Analysis of the association between lactotransferrin (LTF) gene polymorphism and dental caries.

OBJECTIVE: The present study evaluated the association between lactotransferrin (LTF) gene polymorphism (exon 2, A/G, Lys/Arg) and dental caries. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A convenience sample of 110 individuals, 12 years old, was divided into: group 1, 48 individuals without caries experience (DMFT=0), and group 2, 62 subjects with caries experience (DMFT>or=1). DNA was obtained from a mouthwash with 3% glucose solution, followed by a scrapping of the oral mucosa. After DNA purification, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), single strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) was performed to access the study polymorphism. The LTF A/G (Lys/Arg) polymorphism had been previously reported as located in exon 1. RESULTS: Allele 1 of the study polymorphism was associated with low DMFT index and showed a protective effect against caries experience (OR=0.16, IC=0.03-0.76, p=0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Lactotransferrin A/G (exon 2, Lys/Arg) polymorphism was associated with susceptibility to dental caries in 12-year-old students.

Effects of fluoxetine and venlafaxine and pilocarpine on rat parotid glands.

This study assessed the effect of the antidepressants, Fluoxetine and Venlafaxine, on the size (GS), mass (M), cellular volume (CV), of rat parotid salivary glands and salivary flow rate (SFR), as well as the secretagogue action of pilocarpine on this flow. Ninety animals were divided into 9 treatment groups with the antidepressants, antidepressants associated with the application of pilocarpine, antidepressants and physiologic serum, physiologic serum (control) and pilocarpine (positive control). Thirty hours after the end of treatment, saliva collection began, to determine the SFR. Next, the salivary glands were removed, GS and M measured, and the specimens processes for histomorphometric analysis and CV determination. The variable GS presented statistically significant increase among the groups that were treated for 30 days with Fluoxetine (p=0.0002) and Venlafaxine (p=0.0112) when compared with the group treated with physiologic serum (control). The group treated with Fluoxetine for 30 days revealed increase in M (p=0.0190) and diminished SFR (p=0.0031), statistically significant, when compared with the control group. CV revealed increase in acinic cells between the Fluoxetine (30 days) (p=0.0005) and Venlafaxine (30 days) (p=0.0004) groups as well, when compared with the control group. The group treated with Venlafaxine for 60 days in association with pilocarpine presented SFR similar to the control group treated for 60 days. Both Fluoxetine and Venlafaxine reduced the SFR and caused increase in CV, resulting in hypertrophy of the glands, with Fluoxetine having a more pronounced anticholinergic action. The pilocarpine increased the SFR in the group that received Venlafaxine.

Case of recurrent paracoccidioidomycosis in female. 10 years after initial treatment.

This report describes a case of recurrence of chronic paracoccidioidomycosis 10 years following the initial diagnosis. A 56-year-old female was admitted to the Dental Clinic of the Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná complaining of oral soreness. Mulberry-like ulcerations were observed on the gingiva, right labial comissura, and vermillion of the lip. The patient reported persistent chronic cough, weight loss, appetite loss and fever. The anamnesis revealed that the patient had developed and been treated for paracoccidioidomycosis 10 years earlier. A biopsy was performed and microscopic examination revealed microabscesses, collections of macrophages organized into granulomas, multinucleated giant cells and Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. The patient was treated with Itraconazole and, the oral lesions disappeared within 3 months. Persistent follow-up examination in patients with a history of paracoccidioidomycosis is essential in the management of this disease.