Anti-proliferative impact of resveratrol on gingival fibroblasts from juvenile hyaline fibromatosis.

AIM: Resveratrol is a natural polyphenolic compound with biological activities such as anti-inflammation and antioxidation. Its anti-fibrotic effect has been experimentally demonstrated in the pancreas and liver. This study aims to determine the anti-proliferative effect of resveratrol on fibroblasts obtained from hyperplastic gingival tissues from a patient diagnosed with Juvenile Hyaline Fibromatosis (JHF). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Primary gingival fibroblast cell lines were obtained from gingival growth tissues by the gingivectomy of a patient with JHF. Gingival fibroblasts were treated with or without 3 different doses of resveratrol (50, 100, 200 µM). Cytotoxicity and cell proliferation were evaluated after 24, 48, and 72 h. Collagen, TGF, and CTGF were analyzed by ELISA in the 48-hour supernatants. RESULTS: All three doses of resveratrol suppressed the proliferation of JHF gingival fibroblasts at 24 and 48 h without showing any cytotoxic effect compared to the control group (p < 0.0001). At 72 h, 100 and 200 µM resveratrol showed significantly less proliferation (p < 0.0001), less collagen, CTGF, and TGF- ß (p < 0.001) than the control group. CONCLUSION: Resveratrol had a profound anti-proliferative effect on gingival fibroblasts obtained from gingival enlargements with JHF, suggesting that it can be used as a therapeutic to prevent excessive cell growth by suppressing collagen, CTGF, and TGF- ß synthesis in the pathogenesis of hyperplasia.

Antiproliferative effect of low-level laser/ photobiomodulation on gingival fibroblasts derived from calcium channel blocker-induced gingival overgrowth.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the antiproliferative properties of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on gingival fibroblasts obtained from calcium channel blocker-induced gingival overgrowth (GO). Gingival fibroblasts of patients with GO were compared to healthy gingival fibroblasts (H). Both cells were exposed to LLLT (685 nm wavelength, 25mW power, diode laser) and compared to those not treated with LLLT. Cell proliferation and viability were measured with MTT assay at baseline and after 24 and 72 h. TGF-ß1, CTGF, and collagen Type 1 levels were evaluated with Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). LLLT significantly decreased the proliferation of GO fibroblasts (p < 0.05) while leading to a significantly higher proliferation in H fibroblasts compared to the untreated cells (p < 0.05). GO cells showed significantly higher CTGF, TGF-ß, and collagen Type 1 expression than the H cells (p < 0.05). LLLT significantly reduced CTGF levels in GO cells compared to the control group (p < 0.05). In H cells, CTGF and TGF-ß levels were also significantly decreased in response to LLLT compared to the control group (p < 0.05). While LLLT significantly reduced collagen expression in the H group (p < 0.05), it did not significantly impact the GO cells. LLLT significantly reduced the synthesis of the growth factors and collagen in both groups with an antiproliferative effect on the gingival fibroblasts from calcium channel blocker-induced GO, suggesting that it can offer a therapeutic approach in the clinical management of drug-induced GO, reversing the fibrotic changes.

The effects of a novel non-invasive application of platelet-rich fibrin on periodontal clinical parameters and gingival crevicular fluid transforming growth factor-ß and collagen-1 levels: A randomized, controlled, clinical study.

BACKGROUND: Several potential benefits have been attributed to the platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), including enhanced tissue healing properties. In this study, we hypothesized that the application of PRF as an adjunct to conventional scaling and root planing (ScRp) would enhance the outcomes of non-surgical periodontal therapy. METHODS: The present study was a split-mouth randomized controlled clinical trial design in 24 deep periodontal pockets in 12 patients with periodontitis. The pockets were randomly assigned as test or control. The test group received PRF as an adjunct to ScRp, whereas the control group received ScRp only. We measured periodontal clinical parameters at baseline, 3, and 6 months after the treatments. To study the initial healing in response to treatment, transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß) and collagen-1 (Col-1) in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay at baseline, third, seventh, and 14th days. RESULTS: The test group showed a significantly greater pocket reduction, higher clinical attachment gain, and less gingival recession than the control group at 3 and 6 months. The test Col-1 levels (1.27 ± 1.05, 1.35 ± 0.76, 0.97 ± 0.53 ng/site) and TGF-ß levels (11.93 ± 2.68, 12.54 ± 3.66, 17.19 ± 11.66 pg/site) were higher than the control Col-1 levels (0.76 ± 0.20, 0.84 ± 0.24, 0.57 ± 0.19 ng/site) and TGF-ß levels (6.34 ± 1.67, 6.35 ± 3.44, 7.51 ± 2.85 pg/site) at all measurement days respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Non-surgical application of the PRF as an adjunct to conventional ScRp may effectively improve the periodontal clinical parameters via increasing expression of the GCF TGF-ß and Col-1 levels.

