The effect of different parameters of low-level laser used in the treatment of oral mucositis, on the viability and apoptosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma cells: In vitro study.

Oral mucositis is a complication of chemo/radiotherapy. To assess the impact of various power levels of diode-laser on the survival and expression of apoptosis-related genes in oral cancer cells, it is crucial to consider the potential existence of malignant cells within the treatment region and the reliance of laser effectiveness on its specific characteristics. Cal-27 cells were cultivated and exposed to a 660 nm-diode-laser at power levels of 20, 40, and 80 mW, alongside non-irradiated control cells. Viability and expression of Bax and Bcl-2 mRNA were assessed with Methyl Thiazolyl Tetrazolium (MTT) and Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR), respectively. The results were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey post-hoc test (p < 0.05). A significant reduction in viability was found only in the 20 mW group compared to controls (p = 0.001). Cell survival was significantly lower in cells receiving 20 mW laser than those treated with 40 and 80 mW (p < 0.05). None of the laser groups showed significant changes in BcL-2, but Bax was significantly lower in cells receiving 40 and 80 mW (p < 0.05), compared to controls. Laser irradiation at 660 nm (2 J/cm2, 30 s) significantly reduced the viability of oral cancer cells when using 20 mW power. These specifications align with the recommendation that the lowest possible laser dose should be applied for treating cancer patients. The exact mechanism of cell death following laser therapy with these specifications requires further investigation.

Treating Parafunctional Habits for Alleviating Temporomandibular Disorder and Lower Back Pain: A Phase II Clinical Trial.

Objectives: Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) include a series of signs and symptoms in the temporomandibular joints (TMJ) and muscles of mastication, which are associated with or caused by parafunctional habits. Many of these patients also suffer from lumbar pains. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of treating parafunctional habits in alleviating symptoms of TMD and lower back pain. Materials and Methods: This phase II clinical trial was conducted on 136 patients suffering from TMDs and lumbar pain, who consented to participate in this study. They were provided with instructions on how to discontinue their parafunctional habits including clenching and bruxism. The Helkimo and Rolland Morris questionnaires were used to assess TMD and lower back pain, respectively. Data were statistically analyzed using paired Student's t-test, Wilcoxon, Mann-Whitney, and Spearman correlation tests, with the significance level set at P<0.05. Results: The mean severity score of TMD significantly decreased after the intervention. Following treatment of TMD, the mean severity score of lumbar pain decreased from 8 to 2 (P=0.0001). Conclusion: Based on our findings, it appears that the elimination of parafunctional habits improves TMD and lumbar pain.

The Effect of Laser Bio-modulation on Dysplastic Lesions, an Animal Study.

Potentially malignant disorders are one of the clinical challenges. Dysplasia in these lesions can be a predictor of more potential for malignant changes. Photo-bio-modulation in benign lesions has advantages, but there is doubt on its safety in potentially malignant lesions. This study aims to assess if low-level laser can promote dysplastic changes while the method can play an important role in management of dysplastic lesions. Dysplasia was induced on anterior wall of the buccal pouch of 80 young Syrian male hamsters. Then, hamsters were divided to four groups to receive 4 and 12 sessions irradiation of 660 and 810 nanometers low-level lasers. For histopathologic study of the tissue, we used light microscopes. Using SPSS, data were analyzed via Wilcoxon signed rank test and Mann-Whitney U-test. In all of our four groups, the severity of dysplasia had no statistical difference in study sides comparing with their own controls. Wavelength and numbers of laser irradiation sessions had no statistically meaningful effect on the severity of dysplasia either. Low-level lasers appear to show no relevant or significant effect over the aggravation of the dysplasia's severity. Neither the wavelength nor the number of sessions appear to have any impact in the results.

Effects of 660 nm and 810 nm Low-Power Diode Laser on Proliferation and Invasion of Oral Cancer Cells in Cell Culture Media.

