Elevated serum hepatic transaminases in apical periodontitis individuals.

AIM: Apical periodontitis (AP) is the chronic inflammation of the periradicular tissues in response to root canal infection. Whilst AP has been linked with systemic inflammation and noncommunicable diseases, its potential association with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is unknown. We aimed to evaluate the serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels as surrogate markers of hepatic injury, and the systemic inflammatory burden in otherwise healthy individuals with and without AP diagnosis. METHODOLOGY: Cross-sectional study. Individuals with AP (n = 30) and healthy controls (n = 29) were recruited. The number, mean diameter (mm) and periapical index of the apical lesions of endodontic origin (ALEO) were assessed. ALT and AST levels (pg/mL) were measured through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. The serum levels of TNF-α, IL-4, IL-9, IL-10, IL-17A and IL-22 were evaluated by Multiplex assay. Inferential analysis was performed using t-test or Mann-Whitney tests according to data distribution and linear regression models. Data were analysed with StataV16 (p < .05). RESULTS: ALT and AST levels were significantly higher in individuals with AP compared to controls (p < .05). Serum inflammatory biomarkers showed no significant differences between the study groups. Bivariate and multivariate analyses confirmed that AP diagnosis was independently associated with ALT and AST elevations (p < .05). Additionally, the number of ALEO positively influenced AST levels (p = .002). IL-22 on the other hand, was associated with reduced ALT levels (p = .043). CONCLUSION: AP is associated with higher serum hepatic transaminases ALT and AST, potentially contributing to NAFLD physiopathology in young adults.

Reduced C-reactive protein levels after root canal treatment in clinically healthy young apical periodontitis individuals at cardiovascular risk. A prospective study.

AIM: To determine the systemic inflammatory burden, including hsCRP and its monomeric forms, in patients with apical lesions of endodontic origin treated with root canal treatment (RCT). METHODOLOGY: Prospective pre-/post-study. Apical periodontitis (AP) individuals aged 16-40 were included (N = 29). Individuals received RCT and were followed at 1 and 6 months. Fasting blood samples were obtained. Apical lesions of endodontic origin (ALEO) diameter (mm), and periapical index (PAI), were recorded. The serum concentrations of total hsCRP were determined by turbidimetry. Tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, IL-1ß, and soluble (s) E-selectin were assessed by Multiplex assay. Additionally, mCRP forms were determined in the serum of AP patients with a baseline moderate to high cardiovascular risk based on hsCRP stratification (hsCRP ≥1 mg/L) by immunowestern blot (n = 15). Also, CRP isoforms were explored in ALEOs from AP individuals (n = 4). Data were analysed with StataV16. RESULTS: Periapical index and ALEO sizes were reduced at both follow-up visits after RCT (p < .05). Serum levels of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10, IL-1ß, and sE-selectin did not show significant differences. CRP was borderline reduced at 1 month (p = .04); however, in AP individuals at cardiovascular risk (hsCRP ≥ 1 mg/L), hsCRP and its monomeric isoform significantly decreased at 1 and 6 months (p < .05). CONCLUSIONS: High-sensitivity CRP and mCRP are reduced after RCT in AP individuals at cardiovascular risk.

Active MMP-8 Quantitative Test as an Adjunctive Tool for Early Diagnosis of Periodontitis.

Periodontitis is a host-mediated bacterial disease that affects the tooth attachment apparatus. Metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8), a validated biomarker, could aid in clinical diagnosis. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of active (a) MMP-8 immunotest versus total (t) MMP-8 ELISA for quantitative real-time diagnosis and assessment of periodontitis severity at the site level. Gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) was sampled from 30 healthy, 42 mild, and 59 severe periodontitis sites from thirty-one volunteers. MMP-8 concentrations were determined by time-resolved immunofluorometric assay (IFMA) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Statistical analysis was performed using the STATA package. Both active and total MMP-8-based methods discriminated among sites according to periodontal diagnosis and severity, with a positive correlation between the two tests (p < 0.001). (a) MMP-8 models showed the best performance in receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves to discriminate between healthy and periodontitis sites (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.89), while (t) MMP-8 demonstrated a high diagnostic precision in the detection of mild from severe periodontitis sites (AUC ≥ 0.80). The use of (a) MMP-8 and (t) MMP-8 could represent a useful adjunctive tool for periodontitis diagnosis and severity. These results support the applicability of new point-of-care methods in the monitoring of high-risk periodontal patients.

