Cytological Screening Model of Normal Oral Mucosa Exposed to Carcinogens: A Pilot Study.

INTRODUCTION: Oral cytopathology is able to detect incipient cellular alterations, but it is not routinely applied to this purpose. We aimed to establish a model to screen individuals with no oral lesion exposed to smoking/alcohol, by means of the nuclear area, cell proliferation rate, and analysis of genetic damage. METHODS: In this cross-sectional pilot study, 90 patients were allocated into 3 groups: oral cancer group (patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma), tobacco/alcohol group (patients without oral lesions and exposed to these risk factors), and control group (individuals with no lesion and not exposed to tobacco and alcohol). The cytological smears performed in these individuals were stained with Papanicolaou, a silver-staining and a Feulgen reaction. The nuclei of cells were measured, and AgNORs/nucleus and micronuclei (MN) were quantified. The cutoff values were stipulated evaluating the healthy mucosa (control group) and the cancerization field mucosa (oral cancer group). RESULTS: Cutoff values for the screening of individuals exposed to carcinogens were ≥8% of nuclei larger than 100 µm2, ≥3.38 AgNOR/nucleus, and ≥3 MN per 1,000 cells. CONCLUSIONS: Nuclear area measurement and AgNORs/nucleus and MN quantification identified the incipient phase of oral carcinogenesis. A screening model for individuals without oral lesion exposed to smoking/alcohol was proposed.

Oral Medicine Experience and Attitudes Toward Oral Cancer: An Evaluation of Dentists Working in Primary Health Care.

This analytical, cross-sectional, observational study aimed to evaluate the perception of dentists working at the public system of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil, regarding academic training to treat oral lesions, adoption of preventive measures for oral cancer, and attitude toward the need to perform oral biopsies. The sample consisted of questionnaires filled out by 192 dentists (153 women and 39 men) working in primary health care who participated in training activities on oral cancer diagnosis in July 2016. To enroll in the training activities, the professionals completed an online questionnaire to evaluate their perceptions regarding oral cancer issues. With respect to preventive measures, 96.88% of dentists reported performing full mouth examination, 87.50% reported providing tobacco cessation counseling, and 51.04% reported giving advice on excessive alcohol consumption. In addition, 72.40% and 44.79% of dentists considered, respectively, clinical training and theory instruction in oral medicine to be insufficient during undergraduate school. Only 8.33% reported performing biopsies in daily clinical routine, and almost 90% reported referring the patient to a specialist from the public system or universities. Lack of experience was the main reason not to perform a biopsy. The dentists in our sample recognize the importance of preventive measures for oral cancer, but few of them perform biopsies regularly. Therefore, there is a need for continuing education actions including practical training.

Repercussions of osteoporosis on the maxillofacial complex: a critical overview.

INTRODUCTION: We present here a literature review focusing on the repercussions of osteoporosis on the oral and maxillofacial complex. Osteoporosis is a silent metabolic disorder characterized by reduced bone mineral density (BMD), which can lead to bone fractures, particularly affecting elderly women. The prevalence of this disease has increased significantly worldwide, and since it accelerates bone resorption also in the jaw bones, some attention has been paid to possible oral and maxillofacial manifestations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The databases PubMed and Google Scholar were searched for reports of oral and maxillofacial changes related to osteoporosis. RESULTS: Several parameters evaluating bone changes in panoramic radiography have been proposed to estimate osteoporosis-related BMD loss, but they tend to warn about the possibility of osteoporosis, rather than being diagnostic criteria. Meanwhile, it seems that osteoporosis-related BMD loss could delay alveolar bone healing and potentiate bone loss in periodontal disease. CONCLUSION: Even though orofacial bones are not compromised by osteoporosis as much as the axial/appendicular skeleton, a regular dental follow-up of osteoporotic patients is advised, especially in the case of periodontal disease and maxillofacial surgery. Further controlled longitudinal studies considering the site-specificity of osteogenesis would be helpful regarding this issue.

