Comparative assessment of the cell-surface antigens and gene expression profiles of the gingival tissue biomarkers in subjects with fixed functional and removable functional orthodontic appliances.

Background: This study aimed to examine the cellular components of the gingiva during orthodontic treatment with fixed and removable appliances. The cellular and molecular cues of pathologies of the gingival tissue associated with the use of different orthodontic appliances could be studied. Materials and methods: Tissue samples of gingiva were received from healthy patients undergoing gingivectomy for aesthetic purpose and from patients with fixed and removable functional orthodontic appliances undergoing gingivectomy for gingival overgrowth. The collected samples were stored in a sterile container with phosphate-buffered saline and to carry out further processes it was transported to the laboratory. Results: Cells positive for ECAD and NCAD were found to be increased in fixed appliances where as CD90 and CD105 positive cells showed no significant difference in all the three groups. CD24 and CD146 positive cells were increased significantly in removable and fixed than normal whereas CD133 positive cells were decreased in removable and fixed than normal. CD44 positive cells showed no noticeable change in all three groups. The gene expression levels of KRT5, SOX2, NANOG, and CXCL5 were found to be significantly increased in removable and fixed appliance groups. However, KRT8, CXCL10, and TIMP1 were increased only in fixed appliance group but CXCL10 showed decreased expression in removable appliance group. KRT6A, MYC, and MMP9 were decreased in fixed appliance group whereas MYC and MMP9 were increased in removable appliance group. KRT6A, KRT8, and TIMP1 showed no significant difference in removable appliance group. Conclusion: This study demonstrated essential roles of various genes, showing their contribution in regulating cell proliferation and migration in both the removable and fixed functional appliances.

In-vitro evaluation of commonly used beverages on tensile strength of different suture materials used in dental surgeries.

Sutures are used for the approximation of incised flaps, assistance in primary healing, and hemorrhage control. In oral and periodontal surgery, the appropriate selection of suture material is vital for favorable healing.The aim of the present in-vitro experiment was to evaluate the tensile strengths of 4 different types of suture materials (silk, polygalactine 910, polypropylene, chromic catgut) by simulating potential short-term intraoral exposure to various beverages (saliva, Arabic coffee, tea, cola).A total of 280 suture specimens were prepared, out of which 10 specimens from each group were selected for pre-immersion testing. Remaining suture specimens were immersed in 4 different thermostatically controlled media (1 control [artificial saliva], 3 tests [Cola drink, Arabic coffee, Tea]). Tensile strength was measured at pre-immersion, 3, 7, and 14 days using a universal tensile testing machine. The maximum load required to break the suture material was recorded in Newton.At day 3, tea caused significant reduction in tensile strength of silk and cola caused significant reduction in tensile strengths of polygalactine 910 and chromic catgut. Whereas, at day 7, silk and polypropylene retained their tensile strengths better than others.The authors recommend precaution in the use of these beverages in the first postoperative week, to avoid adverse effect on the mechanical strength of sutures. When exposure to these beverages are anticipated, it is better to use polypropylene sutures that resists rapid fall in tensile strengths in the early postoperative period.

Evaluation and Comparison of Antibacterial Efficacy of Herbal Extracts in Combination with Antibiotics on Periodontal pathobionts: An in vitro Microbiological Study.

BACKGROUND: In the past few decades focus of research has been toward herbal medicines because of growing bacterial resistance and side effects of antimicrobial agents. The extract derived from the plants may increase the efficacy of antibiotics when used in combination against pathogenic bacteria. In the current study, the synergistic antibacterial efficacy of plant extracts in combination with antibiotics has been assessed on selected periodontal pathogens. METHODS: Ethanolic extracts were prepared from Salvadora persica (Miswak) and Cinnamomum zeylanicum (Ceylon cinnamon), by the soxhalate method. Plaque samples were collected from clinical periodontitis patients to isolate and grow the periodontal pathobionts under favorable conditions. Susceptibility of bacteria to the extracts was assessed by gauging the diameter of the inhibition zones. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of plant extracts were determined against each bacterium. Synergistic activity of plants extract in combination with antibiotics against the bacteria was also assessed by measuring the diameter of the inhibition zones. RESULTS: Ethanolic extract of both the plants showed an inhibitory effect on the proliferation and growth of all four strains of periodontal pathobionts. Maximum antibacterial activity was exhibited by C. zeylanicum against Tannerella forsythia (MIC = 1.56 ± 0.24 mg/mL, MBC = 6.25 ± 0.68 mg/mL), whereas among all the studied groups the minimum activity was reported by C. zeylanicum against Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans the (MIC = 12.5 ± 3.25 mg/mL, MBC = 75 ± 8.23 mg/mL). Combination of herbal extracts with different antibiotics revealed a synergistic antibacterial effect. The best synergism was exhibited by S. persica with metronidazole against A. actinomycetemcomitans (27 ± 1.78). CONCLUSIONS: Current in vitro study showed variable antibacterial activity by experimented herbal extracts against periodontal pathobionts. The synergistic test showed significant antibacterial activity when plant extracts were combined with antibiotics.