reveals the surface condition, fiber orientation, and fiber thickness of the silk fibroin nano-fiber. The results show that regenerated silk fibroin and nano-fiber can be used in silk fibroin scaffolds for various tissue engineering applications.

Magnesium-incorporated biocomposite scaffolds:A novel frontier in bone tissue engineering

Nonunion represents a crucial challenge in orthopedic medicine,demanding innovative solutions beyond the scope of traditional bone grafting methods.Among the various strategies available,magnesium(Mg)implants have been recognized for their biocompatibility and biodegradability.However,their susceptibility to rapid corrosion and degradation has garnered notable research interest in bone tissue engineering(BTE),particularly in the development of Mg-incorporated biocomposite scaffolds.These scaffolds gradually release Mg2+,which enhances immunomodulation,osteogenesis,and angiogenesis,thus facilitating effective bone regeneration.This review presents myriad fabrication techniques used to create Mg-incorporated biocomposite scaffolds,including electrospinning,three-dimensional printing,and sol-gel synthesis.Despite these advancements,the application of Mg-incorporated biocomposite scaffolds faces challenges such as controlling the degradation rate of Mg and ensuring mechanical stability.These limitations highlight the necessity for ongoing research aimed at refining fabrication techniques to better regulate the physicochemical and osteogenic properties of scaffolds.This review provides insights into the potential of Mg-incorporated biocomposite scaffolds for BTE and the challenges that need to be addressed for their successful translation into clinical applications.

Engineering of ovarian tissue for ovarian dysfunctions:A review

This review explores tissue engineering as a potential solution for reproductive health issues in women caused by genetic or acquired diseases,such as premature ovarian failure or oophorectomy.The loss of ovarian function can lead to infertility,osteoporosis,and cardiovascular disease.Hormone replacement therapy is a common treatment,but it has limitations and risks.The review focuses on two main approaches in tissue engineering:scaffold-based(3D printing,electrospinning,decellularization)and scaffold-free(stem cell transplantation,organoid cultivation).Both approaches show promise in preclinical studies for creating functional ovarian tissue.Challenges include vascularization,innervation,long-term function,and safety.Despite these challenges,tissue engineering offers a potential avenue for restoring fertility and hormone balance in women with ovarian dysfunction.

A Review on Silk Fibroin as a Biomaterial in Tissue Engineering

Regenerative medicine progress is based on the development of cell and tissue bioengineering. One of the aims of tissue engineering is the development of scaffolds, which should substitute the functions of the replaced organ after their implantation into the body. The tissue engineering material must meet a range of requirements, including biocompatibility, mechanical strength, and elasticity. Furthermore, the materials have to be attractive for cell growth: stimulate cell adhesion, migration, proliferation and differentiation. One of the natural biomaterials is silk and its component (silk fibroin). An increasing number of scientists in the world are studying silk and silk fibroin. The purpose of this review article is to provide information about the properties of natural silk (silk fibroin), as well as its manufacture and clinical application of each configuration of silk fibroin in medicine. Materials and research methods. Actual publications of foreign authors on resources PubMed, Medline, E-library have been analyzed. The selection criteria were materials containing information about the structure and components of silk, methods of its production in nature. This article placed strong emphasis on silk fibroin, the ways of artificial modification of it for use in various sphere of medicine.

Endotoxin-induced alterations of adipose tissue function:a pathway to bovine metabolic stress

During the periparturient period, dairy cows exhibit negative energy balance due to limited appetite and increased energy requirements for lactogenesis. The delicate equilibrium between energy availability and expenditure puts cows in a state of metabolic stress characterized by excessive lipolysis in white adipose tissues(AT), increased production of reactive oxygen species, and immune cell dysfunction. Metabolic stress, especially in AT, increases the risk for metabolic and inflammatory diseases. Around parturition, cows are also susceptible to endotoxemia. Bacterial-derived toxins cause endotoxemia by promoting inflammatory processes and immune cell infiltration in different organs and systems while impacting metabolic function by altering lipolysis, mitochondrial activity, and insulin sensitivity. In dairy cows, endotoxins enter the bloodstream after overcoming the defense mechanisms of the epithelial barriers, particularly during common periparturient conditions such as mastitis, metritis, and pneumonia, or after abrupt changes in the gut microbiome. In the bovine AT, endotoxins induce a pro-inflammatory response and stimulate lipolysis in AT, leading to the release of free fatty acids into the bloodstream. When excessive and protracted, endotoxin-induced lipolysis can impair adipocyte's insulin signaling pathways and lipid synthesis. Endotoxin exposure can also induce oxidative stress in AT through the production of reactive oxygen species by inflammatory cells and other cellular components. This review provides insights into endotoxins' impact on AT function, highlighting the gaps in our knowledge of the mechanisms underlying AT dysfunction, its connection with periparturient cows' disease risk, and the need to develop effective interventions to prevent and treat endotoxemia-related inflammatory conditions in dairy cattle.