Morphological and immunohistochemical features of tooth extraction sites in rats treated with alendronate, raloxifene, or strontium ranelate.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate morphological and immunohistochemical features of tooth extraction sites in rats subjected to different antiresorptive drugs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Wistar rats were allocated into 4 groups according to the treatment: (1) alendronate, (2) raloxifene, (3) strontium ranelate, and (4) control. The animals underwent tooth extraction (60th day of treatment) and afterwards were euthanized (90th day of treatment). Tooth extraction sites were analyzed by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), hematoxylin-eosin staining (H&E), and immunohistochemical staining (RANKL and OPG). RESULTS: On H&E analysis, the alendronate group showed greater amounts of non-vital bone, biofilm, inflammatory infiltrate and root fragment, and smaller amount of vital bone. The strontium ranelate group showed great amount of non-vital bone. This group also had lower levels of OPG, while the alendronate group showed lower OPG and RANKL than the other groups. On SEM analysis, the alendronate group showed a considerable number of microcracks on the alveolar bone surface and few Howship lacunae and lack of bone cells as well. The raloxifene, strontium ranelate, and control groups showed a large number of bone cells and Howship lacunae on the bone surface and few microcracks. CONCLUSION: Alendronate therapy is associated with macro- and microscopic features of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw at tooth extraction sites, whereas raloxifene therapy is not, and strontium ranelate therapy is associated with non-vital bone. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Osteonecrosis of the jaws is a serious side effect of alendronate therapy, where tooth extraction is a major risk factor. Considering the significant number of patients undergoing antiresorptive therapies worldwide, the present study investigated whether raloxifene and strontium ranelate interfere with bone repair after tooth extraction in a similar way to bisphosphonates.

Deoxycholic acid in the submental fat reduction: A review of properties, adverse effects, and complications.

BACKGROUND: Deoxycholic acid (DCA) was developed by the pharmaceutical industry for aesthetical use in submental fat reduction. It represents the first lipolytic substance approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for fat reduction in that area. AIMS: This study presents an update of properties and the use of DCA, as well as adverse events and possible complications. METHODS: A search in MEDLINE/PubMed, Cochrane, and Bireme/LILACS databases was performed using the terms: "deoxycholic acid" OR "ATX-101" AND "injection" NOT "amphotericin" NOT "biliary" NOT "bile." Experimental studies developed in animals, clinical trials, literature reviews, case reports, and letters to the editor that included the DCA mechanism of action, dose, manner of use, adverse effects, and complications were selected. RESULTS: The most frequent adverse events are edema, local pain, bruise, and numbness, which usually spontaneously regress. However, complications, including, skin necrosis, nerve injury, alopecia, and vascular events, can occur, demanding complex management without specific protocols. CONCLUSION: Although DCA is beneficial for lysis of adipose tissue, clinicians should be aware about the adverse effects and risks involved with the use of this substance. The knowledge of local anatomy, properties, and adverse effects are fundamental to treatment with DCA.

Effect of photobiomodulation on salivary flow and composition, xerostomia and quality of life of patients during head and neck radiotherapy in short term follow-up: A randomized controlled clinical trial.

Xerostomia and hyposalivation are frequent conditions in patients undergoing head and neck radiotherapy, which usually lead to a worsening of quality of life. This study aimed to assess whether photobiomodulation (PBM) can minimize hyposalivation, xerostomia and qualitative changes on saliva and improve quality of life in patients undergoing radiotherapy in short-term follow-up. Twenty-one patients were randomly divided into two groups: sham group (SG) and laser group (LG). A diode laser was used for intra- (660 nm, 10 J/cm2, 0.28 J per point, 40 mW) and extra-oral (810 nm, 25 J/cm2, 0.7 J per point, 40 mW) applications over the salivary glands, three times a week, during the entire radiotherapy period. In SG, the tip of the instrument was sealed with blue rubber to prevent the passage of light. Xerostomia and pH were evaluated and unstimulated and stimulated salivary flow was determined before the start of radiotherapy (T1), after the 15th session (T2), after the end of radiotherapy (T3) and 60 days after radiotherapy (T4). Concentrations of calcium, total proteins, chloride, sodium, potassium and amylase and catalase activities were evaluated in stimulated saliva samples. Quality of life was assessed at times T1 and T4. Generalized estimating equations were used to assess differences in the outcome between times and groups. All patients showed worsening in unstimulated (p = .003) and stimulated (p < .001) salivary flow, xerostomia (p < .05) and quality of life during radiotherapy (p = .001). An increase in chloride concentrations was observed at times T3 and T4 (p < 0,05), and a reduction in amylase activity at T3 (p < .05). Unstimulated saliva pH was higher in LG than SG at T3 (p = .037). No difference between groups was noted in relation to salivary flow and composition, xerostomia or quality of life. Our results suggest that PBM may help in preserving salivary pH during radiotherapy.

