Dental caries prevalence in human immunodeficiency virus infected patients receiving highly active anti-retroviral therapy in Kermanshah, Iran

Introduction of new approaches for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus [HIV] infection such as anti-retroviral medicines has resulted in an increase in the life expectancy of HIV patient. Evaluating the dental health status as a part of their general health care is needed in order to improve the quality of life in these patients. The aim of this study was to compare the root and crown caries rate in HIV patients receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy [HAART] with that rate in HIV patients without treatment option. This cross sectional study consisting of 100 individuals of both genders with human immunodeficiency virus were divided into two groups: i. group 1 [treatment group] including 50 patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome [AIDS] receiving HAART and ii. group 2 [control group] including 50 HIV infected patients not receiving HAART. Dental examinations were done by a dentist under suitable light using periodontal probe. For each participant, numbers of decay [D], missed [M], filled [F], Decayed missed and filled teeth [DMFT], decay surface [Ds], missed surface [Ms], filled surface [Fs], Decayed missed and filled surfaces [DMFS], and tooth and root caries were recorded. Data were analyzed using Chi-square test and independent t test using SPSS 13.0, while p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant in all analysis. The mean and standard deviation [SD] of decayed, missed and filled teeth of those who were on highly active antiretroviral therapy was 6.86 +/- 3.57, 6.39 +/- 6.06 and 1.89 +/- 1.93, respectively. There was no significant difference between these values regarding to the treatment of patients. The mean and standard deviation of DMFT, DMFS and the number of decayed root surfaces were 15.14 +/- 6.09, 56.79 +/- 28.56, and 4.96 +/- 2.89 in patients treated by anti-retroviral medicine which were not significantly different compared to those without this treatment. According to the results of the present study, highly active antiretroviral therapy could not be considered as a single factor for dental caries prevalence in HIV-infected patients. However, more research is recommended to evaluate the cariogenic potential of these medicines

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.

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

Determining chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of feverfew [tanacetum parthenium L.] essential oil on some microbial strains

Feverfew [Tanacetum parthenium L.] is a herbal plant that has anti- septic, anti-microbial, anti-parasitic and anti-inflammatory effects. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the antimicrobial effect of shoot essential oil [essential oil of the aerial parts of the plant] of the feverfew on a number of microorganisms including gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria, filamentous fungi and yeasts. In this empirical study, plant samples were collected at the full blooming stage. Shoot essential oil was extracted using hydro-distillation technique and Clevenger apparatus. Components of the extract were identified using GC and GC/MS apparatus and its antimicrobial properties were evaluated using diffusion in Agar method [disk diffusion] and dilution in the well [Micro-broth dilution]. Among 35 compounds identified in the essential oil of the feverfew, camphor [45%], chrysanthenyl acetate [21.5] and camphene [9.6%], were the main components respectively. Essential oil showed very good antifungal effect which was stronger than its antibacterial effect. Gram-negative bacteria were less sensitive to the essential oil than gram-positive bacteria. The mean diameter of inhibition zone, in the bio-assessment of the effect of feverfew essential oil on gram-positive bacteria and fungi was respectively more than the effect of vancomycin and amphotericin B and this effect on gram-negative bacteria was less than the effect of gentamicin. This effect is attributed to the high value of camphor, chrysanthenyl acetate and camphene found in the essential oil. Feverfew essential oil could be utilized as a sound and harmless substitute for the antibiotics

[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