Assessment of Attachment Level by Laser in Pocket Therapy.

BACKGROUND: Scaling and root planing is the gold standard non-surgical therapy in patients with periodontitis. However, mechanical debridement alone may not eradicate all periopathogens from subgingival niches. Adjunctive use of diode laser in pocket therapy may improve tissue healing by its bactericidal and detoxification effects in subgingival areas. The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare effectiveness of scaling and root planing alone and scaling and root planing along with diode laser in chronic periodontitis patients. METHODS: This is a prospective comparative study conducted in which 30 chronic periodontitis patients with at least one site with clinical attachment loss ?3mm in each contralateral quadrant were included and divided into Site A (control) scaling and root planing only and Site B (test) scaling and root planing with diode laser therapy. Clinical parameters (Plaque Index, Gingival Index, Probing Pocket Depth and Clinical Attachment Level) were recorded at baseline, one month and three months postoperatively and compared. Student's t-test was used to analyze intra and inter site mean variation. RESULTS: Site A and Site B showed significant improvements in clinical parameters at three months postoperatively (p ?0.05) with better improvement observed in Site B (p ?0.05).   Conclusions: The use of diode laser as an adjunct to scaling and root planing can be considered as an effective treatment modality for the management of chronic periodontitis than scaling and root planing alone.

Shockwave Therapy Efficiently Cures Multispecies Chronic Periodontitis in a Humanized Rat Model.

Biofilms are ubiquitous in nature and are invariably associated with health and diseases of all living beings. Periodontal diseases & dental caries are the most prevalent conditions in which biofilm has established as a primary causative factor. Managing poly-microbial biofilm is the mainstay of periodontal therapy. Plethora of antimicrobials have been used till date to combat biofilm, but the emergence of antibiotic tolerance and resistance in biofilms is a major cause of concern. Apart from use of antimicrobials, various anti-biofilm strategies have evolved which include the use of mechanical, and chemical means to disrupt biofilms. However, none of these approaches have led to desired or optimal biofilm control and hence search for novel approach continues. Shockwaves are used in medical practice for various therapeutic purposes and in local drug delivery, gene therapy, wound healing & regeneration. With this background, a study was designed with an attempt to explore the possibility of using the shockwave for their effect on multispecies oral biofilm development from subgingival plaque samples obtained from chronic periodontitis patients. Plaque samples from 25 patients were used to derive multispecies biofilm which were used to check the efficacy of shockwaves and antibacterial efficacy of four clinically relevant antimicrobials. Biofilms were analyzed by scanning electron microscope; atomic force microscope and their biomass was quantitated by crystal violet staining. Further, a humanized rat model of periodontitis was developed. Patient derived plaque was used to establish periodontitis in healthy rats. The model was validated by performing colony forming unit (CFU) analysis of the infected tissue. The animals were subjected to low intensity shockwaves using a hand-held shockwave generator at the site of infection. Shockwave treatment was done with or without antimicrobial application. The animals were monitored for clearance of infection and for mortality. The results show that shockwave treatment in combination with antimicrobials is significantly effective in clearing a multispecies biofilm. This also brings out the possibility of application of shockwaves in the management of oral biofilms either alone or in combination with established antimicrobial agents. With further research, safety profile validation and clinical trials, shockwaves can be an effective, novel approach in management of biofilm associated periodontal disease.

Association between Diabetic Retinopathy and Chronic Periodontitis-A Cross-Sectional Study.

Periodontal disease (PD), a chronic inflammatory condition characterized by destruction of the supporting tissues of the teeth, increases the risk of complications in diabetics. Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a microvascular complication of prolonged hyperglycaemia. There appears to be a similarity in the pathogenesis of DR and PD. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the association, if any, between DR and PD, correlate the severity of DR with the severity of PD, and investigate the association between glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), serum creatinine and periodontal variables. The periodontal status of 200 adult diabetic patients in the age group of 30⁻65 years with varying severity of DR was assessed. Evaluation of the severity of PD was assessed by recording clinical parameters. Haematological investigations including glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and serum creatinine were estimated before the initiation of treatment for DR. A statistically significant association between the mean duration of diabetes mellitus (DM) and the severity of DR and PD was found. The severity of PD was directly correlated with the severity of DR. There was a significant association between the levels of HbA1c and serum creatinine and severity of DR and PD. There could be a plausible relationship between DR and PD. Further prospective studies on a larger population with longer follow-ups are required to ascertain whether PD and its severity directly affect the progression and severity of DR.

