Gingival crevicular fluid and plasma oxidative stress markers and TGM-2 levels in chronic periodontitis

ObjectiveThis study was aimed to evaluate the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and plasma transglutaminase-2 (TGM-2), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidant status (TOS), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in patients with chronic periodontal disease.Materials and methodsTwenty patients with chronic periodontitis (CP), 20 patients with gingivitis and 20 healthy subjects were enrolled in the study. Clinical periodontal parameters including probing depth, clinical attachment level, plaque index and papillary bleeding index were recorded. GCF and plasma levels of TGM-2, TAC, TOS, TBARS and FRAP were analyzed.ResultsGCF TGM-2 was significantly lower in CP group than in gingivitis patients (P = 0.006). GCF FRAP in CP and gingivitis groups was significantly lower than in healthy subjects (P < 0.001). Plasma FRAP level was lower in gingivitis group when compared to healthy subjects (P = 0.003). There was no significant difference in GCF and plasma TAC, TOS, TBARS and plasma TGM-2 levels among the study groups (P > 0.05). GCF TGM-2 level was positively correlated with GCF TAC and negatively correlated with CAL.ConclusionsDecreased FRAP in GCF and plasma indicating lower antioxidant status of CP patients might suggest the role of oxidative stress in periodontitis. GCF TGM-2 data might suggest that TGM2 is associated with stabilization of the extracellular matrix and wound healing in periodontium rather than gingival inflammation.     

Production of endogenous hydrogen sulfide in human gingival tissue

ObjectiveEndogenous hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) has recently been shown to play an important role in inflammation, but the role of endogenous H₂S in the human gingival tissue is unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate whether gingiva had enzymes for H₂S synthesis, and whether the effect of these enzymes for H₂S production changed with periodontal inflammation.DesignGingival tissues were collected from patients undergoing periodontal operation including gingivitis, moderate chronic periodontitis, severe chronic periodontitis and normal controls. RT-PCR and western blotting were performed to measure mRNA and protein levels of cystathionine β-synthase (CBS) and cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE) for H₂S production. Immunohistochemistry was carried out to detect the location of the enzymes. H₂S levels and synthesis in gingival tissue were evaluated with modified methylene blue method.ResultsThe mRNA and protein of CBS and CSE were both expressed in human gingiva and raised significantly in moderate and severe periodontitis compared of that in healthy control. CBS, but not CSE, increased in gingivitis (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference of H₂S level and synthesis among these groups (p > 0.05).ConclusionsBoth CBS and CSE were expressed in human gingival tissue. The mRNA and protein levels of CBS and CSE were up-regulated in periodontitis.     

Study of the participation of MMP-7, EMMPRIN and cyclophilin A in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease

Background and objectivePeriodontal disease is an infectious disease resulting from the immunoinflammatory response of the host to microorganisms present in the dental biofilm which causes tissue destruction. The objective of this study was to evaluate the immunohistochemical expression of matrix metalloproteinase 7 (MMP-7), extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (EMMPRIN) and cyclophilin A (CypA) in periodontal disease.DesignGingival tissue samples were divided as follows: clinically healthy gingiva (n = 32), biofilm-induced gingivitis (n = 28), and chronic periodontitis (n = 30). Histological sections of 3 μm were submitted to immunoperoxidase method and undergone quantitative analysis. The results were analyzed statistically by the Mann-Whitney and Spearman correlation tests, with the level of significance set at 0.05 (α = 0.05).ResultsImmunopositivity for MMP-7, EMMPRIN and CypA differed significantly between the three groups, with higher percentages of staining in chronic periodontitis specimens, followed by chronic gingivitis and healthy gingiva specimens (p < 0.05). Immunoexpression of CypA and MMP-7 was higher in the intense inflammatory infiltrate observed mainly in cases of periodontitis (p < 0.05). CypA expression was positively correlated with MMP-7 (r = 0.831; p < 0.001) and EMMPRIN (r = 0.289; p = 0.006). In addition, there was a significant positive correlation between probing depth and expression of MMP-7 (r = 0.726; p < 0.001), EMMPRIN (r = 0.345; p = 0.001), and CypA (r = 0.803; p < 0.001).ConclusionThese results suggest that MMP-7, EMMPRIN and CypA are associated with the pathogenesis and progression of periodontal disease.     

