Potential biomarkers and signaling pathways associated with the pathogenesis of primary salivary gland carcinoma: a bioinformatics study

Salivary gland carcinoma (SGC) is rare cancer, constituting 6% of neoplasms in the head and neck area. The most responsible genes and pathways involved in the pathology of this disorder have not been fully understood. We aimed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs), the most critical hub genes, transcription factors, signaling pathways, and biological processes (BPs) associated with the pathogenesis of primary SGC. The mRNA dataset GSE153283 in the Gene Expression Omnibus database was re-analyzed for determining DEGs in cancer tissue of patients with primary SGC compared to the adjacent normal tissue (adjusted p-value 1). A protein interaction map (PIM) was built, and the main modules within the network were identified and focused on the different pathways and BP analyses. The hub genes of PIM were discovered, and their associated gene regulatory network was built to determine the master regulators involved in the pathogenesis of primary SGC. A total of 137 genes were found to be differentially expressed in primary SGC. The most significant pathways and BPs that were deregulated in the primary disease condition were associated with the cell cycle and fibroblast proliferation procedures. TP53, EGF, FN1, NOTCH1, EZH2, COL1A1, SPP1, CDKN2A, WNT5A, PDGFRB, CCNB1, and H2AFX were demonstrated to be the most critical genes linked with the primary SGC. SPIB, FOXM1, and POLR2A significantly regulate all the hub genes. This study illustrated several hub genes and their master regulators that might be appropriate targets for the therapeutic aims of primary SGC.

Comparison of salivary PH, buffering capacity and alkaline phosphatase in smokers and healthy non-smokers

Objectives: Saliva contains alkaline phosphatase [ALP]-a key intracellular enzyme related to destructive processes and cellular damage-and has buffering capacity [BC] against acids due to the presence of bicarbonate and phosphate ions. Smoking may have deleterious effects on the oral environment due to pH changes which can affect ALP activity. This study aimed to evaluate the salivary pH, BC and ALP activity of male smokers and healthy non-smokers

Methods: this retrospective cohort study took place between August 2012 and December 2013. A total of 251 healthy male non-smokers and 259 male smokers from Hamadan, Iran, were selected. Unstimulated whole saliva was collected from each participant and pH and BC were determined using a pH meter. Salivary enzymes were measured by spectrophotometric assay

Results: mean salivary pH [7.42 +/- 0.48 and 7.52 +/- 0.43, respectively; P = 0.018] and BC [3.41 +/- 0.54 and 4.17 +/- 0.71; P = 0.001] was significantly lower in smokers compared to non-smokers. Mean ALP levels were 49.58 +/- 23.33 IU/L among smokers and 55.11 +/- 27.85 IU/L among non-smokers [P = 0.015]

Conclusion: significantly lower pH, BC and ALP levels were observed among smokers in comparison to a healthy control group. These salivary alterations could potentially be utilised as biochemical markers for the evaluation of oral tissue function and side-effects among smokers. Further longitudinal studies are recommended to evaluate the effects of smoking on salivary components

Levels of Salivary Antioxidant Vitamins and Lipid Peroxidation in Patients with Oral Lichen Planus and Healthy Individuals / 전남의대학술지

Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic inflammatory mucosal disease of unknown etiology. Many studies have implicated the protective role of antioxidants in such diseases. The aim of this study was to compare salivary total antioxidant capacity (TAC and malondialdehyde (MDA) and antioxidant vitamin (vitamin s A, C and E) levels in patients with erosive OLP and healthy individuals. Thirty six patients with OLP (14 males, 22 females) and 36 control subjects (15 males, 21 females), matched for age and sex were enrolled in this case control study. The salivary levels of MDA, TAC, and antioxidant vitamin levels were measured in both case and control groups. The salivary level of MDA was significantly higher (p<0.001) in patients than in controls. In patients with OLP, the TAC of saliva was significantly lower than that in healthy subjects (p<0.001). Compared with controls, the levels of salivary antioxidant vitamins were significantly decreased in patients with OLP (p<0.001). In addition, a positive correlation was found between the decrease in the salivary amount of vitamin C and that in vitamin E in patients and controls. In addition to the lower salivary levels of antioxidant vitamins and the lower TAC, the higher level of MDA in patients with OLP suggests that free radicals and the resulting oxidative damage may be important in the pathogenesis of OLP lesions.

