Serum and Saliva MMP-3 in Patients with OLP and Oral SCC.

BACKGROUND: Matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) plays a key role in development of cancer. The purpose of this study was to assess MMP-3 in the serum and saliva of patients with oral lichen planus (OLP) and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty patients with OLP (8 reticular and 22 erosive forms), and 20 patients with OSCC (6 in low stage and 14 in advanced stage), were enrolled in this study, conducted at the Cancer Department, Clinic of Oral Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences. The serum and saliva MMP-3 was assayed by ELISA method. Statistical analysis of the Student's t-test, ANOVA and Pearson correlation coefficient was performed. The mean saliva and serum levels of MMP-3 were significantly higher in patients with OSCC compared with OLP. RESULTS: The serum and saliva MMP-3 concentrations increased from reticular form of OLP to erosive form of OLP, and increased further to low stage of OSCC and advanced stage of OSCC. Serum MMP-3 correlated significantly with unstimulated (r = 0.310, p = 0.038) and stimulated (r = 0.365, p < 0.026) saliva MMP-3. CONCLUSION: Serum and saliva MMP-3 levels appear associated with OLP and OSCC.

HBV vaccination status and response to hepatitis B vaccine among Iranian dentists, correlation with risk factors and preventive measures.

BACKGROUND: Studies showed that HBV vaccination and consequent level of antibody are not completely adequate among dentists despite performance of highly exposure prone procedures. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of the study were to evaluate the levels of responsiveness to HBV vaccine and to determine the occupational factors associated among dental staff. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In total, 1612 dental health care workers were recruited. The level of anti-HBs was tested using a commercially enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Data on demographic, risk factors associated with dental practice and level of protective procedures and occupational exposure aspects were collected through self-reported questionnaires. RESULTS: Of 1538 vaccinated individuals, 55 (3.7%), 126 (8.4%) and 1309 (87.9%) had received one, two and full three doses of vaccine, respectively. One-hundred-seventy-six (11.5%) were nonimmune (anti-HBs < 10 IU/mL) and 1362 (88.5%) were immune (anti-HBs > 10 IU/ mL). 392/542 (72.3%) of dentists who received their third dose of vaccination less than five years before the commencement of study were completely immune compared to those who had completed all three recommended doses in a longer period (308/491, 64.3%) (P = 0.001). Fifty-eight (3.59%) of participants did not receive any HBV vaccine at all; however, they had positive results for anti-HBs, indicating a past HBV infection. Statistically, the levels of anti-HBs were significantly associated with gender, age, duration of dental practice engagement and regularly use of mask, glasses and shield. CONCLUSIONS: Since dental care workers have a high risk of exposure to hepatitis virus, they should be advised to receive hepatitis B vaccine and it should be confirmed if they have acquired immunity to HBV by testing the level of anti-HBs.

Hepatitis C virus; its implication for endodontists.

Over 170 million patients worldwide are chronically infected with Hepatitis C virus (HCV); making it a globally important infection. Dentists constantly handle sharp instruments infected with biological fluids and are therefore considered at high-risk of contracting HCV infection. Needle-stick injuries seem to be the most common route of exposure to blood-borne pathogens in dental practice. Moreover, endodontist's constant use of sharp instruments such as endodontic files with limited operative vision in a small working field (i.e. root canal system) increases their risk of exposure to infection. The aim of this study was to review the epidemiology of HCV infection in dental healthcare staff and the tests required for its diagnosis. We also look at the protocols for dental treatment in infected individuals and screening and dental examination tailored for HCV patients.

Oral conditions associated with hepatitis C virus infection.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in more than 170 million chronically infected patients with no developed preventive vaccine is a globally important issue. In addition to expected hepatic manifestations, a number of extrahepatic manifestations, such as mixed cryoglobulinemia, glomerulonephritis, polyarteritis nodosa, rashes, renal disease, neuropathy, and lymphoma, have been reported following HCV infection, which are believed to be influenced by the virus or the host immune response. HCV combination therapy with pegylated interferon and ribavirin might be associated with side effects as well. The association of HCV with special oral conditions has also been reported recurrently; the mechanism of most of which remains unclear. This article reviews the association of HCV infection with some of the oral conditions such as oral health, Sjogren's syndrome, lichen planus and oral cancer.

Dental treatment as a risk factor for hepatitis B and C viral infection. A review of the recent literature.