Macrophage activating factor: A potential biomarker of periodontal health status

ObjectiveIn periodontitis, activated macrophages not only initiate immune responses to periodontal-pathogen infections, but also damage the periodontal tissues by releasing a series of inflammatory cytokines. Macrophage-activating factor (MAF) and macrophage-chemotactic factor (MCF) are two important mediators involved in macrophage accumulation, activation and function. This study analyzed the levels of salivary MAF and MCF in healthy individuals and those with different periodontal diseases, and assessed the usefulness of salivary MAF and MCF as diagnostic biomarkers in periodontal tissue health status.DesignNinety-five saliva specimens were collected from healthy individuals (n = 19), and patients with gingivitis (n = 19), mild periodontitis (n = 17), moderate periodontitis (n = 20), and severe periodontitis (n = 20). Pocket probing depth (PPD) and alveolar bone loss (ABL) were recorded via periodontal probing and dental radiography, respectively. Salivary MAF and MCF concentrations were assayed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.ResultsMAF level tended to increase in saliva as periodontal diseases progressed (healthy periodontium < gingivitis < mild periodontitis < moderate periodontitis < severe periodontitis). The concentration of salivary MAF in periodontitis correlated positively with ABL (r = 0.758) and PPD (r = 0.779). In contrast, salivary MCF levels increased significantly only in periodontitis.ConclusionsSalivary MAF levels correlate positively with tissue destruction in periodontal diseases. It is a potential valuable biomarker that could be used to assess periodontal health status.     

Association of CXCL12 gene promoter methylation with periodontitis in patients with diabetes mellitus type 2

ObjectivesCXCL12 is widely expressed, constitutive chemokine involved in tissue repair and regeneration, while the extent of its expression is important in various chronic inflammatory conditions. Involvement of DNA methylation in CXCL12 gene suppression (CXCL12) has been shown in malignancy and some autoimmune diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the alterations in DNA methylation of CXCL12 are also involved in progression of periodontitis in combination with diabetes, as these chronic inflammatory conditions are strongly interrelated.DesignStudy included 72 subjects divided in three groups: healthy control (C, n = 21), periodontitis (P, n = 29) and diabetes/periodontitis group (D/P, n = 22). DNA extracted from epithelial cells obtained by sterile cotton swabs from buccal mucosa was subjected to methylation specific polymerase chain reaction (MSP) to obtain DNA methylation pattern of CXCL12 promoter.ResultsCXCL12 promoter was predominantly unmethylated in all groups. However, increase in the frequency of the methylated form and increase in percent of methylation of CXCL12 promoter in periodontitis and diabetes/periodontitis group compared to control group were found, although without statistical significance. However, statistically significant increase in Tm of MSP products in diabetes/periodontitis group was observed. Correlation analysis revealed statistically significant relationship between the extent of DNA methylation of the CXCL12 promoter and periodontal parameters, as well as between DNA methylation of CXCL12 and glycosylated hemoglobin.ConclusionPresented results suggest that chronic inflammation contributes to the change of CXCL12 DNA methylation in buccal cells and that DNA methylation profile of CXCL12 promoter plays important role in development and progression of periodontal disease.     

Expression of human beta defensins (HBDs) 1, 2 and 3 in gingival crevicular fluid of patients affected by localized aggressive periodontitis

