Differential expression of Cadherins switch and Caveolin-2 during stages of oral carcinogenesis.

Background: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) accounts for 90% of oral malignancies, which may be preceded by oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs). Cancer progression involves the downregulation of epithelial markers (E-cadherin) and the upregulation of mesenchymal markers (N-cadherin), which together characterise the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Furthermore, caveolin can act on cell adhesion and migration events that regulate the expression of the E-cadherin/α-ß-catenin complex, thus favouring aggressive biological behaviour. This study aimed to analyse the immunoexpression of E-cadherin, N-cadherin and caveolin-2 at different stages of oral carcinogenesis to identify reliable biomarkers to predict malignant potential. Methods: Expressions of E-cadherin and N-cadherin in 14 normal oral mucosae (NOM), 14 OPMD and 33 OSCC specimens were evaluated using immunohistochemistry. Clinicopathological parameters were also assessed. Results: E-cadherin immunoexpression was significantly reduced during the progression of oral carcinogenesis (P = 0.0018). N-cadherin immunoexpression did not show any statistical differences between these groups. However, a representative number of N-cadherin-positive OSCC cases did not express E-cadherin. The expression of caveolin-2 increased significantly with the progression of the disease, from NOM to OSCC (P value: 0.0028). Conclusion: These findings indicate that cadherin switch and caveolin-2 immunoexpression may be regulatory events in oral carcinogenesis.

Perinatal and post-weaning exposure to a high-fat diet causes histomorphometric, neuroplastic, and histopathological changes in the rat ileum.

Exposure to a diet with a high saturated fat content can influence the characteristics of the gastrointestinal tract, causing losses in the absorption of nutrients and favoring the appearance of diseases. The objective was to assess the effects of a high-fat diet (HFD) in the perinatal (pregnancy and lactation) and post-weaning period on the histomorphometry, neuroplasticity, and histopathology of the ileum. Wistar rats were divided into four subgroups: Control/Control (CC, n = 10) rats fed a control diet (C) throughout the trial period; Control/HFD (CH, n = 9) rats fed diet C (perinatal) and HFD after weaning; HFD/Control (HC, n = 10) rats fed HFD (perinatal) and diet C (post-weaning); HFD/HFD (HH, n = 9) rats fed HFD throughout the experimental period. There was atrophy of the Ileum wall with a reduction in the muscular tunic, submucosa, and mucosa thickness in the HH group of 37%, 28%, and 46%, respectively (p < 0.0001). The depth of the crypts decreased by 29% (p < 0.0001) and height increased by 5% (p < 0.0013). Villus height decreased by 41% and 18% in HH and HC groups (p < 0.0001) and width decreased by 11% in the HH (p < 0.0001). The height of the enterocytes decreased by 18% in the HH (p < 0.0001). There was a decrease in the area of the myenteric and submucosal plexus ganglia in the HH and HC groups (p < 0.0001). The number, occupation, and granules of Paneth cells increased in the HH and HC groups (p < 0.0001). Intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs) increased in all groups exposed to the HFD. Goblet cells decreased in groups CH and HH (p < 0.0001). The evidence from this study suggests that the HFD had altered the histomorphometry, neuroplasticity, and histopathology of the ileum of the rats.

Histological evaluation of skin lesions induced by Leishmania braziliensis treated by PACT using Laser light and 1.9 dimethyl-methylene blue.

This study aimed to perform a histological evaluation in skin lesions caused by Leishmania braziliensis after PACT treatment using Laser associated with 1.9. dimethyl methylene blue BALB/c mouse ear infection model was used. A total of 40 animals were assigned into two groups considering time intervals at 5 and 10 weeks and subdivided into four subgroups: Control, Photosensitizer, Laser and PACT. Two therapeutic interventions were performed after the 5th week of infection at 48 h intervals. 1.9 Dimethyl methylene blue was used as a photosensitizer at the concentration of 7 ng/mL, with a non-invasive topical administration method associated with Laser (λ = 660 nm, 40 mW, 12 J/cm2). Sample collection occurred 5 or 10 weeks after therapeutic interventions. The main histological findings were observed in the laser and PACT groups at the 10-week evaluation. The Laser group showed reduced lymphoplasmacytic inflammation and histiocytes (p = 0.0079). The PACT group showed reductions in lymphoplasmacytic inflammation at 5 and 10 weeks, discrete reduction of histiocytes and a higher percentage of tissue remodeling. PACT with non-invasive topical administration of the photosensitizer was able to reduce lymphoplasmacytic inflammation and increase tissue remodeling in leishmaniosis skin lesions. This protocol may be easily used in humans and clinical trial shall be carried out to confirm the animal's findings.

