ENAM gene polymorphisms associated with dental anomalies in individuals with cleft lip and palate

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of enamelin gene (ENAM) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) and ENAM polymorphism association with dental anomalies (DA) in individuals with unilateral or bilateral cleft lip and palate (CLP). Methods: Saliva samples were collected from 147 individuals aged between 6 and 15 years-old, both genders, and divided into 4 groups: Group 1 (G1) - CLP and DA; Group 2 (G2) - CLP without DA; Group 3 (G3) - without CLP with DA; Group 4 (G4) - without CLP and DA. The genomic DNA was extracted from saliva samples and the following ENAM SNPs markers were genotyped: rs3796703, rs3796704, rs3796705, rs7671281, rs2609428, and rs35951442. Fisher exact and Pearson's Chi-square tests statistically analyzed the results (α=5%). Results: Individuals without CLP with DA (Group 3 - 19.2%) showed statistically higher prevalence of SNP rs2609428 heterozygotes (p=0.006) than individuals with CLP and DA (Group 1 - 0%). Individuals without CLP (10%) exhibited statistically higher prevalence of mutated heterozygotes/homozygous (p=0.028) than in individuals with CLP (1.3%). Conclusion: SNP rs2609428 marker of ENAM gene may be associated with dental anomalies in individuals without cleft lip and palate

Genetic recurrence and molecular markers of dyslexia in the Brazilian population

ABSTRACT Purpose: to investigate genetic recurrence and molecular markers for dyslexia in two candidate genes in the Brazilian population. Methods: a cross-sectional, case-control, observational study, with five single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) studied in DYX1C1 and KIAA0319 genes in 86 subjects with dyslexia and 66 controls, matched for gender and age. SNPs were genotyped using the polymerase chain reaction technique in real time, and distribution of genotypic and allelic frequencies between the groups was analyzed. Results: it was determined that 68% of the subjects with dyslexia present a family history of learning difficulties. The DYX1C1 gene did not demonstrate an association with dyslexia, which was found regarding the rs9461045 marker of the KIAA0319 gene. Conclusion: a family history of learning problems was present in more than two-thirds of the group with dyslexia, indicating that this is an important risk factor. An association with dyslexia in the rs9461045 marker was noted, making the study the first one to show an association of the KIAA0319 gene with dyslexia, in Latin America.

Effect of 10% Proanthocyanidin gel on demineralized organic matrix degradation: ELISA method / Efeito do gel de Proantocianidina a 10% na degradação da matriz orgânica desmineralizada: método ELISA

Objective: This study evaluated Proanthocyanidin protective effect on dentin subjected to erosion and its inhibition on degradation of the demineralized organic matrix (DOM). Material and Methods: The tested groups were: G1 - 10% Proanthocyanidin gel (test group), G2 - 1.23% NaF (positive control 1), G3 - 0.012% Chlorhexidine (positive control 2) and G4 ­ Placebo (negative control with no active compound) and two methodologies were performed: contact profilometry and ICTP ELISA method. To quantify dentin wear, profilometry was performed. Data were submitted to Analysis of Variance followed by Fisher's LSD Test. To assess the collagen degradation, ICTP ELISA method was performed. Data were submitted to the Kruskal-Wallis followed by the Dunn ́s test. Simple linear regression and Pearson Correlation test were also performed (p<0.05). Results: The profilometry showed significantly lower wear of G1 when compared to other groups and G2, G3 and G4, which did not present significant difference among them. In the ICTP ELISA analysis, G1 and G4 did not show significant differences and the same happened between G2 and G3. However, G1 and G4 had lower values of collagen degradation compared to groups G2 and G3. Data showed that degraded DOM is a significant predictor to explain the values obtained through the ICTP ELISA. Conclusions: The results allow to verify that 10% proanthocyanidin provided less tooth wear and decreased degradation of the DOM, suggesting a good ability to prevent dentin erosion. The regression analysis also suggests that contact profilometry is a good strategy to quantify dentin wear (AU)