Levels of Salivary Antioxidant Vitamins and Lipid Peroxidation in Patients with Oral Lichen Planus and Healthy Individuals / 전남의대학술지

Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic inflammatory mucosal disease of unknown etiology. Many studies have implicated the protective role of antioxidants in such diseases. The aim of this study was to compare salivary total antioxidant capacity (TAC and malondialdehyde (MDA) and antioxidant vitamin (vitamin s A, C and E) levels in patients with erosive OLP and healthy individuals. Thirty six patients with OLP (14 males, 22 females) and 36 control subjects (15 males, 21 females), matched for age and sex were enrolled in this case control study. The salivary levels of MDA, TAC, and antioxidant vitamin levels were measured in both case and control groups. The salivary level of MDA was significantly higher (p<0.001) in patients than in controls. In patients with OLP, the TAC of saliva was significantly lower than that in healthy subjects (p<0.001). Compared with controls, the levels of salivary antioxidant vitamins were significantly decreased in patients with OLP (p<0.001). In addition, a positive correlation was found between the decrease in the salivary amount of vitamin C and that in vitamin E in patients and controls. In addition to the lower salivary levels of antioxidant vitamins and the lower TAC, the higher level of MDA in patients with OLP suggests that free radicals and the resulting oxidative damage may be important in the pathogenesis of OLP lesions.

Prevalence of Oral Mucosal Lesions in Male Smokers and Nonsmokers / 전남의대학술지

Tobacco smoking is one of the most important risk factors for the development of oral mucosal lesions such as leukoplakia and hairy tongue. Controversy exists in the literature, however, about the prevalence of oral lesions in smokers. The aim of this study was to evaluate oral lesions in male smokers compared with nonsmokers in Hamadan. A total of 516 male participants were assessed, 258 of whom were smokers and 258 of whom were healthy nonsmokers. The prevalence of lesions was evaluated by clinical observation and biopsy. We found that the most prevalent lesions among smokers were gingival problems and coated tongue; smokers had significantly more lesions than did nonsmokers. Malignant and premalignant lesions were found in a higher age range. Among all participants in our study, we found a large number of oral mucosal lesions in smokers that had a strong correlation with smoking. Dental services need to implement care and health education for smokers to promote health.

Evaluation of the relation between salivary beta-2 microglobulin and viral proliferation in HBS Ag[+] HBV DNA PCR[+]and HBV DNA PCR[-] subjects

Hepatitis includes a wide range of clinical and pathological conditions. The beta-2 microglobulin [B[2][M], as part of the HLA complex, is responsible for transmission of viral antigens on the surface of liver cells. The purpose of this study is to determine the concentration of salivary B2M as a marker of viral proliferation in subjects who are HbsAg[1], HBV DNA PCR[+] compared with those who are HbsAg[+], HBV DNA PCR[-]. In this case-control study, we enrolled 25 patients who were Hbs Ag[+], HBV DNA PCR[+] in addition to 21 patients who were Hbs Ag[+], HBV DNA PCR[-]. We obtained sputum samples from all patients and measured salivary B[2]M levels by nephelometry. Data analyses were performed by the descriptive, student's t- and chi-square tests. There were 25 men [54.3%] and 21 women [45.7%] with a mean age of 35.72 +/- 11.86 years who participated. Of PCR[+] patients, 72% were on medication, however 85.7% of the PCR[-] patients did not take medication [p<0.001]. Salivary B[2]M concentration in the PCR[+] patients [5.28 +/- 5.45] was greater than observed in the PCR patients [1.51 +/- 0.77], of which this difference was statistically significant [p<0.003]. Salivary B2M levels, as a marker of viral replication, could be used in patients with hepatitis B

[Evaluation of yoghurt with probiotics effect on salivary IgA concentration]

