ABSTRACT
Aim: To compare the caries risk profile in children with mild, moderate, and severe intellectual disability (ID) using cariogram. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted to compare caries risk profile using cariogram among 150 children aged 6–18 years, with various levels of ID (50 each in Mild ID, Moderate ID, and Severe ID groups), attending special schools in Bengaluru city. The risk assessment consisted of: a questionnaire, an interview, estimation of oral hygiene, saliva sampling, microbial evaluation and clinical examination. Statistical analysis of the results obtained was performed using Chi-square/Fischer's exact test, Kruskal–Wallis test and Mann–Whitney test. Results: The overall comparison showed significant differences between the groups across all parameters except diet (P = 0.131), fluoride exposure (P = 1), salivary flow rate (P = 0.3), and buffer capacity (P = 1). Caries risk was high among children with severe intellectually disability while the actual chance to avoid caries was found to be high in the Mild ID group. Bacteria was one of the dominant caries risk sectors followed by susceptibility, circumstances, and diet. Conclusion: Cariogram can be used as an effective tool in assessing caries prediction, thus aiding in identifying different risk groups in a community so that appropriate preventive measures can be implemented to overcome the caries risk.
ABSTRACT
Interactions of cells with extracellular matrix (ECM) are mediated through specific cell surface receptors, belonging to the integrin family of transmembrane proteins. Integrins have been shown to be involved in chondrocyte-matrix interactions in the cartilage. In this study, the status of a matrix glycoprotein fibronectin (FN) and its receptor alpha5beta1 integrin in the articular cartilage in collagen type II-induced experimental arthritis in rats, as well as in synovial fluid from osteoarthritic patients was investigated. Experimental arthritis was induced by intradermal injection of type-II collagen (300 microg/100 g body wt) and Freund's complete adjuvant. Saline-treated animals served as control. Clinical severity was indicated by increase in paw volume. Significant increase in the activities of lysosomal enzymes beta-glucuronidase and beta-hexosaminidase was observed in synovial effusate, serum and cartilage of arthritic animals, when compared to untreated control, indicating dysfunction of cartilage. Changes in FN and alpha5beta1 integrin were studied by ELISA. A progressive increase was observed in the FN level in synovial effusate and cartilage of arthritic animals, when compared to untreated controls. FN levels were also significantly high in synovial fluid of osteoarthritic patients. A significant increase in the levels of alpha5beta1 integrin was found in cartilage of arthritic rats. Parallel changes in FN and alpha5beta1 integrin indicated that alterations in FN and alpha5beta1 integrin in chondrocytes constituted one of the molecular mechanisms during progression of arthritis.