Objetivo: Este estudo avaliou o efeito protetor da proantocianidina na dentina submetida à erosão e sua inibição na degradação da matriz orgânica desmineralizada (MOD). Material e Métodos: Os grupos testados foram: G1 - gel de Proantocianidina 10% (grupo teste), G2 - NaF 1,23% (controle positivo 1), G3 - Clorexidina 0,012% (controle positivo 2) e G4 - Placebo (controle negativo sem princípio ativo) e duas metodologias foram realizadas: perfilometria de contato e método ICTP ELISA. Para quantificar o desgaste da dentina, a perfilometria foi realizada. Os dados foram submetidos à Análise de Variância seguida do Teste LSD de Fisher. Para avaliar a degradação do colágeno, foi realizado o método ICTP ELISA. Resultados: Os dados foram submetidos ao teste de Kruskal-Wallis seguido do teste de Dunn. Regressão linear simples e teste de correlação de Pearson também foram realizados (p<0,05). A perfilometria mostrou desgaste significativamente menor do G1 quando comparado aos outros grupos e G2, G3 e G4, que não apresentaram diferença significativa entre si. Na análise ICTP ELISA, G1 e G4 não apresentaram diferenças significativas e o mesmo ocorreu entre G2 e G3. No entanto, G1 e G4 apresentaram valores menores de degradação do colágeno em relação aos grupos G2 e G3. Os dados mostraram que a MOD degradada é um preditor significativo para explicar os valores obtidos pelo ICTP ELISA. Conclusão: Os resultados permitem verificar que a proantocianidina a 10% proporcionou menor desgaste dentário e diminuição da degradação da MOD, sugerindo uma boa capacidade de prevenir a erosão dentinária. Também sugere que a perfilometria de contato é uma boa estratégia para quantificar o desgaste da dentina (AU)

Profile of host cell responses to exposure to stressed bacteria in planktonic; dislodged, and intact biofilm mode

Abstract The host defense response to microbial challenge emerging from the root canal system leads to apical periodontitis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of inflammatory cytokines and Nitric Oxide (NO) by macrophages after interaction with Enterococcus faecalis in the: plankton and dislodged biofilm mode; intact biofilm mode stimulated by calcium hydroxide (CH), CH and chlorhexidine (CHX) or Triple Antibiotic Paste (TAP). For this purpose, culture of macrophages from monocytes in human peripheral blood (N=8) were exposed to the different modes of bacteria for 24 hours. Subsequently, the cytokines, such as, Tumor Necrotic Factor- alfa (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-10; and NO were quantified by Luminex xMAP and Greiss reaction, respectively. In addition to the potential therapeutic effects of the intracanal medication, their antimicrobial activity against Enterococcus faecalis biofilm were also tested in vitro by confocal microscopy. The experiments` data were analyzed by the Kruskal-Wallis test with the Dunn post hoc test (α < 0.05). Bacteria in dislodged biofilm mode were shown to be more aggressive to the immune system than bacteria in plankton mode and negative control, inducing greater expression of NO and TNF-α. Relative to bacteria in intact biofilm mode, the weakest antimicrobial activity occurred in Group CH. In Groups CH/CHX and TAP the percentage of dead bacteria was significantly increased to the same extent. Interestingly, the biofilm itself did not induce the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines - except for NO - while the biofilm treated with TAP and CH based pastes enhanced the levels of IL-6 and TNF-α; and IL-1 β, respectively. In contrast, the levels of a potent anti-inflammatory (IL-10) were increased in Group TAP.

Resumo A resposta de defesa do hospedeiro ao desafio microbiano que emerge do sistema de canais radiculares leva à periodontite apical. Os objetivos deste estudo foram avaliar a expressão de citocinas pró e anti-inflamatórias e Óxido Nítrico (NO) por macrófagos após interação com Enterococcus faecalis no modo: planctônio e de biofilme desalojado; biofilme intacto estimulado por hidróxido de cálcio (CH), CH e clorexidina ou Pasta Tri Antibiótica (TAP). Para isto, a cultura de macrófagos originados de monócitos do sangue periférico de humanos (N=8) foi exposta aos diferentes tipos de bactéria por 24 horas. Então, a quantificação da produção de of Fator de Necrose Tumoral- alfa (TNF-α), interleucina (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-10 e NO por macrófagos se deu por meio do Luminex xMAP e reação de Greiss, respectivamente. Além dos potenciais efeitos terapêuticos desses compostos, sua atividade antimicrobiana contra E. faecalis também foi testada através microscopia confocal. Os dados dos experimentos foram analisados através do teste de Kruskal-Wallis com Dunn`s post hoc (α < 0.05). Bactéria em modo de biofilme desalojado se mostrou mais agressivo ao sistema imune que as bactérias planctônicas e controle negativo induzindo a maior excreção de NO e TNF-α. Em relação ao biofilme intacto, a atividade antimicrobiana mais fraca ocorreu no grupo de CH. Os grupos CHX e TAP aumentaram significativamente a porcentagem de bactérias mortas na mesma extensão. Interessantemente, o biofilme por ele mesmo não induziu a liberação de citocinas pro-inflamatórias - exceto por NO - enquanto que o biofilme tratado com TAP ou pastas a base de CH aumentaram os níveis de IL-6; e TNF-α e IL-1 β respectivamente. Em contraste, os níveis da potente citocina anti-inflamatória (IL-10) foram aumentados pelo grupo TAP.