Assessment of Cardiovascular Risk in Women with Periodontal Diseases According to C-reactive Protein Levels.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are highly prevalent non-communicable diseases worldwide. Periodontitis may act as a non-traditional cardiovascular risk (CVR) factor, linked by a low-grade systemic inflammation mediated by C-reactive protein (CRP). Patients with periodontitis reported higher serum CRP levels; however, a CRP systemic and periodontal correlation in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and its CVR impact have been barely studied. We aimed to assess the association between periodontal diseases and CVR in a group of adult women, based on serum high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) levels; and secondly, to determine the association between serum and GCF CRP levels. Gingival crevicular fluid and blood samples were obtained from women with periodontitis, gingivitis, and healthy controls. Serum and GCF CRP were determined by turbidimetric method and Luminex technology, respectively. Data were analyzed and adjusted by CVR factors. All women presented moderate CVR, without an evident association between serum hs-CRP levels and periodontal diseases. While serum hs-CRP concentrations did not significantly differ between groups, patients with gingivitis and periodontitis showed higher CRP levels in GCF, which positively correlated to CRP detection in serum.

MMP-8, TRAP-5, and OPG Levels in GCF Diagnostic Potential to Discriminate between Healthy Patients', Mild and Severe Periodontitis Sites.

Biomarkers represent promising aids in periodontitis, host-mediate diseases of the tooth-supporting tissues. We assessed the diagnostic potential of matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8), tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-5 (TRAP-5), and osteoprotegerin (OPG) to discriminate between healthy patients', mild and severe periodontitis sites. Thirty-one otherwise healthy volunteers with and without periodontal disease were enrolled at the Faculty of Dentistry, University of Chile. Periodontal parameters were examined and gingival crevicular fluid was sampled from mild periodontitis sites (M; n = 42), severe periodontitis sites (S; n = 59), and healthy volunteer sites (H; n = 30). TRAP-5 and OPG were determined by commercial multiplex assay and MMP-8 by the immunofluorometric (IFMA) method. STATA software was used. All biomarkers showed a good discrimination performance. MMP-8 had the overall best performance in regression models and Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves, with high discrimination of healthy from periodontitis sites (area under the curve (AUC) = 0.901). OPG showed a very high diagnostic precision (AUC ≥ 0.95) to identify severe periodontitis sites (S versus H + M), while TRAP-5 identified both healthy and severe sites. As conclusions, MMP-8, TRAP-5, and OPG present a high precision potential in the identification of periodontal disease destruction, with MMP-8 as the most accurate diagnostic biomarker.

Distribution of biopsied non plaque-induced gingival lesions in a Chilean population according to the classification of periodontal diseases.

BACKGROUND: Many gingival lesions are not induced by plaque. The aim of this study was to analyze the frequency of biopsied non-plaque-induced gingival lesions (NPIGL) in a Chilean population. METHODS: One thousand twelve cases of biopsied gingival lesions with confirmed anatomopathologic diagnosis were included, from the records of the Oral Pathology Referral Institute (OPRI), Faculty of Dentistry, University of Chile, between years 1990 and 2009. RESULTS: The most frequent non plaque-induced gingival lesions categories from biopsied cases included hyperplastic lesions, malignancies and benign neoplasms. The most frequent diagnoses in each category were fibrous hyperplasia (35.47%), squamous cell carcinoma (3.85%) and giant cell fibroma (2.08%), respectively. From all lesions, only 8.3% fitted in the specified categories of the current classification of periodontal diseases. CONCLUSIONS: The most frequent biopsied NPIGL were hyperplastic lesions and neoplasms. These categories represent relevant lesions to be included in a future periodontal classification system to improve the care needs of the patients, as well as early diagnosis and treatment.