Comparison of low level laser and arginine-calcium carbonate alone or combination in the treatment of dentin hypersensitivity: a randomized split-mouth clinical study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare the efficacy of low-level laser (LLL) and desensitizing paste (DP) containing 8% arginine-calcium carbonate, in the treatment of dentin hypersensitivity (DH) and also to determine whether their combined application would improve the efficacy of the treatment. BACKGROUND DATA: There are various options for the treatment of DH; however, superiority of one method over others alone has not been currently demonstrated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-one patients with 156 teeth affected by DH were included in the study. Selected teeth were randomly divided into five groups: LLL, DP, laser followed by DP (LLL+DP), DP followed by laser (DP+LLL) applied to one of the quadrants, and a control group, consisting of a randomly selected additional tooth in one of the quadrants. Teeth were irradiated by the 685 nm diode laser treatment with 25 mW at 9 Hz for 100sec at 1 cm(2) area (2J/cm(2)) in interrupted mode. Pain response to evaporative stimulus was quantified on a visual analogue scale (VAS) over a 90-day period. RESULTS: All four treatment groups experienced significant and persistent decrease in the mean VAS score immediately post-treatment until the end of the study, whereas the placebo group had high VAS scores throughout the study. On day 90, percent reduction in VAS scores was 72% for LLL, 65.4% for DP, 54.6% for LLL+DP, and 69.6% for DP+LLL, whereas the placebo group showed an increase of 7.8%. CONCLUSIONS: The application of either LLL or DP containing 8% arginine-calcium carbonate appears to be effective in decreasing DH. However, their combined use does not improve the efficacy beyond what is attainable with either treatment alone.

Immune thrombocytopenic purpura presenting as unprovoked gingival hemorrhage: a case report.

Immune thrombocytopenic purpura is an autoimmune disease characterized by auto-antibody induced platelet destruction and reduced platelet production, leading to low blood platelet count. In this case report, the clinical diagnose of a patient with immune thrombocytopenic purpura and spontaneous gingival hemorrhage by a dentist is presented. The patient did not have any systemic disease that would cause any spontaneous hemorrhage. The patient was referred to a hematologist urgently and her thrombocyte number was found to be 2000/µL. Other test results were in normal range and immune thrombocytopenic purpura diagnose was verified. Then hematological treatment was performed and patient's health improved without further problems. Hematologic diseases like immune thrombocytopenic purpura, in some cases may appear firstly in the oral cavity and dentists must be conscious of unexplained gingival hemorrhage. In addition, the dental treatment of immune thrombocytopenic purpura patients must be planned with a hematologist.

Evaluation of periodontal pathogens of the mandibular third molar pericoronitis by using real time PCR.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the mandibular third molar pericoronitis flora by using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The quantitative values of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa), Campylobacter rectus (Cr), Fusobacterium nucleatum (Fn), Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg), Prevotella intermedia (Pi) and Tannerella forsythia (Tf) were evaluated in comparison with the healthy third molar flora by using real time PCR. RESULTS: Aa, Cr, Pg, and Pi were not statistically significant but numerically higher than the pericoronitis group. In contrast to samples from control subjects, statistically significant higher numbers of Tf were detected in samples from pericoronitis patients. The study revealed the strong relation between risk of pericoronitis and the presence of Tf. Individuals who have Tf in their samples present with an almost eight times relative risk of pericoronitis as the individuals with an absence of Tf in their samples. CONCLUSION: Tf plays an important role in the development of clinical symptoms related to pericoronitis.

