N-acetylcysteine supplementation did not reverse mitochondrial oxidative stress, apoptosis, and inflammation in the salivary glands of hyperglycemic rats.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Previous studies have shown that N-acetylcysteine (NAC) supplementation with the simultaneous inclusion of HFD prevents salivary glands from oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. In this experiment, we examined if NAC supplementation could reverse the harmful effect of HFD on mitochondrial function, reduce the severity of apoptosis, and the activity of pro-oxidative enzymes in the salivary glands of rats with confirmed hyperglycemia. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Wistar rats were fed the standard or high-fat (HFD) diet for 10 weeks. After 6 weeks of the experiment, HFD rats were diagnosed with hyperglycemia and for the next 4 weeks, the animals were given NAC intragastrically. In the mitochondrial fraction of the parotid (PG) and submandibular salivary glands (SMG), we assessed redox status, inflammation, and apoptosis. RESULTS: The inclusion of NAC increased the activity of mitochondrial complexes I and II + III as well as decreased the concentration of interleukin-1ß, tumor necrosis factor α, and caspase-3, but only in the parotid glands of rats with hyperglycemia compared to the HFD group. However, N-acetylcysteine supplementation did not reduce the activity of caspase-9 or the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio in PG and SMG mitochondria. In both salivary glands we observed reduced activity of cytochrome c oxidase, NADPH oxidase, and xanthine oxidase, as well as hindered production of ROS and lower ADP/ATP radio, but the levels of these parameters were not comparable to the control group. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated that NAC supplementation restores the glutathione ratio only in the mitochondria of the submandibular salivary glands. The supply of NAC did not significantly affect the other measured parameters. Our results indicate that NAC supplementation provides little protection against free radicals, apoptosis, and inflammation in the salivary gland mitochondria of HFD rats. Stimulated salivary secretion in hyperglycaemic rats supplemented with NAC seems to be closely related to mitochondrial respiratory capacity and appropriate ATP level.

[MASKS - PROTECTION OR DANGER? ANALYSIS OF SOCIAL ATTITUDES TOWARDS THE ORDER TO COVER MOUTH AND NOSE DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC [ARTICLE IN POLISH]].

OBJECTIVE: Introduction: Current information suggests the existence of two main transmission routes for SARS-CoV-2. This is the drip trajectory and contact transmission. The order to cover the mouth and nose in the public space has been introduced as one of the preventive measures to limit the spread of some virus-induced respiratory diseases, including COVID-19. Both medical and non-medical masks have become the most popular tool. Is there any evidence of their effectiveness? What can be the disadvantages of using them? The aim: To analyze social behaviour towards the order to cover the nose and mouth during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and to confront them with the results of research on the effectiveness of medical and non-medical masks. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Material and methods: The study involved a group of 2512 respondents from all over Poland. The research tool was an original questionnaire containing 24 questions. RESULTS: Results: 76.1% of the respondents declare that they always obey the current order. 83% use a material mask and 26.9% wear a surgical mask. 35.2% of respondents think that the order to cover their nose and mouth is not justified. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: The authors confronted the results of the questionnaire with the scientific research mentioned above. There is limited evidence to resolve the question - "Masks - protection or danger?" However, it is worth noting the small harmfulness and indirect evidence of benefits, which together have precedence over the lack of clear arguments supporting the use of masks by Polish society in times of epidemics.

Evaluation of functional parameters in the occlusion of complete denture wearers before and after prosthetic treatment.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to evaluate functional parameters of the occlusion in complete denture wearers before and after prosthetic treatment. METHODS: The sample used as the basis for the present study consisted of 50 healthy Caucasian patients (35 women and 15 men), aged from 44 to 86 years (mean=69.18±10), with a total deficiency of teeth. All patients received new complete dentures. Each patient underwent lateral radiograph with the presence of complete dentures, both before (initially existing dentures) and after the prosthetic treatment (new restorations). Cephalometric analysis was based on the Ricketts and McNamara criteria. In order to assess the functional parameters of the occlusion T-scan III analysis was conducted. The following parameters were measured: occlusion - and disclusion time. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences of functional parameters obtained before and 3 months after the treatment were noted in the whole study group. Both before and after therapy occlusion time was longer in women than in men. No statistically significant link was noted between functional parameters in occlusion and age of the patients, denture wearing time, and edentulous period. Some relationships were noted between occlusion time and cephalometric parameters associated with anterior facial height. CONCLUSION: Reconstruction of the surface of artificial teeth and vertical occlusal dimension affects the sustainability of parameters of occlusion and balance of forces in centric occlusion. The progressive shortening of occlusion time during the period of monitoring may be considered as a sign of progressive adaptation.

The influence of emotional state on the masticatory muscles function in the group of young healthy adults.

UNLABELLED: Stress may affect the function of all the components of the masticatory system and may ultimately lead to differentiated symptoms and finally to systemic and structural dysfunctions. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of stress on the masticatory muscles function in young healthy adults. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 201 young, Angle's first class, healthy volunteers, 103 female and 98 male, in the age between 18 and 21 years were recruited into the study. All the participants underwent clinical examination according to the Slavicek scheme, questionnaire survey according to Perceived Stress Scale, and assessment of masticatory muscles function in central occlusion. RESULTS: Symptoms of masticatory system dysfunction were found in the group of 86 subjects (46,24%). All the muscles activity in central occlusion was comparable in female and male groups. Mean values of masseters activities in the group of low stress subjects (75,52 µV±15,97) were statistically different from the groups with medium (82,43 µV±15,04) and high (81,33±12,05) perceived stress (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Chronic stress may reveal or exacerbate symptoms of masticatory dysfunction.