Tissue distribution of cadmium and its effect on reproduction in Spodoptera exigua

Vegetable fields are often contaminated by heavy metals,and Spodoptera exigua is a major vegetable pest which is stressed by heavy metals mainly by feeding.In this study,cadmium accumulation in the tissues of S.exigua exposed to cadmium and its effects on the growth and development of the parents and the offspring were investigated.Under the stress of different concentrations of cadmium(0.2,3.2,and 51.2 mg kg^(-1)),the cadmium content in each tissue of S.exigua increased in a dose-dependent manner.At the larval stage,the highest cadmium accumulation was found in midgut in all three cadmium treatments,but at the adult stage,the highest cadmium content was found in fat body.In addition,the cadmium content in ovaries was much higher than in testes.When F1S.exigua was stressed by cadmium and the F_(2)generation was not fed a cadmium-containing diet,the larval survival,pupation rate,emergence rate and fecundity of the F_(2)generation were significantly reduced in the 51.2 mg kg^(-1)treatment compared to the corresponding F1generation.Even in the F_(2)generation of the 3.2 mg kg^(-1)treatment,the fecundity was significantly lower than in the parental generation.The fecundity of the only-female stressed treatment was significantly lower than that of the only-male stressed treatment at the 3.2 and 51.2 mg kg^(-1)cadmium exposure levels.When only mothers were stressed at the larval stage,the fecundity of the F_(2)generation was significantly lower than that of the F1generation in the 51.2 mg kg^(-1)treatment,and it was also significantly lower than in the 3.2 and 0.2 mg kg^(-1)treatments.The results of our study can provide useful information for forecasting the population increase trends under different heavy metal stress conditions and for the reliable environmental risk assessment of heavy metal pollution.

The marriage of immunomodulatory,angiogenic,and osteogenic capabilities in a piezoelectric hydrogel tissue engineering scafold for military medicine

Background:Most bone-related injuries to grassroots troops are caused by training or accidental injuries.To establish preventive measures to reduce all kinds of trauma and improve the combat effectiveness of grassroots troops,it is imperative to develop new strategies and scafolds to promote bone regeneration.Methods:In this study,a porous piezoelectric hydrogel bone scafold was fabricated by incorporating polydopamine(PDA)-modified ceramic hydroxyapatite(PDA-hydroxyapatite,PHA)and PDA-modified barium titanate(PDABaTiO_(3),PBT)nanoparticles into a chitosan/gelatin(Cs/Gel)matrix.The physical and chemical properties of the Cs/Gel/PHA scafold with 0–10 wt%PBT were analyzed.Cell and animal experiments were performed to characterize the immunomodulatory,angiogenic,and osteogenic capabilities of the piezoelectric hydrogel scafold in vitro and in vivo.Results:The incorporation of BaTiO_(3) into the scafold improved its mechanical properties and increased self-generated electricity.Due to their endogenous piezoelectric stimulation and bioactive constituents,the prepared Cs/Gel/PHA/PBT hydrogels exhibited cytocompatibility as well as immunomodulatory,angiogenic,and osteogenic capabilities;they not only effectively induced macrophage polarization to M2 phenotype but also promoted the migration,tube formation,and angiogenic differentiation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVECs)and facilitated the migration,osteodifferentiation,and extracellular matrix(ECM)mineralization of MC3T3-E1 cells.The in vivo evaluations showed that these piezoelectric hydrogels with versatile capabilities significantly facilitated new bone formation in a rat large-sized cranial injury model.The underlying molecular mechanism can be partly attributed to the immunomodulation of the Cs/Gel/PHA/PBT hydrogels as shown via transcriptome sequencing analysis,and the PI3K/Akt signaling axis plays an important role in regulating macrophage M2 polarization.Conclusion:The piezoelectric Cs/Gel/PHA/PBT hydrogels developed here with favorable immunomodulation,angiogenesis,and osteogenesis functions may be used as a substitute in periosteum injuries,thereby offering the novel strategy of applying piezoelectric stimulation in bone tissue engineering for the enhancement of combat efectiveness in grassroots troops.