Mast Cells and Proteins Related to Myofibroblast Differentiation (PAR-2, IL-6, and TGFß1) in Salivary Cancers: A Preliminary Study.

Salivary gland neoplasms represent an important group of cancers in the head and neck and myoepithelial cells play a key role on the development these tumors. This study evaluated the distribution of mast cells and related proteins (PAR-2, TGFß1, IL-6) to the myofibroblastic differentiation in malignant tumors of salivary glands with and without myoepithelial differentiation. Immunohistochemical assessement for tryptase mast cells, SMA, PAR-2, TGFß1, IL-6 was performed in 10 cases of polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma, 14 cases of mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) and 10 cases of adenoid cystic carcinoma. When the density of mast cells were compared between tumors, their density was significantly higher in MEC (P=0.08). Tumors with high expression of PAR-2 (79.4%) exhibited a high density of mast cells. Myofibroblasts were more frequent in malignant tumors with low expression (<50%) of cell masts. Individual analysis of the tumors showed no significant difference between the expression of PAR-2, IL-6, TGFß1, and myofibroblasts. When the density of mast cells, myofibroblasts and the expression of PAR-2 protein, IL-6, and TGFß1 were compared, it was no statistically significant difference between tumors with and without myoepithelial differentiation. The results of present study suggest a possible participation of mast cells and especially of PAR-2 in the development and progression of malignant salivary cancers, regardless of myoepithelial content.

Glypican-1, -3, -5 (GPC1, GPC3, GPC5) and Hedgehog Pathway Expression in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Proteoglycans are involved in tumor development and may regulate the Hedgehog (HH) pathway. This study aimed to investigate the gene and protein expression of glypican-1 (GPC1), -3 (GPC3), and -5 (GPC5) in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and tumor-free lateral margins (TM) and their association with the HH pathway. Quantitative PCR was performed for GPC1, GPC3, GPC5, SHH, PTCH1, SMO, and GLI1 genes in samples of OSCC (n=31), TM (n=12), and non-neoplastic oral mucosa (NNM) of healthy patients (n=6), alongside an immunohistochemical evaluation of GPC1, GPC3, and GPC5 proteins and HH proteins SHH and glioma-associated oncogene homolog 1 (GLI1). Double staining for GPC3/SHH, GPC5/SHH, GPC3/tubulin [ac Lys40], GPC5/Tubulin [ac Lys40], and GPC5/GLI1 was also performed. Overexpression of GPC1 and GPC5 in tumor samples and underexpressed levels of GPC3 gene transcripts were observed when compared with TM (standard sample). HH pathway mRNA aberrant expression in OSCC samples and a negative correlation between GPC1 and GPC5 at transcription levels were detected. GPC1 staining was rare in OSCC, but positive cells were found in NNM and TM. Otherwise positive immunostaining for GPC3 and GPC5 was observed in OSCCs, but not in NNM and TM. Blood vessels adjacent to tumor islands were positive for GPC1 and GPC5. Co-localization of GPC3-positive and GPC5-positive cells with SHH and Tubulin [ac Lys40] proteins was noted, as well as of GPC5 and GLI1. The absence of the GPC1 protein in neoplastic cells, underexpression of the GPC3 gene, and co-localization of GPCs and HH proteins may indicate the maintenance of aberrant HH pathway activation in OSCC.

Immunodetection of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition and Tumor Proliferation Markers in GLi-1-positive Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

In oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), involvement and activation of the Hedgehog pathway (HH) may be related to epithelial-mesenchymal transition and cell proliferation. The present study aimed to evaluate epithelial-mesenchymal transition and proliferative potential in OSCC cases demonstrating activation of the HH pathway. Twenty-three GLi-1-positive OSCC cases were submitted to immunohistochemical detection of Snail, Slug, N-cadherin, E-cadherin, ß-catenin, and MCM3 proteins. Clinical-pathologic immunoexpression data were obtained from the invasion front and tumor islets, and then compared. At the invasion front, OSCC cases presented positive Snail, Slug, and MCM3 expression in the nuclei of tumor cells. Loss of membrane and cytoplasmic expression of E-cadherin and ß-catenin was also observed. Positive N-cadherin expression was observed in 31.78% of the cases. GLi-1 immunoexpression was associated with loss of membrane E-cadherin (P<0.001), membrane ß-catenin (P<0.001), and cytoplasmic ß-catenin (P=0.02) expression. In the tumor islets, we observed nuclear expression of GLi-1, Snail, Slug, and MCM3. E-cadherin and ß-catenin showed positivity in tumor cell membranes. Statistically significant positive correlations between GLi-1 and Snail (P=0.05), E-cadherin (P=0.01), and cytoplasmic ß-catenin (P=0.04) were found. GLi-1 was associated with clinical staging, while membrane ß-catenin expression was related to the presence of metastasis in lymph nodes and to clinical staging. The HH pathway may be involved in regulating the expression of the mesenchymal phenotype. The loss of membrane E-cadherin and ß-catenin expression was observed at the tumor front region, whereas cell adhesion protein expression was detected in tumor islets regardless of MCM3.

Association between alcohol dependence and both periodontal disease and tooth loss: a cross-sectional study.

The impact of alcohol consumption on periodontal disease and tooth loss is still under debate. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate the association between alcohol dependence and both periodontal diseases and tooth loss in Brazilian native Indians. Full mouth periodontal examination was performed and tooth loss was clinically evaluated in a representative sample of 225 Indians (≥ 19 years). Sociodemographic, oral health-related data, and alcohol dependence were evaluated using structured questionnaires. The subjects were categorized as either alcohol-dependent or non-dependent according to the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test results. Severe periodontal disease was defined in individuals with ≥ 2 proximal sites with a clinical attachment level ≥ 6 mm, not on the same tooth, and ≥ 1 proximal site with a probing depth ≥ 5 mm. Tooth loss was categorized as one or more missing teeth, or no missing teeth. Bivariate models followed by logistic regression were used to assess the association between alcohol dependence and both periodontal disease and tooth loss. Prevalence ratio (PR) was calculated using Mantel-Haenszel analysis. Alcohol dependence increased 2.5 times the risk for tooth loss (prevalence ratio [PR] =2.49, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.01-9.04, p = 0.05). Severe periodontal disease was not associated with alcohol dependence (OR = 0.54, 95% CI = 0.22-1.31, p = 0.23). In conclusion, alcohol dependence was associated with tooth loss in the present population, but severe periodontal disease was not. Questions on alcohol dependence should be included in dental anamnesis questionnaires, and patients diagnosed with alcohol dependence should be referred for dental evaluation.

Association Between Mast Cells and Collagen Maturation in Chronic Periodontitis in Humans.

Mast cells (MCs) can influence the maturation of collagen fibers. This study evaluated the relationship between the distribution and degranulation of MCs and collagen maturation in human gingival tissue in chronic periodontitis. A total of 16 specimens of patients clinically diagnosed as periodontitis and 18 controls clinically diagnosed as healthy or gingivitis were included. Immunohistochemistry and Picrosirius staining were performed to identify MCs and assess collagen fibers, respectively. Chi-square, t test, and Pearson's correlation test ( p<0.05) were used. In control specimens, there was a positive association between MCs in the connective tissue and the presence of immature collagen ( p=0.001); in periodontitis samples, this association was not confirmed ( p≥0.12). There was no significant relationship between periodontal diagnosis and collagen maturation or MC degranulation ( p≥0.35). MC density was significantly higher ( p=0.04) in periodontitis tissue (339.01 ± 188.94 MCs/mm2) than in control tissue (211.14 ± 131.13 MCs/mm2) in the area of connective tissue containing inflammatory infiltrate. There was a correlation between the number of MCs and probing depth ( r = 0.34, p=0.04). MCs are involved in the pathogenesis of periodontal diseases and might be associated with collagen maturation in periodontal tissue during the early stages of periodontal disease pathogenesis.

MCM3: A Novel Proliferation Marker in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

The present study sought to evaluate and compare the immunoexpression of proteins minichromosome maintenance (MCM) 3 and Ki-67 in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) to assess the potential of these proteins as markers of cellular proliferation. Twenty-eight cases of OSCC, 9 of tumor-free resection margins (TM), and 4 of non-neoplastic oral mucosa (NNM) were subjected to immunohistochemistry to detect the expression of proteins MCM3 and Ki-67. All OSCCs demonstrated positivity for both proteins. In these tumors, greater MCM3 immunoreactivity was observed in comparison with Ki-67, whereas TMs and NNMs exhibited greater Ki-67 expression compared with MCM3. The immunoexpression of Ki-67 seemed to be influenced by the inflammatory process, particularly in TM and NNM. Our findings indicate that although both MCM3 and Ki-67 represent reliable markers of cellular proliferation in OSCC, as MCM3 expression does not appear to be influenced by external factors, this protein may emerge as a novel marker of cellular proliferation in these types of tumors.