AimTo study the effect of nonsurgical periodontal therapy on the expression frequencies of human beta-defensin (HBD)-1, -2, and -3 in the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of patients affected by localized aggressive periodontitis.Materials and methodsTwenty patients affected by localized aggressive periodontitis (age range, 20–35 years) and 20 healthy subjects (age range, 21–37 years) were examined with clinical periodontal parameters and radiographic examination with the long-cone parallel technique. All periodontitis patients underwent nonsurgical periodontal therapy combined with doxycycline treatment and a maintenance program (including brushing with regular toothpaste). GCF samples were collected from patients and healthy control subjects at baseline as well as 3 months after periodontal therapy for the patient group.ResultsIn the patient group, the expression frequencies of HBD-1, -2, and -3 mRNA at baseline were 30%, 85%, and 35%, respectively, which changed after periodontal therapy to 80%, 45%, and 85%, respectively (all P < 0.001). In the healthy control subjects, the expression frequencies were 95%, 40%, and 95% for HBD-1, -2, and -3, respectively, which were different from those of diseased patients at baseline (all P < 0.001).ConclusionsThe appropriate expression of HBD peptides in health and disease may contribute to the maintenance of periodontal homeostasis, possibly through its antimicrobial effects and the promotion of adaptive immune responses.     

Impact of periodontitis on oral health-related quality of life

ObjectivesTo investigate the impact of chronic periodontitis on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) using the full version of the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-49) and the Oral Health Quality of Life-UK (OHQoL-UK) questionnaires.Methods89 patients with chronic periodontitis and 89 age- and gender-matched patients without chronic periodontitis were recruited. OHIP-49 and OHQoL-UK were self-completed by participants and mean scores were calculated for each item, domain and the overall summary score (additive method) for each instrument in each group.ResultsThe mean age of participants was 47 ± 9 years, and the periodontitis patients had, on average, 33 ± 23 sites demonstrating probing depths ≥5 mm. OHRQoL was significantly poorer in the periodontitis patients compared to the periodontally healthy patients, when assessed by either instrument. When considering OHIP-49, fourteen of the forty-nine items indicated significantly poorer OHRQoL in the periodontitis group, and the overall OHIP-49 summary score was 48.6 ± 32.0 for periodontitis patients compared to 36.8 ± 29.8 in periodontally healthy patients (p < 0.01). When considering OHQoL-UK, fifteen of the sixteen items indicated significantly poorer OHRQoL in the periodontitis group, and the overall OHQoL-UK summary score was 47.1 ± 9.7 for periodontitis patients compared to 53.1 ± 11.3 in periodontally healthy patients (p < 0.01). Overall, those items with the greatest differences between periodontitis patients and the healthy group related to psychological concerns, halitosis, pain and aesthetics.ConclusionSubjects with periodontitis report substantial functional, physical, psychological, and social OHRQoL impacts.Clinical significanceThis study has identified that patients with chronic periodontitis report significantly poorer oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) than age- and gender-matched periodontally healthy patients, with significant functional, social and psychological impacts. Clinicians should be aware of the impacts that periodontitis may have on OHRQoL, including psychological concerns, halitosis, pain and aesthetics.     

Frequency of periodontal pathogens in equivalent peri-implant and periodontal clinical statuses

ObjectivesThis study tested the hypotheses that there is: (1) higher bacterial frequency in peri-implantitis/periodontitis, followed by mucositis/gingivitis and peri-implant/periodontal health; (2) similar bacterial frequency between comparable peri-implant and periodontal clinical statuses.Design of studyThe presence of Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia, Campylobacter rectus, Prevotella intermedia, Treponema denticola and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans was evaluated in peri-implant (n = 53) and periodontal (n = 53) health; mucositis (n = 50), gingivitis (n = 50), peri-implantitis (n = 50) and periodontitis (n = 50).ResultsThe pattern of peri-implant bacterial frequency was not as expected (peri-implantitis > mucositis > health). Except for P. intermedia (p > 0.05), bacterial frequency was higher in peri-implantitis than health (p < 0.05). The frequency of P.gingivalis and red complex species were higher in peri-implantitis than mucositis (p < 0.05). In periodontal samples, T. forsythia and T. denticola showed the expected pattern of frequency (periodontitis > gingivitis > health). The frequencies of C. rectus and T. forsythia were higher in healthy teeth/gingivitis than healthy implants/mucositis, respectively (p < 0.05). The frequency of P. gingivalis and A. actinomycetemcomitans were similar between periodontitis and peri-implantitis (p > 0.05) while all other species occurrences were higher in periodontitis than peri-implantitis (p < 0.05).ConclusionsBacterial frequency increased from peri-implant/periodontal health to peri-implantitis/periodontitis but not from mucositis/gingivitis to peri-implantitis/periodontitis. There was a trend towards higher bacterial frequency in teeth than implants.     