The effect of α-tocopherol and selenium on human gingival fibroblasts and periodontal ligament fibroblasts in vitro.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effect of α-tocopherol and selenium on gingival fibroblasts (GFs) and periodontal ligament fibroblasts (PDLFs) in terms of proliferation, basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) release, collagen type I synthesis, and wound healing. METHODS: Primary cultures of human GFs and PDLFs were isolated. Four test groups and a control group free of medication was formed. In group E, 60 µM α-tocopherol was used, and in groups ES1, ES2, and ES3, the combination of 60 µM α-tocopherol with 5 × 10(-9) M, 10 × 10(-9) M, and 50 × 10(-9) M selenium was used, respectively. Viability, proliferation, bFGF, and collagen type I synthesis from both cell types were evaluated at 24, 48, and 72 hours, and healing was compared on a new wound-healing model at 12, 24, 36, 48, and 72 hours. RESULTS: α-Tocopherol alone significantly increased the healing rate of PDLFs at 12 hours and increased bFGF and collagen type I release from GFs and PDLFs at 24, 48, and 72 hours. The α-tocopherol/selenium combination significantly enhanced the proliferation rate of both cells at 48 hours, decreased the proliferation of PDLFs at 72 hours, and increased the healing rate of GFs at 12 hours and PDLFs at 12 and 48 hours. bFGF and collagen type I synthesis was also increased in both cell types at 24, 48, and 72 hours by α-tocopherol/selenium combination. CONCLUSION: α-Tocopherol and α-tocopherol/selenium combination is able to accelerate the proliferation rate and wound-healing process and increase the synthesis of bFGF and collagen type I from both GFs and PDLFs.

Low-level laser irradiation affects the release of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), and receptor of IGF-I (IGFBP3) from osteoblasts.

OBJECTIVE: It was the aim of the present study to evaluate whether the laser irradiation of osteoblasts could enhance the release of growth factors including basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), and receptor of IGF-I (IGFBP3). BACKGROUND DATA: Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has been shown to have biostimulatory effects on various cell types by enhancing production of some cytokines and growth factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were seeded in osteogenic medium and differentiated into osteoblasts. Three groups were formed: in the first group (single dose group), osteoblasts were irradiated with laser (685 nm, 25 mW, 14.3 mW/cm(2), 140 sec, 2 J/cm(2)) for one time; and in the second group, energy at the same dose was applied for 2 consecutive days (double dose group). The third group was not irradiated with laser and served as the control group. Proliferation, viability, bFGF, IGF-I, and IGFBP3 levels were compared between groups. RESULTS: Both of the irradiated groups revealed higher proliferation, viability, bFGF, IGF-I, and IGFBP3 expressions than did the nonirradiated control group. There was increase in bFGF and IGF-I expressions and decrease in IGFBP3 in the double dose group compared to single dose group. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study indicate that LLLT increases the proliferation of osteoblast cells and stimulates the release of bFGF, IGF-I, and IGFBP3 from these cells. The biostimulatory effect of LLLT may be related to the enhanced production of the growth factors.

Effect of a self-etching adhesive containing an antibacterial monomer on clinical periodontal parameters and subgingival microbiologic composition in orthodontic patients.

INTRODUCTION: The aims of this study were to evaluate the effect of a self-etching adhesive system containing an antibacterial monomer on periodontal health and subgingival microbiologic composition in orthodontic patients and to compare it with a conventional adhesive system. METHODS: A split-mouth design was chosen, and 15 patients were included in the study. Brackets in contralateral quadrants were bonded with either a conventional adhesive system (control) or a self-etching adhesive system that contained an antibacterial monomer. Clinical periodontal parameters including plaque index, gingival index, probing depths, and bleeding on probing were determined. Subgingival plaque samples were collected before bracket placement (T0) and at the 6-month follow-up (T1). The real-time TaqMan polymerase chain reaction assay was used to determine the subgingival counts of Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythensis, Prevotella intermedia, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Fusobacterium nucleatum, and Campylobacter rectus. For clinical periodontal parameters, analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and, for bacterial counts, Wilcoxon tests were used for statistical comparisons at the P <0.05 level. RESULTS: Clinical periodontal parameters were not changed, and they were not different between the groups from T0 to T1. T forsythensis and F nucleatum increased during the treatment period in both groups (P <0.05). The majority of the bacteria were T nucleatum at T0 and T1 in both groups. Changes in bacterial load from T0 to T1 were not different between groups except for T forsythensis and F nucleatum (P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The use of an antibacterial monomer did not have an additional positive effect on clinical periodontal parameters. When used in bonding orthodontic brackets, the antibacterial monomer failed to reduce periodontopathogenic bacteria when compared with the conventional adhesive system during a 6-month treatment period.

