IL-1RN gene polymorphism is associated with peri-implantitis

Objectives: Interleukin (IL)‐1α, IL‐1β and their natural specific inhibitor IL‐1 receptor antagonist (IL‐1ra) play a key role in the regulation of the inflammatory response in periodontal tissues. Polymorphisms in the IL‐1 gene cluster have been associated with severe adult periodontitis. We aimed to investigate the IL‐1 gene cluster polymorphisms in patients with peri‐implantitis. Material and methods: The study included 120 North Caucasian individuals. A total of 71 patients (mean age 68 years, 76% smokers) demonstrating peri‐implantitis at one or more implants as evidenced by bleeding and/or pus on probing and bone loss amounting to >3 threads on Brånemark implants and 49 controls (mean age 66 years, 45% smokers) with clinical healthy mucosa and no bone loss around the implants were recruited for the study. The titanium implants, ad modum Brånemark, had been in function for at least 2 years. Mouthwash samples were collected and used for genotyping of the bi‐allelic polymorphisms IL‐1A^?889, IL‐1B⁺³⁹⁵³, IL‐1B^?511 and a variable number of tandem repeat IL‐1RN gene polymorphisms using PCR technique. Results: Significant differences were found in the carriage rate of allele 2 in the IL‐1RN gene between peri‐implantitis patients and controls (56.5% vs. 33.3%, respectively; odds ratios (OR) 2.6; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.2–5.6; P=0.015). Logistic regression analysis taking smoking, gender and age into account confirmed the association between the IL‐1RN allele 2 carriers and peri‐implantitis (OR 3; 95% CI 1.2–7.6; P=0.02). Conclusions: Our results provide evidence that IL‐1RN gene polymorphism is associated with peri‐implantitis and may represent a risk factor for this disease.     

Reducing bacterial counts in dental unit waterlines: distilled water vs. antimicrobial agents

BACKGROUND: This study evaluated five chemical disinfectants to compare their abilities to improve dental unit waterline quality and assess their effects, if any, on the biofilm layer. METHODS: Sixty new dental units, with a closed-circuit water system, were used to compare microbial levels in DUWLs treated with five antimicrobials: Listerine, Bio 2000, Rembrandt, Dentosept, and sodium fluoride to a control group of sterile distilled water alone over a six-week period. For all units, the waterlines were filled with solution, left overnight, and then flushed for 30 seconds with sterile distilled water the following morning prior to patient treatment. Waterlines were examined for biofilm buildup using scanning electron microscopy and colony-forming-unit counts. RESULTS: The sodium fluoride and the four chemical antimicrobials reduced the microbial count to 200 cfu/ml or less. Only samples taken from dental units receiving the control treatment (distilled water with no added antimicrobial) failed to meet ADA's stated goal. Examination of the SEMs revealed an apparent decrease in the biofilm mass but not elimination, despite repeated treatment with the four antimicrobial materials. CONCLUSIONS: Even in a closed-circuit water system, distilled water alone cannot reduce microbial contamination of dental treatment water from dental unit waterlines to the 200 cfu/ml ADA stated goal. However, water treated with Listerine mouthrinse, Rembrandt mouthrinse, Bio 2000, 0.5 percent sodium fluoride and Dentosept, did meet the microbial reduction goal. The biofilm apparently was reduced in volume, but not entirely eliminated. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The ADA goal of a maximum of 200 cfu/ml was achieved using any of five chemical antimicrobials and distilled water in a closed-water system. Despite the successful reduction in microbial contamination of the dental treatment water, the biofilm was not completely eliminated. Biofilm elimination and prevention would be needed through some other means.     

National survey on edentulism and its geographic distribution, among Mexicans 18 years of age and older (with emphasis in WHO age groups)

To determine the prevalence of edentulism in adults aged 18 years and older in Mexico and to describe its distribution in 20 of the 32 States in Mexico, highlighting the experience in the WHO age groups. A secondary analysis of the National Performance Evaluation Survey 2002-2003 (representative at the state level and part of the Word Health Survey) was undertaken. The sample design was probabilistic, stratified and through conglomerates. Data on dental conditions were available only for 20 of the 32 states of Mexico, leading to a total of 24 159 households (N = 54 638 654). The percentage of edentulism was determined as the proportion of subjects that self-reported complete loss of teeth. Data were analyzed using the SVY module for complex surveys in STATA 8.2. The mean age was 41.3 +/- 17.0 years (range 18-99). An estimated 6.3% (N = 3 437 816) of the population > or =18 years was edentulous. Lowest prevalences were observed in the states of Tlaxcala, Puebla and the Estado de Mexico with 3.4%, 3.8% and 4.5%, respectively. Highest prevalences were observed in San Luis Potosí, Colima, and Michoacán with 10.3%, 10.2% and 10.1%, respectively. Following the WHO age groups, the prevalence ranged from 2.4% in the 35-44 group through 25.5% in the 65-74 group. No obvious association between socio-economic and socio-demographic indicators at the state level and prevalence of edentulism was found. The prevalence of complete tooth loss observed in the present study varied greatly across states, although no straightforward association was found with socio-economic and socio-demographic indicators at the state level. This study could serve as a baseline to enable future evaluations of the oral status of Mexican adults and elders, following WHO age groups.     

Proposal for a 'surgical checklist' for ambulatory oral surgery

The authors propose a new checklist model adapted for ambulatory oral surgery procedures based on the ‘surgical checklist’ proposed by the WHO. The proposed document contains 18 items divided into two sets: those that must be verified before beginning surgery and those that must be verified after its completion, but prior to the patient's departure from the site where the surgery is performed. A checklist is an easy-to-use tool that requires little time but provides order, logic and systematization taking into account certain basic concepts to increase the level of patient safety. The authors think that the result is a checklist that is easy to complete and ensures that key patient safety-related matters are dealt with in this field of surgery.     

Expression of fatty acid synthase (FASN) in oral nevi and melanoma

Oral Diseases (2011) 17 , 808–812 Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the expression of fatty acid synthase (FASN) in oral nevi and melanomas, comparing the results with correspondent cutaneous lesions. Materials and Methods: Expression of FASN was evaluated by immunohistochemistry in 51 oral melanocytic lesions, including 38 intramucosal nevi and 13 primary oral melanomas, in 10 cutaneous nevi and in 14 melanomas. Results: Fatty acid synthase was strongly expressed only in melanomas, either of the oral mucosa or cutaneous. On the other hand, most oral and cutaneous nevi were negative, with a few oral cases showing focal and weak expression. Conclusion: Fatty acid synthase is expressed in malignant melanocytes, and it can be a helpful marker to distinguish oral melanomas from oral melanocytic nevi.