Exposure to Porphyromonas gingivalis LPS during macrophage polarisation leads to diminished inflammatory cytokine production

ObjectiveThe objective of the present study was to determine the effects of concurrent LPS and cytokine priming, reflective of the in vivo milieu, on macrophage production of key periodontitis associated cytokines TNF, IL-1β and IL-6.DesignTHP-1 cells were pre-treated with combinations of Porphyromonas gingivalis and Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS), concurrently with polarising cytokines IFNγ and IL-4, or PMA as a non-polarised control. Production of key periodontitis associated cytokines in response to subsequent LPS challenge were measured by enzyme − linked immunosorbent assay.ResultsCompared with cells incubated with IFNγ or IL-4 alone in the “polarisation” phase, macrophages that were incubated with LPS during the first 24 h displayed a down-regulation of TNF and IL-1β production upon secondary LPS treatment in the “activation” phase. In all three macrophage populations (M0, M1 and M2), pre-treatment with P. gingivalis LPS during the polarisation process led to a significant decrease in TNF production in response to subsequent activation by LPS (p = 0.007, p = 0.002 and p = 0.004, respectively). Pre-treatment with E. coli LPS also led to a significant down-regulation in TNF production in all three macrophage populations (p < 0.001). Furthermore, the presence of E. coli LPS during polarisation also led to the down-regulation of IL-1β in the M1 population (p < 0.001), whereas there was no measurable effect on IL-1β production in M0 or M2 macrophages. There was no significant effect on IL-6 production.ConclusionsMacrophages become refractory to further LPS challenge, whereby production of key periodontitis associated cytokines TNF and IL-1β is reduced after exposure to LPS during the polarisation phase, even in the presence of inflammatory polarising cytokines. This diminished cytokine response may lead to the reduced ability to clear infection and transition to chronic inflammation seen in periodontitis.     

Monocyte chemotactic protein-1, RANTES and macrophage migration inhibitory factor levels in gingival crevicular fluid of metabolic syndrome patients with gingivitis

ObjectiveThe aim of the present study was to determine gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) levels of monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), regulated on activation, normal T-cell expressed and secreted protein (RANTES) and macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) in metabolic syndrome patients with gingivitis.DesignTwenty metabolic syndrome patients with gingivitis (MSG), 20 MetS patients with clinically healthy periodontium (MSH), 20 systemically healthy subjects with gingivitis and 20 subjects who were both systemically and periodontally healthy were included. Periodontal and systemical parameters were recorded. GCF MCP-1, RANTES and MIF levels were assayed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method.ResultsMSG and MSH groups had elevated blood pressure, triglyceride, waist circumference and fasting glucose values in comparison to gingivitis and healthy groups (P < 0.0001). Clinical periodontal parameters were higher in MSG and gingivitis groups when compared to those of the MSH and healthy groups (P < 0.0001). MCP-1 and RANTES levels (ng/mg total protein) of MSG group were higher than those of the MSH groups (P = 0.005, P = 0.0001, respectively). Also gingivitis group had higher MCP-1, RANTES and MIF levels compared to the healthy group (P = 0.011, P = 0.0001, P = 0.011 respectively). The RANTES level of MSG group was significantly higher than those of the gingivitis group (P = 0.01), but MCP-1 and MIF levels were similar in the MSG and gingivitis groups (P > 0.05).ConclusionElevated levels of GCF RANTES in MetS patients with gingivitis might associate with the presence of increased gingival inflammation by MetS. Low-grade systemic inflammation associated with MetS and adipose tissue-derived RANTES might lead to altered GCF RANTES levels in the presence of gingival inflammation.     