BACKGROUND & AIM: Patients chronically infected either with hepatitis B (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV) are at increased risk of developing cirrhosis, end stage liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma. Different risk factors were found to be associated with the transmission of these viruses in various settings. HBV and HCV transmission seems to be also acquired by non-parenteral and non-sexual routes. A large number of patients infected with HCV might have non identifiable routes of viral acquisition. Hence, viral hepatitis transmission risk factors identification is the main way to reduce infection. Dental treatment may be one of such risk factors, and this aspect is addressed in the present literature review, drawing information from existing literature. METHODS: An online database search was conducted, limited to publications from January 1999 to February 2012 on specific aspects of HBV and HCV infection, including articles on risk factors, markers of infection, dentistry, epidemiology and transmission. Relevant material was evaluated and reviewed. RESULTS: Overall, 53 studies which met the selection criteria were evaluated. Although these studies were from different geographical regions of varied socioeconomic status and study populations and assessed different dental procedures, using different types of statistical analysis, we found that, although weak, there is an all-time risk of HBV and HCV infection during dental treatment. This is more important in developing countries where the rate of hepatitis infected individuals is higher. There is a need for more studies on this subject, properly planned, controlled and analyzed. CONCLUSION: Dental treatment can be included among the risk factors of HBV and HCV infection. This risk can easily be eliminated using standard precautionary measures.

Effect of calcium hydroxide on the apical leakage of Resilon-filled root canals: An in vitro study.

Calcium hydroxide is used as an intracanal medication for root canal disinfection and to enhance periapical lesion healing. However, calcium hydroxide remnants can negatively affect the final apical seal of obturated canals. The current study investigated apical leakage in root canals filled with Resilon after calcium hydroxide treatment. Seventy human maxillary central incisors were instrumented to a master apical file size of 40. Teeth were randomly divided into two experimental groups (A and B; n = 30) and two control groups (n = 5). Root canals in group A received a calcium hydroxide dressing, while those in group B received no intracanal medication. One week after treatment, all root canals were obturated with Resilon/Epiphany using lateral compaction. Groups A and B were randomly divided into subgroups A1, A2, B1, and B2 (n = 15). All subgroups were stored in an incubator at 37 degrees C and 100% humidity; subgroups A1 and B1 were stored for one week, while subgroups A2 and B2 were stored for eight weeks. Dye penetration and clearing techniques were used to evaluate apical leakage. Data were analyzed using a Student t-test, with significance set at P < 0.05. Observed apical leakage was significantly higher in subgroup A1 than in subgroups A2 and B1 and in subgroup A2 than in subgroup B2; no statistically significant difference was found between subgroups B1 and B2. When used as an intracanal medication, calcium hydroxide increases the apical leakage of root canals filled with Resilon/Epiphany.

Oral fluid and hepatitis A, B and C: a literature review.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Viral hepatitis is a significant global health problem that, depending upon the virus, affects individuals of the developing and/or developed world. In recent years, there has been renewed interest in whether oral fluids can be considered as a source of viral hepatitis transmission and whether oral fluid, in particular, whole saliva, may be a useful source for viral detection as part of the diagnosis and monitoring of viral hepatitis. The aim of this article was to review current data concerning the possible carriage of the hepatitis A, B and C viruses within saliva and gingival crevicular fluid. Such knowledge will indicate if (i) oral fluid is a possible source of infection and (ii) whether oral fluid can be used for diagnosis and monitoring of viral hepatitis. DATA AND SOURCES: A literature search was conducted using PubMed (Medline), EMBASE/Excerpta medica, the Cochrane database and Scopus. The results were limited to published material after 2000. Relevant material was evaluated and reviewed. CONCLUSION: There is some evidence that hepatitis viruses A, B and C are present in oral fluids, particularly whole saliva and gingival crevicular fluid and may thus be possible sources of viral detection in clinical diagnosis and monitoring. However, the data are inconsistent and warrant the need for well-planned longitudinal studies to explore the precise frequency of oral carriage of such viruses and to determine the virological and host factors that may influence the oral presence of hepatitis A, B and C viruses.

Iranian dental students' knowledge of hepatitis B virus infection and its control practices.

With more than two billion infected people, from whom 350 to 400 million suffer from chronic infection, hepatitis B virus (HBV) is still a major health problem worldwide. As dental treatment puts both dentists and patients at a higher risk of HBV infection, dentists can play an important role in preventing HBV transmission in dental settings. This study was performed to evaluate dental students' awareness and practice regarding HBV-related issues and to compare the results obtained from different academic years. One hundred and forty-two questionnaires consisting of questions on students' knowledge of HBV and preventive measures against this virus were completed by third- to sixth-year dental students of Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran. Overall, a relatively good level of knowledge was observed amongst this population. However, students' answers to practice questions were less satisfying. It is noteworthy that in some cases students of higher academic years showed less awareness. This finding highlights the necessity of continued infection control education. TUMS students must complete an infection control workshop before they start their clinical education. The authors propose that such training at the beginning of each academic year would be worthwhile.

