Homeostatic medicine: new strategy and concept of health maintenance as well as diagnosis and treatment of diseases / 中华口腔医学杂志

Homeostasis is a dynamic balance process of self-regulating. Biological systems remain stable through adapting to changing external conditions to maintain normal life activities. Homeostatic medicine is the science of studying homeostasis of human molecules, cells, organs and the whole body. It is a comprehensive discipline based on maintaining homeostasis to keep human health and assist for diseases prevention and diagnoses. Homeostatic medicine focuses on the whole body and on the role of homeostasis in health and disease, which is expected to provide new ideas and strategies for maintaining health as well as diagnosing and treating diseases. Nitric oxide (NO) plays an important role in the control of multisystem homeostasis. Nitrate is an important substance in regulating NO homeostasis through the nitrate-nitrite-NO pathway. Sialin, nitrate transporter which is located in the cell membrane and cytoplasm, mediates multiple cellular biological functions. The nitrate-nitrite-NO pathway and sialin-mediated biological functions play an important role in the regulation of body homeostasis.

Overview on diagnosis and treatment of oral diseases in the Qing Royal Court / 中华口腔医学杂志

The remained documents and archives show that the history of diagnosis and treatment of oral diseases in royal court of the Qing Dynasty was over 200 years. The departmental system of medical care in the Qing Royal Court was inherited from former Ming Dynasty. Although the departments in the system changed over reigns, the Department of Dentistry exist all the time. In a set of historical records of 38 medical cases opened to the public, the documented symptoms and diseases, in the sense of modern medical science, included periodontitis, oral mucosal diseases, dental caries, parotiditis, etc., and the patients involved various ranks in the court, showing that oral diseases were common in the Qing Royal Court. The royal doctors ranked variedly and the medication they used was diverse. Medical fuming or steaming and medical heating were some distinctive methods among the treatments. In 1600s, the western modern medical science started to be introduced into China. In the reign of Kangxi Emperor (1700s), many western doctors were employed by the royal court and they engaged in the treatment of oral diseases. The late Qing Dynasty appeared the second peak that western doctors came into China. In 1898, Dr. Jingrong Chen, a dentist who possessed knowledge of modern dentistry in Beijing city, set up a dental clinic in the royal court and gave treatment to patients in the royal members and high-ranking officials.

Comparative ultrastructural study of parotid gland, lacrimal gland and pituitary gland between miniature pig and mouse / 中华口腔医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the ultrastructure of parotid glands, lacrimal glands and pituitary glands between miniature pig and mouse.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Five adult miniature pigs and 5 mice were studied. Ultrastructure of their parotid glands, lacrimal glands, and pituitary glands was observed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The secretary granules in acinar cell of miniature pig parotid glands showed higher density and more aequalis than those of mice. The cell apparatus in acinar cell of mouse parotid glands were more plentiful than those of miniature pigs. The secretary granules on blood vessel wall were richer in parotid gland of miniature pigs compared with mouse parotid gland. Lacrimal gland had the similar ultrastructure to parotid gland in these two animals. Many blood vessel antrum were found in pituitary glands of these two animals.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Compared with mouse parotid glands, there are more secretary granules in acinar cells and vascular endothelial cells in miniature pig parotid glands, which might enter blood stream and have function of endocrine secretion.</p>