Cannabidiol on 5-FU-induced oral mucositis in mice.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical, histological, hematological, and oxidative stress effects of cannabidiol (CBD) in mice with induced oral mucositis. METHODS: We used 90 mice of the CF-1 strain in which oral mucositis was induced using a protocol with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) chemotherapy. The animals were divided randomly into 10 study groups. Three groups were treated with different doses of CBD (3, 10, and 30 mg/kg), while 2 were control groups (positive control: 5-FU + mechanical trauma + placebo; and negative control: mechanical trauma + placebo), and 2 experimental times were studied (4 and 7 days). All treatments were by intraperitoneal administration. RESULTS: In the clinical evaluation, the groups treated with CBD showed less severity of oral lesions compared with the positive control at both experimental times. The intensity of the inflammatory response was also lower in the groups treated with this drug, but there was no statistically significant difference when compared with the positive control. With regard to erythrocyte, leukocyte, and platelet counts and anti-oxidant enzyme activity, the groups treated with CBD showed better results, but only some of these variables showed statistically significant differences. CONCLUSIONS: CBD seems to exert an anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activity favoring a faster resolution of oral mucositis in this animal model.

Doenças de glândulas salivares: estudo epidemiológico em um serviço de Estomatologia do sul do Brasil / Salivary gland diseases: epidemiological study in a Stomatology service in southern Brazil

Objetivo: realizar um levantamento epidemiológico das doenças de glândulas salivares por meio de análise de prontuários registrados em um serviço de Estomatologia do sul do Brasil. Métodos: a amostra foi composta por aproximadamente 24.000 prontuários de pacientes do Serviço de Estomatologia do Hospital São Lucas, atendidos no período de 1977 a 2017. Foram selecionados os prontuários que apresentassem as seguintes enfermidades de glândulas salivares: mucocele, rânula, sialolitíase, sialoadenite infecciosa, síndrome de Sjögren, sialometaplasia necrosante e neoplasias benignas ou malignas. Os dados coletados foram analisados por meio de estatística descritiva e inferencial, utilizando o teste Qui-Quadrado. Resultados: das 817 enfermidades encontradas, 56,2% eram mucoceles, 11,1% sialoadenites infecciosas, 10,3% rânulas, 10,1% sialolitíases, 5,5% neoplasias benignas, 4,3% síndrome de Sjögren, 2,1% neoplasias malignas e 0,4% sialometaplasias necrosantes. O mucocele apresentou predileção pelo sexo masculino, enquanto a rânula e a síndrome de Sjögren foram mais associadas ao sexo feminino. As demais enfermidades não apresentaram predileção por sexo. A localização das lesões, as características clínicas e a idade dos pacientes acometidos foram também avaliadas. Conclusão: as doenças das glândulas salivares merecem destaque entre as enfermidades do sistema estomatognático devido à complexa anatomia dessas estruturas, à importância da saliva na homeostase bucal e ao comportamento clínico indolente das neoplasias malignas que acometem essas glândulas.(AU)

