Evaluation of Paxillin Expression in Odontogenic Cysts and Tumors.

Statement of the Problem: Paxillin (PXN) is one of the proteins involved in cell adhesion. PXN and integrins constitute a key site for the focal adhesion between the cell and extracellular matrix. Several studies have shown that PXN is a factor in tumor formation, progression, invasion, and metastasis. Purpose: This study evaluated PXN expression in four types of odontogenic lesions with different aggressive behaviors. Materials and Method: In this retrospective cross-sectional study, PXN expression was immunohistochemically assessed in 68 paraffin-embedded tissue samples from patients with the confirmed diagnosis of four types of odontogenic lesions, including 14 dentigerous cysts (DC), 20 odontogenic keratocyst (OKC), 16 unicystic ameloblastoma, and 18 solid ameloblastoma. The PXN expression in these samples were scored based on the percentage and intensity of immunoreactivity, and compared among the groups by Chi-square test. Results: The PXN marker was detected in the cytoplasm of tumor cells (unicystic and solid ameloblastoma) and the epithelial layer of cysts (DC and OKC). The intensively stained marker of PXN was observed in 9 cases (64.3%) of the DC, 14 cases (70%) of OKC, 12 cases (75%) of unicystic ameloblastoma, and 13 cases (72.2%) of solid ameloblastoma. However, there was not statistical difference of PXN protein expression between DC and OKC (p Value = 0.51) and unicystic and solid ameloblastoma (p = 0.58), also the same was true for cysts and tumors (p = 0.37). Conclusion: The expression of PXN is not related to the biological behaviors of odontogenic lesions.

The effects of antimicrobial photocatalytic nanoparticles on the flexural strength of orthodontic acrylic resins: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Orthodontic acrylic resins containing antimicrobial photocatalytic nanoparticles aims to reduce oral lesions including denture stomatitis and white spot lesions but they should not imperil its mechanical properties. This systematic review was done to evaluate the effect of various photocatalytic nanoparticles on the flexural strength (FS) of acrylic resins. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We systematically searched the PubMed/Medline, Cochrane Library, and Scopus databases from January 2018 to October 2023. The review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, and the quality of the studies was evaluated using the QUIN tool, which is specifically designed to assess the risk of bias in vitro studies. RESULTS: Following screening of 1016 initial records, 23 studies were deemed eligible for inclusion. The addition of photocatalytic nanoparticles, such as emodin (Emo), curcumin (Cur), Cur nisin (CurNis), zeolite/zinc oxide (Zeo/ZnO), and Ulva lactuca (U. lactuca), to acrylic resins resulted in a reduction in FS, with the extent of reduction dependent on the nanoparticle concentration. Specifically, the addition of Emo (≥0.5 %), Cur (≥0.5 %), CurNis (≥5 %), Zeo/ZnO (≥2), and U. lactuca (≥1 %) to acrylic resins significantly decreased FS. Conversely, the inclusion of ZnO and titanium dioxide (TiO2) in acrylic resins improved FS, but higher concentrations (≥5 % for TiO2) had a limited positive effect. CONCLUSION: Our study supports the use of low concentrations of photocatalytic nanoparticles, such as ZnO (≤2 %), TiO2 (≤3 %), Emo (≤0.5 %), Cur (≤0.5 %), CurNis (≤5 %), and U. lactuca (≤1 %), in orthodontic acrylic resins without compromising FS.

