Comparison between fractal analysis and radiopacity evaluation as a tool for studying repair of an osseous defect in an animal model using biomaterials.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate bone repair of an osseous defect in a rat animal model through fractal analysis and radiopacity analysis in radiographic images. METHODS: 120 rats were subjected to extraction of their first molar and divided into four groups (n = 6/group) according to the material used for bone grafting: mineralized bovine bone, demineralized bovine bone (DBB), blood clot (BC - control) or Bio-Oss® (BO). The animals were sacrificed after 1, 7, 14, 21 and 49 days and subjected to radiographic evaluation. For fractal analysis (FA), a square regionof interest of 30 × 30 pixels was used, and radiopacity was measured as the mean gray scale (MGS) value for three points of 5 × 5 pixels in the apical, medial and coronal regions of the defect. Histomorphometric evaluation was realized as the gold standard for bone neo-formation and maturation of the new osseous matrix. RESULTS: Histomorphometric evaluation suggested that DBB showed faster mineralized deposition and resulted in more mature bone at the final time point of evaluation. Mineralized bovine bone and Bio-Oss presented similar results. The mineralized groups did not show significant differences in bone maturation. The radiopacity analysis revealed a significant difference (p < 0.05) between the DBB and blood clot groups at the final time point. FA did not show any significant differences at the final time point. CONCLUSIONS: Mean gray scale seemed to be more effective for the quantification of bone repair than FA in the demineralized group in this animal model. Results for the mineralized groups did not reveal a significant difference, leading to the conclusion that both methods are effective.

Cytokine Expression in Patients Hospitalized for Severe Odontogenic Infection in Brazil.

INTRODUCTION: Severe odontogenic infections remain an important public health concern and a significant economic burden to public health care facilities. Despite this, several aspects of the disease, such as its immune response profile, remain poorly understood. The aim of this study was to search for an association between mRNA levels of the cytokines interferon-γ, interleukin (IL)-1ß, tumor necrosis factor-α, IL-17A, IL-10, and transforming growth factor-ß and the chemokines IL-8, CCL2/MCP-1, and CCL5 and odontogenic infection. METHODS: The case group was composed of 12 patients hospitalized in consequence of severe odontogenic infection, and our control group included 12 individuals with healthy periapical tissues. Clinical samples were taken from the case (drainage site) and control (periapical interstitial fluid) groups with the aid of paper points. Total RNA was extracted, complementary DNA was synthesized, and mRNA levels were determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Data analysis was performed by using SPSS, and the Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to determine statistical significance (P < .05). RESULTS: Data generated showed a significantly increased expression of proinflammatory cytokines (interferon-γ, IL-1ß, tumor necrosis factor-α, and IL-17A), IL-8, and CCL2/MCP-1 in odontogenic infection patients. The mRNA levels of IL-10, transforming growth factor-ß, and CCL5 were similar in both study groups. CONCLUSIONS: In general, individuals presenting with odontogenic infections exhibited extraordinary proinflammatory cytokine profiles paralleled with unaltered expression of regulatory mediators.

The association of openness personality trait with stress-related salivary biomarkers in burning mouth syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a chronic disorder defined as a burning sensation in the oral mucosa without evidence of pathological findings. Its pathophysiology is largely unknown, but psychiatric disorders and personality traits have been implicated. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated whether there is any association between salivary biomarkers and personality traits in BMS patients. METHODS: It was a cross-sectional, controlled study that evaluated 30 individuals with BMS and 32 controls. All subjects were assessed with a structured psychiatric interview (Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview) and the Big Five inventory. Salivary levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), neural growth factor, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10 and cortisol were determined. RESULTS: We found that BMS patients exhibited more traits of neuroticism and lower openness than controls. Openness showed a moderate and negative correlation with cortisol, BDNF and IL-6. CONCLUSION: Personality traits are associated with salivary biomarkers in BMS.

Mucoadhesive propolis gel for prevention of radiation-induced oral mucositis.

The objective of this phase II study was to determine the effectiveness of a mucoadhesive propolis gel in the prevention of radiation-induced oral mucositis. Twenty-four patients who were selected to undergo radiation therapy for oral cancer were included in this open-label trial. They were advised to use a mucoadhesive gel containing propolis 5,0% w/v three times a day starting one day before the course of radiation therapy and concluding after 2 weeks of radiation therapy. A weekly follow-up for evaluation of food intake, pain and grading of mucositis was performed. In order to confirm the absence of Candida-related mucositis in patients who developed mucositis, it was performed exfoliative cytology of buccal mucosa, palate and tongue and the material for Candifast(®) Candida species identification. At the end of the study was made the compliance of patients, quality, appreciation and acceptance of product evaluation. Twenty patients did not develop mucositis, two patients developed grade 1 mucositis and two patients developed grade 2 mucositis. None of the patients discontinued food intake and no pain was observed during the study. Candidosis was not detected in any patient. Mucoadhesive propolis gel could be considered as a potential topical medication for preventing radiation-induced oral mucositis. However, comparative phase III study with larger number of patients should be done for confirmation of the efficacy of the product.

Burning mouth syndrome: a therapeutic approach involving mechanical salivary stimulation.

OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to evaluate the effects of salivary stimulation therapy on the salivary flow, quality of saliva, and symptoms in patients with burning mouth syndrome (BMS). BACKGROUND: BMS is a chronic disorder characterized by a burning sensation. Some reports have proposed a role for saliva in the pathogenesis of BMS. METHODS: Twenty-six BMS patients underwent treatment with salivary mechanical stimulation. Resting and stimulated saliva were collected before and after therapy. Salivary levels of total protein, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, interleukin-10, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, and nerve growth factor were assessed before and 90 days after therapy by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: A significant reduction in the burning sensation and number of burning sites as well as an improvement of taste disturbances and xerostomia were observed after therapy. The salivary flow was not significantly modified. However, the therapy resulted in a significant decrease in salivary levels of total protein and an increase of tumor necrosis factor-α. CONCLUSION: Salivary mechanical stimulation therapy is effective in reducing clinical symptoms of BMS.