Molecular response of pulp fibroblasts after stimulation with pulp capping materials

Abstract This in vitro study evaluated cell viability and metabolism, nitric oxide release and production of two chemokines and one cytokine by cultured human dental pulp fibroblasts (HDPF) in contact with two glass ionomer cements (Ketac Molar-KM and Vitrebond-VB), Single Bond (SB) and calcium hydroxide (Dycal-DY). Cultures of HDPF were established by means of an explant technique. The specimens were prepared under sterile conditions and in disks measuring 5 mm x 2 mm obtained from a prefabricated mold and placed on a permeable membrane to avoid direct contact with the cells. Cytotoxicity was assessed by Trypan Blue exclusion method and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Nitric oxide release in cell supernatant was detected by the Griess Method whereas stromal derived factor-1 alpha (SDF-1α or CXCL12), chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 8 [Interleukin 8 (IL-8 or CXCL8)] and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were detected by ELISA. RT-qPCR was employed for gene expression analysis. Statistical analyses were performed by One-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's post hoc test for materials independent of the time, and Two-way ANOVA followed by Bonferroni correction test for the comparisons between materials and experimental time (p<0.05). Cytotoxic tests showed significant differences only for DY. Protein levels and mRNA expression were significantly increased for IL-8 for both periods of time. IL-6 production increased when fibroblasts were stimulated by KM. SDF-1α protein production and mRNA expression were not affected by any of the materials. There was a decrease in nitrate/nitrite levels only for KM. Although DY caused intense cell death and did not stimulate the production of the inflammatory mediators evaluated in this work, it is known that this event seems to be fundamental for the process of repair of the pulp tissue and formation of mineralized barrier. KM and VB increased production of proteins related to the inflammatory process, thus favoring tissue repair. Therefore, although these glass ionomer cements did not lead to large cell death, they should be used with caution.

Resumo Este estudo avalia in vitro a viabilidade e metabolismo celular, a liberação de óxido nítrico e a produção de duas quimiocinas e uma citocina por fibroblastos de polpa dentária humana em cultura (FPDH) em contato com dois cimentos de ionômero de vidro (Ketac Molar-KM e Vitrebond-VB), Single Bond (SB) e hidróxido de cálcio (Dycal-DY). As culturas de FPDH foram estabelecidas por meio de uma técnica de explante. As amostras foram preparadas em condições estéreis e em discos de 5 mm x 2 mm, obtidas de um molde pré-fabricado e colocadas em uma membrana permeável (Maxicell 24 W 0,4 µm) para evitar o contato direto com as células. A citotoxicidade foi avaliada pelo método de exclusão de Trypan Blue e pelo ensaio de MTT. A liberação de óxido nítrico no sobrenadante celular foi detectada pelo método Griess, enquanto fator 1 derivado do estroma (SDF-1α ou CXCL12), interleucina-8 (IL-8 ou CXCL8) and interleucina-6 (IL-6) foram detectados por ELISA. RT-qPCR foi empregada para análise de expressão gênica. As análises estatísticas foram realizadas por ANOVA a 1 critério, seguida pelo pós-teste de Tukey para os materiais independentes do tempo, e ANOVA a 2 critérios, seguida pelo teste de correção de Bonferroni para comparações entre materiais e tempo experimental (p<0,05). Os testes citotóxicos mostraram diferenças significativas apenas para DY. Os níveis da proteína e a expressão de RNAm para IL-8 aumentaram significativamente para ambos os tempos estudados. A produção de IL-6 aumentou quando os fibroblastos foram estimulados por KM. A produção da proteína e a expressão de RNAm para SDF-1α não foram afetadas por nenhum dos materiais. Houve uma diminuição nos níveis de nitrato/nitrito apenas para KM. Embora o DY tenha causado intensa morte celular e não tenha estimulado a produção dos mediadores inflamatórios avaliados neste trabalho, sabe-se que esse evento parece ser fundamental para o processo de reparo do tecido pulpar e formação de barreira mineralizada. Os cimentos de ionômero de vidro utilizados aumentaram a produção de proteínas relacionadas ao processo inflamatório, favorecendo a reparação tecidual e, portanto, esses materiais, embora não causem grande morte celular, devem ser utilizados com cautela.