Objective: to perform an epidemiological survey of salivary gland diseases by analyzing medical records from a Stomatology Service in southern Brazil. Methods: the sample consisted of approximately 24,000 medical records of patients assisted at the Stomatology Service of the São Lucas Hospital between 1977 and 2017. The following salivary gland disorders were selected: mucocele, ranula, sialolithiasis, infectious sialadenitis, Sjögren's syndrome, necrotizing sialometaplasia, and benign or malignant neoplasms. The data collected were analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistics using the chi-squared test. Results: from the 817 disorders found, 56.2% were mucocele, 11.1% sialadenitis, 10.3% ranula, 10.1% sialolithiasis, 5.5% benign neoplasms, 4.3% Sjögren's syndrome, 2.1% malignant neoplasms, and 0.4% necrotizing sialometaplasia. Mucocele was more prevalent in men, while ranula and Sjögren's syndrome were more associated with women. The other diseases did not present gender preference. The location of the lesions, clinical characteristics, and age of the patients affected were also assessed. Conclusion: salivary gland diseases deserve special attention among stomatognathic system disorders due to the complex anatomy of such structures, the importance of saliva in the oral homeostasis, and the indolent clinical behavior of the malignant neoplasms affecting these glands.(AU)

The topical effect of chlorhexidine and povidone-iodine in the repair of oral wounds. A review.

PURPOSE: The aim of this paper was to review the current literature with regard to the use of chlorhexidine and povidone-iodine in the treatment of oral wounds. BACKGROUND: Oral mucosa is continuously subjected to physical or chemical injuries, where it becomes a common site for the occurrence of ulcerated lesions. These lesions are susceptible to infections that may delay healing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A search of the medical and dental literature was conducted in Medline/Pubmed and Scielo using a combination of the terms oral ulcer, oral wound, wound healing, povidone-iodine and chlorhexidine, to review their mechanism of action and their use in the healing of oral wounds. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The use of chlorhexidine and povidone-iodine is effective in the control of local infection in a concentration-dependent manner, exerting a positive influence on the tissue repair process. Oral antiseptics appear be a good alternative in the management of these lesions, since there is a low risk of systemic toxicity and allergies, and less clinical evidence of bacterial resistance.

Effects of cannabidiol, a Cannabis sativa constituent, on oral wound healing process in rats: Clinical and histological evaluation.

The effects of cannabidiol (CBD), the main non-psychotropic component of Cannabis sativa, were assessed on oral wound healing in an in vivo model. Standardized ulcers were induced in 60 Wistar rats using a 5-mm biopsy punch on the midline of the ventral tongue. Animals received intraperitoneal injections of CBD at doses of 0 (control), 5, and 10 mg/kg daily. Animals were weighed daily, and wound healing was clinically and histologically evaluated after 3 and 7 days of treatment. CBD treatment did not influence the wound area of ulcerative lesions at either observation time. Conversely, microscopic findings revealed that at Day 3 postwounding, CBD-treated lesions exhibited significantly lower inflammatory scores than those in the control group. However, this difference was not observed at Day 7. Collectively, these findings indicate that CBD exert an antiinflammatory effect in early phase of wound healing process although it was not sufficient promote clinical improvement of oral traumatic ulcerative lesions.

Oral yeast colonization in patients with primary and secondary Sjögren's syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to investigate the pattern of oral yeast colonization of Sjögren's syndrome patients and its correlation to salivary flow rates, age, and time of the disease progression. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Saliva and swab specimens were obtained from 45 patients (primary Sjögren's syndrome = 15/ secondary Sjögren's syndrome = 15/ healthy controls = 15). Yeast species were identified using culture method through chromogenic medium followed by polymerase chain reaction and Sanger sequencing. RESULTS: Eleven species from six different genera were detected. The most prevalent species found was Candida albicans followed by Candida tropicalis, Candida glabrata, Candida parapsilosis, and Candida krusei. Both groups of Sjögren's syndrome showed higher counts of C. albicans (Total and CFU counts) when compared to control group. In contrast, a greater variety of yeast species was identified on samples of the control group. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that C. albicans is the most prevalent yeast, but also that a variety of other yeast species can colonize the oral cavity of Sjogren's syndrome patients. The identification of most of the colonies was not obtained by culturing-PCR methods combined.

