Killer immunoglobulin like receptor gene profiling in Western Indian population

One hundred and sixty one healthy unrelated hematopoietic stem cell transplant donors from Western Indian were enrolled in this study. The study was initiated to observe the genotypic diversity of 16 killer immunoglobulin like receptor (KIR) genes in this population. KIR genotyping was carried out using the PCR-SSP technique. 56 KIR genotypes were observed in our population, where 15 genotypes were reported for the first time in any population. The KIR genotype data for the population can be accessed from Allele Frequencies Net Database under the population name “India Western KIR” and identifier “3570”.     

Neuropathic Pain models caused by damage to central or peripheral nervous system

Neuropathic Pain (NP) is a painful condition which is a direct consequence of a lesion or disease affecting the somatosensory system with symptoms like allodynia, hyperalgesia. It has complex pathogenesis as it involves several molecular signaling pathways, thus numerous reliable animal models are crucial to understand the underlying mechanism of NP and formulate effective management therapy. Some models like spinal cord injury, chronic constriction injury, spinal nerve ligation, chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy, diabetes-induced NP and many more are discussed. This review contains an overview of the procedures followed to induce neuropathy and specific characteristics of that particular model. Some new techniques like spared nerve ligation, have omitted the limitation of methods not presently used where complete nerve damage occurs. Since animal models provide a window to experienced symptoms and physiology and impact the translation of bench discoveries to the bedside, the reporting, interpretation and comparison of these models is necessary because slight variation in procedure of model generation can drastically alter the results. The development of novel, but rational analgesic drugs to alleviate this intractable pain demands elucidation of molecular mechanisms of NP for which different types of animal models have been established.     

Comparison of coconut water, propolis, HBSS, and milk on PDL cell survival

Coconut water is biologically pure and sterile, with a rich presence of amino acids, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. The purpose of this study was to use a collagenase-dispase assay to investigate the potential of a new storage medium, coconut water, in comparison with propolis, Hank's balanced salt solution (HBSS), and milk in maintaining viable periodontal ligament (PDL) cells on simulated avulsed teeth. Seventy freshly extracted human teeth were divided into 4 experimental groups and 2 control groups. The positive and negative controls corresponded to 0-minute and 8-hour dry times, respectively. The experimental teeth were stored dry for 30 minutes and then immersed in 1 of the 4 media (coconut water, propolis, HBSS, and milk). The teeth were then treated with dispase grade II and collagenase for 30 minutes. The number of viable PDL cells was counted with a hemocytometer and analyzed. Statistical analysis showed that coconut water kept significantly more PDL cells viable compared with propolis, HBSS, or milk. Coconut water can be used as a superior transport medium for avulsed teeth.     

The combined analgesic effect of gabapentin and transdermal fentanyl patch on acute and chronic pain after maxillary cancer surgeries

Abstract

Purpose of this study was to evaluate the combined analgesic effect of gabapentin and transdermal fentanyl patch, on acute and chronic pain after surgery for maxillary cancer.

Study design

The Study was double blind and prospective. 100 subjects belonging to ASA grade I and II, 30–50 years age group, scheduled for maxillary cancer surgery were randomized into two groups; treatment group (GT): to receive gabapentin, transdermal fentanyl patch or control group ©: two placebos. For acute postoperative pain (Visual Analogue Score) and analgesic requirements were assessed 2, 4, 8 hours and 7 days after surgery. Subjects were also assessed for chronic pain 2, 4, 6 months later.

Results

Subjects in treatment group required lesser dose of analgesic, as compared to control group, in the post operative period. Visual Analogue Scores were also significantly lower in the treatment group throughout the post operative period. Occurrence of side effects was non significant between both groups. 2, 4 and 6 months after surgery, 40, 35 and 28 subjects respectively, out of total 45 subjects of the control group, reported chronic pain. In comparison, 25, 10 and 4 subjects out of 42 subjects in the treatment group reported chronic pain 2, 4, 6 months respectively after surgery. 15, 10 and 6 out of 45 of the control group required analgesics, whereas 2, 0 and 0 out of 42 in the treatment group, required analgesics respectively 2, 4 and 6 months after surgery

Conclusion

Acute and chronic pain after maxillary cancer surgery is significantly reduced by multimodal analgesia.     

Genetic polymorphism of Fcγ-receptors IIa, IIIa and IIIb in South Indian patients with generalized aggressive periodontitis

Recent evidence suggests that polymorphisms in Fcγ receptors are associated with different forms of periodontitis. However, the FcγR genotypes and their allele frequency differ among subjects from different ethnic backgrounds. The aim of the present study was to determine whether specific FcγRIIa, FcγRIIIa, and FcγRIIIb alleles and/or genotypes are associated with susceptibility to generalized aggressive periodontitits (GAgP) in a South Indian population. Buccal scrapings were obtained from 60 subjects with GAgP and 60 periodontally healthy individuals, and DNA was extracted from each of the samples. FcγRIIa and FcγRIIIa genotyping was performed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of DNA with allele-specific primers followed by allele-specific restriction digestion of the products, whereas FcγRIIIb genotyping was done by allele-specific PCR. There was no significant difference in the distribution of the FcγRIIa H/R genotype between GAgP patients and healthy subjects, although significant over-representation of the R allele was noted in GAgP patients. With regard to FcγRIIIa F/V genetic polymorphism, the homozygous V/V genotype and V allele were significantly over-represented in the GAgP group, whereas the F/F genotype and F allele were over-represented in the controls. Furthermore, there was significant over-representation of the FcγRIIIb-NA2 allele and NA2/NA2 genotype in GAgP patients, and of the NA1/NA1 genotype and NA1 allele in the controls. These data suggest that the FcγRIIIa V/V genotype and/or V allele, as well as the FcγRIIIb NA2/NA2 and/or NA2 allele, along with the FcγRIIa- R allele, may be risk factors for GAgP in the population of South India.     

Idiopathic gingival fibromatosis. A case report.

Gingival fibromatosis is a progressive gingival enlargement caused by an over growth of the collagenous element of the gingival fibrous connective tissue. Pharmacologically induced, hereditary (familial) and idiopathic forms of gingival fibromatosis are recognized. This paper reports a case of idiopathic gingival fibromatosis in a 13 year old boy involving the right maxillary and mandibular arches who had also been treated 3 years back for a gingival enlargement involving the left maxillary and mandibular arches. The enlargement was quite sever and caused significant esthetic and functional problems on both occasions.