The relationship between periodontal status and alkaline phosphatase levels in gingival crevicular fluid in men with hypergonadotropic hypogonadism.

PURPOSE: The aim of this preliminary study was to determine the possible relationship between alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels in the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and periodontal disease in men with hypergonadotropic hypogonadism (HH). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 41 patients were divided into four groups. 9 with HH and periodontitis (P/HH), 11 with HH and gingivitis (G/HH), 12 with systemically healthy and periodontally healthy (H/C) and 9 with systemically healthy and periodontitis (P/C). The clinical evaluation of patients was based on the following parameters; the plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), probing depths (PD) and attachment level (AL). The levels of ALP in the GCF were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: No significant difference could be detected in the mean clinical parameter data between the P/HH and P/C groups (p > 0.05). The periodontitis patients in both groups (P/C and P/HH) had higher mean probing depths than the H/C and G/HH patients (p < 0.001). The concentrations and total amounts of ALP in the GCF were significantly higher in both periodontitis groups compared to healthy and gingivitis groups (p < 0.01). The serum ALP levels were significantly higher in the P/HH group when compared to the other groups (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The findings of this study suggested that HH could be implicated as a contributing factor to the progress of periodontal disease.

Effects of laser irradiation on the release of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), insulin like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), and receptor of IGF-1 (IGFBP3) from gingival fibroblasts.

Various studies have shown biostimulation effects of laser irradiation by producing metabolic changes within the cells. Little is known about the biological effect of laser irradiation on the oral tissues. Among the many physiological effects, it is important to recognize that low-level laser therapy (LLLT) may affect release of growth factors from fibroblasts. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to determine whether the laser irradiation can enhance the release of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), and receptor of IGF-1 (IGFBP3) from human gingival fibroblasts (HGF). The number of all samples in the study were 30, and the samples were randomly divided into three equal groups; In the first group (single dose group), HGF were irradiated with laser energy of 685 nm, for 140 s, 2 J/cm(2) for one time, and in the second group, energy at the same dose was applied for two consecutive days (double dose group). The third group served as nonirradiated control group. Proliferation, viability, and bFGF, IGF-1, IGFBP3 analysis of control and irradiated cultures were compared with each other. Both of the irradiated groups revealed higher proliferation and viability in comparison to the control group. Comparison of the single-dose group with the control group revealed statistically significant increases in bFGF (p < 0.01) and IGF-1 (p < 0.01), but IGFBP3 increased insignificantly (p > 0.05). When the double dose group was compared with the control group, significant increases were determined in all of the parameters (p < 0.01). In the comparison of the differences between the two irradiated groups (one dose and two doses), none of the parameters displayed any statistically significant difference (p > 0.05). In both of the laser groups, LLLT increased the cell proliferation and cell viability. The results of this study showed that LLLT increased the proliferation of HGF cells and release of bFGF, IGF-1, and IGFBP3 from these cells. LLLT may play an important role in periodontal wound healing and regeneration by enhancing the production of the growth factors.

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels during two different canine distalization techniques.

OBJECTIVES: To compare levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha while applying continuous and heavy interrupted forces. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A hybrid retractor was used in the first group. In the second group, rapid canine distalization through periodontal distraction was performed. Gingival crevicular fluid samples were collected from the distal sides of the canine teeth before attaching the appliances and at 1 hour, 24 hours, and 1 week after the force was applied. RESULTS: In the hybrid reactor group, concentration of TNF-alpha decreased at 1 week according to 24-hour measurements. In the rapid canine distalization group, it severely increased at 1 hour. In the evaluation of between-group differences, significantly higher values were determined in the rapid canine distalization group at 1 hour and 1 week. CONCLUSIONS: Heavy interrupted force induces a rapid release of TNF-alpha, and the tissue response continues for a longer time period. To avoid the harmful effects of heavy interrupted force, there might be feedback mechanisms that prevent the mediators from increasing excessively.

