"Efficacy of cytotoxic effect of green tea catechins on the human periodontal fibroblasts and human dental pulp fibroblasts -An in vitro study".

Background: Inflammation of tooth-supporting tissue and the pulp tissue is followed by wound healing and regeneration process that involves the specific type of connective tissue cells, the fibroblasts. During periodontitis and pulpitis, the inflammation of the tissue causes damage to the fibroblasts. These fibroblasts secrete collagen proteins and maintain the structural framework; along with this the inflammatory process moves toward healing where in the specific cells such as the fibroblast cells play important roles. Green tea catechins epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) being one of the major catechins is known to have multiple beneficial effects on human fibroblasts. Objective: To assess the in vitro cytotoxicity of green tea catechins on the human periodontal ligament (PDL) fibroblasts and human dental pulp fibroblasts. Materials and Methods: Human PDL fibroblasts (hPDLFs) and human dental pulp fibroblasts were isolated from the two extracted premolar teeth that were indicated for orthodontic treatment. The fibroblasts were then seeded in 96 well tissue culture plate for cell viability study. EGCG was used at different concentration to treat the cells. After 48 h; (3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide) (MTT) assay was performed to determine the cell viability. Results: The vitality of hPDLFs and human dental pulp fibroblasts was found to be inversely proportional to EGCG concentrations. Conclusions: hPDLFs have shown 37% proliferation at lowest concentration of EGCG used and human dental pulp fibroblasts have shown 99% viability at lowest concentration of EGCG used.

Green tea catechins showed antibacterial activity on streptococcus mutans -An in vitro study.

BACKGROUND: The main bacterial aetiological agents in caries formation are the α-haemolytic Streptococcal species Streptococcus mutans, which has been found to be the initiator of most dental caries. The leaves of Camellia sinensis known as green tea, has properties, such as antibacterial and anti-cariogenic. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) one of the most abundant catechins found in green tea is known to contribute to these effects. AIM: To evaluate the antibacterial effect of green tea catechins namely EGCG on S. mutans with two different methods at different concentrations. OBJECTIVES: 1) To assess the antimicrobial efficacy of EGCG by disc diffusion test at concentrations of 100, 75, and 50 µg/mL. 2) To assess the antimicrobial efficacy of EGCG by Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) test at concentrations ranging from 0.2 to 100 µg/mL. METHODOLOGY: Commercially available purest form of green tea polyphenol EGCG was used in the study. Disc diffusion test on agar medium and MIC test was used to determine the susceptibility of the S. mutans to green tea catechins EGCG. RESULTS: The results of the agar well diffusion method showed that the EGCG extract has shown zones of inhibition against S. mutans at concentrations of 100 µg/mL (28.67 mm), 75 µg/mL (15.33 mm), 50 µg/mL (10.33 mm) while that of MIC test of EGCG extract of concentrations ranging from 0.2 to 100 µg/mL against S. mutans shows that the mean MIC value was 1.07. CONCLUSION: Catechins in the tea are potentially anti-cariogenic agents which can reduce bacterial presence in the oral cavity and have the potential to be further used for the preparation of dentifrice and mouthwash.

Estimation of lactoferrin levels in gingival crevicular fluid before and after periodontal therapy in patients with chronic periodontitis.

BACKGROUND: The lactoferrin (LF) is an iron binding protein present specifically and in abundance in the secondary granules of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN's). It has been suggested that LF in crevicular fluid is a useful marker of PMN activity. Hence, this study aimed to estimate the levels of LF in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) before and after surgical therapy in chronic periodontitis patients to assess the validity of LF in monitoring of treatment results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 30 patients with chronic periodontitis having probing depth of ≥5 mm who were scheduled for periodontal surgery were included in the study. The clinical parameters were recorded and GCF samples were obtained 2 weeks after scaling and root planing and 2 weeks after conventional flap technique. The samples collected were then assayed for LF using Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: The results showed that LF levels decreased significantly from 266.53 ± 75.86 to 195.47 ± 74.53 after scaling and root planing. There was further significant reduction in LF levels to 90.42 ± 32.89 following 2 weeks of periodontal surgery, indicating decrease in inflammation. CONCLUSION: There is a significant reduction in GCF LF levels following periodontal surgery. Hence, LF levels in GCF could serve as a useful marker for monitoring of periodontal treatment results.

Can MTA be: Miracle trioxide aggregate?

Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) has been used for more than 10 years in the dental community and has often been thought of as a material of choice for the endodontist. The dental pulp is closely related to periodontal tissues through apical foramina, accessory canals, and dentinal tubules. Due to this interrelationship, pulpal diseases may influence periodontal health and periodontal infections may affect pulpal integrity. It is estimated that pulpal and periodontal problems are responsible for more than 50% of tooth mortality. Thus, these associations recommend an interdisciplinary approach. MTA appears to exhibit significant results even in periodontal procedures as it is the first restorative material that consistently allows for over-growth of cementum and may facilitate periodontal tissue regeneration. Thus, in the present review, an attempt is made to discuss the clinical applications of MTA as an interdisciplinary approach.

Evaluation of the efficacy of green tea catechins as an adjunct to scaling and root planing in the management of chronic periodontitis using PCR analysis: A clinical and microbiological study.

BACKGROUND: Increased knowledge of anaerobic bacteria in the development of periodontal diseases has led to new treatment strategies aiming primarily at suppression or elimination of specific periodontal pathogens. Over the last few decades, green tea has been subjected to many scientific and medical studies. AIM: The purpose of the present study was to assess the effect of green tea catechins on the red complex organisms using Polymerase Chain Reaction for microbiological analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A split mouth study was conducted, in which a total of 20 subjects were included. Green tea catechin as local drug delivery was placed at study sites. Clinical parameters namely probing pocket depth (PPD), gingival index (GI), plaque index (PI) were recorded. Sub-gingival plaque samples were collected, and red complex micro-organisms were studied using PCR. Clinical and microbiological parameters were recorded at baseline, 1(st), and 5(th) week after treatment. RESULTS: The results showed statistically significant difference in PPD, GI, and PI and significant reduction of red complex organisms from baseline to 1(st) week and baseline to 5(th) week in both study and control groups (P < 0.001). Intergroup comparison between study and control group was statistically insignificant for PPD, PI, and GI. A significantly greater reduction in Tannerella forsythus (Tf) at 1(st) week and 5(th) week and Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) at 1(st) week was observed in study group when compared to control group. CONCLUSION: Green tea catechin can be used as an effective local drug delivery along with scaling and root planing in treatment of chronic periodontitis.