Effect of in-situ application of simvastatin gel in surgical management of osseous defects in chronic periodontitis-A randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: The present randomized controlled clinical study was designed to investigate the effect of in situ application of 1.2 mg Simvastatin (SV) gel in the surgical management of Intrabony defects in chronic periodontitis patients. METHODOLOGY: 20 patients contributing 40 sites were categorized into two treatment groups: Open flap debridement plus 1.2 mg SV gel (Group 1) and Open flap debridement plus Placebo gel (Group 2). Gingival index (GI), Plaque index (PI), Pocket depth (PD) and clinical attachment level (CAL) were recorded at baseline, 3 months, 6 months and 9 months. At baseline and at the end of 6 and 9 months Radiographic evaluation of Intrabony defect fill was done using Image j software. RESULTS: Significant reduction of GI, PD and gain in CAL was observed at the end of 9 months in both groups. Amount of bone fill and percentage of original defect fill in Group 1 was statistically highly significant than Group 2 at the end of 6 and 9 months. CONCLUSION: Higher amount of decrease in GI and PD along with more amount of CAL gain was observed in treatment group than control group. Radiological assessment confirmed that significant intrabony defect fill and percentage fill of original defect in treatment group than controlled group.

Diode laser therapy in the management of chronic periodontitis - A clinico-microbiological study.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic periodontitis (CP) is an infectious disease resulting in inflammation of the supporting tissues of the teeth with progressive attachment loss and bone loss. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of 980-nm diode laser, as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) in the management of CP. METHODOLOGY: A total of 40 systemically healthy subjects diagnosed with CP were randomly assigned into two groups G1 (SRP and sham application of laser) and G2 (SRP and laser irradiation) with equal numbers in each. The levels of Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) were estimated from plaque samples using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Clinical and microbiological parameters were assessed at baseline, 4-6, and 12-14 weeks posttreatment in both groups. RESULTS: A gradual reduction in the levels of Pg and improvement in clinical parameters were observed from baseline to 4-6 and 12-14 weeks in both groups. However, the comparison between groups, although clinically relevant, was not found to be statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Although a 980-nm diode laser may not have any added benefit compared with SRP, it may emerge as an effective non-surgical treatment option in advanced periodontitis with complex inaccessible subgingival niches where comprehensive periodontal care may not be feasible.

Assessment of Streptococcus mutans in healthy versus gingivitis and chronic periodontitis: A clinico-microbiological study.

BACKGROUND: Dental caries and periodontal disease are most common oral diseases. Streptococcus mutans are considered to be the major pathogens in initiation of dental caries. Evidence shows that periodontal disease and caries share a number of contributory factors. Thus in view of these findings it would be worthwhile to examine whether Streptococcus mutans persist within the saliva and subgingival environment of the periodontitis patients and to determine whether there is any association between Streptococcus mutans colonization, pH of saliva and sub-gingival plaque pH in periodontal diseases before therapy. METHODS: The study comprises of 75 subjects aged between 20-70 years, reporting to department of Periodontology, KLEs Institute of Dental Sciences, Bangalore. Subjects were divided into 3 groups of 25 each. Group 1 - Healthy controls, Group 2 - Gingivitis Group, 3 - Chronic periodontitis. Unstimulated saliva was collected in sterile container and immediately pH was evaluated. Subgingival plaque samples were collected from four deepest periodontal pockets in chronic periodontitis and from first molars in healthy subjects using 4 sterile paper points. In gingivitis subjects samples were collected from areas showing maximum signs of inflammation. All paper points and saliva samples were cultured on mitis salivarius agar culture media with bacitracin for quantification of the Streptococcus mutans colonies. RESULTS: Increased colonization of Streptococcus mutans was seen in chronic periodontitis subjects both in saliva and sub-gingival plaque samples. There was also a positive correlation seen with the periodontal parameters. CONCLUSION: More severe forms of periodontal disease may create different ecological niches for the proliferation of Streptococcus mutans.

