M2 macrophages coexist with a Th1-driven profile in periapical cysts.

AIM: To evaluate the participation of both Th1 and Th2 responses in periapical cysts by assessing the presence of M2 macrophages, as well as acute IL-1 ß, TNF-α and IL-6 cytokines. METHODOLOGY: Twenty-four cases of periapical cysts were selected. Immuno-expressions of IL-1 ß, IL-6, TNF-α and CD163 were analysed in the cystic capsules in both superficial and deeper regions. Data were analysed with paired Wilcoxon test and Spearman correlation coefficient (P ≤ 0.05). RESULTS: There was a higher expression of IL-1ß, IL-6, TNF-α and M2 macrophages in the superficial region (P < 0.001) of cystic capsules. All acute cytokines had significant positive correlations amongst them regardless of the cystic capsule region. Regarding CD163, positive correlations occurred only with TNF-α (P = 0.007; r = 0.537) and IL-6 (P = 0.018; r = 0.478) in the superficial regions of the cystic capsule. CONCLUSIONS: M2 macrophages participated actively in the inflammatory response of periapical cysts and correlated with the expression of certain acute Th1-related cytokines. This illustrates the coexistence of an acute and chronic Th2-driven immune response in these lesions. Although M2 macrophages favour the healing process, their presence is not sufficient for periapical cyst regression, once an acute active response has occurred due to an infectious stimuli.

Piroxicam and laser phototherapy in the treatment of TMJ arthralgia: a double-blind randomised controlled trial.

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of piroxicam associated with low-level laser therapy compared with single therapies in 32 patients presenting temporomandibular joint arthralgia in a random and double-blind research design. The sample, divided into laser + piroxicam, laser + placebo piroxicam and placebo laser + piroxicam groups, was submitted to the treatment with infrared laser (830 nm, 100 mW, 28 s, 100 J cm(-2) ) at 10 temporomandibular joint and muscle points on each side during four sessions concomitant to take one capsule a day of piroxicam 20 mg during 10 days. The treatment was evaluated throughout four sessions and 30 days follow-up through visual analogue scale (VAS), maximum mouth opening and joint and muscle (temporal and masseter) pain on palpation. The results showed that all the study groups had a significant improvement in the VAS scores (P < 0·05), and there were no significant group differences. Piroxicam was effective in the reduction of joint and muscle pain on palpation (P < 0·05) and showed the lowest temporal pain (P = 0·02) at the 30-day follow-up. The combination of low-level laser therapy and piroxicam was not more effective than single therapies in the treatment of temporomandibular joint arthralgia. The use of piroxicam was more effective in the following 30 days.

Pathogenic Fungi Causing Symptoms Similar to Phaeosphaeria Leaf Spot of Maize in Brazil.

This study aimed to identify and characterize the pathogens associated with symptoms similar to Phaeosphaeria leaf spot (PLS) of maize in different environmental conditions in Brazil. During the last decade, PLS became an important disease of maize in Brazil. However, doubt persists about the causal agent. Maize leaves with PLS-like lesions were collected from two locations (Cristalina, Goiás State [GO] and Vila Maria, Rio Grande do Sul State [RS]) in two growing seasons. Fungi associated with leaf lesions were isolated and cultured for taxonomic identification. Pathogenicity tests were carried out and the results indicated that three fungi (a Phyllosticta sp., Phoma sorghina, and a Sporormiella sp.) caused leaf spot similar to PLS on maize. The composition of pathogenic fungi in PLS-like lesions varied depending on locations and growing seasons. The fungi P. sorghina and a Phoma sp. (Plenodomus section) occurred in all environments, but the Sporormiella and Phyllosticta spp. were restricted to GO and RS, respectively. The results support the hypothesis that various pathogens are involved in PLS-like symptoms of maize and environmental conditions may influence the predominance of a specific agent.