Prevalence of orofacial alterations in sickle cell disease: a review of literature

AIM: To evaluate the manifestations of sickle cell disease on the orofacial complex through a review of current literature concerning prevalence of dental caries, periodontal disease, temporomandibular joint disorders and radiographic alterations of maxillofacial bones. METHODS: Full-text papers retrieved from MEDLINE and LILACS electronic databases were critically reviewed. RESULTS: Alterations of maxillofacial bones are well documented in the literature, but studies reporting caries, periodontal condition and temporomandibular joint alterations in are scarce and inconclusive. CONCLUSION: Further well-designed epidemiological studies are needed to indicate the real impact of this disease on the stomatognathic health, collaborating to improve public health policies.

Inflammatory cytokines activity in temporomandibular joint disorders: a review of literature

Cytokines are important polypeptides mediators of acute and chronic inflammation. These molecules act as a complex immunological network, in which there are pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-1 (IL-1), IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-a), and anti-inflammatory mediators like IL-10 and transforming growth factor-b. In spite of some controversial findings, in general high levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines have been correlated with signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) such as internal derangement and osteoarthritis. These mediators promote degradation of cartilage and bone joint by inducing release of proteinases and other inflammatory molecules. Indeed, pro-inflammatory cytokines have been associated with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) tissue destruction. However, its mechanisms and pathophysiology have not been clearly delineated. In attempt to summarize the role of cytokines in TMD pathophysiology and its potential for medical intervention, the purpose of the current study was to review the literature concerning the analysis of these inflammatory mediators in TMJ fluid and tissues.

Influência da interleucina: 1 Beta e de suas variaçöes genéticas na periodontite e periimplantite / The influence of interleukin - 1 Beta and their genetic variations on periodontitis and periimplantitis

As citocinas säo moléculas que possuem importante papel na regulaçäo da resposta inflamatória. Dentre elas, as interleucinas (IL) säo alvo de muitos estudos que tentam correlacioná-las com a doença periodontal. Este artigo tem o objetivo de realizar uma revisäo de literatura, abordando o papel da IL-1 na periodontite e na periimplantite, além de estabelecer a relaçäo de variaçöes genéticas associadas à produçäo desta citocina com a severidade da doença periodontal e com a perda de implantes osseointegráveis