Revelation of Viral - Bacterial Interrelationship in Aggressive Periodontitis via Polymerase Chain Reaction: A Microbiological Study.

BACKGROUND: Periodontal disease is one of the most common and complex disease affecting mankind. Being multifactorial in etiology it encompasses a variety of infectious entities with various unique microbial constellations and immune responses. A bacteriologic cause alone seems insufficient in explaining several clinical features of the periodontal disease. Recent studies suggest that periodontal herpes viruses comprise an important source of triggering periodontal tissue destruction. The following study aims to assess human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV-I) interaction with the established periodontopathic bacteriae, Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa) in pathogenesis of aggressive periodontitis (AgP) using Hotstart polymerase chain reaction (PCR). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 30 subjects, 15 with AgP and 15 healthy controls contributed random subgingival plaque samples. PCR methodology was used to identify the subgingival herpesviruses, Pg, and Aa. Yates corrected Chi-square test was employed to identify a statistical association between herpesviruses and periodontopathic bacteriae. RESULTS: Findings suggested that viruses may be pertinent to disease progression. The prevalence of the periodontopathic bacteria Aa was found in 53.33% (P = 0.0168, S) and Pg in 40% (P = 0.2155, NS) of the AgP patients. Herpesviruses, HCMV and EBV-I were found to have a prevalence of 46.67% (P = 0.039, S) and 40% (P = 0.084, NS). The viral and bacterial co-infection was found to be 77.78% (P = 0.0002, S) with Aa and HCMV. CONCLUSION: The present data reveals, viruses may exert periodontopathic effect by causing local immunosupression which may set a stage for the subgingival colonization and multiplication of periodontal bacteriae. Further studies are needed to develop an understanding into the significance of herpesviruses in human periodontitis which, may allow for improved diagnosis, more specific therapy and ultimately disease prevention.

The detection of BANA micro-organisms in adult periodontitis before and after scaling and root planing by BANA-Enzymatic™ test kit: An in vivo study.

BACKGROUND: Many paraclinical methods are available today for an accurate assessment of the periodontal status prior and during the periodontal treatment. The microbial-enzymatic N-benzoyl-DL-arginine-2-napthylamide (BANA) test is one of the modern alternatives to bacterial cultures. It detects the presence of three periodontal pathogens in the subgingival plaque (Porphyromonas gingivalis, Treponema denticola and Tannerella forsythia). AIMS AND OBJECTIVE: The aim and objective of this study was to detect the presence of BANA micro-organisms and also to determine the effect of scaling and root planning in adult periodontitis patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total number of 20 patients (80 sites) all having periodontitis were selected. Four test sites (permanent molar from each quadrant) were selected from each patient and assessed for plaque index, bleeding index and pocket depth before and after scaling and root planning. BANA test was used for the detection and prevalence of the "red complex" bacteria in plaque samples. RESULTS: Showed that the BANA tests are statistically correlated with the severity of periodontal destruction. There was a significant correlation between the BANA test results and the quantity of bacterial plaque, the test being influenced by the composition of bacterial plaque. CONCLUSION: This study encourages the use of such chair-side tests for a proper diagnosis of periodontal disease and for a good evaluation of the treatment results.

Dissemination of aerosol and splatter during ultrasonic scaling: a pilot study.

CONTEXT: Routine dental procedures produce aerosol and splatter, which pose a potential risk to the clinician and dental personnel, as well as the immunocompromised patient. Reports indicate that the ultrasonic scaler is the greatest producer of aerosol and splatter. AIMS: The study aimed to evaluate the contamination distance, contamination amount and contamination duration of aerosol produced during ultrasonic scaling. METHODS AND MATERIALS: The study was performed on a mannequin fitted with phantom jaws on a dental chair. Mock scaling was done for 15 min using an auto-tuned magnetostrictive ultrasonic scaler with the simultaneous use of a low volume saliva ejector. An ultrafiltrate-containing fluorescent dye was used in the reservoir supplying the scaler unit. Filter paper discs were placed in different positions and distances in the operatory. Immediately following scaling, the filter paper discs were replaced with new ones. This was done every 30 min for a total duration of 90 min. RESULTS: Maximum contamination was found on the right arm of the operator and left arm of the assistant. Contamination was also found on the head, chest and inner surface of the face mask of the operator and of the assistant. The aerosol was found to remain in the air up to 30 min after scaling. CONCLUSIONS: The occupational health hazards of dental aerosols can be minimized by following simple, inexpensive precautions.