Plasma polyunsaturated fatty acids and periodontal recovery in Taiwanese with periodontitis: A significant relationship

BackgroundPlasma levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are different before and after periodontal treatment. Asians and Westerners have significantly different baseline levels of plasma PUFAs. However, no Asian study has reported the effects of nonsurgical treatment on the correlation between periodontal condition and plasma levels of PUFAs. We analyzed whether recovery from periodontitis was correlated with the elevation of plasma fatty acids 3 months after the nonsurgical intervention and with no recommended supplements.DesignThirty-five Taiwanese patients with periodontitis were recruited. Probing pocket depths (PPDs) and clinical attachment levels (CALs) were measured at baseline and 3 months after the nonsurgical treatment. Plasma levels of fatty acids were determined using gas chromatography. Differences and correlations between plasma fatty acid composition and periodontitis severity at baseline and 3 months after treatment were determined.ResultsTwenty-six patients completed the study. At the baseline, PPDs were negatively correlated with plasma n-3 PUFAs (r = −0.52, p < 0.01), but at 3 months post intervention, periodontitis severity had declined and the weight percentages of n-3 PUFAs, DPA, and DHA were significantly (p = 0.019, 0.005, and 0.037, respectively) higher. The recovery percentages of CALs were positively and significantly correlated with plasma ΔPUFAs and the percentage of Δn-3 PUFAs in ΔPUFAs (r = 0.42 and 0.45, respectively; p < 0.05 for both).ConclusionsWe conclude that a higher weight percentage of n-3 PUFAs in total PUFAs was related to the recovery of CALs 3 months after the nonsurgical periodontal treatment. However, no such relationship was found for PPDs.     

Impact of moderate and severe hypodontia and amelogenesis imperfecta on quality of life and self-esteem of adult patients

ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to investigate the impact of moderate and severe hypodontia and amelogenesis imperfecta on the quality of life and self-esteem of affected adult patients.MethodsForty one adult patients (aged 18–45 years) with clinical and radiological diagnoses of moderate to severe hypodontia and twenty seven patients diagnosed with amelogenesis imperfecta were age and gender matched with a control group of patients attending for routine dental care. Subjects completed the Oral Health Impact Profile [OHIP-49] and Rosenberg Self Esteem Scale. A paired t-test was used to analyse data; the test alpha level was set at P ≤ 0.05.ResultsThe results for hypodontia patients were significantly different from controls in six out of the seven OHIP-49 domains, the exception being the Handicap domain. Total scores were also significantly different between the two groups (P = 0.003). Self-esteem was not significantly different between the two groups (P = 0.98).For amelogenesis imperfecta patients the results were significantly different from control patients in four out of the seven domains of the OHIP-49 and also in the total scores (P = 0.01). When self-esteem was investigated there was no significant differences between the two groups (P = 0.92).ConclusionsModerate to severe hypodontia and amelogenesis imperfecta have marked negative impacts on the Oral Health Related quality of life of this patient population relative to controls. However, self-esteem was not significantly affected.     

Nocturnal sleep architecture is altered by sleep bruxism

ObjectiveSleep is a complex behaviour phenomenon essential for physical and mental health and for the body to restore itself. It can be affected by structural alterations caused by sleep bruxism. The aim of this study was to verify the effects of sleep bruxism on the sleep architecture parameters proposed by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.DesignThe sample comprised 90 individuals, between the ages of 18 and 45 years, divided into two groups: with sleep bruxism (n = 45) and without sleep bruxism (n = 45). The individuals were paired by age, gender and body mass index: a polysomnography was performed at night.ResultsStatistically significant differences were found between (P ≤ 0.05) individuals with sleep bruxism and individuals without sleep bruxism during total sleep time (P = 0.00), non-rapid eye movement (NREM) total sleep time (P = 0.03), NREM sleep time stage 3 (P = 0.03), NREM sleep latency (P = 0.05), sleep efficiency (P = 0.05), and index of microarousals (P = 0.04).ConclusionsSleep bruxism impairs the architecture of nocturnal sleep, interfering with total sleep time, NREM sleep latency, and sleep efficiency.     

