The role and impact of viruses on cancer development.

This review focuses on three major aspects of oncoviruses' role in cancer development. To begin, we discuss their geographic distribution, revealing that seven oncoviruses cause 20% of all human cancers worldwide. Second, we investigate the primary carcinogenic mechanisms, looking at how these oncogenic viruses can induce cellular transformation, angiogenesis, and local and systemic inflammation. Finally, we investigate the possibility of SARS-CoV-2 infection reactivating latent oncoviruses, which could increase the risk of further disease. The development of oncovirus vaccines holds great promise for reducing cancer burden. Many unanswered questions about the host and environmental cofactors that contribute to cancer development and prevention remain, which ongoing research is attempting to address.

Dental, Occlusal, and Craniofacial Features of Children With Microcephaly Due to Congenital Zika Infection: 3 Cases Report From Valle del Cauca, Cali-Colombia-2020.

OBJECTIVE: Describes dental, occlusal, and craniofacial characteristics of 3 children aged 3 to 4 years with microcephaly due to congenital Zika infection in Cali Valle del Cauca, 2020. DESIGN: Three children case report with congenital Zika virus microcephaly. SETTING: Institutional. PATIENTS: Three children with maternal viral infection confirmed by polymerase chain reaction during first trimester of pregnancy were included and were born from 2016 to 2017. INTERVENTIONS: Oral and mouth functional examination was performed including soft tissue examination; lingual and labial frenulum; evaluation of swallowing and chewing; craniofacial analysis; dimension of dental arch; intercanine and intermolar distance, palate form; relationship and growth of maxilla, mandible, and facial dental midline using plaster models; and complementary image analysis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Child and mother sociodemographic features, craniofacial measurements; dental and oral features; maxillary and mandibular measures; and speech, swallowing, and chewing disorders. RESULTS: Small head circumference at birth and at the time of clinical evaluation was compared to normal children of approximately their age. Upper third of the face was short, and presence of hypertonic masticatory muscles with hypotonic swallowing muscles, dysphagia, dyslalia, bruxism, lip incompetence, tongue interposition, and hypersalivation and epilepsy were the main medical problem. They have complete primary dentition with normal dental morphology, tooth eruption altered, dental caries, and dental malocclusion was identified. CONCLUSION: There are no changes in the dental formula and dental morphology in the deciduous dentition. They present severe chewing and speaking limitation, facial disproportion, and occlusal problems that warrant dental and medical attention.

Association between human cytomegalovirus and periodontitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) has been associated with periodontitis and apical periodontitis. The objective of this systematic review was to evaluate the association between HCMV and periodontitis, and apical periodontitis of endodontic origin. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A systematic review was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement guidelines and registered in the International prospective register of systematic reviews (PROSPERO). The search for potential studies was performed in MEDLINE via PubMed, Scopus, and SciELO. A quality assessment of the studies, publication bias analysis, and meta-analysis was performed. The results are presented in odds ratio with 95% confidence interval with the corresponding Forest plot. Sensitivity analysis was performed to evaluate the consistency of the results. RESULTS: Thirty-two studies were included in the quantitative and qualitative analyses. Of these, 26 were in periodontitis patients and 6 in apical periodontitis patients. Forest plot of combined studies revealed significant increased odds for periodontitis when subgingival HCMV was detected (OR 5.31; 95% CI 3.15-8.97). Sensitivity analysis based on quality of the included studies, showed consistent results. In contrast, the odds ratio for apical periodontitis when HCMV was detected from apical lesions was not statistically significant (OR 3.65; 95% CI 0.49-27.10). CONCLUSIONS: The results from the meta-analysis indicate that HCMV is significantly associated with periodontitis. In contrast, HCMV infection is not associated with apical periodontitis.

Strong antimicrobial activity of collinin and isocollinin against periodontal and superinfectant pathogens in vitro.

