ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common cause of hereditary genetic disorder in a single gene characterised by intellectual disability. Behavioural features such as autism, hyperactivity and anxiety disorder may be present. Biofilm development and pathogenicity of Streptococcus mutans may be altered because FXS renders the dental approach and oral hygiene more complex. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to compare the levels of transcripts for VicRK and CovR of S. mutans isolated from FXS patients with the levels of transcripts for VicRK and CovR of standard strain ATCC, using a quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). METHODS: The caries experience index was assessed by the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS), Periodontal Condition Index (PCI) and Invasive Dental Treatment Need Index (INI). RESULTS: The clinical index findings revealed a high rate of caries cavities and bleeding on probing of FXS patients. When VicRK and CovR transcript levels were compared with the reference strain, Fragile X patients were found to have significantly higher values. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrated that FXS patients have more adverse clinical conditions, with increased biofilm accumulation and virulence. When combined with behavioural abnormalities, these patients become even more vulnerable to dental caries.
ABSTRACT
AIM: The VACTERL association or Syndrome consists of Vertebral, Anorectal, Cardiac, Tracheo-Esophageal, Renal, and Limb defects. The diagnosis relies on the presence of at least three of these structural abnormalities. This study reports a single case of a patient with VACTERL Syndrome (VS), aiming to assist dentists in recognizing the general aspects, systemic changes, and oral care related to this condition. CASE REPORT: A 14-year-old female patient medically diagnosed with VS. The study evaluated the presence of systemic alterations, medication use, behavioral deviations, cognitive development, and oral aspects. The patient exhibited cardiovascular alterations including a ventricular septal defect (C), anal atresia (A), polydactyly (considered limb alteration-L), and scoliosis (a possible indication of vertebral anomalies-V). In the intraoral examination, findings included tooth crowding, enamel hypomineralization in several teeth, a deep and atretic palate, generalized gingivitis, bleeding, gingival hyperplasia, Class III malocclusion, and a right unilateral crossbite. CONCLUSION: Patients diagnosed with VACTERL syndrome experience significant systemic impairments. The research subject presented compromised oral health, challenges in dental management, delays in neuropsychomotor development, though these are not inherent to the syndrome. It is crucial to prevent oral diseases and provide early dental care for these patients to avoid the need for complex and invasive dental treatments due to systemic impairments.
ABSTRACT
Intracanal medications are fundamental for disinfection of the root canal system and participate in periapical repair, so their biocompatibility is of utmost importance to avoid tissue damage. This study evaluated the biocompatibility of a experimental paste of calcium hydroxide and propolis in the subcutaneous tissue of rats. The study was conducted on 15 male Wistar rats. Two incisions were made on the dorsal region of each animal for introduction of 4 tubes: one tube was empty; one contained zinc oxide-eugenol cement, and the two other tubes were filled with experimental paste. After 7, 14 and 30 days, the animals were euthanized and the specimens were subjected to histotechnical preparation. The hematoxylin and eosin-stained histological sections were analyzed by light microscopy. Scores were established according to the inflammatory process and statistically compared by the Tukey test (α = 5%). The analysis of histological sections showed non-significant or mild inflammatory reaction in the connective tissue in contact with the empty tubes in all study periods while the contact of subcutaneous tissue with zinc oxide-eugenol elicited moderate or severe inflammation similarly without significant difference among the study periods. The connective tissue was moderately inflamed at 7 days when contacting the experimental paste, but the inflammatory process was non-significant or mild at 14 and 30 days. The experimental paste was biocompatible with the tissues after 14 days of subcutaneous implantation.