Oxidative Stress in the Local and Systemic Events of Apical Periodontitis.

Oxidative stress is involved in the pathogenesis of a variety of inflammatory disorders. Apical periodontitis (AP) usually results in the formation of an osteolytic apical lesion (AL) caused by the immune response to endodontic infection. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced by phagocytic cells in response to bacterial challenge represent an important host defense mechanism, but disturbed redox balance results in tissue injury. This mini review focuses on the role of oxidative stress in the local and associated systemic events in chronic apical periodontitis. During endodontic infection, ligation of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) on phagocytes' surface triggers activation, phagocytosis, synthesis of ROS, activation of humoral and cellular responses, and production of inflammatory mediators, such as, cytokines and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). The increment in ROS perturbs the normal redox balance and shifts cells into a state of oxidative stress. ROS induce molecular damage and disturbed redox signaling, that result in the loss of bone homeostasis, increased pro-inflammatory mediators, and MMP overexpression and activation, leading to apical tissue breakdown. On the other hand, oxidative stress has been strongly involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, where a chronic inflammatory process develops in the arterial wall. Chronic AP is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and especially atherogenesis. The potential mechanisms linking these diseases are also discussed.

Eficacia de la arginina al 8% y nitrato potásico al 5% en el tratamiento de la hipersensibilidad dentinaria: ensayo clínico aleatorio / Efficacy of 8% arginine and 5% potassium nitrate in dentin hypersensitivity therapy: a randomized clinical trial

RESUMEN: Objetivo: Comparar la eficacia clínica de dentífricos en base a arginina al 8%/ monofluorfosfato de sodio 1450 ppm versus nitrato de potasio al 5%/fluoruro de sodio 2500 ppm en la terapia de la hipersensibilidad dentinaria (HSD). Materiales y método: Ensayo clínico, aleatorio, controlado, doble ciego, de grupos paralelos. Treinta y cuatro voluntarios de 18 a 70 años, con HSD en escala Visual Análoga (EVA) ≥4 en 2 ó más dientes no molares, fueron distribuidos aleatoriamente en 2 grupos: grupo T1 (n=16): dentífrico de Arginina al 8%/ monofluorfosfato de sodio 1450 ppm; y grupo T2 (n=18): dentífrico de nitrato de Potasio al 5%/fluoruro de sodio 2500 ppm. Se evaluó HSD en EVA con estímulos evaporativos y térmicos, y se compararon sus valores, así como el grado promedio de HSD y su reducción (∆HSD), intra e intergrupal, al inicio y a las 4 semanas de tratamiento. Resultados: Ambos dentífricos disminuyeron el grado promedio de HSD entre el inicio y las 4 semanas de tratamiento (T1: 5.03 ± 1.23 versus 2.60 ± 1.27, p<0.05; T2: 4.73 ± 1.51 versus 2.71 ± 1.17, p<0.05). No hubo diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre ambos dentífricos al comparar el grado promedio de reducción de HSD durante la terapia (∆HSD T1: -2.43 ± 1.22 versus ∆HSD T2: -2.27 ± 1.42). Los datos fueron analizados en Stata versión 11. Conclusiones: Ambos dentífricos fueron clínicamente eficaces en reducir la HSD a las 4 semanas, sin existir diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre ambos.