The flexural strength of orthodontic acrylic resin containing resveratrol nanoparticles as antimicrobial agent: An in vitro study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate how the addition of resveratrol nanoparticles (RNPs), which act as an antimicrobial agent, affects the strength of acrylic resin used in orthodontics. METHODS: According to ISO 20795-1-2013, 76 cold cure acrylic resin samples (65×10×3.3mm) were prepared. The samples were divided into four groups (19 samples in each group) based on RN concentrations added to 1mL acrylic monomer (0 for control, 256, 512, and 1024µg/mL). Flexural strength was assessed in megapascal (MPa) using a universal testing machine. Data analysis involved nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis analysis of variance and pairwise post-hoc Dunn's test. RESULTS: The flexural strength decreased as the concentration of RNPs increased, with the lowest value observed at 1024µg/mL (63.06±5.33MPa). The control group exhibited the highest mean of flexural strength (88.43±4.41MPa), followed by the groups with RNPs at the concentrations of 256µg/mL (82.69±4.41MPa) and 512µg/mL (76.02±4.59MPa). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the addition of RNs to orthodontic acrylic resin had a dose-dependent impact on its flexural strength. Based on the findings, we recommend incorporating RNs at a concentration of 256µg/mL as an antimicrobial agent in orthodontic acrylic resin. However, further research is necessary to assess the long-term effects and clinical applications of this approach.

Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy for managing the peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis: A systematic review of randomized clinical trials.

BACKGROUND: The presence of peri­implant inflammation including peri­implant mucositis and peri­implantitis, is a crucial factor that impacts the long-term stability and success of dental implants. This review aimed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) as an adjuvant therapy option for managing peri­implant mucositis and peri­implantitis. METHODS: We systematically searched the PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases (no time limitation). The review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, and the quality of the studies was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration tool. RESULTS: Of 322 eligible articles, 14 studies were included in this review. The heterogeneity and poor quality of the articles reviewed prevented a meta-analysis. The reviewed articles used a light source (60 s, 1 session) with a wavelength of 635 to 810 nm for optimal tissue penetration. These studies showed improved clinical parameters such as probing depth, bleeding on probing (BOP), and plaque index after aPDT treatment. However, in smokers, BOP increased after aPDT. Compared to conventional therapy, aPDT had a longer-term antimicrobial effect and reduced periopathogens like Porphyromonas gingivalis, as well as inflammatory factors such as Interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6, and Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). No undesired side effects were reported in the studies. CONCLUSION: Although the reviewed articles had limitations, aPDT showed effectiveness in improving peri­implant mucositis and peri­implantitis. It is recommended as an adjunctive strategy for managing peri­implant diseases, but further high-quality research is needed for efficacy and long-term outcomes.

Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy for the management of gingivitis and white spot lesions in fixed orthodontic patients: A systematic review.

AIM: We conducted this review to evaluate the safety and efficacy of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) for the management of gingivitis and white spot lesions (WSLs) in fixed orthodontic patients. METHODS: The PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases were searched for randomized controlled trials and clinical trials assessing the clinical effectiveness of aPDT for the management of gingivitis and WSLs in fixed orthodontic patients without time limitation. Primary outcomes were the changes in clinical parameters such as DIAGNOdent, plaque index (PI), bleeding on probing (BOP), and gingival index (GI). Secondary outcomes included measurements of microbial and inflammatory factors, such as cytokine levels (tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNF-α], interleukin-1 beta [IL-1ß], and interleukin-6 [IL-6]), and bacterial counts. RESULTS: Our search yielded a total of 12 studies that met the inclusion criteria. Among the 11 studies that evaluated gingivitis, the majority employed a diode laser (670nm, 150 mW, 22J/cm2, 60seconds) as the light source and methylene blue at a concentration of 0.0005% (applied for 3minutes) as the photosensitizer in a single treatment session. The included studies reported positive effects of aPDT on gingivitis management, with more improvements observed in PI, BOP, and GI following aPDT treatment. Additionally, aPDT was found to reduce the counts of periopathogens such as Porphyromonas gingivalis, as well as inflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-6). Two studies demonstrated that aPDT, particularly when administered in multiple sessions, effectively controlled the extent of WSLs during orthodontic treatment and yielded favorable outcomes that persisted for several months after treatment. CONCLUSION: Based on the available evidence, aPDT appears to be a safe and effective treatment option for managing WSLs and gingivitis in patients with fixed orthodontic appliances. However, further high-quality RCTs are necessary to investigate the impact of potential confounding factors on the efficacy of aPDT.