Immunohistochemical Characterization of Cancer-associated Fibroblasts in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Myofibroblasts are differentiated contractile cells that can secrete extracellular matrix components, cytokines, proteases, and proangiogenic factors. In neoplastic processes such as oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), myofibroblasts are recognized as cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and actively participate in tumor progression. As the presence of myofibroblasts in the stroma may be an important parameter of invasion and proliferation, the aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of CAFs in OSCC by immunophenotyping and their association with histologic classification and clinicopathologic parameters. A total of 34 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded samples of OSCC were analyzed for CAF histology and immunophenotype established on the basis of the simultaneous immunohistochemical expression of α-SMA, fibronectin, FSP1, HHF35, and vimentin. According to the histologic classification of CAFs, 16 (47%) cases were classified as the mature subtype and 18 (53%) as the immature subtype. CAF immunophenotype was detected in 19 (56%) cases, and the immunophenotype was variable in 15 (44%) cases. The CAFs immunophenotype was significantly associated with the immature histologic subtype. Immunohistochemical expression of α-SMA, fibronectin, FSP1, HHF35, and vimentin represents a suitable CAF immunophenotype in OSCC. The CAF immunophenotype is associated with the immature histologic subtype. The characterization of CAFs may identify tumors with a distinct biological profile in OSCC. Studies extending the investigation of CAFs to OSCC are needed to determine the actual role of this cell population as a possible prognostic marker.

Evaluation of Mast Cell Density in the Tumor Microenvironment in Oral Epithelial Dysplasia and Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

The objective of this study was to compare mast cell density (MCD) in oral epithelial dysplasias (OED) and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and determine its correlation with clinical and histopathologic parameters and the degree of tumor differentiation. Thirty OSCC samples, 14 OED samples, and 4 non-neoplastic oral mucosa samples were analyzed by immunohistochemistry to determine MCD based on the expression of MC tryptase. In addition, MCs were categorized morphologically into degranulated and granulated cells. MCD was significantly higher in OSCC lesions with a greater degree of differentiation (P=0.04). No significant difference in MCD was detected between mild and moderate OED samples (P=0.09). Our findings indicate that MCs are present in the tumor microenvironment and may be associated with a better prognosis.

Dental health status in crack/cocaine-addicted men: a cross-sectional study.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between crack/cocaine addiction and dental health in men. Forty crack/cocaine-addicted patients and 120 nonaddicted patients (≥18 years) underwent full-mouth dental examinations. Decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) were identified using the criteria recommended by the World Health Organization. Crack/cocaine addiction was determined, based on the medical records and interviews of each patient. All drug-addicted patients used both crack and cocaine. The chi-square test and logistic regression analysis were used to assess the association between DMFT and crack/cocaine addiction (p ≤ 0.05). Decayed teeth showed a positive association with crack/cocaine addiction (odds ratio (OR) = 3.65; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.68-7.92; p = 0.001), whereas filled and missing teeth showed a negative association (filled teeth: OR = 0.37; 95% CI, 0.18-0.76; p = 0.008; missing teeth: OR = 0.33; 95% CI, 0.13-0.81; p = 0.02). The DMFT was only associated with age (OR = 2.12; 95% CI, 1.11-4.08, p = 0.023). In the present population, crack/cocaine addiction was associated with a greater decayed teeth index and a lower filled and missing teeth index. Programs aimed to encourage self-esteem and encourage individuals to seek dental care are required for this population. Further studies using a larger sample size and studies with women are required to confirm the results.

Immunohistochemical Study of TGF-ß1 in Oral Leukoplakia and Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Correlations Between Clinicopathologic Factors and Overall Survival.