Periodontitis pathogenesis involves activation of host immune responses triggered by microbial dysbiosis. Therefore, controlling periodontal pathogens in-vivo is a main goal of periodontal therapy. New antimicrobials might help to control periodontal infection and improve treatment outcomes at "the dark times" of increasing antibiotic resistance. Here, we determined the biological activity of collinin and isocollinin against 8 bacterial strains. Antimicrobial activity of collinin and isocollinin, chlorhexidine digluconate (CHX) and sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) was evaluated against clinically relevant periodontal bacteria, like Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Prevotella intermedia, Dialister pneumosintes strains and superinfectants like Escherichia coli, Staphylococcusaureus, and Pseudomonasaeruginosa strains. A broth microdilution test was carried out to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration of collinin and isocollinin against those strains, and bacterial viability was determined by resazurin assay at diverse concentration and exposure times. P. gingivalis was the most susceptible strain to collinin and isocollinin (MIC 2.1 µg/mL and 4.2 µg/mL respectively). Other periodontal pathogens showed MICs <17 µg/mL for collinin and MICs between 20 and 42 µg/mL for isocollinin, whereas CHX and NaClO showed MICs of 62 and 326 µg/mL, respectively. Collinin and isocollinin also exhibited antimicrobial activity against superinfectant bacteria (MIC < 21 and < 42 µg/mL, respectively). Overall, collinin and isocollinin showed a remarkable antibacterial activity against relevant periodontal and superinfective bacteria, especially against P. gingivalis (MIC 2.1 µg/mL and 4.2 µg/mL respectively) and the highly virulent P. aeruginosa (MIC 5.2 and 20.8 µg/mL, respectively).

Association of metabolic syndrome and chronic periodontitis in Colombians.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a common chronic condition that increases the cardiovascular disease risk and is also linked to periodontitis. The study aim was to determine if a relationship exists between MetS and chronic periodontitis in adult Colombians. METHODS: Participants were 220 healthy-gingivitis subjects and 431 periodontitis patients coming from the three largest Colombian cities. Periodontal status and MetS were determined in subjects. Univariate analysis and odds ratio were calculated within the 95 % confidence intervals and chi2 test compared the groups. Variables were compared among the clinical periodontal groups and MetS by Wilcoxon and multivariate analysis, and logistic regression was performed for MetS and periodontitis. RESULTS: MetS had higher prevalence in periodontitis group (6.3 %) versus controls (3.2 %). In multivariate analysis, periodontitis was associated with MetS (adjusted OR = 2.72, 95 % CI 1.09-6.79), glucose intolerance with another component of MetS (adjusted OR = 1.78, 1.16 to 2.72), glucose resistance (adjusted OR = 11.46, 95 % CI 1.41-92.88), smoking (OR = 1.72, 95 % CI 1.09-2.71), and city of origin (2.69, 95 % CI 1.79-4.04). CONCLUSION: The study confirmed the positive association between MetS and periodontitis, being glucose sensitivity the strongly associated component. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: MetS must be taken into account by the dentist when evaluating risk factors for periodontitis, being useful for dentists to evaluate glycemia, lipidic profile, central obesity, and high blood pressure in patients. Interdisciplinary treatment must be recommended when a patient with MetS and periodontitis is being treated.

Periodontal disease in children and adolescents of Latin America.

Periodontal diseases are a group of infectious diseases that mainly include gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is the most prevalent form of periodontal disease in subjects of all ages, including children and adolescents. Less frequent types of periodontal disease include aggressive periodontitis, acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis and various diseases of herpesviral and fungal origin. This review aimed to retrieve relevant information from Latin America on the prevalence of periodontal diseases among children and adolescents of the region. Gingivitis was detected in 35% of young Latin American subjects and showed the highest frequencies in Colombia (77%) and Bolivia (73%) and the lowest frequency in Mexico (23%). The frequency of gingivitis in subjects from other Latin American countries was between 31% and 56%. Periodontitis may affect <10% of the young population in Latin America, but the data are based on only a few studies. A more precise assessment of the distribution and severity of periodontal disease in children and adolescents of Latin America may help policy makers and dentists to institute more effective public health measures to prevent and treat the disease at an early age to avoid major damage to the permanent dentition.

Periodontal microbiology in Latin America.

This review article describes the microbiota associated with periodontal disease in Latin America. This vast territory includes 22 nations, which show great ethnic diversity, with large groups of White people, Black people, Mestizo people and Native people. Widespread poverty and limited access to education and health-care services, including periodontal care, are prominent predisposing factors for destructive periodontal disease in Latin America. Black people and Mestizo people seem to have particularly severe periodontal disease and are frequently colonized by the major periodontal pathogens Porphyromonas gingivalis and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans. The 'red complex' bacterial pathogens and A. actinomycetemcomitans predominate in chronic and aggressive periodontitis, but gram-negative enteric rods and herpesviruses can also play important periodontopathic roles in Latin America. The key to minimizing the risk of periodontal disease is control of the pathogens, and new low-cost periodontal treatments deserve serious consideration in Latin America.