Clinical evaluation of hydroxyapatite and ß-tricalcium phosphate composite graft in the treatment of intrabony periodontal defect: A clinico-radiographic study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Hydroxyapatite (HA) and ß-tricalcium phosphate (ß-TCP) grafts have shown to be effective in promoting the clinical signs of periodontal regeneration in intrabony defects. The aim of our study was to clinically and radiographically evaluate the efficacy of HA and ß-TCP composite bone graft material in the treatment of intrabony three-wall defect. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty patients participated in this study. Interproximal bony defects were surgically treated with a combination of HA-ßTCP (biphasic calcium phosphate). Changes in clinical parameters such as gingival status, probing pocket depth, clinical attachment, and radiographic estimation of the amount of bone fill were evaluated after 6 months postoperatively. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Student's "t" test. RESULTS: This treatment modality resulted in significant pocket depth reduction and clinical attachment gain which were observed to be 2.938 mm (47.04%) and 3.188 mm (29.09%), respectively. The defect fill as seen radiographically was 3.204 mm (63.195%). All the differences were highly significant and in favor of postoperative group. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that HA-ßTCP (biphasic calcium phosphate) provides an added regenerative effect in promoting the clinical resolution of intrabony three-wall defects in patients with periodontitis.

C-reactive Protein as Predict of Increased Carotid Intima Media Thickness in Patients with Chronic Periodontitis.

BACKGROUND: C-reactive protein (CRP) - a prototypic marker of inflammation has been shown to be elevated in chronic periodontitis (CP) and also been shown to predict cardiovascular events. Increased carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) has been recently recognized as surrogate marker for atherosclerosis. In this context, we studied to correlate between CIMT and CRP in CP and to know whether CRP predicts the cardiovascular risk in CP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study consisted of 30 systemically healthy subjects aged over 40 years - 15 subjects with CP as cases and 15 subjects with no periodontitis as controls. All subjects were subjected to measurement of CRP levels and CIMT in addition to detailed periodontal evaluation. Quantitative determination of CRP was done by turbidimetric immunoassay. IMT of the common carotid arteries was estimated bilaterally using B-mode ultrasound at 6 sites. Positive CRP was defined as more than 10 mg/l. RESULTS: Mean CRP levels were significantly higher in subjects with CP (19.58 ± 17.03), then in non CP (NCP) (5.54 ± 1.63, P < 0.004). Mean CIMT value was significantly higher in subjects with CP (1.09 ± 0.45) than in NCP (0.57 ± 0.06, P < 0.001) and all periodontal indices correlated well with CIMT. Further, there was significant correlation between CRP and increased CIMT in subjects with CP (r = 0.863, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The present study indicates CRP as a possible underlying pathway in the association between periodontal disease and the observed CIMT. CRP can be used as a risk predictor for atherosclerosis in patients with CP.

Potential effect of neutrophil functional disorders on pathogenesis of aggressive periodontitis.

INTRODUCTION: Leukocytes play a key role in maintaining the balance between an effective host defence response to microorganisms and periodontal tissue destruction. Neutrophil dysfunction has been associated with increased susceptibility to periodontal diseases. We undertook this study to determine to what extent neutrophil dysfunction constitutes to the pathogenesis of aggressive periodontitis (AgP) in tropical country like ours. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Age- and sex-matched groups consisting of 20 subjects each of generalized aggressive periodontitis (GAP)-cases and nonperiodontitis (NP)-controls. diabetes mellitus, HIV infection, prolonged antibiotic use and smoking were excluded. Each neutrophil function was assessed using the chemotactic assay using case in, phagocytosis assay, candidacidal assay (for intracellular killing) and NBT assay (for respiratory burst failure). STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Student's t-test, Fisher's exact test and Chi-square test. RESULTS: In the study 17 out of 20 subjects (85%) had at least one abnormal neutrophil assay either hypofunctional or hyperfunctional of which 16 (80%) had hypofunctional assays and 8 (40%) had hyperfunctional assays. Defective phagocytosis was the commonest (50%) followed by chemotactic defect (45%), defective respiratory burst (40%) and defective intracellular killing (30%). Mean of chemotaxis assay was significantly less in AgP when compared to controls (103 vs 129 µm, p=0.002), similarly for phagocytic defect (3.45 vs 4.65, p≤0.001) and with candidacidal assay (26.80 vs 37.35, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of neutrophil dysfunction, predominantly hypofunctional, was significantly very high in GAP patients with few even having hyperactive respiratory burst function. Multiple level neutrophil defects could account for the aggressive nature of AgP even in apparently healthy subjects.

