Correlation between facial measurements and vertical dimension of occlusion among Tunisian populations: An anthropometric study.

Background. Establishing an accurate occlusal vertical dimension (OVD) is a crucial clinical step during full-mouth rehabilitation. Various techniques have been suggested to evaluate OVD, but none of them is practically reliable, and each one has its shortcomings. The correlation between facial proportions and the lower third of the face is a reliable method but needs to be verified in many ethnic groups. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the correlation between OVD and various facial measurements in a Tunisian ethnic group. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted between November 2020 to January 2021. The participants were randomly selected from dental students, dental surgeons, and the patients referring to the University Dental Clinic for dental treatments. Seven facial measurements were clinically recorded using a digital caliper. The correlation between OVD and facial measurements was analyzed using Spearman's coefficient and linear regression analysis. Results. A total of 201 dentate participants (134 females and 67 males) were included in the study. The mean OVD in male subjects was higher (67.60±4.49) compared to female subjects (60.72±3.84). The total facial height was positively correlated with OVD in both genders. OVD was statistically correlated with the height of the upper lip. This correlation was highly significant in males while it was weak in the female group. Conclusion. Facial proportions and linear equations are non-invasive, simple, and reliable methods to predict OVD, especially in males.

Lactobacillus plantarum alleviate aflatoxins (B1 and M1) induced disturbances in the intestinal genes expression and DNA fragmentation in mice.

This study aimed to assess the disturbances in intestinal genes expression and DNA fragmentation in mice treated orally with aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) or aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) and the protective activity of Lactobacillus plantarum (LP). Male Balb/c mice were divided into 6 groups including the control group, the group treated with 2 mg/kg b.w of LP (2 × 109 cfu/mL), the groups treated with AFB1 or AFM1 (100 µg/kg b.w), and the groups treated with AFB1 or AFM1 during, after or before LP. Small intestines were collected for the determination of DNA fragmentation, gene expression and target protein content. The results showed that AFB1 or AFM1 increased DNA fragmentation, down regulated the expressions of caspase-3, caspase-9, CYP3A13, Bax and p53 as well as up-regulated the expression of TNF-α and Bcl-2 and their target proteins. LP succeeded to alleviate the disturbances in DNA fragmentation and the expression of these genes. The improvement was more pronounced in the group co-administered with the toxins plus LP. It could be concluded that AFB1 and AFM1 induced disturbances in intestinal function via the disturbances in DNA fragmentation and genes expression. LP induced a potential protective effect and is considered a promising agent against the genotoxicity induced by these mycotoxins.

Immuno-physiological alterations from AFB1 in rats counteracted by treatments with Lactobacillus paracasei BEJ01 and montmorillonite clay mixture.

High contamination by aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) has been detected in Beja province (Tunisia) in many dairy products and animal feed, which has resulted in many tons of cereals and cereals being removed from the market, causing economic loss. While removal represents a means of reducing risk, exposures still occur. Studies have increasingly focused on means of AFB1 biodegradation/elimination using lactic acid bacteria and clay mineral. In the study here, Lactobacillus paracasei BEJ01 (LP) and montmorilonite clay (MT) were used to reduce the physio-/immunotoxicologic disorders that could develop in rats that underwent AFB1 exposures for a total of 7 consecutive days. The results indicated that rats treated with AFB1 (80 µg/kg BW) alone had significant decreases in lymphocytes in their blood (including B-lymphocytes, CD3(+), CD4(+), and CD8(+) T-lymphocyte subtypes, and NK cells), immunoglobulins (IgA and IgG) and pro-inflammatory cytokines; these rats also had altered oxidative stress status. In contrast, in rats treated with LP + MT (2 × 10(9) cfu/ml [∼ 2 mg/kg] + 0.5 mg MT/kg BW) for a total of 7 days before, concurrent with or after AFB1 treatment, there was a significant blockade/mitigation of each AFB1-impacted parameter. Moreover, treatment with the mixture at any point in relation to AFB1 treatment expectedly caused enhanced TNFα and IL-1ß expression relative to control values; all other parameters were comparable to values noted in control rats. Alone, the mixture had no impact on host parameters. From the results here it may be concluded the the LP + MT mixture was effective in protecting these hosts against AFB1-induced immunologic/physiologic disorders and that LP + MT could prevent and/or mitigate AFB1 toxicities in vivo.