Lingual retainer materials: Comparative evaluation of wear resistance of flowable nanocomposites and universal composite: An in vitro study.

BACKGROUND: A bonded fixed retainer is used to stabilize the alignment of the teeth. Different composites have been introduced for this purpose. This study aimed to investigate the wear resistance of flowable nanocomposite in comparison with microhybrid composite in an in vitro situation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this in vitro study, 46 disk-shaped specimens were divided into two groups: Filtek Ultimate flowable composite and Z250 microhybrid composite. The samples were prepared in 8 mm diameter and 3 mm thickness in an aluminum mold and light cured. They were polished with 600 grit sandpaper to achieve a smooth surface. Two-body wear test was accomplished by the pin-on-disk device (under 15 N, 20 rpm for 1 h). Analyzing the weight and thickness of specimens before and after the assay demonstrates the wear resistance. Data were analyzed using the t-test. P ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The Filtek Ultimate flowable composite shows no significant difference compared to Z250 microhybrid composite in thickness (P = 0.701) and weight (P = 0.939) of specimens. CONCLUSION: Due to wear resistance of both materials, flowable composite can be recommended as an alternative material for bonded fixed retainers.

The Effects of Curcumin in the Treatment of Gingivitis: A Systematic Review of Clinical Trials.

Different modalities of treatments are available for management of gingival disease but most have adverse effects. Curcumin has anti-inflammatory properties and can be used for management of various inflammatory processes. This systematic review evaluates the effects of curcumin as an adjuvant to oral hygiene on plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), gingival bleeding index (GBI), and inflammation in patients with gingivitis. A comprehensive search was conducted using PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane, SCOPUS, and Google Scholar. Based on the Population, Intervention, Control, and Outcome (PICO) model, clinical trials which tested the effects of curcumin as an adjunctive product or alone in control of gingival inflammation up until 21 February 2020 with language restrictions were selected. From the 422 papers found, 14 met the eligibility criteria. In most of these studies, curcumin treatment achieved significant reductions in PI, GI, GBI, and microbial colony count and was as effective as chlorhexidine mouthwash, with no serious adverse effects. We conclude that treatment with curcumin for gingivitis is safe as a natural herbal compound and is as effective as chlorhexidine mouthwash.

Does Curcumin Have an Anticaries Effect? A Systematic Review of In Vitro Studies.

BACKGROUND: Dental caries is one of the most important oral health problems and a common infectious microbial disease. Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) has been regarded as the primary etiologic factor in the formation of dental caries. Curcumin (CUR) has an antibacterial action and could be used in the eradication of S. mutans to control dental caries. This systematic review was undertaken with the aim of evaluating the anticaries effect of CUR. METHODS: A comprehensive search was conducted in the PubMed/Medline, Cochrane - CENTRAL, and Scopus databases. Based on the PICO model, studies which evaluated the anticaries effects of CUR up until 24 February 2020 with language restrictions were selected for this systematic review. RESULTS: From 753 papers found, 13 met the eligibility criteria and were included. In 12 out of 13 included studies, CUR had significant antibacterial and anticaries effects. CUR had inhibitory effects on S. mutans growth, acid production, ATPase and sortase A activity, biomass, viability and metabolism reduction of biofilm, reduced exopolysaccharide production of biofilms, changes in biofilm structure, and had anti-adhesion effects against S. mutans. CONCLUSION: This systematic review suggests promising antibacterial and anticaries effects of CUR including inhibition of S. mutans growth, acid production, ATPase and sortase A activity. This review provides unique information regarding the potential role of CUR in the prevention and treatment of dental carries as a natural, accessible, safe, and inexpensive agent to increase oral and dental health. However, clinical randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm these results.

The Clinical Use of Curcumin for the Treatment of Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis: A Systematic Review of Clinical Trials.

Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) lesions are inflammatory painful oral ulcers with uncertain etiology. Curcumin acts as an effective anti-inflammatory and antibacterial agent in the treatment of various oral diseases. This systematic review aimed to assess the effects of curcumin on RAS. A systematic search of the medical databases, PubMed, Scopus, ISI, Science Direct, and Google Scholar was performed up to March 30, 2020, to identify clinical trials assessing the effect of curcumin on aphthous ulcers. Nine studies comprising of 469 participants met all criteria and were analyzed. Treatment with curcumin significantly reduced aphthous ulcer size (seven studies), pain intensity (eight studies), number of aphthous ulcers (three studies), erythematous halo (one study), and erythema and exudate of the aphthous (one study). In four studies, the effect of curcumin on aphthous ulcer was assessed in comparison to the effects of the standard medication, triamcinolone. In all of these studies, curcumin had similar beneficial effects on the aphthous ulcer as measured by ulcer size, number, and pain. Only three studies were categorized as high quality using the Jadad scale. Within the limitations of this review, it can be concluded that curcumin may have a beneficial role in the treatment of recurrent aphthous ulcers. However, more randomized clinical trials are needed to validate these findings.

The Effects of Nutraceuticals and Herbal Medicine on Candida albicans in Oral Candidiasis: A Comprehensive Review.

Candida albicans is part of the healthy flora in the oral cavity. It can also cause opportunistic infection, which can be deleterious. The most typical type of chronic oral candidiasis is denture stomatitis, and C. albicans is identified as the most crucial organism in this situation. Due to the development of the resistant form of candida, using conventional drugs can sometimes be ineffective. Herbs and naturally imitative bioactive compounds could become a new source for antimycotic therapy. Several review studies suggest that herbal medicine and natural bioactive compounds have antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal effects. Thus, it is hypothesized that these natural products might have beneficial effects on pathogenic oral fungal flora such as C. albicans. Although the effects of herbs have been investigated as antifungal agents in several studies, to the best of our knowledge, the effects of these natural products on C. albicans have not yet been reviewed. Thus, the aim of this study was to review the anti-candida activity (especially C. albicans in oral candidiasis) of herbal medicines and natural bioactive compounds. It is concluded that, in general, medicinal plants and nutraceuticals such as garlic, green tea, propolis, curcumin, licorice root, cinnamon, resveratrol, ginger, and berberine are useful in the treatment of C. albicans in oral candidiasis and could be considered as a safe, accessible, and inexpensive management option in an attempt to prevent and treat oral diseases. However, most of the evidence is based on the in vitro and animal studies, so more clinical trials are needed.

Hyalinization and Molecular Pathways Involved in Orthodontic Tooth Movement: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract Objective: To systematically review the hyalinization of experimental tooth movement in humans and animals. Material and Methods: The electronic databases of MEDLINE, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Institute for Scientific Information, and Google Scholar were searched for performing a systematic review of the related literature published until 2019. Moreover, Endnote X9 software was utilized to manage electronic titles. The searches were fulfilled using keywords of "hyalinization," "orthodontic tooth movement" OR "OTM" AND "periodontal ligament" OR "PDL," "molecular pathways," AND "mechanical cell." Therefore, this systematic review was conducted based on the key consideration of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. Results: Forces ranged between 2.3 and 50 CN had been applied. According to the research design, incisors had been included in two experiments, whereas maxillary molars had been displaced by tipping forces in another rat examination. However, a majority of investigations had stated that hyalinization had firstly appeared within the first 24 hours. Moreover, the amount of prostaglandin-end peroxide synthase 2 (PTGS2) had been positively related to force term and size utilizing Western blotching. As PTGS2 had been included in the prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) metabolism, the up-regulation of PTGS2 gene expression could be connected with that of PGE2 emission. Conclusion: Gene expression in connection with force term and size and also the first signalling pathways were recognized utilizing protein-protein interactions (PPIs).