Salivary Alpha-Amylase Enzyme, Psychological Disorders, and Life Quality in Patients with Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis.

Objective. The aim of this study was to evaluate stress, anxiety, and salivary alpha-amylase (SAA) activity in patients with recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS). The impact of this disease on the life quality was also evaluated. Design. Twenty-two patients with RAS and controls, matched by sex and age, were selected. Stress and anxiety were assessed using Lipp's Inventory of Stress Symptoms and Beck Anxiety Inventory. Life quality was assessed through the World Health Organization Quality of Life-bref (WHOQOL-BREF) and the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14). Saliva samples were collected in the morning and afternoon and the SAA activity was analyzed by enzymatic kinetic method. Results. No significant difference was observed between the groups regarding the SAA activity (p = 0.306). Patients with RAS had higher scores of anxiety (p = 0.016). The scores of WHOQOL-BREF were significantly lower in patients with RAS. The values obtained through OHIP-14 were significantly higher in these patients (p = 0.002). Conclusion. RAS negatively affects the life quality. Patients with the disease have higher levels of anxiety, suggesting its association with the etiopathogenesis of RAS.

Role of tumour-associated macrophages in oral squamous cells carcinoma progression: an update on current knowledge.

BACKGROUND: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) accounts over 90% of malignant neoplasms of the oral cavity. This pathological entity is associated to a high mortality rate that has remained unchanged over the past decades. Tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs) are believed to have potential involvement in OSCC progression. However, the molecular networks involved in communication between stroma and cancer cells have not yet been fully elucidated. MAIN BODY: The role of M2 polarized cells in oral carcinogenesis is supported by a correlation between TAMs accumulation into OSCC stroma and poor clinical outcome. Signalling pathways such as the NF-κB and cytokines released in the tumour microenvironment promote a bidirectional cross-talk between M2 and OSCC cells. These interactions consequently result in an increased proliferation of malignant cells and enhances aggressiveness, thus reducing patients' survival time. CONCLUSIONS: Here, we present a comprehensive review of the role of interleukin (IL)-1, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10 and the receptor tyrosine kinase Axl in macrophage polarization to an M2 phenotype and OSCC progression. Understanding the molecular basis of oral carcinogenesis and metastatic spread of OSCC would promote the development of targeted treatment contributing to a more favourable prognosis.

Recomendações para a proteção da privacidade do paciente / Recommendations for the protection of patient privacy / Recomendaciones para la protección de la privacidad del paciente

Resumo A preocupação sobre aspectos bioéticos da privacidade do indivíduo e da privacidade dos dados de seus atendimentos é crescente no meio médico. Processos propedêuticos e terapêuticos atuais requerem envolvimento multidisciplinar de uma série de indivíduos, especialmente em se tratando de internações hospitalares. A transmissão e o armazenamento das informações clínicas e laboratoriais dos pacientes envolvem diferentes mídias, com problemas inerentes de acessibilidade e proteção da informação. Os autores sugerem situações hipotéticas que exemplificam problemas comumente abordados na atuação de comitê de bioética clínica, contextualizando-os no Brasil e no mundo, e sugerindo passos para minimizar potenciais problemas de quebra de privacidade e confidencialidade.

Abstract Concerns regarding the bioethical aspects of the privacy of the individual and the confidentiality of their medical treatment data is increasing in the medical community. The current preliminary clinical and therapeutic processes require the multidisciplinary involvement of a number of individuals, especially in the case of hospitalization. The transmission and storage of clinical and laboratory patient information involves different media, with inherent problems of accessibility and protection of information. The authors describe hypothetical situations that exemplify issues commonly addressed in the work of a clinical bioethics committee, contextualizing these problems in Brazil and globally, and suggest steps to minimize potential problems of the breaching of privacy and confidentiality.

