Macrophages in periapical lesions

Macrophages are major constituents of periapical granulomas. They have a central protective role in both innate immunity and adoptive, antigen-specific immune response. Macrophage activation may occur in periapical granulomas by cytokines produced by antigen-activated T-lymphocytes; by bacterial endotoxin, as part of the innate immunity; or by both these processes. Recent studies in athymic animals have shown that periapical granulomas may develop independently of T-lymphocytes. This observation reveals the major role that the activated macrophage may have in the formation of periapical lesions. Only a few of the macrophages in the periapical granuloma are activated. Current studies indicate that these activated cells are the source of the bone-resorbing cytokines in the periapical granuloma. Understanding the central role of the activated macrophage in the formation as well as the perpetuation of periapical lesions may lead to the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic tools in endodontics.     

Macrophages in periapical lesions

Abstract – Macrophages are major constituents of periapical granulomas. They have a central protective role in both innate immunity and adoptive, antigen‐specific immune response. Macrophage activation may occur in periapical granulomas by cytokines produced by antigen‐activated T‐lymphocytes; by bacterial endotoxin, as part of the innate immunity; or by both these processes. Recent studies in athymic animals have shown that periapical granulomas may develop independently of T‐lymphocytes. This observation reveals the major role that the activated macrophage may have in the formation of periapical lesions. Only a few of the macrophages in the periapical granuloma are activated. Current studies indicate that these activated cells are the source of the bone‐resorbing cytokines in the periapical granuloma. Understanding the central role of the activated macrophage in the formation as well as the perpetuation of periapical lesions may lead to the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic tools in endodontics.     

The distribution of nitric oxide synthetase in Vcx and its relation with the expression of FOS induced by teeth movement in rats]

It was studied the central role of nitric oxide(NO) during experimental teeth movement and the relation between nitric oxide synthetase (NOS) positive neurons and FOS like immunoreactivity (FLN) with the NADPH-diaphorase histochemistry and immunocytochemical reaction method. Results indicated that NOS positive neurons and FLN showed typical distribution in Vcx and there was some overlap between them. It suggests that NO is involved in the central modulation of the stimulating message of teeth movement, and which further explains the central modulation mechanism of experimental teeth movement in rats.     

头颈部肿瘤的基因治疗研究进展

基因治疗恶性肿瘤已从实验室走向临床试用阶段。目前国际上已批准的基因治疗方案１３０余项，其中７０％的方案是肿瘤基因治疗。头颈部肿瘤相对表浅、直观，且有区域淋巴结转移的特性，这为基因治疗的应用提供了天然的条件。近年文献报道由腺病毒介导的自杀基因治疗动物肿瘤模型的实验研究，为临床基因治疗头颈癌展示良好的应用前景。虽然人们已克隆出多种可用于肿瘤基因治疗的基因，但尚未找到一种临床应用后抗肿瘤效果非常显著的治疗性目的基因。这将有待于通过相关的研究，以期实现人类基因组研究计划发现和鉴定     

Type II collagen and aggrecan mRNA expressions in rabbit condyle following disc displacement

The aim of this investigation was to study the remodelling of cartilage in the mandibular condyle following disc displacement (DD) of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Forty adult Japanese white rabbits were used in this study. The right joints of 28 of the 40 rabbits had their discs surgically displaced. Four of the 28 were killed at 4 days or 1, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 12 weeks after surgery. The messenger RNA (mRNA) expression levels of aggrecan and type II collagen in cartilages were measured using in situ hybridization techniques. Results showed that aggrecan mRNA expression reduced in the first week after DD. The expression began to recover after 4 weeks and reached a normal level after 6 weeks. Type II collagen mRNA expression reduced from 4 weeks and the expression recovered after 8 weeks. This suggests that the chondrocyte reacting to the displacement of the TMJ disc, alters its matrix gene expression patterns and it is may be the cause of the shape changes of TMJ after DD.     

Clinical and patient-centered outcomes after minimally invasive non-surgical or surgical approaches for the treatment of intrabony defects: a randomized clinical trial

Background: The present study aims to compare the performance of minimally invasive non‐surgical and surgical approaches for the therapy of intrabony defects. Methods: Twenty‐nine patients who presented with intrabony defects were randomly assigned to: 1) a minimally invasive non‐surgical technique (MINST) group, or 2) minimally invasive surgical technique (MIST) group. The chair time of each therapeutic procedure was calculated. The probing depth (PD), position of the gingival margin (PGM) and relative clinical attachment level (RCAL) were evaluated at 3 and 6 months after treatments. The patient perception of discomfort/pain experienced during and after therapy and patient satisfaction regarding treatments were also evaluated. Results: Significant PD reductions, RCAL gains, and no changes in the PGM were obtained at 3 and 6 months in MINST and MIST groups (P <0.05). No differences were observed between groups at any time points (P >0.05). Patient‐oriented outcomes did not demonstrate differences between therapeutic approaches (P >0.05). Significant higher chair times were required in the MIST group than in the MINST group (P <0.05). Conclusions: Minimally invasive non‐surgical and surgical approaches were successfully used for the treatment of intrabony defects and achieved periodontal health in association with negligible morbidity and suitable patient satisfaction. However, non‐surgical therapeutic modality presented an advantage in terms of a reduction of treatment chair time.     

Tongue piercing and its adverse effects

Piercing has become so popular during the last 20 to 30 years that many physicians are now treating patients with piercings and dealing with its side effects. We present 3 cases that illustrate the complications of tongue piercing (ie, infection, bleeding, and embedded ornaments). We describe the methods for inserting the ornaments to illustrate the possible adverse effects. Treatment recommendations and their application to those 3 patients are described.