Evaluation of collagenase-3 matrix metalloproteinase-13 gene-associated polymorphisms 11A/12A and -77A/G and its associated alleles with and without periodontitis.

CONTEXT: Connective tissue devastation in periodontitis and other chronic inflammatory diseases is a major concern. There are several inflammatory mediators associated with this process among which matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play a predominant role. Collagen degradation is primarily mediated by the collagenases. MMP-13 is familiar as collagenase-3, which has the aptitude to humiliate fibrillar collagen. AIMS: This study aims to evaluate MMP-13 promoter polymorphism, 11A/12A, and -77A/G and associated alleles in patients with and without chronic periodontitis (CP). SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This was an observational case-control study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Of the total 100 patients, 50 with CP (test group) and 50 without CP (Control group), blood was collected for deoxyribonucleic acid isolation. The 11A/12A and -77A/G polymorphisms of the MMP-13 gene were picked out by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)- single-strand conformation polymorphism analysis method and PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism by BseNI restriction enzyme, respectively. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Association between MMP-13 genotype (GTs) (11A/12A, 11A/11A, 12A/12A) and (AA, AG, GG) was assessed by Chi-square and Student's t-test for intergroup comparison. RESULTS: 11A/12A GT was seen in 24% and 20%, 11A/11A 64% and 72%, 12A/12A 12% and 8% in test and control groups, respectively. However, the association was not statistically significant. -77A/G polymorphism associated GT s AA was 56% and 62%, AG 24% and 28%, GG 20% and 10% in test and controls, respectively. An association of GG was statistically significant. CONCLUSION: The present study results indicated that MMP-13 -77A/G gene polymorphisms, GG GT may be predicted intensive ability for CP. On the other hand, there was no significant association between MMP-13 11A/12A gene polymorphisms with CP.

Evaluating the effectiveness of clarithromycin as an adjunct to scaling and root planing: A randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Administration of systemic antibiotics may implement persuasive treatment effect for chronic periodontitis by intending tissue-invasive bacteria in addition to accustomed nonsurgical periodontal therapy (NSPT). AIMS: The aim of this study was to assess the ancillary effects of oral clarithromycin (CLM) along with NSPT for chronic periodontitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty periodontitis patients were randomly divided into two equal groups in this double-blind, randomized, parallel group, and active-controlled trial: test group - scaling and root planning (SRP) plus CLM (500 mg thrice daily for 7 days, orally) was given, and control group - only SRP was done. Clinical analysis, such as gingival index (GI), probing depth (PD), and clinical attachment loss (CAL), were taken at baseline, 3 months, and 6-month intervals for both groups. Subgingival plaque samples were cultured for periodontopathic organisms. Immunological parameter C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were estimated. RESULTS: SPSS version 14 was used for statistical analysis. The intragroup comparison showed a significant reduction in the mean scores of all the parameters from baseline to 6 months. The intergroup comparison showed a statistically significant reduction of PD from baseline to 3 months (P < 0.001). GI, CAL, and CRP levels were also reduced but not statistically significant. The mean colony-forming units (CFU) of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa) and Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) showed a statistically significant reduction from baseline to 3 months only in the test group (P = 0.042) and (P = 0.046), respectively. There was no statistically significant reduction of Aa and Pg at 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: CLM conceivably accepted as an addendum to NSPT for a shorter period.

Correlative analysis of plasma and urine neopterin levels in the pre- and post-menopausal women with periodontitis, following nonsurgical periodontal therapy.

CONTEXT: Periodontitis is an inflammatory condition which is distinguished by the devastation of the supported tooth structures. In such inflammatory conditions, some biomarkers such as neopterin will be secreted and elevated in the body fluids, which can be used as a diagnostic marker for the present and future disease activity. AIMS: Assessment of the neopterin as a biomarker in inflammatory conditions such as menopause and periodontitis. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A cross-sectional interventional study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty female individuals with a mean age of 40-60 years with chronic periodontitis were included in this study. All were categorized into two groups of thirty each, depending on their menstrual history: Group I - thirty premenopausal women and Group II - thirty postmenopausal women. Urine and plasma were collected from both groups to estimate neopterin levels. ELISA kit was used to assess the neopterin levels at baseline and after 3 months of nonsurgical periodontal therapy (NSPT). STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: IBM SPSS version 21 software. RESULTS: A significant depreciation in the mean values of all the parameters from baseline to 3 months (P < 0.001), in the intragroup analysis, was observed. Plasma (0.006) and urine (0.004) reduction was seen. CONCLUSIONS: In both the groups, in 3 months after NSPT, decreased neopterin levels were found, suggesting that the NSPT is the definitive therapy. Further, suggesting that, neopterin levels in the plasma and urine can be used as an index to identify the periodontal inflammation and destruction.