ABSTRACT: Aim: To compare the clinical efficacy of 8% arginine/1450ppm sodium monofluorophosphate and 5% potassium nitrate/2500 ppm sodium fluoride dentifrices in the treatment of dentin hypersensitivity (DH). Methods: Parallel-design, double-masked, randomized controlled clinical trial. Thirty four volunteers aged 18 to 70 years, with DH and a visual analog scale (VAS) score ≥4 at least in two or more non-molar teeth, were randomized in two groups: T1 (n=16): 8% arginine/1450 ppm sodium monofluorophosphate dentifrice; and T2 (n=18): 5% potassium nitrate/2500 ppm sodium fluoride dentifrice. DH was assessed with evaporative and thermal stimuli; and their VAS measurements, mean DH value and DH reduction (∆DH) were compared, inside and between the groups at baseline and 4-week follow-up. Data were analysed through Stata® V11 program. Results: Both toothpastes decreased mean DH value between baseline and 4 weeks (T1: 5.03 ± 1.23 versus 2.60 ± 1.27, p<0.05; T2: 4.73 ± 1.51 versus 2.71 ± 1.17, p<0.05). There were no statistical differences between both dentifrices in mean DH reduction values during therapy (∆HSD T1: -2.43 ± 1.22 versus ∆HSD T2:-2.27 ± 1.42). Conclusions: Both dentifrices had clinical efficacy in decreasing DH in a 4- week therapy, without statistical differences between both of them.

Diagnostic accuracy for apical and chronic periodontitis biomarkers in gingival crevicular fluid: an exploratory study.

AIM: The aim of this study was to assess the levels and diagnostic accuracy of a set of potential biomarkers of periodontal tissue metabolism in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) from patients with chronic periodontitis (CP) and asymptomatic apical periodontitis ( AAP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty one GCF samples from 11 CP patients, 44 GCF samples from 38 AAP patients and 31 GCF samples from 13 healthy volunteers were obtained (N = 106). Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) -2 and -9 were determined by zymography; levels of MMP-8 by ELISA and IFMA and MPO by ELISA. IL-1, IL-6, TNFα, DKK-1, Osteonectin, Periostin, TRAP-5 and OPG were determined by a multiplex quantitative panel. Statistical analysis was performed using linear mixed-effects models. RESULTS: The MMP-9 and MMP-8 were higher in CP, followed by AAP, versus healthy individuals (p < 0.05). ProMMP-2, MPO, IL-1, IL-6, PTN, TRAP-5 and OPG were significantly higher in CP when compared with AAP and healthy patients (p < 0.05). The highest diagnostic accuracies were observed for ProMMP-2, ProMMP-9, MMP-8 and TRAP-5 (AUC > 0.97) in CP, and for the active form of MMP-9 and MMP-8 (AUC > 0.90) in AAP. CONCLUSION: Gingival crevicular fluid composition is modified by CP and AAP. MMP-9 and MMP-8 show diagnostic potential for CP and AAP, whereas MMP-2 and TRAP-5 are useful only for CP.

Matrix metalloproteinases and myeloperoxidase in gingival crevicular fluid provide site-specific diagnostic value for chronic periodontitis.

AIM: To identify the diagnostic accuracy of gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) candidate biomarkers to discriminate periodontitis from the inflamed and healthy sites, and to compare the performance of two independent matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-8 immunoassays. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cross sectional study. GCF (N = 58 sites) was collected from healthy, gingivitis and chronic periodontitis volunteers and analysed for levels of azurocidin, chemokine ligand 5, MPO, TIMP-1 MMP-13 and MMP-14 by ELISA or activity assays. MMP-8 was assayed by immunofluorometric assay (IFMA) and ELISA. Statistical analysis was performed using linear mixed-effects models and Bayesian statistics in R and Stata V11. RESULTS: MMP-8, MPO, azurocidin and total MMP-13 and MMP-14 were higher in periodontitis compared to gingivitis and healthy sites (p < 0.05). A very high correlation between MPO and MMP-8 was evident in the periodontitis group (r = 0.95, p < 0.0001). MPO, azurocidin and total levels of MMP-8, MMP-13 and MMP-14 showed high diagnostic accuracy (≥0.90), but only MMP-8 and MPO were significantly higher in the periodontitis versus gingivitis sites. MMP-8 determined by IFMA correlated more strongly with periodontal status and showed higher diagnostic accuracy than ELISA. CONCLUSIONS: MPO and collagenolytic MMPs are highly discriminatory biomarkers for site-specific diagnosis of periodontitis. The comparison of two quantitative MMP-8 methods demonstrated IFMA to be more accurate than ELISA.