Increase of saliva nitrate and nitrite level in patients with oral candidiasis / 中华预防医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the alterations of saliva nitrate and nitrite level in patients with oral candidiasis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Parotid saliva and whole saliva were collected from 33 patients and 34 healthy volunteers. Concentrations of nitrate and nitrite in saliva were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. Follow-up observation was performed on 10 patients after treatment. The data were statistically analyzed with independent-samples t test or paired-samples t test at alpha = 0.05.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>There was significant increase of the concentrations and secretion rate of parotid saliva nitrate in patient group as compared with controls: (49.70 +/- 0.50) vs (21.51 +/- 0.60) mg/L (t = 2.692, P = 0.009) and (27.71 +/- 0.50) vs (12.55 +/- 0.60) microg/min (t = 2.554, P = 0.013), respectively. Significantly increased concentrations and secretion rate of nitrate and nitrite [nitrate: (6.46 +/- 0.94) vs (1.11 +/- 0.70) mg/L (t = 3.792, P = 0.000); nitrite: (8.48 +/- 0.58) vs (3.39 +/- 0.53) mg/L (t = 2.888, P = 0.005); nitrate secretion rate: (10.57 +/- 0.91) vs (2.10 +/- 0.74) microg/min (t = 3.464, P= 0.001); nitrite secretion rate: (13.91 +/- 0.55) vs (6.42 +/- 0.58) microg/min (t = 2.397, P = 0.020)] were revealed in whole saliva of patients group. Significantly decreased nitrate and nitrite levels were also observed in patients after treatment, especially the changes of parotid saliva nitrate secretion rate [(37.50 +/- 0.50) vs (14.34 +/- 0.64) microg/min (t = 3.142, P = 0.012)], whole saliva nitrate [(14.29 +/- 1.01) vs (2.59 +/- 1.03) mg/L (t = 3.475, P = 0.007)] and whole saliva nitrate secretion rate [(25.97 +/- 0.93) vs (4.12 +/- 1.00) microg/min (t = 3.922, P = 0.003)].</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The present study revealed the significant increase of salivary nitrate and nitrite level in patients with oral candidiasis is considered to be associated with the host defense reaction.</p>

Tooth regeneration--dream to reality / 华西口腔医学杂志

Tooth or dentition missing compromises human health physically and psychiatrically. Although several prosthesis methods are used to restore tooth loss, these restorations are still non-biological methods. It is a dream for human being to regenerate a real tooth for hundreds years. There are two ways to regenerate the tooth. One is application of conventional tissue engineering techniques including seed cells and scaffold. The other is regeneration tooth using dental epithelium and dental mesenchymal cells based on the knowledge of tooth initiation and development. Marked progress has been achieved in these two ways, while there is still a long way to go. Recently a new concept has been proposed for regeneration of a biological tooth root based on tooth-related stem cells and tissue engineering technique. A biological tooth root has been regenerated in swine. It may be a valuable method for restoration of tooth loss before successful whole tooth regeneration. A latest research showed that a subpopulation in bone marrow cells can give rise to ameloblast-like cells when mixed with embryonic epithelium and reassociation with integrated mesenchyme, which may provide a new seed cell source for tooth regeneration.

Alterations of salivary flow rate and oral main pathogens in miniature pig with bilateral parotid gland atrophy / 中华口腔医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the effect of bilateral parotid gland atrophy on the whole saliva flow rate and the growth of main oral pathogens in different sites of oral cavity.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Ten healthy miniature pigs were divided into two groups. The parotid glands of test group (n = 5) were bilaterally ablated by methyl violet. Another healthy five miniature pigs served as the control group. Whole saliva was collected and the whole saliva flow rate detected in both groups at 12 and 24 months respectively after parotid atrophy. The total numbers of oral main pathogens in the first molar, cuspid sub-gingival bacteria plaque and whole saliva were also detected.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The whole saliva flow rate was significantly decreased at both 12 and 24 months respectively after atrophy of bilateral parotid gland in miniature pig. Pathogens including Streptococcus mutans, Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum in different sites oral cavity were increased after bilateral parotid gland atrophy.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Bilateral ablation of the parotid glands led to a significant decrease of whole saliva flow rate. The total numbers of main oral pathogens were increased in different sites of oral cavity.</p>

