Differential expression of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in lipopolysaccharide‐stimulated melanocytes from lightly and darkly pigmented skin

Increasing evidence suggests that human epidermal melanocytes play an important role in the skin immune system; however, a role of their pigmentation in immune and inflammatory responses is poorly examined. In the study, the expression of Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) and inflammatory cytokines and chemokines by cultured normal melanocytes derived from lightly and darkly pigmented skin was investigated after cell stimulation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The basal TLR4 mRNA level in heavily pigmented cells was higher as compared to their lightly pigmented counterparts. Melanocyte exposure to LPS upregulated the expression of TLR4 mRNA and enhanced the DNA‐binding activity of NF‐κB p50 and p65. We found substantial differences in the LPS‐stimulated expression of numerous genes encoding inflammatory cytokines and chemokines between the cells with various melanin contents. In lightly pigmented melanocytes, the most significantly upregulated genes were nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT/visfatin), the chemokines CCL2 and CCL20, and IL6, while the genes for CXCL12, IL‐16 and the chemokine receptor CCR4 were the most significantly upregulated in heavily pigmented cells. Moreover, the lightly pigmented melanocytes secreted much more NAMPT, CCL2 and IL‐6. The results of our study suggest modulatory effect of melanogenesis on the immune properties of normal epidermal melanocytes.     

Task-evoked reconfiguration of the fronto-parietal network is associated with cognitive performance in brain tumor patients

Brain Imaging and Behavior - In healthy participants, the strength of task-evoked network reconfigurations is associated with cognitive performance across several cognitive domains. It is, however,...     

sICAM-1 as potential additional parameter in the discrimination of the Sjögren syndrome and non-autoimmune sicca syndrome: a pilot study

Clinical Rheumatology - Both Sjögren’s syndrome (SS) and non-autoimmune sicca syndrome (nSS) can show symptoms of dry eyes and a dry mouth, and objective reductions in tear and saliva...     

Combined effects of valproate and naringin on kidney antioxidative markers and serum parameters of kidney function in C57BL6 mice

Valproate is known to disturb the kidney function, and high doses or prolonged intake may cause serum ion imbalance, kidney tubular acidosis, proteinuria, hyperuricosuria, polyuria, polydipsia, and dehydration. The aim of this in vivo study was to see whether naringin would counter the adverse effects of high-dose valproate in C57Bl/6 mice and to which extent. As expected, valproate (150 mg/kg bw a day for 10 days) caused serum hyperkalaemia, more in male than female mice. Naringin reversed (25 mg/kg bw a day for 10 days) the hyperkalaemia and activated antioxidative defence mechanisms (mainly catalase and glutathione), again more efficiently in females. In males naringin combined with valproate was not as effective and even showed some prooxidative effects.KEY WORDS: calcium, catalase, hyperkalaemia, malondialdehyde, oxidative stress, potassium, sodium, superoxide dismutase     

Dietary and oral hygiene habits in children with type I diabetes mellitus related to dental caries

The aims of the study were to evaluate differences in dietary, oral hygiene habits and social class in children with Type I diabetes mellitus (DM), compared to non-diabetics, and to investigate relationship between selected caries-risk factors and caries experience in diabetics. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 70 children with Type I DM and 70 age- and sex-matched non-diabetic controls were included in the study. Metabolic control of diabetes was categorized into well- to- moderately-controlled and poorly-controlled groups based on glycosylated haemoglobin HbA1c. The study was based on the data obtained from the questionnaire including information about dietary and oral hygiene habits, pattern of dental visits and social class. Results showed that the diabetic children had more frequent main meals and less snacking than their controls: the mean number of main meals/day was 4.33 (SD = 0.93) in the diabetics, and 2.53 (SD = 0.85) in the controls. Significantly less diabetics (43%) used sweet drinks than their controls (79%). There were no differences according to the frequency of toothbrushing as well as frequency of dental visits between the diabetics and controls, however, significantly more diabetics reported that they never used dental floss than non-diabetics. There were no significant differences in the diet, toothbrushing frequency between the diabetics with different metabolic control. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that among caries risk associated variables only age of children (OR = 1.98; CI = 1.23-3.19) and level of metabolic control of diabetes (OR = 4.65; CI = 1.28-16.89) were statistically significantly associated with high caries experience in the diabetics. CONCLUSIONS: Frequent consumption of sweet drinks and snacks can influence caries development in children. Amongst the diabetics, the differences in caries prevalence can be explained by combination of biological and behavioral factors rather than single dietary or oral hygiene elements.     

The relationship between blood serum lipids and periodontal condition

The aim of the study: the study analyzed he relationship between blood serum lipids and periodontal condition, as well as the relationship between the left ventricular mass index and the condition of periodontium. The study included 261 subjects--140 women and 121 men. Mean age of the subjects was 38 years. The condition of periodontal tissues during the study was evaluated with the help of the CPITN index (Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs). The study was performed at Kaunas University of Medicine (KMU) Clinic of Dental and Oral Diseases. Laboratory blood lipid studies were performed at the laboratory of the Hospital of Kaunas University of Medicine (HKUM). The studies included the determination of the total blood cholesterol level, triglyceride level, HDL cholesterol level, and LDL cholesterol level (mmol/l). Patients with hypertension (102 patients) underwent ultrasound examination of the heart at KMU Clinic of Cardiology. On the basis of the findings of the ultrasound study, left ventricular mass index (g/m(2)) was calculated. The findings of our study showed that there was no difference in the blood serum concentration of total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol between people with healthy periodontium and those with gingivitis or periodontitis. Mean rank of the left ventricular mass index in subjects with healthy periodontium or gingivitis (CPITN codes 0, 1, 2) was 48.3, and in subjects with periodontitis (CPITN codes 3, 4) - 61.36 (p<0.05).     

Clinical study of the internal gaps of zirconia and metal frameworks for fixed partial dentures

The aim of this clinical study was to compare the internal gaps between abutment teeth and posterior fixed partial dentures (FPDs) fabricated utilizing milled zirconia and cast gold-alloy frameworks. As part of an ongoing randomized controlled clinical trial, 32 three-unit FPDs (16 zirconia and 16 metal-ceramic) in 25 patients were randomly selected for adaptation measurements. During the bisque-stage ceramic try-in, an A-silicone impression material was placed between the abutment teeth and the framework. The internal gap, corresponding to the thickness of the replica, was measured under magnification at the following locations: cervical, axial, and occlusal (cusp-tips and central). The internal gaps of FPDs with zirconia frameworks were significantly larger in cervical, axial, and centro-occlusal regions (cervical: 189.6 ± 71.8  μ m vs. 118.6 ± 31.5  μ m; axial: 140.5 ± 38.3  μ m vs. 95.7 ± 18.1  μ m; and centro-occlusal: 192.0 ± 66.5  μ m vs. 153.1 ± 69.8  μ m). The cervical gaps next to the pontics were significantly larger compared with those of the outer walls in both types of FPDs (zirconia: mean difference 67.7 ± 114.7  μ m; metal-ceramic: mean difference 30.0 ± 71.2  μ m). Posterior three-unit FPDs incorporating milled zirconia frameworks exhibited larger internal gaps than those constructed using conventional metal-ceramic techniques.