The aim of the present study was to analyze transforming growth factor ß1 (TGF-ß1) expression in cases of leukoplakia and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and to correlate these expression profiles with proliferative labeling index, clinicopathologic factors, and clinical outcome. Clinical data for 24 cases of leukoplakia and 87 cases of OSCC were retrieved from medical records. OSCC tissues were included into tissue microarray blocks and sections of normal mucosa, leukoplakia, and OSCC tissue microarray's were prepared on slides. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect expression of TGF-ß1 and Ki67. The expression of TGF-ß1 and Ki67 were significantly increased from normal mucosa, through leukoplakia to OSCC. High expression of TGF-ß1 correlated with an increase in proliferative labeling index. No association between TGF-ß1 expression and the clinicopathologic factors examined was observed. Expression of TGF-ß1 also did not associate with clinical outcome in either of groups. Our results suggest that changes in TGF-ß1 are associated with the progression of oral carcinogenesis.

Ameloblastic carcinoma: a Brazilian collaborative study of 17 cases.

AIMS: Ameloblastic carcinoma (AMECA) is an odontogenic malignancy that combines the histological features of ameloblastoma and cytological atypia. Because of its rarity, it poses difficulties in diagnosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the socio-demographic data, histopathology, immunohistochemical features, treatment and outcomes of 17 cases. METHODS AND RESULTS: Descriptive statistical analyses were used to portray the clinicopathological data collected, retrospectively. Log-rank tests were performed to determine new prognostic factors. Lesions were immunostained for Ki67, p16, p53, and cytokeratins (CKs), and compared with solid/multicystic ameloblastomas (n = 15). AMECA was mostly diagnosed at a late stage, affecting the posterior mandible of male patients in their fifth decade of life. Recurrence was diagnosed in nearly 90% of treated patients, and metastasis occurred in four patients. The mean number of Ki67-positive cells was 86.4 ± 66 per field. Tumours were focally positive for CK7, CK8, CK14, and CK18, and diffusely positive for CK19, p53, and p16. AMECA showed increased immunoexpression of CK18, CK19, p16, p53 and Ki67 as compared with benign cases. CONCLUSIONS: Our study has contributed to the improved characterization of the epidemiology, prognostic markers, treatment options and outcomes of AMECA. Current criteria must be reviewed to simplify the diagnostic process for these neoplasms.

Association of dental infections with systemic diseases in Brazilian Native Indigenous: a cross-sectional study.

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate the association between dental infections and systemic diseases in the Indigenous population of Brazil. A representative sample of 225 Indigenous (≥19 years) was assessed. The T-test and bivariate and logistic models were used to assess the associations of diabetes, hypertension, and obesity with dental caries and destructive periodontal disease. After adjustments for covariates, dental caries were associated with hypertension (odds ratio = 1.95; 95% confidence interval: 1.03-3.66; P = .04). Individuals with destructive periodontal disease had a higher systolic blood pressure (124 ± 20.34 mm Hg) than those without destructive periodontal disease (117.52 ± 16.54 mm Hg; P = .01). In conclusion, dental infections were found to be associated with hypertension in the present population. Thus, patients diagnosed with hypertension should be referred for dental evaluation and vice versa.

Insulin-like Growth Factor II Messenger RNA-binding Protein 3 in Salivary Gland Tumors.

Insulin-like growth factor II mRNA-binding protein 3 (IMP3) is strongly expressed in malignant tumors and has been associated with their aggressive behavior. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of IMP3 in a series of salivary gland tumors. The sample consisted of 9 pleomorphic adenomas (PA), 14 adenoid cystic carcinomas (ACC), and 13 mucoepidermoid carcinomas (MEC) that were investigated by immunohistochemical technique. All cases of PA and MEC were positive for IMP3 particularly in the cytoplasm. PA showed 4 cases as high expression and 6 as low expression. MEC showed 10 cases as low expression and 3 as high expression. For ACC, 4 cases were high expression, whereas 6 cases were low expression. No significant difference was observed between tumors (P>0.05, Fisher's test) when both scores of IMP3 were compared. This study showed that MEC seems to be more sensitive to IMP3 than ACC and provided an insight into this protein in salivary gland tumors. Furthermore, although IMP3 is not a specific diagnostic marker to distinguish the tumors studied, it seems to mediate cell adhesion and migration in these tumors. Further studies should be performed to better understand the IMP3 biology in salivary gland tumors.

