Crevicular fluid levels of plasma glutathione peroxidase (eGPx) in periodontal health and disease

Background & objectives

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been implicated in numerous human diseases, including periodontal diseases. Plasma glutathione peroxidase (eGPx) as an important antioxidant, has a protective role against ROS and is an established marker of oxidative stress. The present study evaluated the levels of eGPx in GCF to further probe into the role of oxidants and antioxidants in periodontal disease.

Methods

60 subjects were divided into three groups consisting of 20 subjects in each group based on gingival index, pocket probing depth, clinical attachment loss and radiological parameters (bone loss): healthy (group 1), gingivitis (group 2) and periodontitis (group 3), whilst, group 3 patients after the treatment constituted group 4. GCF samples were collected from all groups to estimate the levels of eGPx using ELISA.

Results

The mean eGPx concentration in GCF were observed to be the highest in group 3 i.e., 30.89 ± 4.93 ng/μl and lowest in group 1 i.e., 15.32 ± 3.06 ng/μl. The mean eGPx concentration in group 2 (23.77 ± 2.91 ng/μl) and group 4 (18.92 ± 3.53 ng/μl) fell between the highest and the lowest values.

Conclusion

This suggests that eGPx levels in GCF increase proportionally with the severity of periodontal diseases. eGPx can be considered as a marker of oxidative stress in periodontal diseases. However, controlled, longitudinal studies with larger samples have to be carried out to confirm this possibility.     

Experimental ridge augmentation with porous hydroxyapatite implants

A new hydroxyapatite ceramic implant material for restoration of atrophic edentulous ridges was tested in a canine animal model. The structure of this material is unique, in that it is produced from the skeleton of a coral, and in that it is penetrated by a uniform network of interconnected pores. Results indicate that bone penetrates its structure to a greater degree than had been observed with similar implants constructed of different materials. Implant insertion through a simple surgical technique involving minimal morbidity is a viable method of placement.     

Influence of preparation features on retention and resistance. Part II: three-quarter crowns

Four three-quarter crown variations were tested for retention and resistance and compared with results of a previous study.¹⁵ Preparations with boxes or four grooves are the most retentive of the three-quarter crown designs used in the study. Lingual placement of proximal grooves enhanced the retention. Three-quarter crowns with V-shaped grooves are the least resistant of the preparation designs with retention/resistance features.     

Open-bite--a case report (1965-1982)

Successful treatment of severe skeletal open-bite malocclusions has always demanded the utmost of the orthodontist. Long-term evaluation of this type of treatment is not often seen in the literature, for the results have often been disappointing. Combining the best of the surgical and orthodontic disciplines offers these cases an optimistic outlook for the first time. A case treated twice by conventional orthodontic means in 1965 and 1969 was re-treated in 1980 by a surgical orthodontic approach. The results are quite encouraging.     

Purification and characterization of galactosephilic component present on the cell surfaces of Streptococcus sanguis ATCC 10557

Previous studies have indicated that a galactosephilic component present on the bacterial cell surfaces of Streptococcus sanguis ATCC 10557 may be responsible for the salivary glycoprotein-mediated binding of the cells. The purpose of this study was to investigate the purification and characterization of galactosephilic cell surface component from S. sanguis ATCC 10557. A galactosephilic component involving fibrils on the cell surfaces was isolated by the techniques of freezing and thawing, and purified by an affinity chromatography on beta-D-galactose binding-Bio-Gel P-2 followed by gel filtrations on Bio-Gel P-150 and on Bio-Gel P-30. Both disk gel electrophoresis and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis showed that the purified product was homogeneous. The isoelectric point of the purified sample was 8.5 to 9.0. Treatment of the purified sample with pronase E reduced remarkably either the hemagglutinating activity or the precipitation reaction with proline-rich glycoprotein in human parotid saliva, suggesting that the active site may be present on the peptide moieties. When sugar specificity was examined by hemagglutination-inhibition test, D-galactose was the strongest inhibitor. The results of this study suggest that the galactosephilic component may be a bacterial lectin.     

The rationale for the indication and design off the MOD inlay

Modern preventive measures enable an occlusion based approach in the design of an MOD inlay. Treatment planning should require control of the caries problem and institution of sound oral hygiene before any permanent cast restoration is provided. Because of stress developing from occlusal forces being translated into a wedge action fracture of the crown weakened by cavity preparation is enhanced. When inlay restorations are indicated preference should be given to partial coverage of the crown.     

A community approach to the prevention of dental disease in the children of developing countries

Even in developed Western countries the ready availability of sophisticated restorative dentistry has been relatively unsuccessful in reducing the prevalence of dental disease. It is therefore totally wrong to seek to impose a similar structure of dental care in the developing countries with their shortages of wealth, communications and trained personnel. Instead, the emphasis must be on education and the application of preventive methods by relatively simply trained personnel working with the support and under the guidance of a few fully trained dentists. The establishment of a dental service in the developing countries must contain the following three elements. First, the undertaking of a nationwide survey of the prevalence of dental disease. Next the establishment of training schools in each ethnic area where dental surgeons, dental therapists and dental assistants can be recruited and trained. Lastly, the recruitment and training of local instructors in dental health to work in their own schools, villages and districts, concerned with the supervision of oral hygiene, fluoride mouthrinsing and diet. This scheme is based on the principle of self help through locally recruited and trained personnel and the encouragement of community pride in positive dental health.