The association between Dental Fluorosis and COL1A2 gene polymorphism among a Tunisian Population.

Dental fluorosis (DF) is a prevalent developmental defect of tooth enamel caused by exposure to excessive fluoride, with the severity dependent on various factors. This study aimed to investigate the association between DF and a specific genetic polymorphism (rs412777) in the COL1A2 gene among a Tunisian population. A case-control study was conducted from July to November 2022, involving a total of 95 participants including 51 cases and 44 controls. Dental examinations and genetic analysis were performed to assess the relationship between the COL1A2 gene polymorphism and DF.The results of allelic distribution revealed that A allele carriers were significantly protected against (DF) when compared to those with the C allele (C vs. A, p = 0.001; OR = 0.375 (0.207-0.672)). This suggests a strong correlation between the presence of the C allele and the risk of developing DF. Additionally, significant association between the CC genotype of rs412777 and an increased risk of DF was found under both codominant and dominant genetic models (P = 0.002 and P < 0.001 respectively).The findings suggest that genetic predisposition plays a relevant role in the development of DF. Further research is needed to explore the potential use of genetic markers for DF and their implications for public health. This study provides the first insights into the genetic factors associated with DF in the Tunisian population, contributing to our understanding of this prevalent dental condition.

Ruscus hypophyllum L. extracts: chemical composition, antioxidant, anticoagulant, and antimicrobial activity against a wide range of sensitive and multi-resistant bacteria.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the polyphenolic and flavonoid contents in the leaves extracts of Ruscus hypophyllum. Antioxidant activity was estimated by α,α-diphenyl-ß-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) assays. The anticoagulant activity of Ruscus extracts was evaluated in vitro, using the prothrombin time (PT) and a PTT-activated partial thromboplastin time tests. The antibacterial activity was tested against large number of important medically and resistant bacteria by the broth dilution method. In this study, ethyl acetate and chloroform extracts displayed the highest total phenols contents (74.76 mg EAG/g and 73.89 mg EAG/g, respectively) and flavonoid content 40 and 32.43 mg EC/g, respectively. The GC-MS analysis of ethyl acetate extract confirmed the presence of oxygenated sesquiterpenes and hydrocarbon diterpenes with percentages of 16.41% and 10.72%, respectively, but chloroform extract was rich with, oxygenated monoterpenes, and oxygenated diterpenes, with percentages of 6.19 and 3.27%, respectively. Among tested extracts, ethyl acetate exhibited the best antioxidant and anticoagulant activities. Furthermore, ethyl acetate and chloroform extracts showed important antibacterial activity against resistant bacteria methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (SARM), Acinetobacter imipenem-resistant (IMP/R), P. aeruginosa imipenem-resistant (IMP/R) and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase producing E. cloacae (BLSE) with minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values varying between 0.125 and 0.5 mg/mL.