Risk indicators for tooth loss in Kiriri Adult Indians: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate the risk indicators of tooth loss in adult Kiriri Indians from Brazil. METHODS: A representative sample of 225 Indians (≥ 19 years of age) was assessed. Interviews using a structured written questionnaire were performed to collect data on demographics and socio-economic status, and health-related data. Probing depth, the distance between the cement-enamel junction and the free gingival margin, and decayed, missing or filled teeth were evaluated. Bivariate and logistic models were used to assess associations between tooth loss and age, sex, income, education, diabetic status, smoking habits, dental caries, severe periodontitis, plaque index and previous dental visit. RESULTS: Eighty per cent of subjects had lost one tooth or more, and 20% had lost eight teeth or more. Mean (± standard deviation) tooth loss was 5.09 (± 5.83) teeth. After adjustment for covariates, loss of one tooth or more was associated with older age [≥ 35 years; odds ratio (OR) = 4.06, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.38-11.94, P = 0.01], severe periodontitis (OR = 3.35, 95% CI: 0.99-11.24, P = 0.05), higher dental caries (OR = 3.24, 95% CI: 1.35-7.78, P = 0.01) and previous dental visit (OR = 23.32, 95% CI: 5.75-94.63, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Tooth loss is highly prevalent in Kiriri Indians. Older age, severe periodontitis, higher caries index and previous dental visit were associated with tooth loss. Prevention and treatment programmes, targeting high-risk groups, are required to promote the oral health of the population.

Assessment of different energy delivery settings in laser and LED phototherapies in the inflammatory process of rat's TMJ induced by carrageenan.

Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are mostly inflammatory conditions widespread in the population. Previous studies have shown positive effects of either laser or light-emitting diode (LED) phototherapies on treating TMDs, but their action and mechanism in the inflammatory infiltrate of the temporomandibular joint are still poorly understood. The aim of this study was to assess, through histological analysis, the effectiveness of using laser light (λ 780 nm, 70 mW, continous wave (CW), 10 J) and LED (λ 850 ± 10 nm, 100 mW, CW, 10 J) on the inflammation of the temporomandibular joint of rats induced by carrageenan. Forty-five animals were divided into three groups with five animals each according to the experimental times of 2, 3, and 7 days: inflammation, inflammation+laser phototherapy, and inflammation+LED phototherapy. The first irradiation was performed 24 h after induction with an interval of 48 h between sessions. After animal death, specimens were processed and stained with hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and picrosirius. Then, the samples were examined histologically. Data were statistically analyzed. The inflammation group showed mild to moderate chronic inflammatory infiltrate between bone trabecules of the condyle. Over the time course of the study in the laser group, the region of the condyle presented mild chronic inflammation and intense vascularization. In the LED group, the condyle showed aspects of normality and absence of inflammation in some specimens. In all the time points, the laser-irradiated groups showed greater amount of collagen deposition in the condyle (p = 0.04) and in the disc (p = 0.03) when compared to the inflammation and LED groups, respectively. Laser- and LED-treated groups demonstrate a smaller number of layers of the synovial membrane when compared to the non-irradiated groups. It was concluded that, in general, laser and LED phototherapies resulted in a reduction of inflammatory infiltrate in the temporomandibular joint of rat.

Alterações periodontais após a radioterapia de carcinoma orofaríngeo ou da cavidade oral / Periodontal breakdown after radiotherapy for oral cavity or oropharyngeal carcinoma

Alteração periodontal foi descrita após a radioterapia de cabeça e pescoço para o tratamento de carcinomas. No entanto, não se sabe se os pacientes submetidos à manutenção periodontal também mostram destruição periodontal. A incidência de destruição periodontal após a radioterapia de cabeça e pescoço foi avaliada em pacientes submetidos à manutenção periodontal. Descrição do caso: profundidade de sondagem (PS), nível clínico de inserção (NCI), recessão gengival (RG), índice de placa (IP), sangramento à sondagem (SS) e nível do osso alveolar (NOA) foram avaliados em seis pacientes em manutenção periodontal, antes e sete meses após a terapia de radiação. Observou-se aumento significativo na recessão gengival (de 0,6 mm a 0,8 mm; p=0,001) e redução no nível ósseo (de 6,1 mm a 7,0mm; p=0,05). Mudanças no NCI e PS não foram significativas (p > 0,05). Implicações clínicas: aumento da recessão gengival e perda óssea alveolar foram observados nos pacientes submetidos à radioterapia de cabeça e pescoço sob manutenção periodontal. Portanto, em pacientes submetidos à manutenção periodontal, alterações periodontais também podem ser esperadas com a radioterapia de cabeça e pescoço.