Impact of different intraorifice barriers on fracture resistance of non-vital bleached teeth.

Background and Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of bleaching agents on the fracture resistance of endodontically treated teeth using different intraorifice barrier (IOB) materials. Materials and Methods: The endodontic treatment was performed for 160 mandibular premolars, and then, the teeth were divided into four groups according to the IOB: Ionoseal, Biodentine, ProRoot MTA, and TheraBase. Then, these teeth were subdivided into four subgroups (n = 10) based on the bleaching agents as distilled water (control), hydrogen peroxide 35% (HP), sodium perborate (SP), and carbamide peroxide 37% (CP). The access cavities were restored with composite resin after applying the bleaching agents for 7 days. The fracture resistance test was performed using a universal testing machine. Data were statistically analyzed, and the significance level was set at 5%. A scanning electron microscope was used to evaluate the effect of bleaching agents on the surfaces of IOBs. Results: The highest fracture resistance values were observed in Biodentine groups with significant differences compared to Ionoseal and ProRoot MTA (P <.05). The distilled water groups showed significantly the highest fracture resistance compared to SP and HP groups (P <.05). There was no significant difference between SP, HP, and CP groups (P >.05). It was demonstrated that the morphological surface of the intact IOBs (control) was different from the surface of IOBs treated with bleaching agents. Conclusion: The intracoronal bleaching procedures affected negatively the fracture resistance of the endodontically treated teeth.

Coadministration of L-alanine and L-glutamine ameliorate blood glucose levels, biochemical indices and histological features in alloxan-induced diabetic rats.

We evaluated the effects of supplementation of L-alanine and L-glutamine on blood glucose levels and biochemical parameters in alloxan-induced diabetic rat. Forty-nine animals were distributed into seven equal groups. Except for the non-diabetic control, diabetes was induced in all groups by intravenous alloxan injection followed by daily supplementation with amino acids for 14 days. Weight and blood glucose were monitored during supplementation, while biochemical parameters such as liver and renal functions, lipid profile, and antioxidant markers were evaluated post-intervention. A significant increase (p < .05) in weight and decrease in blood glucose were observed in the amino acid(s) treated groups. The supplementation with both amino acids restored important tissue antioxidants, liver and kidney functions and rescued islets cells degeneration. Histopathological examinations of important tissues showed the restoration of alloxan-induced physiopathological changes by the amino acids. Thus, these amino acids might serve as nutraceuticals for the management and treatment of diabetes. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The discovery and production of antidiabetic bioactive compounds are often challenging, and the existing antidiabetic drugs are expensive. Amino acids are key regulators of glucose metabolism, insulin secretion, and insulin sensitivity; thus, they can play a crucial role in alleviating diabetes. Here, we present findings that strongly suggest the potential of pure amino acids (L-alanine and L-glutamine) for the management and treatment of diabetes. We show that these amino acids, when supplemented singly or coadministered can lower blood glucose levels and restore several other biochemical parameters implicated in diabetes. Hence, these cheap amino acids may be consumed as nutraceuticals or food supplements by diabetics for the treatment/management of diabetes. Foods rich in these amino acids may also be consumed as part of the diet of diabetic patients.

Heterogeneous Off-Target Effects of Ultra-Low Dose Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO) on Targetable Signaling Events in Lung Cancer In Vitro Models.

Targetable alterations in cancer offer novel opportunities to the drug discovery process. However, pre-clinical testing often requires solubilization of these drugs in cosolvents like dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). Using a panel of cell lines commonly used for in vitro drug screening and pre-clinical testing, we explored the DMSO off-target effects on functional signaling networks, drug targets, and downstream substrates. Eight Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) cell lines were incubated with three concentrations of DMSO (0.0008%, 0.002%, and 0.004% v/v) over time. Expression and activation levels of 187 proteins, of which 137 were kinases and downstream substrates, were captured using the Reverse Phase Protein Array (RPPA). The DMSO effect was heterogeneous across cell lines and varied based on concentration, exposure time, and cell line. Of the 187 proteins measured, all were statistically different in at least one comparison at the highest DMSO concentration, followed by 99.5% and 98.9% at lower concentrations. Only 46% of the proteins were found to be statistically different in more than 5 cell lines, indicating heterogeneous response across models. These cell line specific alterations modulate response to in vitro drug screening. Ultra-low DMSO concentrations have broad and heterogeneous effects on targetable signaling proteins. Off-target effects need to be carefully evaluated in pre-clinical drug screening and testing.