Biology and pathogenesis of cytomegalovirus in periodontal disease.

Human periodontitis is associated with a wide range of bacteria and viruses and with complex innate and adaptive immune responses. Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Treponema denticola, cytomegalovirus and other herpesviruses are major suspected pathogens of periodontitis, and a combined herpesvirus-bacterial periodontal infection can potentially explain major clinical features of the disease. Cytomegalovirus infects periodontal macrophages and T-cells and elicits a release of interleukin-1ß and tumor necrosis factor-α. These proinflammatory cytokines play an important role in the host defense against the virus, but they also have the potential to induce alveolar bone resorption and loss of periodontal ligament. Gingival fibroblasts infected with cytomegalovirus also exhibit diminished collagen production and release of an increased level of matrix metalloproteinases. This article reviews innate and adaptive immunity to cytomegalovirus and suggests that immune responses towards cytomegalovirus can play roles in controlling, as well as in exacerbating, destructive periodontal disease.

Aggressive periodontitis in southwestern American Indian adolescents.

BACKGROUND: This study determined the prevalence of aggressive (molar-incisor pattern) (Ag/MI) periodontitis and assessed the associated subgingival bacterial-herpesvirus microbiota in Pueblo Indian adolescents in the southwestern United States. METHODS: The study included 240 Pueblo Indian adolescents, aged 13-20 years old, residing in three Rio Grande River villages in New Mexico and the Hopi Pueblo reservation in Arizona. Adolescents with Ag/MI periodontitis or periodontal health provided subgingival samples for culture of bacterial pathogens and for polymerase chain reaction detection of periodontal herpesviruses. RESULTS: Ag/MI periodontitis was detected in 22 (9.2%) Pueblo Indian adolescents, with 21 exhibiting a localized molar-incisor breakdown pattern. Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and other red/orange complex bacterial pathogens predominated in Ag/MI periodontitis, whereas periodontal health yielded mainly viridans streptococci and Actinomyces species. Periodontal herpesviruses demonstrated a 3.5 odds ratio relationship with Ag/MI periodontitis. The only adolescent with generalized Ag/MI periodontitis harbored viral co-infection by cytomegalovirus plus Epstein-Barr virus Type 1, in addition to A. actinomycetemcomitans, P. gingivalis, and several other periodontopathic bacteria. CONCLUSIONS: Pueblo Indian adolescents showed an unusually high prevalence of early-age Ag/MI periodontitis predominated by periodontopathic bacteria and herpesviruses suspected to be major etiologic agents of the disease.

Tomographic, microbiological and histological characterization of secondary apical periodontitis: case series.

This case series included a tomographic, microbiological, and histopathological description of 15 secondary apical periodontitis (SAP) lesions obtained by apical microsurgery performed in 10 patients to better understand the etiology and pathogenesis of SAP. Preoperative tomographic analyses were performed through Cone beam computerized tomography - Periapical index (CBCT-PAI), and apical microsurgeries were then carried out. The removed apices were used for microbial culturing and for molecular identification using PCR for the detection of 5 strict anaerobic bacteria (P. gingivalis, P. intermedia, P. nigrescens, T. forsythia, and T.denticola) and 3 viruses Herpes simplex viruses (HSV), Cytomegalovirus (CMG) and Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) by nested PCR. The removed apical lesions were histologically described. Univariate statistical analyses were performed by using STATA MP/16 (StataCorp LLC, College Station, TX, United States). CBCT-PAI analyses revealed PAI 4 and PAI 5 score lesions that involved cortical plate destruction. Eight SAPs were positive by culture, while nine SAP lesions were positive by PCR. Fusobacterium species were the most frequently cultured organisms in 7 SAP lesions, followed by D. pneumosintes in 3. In contrast, by single PCR, T. forsythia and P. nigrescens were detected in 5 lesions, T. denticola in 4 lesions, and P. gingivalis in 2 lesions. Twelve periapical lesions were granulomas, and the remaining three SAP lesions were radicular cysts. In conclusion, this case series study revealed that secondary apical lesions presented tomographic involvement of PAI 3 to 5, and that most SAP lesions were apical granulomas containing anaerobic and facultative microorganisms.

The Entrapment and Concentration of SARS-CoV-2 Particles with Graphene Oxide: An In Vitro Assay.

