Changes in salivary composition of chemically dependent subjects / Cambios en la composición salival de personas químicamente dependientes

Abstract Chemically dependent subjects may present relevant changes in the volume and composition of salivary fluid because the secretion of the salivary glands is controlled by the parasympathetic and sympathetic system. The aim of this study was to compare the salivary concentration of total proteins, amylase, urea, calcium, phosphate and flow rate between chemically dependent and non-chemically dependent subjects. Saliva flow rate, calcium, phosphate, total protein, amylase and urea concentrations were measure in both groups: chemical dependent group (n=27) and control group (n=27). Saliva samples, from the chemically dependents, were taken one day before the beginning of the detoxification treatment. Statistical analysis was undertaken using t-test. The salivary flow and the urea concentration did not present statistically significant difference between the groups. However, total proteins, amylase, calcium and phosphate concentrations were statistically higher on the chemical dependents group. Saliva composition seems to be modified by the chronic use of alcohol and illicit drugs.

Resumen Los dependientes químicos pueden presentar cambios relevantes en el volumen y la composición de la saliva, debido a que la secreción de las glándulas salivales es controlada por el sistema parasimpático y simpático. El objetivo de este estudio fue comparar la concentración salival de proteínas totales, amilasa, urea, calcio, fosfato y la velocidad de flujo salival entre personas con dependencia química y no dependientes. Cada grupo fue formado por 27 participantes. La velocidad del flujo salival y las concentraciones de calcio, fosfato, proteína total, amilasa y urea se midieron en ambos grupos. Las muestras de saliva de los dependientes químicos se tomaron un día antes de comenzar el tratamiento de desintoxicación. El análisis estadístico se realizó por medio del test t de student. El flujo salival y la concentración de urea no presentaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre los grupos. Sin embargo, las concentraciones de proteínas totales, amilasa, calcio y fosfato fueron estadísticamente mayores en el grupo de dependientes químicos. El uso crónico de alcohol y de drogas ilícitas provocan modificaciones en la composición salival.

Effect of reservoirs on gingival inflammation after home dental bleaching.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of reservoirs on the gingival mucosa of patients submitted to at-home bleaching with 16% carbamide peroxide. METHOD AND MATERIALS: Nineteen nonsmoking male patients, 18 to 25 years of age, were submitted to home bleaching with a 16% carbamide peroxide gel for 2 consecutive hours for 21 days. The custom-made mouth trays were made with a reservoir on only the left side and cut anatomically 1 mm beyond the gingival margin. Smears of the gingival mucosa were obtained by the exfoliation cytology in liquid media technique before (control), immediately after, and 30 and 45 days after treatment. The samples were processed in the laboratory and evaluated according to Papanicolaou's criteria of malignity. Statistical analysis was carried out by McNemar test, 2 proportions test, and Wilcoxon test with a level of significance of 1%. RESULTS: The presence of a reservoir in the custom tray resulted in an increase of inflammation only immediately after the bleaching procedure. After 30 and 45 days, the difference between inflammation on the sides with and without a reservoir was not statistically significant. Significant differences were found in the degree of inflammation, classified as predominantly mild on the nonreservoir side and moderate on the reservoir side (P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: A 16% carbamide peroxide bleaching gel caused gingival inflammation immediately after the procedure and persisted until 45 days after the bleaching treatment. The use of a reservoir in the custom tray for home bleaching resulted in higher rates and higher intensity of gingival inflammation.

Histologic and histomorphometric analysis of posterior region of the human temporomandibular disc.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze histologic and histomorphometric features of the articular disc in groups with and without disc displacement. STUDY DESIGN: A sample of 39 temporomandibular joints TMJs (31 case specimens, 8 control specimens) from 28 patients (mean age 31.2 years) were recruited for this study. The patients were considered to be affected and treated surgically with disc repositioning when presenting painful clinical signs of disc displacement after unsuccessful nonsurgical treatment for at least 6 months. Of the control patients, 4 presented condyle fracture which required opening to be reduced for treatment, and 4 displayed active condyle hyperplasia. The posterior region of the disc was removed and sent for histologic and histomorphometric analysis. Histologic (hematoxylin-eosin) and histomorphometric (picro-Sirius red) analyses were performed. Statistically significant differences between the analyzed groups were accessed through the chi-squared test (P