Probiotics have been associated to various benefits on oral health, partially through regulation of local immunity. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of probiotics on salivary IgA. This randomized, triple-blind trial was conducted on 40 healthy non-smoker volunteers. The subjects were assigned to two age- and sex-matched groups ingesting 200 g of a regular yoghurt [control] or a yoghurt containing probiotic bacteria [treatment group] once daily for 8 weeks. Unstimulated salivary samples were collected from the subjects at weeks 0, 4 and 8 of trial and total salivary IgA concentration was determined using ELISA. Saliva volume was measured and salivary IgA secretion rate was calculated. The differences in IgA means were statistically analyzed by repeated measurments [alpha=0.05]. Over the trial period, no significant changes were found among the salivary IgA concentrations of control group; however, treatment group presented a non-significant increase [P>0.05]. There were not significant differences in concentration and secretion rate between two groups at each time point of study [P>0.05]. Within the limitations of this study, an 8-week period daily consumption of probiotic yoghurt could not alter the salivary IgA concentrations, although it persuades an increase trend in salivary IgA secretion rate

[Report of an extensive maxillary perforation resulting from mucormycosis and its treatment]

Mucormycosis is a rare and invasive fungal infection with a high mortality that usually affects immunocompromised patients. The major route of infection is inhalation. An extensive necrotic ulcer in the mouth could be indicative of fungal invasion. A 67-year-old woman was visited in the department of Oral Medicine of Hamadan dental school with perforation and extensive and progressive ulcer in palate from 2 month ago. The patient had a history of swelling in the face and proptosis in the right eye from five months ago. Lab tests revealed an uncontrolled diabetes mellitus. Biopsy was carried out under clinical diagnosis of deep fungal infection and final diagnosis was mucormycosis. Early detection of mucormycosis could increase survival rate. Therefore, dentists can play an important role in primary diagnosis of the lesions. Systemic diseases could also be diagnosed and referred for treatment by the dentists

The relationship between the level of salivary alpha amylase activity and pain severity in patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis

OBJECTIVES: Assessment of dental pain severity is very challenging in dentistry. Previous studies have suggested that elevated salivary alpha amylase may contribute to increased physical stresses. There is a close association between salivary alpha amylase and plasma norepinephrine under stressful physical conditions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between pain severity and salivary alpha amylase levels in patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-six patients (20 females and 16 males) with severe tooth pain due to symptomatic irreversible pulpitis were selected. The visual analogue scale (VAS) score was used to assess the pain severity in each patient. Unstimulated whole saliva was collected, and the level of alpha amylase activity was assessed by the spectrophotometric method. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 13. RESULTS: The level of alpha amylase was significantly increased in the saliva in association with pain severity assessed by VAS. The salivary alpha amylase was also elevated with increased age and in males. CONCLUSIONS: There was a significant correlation between the VAS pain scale and salivary alpha amylase level, which indicates this biomarker may be a good index for the objective assessment of pain intensity.

Prevalence of Oral Mucosal Lesions in Male Smokers and Nonsmokers / 전남의대학술지

Tobacco smoking is one of the most important risk factors for the development of oral mucosal lesions such as leukoplakia and hairy tongue. Controversy exists in the literature, however, about the prevalence of oral lesions in smokers. The aim of this study was to evaluate oral lesions in male smokers compared with nonsmokers in Hamadan. A total of 516 male participants were assessed, 258 of whom were smokers and 258 of whom were healthy nonsmokers. The prevalence of lesions was evaluated by clinical observation and biopsy. We found that the most prevalent lesions among smokers were gingival problems and coated tongue; smokers had significantly more lesions than did nonsmokers. Malignant and premalignant lesions were found in a higher age range. Among all participants in our study, we found a large number of oral mucosal lesions in smokers that had a strong correlation with smoking. Dental services need to implement care and health education for smokers to promote health.