Oral and dental findings in osteopetrorickets.

While dental findings of both rickets and osteopetrosis have been reported, there is no published report on the oral and dental findings of osteopetrorickets. In this paper dental findings of osteopetrorickets were presented. A two-year-old female child was referred to the pedodontics clinic for dental examinations before bone marrow transplantation. Her teeth showed severe mobility and the eruption of the teeth were delayed. The dental findings of the patient were different from that of osteopetrosis and rickets.

Periodontal status in men with hypergonadotropic hypogonadism: effects of testosterone deficiency.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this clinical study was to evaluate the possible influence of testosterone hormone on common clinical measurements of periodontal disease in men with hypergonadotropic hypogonadism. METHODS: Twenty-four hypergonadotropic hypogonadal men (H) and 24 systemically healthy men (S) were divided into two groups as chronic periodontitis and clinically healthy controls after clinical examinations and radiographs. The H group consisted of 12 control (H/C) and 12 chronic periodontitis (H/P) patients, and the S group consisted of 12 control (S/C) and 12 chronic periodontitis (S/P) patients. Plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), bleeding on probing (BOP), probing depth (PD), and clinical attachment loss (CAL) scores were recorded. RESULTS: The mean of all clinical parameters (PI, GI, BOP, PD, and CAL) were significantly (P<0.05) higher in periodontitis groups (H/P and S/P) than controls (H/C and S/C). There were no significant differences in the PD and CAL scores between periodontitis groups (S/P and H/P). The mean of GI and BOP scores were statistically higher in the H/P group than the S/P group (P<0.05). There was a negative correlation between GI and free testosterone levels (r=-0.794; P<0.05). CONCLUSION: According to these results, serum testosterone levels may possibly influence periodontal disease in men, and testosterone may have an inhibitory effect on gingival inflammation.

Gingival crevicular fluid alkaline phosphatase levels in postmenopausal women: effects of phase I periodontal treatment.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine how estrogen status may possibly influence gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels in estrogen-deficient (ED) and -sufficient (ES) postmenopausal women at baseline (BL) and 1 year after periodontal phase I treatment (AT). METHODS: Thirty-six postmenopausal women on estrogen supplements (mean serum estradiol levels >30 pg/ml; estrogen sufficient) and 37 postmenopausal women not on estrogen supplements (mean serum estradiol levels <30 pg/ml; ED) were divided into two subgroups as chronic periodontitis and clinically healthy controls after clinical and radiographic examination. The ES group consisted of 19 control (ES/C) and 17 chronic periodontitis (ES/P) patients, and the ED group consisted of 20 control (ED/C) and 17 chronic periodontitis (ED/P) patients. Plaque (PI) and gingival (GI) indices, bleeding on probing (BOP), probing depths (PD), clinical attachment loss (CAL) scores, and GCF samples were recorded at BL and AT. The levels of ALP in the GCF were measured photometrically. The paired samples Student t and Wilcoxon tests were used to compare the ALP levels and clinical parameters between BL and AT. The correlation among the ALP and clinical parameters was analyzed using the Pearson correlation. RESULTS: The mean of all clinical parameters (PI, GI, BOP, PD, and CAL) was significantly (P <0.05) higher in periodontitis groups (ES/P and ED/P) than controls (ES/C and ED/C). Periodontitis groups (ES/P and ED/P) demonstrated significantly increased GCF volumes and GCF ALP levels (P <0.05) compared to controls (ES/C and ED/C). There were no significant differences in the concentrations of ALP between periodontitis and control groups (P >0.05). The BL GCF ALP total levels of the ED/P group were significantly higher than the ES/P group (P <0.05). The BL and AT serum ALP levels of the ED/P group were not significantly but were numerically higher than the ES/P group. One year after periodontal treatment, the GCF volume, GCF ALP total, and concentrations decreased significantly in both periodontitis groups (P <0.05). However, the GCF ALP levels were still numerically higher in the ED/P group. A positive statistical correlation was found between total ALP levels and PD (r = 0.621; P <0.05). CONCLUSION: These data suggest that the presence of ALP in GCF is not simply a reflection of the local inflammation state and that a patient's estrogen status may possibly influence local ALP levels in GCF.