Comparative analysis of hyaluronan gel and xanthan-based chlorhexidine gel, as adjunct to scaling and root planing with scaling and root planing alone in the treatment of chronic periodontitis: A preliminary study.

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of hyaluronan (HA) and chlorhexidine (CHX) gels as adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) in the treatment of chronic periodontitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty patients within the age group of 30-65 years recruited to participate in the study were randomly equally divided into three groups. Complete SRP and subgingival debridement were performed within 6 h in all the patients. For control (Group I) patients, SRP was the only treatment modality given; for Group II and III patients, at least 8 teeth with 4-8 mm probing pocket depth (PPD) were selected for subgingival application of HA gel and CHX gel, respectively. Clinical periodontal parameters such as gingival index, PPD, and clinical attachment level (CAL) were recorded at baseline and 3 months, whereas plaque index was recorded at baseline, 1 month, and 3 months. For measuring systemic/hematological parameters, blood samples for laboratory tests for total leucocyte count (TLC), differential leucocyte count (DLC), and C-reactive protein (CRP) were obtained using standard 2-mL syringe from each subject in all the three groups at baseline, 24 h, and on the 1 month and 3 months post-baseline. RESULTS: In all the three groups, a significant reduction in PPD and gain in CAL were observed between baseline and 3 months follow-up (P< 0.05); however, at 3 months, change in PPD and CAL was more in Group II than Group III, but the difference was non-significant, and Group I (control) showed less changes in PPD and CAL than both experimental groups. Only one patient revealed positive value for CRP at baseline only, and hence could not be statistically analyzed. In all the three groups, the peak values for TLC count were observed at 24 h. At 1-month and 3-month intervals, a significant improvement in TLC and DLC counts was observed among the experimental (HA gel/SRP and Xan-CHX gel) groups as compared to control group (SRP alone).

Evaluation of serum resistin levels in periodontal health and disease and effects of non surgical periodontal therapy on its levels.

BACKGROUND: Resistin and adiponectin are the adipokines secreted by adipocytes and various inflammatory cells. These adipokines are known to play an important role in insulin resistance. The aim of this study was to determine the serum resistin levels in periodontal health and disease and also, to determine the effect of nonsurgical periodontal therapy on its levels. METHODS: A total of 40 patients (20 Males and 20 Females; age range 20-50 years) participated in the study. Subjects were categorized as healthy (group 1; Controls) and chronic periodontitis (group 2; Study) groups based on their periodontal status. Periodontal parameters (Plaque index (PI), Gingival index (GI), Bleeding index (BI), Probing pocket depth (PPD), Clinical attachment loss (CAL)) together with serum resistin levels were assessed at baseline and between 6-8 weeks following nonsurgical periodontal therapy for subjects in group 2 and only at baseline in group 1. Sera were tested in duplicate (single run), and the results were averaged. RESULTS: Study group showed higher (1.89 ± 1.83 ng/ml) serum resistin levels, compared to control group (1.35 ± 0.70 ng/ml). However, this difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.227). Also, resistin levels decreased following nonsurgical periodontal therapy but, this decrease failed to show any statistical significance, with pretreatment levels being 1.89 ± 1.83 ng/ml and post treatment levels being 1.59 ± 1.01 ng/ml (P = 0.386). CONCLUSION: Observations of the present study revealed that there was not much difference in the serum resistin levels between the cases and the controls. Also the decrease in the resistin levels following nonsurgical periodontal therapy did not show any statistical significance.