Assessment of gingival biotype and facial hard/soft tissue dimensions in the maxillary anterior teeth region using cone beam computed tomography

ObjectiveThis study sought to assess the relationship between facial gingival and bone dimensions in maxillary anterior teeth region using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT).DesignThis study assessed 621 maxillary anterior teeth in 144 patients. In the sagittal plane, facial bone thickness (BT) and gingival thickness (GT) were measured at the crestal level and at 2, 4 and 6 mm apical to the cementoenamel junction (CEJ). The dentogingival complex (DGC) dimensions and the distance from the CEJ to bone crest were also measured on CBCT scans. To determine the gingival biotype, GT at 2 mm apical to the gingival margin was measured and GT <1.5 mm was categorized as thin while GT ≥1.5 mm was categorized as thick. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 21 via repeated measures ANOVA and the Cochrane’s Q, chi-square and independent samples t-tests.ResultsThe BT around the maxillary central and lateral incisors and canine teeth at 4 and 6 mm apical to the CEJ was significantly different in thick and thin gingival biotypes (P < 0.05). The mean GT at 2 and 4 mm apical to the CEJ was significantly different around central and lateral incisors (P < 0.05). Thickness of crestal bone was significantly different between the two gingival biotypes around central and lateral incisors (P < 0.05).ConclusionThe two gingival biotypes had significantly different mean BT; different biotypes and their relationship to BT varied around anterior maxillary teeth.     

Does smoking affect gingival crevicular fluid LL-37 levels following non-surgical periodontal treatment in chronic periodontitis?

ObjectiveLL-37 contributes to maintaining the balance between health and disease. Smoking is a risk factor for periodontitis that impairs neutrophil functions. The aim of the present study was to comparatively evaluate gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) LL-37 levels in smoker and non-smoker chronic periodontitis (CP) patients and controls, as well as the effect of non-surgical periodontal treatment on GCF LL-37 levels.DesignThirty-one CP patients (16 smokers, 15 non-smokers) and thirty-one controls (16 smokers, 15 non-smokers) were included in the study. CP patients received non-surgical treatment. GCF LL-37 levels and periodontal parameters were assessed at baseline, 1 and 3 months after completion of non-surgical periodontal treatment. GCF LL-37 levels were analyzed by ELISA.ResultsNo significant difference was observed in GCF LL-37 levels between smoker and non-smoker controls (p > 0.05). Smoker CP group had significantly lower GCF LL-37 level than non-smoker CP group at baseline (p < 0.05). GCF LL-37 levels significantly decreased in non-smoker CP group at first week, 1 and 3 months after completion of non-surgical periodontal treatment (p < 0.05) although no significant decrease in GCF LL-37 levels was observed in smoker CP group (p > 0.05). Periodontal parameters were correlated with GCF LL-37 levels in non-smoker CP group (p < 0.05), but not in smoker CP group (p > 0.05).ConclusionsGCF LL-37 levels do not seem to be affected from smoking in periodontal health. However, smoking might have a suppressive effect on GCF LL-37 levels in CP. Non-surgical treatment is effective in decreasing GCF LL-37 levels in non-smoker CP patients but not in smokers with CP.     

Microbiological and clinical assessment of the abutment and non-abutment teeth of partial removable denture wearers

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was assessing the changes in both clinical and microbiological parameters of healthy individuals after rehabilitation with removable partial denture (RPD).Design11 women received unilateral or bilateral free-end saddle RPD in the mandibular arch. Clinical and microbiological parameters of abutment, non-abutment, and antagonist teeth were assessed at baseline (RPD installation) and after 7, 30, 90, and 180 days of function. The Checkerboard DNA–DNA hybridization technique was used to identify and quantify up to 43 different microbial species from subgingival biofilm samples. Probing depth, gingival recession, and bleeding on probing were also investigated over time.ResultsThe total and individual microbial genome counts were shown significantly increased after 180 days with no significant differences between abutment, non-abutment, or antagonist teeth. Streptococcus spp., Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, and other species associated to periodontitis (Peptostreptococcus anaerobius, Prevotella nigrescens, and Tannerella forsythia), as well as opportunistic Candida spp., were recovered in moderate counts. Abutment teeth presented higher values of gingival recession when compared with non-abutment or antagonist teeth, irrespectively time of sampling (p < 0.05). No significant differences were found between groups regarding bleeding on probing or probing depth over time.ConclusionsOverall, the microbial counts significantly increased after 6 months of denture loading for both abutment and non-abutment teeth with no significant differences regarding the microbial profile over time. Bleeding on probing and probing depth showed no significant difference between groups over time whereas gingival recession increased in the abutment teeth.     