Knowledge of General Dentists and Senior Dental Students in Iran about Prevention of Infective Endocarditis / 전남의대학술지

Infective endocarditis (IE) is an infection of the endothelial surface of the heart and heart valves with serious, even fatal, complications and that often requires long-term and expensive treatment. Dental procedures may lead to IE in high-risk patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the knowledge of general dentists and dental students concerning the prevention of IE in Hamadan, Iran. In this cross-sectional study, the awareness of general dentists and dentistry students concerning the prevention of IE was evaluated during 2010. A questionnaire was prepared and administered to 58 final-year dental students and 96 general dental practitioners in Hamadan. A total of 154 persons completed the questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of some demographic questions and questions about awareness of IE in three sections. The gathered data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics, Pearson's chi-square test, Mann-Whitney test, and independent t-tests. The gathered data showed that dentistry students answered the questions about awareness of the prevention of IE more correctly than did general dentists. The overall knowledge of endocarditis prophylaxis among students and dentists was about 65% and 56%, respectively. The students' knowledge was better because 94.9% of the students had desired (acceptable) and relatively desired knowledge; this result for dentists, however, was 82.3%. In our study, the overall awareness level of the study population was moderate. Dentist and students believed that patients with prosthetic valves and previous IE were the most common cardiac disease cases that required prophylaxis. The most common prophylactic regimen was in accordance with the guidelines of the American Heart Association and was a single dose of 2 g amoxicillin 1 hour before treatment. The results indicated that gender had no effect on the level of knowledge; however, there was a statistically significant relationship between age and level of knowledge.

Awareness of general dentists and senior dental students of Hamadan city [Iran] about prescribed drugs in dental procedures

Every day, numerous people undergo dental treatments, and if required different drugs are prescribed by dentists. Some patients have systemic disorders, so dentists must have correct information about drug prescriptions and drugs that are to be used by their patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the awareness of dentists and dentistry students about using drugs in dentistry. In this cross-sectional study, the awareness of general dentists and dentistry students about drugs used in dentistry were evaluated during 2009-2010. A questionnaire was prepared and completed by 58 final year dental students and 96 Hamadan general dental practitioners for a total of 154 completed questionnaires. The questionnaire consisted of some demographic questions and questions about their awareness and their main information resources about drugs. Gathered data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson Chi-square, Mann-Whitney and Independent t-test statistical analysis. More questions about drug awareness were answered by dental students than general dentists. Dentistry students answered the question about awareness of drugs used in dentistry more correctly than did general dentists [64.96% versus 56.73%, respectively] P<0.001. The assessment of general dentists and dentistry students indicated that the awareness of dentistry students was much better, and the difference was statistically significant. Overall, 94.9% of students had to some extent desirable and completely desirable awareness, while this level for general dentists was about 82.3%. The awareness level of general dentists about drugs which are used in dentistry is moderate. An inverse relationship between job experience and the score of awareness shows that the awareness of dentists has not updated along with experience and there is no serious follow-up in this field. This issue indicates the necessity of retraining courses for dentists about drugs prescribed in dentistry

Knowledge of General Dentists and Senior Dental Students in Iran about Prevention of Infective Endocarditis / 전남의대학술지

Infective endocarditis (IE) is an infection of the endothelial surface of the heart and heart valves with serious, even fatal, complications and that often requires long-term and expensive treatment. Dental procedures may lead to IE in high-risk patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the knowledge of general dentists and dental students concerning the prevention of IE in Hamadan, Iran. In this cross-sectional study, the awareness of general dentists and dentistry students concerning the prevention of IE was evaluated during 2010. A questionnaire was prepared and administered to 58 final-year dental students and 96 general dental practitioners in Hamadan. A total of 154 persons completed the questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of some demographic questions and questions about awareness of IE in three sections. The gathered data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics, Pearson's chi-square test, Mann-Whitney test, and independent t-tests. The gathered data showed that dentistry students answered the questions about awareness of the prevention of IE more correctly than did general dentists. The overall knowledge of endocarditis prophylaxis among students and dentists was about 65% and 56%, respectively. The students' knowledge was better because 94.9% of the students had desired (acceptable) and relatively desired knowledge; this result for dentists, however, was 82.3%. In our study, the overall awareness level of the study population was moderate. Dentist and students believed that patients with prosthetic valves and previous IE were the most common cardiac disease cases that required prophylaxis. The most common prophylactic regimen was in accordance with the guidelines of the American Heart Association and was a single dose of 2 g amoxicillin 1 hour before treatment. The results indicated that gender had no effect on the level of knowledge; however, there was a statistically significant relationship between age and level of knowledge.