Association between alveolar bone loss and serum C-reactive protein levels in aggressive and chronic periodontitis patients.

BACKGROUND: C-reactive protein (CRP) is an acute phase reactant that is produced in response to diverse inflammatory stimuli, and is known predictor of cardiovascular disease risk. Aggressive and chronic periodontitis are two main forms of periodontal disease, which differ mainly in the method of disease progression. This study aims at determining and comparing the relative levels of serum CRP and alveolar bone loss in aggressive and chronic periodontitis patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 45 subjects, which were divided into 3 groups diagnosed as having generalized aggressive periodontitis (GAP), chronic generalized periodontitis (CGP) and non-periodontitis controls (NP), were selected for the study. Venous blood samples were collected for quantitative CRP analysis using Turbidimetric immunoassay. Alveolar bone loss (ABL) was measured at proximal sites of posterior teeth on a panoramic radiograph. The relationship between the mean ratio of ABL to root length and serum CRP levels was statistically analyzed using Student unpaired t-test, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Pearson's correlation coefficient. RESULTS: Mean CRP levels were significantly greater in both GAP (7.49±2.31 mg/l) and CGP (4.88±1.80 mg/l) groups as compared to NP (0.68±0.23 mg/l) with P value <0.0001. The mean value of ABL (%) was 31.58 in CGP group and 36.77 in the GAP group, the difference being statistically significant (P=0.0079). Correlation coefficient between CRP and ABL is 0.9310 in CGP, and 0.9252 in GAP, which indicates a positive correlation between both variables. CONCLUSION: Both forms of periodontitis are associated with increased systemic inflammatory response with aggressiveness of disease progression determining the degree of response.

Assessment of periodontal health status in patients undergoing renal dialysis: A descriptive, cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: An inter-relationship between periodontal disease and systemic health has been suspected for centuries, but evidence to explain the connection has only been elucidated in the past few decades. Among the systemic diseases, end stage renal disease has been shown to affect not only the general health of the patient but also oral and periodontal health. This study was undertaken to gain an insight into whether duration of dialysis therapy influences the oral and periodontal health of these patients and also to see if these parameters reflect their biochemical values. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted on 75 patients undergoing dialysis and a control group of 25 subjects. The study group was divided into three subgroups depending upon the duration of dialysis. Oral hygiene and periodontal disease status were measured by Simplified Oral Hygiene Index by Greene and Vermillion and Periodontal Disease Index by Ram-fjord. Biochemical parameters measured were blood urea nitrogen and salivary urea levels. Comparison of these parameters was made between the study and control groups through analysis of variance (ANOVA) and student's t-test. RESULTS: Prevalence of periodontal disease was evident in the dialysis group. Oral hygiene status was poor in comparison with the control group. Clinical and biochemical parameters showed statistically significant difference between the groups rather than within the groups. CONCLUSION: Oral and periodontal health appeared to be compromised. Their deteriorating general health is anticipated to cause negligence towards oral health care. This population needs comprehensive oral and periodontal care right from the diagnosis of chronic renal failure. There exists a need for communication between nephrologists and oral health care professionals. Longitudinal studies warranted in this regard.

Comparison of cardiovascular disease risk in two main forms of periodontitis.

BACKGROUND: C-reactive protein (CRP) is an acute phase reactant and has been proved to be a significant predictor of future cardiovascular events. Recent studies have demonstrated a correlation between periodontitis and elevated CRP levels. However, comparison between the levels of CRP in two main forms of periodontitis is ambiguous. This study aims at determining and comparing the relative levels of serum CRP in aggressive and chronic periodontitis patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 240 systemically healthy subjects were divided into three groups of 80 based on having generalized aggressive periodontitis, chronic generalized periodontitis and non-periodontitis (NP; controls). Venous blood samples were collected for quantitative CRP analysis using turbidimetric immunoassay. RESULTS: Mean CRP levels were significantly greater in both generalized aggressive periodontitis (7.49±2.31 mg/l) and chronic generalized periodontitis (4.88±1.80 mg/l) groups as compared to NP (0.68±0.23 mg/l) controls. Moreover, CRP levels were significantly higher in aggressive periodontitis as compared to chronic periodontitis patients. Also, CRP levels positively correlated with the amount of periodontal destruction as measured by probing depth and clinical attachment loss for both chronic generalized periodontitis and generalized aggressive periodontitis. CONCLUSION: Findings of the present study indicated that periodontitis should be of particular concern in younger individuals, where elevated levels of CRP may contribute to early or more rapid cardiovascular disease in susceptible patients. Thus, further research should be carried out at a community level to ascertain these findings.