Data-driven modeling on anisotropic mechanical behavior of brain tissue with internal pressure

Brain tissue is one of the softest parts of the human body,composed of white matter and grey matter.The mechanical behavior of the brain tissue plays an essential role in regulating brain morphology and brain function.Besides,traumatic brain injury(TBI)and various brain diseases are also greatly influenced by the brain's mechanical properties.Whether white matter or grey matter,brain tissue contains multiscale structures composed of neurons,glial cells,fibers,blood vessels,etc.,each with different mechanical properties.As such,brain tissue exhibits complex mechanical behavior,usually with strong nonlinearity,heterogeneity,and directional dependence.Building a constitutive law for multiscale brain tissue using traditional function-based approaches can be very challenging.Instead,this paper proposes a data-driven approach to establish the desired mechanical model of brain tissue.We focus on blood vessels with internal pressure embedded in a white or grey matter matrix material to demonstrate our approach.The matrix is described by an isotropic or anisotropic nonlinear elastic model.A representative unit cell(RUC)with blood vessels is built,which is used to generate the stress-strain data under different internal blood pressure and various proportional displacement loading paths.The generated stress-strain data is then used to train a mechanical law using artificial neural networks to predict the macroscopic mechanical response of brain tissue under different internal pressures.Finally,the trained material model is implemented into finite element software to predict the mechanical behavior of a whole brain under intracranial pressure and distributed body forces.Compared with a direct numerical simulation that employs a reference material model,our proposed approach greatly reduces the computational cost and improves modeling efficiency.The predictions made by our trained model demonstrate sufficient accuracy.Specifically,we find that the level of internal blood pressure can greatly influence stress distribution and determine the possible related damage behaviors.

Pre-operative visceral adipose tissue radiodensity is a potentially novel prognostic biomarker for early endoscopic post-operative recurrence in Crohn’s disease

BACKGROUND Evidence suggests inflammatory mesenteric fat is involved in post-operative recurrence(POR)of Crohn’s disease(CD).However,its prognostic value is INTRODUCTION Crohn’s disease(CD)is a debilitating chronic immune-mediated inflammatory disease(IMID)of the gastrointestinal tract that is increasing in incidence and prevalence globally[1].CD patients often undergo surgery for disease-related complic-ations and/or medically refractory disease.Unfortunately,surgery is not curative,and many patients develop post-operative recurrence(POR)of CD with a significant proportion eventually requiring additional surgeries.With advances in early detection and therapeutics,the contemporary 10-year risk of surgery has improved from 50%to 26%,but the risk of recurrent surgery has remained unchanged at 30%,suggesting a need to improve post-operative management strategies[2].Presently,there are two accepted strategies to mitigate POR,but each have potential limitations.Firstly,patients start early post-operative pharmacologic prophylaxis within 4-6 wk after surgery.This strategy can potentially overtreat a subset of patient who may not develop long-term disease recurrence off therapy.Consequently,these patients are at risk of medication-related adverse events and the direct and indirect costs associated with therapy with little or no benefit[3].The second strategy is performing early colonoscopy within 6-12 months after surgery and escalating therapy based on FOOTNOTES Author contributions:Gu P is the guarantor of the article and was involved in concept and design,data collection,statistical analysis,drafting of manuscript,and final approval of manuscript;Dube S and Choi SY were involved in statistical analysis,drafting of the manuscript,and final approval of manuscript;Gellada N,Win S,Lee YJ and Yang S were involved in the data collection,drafting of the manuscript,and final approval of manuscript;Haritunians T and Li D were involved in data analysis and interpretation,drafting of manuscript and final approval of manuscript;Melmed GY,Yarur AJ,Fleshner P,Kallman C and Devkota S were involved in study concept and design,data interpretation,drafting of manuscript and final approval of manuscript;Vasiliauskas EA,Bonthala N,Syal G,Ziring D and Targan SR were involved in data interpretation,drafting of manuscript and final approval of manuscript;Rabizadeh S was involved in study concept and design,drafting of manuscript and final approval of manuscript;McGovern DPB was involved in concept and design,statistical analysis,drafting of manuscript and final approval of manuscript.