In the present study, the effects of 660 and 810 nm diode laser on the proliferation and invasion of cancer cells were investigated. Sixteen plates of oral cancer cells originated from tongue SCC were irradiated with diode laser at 660 nm (40 and 80 mW) and 810 nm (100 and 200 mW) with the energy density of 4 J cm-2 . One plate received no irradiation (the control). Irradiation was performed at four times (0, 24, 72 and 168 h). Cell proliferation was measured by MTT assay. The Ki67 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) markers were examined by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Cyclin D1, E-cadherin, ß-catenin and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9; flow cytometry) were also evaluated. Proliferation was lower in the irradiated groups. This result was significant for all groups at 24 h. The percentages of cyclin D1 and MMP-9 were higher in 810 nm groups, ß-catenin and E-cadherin were higher in 660 nm groups, VEGF marker was significantly lower in 810 nm/200 mW group, and Ki67 marker has no difference between the groups. According to the results of this study, laser irradiation at 0 and 24 h resulted in a significant inhibitory effect on cell proliferation especially in 660 nm/80 mW and 810 nm/200 mW. Further studies are needed in this respect.

Oropharyngeal Candida Colonization in Patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

OBJECTIVES: Oral candidiasis has increased in recent years because of the increasing number of high-risk populations. The prevalence of Candida species is different worldwide because of the difference between population characteristics, sampling protocols, and geographic regions. Therefore, determining the more prevalent Candida species in different geographic regions seems essential. This study aimed to determine the more prevalent Candida species in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients in comparison with healthy individuals in Iran in 2016. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-one patients with AML and 62 healthy controls participated in this cross-sectional study. Samples were collected using a swab rubbed softly on the dorsal surface of the tongue and the oropharynx. The samples were cultured on CHROMagar Candida for 2 to 4 days. For differentiation between albicans and non-albicans species, positive samples were linearly inoculated on Corn Meal Agar with Tween-80. Candida species were identified using a microscope. Data were analyzed using chi-square and Fisher's exact tests. RESULTS: Candida colonization was more frequent in AML patients (41.2%) in comparison with healthy participants (38.7%). Candida glabrata (C. glabrata; 27.5%) and Candida albicans (C. albicans; 32.3%) were the most common isolated species in the AML patients and the controls, respectively. There was a significant decrease in the frequency of C. albicans (P=0.022) and a significant increase in the frequency of C. glabrata (P=0.002) in the AML patients in comparison with the controls. CONCLUSION: AML patients are more susceptible to candidiasis. C. glabrata is the dominant Candida species in AML patients.

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.

Comparative Efficacy of Topical Curcumin and Triamcinolone for Oral Lichen Planus: A Randomized, Controlled Clinical Trial.

OBJECTIVES: Lichen planus (LP) is a chronic inflammatory mucocutaneous disease. Its treatment is often symptomatic and includes topical and systemic corticosteroids. Although corticosteroid therapy is usually successful, it has side effects and thus, an alternative treatment is favorable. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of topical curcumin and triamcinolone for treatment of oral lichen planus (OLP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, 50 patients (36 women and 14 men) in the age range of 38 to 73 years with OLP were randomly divided into two groups. Each group received 0.1% triamcinolone or 5% curcumin oral paste three times a day for four weeks. Assessment of the appearance score and severity of pain was done at baseline and at the end of two and four weeks and recorded in the patients' questionnaires. The data were analyzed by SPSS 17 software, using the Mann-Whitney and Spearman's tests. RESULTS: With respect to pain reduction, nine patients (36%) in the curcumin group and eight patients (32%) in the triamcinolone group showed complete remission. With respect to the appearance score, one patient (4%) in each group showed complete remission. No statistically significant difference was noted between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Application of curcumin is suggested for treatment of OLP because of its desirable anti-inflammatory effects and insignificant side effects.

Oral osteosarcoma: a case report and analysis of previously reported cases.

Osteosarcoma is the most common malignancy of mesenchymal cells after hematopoietic neoplasms. Most originate within bones, but the occurrence of this malignancy in the jaw bones is rare. There is controversy about the characteristics of this tumor in the literature. The aim of this paper was to collect the previous reported data and provide a statistical analysis of them. Additionally, we have reported a case of mandibular osteosarcoma.

Comparison of oral lesion prevalence between renal transplant patients and dialysis patients.