Dental pulp fibroblasts response after stimulation with hema and adhesive system

Abstract This study evaluated in vitro cell viability and metabolism, nitric oxide release and production of chemokines by cultured human dental pulp fibroblasts (DPF) under contact with HEMA and Single Bond. Cultures of DPF were established by means of an explant technique. Once plated, cells were kept under contact with increasing concentrations of HEMA (10, 100 and 1000 nM) or Single Bond (SB) [10-fold serially diluted in culture medium (10-4, 10-3 and 10-2 v/v)] and also with polymerized SB components. Cytotoxicity was assessed by Trypan Blue exclusion method and MTT [3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide] assay. Nitric oxide release on cell supernatant was detected by Griess Method whereas chemokines (CXCL12 and CXCL8) were detected by ELISA. RT-qPCR was employed for chemokines gene expression analysis. Cytotoxic tests showed significant differences for SB 10-2. None of the tested materials significantly altered NO levels. Protein levels of CXCL12 were significantly decreased only by HEMA. On the other hand, while CXCL12 mRNA remained unaltered, gene expression of CXCL8 had significant decrease with all materials, except for polymerized SB. In conclusion, Single Bond and HEMA at various concentrations, decreased expression and production of molecules involved in inflammatory processes and, therefore, the use of adhesive systems such as pulp capping materials must be viewed with caution due to its large cytotoxic effect when in close contact with the pulp.

Resumo Este estudo avaliou in vitro a viabilidade e metabolismo celular, liberação de óxido nítrico e produção de quimiocinas em cultura de fibroblastos de polpa dental humana (DPF) em contato com HEMA e Single Bond. Culturas de DPF foram estabelecidas por meio de uma técnica de explante. Uma vez plaqueadas, as células foram mantidas em contato com concentrações crescentes de HEMA (10, 100 e 1000 nM) ou Single Bond (SB) [10 vezes diluídas em série em meio de cultura (10-4, 10-3 e 10-2 v/v)] e também com SB polimerizado. A citotoxicidade foi avaliada pelo método de exclusão de Trypan Blue e pelo ensaio de 3-(4,5-dimetiltiazol-2-il)-2,5-difeniltetrazólio brometo (MTT). A liberação de óxido nítrico no sobrenadante celular foi detectada pelo método de Griess, enquanto as quimiocinas (CXCL12 e CXCL8) foram detectadas por ELISA. RT-qPCR foi empregada para análise de expressão gênica de quimiocinas. Testes citotóxicos mostraram diferenças significativas para SB 10-2. Nenhum dos materiais testados alterou significativamente os níveis de NO. Os níveis de proteína de CXCL12 foram significativamente diminuídos apenas pelo HEMA. Por outro lado, enquanto o RNAm de CXCL12 permaneceu inalterado, a expressão gênica de CXCL8 teve redução significativa com todos os materiais, com exceção do SB polimerizado. Em conclusão, Single Bond e HEMA, em várias concentrações, diminuíram a expressão e produção de moléculas envolvidas em processos inflamatórios e, portanto, o uso de sistemas adesivos, como o material protetor da polpa, deve ser visto com cautela devido ao seu grande efeito citotóxico quando em contato com a polpa.