Real-time polymerase chain reaction quantification of human cytomegalovirus and Epstein-Barr virus in periodontal pockets and the adjacent gingiva of periodontitis lesions.

BACKGROUND: Genomic sequences of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), two herpesviruses, can frequently be detected in periodontal pockets of progressive periodontitis lesions, but the prevalence and load of the two viruses in gingival tissue are unknown. This study determined levels of HCMV and EBV DNA in the periodontal pocket and in the adjacent gingiva of periodontitis lesions using a real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 20 systemically healthy periodontitis patients participated in the study. Nine patients below 35 years of age were tentatively diagnosed as having aggressive (early onset) periodontitis, and 11 patients 36-56 years of age as having chronic (adult) periodontitis. Clinical parameters were evaluated using established methods. Using periodontal curettes, specimens were harvested from 6-10 mm periodontal pockets and from the adjacent inflamed periodontal pocket wall. A 5'-nuclease (TaqMan) real-time PCR assay was used to identify and quantify genomic copies of periodontal HCMV and EBV. RESULTS: HCMV DNA was detected in 78% of subgingival and 33% of gingival tissue samples from aggressive periodontitis lesions, but only in 46% of subgingival and 9% of gingival tissue samples from chronic periodontitis lesions. In aggressive periodontitis, HCMV subgingival and gingival tissue counts were positively correlated with periodontal pocket depth and probing attachment loss at sample sites (p6 mm, but none of 14 patients having mean pocket depth at sample teeth

Periodontitis lesions are a source of salivary cytomegalovirus and Epstein-Barr virus.

AIM: Several herpesvirus species can be detected in periodontal pockets and saliva. This study compared human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA copy counts in periodontitis sites and in whole saliva, and evaluated the potential of periodontal therapy to reduce the salivary level of the two viruses. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 20 systemically healthy periodontitis patients, 21-56 years of age, participated in the study. All 20 patients were examined at baseline, and seven patients also at 3 months after periodontal therapy. Treatment included oral hygiene instruction, scaling and root planing, and surgery. Clinical parameters were evaluated using established methods. In each patient, virological samples were collected from one periodontal pocket of 6-10 mm probing depth, from the adjacent inflamed periodontal pocket wall, and from unstimulated whole saliva. Relationships between subgingival, gingival tissue and salivary herpesvirus counts were evaluated using Spearman's and Kendall's rank correlation coefficient tests. The 5'-nuclease (TaqMan) real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was employed to quantify genomic copies of periodontal HCMV and EBV. RESULTS: At baseline, the 20 periodontitis patients showed significant positive correlations between gingival tissue and salivary counts of HCMV DNA (p=0.003) and EBV DNA (p=0.045). Periodontal pocket depth was positively correlated with salivary EBV DNA counts (p=0.002). Periodontal therapy reduced average full-mouth periodontal pocket depth from 4.6 mm to 1.4 mm, plaque index from 2.1 to 0.9, and gingival index from 2.1 to 0.4. Following treatment, HCMV DNA counts decreased 37.5 fold in subgingival sites and 64.6 fold in saliva, and EBV DNA counts decreased 5.7 fold in subgingival sites and 12.9 fold in saliva. CONCLUSIONS: The present study provides compelling evidence of a periodontitis source for salivary HCMV and EBV. The potential of periodontal therapy to decrease herpesvirus salivary counts may help diminish herpesvirus transmission from person to person and herpesvirus-related diseases in exposed individuals. Further research is warranted to determine the relationship between periodontal herpesvirus counts and the risk of viral transmission to close acquaintances.

Herpesviral-bacterial interrelationships in aggressive periodontitis.

