ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to evaluate the available retromolar space for ramal plates in patients with Class I and III malocclusions and compare that space with and without third molars using cone-beam computed tomography. METHODS: Cone-beam computed tomography images of 30 patients (17 males, 13 females; mean age, 22.2 ± 4.5 years) with Class III malocclusion and 29 subjects (18 males, 11 females; mean age, 24.3 ± 3.7 years) with Class I malocclusion were analyzed. Available retromolar space at 4 axial levels of the second molar root and the volume of the retromolar bone were evaluated. Two-way repeated measures analysis of covariance (repeated measures analysis of covariance) was applied to compare the variables between Class I and III malocclusions and the presence of third molars. RESULTS: Patients with Class I and III relationships showed up to 12.7 mm of available retromolar space at 2 mm apical from the cementoenamel junction (CEJ). At 8 mm apical from CEJ, patients with Class III malocclusion had 11.1 mm of space, whereas those with a Class I relationship showed 9.8 mm of available space. When patients had third molars, the amount of available retromolar space was significantly greater in patients with a Class I and III relationship. However, patients with Class III malocclusion exhibited greater available retromolar space than those with a Class I relationship (P = 0.028). In addition, the bone volume was significantly greater in patients with Class III malocclusion than in patients with a Class I relationship and those with third molars than in those without them (P <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Class I and III groups showed the availability of at least 10.0 mm of retromolar space 2 mm apical to the CEJ for molar distalization. Based on this information, it is suggested that clinicians consider available retromolar space for molar distalization in diagnosing and planning treatment for patients with Class I and III malocclusion.
Subject(s)
Malocclusion, Angle Class III , Malocclusion , Male , Female , Humans , Adolescent , Young Adult , Adult , Mandible/diagnostic imaging , Cephalometry/methods , Malocclusion, Angle Class III/diagnostic imaging , Malocclusion, Angle Class III/therapy , Molar, Third/diagnostic imaging , Cone-Beam Computed Tomography/methodsABSTRACT
Post-menopausal dry mouth or xerostomia is caused by reduced salivary secretion. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of echinochrome A (Ech A) in alleviating submandibular gland dysfunctions in ovariectomized rats that mimic menopause. Female rats that were eight-weeks-old were randomly divided into SHAM-6, -12; OVX-6, -12; and ECH-6, -12 groups (consisting of 6- and 12-weeks post-sham-operated, ovariectomized, and Ech A-treated ovariectomized rats, respectively). The ECH groups had lower body weight than OVX but similar food intake and estradiol or estrogen receptor ß expression. However, the ECH groups had lower mRNA expression of sterol-regulatory element binding protein-1c (Srebp-1c), acetyl-CoA carboxylase (Acc), fatty acid synthase (Fasn), cluster of differentiation 36 (Cd36), and lipid vacuole deposition than OVX mice. Moreover, reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), and iron accumulation were lower in the ECH than in the OVX groups. Fibrosis markers, transforming growth factor ß (Tgf-ßI and Tgf-ßII mRNA) increased in the OVX than SHAM groups but decreased in the ECH groups. Aquaporin (Aqp-1 and Aqp-5 mRNA) and mucin expressions were downregulated in the OVX groups but improved with Ech A. In addition, Ech A prevented post-menopausal salivary gland dysfunction by inhibiting lipogenesis and ferroptosis. These findings suggest Ech A as an effective remedy for treating menopausal dry mouth.