Human DNA extraction from whole saliva that was fresh or stored for 3, 6 or 12 months using five different protocols

Abstract Saliva when compared to blood collection has the following advantages: it requires no specialized personnel for collection, allows for remote collection by the patient, is painless, well accepted by participants, has decreased risks of disease transmission, does not clot, can be frozen before DNA extraction and possibly has a longer storage time. Objective and Material and Methods This study aimed to compare the quantity and quality of human DNA extracted from saliva that was fresh or frozen for three, six and twelve months using five different DNA extraction protocols: protocol 1 – Oragene™ commercial kit, protocol 2 – QIAamp DNA mini kit, protocol 3 – DNA extraction using ammonium acetate, protocol 4 – Instagene™ Matrix and protocol 5 – Instagene™ Matrix diluted 1:1 using proteinase K and 1% SDS. Briefly, DNA was analyzed using spectrophotometry, electrophoresis and PCR. Results Results indicated that time spent in storage typically decreased the DNA quantity with the exception of protocol 1. The purity of DNA was generally not affected by storage times for the commercial based protocols, while the purity of the DNA samples extracted by the noncommercial protocols typically decreased when the saliva was stored longer. Only protocol 1 consistently extracted unfragmented DNA samples. In general, DNA samples extracted through protocols 1, 2, 3 and 4, regardless of storage time, were amplified by human specific primers whereas protocol 5 produced almost no samples that were able to be amplified by human specific primers. Depending on the protocol used, it was possible to extract DNA in high quantities and of good quality using whole saliva, and furthermore, for the purposes of DNA extraction, saliva can be reliably stored for relatively long time periods. Conclusions In summary, a complicated picture emerges when taking into account the extracted DNA’s quantity, purity and quality; depending on a given researchers needs, one protocol’s particular strengths and costs might be the deciding factor for its employment.

Effective method for the detection of piroxicam in human plasma using HPLC

Abstract Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are widely used by the general population to alleviate inflammation and pain after oral surgeries. Piroxicam is among the most commonly used NSAIDs and excels in controlling pain, swelling, trismus and other common symptoms of inflammation. This study aimed to evaluate different concentrations of piroxicam and its major metabolite, 5'-hydroxypiroxicam, in human plasma samples over time using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) after liquid-liquid extraction. Briefly, 10 volunteers participated in this study after approval by the Ethics Committee of Bauru School of Dentistry, Universidade de São Paulo - USP, Brazil. Volunteers received a single dose oral of piroxicam (20 mg) and had blood collected at various times following an established protocol. The methodology of liquid-liquid extraction was effective for determining concentrations of piroxicam in plasma using HPLC in 10 out of 10 volunteers while 5'-hydroxypiroxicam was only detected in 2 out of 10 volunteers.

Increased levels of Porphyromonas gingivalis are associated with ischemic and hemorrhagic cerebrovascular disease in humans: an in vivo study

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the role of periodontal disease in the development of stroke or cerebral infarction in patients by evaluating the clinical periodontal conditions and the subgingival levels of periodontopathogens. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty patients with ischemic (I-CVA) or hemorrhagic (H-CVA) cerebrovascular episodes (test group) and 60 systemically healthy patients (control group) were evaluated for: probing depth, clinical attachment level, bleeding on probing and plaque index. Porphyromonas gingivalis and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans were both identified and quantified in subgingival plaque samples by conventional and real-time PCR, respectively. RESULTS: The test group showed a significant increase in each of the following parameters: pocket depth, clinical attachment loss, bleeding on probing, plaque index and number of missing teeth when compared to control values (p<0.05, unpaired t-test). Likewise, the test group had increased numbers of sites that were contaminated with P. gingivalis (60 percentx10 percent; p<0.001; chi-squared test) and displayed greater prevalence of periodontal disease, with an odds ratio of 48.06 (95 percent CI: 5.96-387.72; p<0.001). Notably, a positive correlation between probing depth and the levels of P. gingivalis in ischemic stroke was found (r=0.60; p=0.03; Spearman's rank correlation coefficient test). A. actinomycetemcomitans DNA was not detected in any of the groups by conventional or real-time PCR. CONCLUSIONS: Stroke patients had deeper pockets, more severe attachment loss, increased bleeding on probing, increased plaque indexes, and in their pockets harbored increased levels of P. gingivalis. These findings suggest that periodontal disease is a risk factor for the development of cerebral hemorrhage or infarction. Early treatment of periodontitis may counteract the development of cerebrovascular episodes.

