Comparative evaluation of the levels of nod-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing protein (NLRP) 3 in saliva of subjects with chronic periodontitis and healthy controls.

Context: Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease which is ubiquitous. When there is an onset of infection, the innate immunity gets activated followed by the adaptive immune system. Inflammasomes identify the pathogen-associated molecular patterns or danger-associated molecular patterns and initiate inflammation. Nod- like receptor family pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP 3) is a protein belonging to the intracellular innate immune sensors that act against bacteria. The inflammasome acts along with the toll-like receptor pathways to initiate an action against pathogens. NLRP3 (also known as PYPAF-1 or cryopyrin) acts via apoptosis-associated speck-like protein (ASC). Aims: The study aimed at finding out the relation between levels of NLRP3 in chronic periodontitis and healthy subjects via the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Settings and Design: This was a Cross-sectional study. Materials and Methods: Clinical examination and saliva sampling of the study population was done. Reagents were prepared and NLRP3 levels were estimated using ELISA analysis. Statistical Analysis: Intergroup comparison was initiated using the unpaired t-test and for within the group (intragroup), the two-way analysis of variance was used. The Pearson correlation coefficient helped to determine the strength of linear association. Results: Increased levels of NLRP3 were seen in subjects suffering from chronic periodontitis. NLRP3 was also seen to be positively correlated to probing pocket depth, clinical attachment loss, gingival index, and plaque index. Conclusions: A positive correlation exists between NLRP3 and chronic periodontitis, and hence, NLRP3 can be a potential biomarker.

To compare the effect of the local delivery of hyaluronan as an adjunct to scaling and root planing versus scaling and root planing alone in the treatment of chronic periodontitis.

BACKGROUND: Hyaluronan is a critical component of the extracellular matrix and contributes significantly to tissue hydrodynamics and cell migration and proliferation. Studies have demonstrated its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and regenerative effects. The present study aimed to assess the clinical effects of the subgingival application of 0.8% hyaluronic acid gel as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) in the treatment of generalized chronic periodontitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with chronic periodontitis were recruited to participate in a study with a split-mouth design and provided informed consent. One hundred sites were included in the study and divided into fifty test sites and fifty control sites. These were assessed for plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), pocket probing depths, and relative attachment level (RAL) at-pretreatment (baseline), 4, and 12 weeks posttreatment. The patients received full-mouth SRP. A 0.8% hyaluronan gel was administered subgingivally in the test sites at baseline and after 1 week. Significant differences between test and control were evaluated using the t-test, analysis of variance (test) followed by Bonferroni post hoc test. RESULTS: A significant reduction in PI and GI was observed in both groups at 12 weeks (P < 0.05). Significant reduction in the pocket probing depths and gain RAL was observed in both the groups as compared to baseline (P < 0.05). The hyaluronan group compared to control at 12 weeks showed statistically significant reduction in the probing pocket depth and gain in RAL (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The subgingival application of 0.8% hyaluronan gel in conjunction with SRP may have a beneficial effect on periodontal health in patients with chronic periodontitis.

Attitudes of dental professionals toward tobacco use.

BACKGROUND: The habit of tobacco consumption has plagued all nations from time immemorial. While tobacco use is decreasing in many developed countries, it is increasing in developing countries like India. Health care professionals have a key role to play to motivate and advise tobacco users to quit. AIM: The aim was to assess the attitudes and practice of dental professionals in Mumbai and Navi Mumbai toward tobacco cessation and the potential barriers faced. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Questionnaire-based survey was conducted with 500 dental surgeons in Mumbai and Navi Mumbai. The questionnaire contained close-ended questions and assessed the smoking status of the professional, whether they impart tobacco cessation advice to their patients, whether the professional is trained for basic intervention, whether they would be eager to undergo training and also the potential barriers encountered by the professional. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: The SPSS version 17 was used. Frequencies and percentages were used to determine distributions of the responses for each of the variables. Chi-square test was used for analysis. RESULTS: It was observed that the majority of dental clinicians do not use tobacco and although 93% believed that it is the role of the dental professional to offer advice, 21% do not. Potential barriers reported were: Little chance of success, lack of training, lack of time, lack of remuneration, and the possibility of losing patients. CONCLUSIONS: Dental professionals must expand their horizon and armamentarium to tobacco intervention strategies inclusive of their regular preventive and therapeutic treatment modalities. Furthermore, the dental institutions (schools) should include tobacco intervention in the curriculum, but it should not be just theoretical knowledge rather it must have a practical component.