Assessment of Impact of Various Root Canal Irrigants on the Adherence of the Gelatinase-producing and the Gelatinase-deficient E. faecalis Strains to Dentin.

AIM: Present study was planned to assess the impact of various root canal irrigants on the adhesion of different Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) strains to the dentinal surface. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 80 freshly extracted first and second molars were used in the present study. Preparation of dentin discs was done followed by a random division into four study groups and one control group. Four study groups included; 2.5 % sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), 2 % chlorhexidine (CHX), 2.5 % NaOCl + saline + 2 percent CHX and 2.5 % NaOCl + 17 % ethylene diamine tetra-acetate (EDTA) + 2.5 % NaOCl group respectively. In the control group (E), sterilized dentin discs were incubated with sterile TSB solution. Division of all the groups into two subgroups were done depending upon the type of strain of E. faecalis used. Incubation of all the specimens was done followed by assessment with XTT assay and measurement of Optical density (OD). All the results were compiled and analyzed by Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software. RESULTS: Among the groups containing gelatinase producing strains; maximum score was exhibited by 2.5 percent sodium hypochlorite solution followed by 2.5 % NaOCl + 17 % Ethylene Diamine tetra-acetate (EDTA) + 2.5 % NaOCl group (group D). On comparing the OD values among various study groups incubated with Gelatinase producing strain, significant results were obtained. Gelatinase-producing E. faecalis showed a significantly higher amount of adherence to dentin, in comparison to the gelatinase-deficient E. faecalis strains. CONCLUSION: Lesser quantity of bacteria is recovered from specimens in whom CHX was added to the irrigation protocol. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Production of gelatinase by E. faecalis might lead to an increase in adhesiveness of E. faecalis to the dentin.

Cytotoxic and Genotoxic effect on the Buccal Mucosa Cells of Patients Undergoing Fixed Orthodontic Treatment.

AIM: To evaluate the presence of metal ions and deoxyribonucleic acid damage on the cells of buccal mucosa in subjects scheduled to undergo fixed orthodontic treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty patients scheduled to undergo orthodontic treatment were included in the present study. Samples were collected from buccal mucosa of the subjects at five different intervals: before the starting of the fixed appliance therapy, 5 months after the insertion of the appliance, 10 months after insertion of the appliance, 15 months after insertion of the appliance and 20 months after insertion of the appliance. Flow cytometry was further used for assessment of apoptosis. Comet assay was used for evaluating the metal ions associated deoxyribonucleic acid ((DNA) damage of buccal epithelial cells. Atomic absorption spectrometry was used for measuring the nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr) and zinc (Zn) levels in the cells of the buccal mucosa. Analysis of data was done by SPSS software version 16.0. RESULTS: A significant increase in the Ni, Cr and Zn concentra -tion during orthodontic treatment was observed. A progressive non-significant decrease in the percentage of viable cells from a baseline value to the end of the treatment was observed. A significant increase in the head diameter, DNA in tail and tail length, starting from the pretreatment value to the end of orthodontic treatment, was also observed. CONCLUSION: Timely checking of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage and nuclear changes should be done for detecting earlier adverse changes. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: In patients wearing orthodontic appliances, no clinical impact occurs by wearing fixed appliances.

Evaluation of Effect of Glucosamine-Chondroitin Sulfate, Tramadol, and Sodium Hyaluronic Acid on Expression of Cytokine Levels in Internal Derangement of Temporomandibular Joint.

AIM: Evaluation of the effect of glucosamine-chondroitin combination, tramadol, and sodium hyaluronic acid in temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders and its impact on the expression of various cytokines such as IL-6, IL-1ß, TNF-α, and PGE2. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study was conducted on 60 patients (males-30, females-30) suffering from internal derangement such as disc displacement with reduction of TMJ. The patients were divided into three groups of 20 each. Group I received a combination of 1.5g of glucosamine and 1.2 g of chondroitin sulfate per day and group II received 50 mg tramadol HCL peroral. Group III received sodium hyaluronate 10 mg/mL, 2 mL injection syringe on each joint. Pain (VAS) scale and maximum mouth opening (MMO) was measured. The level of IL-6, IL-1ß, TNF-α, and PGE2 levels were measured using Enzyme-linked immuno sorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: There was an improvement in maximum mouth opening in all three groups (p < 0.05). There was a reduction in pain in all groups. IL- 1ß, TNF-α, and PGE2 leve ls showed reduction while IL-6 showed an increase in value in group II and III. CONCLUSION: The efficacy of glucosamine chondroitin sulfate , tramadol and hyaluronic acid in TMJ disorders has been found to be effective. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: IL-6, IL-1ß, TNF-α, and PGE2 levels indicate the risk of TMJ disorders. Thus earlier assessment of their levels helps in diagnosis, and better management may be done.

Fluoride, Thyroid Hormone Derangements and its Correlation with Tooth Eruption Pattern Among the Pediatric Population from Endemic and Non-endemic Fluorosis Areas.

AIM: To comparatively evaluate the status of fluoride in the body with thyroid activity in the pediatric population of endemic fluorosis areas. The present study also attempted to elucidate whether any correlation exists between fluoride and thyroid hormone derangement with delayed tooth eruption. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 400 pediatric subjects were included in the present study. All the patients were divided into two broad groups; groups A and B. Group A included 200 subjects who belonged to the endemic fluorosis area while Group B included remaining 200 subjects, who belonged to the fluorosis non-endemic area. Group B subjects were taken as control. Group A subjects were further divided into two study groups as follows: Group A1: 100 Pediatric subjects with dental fluorosis, and Group A 2: A total of one hundred pediatric subjects without dental fluorosis. Dean's index of fluorosis was calculated in all the patients. Blood samples were collected and were sent to a laboratory for assessment of thyroid hormone levels. All the results were subjected to statistical analysis by Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software. RESULTS: Mean thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), water fluoride levels, urine fluoride levels and serum fluoride levels of subjects in group 1 were found to be significantly higher than that of subjects of group 2. Delayed tooth eruption was absent in subjects of group B while it was present in 100 subjects of group A. Thyroid hormone level derangement was seen in 54 percent subjects of group B, while it was seen in 67.5% subjects of group A. CONCLUSION: Positive correlation exists between fluorosis and thyroid functional activity. However; the tooth eruption pattern is independent up on the thyroid hormone derangement. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Delayed tooth eruption and alteration in thyroid hormone levels can occur in subjects of the endemic fluoride areas. Therefore, adequate measures should be taken for controlling such adverse effects.