Previous studies have suggested that graphene oxide (GO) has some antiviral capacity against some enveloped viruses, including SARS-CoV-2. Given this background, we wanted to test the in vitro antiviral ability to GO using the viral plaque assay technique. Two-dimensional graphene oxide (GO) nanoparticles were synthesized using the modified Hummers method, varying the oxidation conditions to achieve nanoparticles between 390 and 718 nm. The antiviral activity of GO was evaluated by experimental infection and plaque formation units assay of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in VERO cells using a titrated viral clinical isolate. It was found that GO at concentrations of 400 µg/mL, 100 µg/mL, 40 µg/mL, and 4 µg/mL was not toxic to cell culture and also did not inhibit the infection of VERO cells by SARS-CoV-2. However, it was evident that GO generated a novel virus entrapment phenomenon directly proportional to its concentration in the suspension. Similarly, this effect of GO was maintained in assays performed with the Zika virus. A new application for GO nanoparticles is proposed as part of a system to trap viruses in surgical mask filters, air conditioning equipment filters, and air purifier filters, complemented with the use of viricidal agents that can destroy the trapped viruses, an application of broad interest for human beings.

Factors Associated with the Extent of Clinical Attachment Loss in Periodontitis: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study.

Periodontitis has significant public health implications, affecting individuals' overall health, well-being, and quality of life. This study aimed to assess the risk factors associated with the extent of clinical attachment loss (CAL) in a population diagnosed with periodontitis. Six hundred and sixty-seven patients with different degrees of CAL (mild, n = 223; moderate, n = 256; and advanced, n = 188) were enrolled. Socio-demographics, lifestyle, microbiological profiles, specific immune response, obesity, and single-nucleotide polymorphism of the IL1 gene were determined. Unconditional logistic regression models were conducted to determine the factors associated with the extent of CAL. Aging, smoking, microbial factors, plaque index, and IgG2 antibodies against Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans were associated with advanced CAL. IgG2 antibodies against A. actinomycetemcomitans (OR 1.50; CI 95% 1.23-1.81), plaque accumulation (OR 2.69; CI 95% 2.20-3.29), Porphyromonas gingivalis (OR 1.93; CI 95% 1.35-2.76), Tanerella forsythia (OR 1.88; CI 95%1.30-2.70), and current smoking (OR 1.94; CI 95% 1.31-2.87) were associated with advanced CAL. Gene IL polymorphisms, obesity, and stress were not associated with the extent of CAL. Aging, plaque accumulation, smoking, and having antibodies against A. actinomycetemcomitans were the most critical factors associated with advanced CAL. In contrast, obesity, stress, and gene polymorphisms were not associated with the extent of CAL.

A call for implementation of the Law 2120 against junk food during pandemic times in Colombia / Llamado a la implementación de la Ley 2120 de 2021 contra la comida chatarra en los tiempos del COVID-19 en Colombia

Durante dos años y medio, tanto en Colombia como en el resto del mundo, hemos enfrentado la pandemia generada por el SARS-CoV-2, agudizando los múltiples problemas de salud pública que venían cursando a manera de sindemias. Tal es el caso de las enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles asociadas, entre otros factores, a los malos hábitos alimenticios, especialmente por el gran consumo de alimentos ultraprocesados y bebidas azucaradas. En julio del 2021, se aprobó la Ley 2120, por medio de la cual se adoptaron medidas para fomentar entornos alimentarios saludables. Entre estas medidas, también se promueve que los alimentos empacados, procesados y que afectan negativamente la salud humana, tengan un sello que identifique sus componentes y valor nutricional para informar a los consumidores sobre el producto que están comprando o consumiendo. Entre las enfermedades más prevalentes en Colombia que afectan la salud bucal, se encuentran las caries y las periodontitis, ambas con factores de riesgo comunes con las enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles. Dados sus costos y prevalencia, dichas enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles resultan primordiales desde un enfoque de gestión del riesgo en salud pública, siendo, quizá, su gravedad mayor durante la pandemia generada por el SARS CoV-2. Asimismo, se especula que la población confinada pudo llegar a consumir más comida chatarra durante la pandemia del COVID-19 en comparación con otros períodos, además, porque en aquellos con enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles, el confinamiento obligado se asocia con mayor sedentarismo y con un menor número de controles médicos regulares, asuntos que se han reportado previamente. La promulgación de la ley de comida chatarra no va a cambiar los hábitos de alimentación de los colombianos "de la noche a la mañana" y, por esto, se necesita con urgencia implementar procesos de educación y sensibilización frente a los efectos adversos de los alimentos procesados y ultraprocesados en la salud.