Effect of single dose irradiation to parotid gland on the structured and function changes of bilateral parotid glands in miniature pig / 华西口腔医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the effects of a solitary megadose protocol of ionizing radiation (IR) to parotid gland on the structured and function changes of bilateral parotid glands in miniature pig.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Fourteen minipigs were subjected to either 15 or 20 Gy to one parotid gland with a linear accelerator, while another four minipigs served as non-IR controls. Salivary flow rates and salivary chemistries were measured pre-IR, and 4 and 16 weeks post-IR. A quantitative assessment of gland weight and acinar area, and detailed serum chemistry and hematological analyses, were also performed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Parotid gland weights were significantly decreased in the 15 and 20 Gy groups at 4 and 16 weeks post-IR. The acinar cell area in glands of both IR groups was significantly reduced. Parotid flow rates decreased by 60% with 15 Gy at 16 weeks post-IR. In the 20 Gy group, salivary flow rates were reduced by 80% at 16 weeks post-IR. Additionally, parotid flow rates significantly reduced in contralateral glands with 20 Gy at 16 weeks, while structure and weight did not changes in parotid glands.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Structural changes in salivary gland parenchyma occurred relatively early after IR, while the alterations in salivary output were relatively delayed. Further, reductions in salivary flow were not proportional to acinar cell area loss. There isn't a significant structured change of contralateral glands, but significant reduction of parotid flow rate at this time.</p>

Morphological characteristics of submandibular glands of miniature pig / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Miniature pig (minipig) is increasingly used as a large animal model for a variety of biomedical studies. Little information is available in the literature on anatomy, histology and sialograghy of the submandibular gland of the minipig. The purpose of this study was to characterize the morphology of a miniature pig's (minipig) submandibular gland as a large animal model for further biomedical studies.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Five minipigs were subjected to sialographic, anatomic, histologic, histochemical and ultrastructural evaluations for submandibular glands.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Sialograms showed a long, horizontal main excretory duct and a pear-shaped gland located inferoposterior to the angle of the mandible. The submandibular glands lied superficial to the suprahyoid, and infrahyoid muscle groups, and were covered by the inferior portion of the parotid gland. The submandibular glands were characterized by a mixed parenchyma of mucous and serous secretory acini. Alcian blue (AB) staining and periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) reactions demonstrated that minipig submandibular glands synthesized and secreted acid mucous substances by serous cells and polysaccharide, and neutral mucous substances, by mucous cells.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The submandibular gland of the minipig is considered a useful large salivary gland animal model for biomedical studies.</p>

Sialographic, sialoendoscopic and irrigation fluid study in chronic obstructive parotitis / 中华口腔医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the sialographic changes and to compare the changes with sialoendoscopic and irrigation fluid findings in chronic obstructive parotitis (COP).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>This study involved 27 patients with a long history of parotid swelling. All patients were examined by X-ray, sialography, and were diagnosed as COP without sialolithiasis. Sialoendoscopy was used to observe the ductal system and irrigation treatment performed. The irrigated liquid was centrifuged and the deposits of fluid were stained and observed under microscopy. The sialographic changes were classified as previous studies and compared with sialoendoscopic and irrigation fluid findings.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The sialographic changes of COP in 27 patients included 9 cases with type I, 5 cases with type II, 9 cases with type III and 3 cases with type IV changes, 1 case was normal. Marked obstructive factors such as stricture of ductal system were revealed in 21 cases on the sialogram. Sialoendoscopic examination showed that the ductal system was filled with fiber-like substances and hyperaemia of ductal wall in all cases. While few and thin fiber-like substances were found in the COP with sialographic type I and type II changes, many thick wadding or mass fiber-like substances were revealed in COP with sialographic type III and IV changes. Microstones were found in 2 COP with sialographic type III changes which were stained and identified by microscopy. Foreign body (drug bar) was found in one COP with sialographic type I changes with sialoendoscopy. Irrigation fluid examination showed fiber-like substance was composed of desquamative duct epithelial cells, neutrophil, lymphocytes, acidophile. Some epithelial cells were found in two microliths.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The pathological basis of fiber-like substance on sialoendoscopy is desquamative duct epithelial cells. Fiber-like substance in the lumen of ductal system is considered as one of the obstructive factors in COP. Sialoendoscopic findings is related to sialographic changes.</p>