Resumen La preocupación sobre los aspectos bioéticos de la privacidad del individuo y de la confidencialidad de los datos de su asistencia está aumentando en la comunidad médica. Los actuales procesos clínicos y terapéuticos requieren la participación multidisciplinar de una serie de personas, especialmente en el caso de las internaciones hospitalarias. La transmisión y el almacenamiento de informaciones clínicas y de laboratorio de los pacientes implican diferentes canales de comunicación, con los problemas inherentes de accesibilidad y protección de la información. Los autores aluden a situaciones hipotéticas que ejemplifican problemas comúnmente tratados en el desempeño de un comité de bioética clínica, contextualizándolos en Brasil y en el mundo, y sugiriendo medidas para minimizar los posibles problemas de violación de la privacidad y de la confidencialidad.

Conhecimento, atitudes e práticas dos estudantes de Odontologia com relação a pacientes HIV positivos

Avaliar o perfil sociodemográfico, o conhecimento, as atitudes e práticas de 176 alunos dos cursos de graduação e pós-graduação da Faculdade de Odontologia da Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS). Métodos: foi feito um estudo transversal aplicando-se um questionário por meio da ferramenta on-line Qualtrics, disponibilizado pela PUCRS. Resultados: dos estudantes que compuseram a amostra, 76% eram do sexo feminino, solteiros, com idade média de 28 anos e 6 meses; 80% associavam a elevada frequência da candidíase bucal à imunossupressão promovida pelo vírus; 70% vincularam o eritema gengival linear e a leucoplasia pilosa com a referida doença e 53% dos alunos sabiam da possibilidade de ocorrer, nos portadores, xerostomia, hipossialia e aumento de volume das glândulas salivares maiores. Aproximadamente, 90% dos participantes tratavam todos os pacientes como potencialmente infectados e preocupavam-se com o risco profissional para o HIV, 70% da amostra acreditaram na impossibilidade de recusar o atendimento de soropositivos. Conclusão: os resultados demonstraram múltiplas informações sobre a capacita- ção e as expectativas dos estudantes da graduação e da pós-graduação (oriundos ou não da PUCRS), retratando o perfil dos profissionais que estão sendo formados em distintas universidades, que estarão disponíveis para atender os portadores de tal enfermidade.

Topical application of Aloe vera and vitamin E on induced ulcers on the tongue of rats subjected to radiation: clinical and histological evaluation.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to assess the effect of two types of antioxidants, vitamin E (VE) and Aloe vera (AV), on healing of induced oral lesions after radiation in a murine model by clinical and histological analysis. METHODS: The animals were randomly divided into three groups of 12 animals each (400 mg VE, 70 % AV and control) and two time periods (5 and 7 days). They were irradiated with a single dose of 30 Gy, and after 24 h, a lesion was produced on the ventral tongue of each animal. The products were applied daily in their respective group until euthanasia. RESULTS: On clinical analysis, there was a higher frequency of lesions in the animals of the control group at both periods. The area of the lesions was also greater in the control group compared with the groups AV and VE (5 days p = 0.006; 7 days p = 0.002). On microscopic analysis, the degree of inflammation differed between the study groups and experimental periods. At 5 days, the statistical difference was not significant among the groups evaluated, but at 7 days, animals in the control group showed intense inflammation, while those in groups VE and AV exhibited mild to moderate inflammation (p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: The results suggest that VE and AV contributed to the decrease in inflammatory response and healing of the lesions induced on the tongue of rats subjected to radiation.

Effect of low-level laser therapy on irradiated parotid glands--study in mice.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on radiotherapy-induced morphological changes and caspase-3 immunodetection in parotids of mice. Forty-one Swiss mice were divided into control, radiotherapy, 2- and 4-J laser groups. The experimental groups were exposed to ionizing radiation in a single session of 10 Gy. In the laser groups, a GaAlAs laser (830 nm, 100 mW, 0.028 cm2, 3.57 W/cm2) was used on the region corresponding to the parotid glands, with 2-J energy (20 s, 71 J/cm2) or 4 J (40 s, 135 J/cm2) per point. LLLT was performed immediately before and 24 h after radiotherapy. One point was applied in each parotid gland. The animals were euthanized 48 h or 7 days after radiotherapy and parotid glands were dissected for morphological analysis and immunodetection of caspase-3. There was no significant difference between groups in the immunodetection of caspase-3, but the laser groups had a lower percentage compared to the radiotherapy group. LLLT promoted the preservation of acinar structure, reduced the occurrence of vacuolation, and stimulated parotid gland vascularization. Of the two LLLT protocols, the one using 4 J of energy showed better results.