Durante dos años y medio, tanto en Colombia como en el resto del mundo, hemos enfrentado la pandemia generada por el SARS-CoV-2, agudizando los múltiples problemas de salud pública que venían cursando a manera de sindemias. Tal es el caso de las enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles asociadas, entre otros factores, a los malos hábitos alimenticios, especialmente por el gran consumo de alimentos ultraprocesados y bebidas azucaradas. En julio del 2021, se aprobó la Ley 2120, por medio de la cual se adoptaron medidas para fomentar entornos alimentarios saludables. Entre estas medidas, también se promueve que los alimentos empacados, procesados y que afectan negativamente la salud humana, tengan un sello que identifique sus componentes y valor nutricional para informar a los consumidores sobre el producto que están comprando o consumiendo. Entre las enfermedades más prevalentes en Colombia que afectan la salud bucal, se encuentran las caries y las periodontitis, ambas con factores de riesgo comunes con las enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles. Dados sus costos y prevalencia, dichas enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles resultan primordiales desde un enfoque de gestión del riesgo en salud pública, siendo, quizá, su gravedad mayor durante la pandemia generada por el SARS CoV-2. Asimismo, se especula que la población confinada pudo llegar a consumir más comida chatarra durante la pandemia del COVID-19 en comparación con otros períodos, además, porque en aquellos con enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles, el confinamiento obligado se asocia con mayor sedentarismo y con un menor número de controles médicos regulares, asuntos que se han reportado previamente. La promulgación de la ley de comida chatarra no va a cambiar los hábitos de alimentación de los colombianos "de la noche a la mañana" y, por esto, se necesita con urgencia implementar procesos de educación y sensibilización frente a los efectos adversos de los alimentos procesados y ultraprocesados en la salud.

Why must physicians know about oral diseases?

BACKGROUND: Poor oral health reflects social inequalities, hence the prevention of oral diseases should be a priority in developed and underdeveloped countries around the world. Medical practitioners must play an active role in oral health promotion. SUMMARY: Proper knowledge of oral diseases is crucial in medical practice due to the following reasons: (a) Periodontal disease is associated with multiple systemic conditions of medical interest, (b) a large number of systemic diseases have oral manifestations, (c) many drugs are associated with oral adverse drug reactions, (d) physicians are generally not sufficiently trained to detect oral cancer manifestations, (e) physicians could play a pivotal role in oral public health, and (f) early detection of oral diseases by physicians could improve the oral health status of the population. CONCLUSIONS: Physicians need to get more involved in oral health promotion. Moreover, oral health education should be included in the curriculum of future medical students.

Risk factors associated with the metabolic syndrome in Cali, Colombia (2013): A case-control study. / Factores de riesgo asociados con el síndrome metabólico en Cali, Colombia (2013): estudio de casos y controles

INTRODUCTION: In 2016, the World Health Organization reported that more than 2 billion adults were overweight, of whom 600 million were obese, 347 million had diabetes mellitus type II, and people with hypertension had increased from 600 million in 1980 to 1 billion in 2010. Additionally, 20% of the world's adult population will develop metabolic syndrome during their lifespan with tremendous effects for their wellbeing and the health systems. OBJECTIVE: To identify social, biological, and behavioral factors associated with the metabolic syndrome in adults to help in the design of health policies in urban environments. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We included 300 cases and 675 controls. For cases, the waist circumference (abdominal obesity) in men was ≥94 cm and ≥88 cm in women, and other two factors should be present including hypertension, high glycated hemoglobin, high triglycerides, and low HDL levels. Controls presented only one or none of these risk factors. RESULTS: The total prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 30.2%, 33.6% in females, and 25.6% in males. Therefore, females had a higher risk of developing a metabolic syndrome (OR=1.70; 95% CI 1.17-2.47). Being a mestizo also increased the risk of having metabolic syndrome (OR=1.55; 95% CI 1.10-2.19). In contrast, frequent fruit consumption and being a housekeeper were protective factors: OR=0.83; 95% CI 0.69-1.00, and OR=0.58; 95% CI 0.36-0.92, respectively. Logistic regression showed that obesity had the strongest association with metabolic syndrome (OR=7.52; 95% CI 4.79-11.80). Increasing age yielded a linear trend with regard to metabolic syndrome: the OR for the 40 to 49-year-old group was 4.24 (95% CI 2.20-8.16), for the 50 to 59-year-old group, 4.63 (95% CI 2.40-8.93), and for those over 80 years of age, 5.32 (95% CI 1.92-14.71). CONCLUSION: Obesity was the main risk factor associated with the metabolic syndrome. Our findings can help health policy makers to design interventions for metabolic syndrome control in urban populations in Colombia.