Effects of low-level laser therapy on the proliferation and apoptosis of gingival fibroblasts treated with zoledronic acid

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has been indicated as an adjuvant therapy for bisphosphonate-induced osteonecrosis. However, the effects of LLLT on bisphosphonate-treated cells are not yet clear. This study evaluated the effects of LLLT on the proliferation and apoptosis of gingival fibroblasts treated with zoledronic acid (ZA). Cells were exposed to ZA at 5 μM for 48 h. Irradiation was performed using a laser diode prototype (LaserTABLE, InGaAsP; 780 nm ± 3 nm, 25 mW) at 0.5 or 3 J/cm², three times every 24 h. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were evaluated by fluorescence microscopy. Data were analyzed by Mann–Whitney test at the 5% level of significance. ZA decreased cell proliferation to 47.62% (interquartile range (IQR) 23.80–57.14%; P = 0.007) and increased apoptosis of gingival fibroblasts to 27.7% (IQR 20.9–33.4%; P = 0.0001). LLLT increased cell proliferation compared with non-irradiated cells, at 0.5 J/cm² (57.14%, IQR 57.14–71.43%; P = 0.003) and at 3 J/cm² (76.19%, IQR 61.90–76.19%; P = 0.0001), but did not increase cell proliferation in ZA-treated cells. Irradiated fibroblasts presented lower apoptosis rates than the ZA-treated cells, but apoptosis was no different in ZA-treated cells compared to those that were ZA-treated and also irradiated.     

Evaluation of the gingival inflammation in pregnancy and postpartum via 25-hydroxy-vitamin D3, prostaglandin E2 and TNF-α levels in saliva

BackgroundPhysiological changes and immunological modifications occur during pregnancy. The clinical and biological features of periodontal infections are affected by pregnancy. The aim of the present study was to evaluate saliva levels of 25-hydroxy-vitamin D3 (25(OH)D3), prostaglandin E2 (PGE₂) and TNF-alpha (TNF-α) in pregnancy, postpartum and non-pregnant controls.MethodsWhole saliva samples together with full-mouth clinical periodontal recordings were obtained from 59 pregnant, 47 post partum and 70 systemically healthy non-pregnant women. Groups were also evaluated according to the periodontal health status. 25(OH)D3, PGE₂ and TNF-α levels in the saliva samples were determined by enzyme-linked immunoassays. Data were statistically tested by nonparametrical tests.ResultsSaliva TNF-α and PGE₂ levels were significantly lower and 25(OH)D3 levels were significantly higher in the pregnant group than postpartum group (p < 0.0001). Saliva TNF-α and 25(OH)D3 levels were significantly higher and PGE₂ levels were significantly lower in the control group than postpartum group (p < 0.0001). In the pregnant healthy, gingivitis and periodontitis groups saliva TNF-α levels were significantly lower than postpartum and control counterparts (p < 0.0001, p = 0.032, p = 0.003 and p = 0.013; p = 0.027; p = 0.007, respectively). In control healthy, gingivitis and periodontitis groups saliva 25(OH)D3 levels were significantly higher than the postpartum counterparts (p < 0.0001, p < 0.0001, p = 0.002, respectively). In the control healthy and gingivitis groups saliva 25(OH)D3 levels were significantly higher than pregnant healthy and gingivitis (p < 0.0001).ConclusionsIn conclusion, within the limits of the present study it seems that pregnancy have an effect on parameters in saliva in relation to the periodontal status of the women. Further studies are required for better understanding of the impact of periodontal diseases on pregnancy or otherwise.