The study of the relationship of malodor and microbial composition of interdental and subgingival plaques in periodontitis patients / 华西口腔医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>The study is to investigate the microbial composition of interdental and subgingival plaques of periodontitis patients with or without malodor, to explore the relationships between periodontitis and oral malodor.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>20 patients of periodontitis with malodor were chosen from 210 patients of periodontitis, and the clinical parameter of plaque index (PLI), gingival bleeding index (GBI) and probing depth (PD) were measured and compared with the control group which had periodontal disease without malodor. During the experiment, the interdental and subgingival microbial samples in both groups were collected and sent to anaerobic culture for 48 hrs, then the total CFU/ml of each sample were counted, and each type of bacteria was separated and identified. All of the data were analyzed by using the statistical software SPSS 10.0.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>(1) There were no satistical differences on PLI, GBI, PD between experimental group and control group. (2) The percents of leptospira in both interdental and subgingival plaques of test group were significantly higher than that of the control group (P < 0.01). (3) Either the interdental or in subgingival plaques, the count results of CFU/ml were similar in both groups (P > 0.05). (4) The proportions of malodor producing anaerobic bacteria in interdental gingival plaque, such as P. gingivalis and Veillonelia, were singnificantly different between test group and control group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The proportions of VSC's producing anaerobic bacteria in interdental gingival plaque may be play the significant roles in oral malodor. Further studies should be taken to elucidate the relationship between malodor and periodontitis.</p>

Psychiatric and central nervous system involvement in Sjogren's syndrome / 中华口腔医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study psychiatric features and the manifestations of central nervous system involvement in Chinese patients with primary Sjogren's syndrome (PSS).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) was used to study 27 PSS female patients and 57 healthy women. The results from two groups were compared. Ten SS patients were evaluated by electroencephalography (EEG), transcranial doppler ultrasound (TCD) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Of 27 patients tested, the three highest clinical mean scales included Hypochondriasis (Hs), Hysteria (Hy), Psychasthenia (Pt) were found. When PSS group was compared with normal control, T scores of SS patients were significantly higher than the healthy women in Hs, Hy. Abnormal EEG was found in 3 of 9 PSS patients. TCD was abnormal in 5 of 9 patients. MRI in 1 patient showed abnormality.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>This study shows that the personality of PSS patients is abnormal, the features are neuroticism. Central nervous system was markedly involved in Chinese patients with PSS, including abnormal EEG and TCD. The changes of central nervous system may be related to abnormalities of psychiatric changes.</p>

Effect of irradiation on tooth hard tissue and its resistance to acid / 中华口腔医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the effect of irradiation on the susceptibility of radiation caries.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The structures of 56 teeth enamel and dentin of 63 roots were observed using SEM and the collagen fibre and the resistance to the acid were also investigated after irradiation of 30 Gy, 50 Gy and 70 Gy.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The enamel structure changes were found after irradiation with different doses. The significant difference was found in the enamel changes between high or middle dose group and low dose group or control. The dentin morphology changed, some collagen fibre vanished and resistance to acid was reduced after irradiation with 50 Gy and 70 Gy.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The radiation reduced the resistance of teeth to the acid and increased the caries susceptibility.</p>

Gene expression and pathological changes of rat submandibular glands after adenovirus-mediated gene transfer / 中华口腔医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate luciferase gene expression and pathological changes of submandibular glands (SMG) of rats after adenovirus-mediated gene transfer.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Adenovirus-mediated luciferase gene (AdCMVLuc, 10(8) pfu in 50 microl) was injected in to SMG of forty wistar rats. The SMGs were harvested for gene expression measurement and pathological study after 3 days, 1,2,4 and 8 weeks.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Peak expression was observed in three days following administration of the vector however, gene expression in submandibular glands decreased rapidly. the pathological changes induced by retrograde injection of AdCMVLuc included: after 3 days to one week, compression of acini, dilation of terminal ducts; after two weeks, slight atrophy of a part of acini, increase of iteracinar distance and focal lymphocyte infiltration in lobules and interlobular ducts; after 4 weeks, recovery evidence was found in acini; after 8 weeks, normal acini and ducts were found. The ultrastructural changes included: 3 days, much more rough endoplasmic reticulum was found both in acini and duct epithelial cell; a lot of mucus drops were found in acini; after 1 week, microvillus decreased in duct epithelial cells, mitochondria increased significantly in acini; intercellular space was enlarged.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Adenovirus-mediated gene transfer can produce biological proteins and induce marked inflammatory changes in rat SMG. The ultrastructural changes suggest high protein synthesis activity in the acinar cells after gene transfer.</p>