Introducción. En el 2016, la Organización Mundial de la Salud reportó la existencia de casi 2000 millones de adultos con sobrepeso, de los cuales más de 600 millones presentaban obesidad, 347 millones tenían diabetes mellitus de tipo 2, y las personas con hipertensión habían aumentado de 600 millones en 1980 a mil millones en el 2010. Además, 20 % de los adultos desarrollaría el síndrome metabólico con los consecuentes efectos negativos en sus vidas y en los servicios de salud. Objetivo. Determinar los factores de riesgo en la esfera social, biológica y de comportamiento asociados con el síndrome metabólico. Materiales y métodos: Se seleccionaron 300 casos y 675 controles. Los casos se definieron como los hombres con una circunferencia de cintura (obesidad abdominal) de ≥94 cm y las mujeres con ≥88 cm y que presentaran, además, otros dos factores entre los siguientes: hipertensión arterial sistémica, hemoglobina 'glicosilada' alta, triglicéridos altos y bajos niveles de colesterol de baja densidad. Los controles eran personas que no presentaban ninguno de los factores de riesgo o solo uno de ellos. Resultados. La prevalencia del síndrome metabólico fue de 30,2 %: 33,6 % en mujeres y 25,6 % en hombres. Las mujeres presentaron un mayor riesgo, con una odds ratio (OR) de 1,70 (IC95% 1,17-2,47), seguidas por los mestizos con una OR de 1,55 (1,10-2,19). El consumo regular de frutas y el ser ama de casa fueron factores protectores, con una OR de 0,83 (IC95% 0,69-1,00) y de 0,58 (IC95% 0,36-0,92), respectivamente. La obesidad fue el factor de riesgo con la mayor asociación (OR=7,52; IC95% 4,79-11,80). El síndrome metabólico aumentó con la edad, así, las personas entre 40 y 49 años presentaron una OR de 4,24 (IC95% 2,20-8,16), la de 50 a 59 años, una de 4,63 (IC95% 2,40-8,93) y los mayores de 80 años, una de 5,32 (IC95% 1,92-14,71). Conclusiones. Estos hallazgos pueden facilitar la implementación de medidas de intervención para el control del síndrome metabólico.

Subgingival microbial profiles in chronic periodontitis patients from Chile, Colombia and Spain.

AIM: To investigate the subgingival microbiota of distinct periodontitis patient populations, in Chile, Colombia and Spain, using identical clinical and bacteriological methods. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this multicentre study, 114 chronic periodontitis patients were selected. Patients were examined using an identical clinical protocol and pooled subgingival samples were obtained from each patient. Samples were processed in the three laboratories by means of culturing under identical clinical and microbiological protocols. Total anaerobic counts and frequency of detection and proportions of nine periodontal pathogens were calculated. Variables were analysed by means of anova, chi(2), Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn's multiple comparison tests. RESULTS: The Colombian population demonstrated greater severity of periodontitis, with significantly deeper mean probing pocket depth, and had a significantly lower percentage of current smokers. When comparing samples from the three patient populations, the total counts were significantly higher in the Colombian patients. The numbers of putative pathogens differed among groups. Tannerella forsythia was found less frequently in Chilean samples, while Parvimonas micra and enteric rods differed significantly among the three population groups. CONCLUSION: Significant differences among Chile, Colombia and Spain existed regarding the frequency and proportions of specific periodontal pathogens in the subgingival microbiota of periodontitis patients.