Radiotherapy-induced salivary dysfunction: Structural changes, pathogenetic mechanisms and therapies.

PURPOSE: This review addressed the structural changes observed in salivary glands and pathogenic mechanisms resulting from oxidative stress caused by radiotherapy. The preventive and regenerative therapies for altered acinar morphology and glandular function were also reviewed. Among acute and late microscopic alterations in glandular tissue, there are particularly changes indicative of cell death, hypovascularization, formation of fibrous tissue and edema. A critical role was identified for the Akt-MDM2-p53 pathway in the suppression of DNA damage-induced apoptosis in acinar cells. Prophylactic treatment with pilocarpine, cevilemine, bethanechol and isoproterenol has shown a positive effect on salivary flow, but lasting results have not been observed. Growth factors, histamine and lidocaine, have also demonstrated radioprotective effects on the salivary glands. Stem cell preservation and transplantation may be an alternative to maintain tissue homeostasis and thus allow glandular regeneration. CONCLUSION: Knowledge of the structural changes observed in the salivary glands contributes to proving the short- and long-term efficacy of the therapies investigated. It is important to know the mechanisms involved in radiation-induced damage, since the control of the pathogenic mechanisms can inhibit the initial process of tissue degeneration. The challenge for investigators is to protect normal cells selectively, without promoting tumor growth.

Efficacy of low-level laser therapy for the treatment of burning mouth syndrome: a randomized, controlled trial.

The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in the treatment of burning mouth syndrome (BMS). A diode laser was used in 78 BMS patients who were randomly assigned into four groups: IR1W, n = 20 (830 nm, 100 mW, 5 J, 176 J/cm2, 50 s, LLLT weekly sessions, 10 sessions); IR3W, n = 20 (830 nm, 100 mW, 5 J, 176 J/cm2, 50 s, three LLLT weekly sessions, 9 sessions); red laser, n = 19 (685 nm, 35 mW, 2 J, 72 J/cm2, 58 s, three LLLT weekly sessions, 9 sessions); and control-group (CG), n = 19. Symptoms were assessed at the end of the treatment and eight weeks later; quality of life related to oral health was assessed using the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14). Statistical analysis was carried out using repeated measures analysis of variance followed by the posthoc Tukey test. There was significant reduction of the symptoms in all groups at the end of the treatment, which was maintained in the follow-up. The scores of the IR1W and IR3W laser groups differed significantly from those of the CG. There was also a decrease in the OHIP-14 scores in the four groups. The IR3W laser group scores differed significantly from those of the CG. LLLT reduces the symptoms of BMS and may be an alternative therapeutic strategy for the relief of symptoms in patients with BMS.

Salivary hypofunction: an update on aetiology, diagnosis and therapeutics.

Saliva is of paramount importance for the maintenance of oral and general homeostasis. Salivary hypofunction predispose patients to disorders such as dysgeusia, pain and burning mouth, caries and other oral infectious diseases, dysphagia and dysphonia. The aim of this study was to provide an update on the aetiology, diagnostic methods and therapeutic strategies for the management of hyposalivation and xerostomia. The present paper describes subjective and objective methods for the diagnosis of salivary dysfunctions; moreover a number of drugs, and systemic disorders associated with decreased salivary flow rate are listed. We also focused on the underlying mechanisms to radiotherapy-induced salivary damage. Therapeutics for hyposalivation and xerostomia were discussed and classified as preventive, symptomatic, topical and systemic stimulants, disease-modifying agents, and regenerative. New therapeutic modalities have been studied and involve stem cells transplantation, with special attention to regeneration of damage caused by ionizing radiation to the salivary glands. More studies in this area are needed to provide new perspectives in the treatment of patients with salivary dysfunctions.