Expression of iNOS message in human buccal mucosal [keratinocytes] cell line TR146 using RT-PCR and immunocytochemistry

This study was carried out at the department of Oral Pathology, Queen Mary College of Medicine and Dentistry, Barts and The London to determine whether human oral buccal mucosal [keratinocytes] cell line, TR 146, expressed iNOS message and whether the expression of iNOS is varied when TR146 cells were exposed to different cytokines such as IL-15, IL-8, IL-1 beta, or TNF-alpha using RT-PCR and Immuno-cytochemistry and to determine the effect of the above mentioned cytokines on NO function by measuring nitrite production in TR146 cells. Immuno-cytochemistry analysis revealed that TR146 cells expressed iNOS proteins when incubated with IL-15 and IL-8 and a modest increase was seen with IL-1 beta /TNF-alpha. RT-PCR for iNOS indicated a marked increase in expression when the cells were exposed to IL-8, IL-15 or IL-1beta/ TNF-alpha. NOS activity was assessed by measuring nitrite activity. It was observed that treating the cells with cytokines caused significant increase in nitrite levels, except in the case of IL-8. These results suggest that TR146 cells expressed iNOS, the levels of which varied with various cytokines. It is clear that IL-15, IL-1beta /TNF-a and IL-8 are regulators of iNOS expression in oral keratinocytes and affect NOS activity

prevalence of salivary gland disorders and lichenplanus in patients infected with chronic hepatitis C virus

This study was carried out to examine the oral health of Hepatitis C Virus infected patients. In particular, the prevalence of salivary glands disorders and Oral Lichen Planus. Eighty patients infected with HCV, who were not undergoing anti-viral treatment, were examined. The information collected from the patients included, demographic details together with perception of their oral health and access to dental care since they were diagnosed of hepatitis C. Both extra-oral and intra-oral examinations were conducted. Teeth present and visible caries were recorded, periodontal conditions were measured using a Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Need [CPITN] probe and denture fit and hygiene were assessed where appropriate. The soft tissues were examined and lichen planus was diagnosed clinically. The whole salivary flow rates were estimated using spitting technique. The oral health of this cohort was poor. Twelve patients had clinical evidence of oral lichen planus [OLP], though all were not confirmed histologically. The salivary flow rates were significantly lower [p < 0.001] than previously reported healthy controls. Of the 25 regular dental attenders, only 5 had encountered problems accessing dental care. Chronic HCV infected patients require significant oral health care and an effective oral health education is required for HCV-infected patients and their carers

Reliability of landmark identification among orthodontic residents using traditional and indirect digital cephalometry

To determine the inter examiner reliability of landmark identification among Orthodontic Residents using Traditional and Indirect Digital Cephalometry and to determine the intra examiner reliability of landmark identification. A cross-sectional study of six months duration done at Orthodontics Department of KMDC. One conventional Lateral Cephalometric radiograph was randomly selected. Study subjects were 8 residents with mean age was 28.8 years, with a range of 27.5 to 31 years. Cephalometeric tracing was done and landmarks S or Sella, N or Nasion A or Point A, B or Point B, Pog or Pogonion, Gn or Gnathion, Go or Gonion, Me or Menton, Or or Orbitale, Ba or Basion, API or apex of upper incisor, APT or apex of lower incisor were identified using traditional method by an Orthodontic consultant and then tracing was scanned and digitized to obtain the Indirect Digital Cepha image. The same cepha was asked to trace by all 8 study subjects. Kappa statistics was applied to see the agreement between the residents for landmarks identification in conventional and indirect digital cephalograph. Results: The study subjects were 8 orthodontic residents [3 males and 5 females]. Residents had excellent agreement for landmark identification on the conventional and the indirect digital cephalogram. The value of agreement for inter-examiner and intra-examiner reliability was found to be 0.80 [CI: 0.71, 0.89] and 0.83 [CI: 0.79, 0.87] respectively. The reliability of landmark identification was good among residents for both the conventional and the indirect digital cephalometery

Effect of cytokines on IL-15 receptor expression in human oral keratinocytes cell line

Interleukin-15 [IL-15] is a cytokine produced by mononuclear phagocytes and probably many other cell types in response to viral infections, lipopoly-saccharides [LPS], and other signals that trigger innate immunity. IL -15 mRNA is expressed in non-lymphoid tissues such as heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, placenta, skeletal muscle and also in keratinocytes and dendritic cells in skin. The actions of IL-15 are mediated via its receptor [IL-15R]. IL-15 is known to be expressed in a variety of tissues, including epithelial cells, beta-1 cells, and natural killer cells. It is not known whether these are present in the oral buccal mucosa. The present study was carried out at The department of Oral Pathology, Queen Mary College of Medicine and Dentistry, Barts and The London, UK, to determine whether a human oral buccal mucosal [keratino-cytes] cell line, TR 146, expressed IL-15 receptor and whether the expression of IL-15R is varied when TR146 cells were exposed to different cytokines such as IL-15, IL-8, IL-1beta, or TNF-alpha Immunocytochemistry analysis revealed that TR146 cells expressed IL-15R when incubated with IL-15 and IL-8 and a modest increase was seen with IL-1beta /TNF-alpha. RT-PCR indicated that the TR-146 cells constitutively expressed IL-15R which did not appear to be up-regulated upon exposure to the cytokines use

Incidence of dental fluorosis among the patients visiting the University of Lahore dental college/ hospital - a study

Present study was carried out to find out the incidence of dental fluorosis among the patients visiting conservative department of The University of Lahore, Dental College Hospital during the months of April 2009 to June 2009. Total 1678 patients were seen in the conservative department. Patients presented clinical dental fluorosis were separated and classified according to Dean's Index of scoring dental fluorosis. The incidence of dental fluorosis was 12% [197 patients, 80 males and 117 females] being higher in females than males. 44[22%] showed very mild, 39[20%] showed mild, 77[39%] showed moderate, and 37 [19%] showed severe dental fluorosis. These patients belonged to the areas of Patoki, Kasur District, manga mandi, Kot Radha kishan, and its surroundings, all areas near to The University of Lahore Dental College where Fluoride ions concentration is higher in drinking water causing serious effect on teeth [dental fluorosis] as well as on bony tissues. Main goal of our study was to highlight the effects of high fluoride levels in drinking water in these areas and bring the attention of educated community and responsible authorities towards serious health issue