Antihyperlipidemic potential of Cedrus deodara extracts in monosodium glutamate induced obesity in neonatal rats.

OBJECTIVE: To study the antihyperlipidemic effect of Cedrus deodara (C. deodara) against monosodium glutamate (MSG) induced obesity in neonatal rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The studies were carried out on newborn neonatal rats and were injected intraperitoneally with 2 mg/g of MSG on the 2(nd) and 4(th) postnatal days and 4 mg/g on 6(th), 8(th) and 10(th) postnatal days. Ethanolic extract (EE) and acetone extract (AE) of C. deodara was administered in a dose of 100 and 200 mg/kg, p.o./day at the age of 65 days. On day 60 of treatment, body weight, locomotor activity, body temperature, and various biochemical parameters like serum glucose, total cholesterol, triglyceride, and organs weights were recorded. RESULTS: There was a significant reduction in body weight, organs and increased body temperature, locomotor activity after treatment with extracts. C. deodara decreased serum glucose, total cholesterol and triglyceride, low density lipoprotein (LDL) and very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) levels and increased high density lipoprotein (HDL) significantly has compared to MSG-control rats. CONCLUSION: C. deodara extracts exhibited antihyperlipidemic effect and it possesses anti-obesity properties in MSG induced obese rats.

Interleukin-6 promoter polymorphism (-174 G/C) in Indian patients with chronic periodontitis.

Recent studies have focused on genetic polymorphism of the interleukin-6 (IL-6) gene, which has led to a better understanding of the intricate interactions between host response, microorganisms, and genetics. Genotype prevalence appears to vary by the race and ethnicity of the population studied. We used a polymerase chain reaction technique to determine the prevalence of single nucleotide polymorphism in IL-6 at position -174 G>C in a population of 30 South Indians. Blood samples were collected from 15 chronic periodontitis patients and 15 healthy controls. The results showed that the G/G genotype was significantly more frequent in the chronic periodontitis group and that the C/C genotype was significantly more frequent in the control group (P = 0.0069 for both). The G allele was more frequent in chronic periodontitis patients (76.67%), whereas the C allele was more frequent in the control group (73.33%). Among chronic periodontitis patients, the odds ratio for having the G allele, as compared with the controls, was 9.04. In this population, the presence of the G/G genotype of IL-6 (-174) might increase susceptibility to chronic periodontitis, whereas the C/C genotype may have a protective effect.

Herpesviruses in chronic and aggressive periodontitis patients in an Indian population.

Many recent studies have assessed the prevalence and role of herpesviruses in the etiopathogenesis of periodontal diseases, which has led to the realization of intricate interactions between viruses and bacteria within periodontal pockets. It has also been shown that the occurrence of herpesviruses may vary depending upon the age of the patient and the race of the population studied. Thus, the present study aimed at detecting herpes simplex virus type 1 and 2 (HSV 1 and 2), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) in periodontal pockets of Indian patients with chronic and aggressive periodontitis. Subgingival plaque samples (n = 33) were collected from 19 randomly chosen chronic periodontitis and 14 aggressive periodontitis patients. Herpesviruses were detected using multiplex polymerase chain reaction technique. Chronic periodontitis patients revealed presence of HSV-1 in 19 (100%) samples, HSV-2 in 3 (15.7%), EBV in 15 (78.9%) and HCMV in 5 (26.31%) samples. Samples from aggressive periodontitis patients showed the presence of HSV-1 in 8 (57.14%), EBV in 4 (28.57%) and HCMV in 1 (7.14%), whereas HSV-2 was not detected in any specimen. In this population, herpesviruses were found more frequently in chronic periodontitis than in aggressive periodontitis patients and their prevalence may vary according to the age and race of the patient.