MicroRNAs expression pattern related to mast cell activation and angiogenesis in paraffin-embedded salivary gland tumors.

The aim of this study was evaluate the expression profile of microRNAs related to mast cells activation and angiogenesis in salivary glands tumors. METHOD: We have analyzed the expression of miR-9, miR-16, miR-17, miR-132, miR-195 and miR-221 by real-time RT-PCR, in 11 adenoid cystic carcinomas, 9 mucoepidermoid carcinomas and 11 pleomorphic adenomas. Immunohistochemical investigation was performed to detect mast cells tryptase and CD-34 for microvessels biomarkers. miR-16, miR-17, miR-132, miR-195 and miR-221 showed a decreased expression, whereas miR-9 showed an increased expression in most cases compared to normal tissues. However, in all tumors studied only miR-9 showed a statistical significant negative correlation with microvessel density (p=0.001). It was observed a higher density of mast cells in mucoepidermoid carcinomas (10.55 cells/mm2) when compared to adenoid cystic carcinomas (6.27 cells/mm2) and between mucoepidermoid carcinomas and pleomorphic adenomas (5.97células/mm2). miR-17, miR-132, miR-195 and miR-221 seem to play an important role as tumor suppressor in salivary gland tumors. In addition, the significant correlation between mast cell and microvessel density contributes to the growth and pathogenesis of these tumors and they may become strong therapeutic targets in the future.

Prevalence of orofacial alterations in sickle cell disease: a review of literature

AIM: To evaluate the manifestations of sickle cell disease on the orofacial complex through a review of current literature concerning prevalence of dental caries, periodontal disease, temporomandibular joint disorders and radiographic alterations of maxillofacial bones. METHODS: Full-text papers retrieved from MEDLINE and LILACS electronic databases were critically reviewed. RESULTS: Alterations of maxillofacial bones are well documented in the literature, but studies reporting caries, periodontal condition and temporomandibular joint alterations in are scarce and inconclusive. CONCLUSION: Further well-designed epidemiological studies are needed to indicate the real impact of this disease on the stomatognathic health, collaborating to improve public health policies.

Changes in water sorption and solubility of dental adhesive systems after cigarette smoke.

Aim. To evaluate the effect of cigarette smoke on water sorption and solubility of four adhesive systems. Materials and Methods. Sixteen disks of each adhesive system were prepared (Adper Scotchbond Multipurpose Adhesive (SA); Adper Scotchbond Multipurpose Adhesive System (Adhesive + Primer) (SAP); Adper Single Bond Plus (SB); Adper Easy One (EO)). Specimens were desiccated until a constant mass was obtained and divided into two groups (n = 8). One-half of the specimens were immersed in deionized water, while the other half were also immersed, but with daily exposure to tobacco smoke. After 21 days, disks were measured again and stored in desiccators until constant mass was achieved. Data were calculated according to ISO specifications and statistically analyzed. Results. The tobacco smoke only significantly affected the water sorption and solubility of EO. There were significant differences in both analyses among materials tested. The SB exhibited the highest water sorption, followed by EO, which demonstrated significantly higher solubility values than SB. The SA and SAP showed low water sorption and solubility, and there were no significant differences between the two. Conclusion. Regardless of smoke exposure, both simplified adhesive systems presented an inferior performance that could be related to the complex mixture of components in such versions.

Sickle cell disease does not predispose to caries or periodontal disease.

This study investigated the prevalence of dental caries and periodontal condition in a population with sickle cell disease (SCD), analyzing some associations with disease severity. The Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth index (DMFT) and Community Periodontal Index (CPI) were recorded for 99 individuals with SCD and 91 matched controls. Socio-demographic status, oral health behaviors, and history of clinical severity of SCD were assessed. Statistical comparisons were performed between the group with SCD and the control group, as well as multivariate logistic regression analyses with DMFT index and CPI as the dependent variables. The mean number of decayed teeth was significantly higher in individuals with HbSS. Older age, female gender, and daily smoking were identified as risk factors for higher DMFT, while older age and absence of daily use of dental floss were risk factors for the development of periodontal disease. In conclusion, risk factors known to cause caries and periodontal disease had more influence on oral health than the direct impact of SCD.