Experimental dry socket: microscopic and molecular evaluation of two treatment modalities / Alveolite experimental: análise microscópica e molecular de duas modalidades de tratamento

PURPOSE: To evaluate two treatment modalities of dry socket in rats and to discuss the first findings of the molecular analysis in this experimental model. METHODS: 84 rats underwent a tooth extraction were divided in 4 groups: I-uninfected socket (control), II-infected socket without any treatment, III-infected socket treated with irrigation of 2 percent sodium iodide and 3 percent hydrogen peroxide solution, IV-infected socket submitted to curettage, irrigation with physiological saline solution and fulfilled with metronidazole paste as base. The groups were subdivided in postoperative sacrifice periods: 6/15/28 days. A quantitative and a qualitative microscopic analysis was performed. Also, a quantitative analysis was performed using a RealTimePCR to evaluate the genes expression in the wound healing: Collagen Type I/COL-I, vascular endothelial growth factor/VEGF, osteocalcin/OCN, alkaline phosphatase/ALP, runt-related transcription factor 2/RUNX2 and tumor necrosis factor alpha/TNF-α. RESULTS: The group I showed higher bone formation, followed by groups IV, III, II respectively. The group II presented higher inflammatory infiltrate and the wound healing was delayed compared with other groups. It was obtained a significant positive correlation between bone neoformation and the expression of OCN and RUNX2, inflammatory infiltrate with TNF-α and a negative correlation between bone neoformation and TNF-α. CONCLUSION: No significant difference was found between the treatments.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar duas modalidades de tratamento da alveolite em ratos e discutir os primeiros achados de uma análise molecular neste modelo experimental. MÉTODOS: 84 ratos foram submetidos a uma extração dentária e foram divididos em quatro grupos: I- alvéolo não infectado (controle), II- alvéolo infectado sem tratamento, III- alvéolo infectado tratado com irrigação de iodeto de sódio a 2 por cento e solução de peróxido de hidrogênio a 3 por cento, IV- alvéolo infectado submetido à curetagem, irrigação com solução salina fisiológica e preenchimento com pasta a base de metronidazol. Os grupos foram subdivididos em períodos de sacrifício pós-operatório: 6/15/28 dias. Uma análise quantitativa e qualitativa microscópica foi realizada. Além disso, uma análise quantitativa foi realizada utilizando RealTimePCR para avaliar a expressão de genes no reparo alveolar: o colágeno tipo I / COL-I, o fator de crescimento endotelial vascular / VEGF, osteocalcina / OCN, fosfatase alcalina / ALP, fator de transcrição runt relacionados 2 / RUNX2 e fator de necrose tumoral alfa / TNF-α. RESULTADOS: O grupo I mostrou maior formação óssea, seguido pelos grupos IV, III, II, respectivamente. O grupo II apresentou maior infiltrado inflamatório e a cicatrização foi atrasada em comparação com outros grupos. Foi obtida uma correlação positiva entre a neoformação óssea e a expressão de OCN e RUNX2, infiltrado inflamatório com TNF-α e uma correlação negativa entre a neoformação óssea e TNF-α. CONCLUSÃO: Nenhuma diferença significativa foi encontrada entre os tratamentos.

Polymerase Chain Reaction technique as a diagnostic tool for bacterial detection in root canals of cleft lip and palate patients / Técnica de Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase como ferramenta de identificação da microbiota de canais radiculares em pacientes com fissuras labiopalatinas

Objective: Polymerase chain reaction is the most sensitive of all microbiological methods for the detection of microorganisms. It consists of enzymatic amplification of DNA. PCR is faster, much more sensitive and more accurate than the culture method. This study investigated the occurrence of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans and Porphyromonas gingivalis in the root canals of cleft lip and palate patients. Methods: Samples were collected from 24 root canals followed by polymerase chain reaction. Results: A. actinomycetemcomitans was detected in 12.5% and P. gingivalis in 8.3% of the investigated root canals. The method proposed in this study was highly sensitive and specific for the direct detection of microorganisms in root canal samples. Conclusion: This new molecular-based dentistry provides useful information for clarifying the etiology of root canal microbiota and for developing new strategies for endodontic diagnosis and treatment.