OBJECTIVE: Renal transplantation is performed in patients with end stage renal disease as the best treatment plan. However, different complications may occur in these patients due to the direct consequences of the renal disease or drug-induced suppression of the body immune system. The main objective of the present study was to compare different oral lesions in patients receiving renal transplantation with the patients undergoing dialysis referred to two hospitals in Tehran, Iran. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 93 renal transplant patients who had received renal transplant at least 6 months prior to our study, were selected from their records at the hospitals. Furthermore, 93 candidates of renal transplantation were selected as the control group. The patients in both case and control groups underwent oral examinations and the results were analyzed by chi-square test and Spearman correlation coefficient. RESULTS: At least one oral lesion was found in 30 (32.2%) patients in the renal transplant group and 8 (8.6%) patents in the control subjects. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant (p<0.0001). The most prevalent lesion was xerostomia observed in 20 patients of the renal transplant group and 4 patients in the control group. The odds ratio of cyclosporine and amlodipine and the effect of these in increasing the risk of oral lesions was 1.21 and 1.02, respectively in renal transplant recipients. CONCLUSION: The results of the study showed that renal transplantation significantly increases the risk of related oral lesions. Therefore, renal transplant recipients must undergo regular oral examinations in order to find any suspicious lesion(s) as soon as possible to treat them.

Non-syndromic bilateral dentigerous cysts associated with permanent second premolars.

The dentigerous cyst is one of the most common developmental odontogenic cysts in the jaw. Occurrence of the bilateral dentigerous cyst is uncommon, and frequently associated with syndromes like basal cell nevus syndrome or cleidocranial dysplasia. There are few reports on the presence of bilateral dentigerous cyst in nonsyndromic patients, and most of these are associated with first and third molars. The reported case in this paper is bilateral dentigerous cysts associated with mandibular permanent second premolars, in the absence of any signs of syndrome. To our knowledge bilateral dentigerous cysts in these locations have not been previously reported.

Oral Squamous cell carcinoma with an unusual clinical manifestation: a case report.

INTRODUCTION: Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common malignant tumor of the oral cavity and one of the 10th most common causes of death. It arises from dysplastic oral squamous epithelium. By considering the pathogenesis of squamous cell carcinoma, the smooth and intact surface for this lesion is not usual. CASE PRESENTATION: A painful nodular lesion with smooth surface on the left buccal mucosa of a 75-year-old female patient was observed. She noticed it 2 weeks ago. Histopathological examination revealed oral squamous cell carcinoma. CONCLUSION: In this paper, we report an unusual clinical presentation of oral squamous cell carcinoma in buccal mucosa which is very rare.

A new approach to root formation.

In endodontics, treatment of an open apex tooth with necrotic pulp is a problem. It seems that with promotion of remnants of Hertwig's epithelial sheath or rest of malassez accompany with a good irrigation of root canal we can expect root formation. (Iranian Endodontic Journal 2008;3:42-43).

Agreement between Clinicians in Determining the Root Canal System in Radiographic Images.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to compare a clearing technique with conventional radiography in studying certain features of the root canal system in single root premolars. A secondary aim was to assess inter examiner agreement for these features using radiographs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-eight recently extracted single rooted premolars were included in this study. Two standard periapical radiographs were taken from buccolingual and 20° direction. The specimens were then decoronated, demineralized in 10% hydrochloric acid for 24 hours and then were cleared using methylsalicylate. The cleared teeth were examined using a magnifier (x10) and data relating to number of roots, canals, apical foramina and their positions were collected. The radiographs were examined by two independent trained endodontists using an X-ray viewer and the magnifying lens for same studied features using the clearing technique. RESULTS: The kappa values for the agreement between the clearing technique and two examiners for the number of canals in standard radiographs were κ = 0.07, κ = 0.26 and in angulated radiographs were κ = 0.84, κ = 0.39 and κ = 0.31; for number of apical foramen were κ = 0.66, κ = 0.50, and κ = 0.19 and for detection the number of roots were %84 and %92 for examiner 1 and %92 and %88 for examiner 2. CONCLUSION: In general, the kappa values were low to moderate for all comparisons. It is concluded that agreement between either radiographic examiners and clearing technique were poor to moderate indicating the limited value of radiographs alone at the time of studying certain aspects of the root canal system.