Eugenol inhibits K+ currents in trigeminal ganglion neurons

Eugenol, a natural capsaicin congener, is widely used in dentistry. Eugenol inhibits voltage-activated Na(+) and Ca(2+) channels in a transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1)-independent manner. We hypothesized that eugenol also inhibits voltage-gated K(+) currents, and investigated this in rat trigeminal ganglion neurons and in a heterologous system using whole-cell patch clamping. Eugenol inhibited voltage-gated K(+) currents, and the inhibitory effects of eugenol were observed in both capsaicin-sensitive and capsaicin-insensitive neurons. Pre-treatment with capsazepine, a well-known antagonist of TRPV1, failed to block the inhibitory effects of eugenol on K(+) currents, suggesting no involvement of TRPV1. Eugenol inhibited human Kv1.5 currents stably expressed in Ltk(-) cells, where TRPV1 is not endogenously expressed. We conclude that eugenol inhibits voltage-gated K(+) currents in a TRPV1-independent manner. The inhibition of voltage-gated K(+) currents is likely to contribute to the irritable action of eugenol. Abbreviations: human Kv1.5 channel, hKv1.5; transient receptor potential vanilloid 1, TRPV1.     

Activation of vanilloid receptor 1 (VR1) by eugenol

The structural similarity of eugenol with capsaicin suggests that these two agents may share molecular mechanisms to produce their effects. We investigated the effects of eugenol in comparison with those of capsaicin using whole-cell patch clamp and Fura-2-based calcium-imaging techniques in a heterologous expression system and with sensory neurons. In vanilloid receptor 1 (VR1)-expressing human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells and trigeminal ganglion (TG) neurons, eugenol activated inward currents, whereas capsazepine, a competitive VR antagonist, and ruthenium red (RR), a functional VR antagonist, completely blocked eugenol-induced inward currents. Moreover, eugenol caused elevation of [Ca(2+)](i), and this was completely abolished by both capsazepine and ruthenium red in VR1-expressing HEK 293 cells and TG neurons. Our results provide strong evidence that eugenol produces its effects, at least in part, via VR1 expressed by the sensory nerve endings in the teeth.     

Sonicated extract of Enterococcus faecalis induces irreversible cell cycle arrest in phytohemagglutinin-activated human lymphocytes

The purpose of this study was to examine whether the sonicated extract of Enterococcus faecalis (SEF) alters the cell cycle transition of lymphocytes and thus regulates the fate of the arrested cells. Human lymphocytes were activated by phytohemagglutinin in the presence or absence of SEF, and cell cycle was assessed by flow cytometry. Seventy-two hours after activation with phytohemagglutinin, cells were activated from G0/G1 to S (6.1%) and G2/M (3.8%) phases of the cell cycle. In contrast, pretreatment with SEF resulted in 90.5% of cells remaining in G0/G1, and cell cycle progression to the S and G2/M phases was consequently inhibited. Caspase assay demonstrated that SEF-treated cells exhibited significantly increased apoptosis (56.7%) compared with phytohemagglutinin alone (28.1%). We propose that if this irreversible cell cycle arrest induced by E. faecalis occurs in vivo, it may result in local immunosuppression and contribute to the pathogenesis of endodontic failure. Our findings that E. faecalis can inhibit lymphocyte responses may be of particular relevance to the pathogenesis of endodontic failure. Although the immunologic mechanism involved in the pathogenesis of persistent periapical lesion is not clearly defined, it is reasonable to predict that the altered immune reaction may be linked to the immunosuppressive potential of E. faecalis or other oral bacteria.     

Parents' self-reported compliance with preventive practices after witnessing their child undergo intravenous sedation for dental treatment

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the self-reported compliance of parents with preventive dental care measures after witnessing their child undergo full-mouth rehabilitation under i.v. sedation. Records of 251 pediatric patients who underwent full-mouth rehabilitation under i.v. sedation between 1995 and 1999 at the University Children's Dental Center in Los Angeles, California were evaluated. Demographic data and rates of post sedation follow-up preventive visits were collected. In addition, seventy-five parents participated in a telephone interview and answered five multiple-choice questions that focused on the following areas: nursing habits, diet, hygiene, and follow-up preventive visits pre and post sedation. Parental attitude towards the experience was also assessed. Only 47 percent of the patients returned for at least one post-op/recall visit at the Children's Dental Center. Seventy-six percent of parents interviewed stated they made improvements in their child's hygiene post sedation. Only 45 percent of parents stated they made improvements in their child's diet and only 47 percent stated that they increased their child's dental recall visits post sedation. Eighty-eight percent of parents stated that they would be willing to have their children undergo i.v. sedation again if necessary for dental treatment. Parental presence during a child's dental rehabilitation via i.v. sedation does not change the preventive behaviors of these parents post sedation when compared to results of other studies.     

Short-term fluoride release from various aesthetic restorative materials

The short-term fluoride release of a giomer (Reactmer), a compomer (Dyract AP), a conventional glass ionomer cement (Fuji II Cap) and a resin-modified glass ionomer cement (Fuji II LC) was evaluated and compared. Specimen discs (6 +/-0.2 mm diameter and 1 +/- 0.2 mm thick) were prepared for each material using custom molds. Each disc was placed in 1 ml of deionized for 24 hours at 37 degrees C. After one day, the water was extracted and analyzed. The specimen discs were then re-immersed into another 1 ml of fresh deionized water. The procedure of removing and refilling the water was repeated for 28 days. Sample solutions taken during the first seven days and at days 14, 21 and 28 were introduced into a capillary electrophoresis system using field amplified sample injection (FASI) to determine fluoride release. Data was analyzed using factorial ANOVA/Scheffe's post-hoc test at significance level 0.05. An initial fluoride "burst" effect was observed with glass ionomers. Both compomer and giomer did not show an initial fluoride "burst" effect. With the exception of the compomer, fluoride release at day one was generally significantly greater than at the other time intervals. The glass ionomers released significantly more fluoride than the compomer and giomer at day one. Although fluoride release of the giomer was significantly greater than the other materials at day seven, it became significantly lower at day 28.     

Multifaceted use of ProRoot MTA root canal repair material

Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) is a new material recently approved by the FDA for use in pulpal therapy. MTA has been reported to have superior biocompatibility and sealing ability and is less cytotoxic than other materials currently used in pulpal therapy. This report is a review of MTA's physical and biological properties and the clinical techniques of direct pulp capping, apexification, and repair of failed calcium hydroxide therapy.     

Resin-bonded fixed partial dentures: A recall study

A clinical recall program was initiated at the University of Minnesota to evaluate the longevity and factors affecting longevity of resin-bonded fixed partial dentures (FPDs). Of the 49 resin-bonded FPDs evaluated in the clinic, 43 were acid-etched metal, resin-bonded FPDs, four were combinations of resin-bonded and conventional FPDs, and two were composite resin pontics. None of the combination FPDs and one of the two composite resin pontics were judged as failed at the examination. Of the 43 acid-etched metal resin-bonded FPDs, 15 were found to be debonded (failure rate = 34.9%). The average length of service for the 43 FPDs was 47.3 months. The average time of placement to debondment was 33 months for the 15 debonded FPDs. The failure rate for maxillary FPDs and FPDs with two retainers were significantly lower than the failure rate for mandibular FPDs and FPDs with more than two retainers (p greater than 0.05). The clinical significance of the present study was discussed.