Interaction of aflatoxin B1 and fumonisin B1 in mice causes immunotoxicity and oxidative stress: Possible protective role using lactic acid bacteria.

Aflatoxins (AF) are important foodborne mycotoxins implicated in human health and have immunocytotoxic effects. The aims of this study were to evaluate a new aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and fumonisin B1 (FB1)-binding/degrading micro-organism for biological detoxification, to examine its ability to degrade AFB1 and FB1 in liquid medium, and to evaluate its potential in vivo protective role against any combined effects from AFB1 and FB1 on host splenocyte caspase-3 activity (reflecting DNA damage/cell death) and mRNA levels of select inflammation-regulating cytokines. Balb/c mice were divided into groups (10/group) and treated daily for 2 weeks by oral gavage with AFB1 (80 µg/kg BW), FB1 (100 µg/kg), AFB1 + FB1, or lactic acid bacteria (Lactobacillus paracasei BEJ01, 2 × 10(9) CFU/L, ∼2 mg/kg) - alone or in combination with the AFB1 and/or FB1. After the exposures, spleens were collected for measures of caspase-3 activity, lipid peroxidation (LP), and glutathione (GSH) content, expression of anti-oxidation protective enzymes (GPx and SOD), and mRNA levels of inflammation-regulating cytokines (e.g. IL-10, IL-4, IFNγ, TNFα). Thymii were also removed for analysis of apoptosis. The results indicated that, in the spleen, exposure to the mycotoxins led to increased caspase-3 activity, LP, and IL-10 and IL-4 mRNA levels, but decreased GSH content and down-regulated expression of GPx and SOD, and of IFNγ and TNFα mRNA. Co-treatment using Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) with AFB1 or FB1 suppressed levels of DNA fragmentation, normalized splenic LP and increased GSH levels, up-regulated expression of GPx and SOD, and normalized mRNA levels of the analyzed cytokines. It is concluded that AFB1 and FB1 might have combinational (synergistic moreso than additive) toxic effects in situ. Further, it can be seen that use of LAB induced protective effects against the oxidative stress and (immuno)toxicity of these agents in part through adhesion (and so likely diminished bioavalability).

Ability of Lactobacillus plantarum MON03 to mitigate aflatoxins (B1 and M1) immunotoxicities in mice.

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and M1 (AFM1) are mycotoxins produced by numerous Aspergillus species in pre- or post-harvest cereals and milk. AFB1 and AFM1 display a potent economic loss in livestock and also cause severe immunological problems. The aims of this study were to: evaluate a new AFB1 and AFM1-binding/degrading micro-organism for biological detoxification; examine its ability to degrade AFB1 and AFM1 in liquid medium; and evaluate its potential for in vivo preventative effects against AFB1- and AFM1-induced immunomodulation in mice. Lactobacillus plantarum MON03 (LP) isolated from Tunisian artisanal butter was found to display significant binding ability to AFB1 and AFM1 in PBS (i.e. 82% and 89%, respectively) within 24 h of incubation and able to tolerate gastric acidity, have strongly hydrophilic cells surface properties, and adhere efficacy to Caco-3 cells in vitro. The in vivo study was conducted using Balb/c mice that received by oral gavage vehicle (control), LP only (2 × 10(9) CFU/L, ~2 g/kg BW), AFB1 or AFM1 alone (0.25 and 0.27 mg/kg, respectively), or AFB1 + LP or AFM1 + LP daily for 15 days. Compared to in control mice, treatments with AFB1 and AFM1 led to significantly decreased body weight gains, histopathological changes, and decrements in all hematologic and immune parameters assessed. Co-treatment with LP strongly reduced the adverse effects of each mycotoxin. In fact, the mice receiving AFB1 + LP or AFM1 + LP co-treatment displayed no significant differences in the assayed parameters as compared to the control mice. By itself, the bacteria alone had no adverse effects in the mice. From these data, it is concluded that the tested bacteria could be beneficial in biotechnology detoxification of contaminated food and feed for humans and animals.