Estado de las Políticas de regulación para el consumo de azúcar y para la comida chatarra en 3 países de América Latina

Introducción: El consumo de bebidas azucaradas y alimentos no saludables es un problema de Salud Pública y de las Políticas Públicas que buscan reducir el impacto de las Enfermedades No Trasmisibles (ENT) en América Latina. Objetivo: identificar las Políticas Públicas generadas en Colombia, Argentina y Chile para la regulación del consumo de azúcar y comida chatarra. Materiales y Métodos: Análisis exploratorio a través de una revisión de literatura y revisión de documentos normativos. Resultados: Colombia en el año 2021 sancionó la Ley 2120 denominada "Ley de Comida Chatarra", que promueve el acceso a información necesaria para fomentar entornos alimentarios saludables y prevenir las ENT, que incluye nuevas normas para el etiquetado de alimentos y describir sus características al consumidor y así limitar el consumo de alimentos procesados y ultraprocesados. Chile fue pionero en el desarrollo de los sellos de advertencia y desde el año 2014, aplica un impuesto adicional a las bebidas no alcohólicas. Argentina en 2021, sancionó la ley que obliga a la industria de alimentos a disponer de etiquetas en los envases que alerten al consumidor sobre los excesos de azúcares, grasas y sodio Conclusiones: Los tres países investigados cuentan con políticas de etiquetado de alimentos procesados, y en Chile existen impuestos a las bebidas azucaradas. Es importante estudiar el impacto de dichas políticas en la prevalencia y severidad de las ENT y de la caries.

Abstract: The consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and unhealthy foods is a public health problem that has become a regulatory issue for the public policies aimed at reducing the impact of Non Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in Latin America. Objective: to identify the Public Policies in Colombia, Argentina and Chile for the regulation of the consumption of sugar and junk food. Materials and methods. Exploratory analysis through a literature and policy documents review. Results: In 2021, Colombia approved the Law 2120 called "Junk Food Law" promoting public access to information for a healthy food environment to prevent NCDs. It includes food labeling for overweight and obesity prevention and establishes a specific labeling regulation for processed and ultra-processed food and sweet drink products. Chile was pioneer in the development of warning stamps on food packages and since 2014 also taxes sweet non-alcoholic beverages. In 2021, Argentina approved a law to add labels on food packages to alert consumers about excess of sugars, fats and sodium. Conclusions: The three investigated countries have labeling policies for processed food, and Chile puts taxes on sugary drinks. It is important to study the impact of these policies on NCD prevalence, severity and on dental caries.

Tomographic, microbiological and histological characterization of secondary apical periodontitis: case series

Abstract This case series included a tomographic, microbiological, and histopathological description of 15 secondary apical periodontitis (SAP) lesions obtained by apical microsurgery performed in 10 patients to better understand the etiology and pathogenesis of SAP. Preoperative tomographic analyses were performed through Cone beam computerized tomography - Periapical index (CBCT-PAI), and apical microsurgeries were then carried out. The removed apices were used for microbial culturing and for molecular identification using PCR for the detection of 5 strict anaerobic bacteria (P. gingivalis, P. intermedia, P. nigrescens, T. forsythia, and T.denticola) and 3 viruses Herpes simplex viruses (HSV), Cytomegalovirus (CMG) and Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) by nested PCR. The removed apical lesions were histologically described. Univariate statistical analyses were performed by using STATA MP/16 (StataCorp LLC, College Station, TX, United States). CBCT-PAI analyses revealed PAI 4 and PAI 5 score lesions that involved cortical plate destruction. Eight SAPs were positive by culture, while nine SAP lesions were positive by PCR. Fusobacterium species were the most frequently cultured organisms in 7 SAP lesions, followed by D. pneumosintes in 3. In contrast, by single PCR, T. forsythia and P. nigrescens were detected in 5 lesions, T. denticola in 4 lesions, and P. gingivalis in 2 lesions. Twelve periapical lesions were granulomas, and the remaining three SAP lesions were radicular cysts. In conclusion, this case series study revealed that secondary apical lesions presented tomographic involvement of PAI 3 to 5, and that most SAP lesions were apical granulomas containing anaerobic and facultative microorganisms.