Objetivo: A Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase é um método com alta sensibilidade e especificidade quando comparado com alguns métodos microbiológicos convencionais. Baseia-se na amplificação enzimática de uma sequência especifica de DNA, visando à produção de milhões de cópias desta sequência em um tubo de ensaio. Desta forma, recentemente as técnicas de biologia molecular têm sido usadas em endodontia pela sua rapidez e eficácia. Portanto, este estudo avaliou por meio da técnica de Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase a presença dos micro-organismos Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans e Porphyromonas gingivalis de canais radiculares em pacientes com fissuras lábio-palatais. Métodos: Foram coletadas amostras de 24 canais radiculares e realizada a técnica de Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase. Resultados: Das amostras estudadas, 12,5% mostraram resultado positivo para A. actinomycetemcomitans e 8,3% para P. gingivalis. O método proposto neste estudo foi altamente sensível e específico na detecção direta de amostras clínicas. Conclusão: A odontologia com base molecular fornece informações úteis para esclarecer a etiologia da microbiota de canais radiculares e o desenvolvimento de novas estratégias de diagnóstico e tratamento endodôntico.

Comparasion of the efficacy of etoricoxib and ibuprofen in pain and trismus control after lower third molar removal / Comparação da eficácia de etoricoxib e ibuprofeno no controle da dor e do trismo após exodontia de terceiros molares inferiores

Introduction: This work compares the efficacy of two different non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), etoricoxib (COX-2 selective inhibitor) and ibuprofen (non-selective COX inhibitor), in a double blind, randomized and crossed study, in 16 patients aged 18 years or over who needed the removal of both symmetrically positioned lower third molars. Methods: The following parameters were assessed: 1) subjective postoperative pain evaluation with the aid of a visual analogue scale; 2) mouth opening before the surgery and at the suture removal; 3) incidence, type and severity of adverse reactions, and 4) total amount of rescue medication taken by the patients (paracetamol). Data were analyzed by paired t test and Wilcoxon test. Results: The results revealed that: 1) both NSAIDS were efficient for postoperative pain relief (p>0.05); 2) there was a similar reduction in mouth opening at suture removal compared to the measure in the preoperative period for both NSAIDS (85.34 ± 19.82% and 82.43 ± 15.07% of initial measures for ibuprofen and etoricoxib, respectively, p>0.05); 3) discrete eyelid edema was observed in only one patient medicated with ibuprofen, and 4) there was no statistically significant difference regarding the total amount of rescue medication taken by the patients treated with ibuprofen or etoricoxib (843.75 ± 1189.80 mg and 515.63 ± 808.64 mg, respectively, p>0.05). Conclusion: These data, therefore, suggest that there is no advantage in the prescription of etoricoxib in relation to ibuprofen for pain and trismus reduction after lower third molar removal.

Introdução: Comparar a eficácia de dois antiinflamatórios não-esteroidais (AINES), etoricoxib (inibidor seletivo da cicloxigenase-2) e ibuprofeno (inibidor não seletivo das cicloxigenase-1 e 2), num estudo duplo-cego e cruzado, em 16 pacientes com idade igual ou superior a 18 anos necessitando de exodontia dos dois terceiros molares inferiores (com posições muito semelhantes). Métodos: Avaliaram-se os seguintes parâmetros: 1) avaliação subjetiva da dor pós-operatória com o auxílio de uma escala analógica visual; 2) abertura de boca antes da cirurgia e no momento da retirada de pontos; 3) incidência, tipo e gravidade das reações adversas e 4) quantidade total de medicação de socorro (paracetamol). Os dados foram analisados pelos testes t pareado e de Wilcoxon. Resultados: Os resultados revelaram que: 1) ambos os AINES se mostraram eficazes para o alívio da dor pós-operatória (p>0,05); 2) houve igual redução da abertura de boca na retirada de pontos em comparação com a medida no período pré-operatório para ambos os AINES (85,34 ± 19,82% e 82,43 ± 15,07% da medida inicial para ibuprofeno e etoricoxib, respectivamente, p>0,05); 3) em relação às reações adversas, apenas 1 paciente medicado com ibuprofeno apresentou edema de pálpebra discreto e 4) não houve diferença significativa com relação à quantidade total de medicação de socorro ingerida pelos pacientes tratados com ibuprofeno ou etoricoxib (843,75 ± 1189,80 mg e 515,63 ± 808,64 mg, respectivamente, p>0,05). Conclusão: Estes dados, portanto, sugerem que não existe vantagem na prescrição do etoricoxib em relação ao ibuprofeno para redução da dor e trismo após extração de terceiros molares inferiores.