Anti-HBs antibody status and some of its associated factors in dental health care workers in Tehran University of Medical Sciences: Anti-HBs Ab and associated factors in dental society.

BACKGROUND: Dental health care providers are at risk of infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV). Dentists can occupationally become infected with HBV through needle sticks or exposure to blood and other body fluids. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate anti-HBs antibody titer in students, professors, clinical assistants and non-clinical staff of Faculty of Dentistry, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), and to investigate the probable correlation between the level of immunity and a number of associated factors. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 230 participants who had a history of previous HBV vaccination (receiving at least two doses of HBV vaccine) and a negative history of being infected with HBV were studied. Participants' data were recorded using a checklist, and the level of antibody was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: While there existed statistically significant correlations between age, occupation, smoking, complete and scheduled vaccination and time of the last vaccination with the level of anti-HBs antibody, the correlation between gender and level of the antibody was not significant. Multiple regression analysis revealed significant association between immune response and age and time of the last vaccination. CONCLUSIONS: Due to the significant correlation between younger age and anti-HBs antibody titer in our study, it makes sense to establish a mandatory complete and scheduled vaccination program for all members of dental society younger than 40 years.

Comparing primary and secondary wound healing discomfort after mandibular third molar surgery: a randomized, double-blind clinical trial.

Extraction of impacted mandibular third molars is one of the most common procedures in the oral cavity and often is followed by pain, swelling, and postextraction alveolitis and trismus. It has been suggested that postoperative discomfort is in relation to the type of surgical wound healing. The aim of this study was to compare pain, swelling, and maximum mouth opening in two groups of patients with primary and secondary wound healing after impacted mandibular third molar surgery. Thirty-two patients were enrolled in this study and randomly divided into two equal groups, quantitatively and by gender. After the surgical procedures, 16 patients received primary wound closure, while the other 16 participants received secondary wound closure. A visual analog scale was used to collect pain data three days after the surgeries. A checklist was used to record data regarding swelling size and maximum mouth opening before, immediately following, three days after, and one week after surgery. Frequency tests and a t-test were used for statistical analysis and a P value of <0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Patients in the secondary wound healing group showed statistically significant lower discomfort regarding pain, swelling size, and maximal mouth opening compared to the primary wound healing group. The authors suggest the use of secondary wound healing closure to reduce postoperative complications such as pain, maximal mouth opening, and swelling size after impacted mandibular third molar extractions.

Oral cancer awareness among undergraduate dental students in Iran.

The aim of this study was to assess undergraduate dental students' knowledge about prevention and detection of oral cancer in Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS). A validated questionnaire which tested oral cancer awareness and procedure was given to 3rd to 6th year students of the dental faculty of TUMS. A total of 165 students participated in this survey. As expected, students of the final years showed greater knowledge of risk factors and clinical features of the disease. This study highlights for consideration regarding improvement to undergraduate dental education.

Metastatic breast carcinoma initially diagnosed as pulpal/periapical disease: a case report.

INTRODUCTION: Metastatic tumors to oral cavity and jaws are rare, and mandible is the most commonly involved location. Because the most common jaw symptom is pain, these lesions could be misdiagnosed as pathologic entities with dental origin. In this article a case of metastatic breast carcinoma initially diagnosed as pulpal/periapical disease is presented and discussed. METHODS: A 40-year-old female patient was referred to our department with vague pain in right mandibular area. Clinical and radiographic examinations were performed, leading to the initial diagnosis. Patient's medical history was reevaluated, and an incisional biopsy was performed to confirm the final diagnosis. RESULTS: Regarding the initial signs and symptoms, a pulpal/periapical inflammatory process was considered in the differential diagnosis. Because lip paresthesia was also noted, a more aggressive process was suspected. Patient's medical records and histopathologic slides were requested and reviewed carefully. The diagnosis of metastatic breast carcinoma was confirmed by comparing the histopathologic findings of the jaw lesion with previous slides of the breast. CONCLUSIONS: Despite their rarity, metastatic tumors should be considered in the differential diagnosis of inflammatory and reactive lesions of the jaws. These lesions might be diagnosed first by the patient's dentist or by the maxillofacial surgeon. This case emphasized the importance of a complete and careful work-up with particular attention to detailed medical history as well as careful clinical and radiographic inspection for unusual signs and symptoms.