The Role of Adipose Tissue-derived Exosomes in Chronic Metabolic Disorders

Excessive fat deposition in obese subjects promotes the occurrence of metabolic diseases,such as type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM),cardiovascular diseases,and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD).Adipose tissue is not only the main form of energy storage but also an endocrine organ that not only secretes adipocytokines but also releases many extracellular vesicles(EVs)that play a role in the regulation of whole-body metabolism.Exosomes are a subtype of EVs,and accumulating evidence indicates that adipose tissue exosomes(AT Exos)mediate crosstalk between adipose tissue and multiple organs by being transferred to targeted cells or tissues through paracrine or endocrine mechanisms.However,the roles of AT Exos in crosstalk with metabolic organs remain to be fully elucidated.In this review,we summarize the latest research progress on the role of AT Exos in the regulation of metabolic disorders.Moreover,we discuss the potential role of AT Exos as biomarkers in metabolic diseases and their clinical application.

Extra Renal Rhabdoid Tumor: A Rare Cause of Congenital Soft Tissue Tumor

Rhabdoid tumors (RTs) are a well-defined entity in the kidney or central nervous system of infants or children. However, soft-tissue involvement is uncommon. It’s an exceptional neonatal tumor of soft tissue. The imaging characteristics of this tumor are not specific. Biopsy allows diagnosis;the histomorphological characteristics of rhabdoid tumors, their immunoreactivity to epithelial markers and vimentin, and the INI-1 loss are important tools for diagnosis. RT tumors are aggressive and have a rapidly fatal clinical course in most cases. Despite multidisciplinary therapy, the survival rate is very low. We report a rare case occurring in a male neonate who presents at birth with a voluminous right axillary mass. A CT scan showed a well-limited tumor mass with lobulated contours. An ultrasound-guided biopsy was performed on day 8, showing the morphology and immunoprofile of RT. The mass showed rapid growth. The child was admitted for respiratory distress at 3 weeks. A thoraco-abdominal CT showed an increase in the size of the mass with the appearance of multiple lymph nodes and pleural, hepatic, and renal metastases. The child died two days later.

In vitro investigations on the effects of graphene and graphene oxide on polycaprolactone bone tissue engineering scaffolds

Polycaprolactone(PCL)scaffolds that are produced through additive manufacturing are one of the most researched bone tissue engineering structures in the field.Due to the intrinsic limitations of PCL,carbon nanomaterials are often investigated to reinforce the PCL scaffolds.Despite several studies that have been conducted on carbon nanomaterials,such as graphene(G)and graphene oxide(GO),certain challenges remain in terms of the precise design of the biological and nonbiological properties of the scaffolds.This paper addresses this limitation by investigating both the nonbiological(element composition,surface,degradation,and thermal and mechanical properties)and biological characteristics of carbon nanomaterial-reinforced PCL scaffolds for bone tissue engineering applications.Results showed that the incorporation of G and GO increased surface properties(reduced modulus and wettability),material crystallinity,crystallization temperature,and degradation rate.However,the variations in compressive modulus,strength,surface hardness,and cell metabolic activity strongly depended on the type of reinforcement.Finally,a series of phenomenological models were developed based on experimental results to describe the variations of scaffold’s weight,fiber diameter,porosity,and mechanical properties as functions of degradation time and carbon nanomaterial concentrations.The results presented in this paper enable the design of three-dimensional(3D)bone scaffolds with tuned properties by adjusting the type and concentration of different functional fillers.

Rare incidence of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma presenting as buccal fat pad tumor:A case report

BACKGROUND Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue(MALT)lymphoma,a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma,originates in the mucosal lining of body organs and internal cavities,including the nose,mouth,lungs,and digestive tract.The lymphoma develops when the body produces abnormal B lymphocytes.These lymphomas develop at the edge of the lymphoid tissue,called the marginal zone,and,hence,are classified as a type of marginal zone lymphomas.They are the most common type of marginal zone lymphomas although their occurrence is rare.To date,no previous cases of MALT lymphoma in the buccal fat pad have been reported.CASE SUMMARY We report the case of a patient who presented with a mass on the frontal cheek.Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a tumor in the buccal fat pad,and histopathological and immunohistochemical findings confirmed the diagnosis of MALT lymphoma.The patient had a history of Helicobacter pylori and hepatitis C virus infection,suggesting an association between these infective agents and MALT lymphoma.CONCLUSION Consideration of MALT lymphoma is essential in the differential diagnosis of frontal cheek masses.