BACKGROUND: Recent findings have begun to provide a basis for a causal link between herpesviruses and aggressive periodontitis. One theory is that herpesviruses cooperate with specific bacteria in the etiopathogenesis of the disease. This study examined whether the presence of herpesviruses [human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) type 1, herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 1 and 2] is associated with the presence of putative pathogenic bacteria (Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia, Tannerella forsythia, Campylobacter rectus, Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans) in aggressive periodontitis lesions. METHODS: The study included 18 young adults with advanced periodontitis and 16 periodontally healthy subjects from Ankara, Turkey. Subgingival specimens pooled from two sites in each subject were collected by a periodontal curette. Qualitative polymerase chain reaction methodology was used to identify herpesviruses and bacteria. Chi-square tests were employed to determine statistical associations among herpesviruses, bacteria and periodontal disease. RESULTS: HCMV, EBV-1 and HSV-1 were each detected in 72-78% of the aggressive periodontitis patients. HSV-2 occurred in 17% of the periodontitis patients. EBV-1 was detected in one periodontally healthy subject. The study bacteria occurred in 78-83% (P. gingivalis, T. forsythia, C. rectus) and in 44% (P. intermedia, A. actinomycetemcomitans) of the periodontitis samples, and in 0-19% of the samples from healthy periodontal sites. HCMV, EBV-1 and HSV-1 were positively associated with P. gingivalis, P. intermedia, T. forsythia and C. rectus, but not with A. actinomycetemcomitans. HSV-2 was not associated with any test bacteria. CONCLUSIONS: These results support the notion that the clinical outcome of some types of severe periodontal infection depends on the presence of specific herpesviruses and bacterial pathogens. Our findings open the door to testing a variety of hypotheses regarding the deleterious aspects of combined herpesviral-bacterial infections in periodontal sites.

Prevalence of human herpesviruses in patients with aggressive periodontitis.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies have demonstrated that various human viruses, especially cytomegalovirus (HCMV) and Epstein-Barr virus type-1 (EBV-1), seem to play a part in the pathogenesis of human periodontitis. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the subgingival presence of HCMV and EBV in patients with aggressive periodontitis (AgP) and healthy subjects and to examine the effect of treatment on the incidence of these viruses 3 months following surgery. METHODS: A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method determined the presence of HCMV and EBV-1. Subgingival plaque samples from 17 consecutive AgP patients and 16 healthy controls were collected. The following indices were measured: plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), probing depths (PD), and clinical attachment loss (CAL). Clinical parameters were assessed pretherapy and at 3 months following surgical and antimicrobial therapy. RESULTS: HCMV was detected in 64.7% of AgP patients but not detected in healthy subjects (P < 0.001) and EBV-1 in 70.6% of AgP patients and 6.3% of the healthy controls (P < 0.001). HCMV and EBV-1 coinfection was detected in 41.7% of AgP patients. A statistically significant decrease was found in all clinical parameters 3 months after treatment. There was a statistically significant decrease in HCMV and EBV-1 following therapy (P < 0.001; no HCMV; 1 patient with EBV-1). CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that subgingival presence of EBV-1 HCMV is strongly associated with aggressive periodontitis, and coinfection with HCMV and EBV-1 appears to be particularly deleterious to periodontal health.

Hereditary gingival fibromatosis and expression of Ki-67 antigen: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Hereditary gingival fibromatosis (HGF) is a fibrotic enlargement of the gingiva. The mechanism that leads to the accumulation of abnormal amounts of gingival tissue in HGF is still unknown. The aim of this report was to present the clinical and histopathologic characteristics of a patient with gingival fibromatosis and to evaluate the proliferation of HGF fibroblasts. METHODS: We examined the proliferation rate of fibroblasts in this case by using Ki-67 immunohistochemical staining and compared the rate to fibroblasts of non-fibromatosis gingival tissues from 5 healthy patients serving as controls. RESULTS: There were no Ki-67-positive cells in the lesional tissue, and the control gingiva revealed no immunostaining. The number of Ki-67 antigen-positive epithelial cell nuclei was observed to be low in the basal cell layers of hyperplastic gingival epithelia, similar to the control group. CONCLUSIONS: In the present case, there was no increase in the proliferation rate of lesional fibroblasts observed by Ki-67 immunohistochemical staining as a proliferation marker; only the epithelium was stained. It seems likely that the underlying mechanism of HGF may be an increase in the biosynthesis of collagen and glycosaminoglycans rather than cell proliferation.