Resumo Esta série de casos incluiu uma descrição tomográfica, microbiológica e histopatológica de 15 lesões de periodontite apical secundária (SAP) obtidas por microcirurgia apical realizada em 10 pacientes para melhor compreender a etiologia e patogénese do SAP. As análises tomográficas pré-operatórias foram realizadas através de tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico - índice Periapical (CBCT-PAI), e as microcirurgias apicais foram então realizadas. Os ápices removidos foram utilizados para a cultura microbiana e também para a identificação molecular por PCR para a detecção de 5 bactérias anaeróbias rigorosas (P. gingivalis, P. intermedia, P. nigrescens, T. forsythia, e T.denticola) e 3 vírus Herpes simplex (HSV), Cytomegalovirus (CMG) e Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) por PCR aninhada. As lesões apicais removidas foram descritas histologicamente. Foram realizadas análises estatísticas univariadas utilizando STATA MP/16 (StataCorp LLC, College Station, TX, Estados Unidos da América). As análises CBCT-PAI revelaram lesões PAI 4 e PAI 5 que envolveram a destruição da placa cortical. Oito SAPs foram positivos por cultura, enquanto nove lesões de SAP foram positivas por PCR. As espécies de Fusobacterium foram os organismos mais frequentemente cultivados em 7 lesões SAP, seguidas por D. pneumosintes em 3. Em contraste, por PCR simples, T. forsythia e P. nigrescens foram detectados em 5 lesões, T. denticola em 4 lesões, e P. gingivalis em 2 lesões. Doze lesões periapicais foram granulomas, e as restantes três lesões SAP foram cistos. Em conclusão, este estudo de série de casos revelou que as lesões apicais secundárias apresentavam envolvimento tomográfico de PAI 3 a 5, e que a maioria das lesões de SAP eram granulomas apicais contendo microrganismos anaeróbios e facultativos.

Periodontal disease severity is related to high levels of C-reactive protein in pre-eclampsia.

OBJECTIVE: Recent studies have shown that pre-eclamptic women present a high prevalence of periodontitis, suggesting that active periodontal disease may play a role in the pathogenesis of pre-eclampsia. The present study analysed the effect of periodontal disease in the concentrations of serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and its association with pre-eclampsia. METHODS: A case-control study was carried out in Cali-Colombia, comprised of 398 pregnant women (145 cases and 253 controls) who were believed to have periodontal disease, between 28 and 36 weeks of gestational age. Pre-eclampsia cases were defined as blood pressure > or = 140/90 mmHg and proteinuria > or = 0.3 g/24 h. Controls were pregnant women with normal blood pressure, without proteinuria, matched by maternal age, gestational age and body mass index. Sociodemographic data, obstetric risk factors, periodontal state, subgingival microbial composition and hs-CRP levels were determined in both groups. RESULTS: The case and control groups were comparable for sociodemographic characteristics. In women with pre-eclampsia and confirmed periodontal disease (n = 138), hs-CRP levels increased according to the severity of the disease (gingivitis median 4.14 mg/dl; mild periodontitis median 4.70 mg/dl; moderate/severe periodontitis median 8.8 mg/dl; P = 0.01). A similar tendency was observed in controls with periodontal disease (n = 251), but it did not reach statistical significance (gingivitis median 5.10 mg/dl; mild periodontitis median 5.12 mg/dl; moderate/severe periodontitis median 6.90 mg/dl; P = 0.07). A significant difference in hs-CRP levels was observed in pre-eclamptic women with moderate/severe periodontitis compared to controls (P = 0.01). CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that chronic periodontitis may increase hs-CRP levels in pregnant women and lead to complications such as pre-eclampsia.

Subgingival human cytomegalovirus correlates with increased clinical periodontal parameters and bacterial coinfection in periodontitis.

BACKGROUND: Viruses from the Herpesviridae family may be implicated in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease. The aim of this investigation was to compare the subgingival frequency of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) in subjects affected by periodontitis to periodontally healthy subjects and to assess the correlation of HCMV with periodontal clinical parameters and periodontopathic bacteria. METHODS: Thirty subjects with periodontitis (20 with chronic periodontitis and 10 with aggressive periodontitis) were included in the study. A group of 22 periodontally healthy individuals served as controls. Clinical periodontal parameters of probing depth (PD) and clinical attachment level (CAL) were recorded using a computerized periodontal probe. Subgingival plaque samples were processed for viral identification by nested polymerase chain reaction and bacterial identification by culture. Clinical periodontal parameters, frequency of detection of HCMV, and microbial composition were compared between the groups using the two-tailed Student t, chi(2), and Mann-Whitney tests. Logistic and linear regression analyses were performed to measure the association between virus-bacterial coinfection and clinical parameters (P < or =0.05). RESULTS: HCMV detection was more prevalent (P < or =0.05) in periodontally diseased subjects compared to healthy ones. Furthermore, in all groups, PD and CAL were increased in HCMV-positive sites. In the periodontitis groups, higher frequencies and levels of specific periodontopathic bacteria were detected in HCMV-positive sites. CONCLUSIONS: HCMV detection in periodontal pockets was associated with higher levels of periodontopathic bacteria and increased PD and CAL at sampled sites. HCMV/bacteria coinfection may be an important factor in periodontal destruction.