ABSTRACT
AIM: The pathways to post-operative pain are complex and encompass factors that extend beyond the treatment protocol employed. This study aimed to identify patient-related predictors of post-operative pain following root canal treatment. METHODOLOGY: A total of 154 patients received a single-visit root canal treatment for asymptomatic necrotic mandibular molars. Before treatment, dental anxiety, dental fear and sense of coherence (SOC) were measured as predictors for each patient using validated questionnaires. Other measured predictors included gender, age, previous negative experiences at the dental offices and prior root canal treatment. Post-operative pain was assessed using the Numeric Rating Scale at multiple time-points over 30 days. Structural equation analysis was employed to evaluate the direct and indirect effects of patient-related predictors on a theoretical model of post-operative pain. The irrigant solution was also included in the model, as it was the only aspect that varied in the treatment protocol (sodium hypochlorite 2.5% and 8.25%). RESULTS: Dental anxiety (coefficient 0.028; p < .01), dental fear (coefficient 0.007; p = .02) and irrigant solution (coefficient 0.004; p = .03) exerted a direct effect on post-operative pain. SOC exerted an indirect effect on post-operative (coefficient 0.006; p = .01) through dental anxiety and dental fear. Moreover, previous negative experiences (coefficient 0.048; p = .04) exerted an indirect effect on post-operative pain through dental anxiety. CONCLUSIONS: Dental anxiety, dental fear, previous negative experiences and SOC are patient-related predictors of post-operative pain following root canal treatment. These factors should be taken into consideration in clinical practice, as patients with these characteristics may be at an increased risk of experiencing post-operative pain.
ABSTRACT
Background: Mammary gland tumors are the most prevalent neoplasm in intact female dogs, and they are good natural models to study comparative oncology. Most canine mammary malignancies, as in women, are commonly refractory to conventional therapies and demand continuous new therapeutic approaches. Crotalus durissus terrificus, also called rattlesnake, has more than 60 different proteins in its venom with multiple pharmaceutical uses, such as antitumor, antiviral, and antimicrobial action. Crotoxin, a potent ß-neurotoxin formed by the junction of two subunits, a basic subunit (CB-PLA2) and an acidic subunit (crotapotin), has already been reported to have anticancer properties in different types of cancers. Methods: In this work, we describe the cytotoxic potential of crotoxin and its subunits compared to doxorubicin (drug of choice) in two canine mammary carcinoma cell lines. Results: Crotoxin, CB-PLA2, crotalic venom, and doxorubicin decreased cell viability and the ability to migrate in a dose-dependent manner, and crotapotin did not present an antitumoral effect. For all compounds, the predominant cell death mechanism was apoptosis. In addition, crotoxin did not show toxicity in normal canine mammary gland cells. Conclusion: Therefore, this work showed that crotoxin and CB-PLA2 had cytotoxic activity, migration inhibition, and pro-apoptotic potential in canine mammary gland carcinoma cell lines, making their possible use in cancer research.
ABSTRACT
Background: Mammary gland tumors are the most prevalent neoplasm in intact female dogs, and they are good natural models to study comparative oncology. Most canine mammary malignancies, as in women, are commonly refractory to conventional therapies and demand continuous new therapeutic approaches. Crotalus durissus terrificus, also called rattlesnake, has more than 60 different proteins in its venom with multiple pharmaceutical uses, such as antitumor, antiviral, and antimicrobial action. Crotoxin, a potent β-neurotoxin formed by the junction of two subunits, a basic subunit (CB-PLA2) and an acidic subunit (crotapotin), has already been reported to have anticancer properties in different types of cancers. Methods: In this work, we describe the cytotoxic potential of crotoxin and its subunits compared to doxorubicin (drug of choice) in two canine mammary carcinoma cell lines. Results: Crotoxin, CB-PLA2, crotalic venom, and doxorubicin decreased cell viability and the ability to migrate in a dose-dependent manner, and crotapotin did not present an antitumoral effect. For all compounds, the predominant cell death mechanism was apoptosis. In addition, crotoxin did not show toxicity in normal canine mammary gland cells. Conclusion: Therefore, this work showed that crotoxin and CB-PLA2 had cytotoxic activity, migration inhibition, and pro-apoptotic potential in canine mammary gland carcinoma cell lines, making their possible use in cancer research.