Potential preventive role of lactic acid bacteria against aflatoxin M1 immunotoxicity and genotoxicity in mice.

Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) is a mycotoxin produced by numerous Aspergillus species in pre- or post-harvest cereals and milk. Exposure to AFM1 imparts potent economic losses in the livestock industry. Toxicologically, it also causes severe immune system problems. The aims of this study were to evaluate a new AFM1-binding/degrading microorganism for biologic detoxification, to examine its ability to degrade AFM1 in liquid medium, and to evaluate its potential for in vivo preventative effects against AFM1-induced immunotoxicity and genotoxicity in mice. Lactobacillus plantarum MON03 (LP) isolated from Tunisian artisanal butter was found to display significant binding ability to AFM1 in PBS (93%) within 24 h of incubation. Further, the LP was able to tolerate gastric acidity, bile salts, and adhere efficiently to Caco-3 cells in vitro. The in vivo study used Balb/c mice that received either vehicle (control), LP only (at 1 × 10(9)CFU/L, ∼1 mg/kg bw), AFM1 (100 mg/kg bw), or AFM1 + LP daily for 15 days (by gavage); two other groups received a single dose of colchicine (4 mg/kg) or mitomycin C (1 mg/kg) as positive controls for induction of micronuclei and chromosomal aberrations, respectively. The results showed that, compared to in control mice, AFM1 treatment led to significantly decreased body weight gains, and caused cytotoxic/genotoxic effects as indicated by increases in frequencies of polychromatic erythrocytes, as well as those with micronucleation (PCEMN) and chromosomal aberrations, among bone marrow cells. The concurrent administration of LP with AFM1 strongly reduced the adverse effects of AFM1 on each parameter. Mice receiving AFM1 + LP co-treatment displayed no significant differences in the assayed parameters as compared to the control mice. By itself, the bacteria caused no adverse effects. Based on the data, it is concluded that the test bacteria could potentially be beneficial in the detoxification of AFM1-contaminated foods and feeds for humans and animals.

Ability of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GAF01 to remove AFM1 in vitro and to counteract AFM1 immunotoxicity in vivo.

Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) has been detected in many parts of the world both in raw milk and many dairy products, causing great economic losses and human disease. Unfortunately, there are few studies dealing with AFM1 immunotoxicity/interactions with lactic acid bacteria for potential application as a natural preventive agent. The aim of this study was to isolate (from dairy products) food-grade probiotic bacteria able to degrade/bind AFM1 in vitro and evaluate whether the same organism(s) could impart a protective role against AFM1-induced immunotoxicity in exposed Balb/c mice. Bacteria (Lactobacillus plantarum MON03 and L. rhamnosus GAF01) were isolated from Tunisian artisanal butter and then tested for abilities to eliminate AFM1 from phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and reconstituted milk (containing 0.05, 0.10, and 0.20 µg AFM1/ml) after 0, 6, and 24 h at 37°C. Results showed that the selected bacteria could 'remove' AFM1 both in PBS and skimmed milk. The binding abilities of AFM1 by L. plantarum MON03 and L. rhamnosus GAF01 strains (at 10(8) CFU/ml) in PBS and reconstituted milk ranged, respectively, from 16.1-78.6% and 15.3-95.1%; overall, L. rhamnosus showed a better potential for removal than L. plantarum. 'Removal' appeared to be by simple binding; the bacteria/AFM1 complex was stable and only a very small proportion of mycotoxin was released back into the solution. L. rhamnosus GAF01 had the highest binding capacity and was selected for use in the in vivo study. Those results indicated that use of the organism prevented AFM1-induced effects on total white and red blood cells, and lymphocyte subtypes, after 15 days of host treatment. These studies clearly indicated that L. rhamnosus GAF01 was able to bind AFM1 in vitro and-by mechanisms that might also be related to a binding effect-counteract AFM1-induced immunotoxicity. Moreover, by itself, this bacterium was not toxic and could potentially be used as an additive in dairy products and in biotechnology for mycotoxin detoxification.