Gingival crevicular fluid levels of cytokine, chemokine, and growth factors in patients with periodontitis or gingivitis and periodontally healthy subjects: a cross-sectional multiplex study.

INTRODUCTION: Gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) is an important resource for detecting inflammatory biomarkers related to periodontal disease. The purpose of this research was to identify the possible relation between cytokine levels and periodontal status. MATERIAL AND METHODS: GCF samples collected from 25 periodontally healthy individuals, 24 with gingivitis, and 24 with periodontitis were analyzed using the MAGPIX system with a Bio-Plex Pro Human Cytokine 27-plex kit. Gingival index (GI), periodontal pocket depth (PPD), plaque index (PI), and clinical attachment level (CAL) were measured from each tooth to determine each patient's periodontal status. RESULTS: All clinical parameters showed statistically significant differences between groups. While interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6, macrophage chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1), interferon γ-induced protein 10 (IP-10) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels were statistically significantly higher in patients with periodontitis compared to periodontally healthy subjects, IL-15 levels were found to be statistically significantly higher in periodontally healthy individuals compared to periodontitis (p < 0.05). Also, IL-1ß and IP-10 showed positive correlations with PPD, CAL, GI and bleeding on probing (BOP). CONCLUSIONS: It is considered that IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-15, MCP-1, VEGF and IP-10 could be related to periodontal disease and health and can be used as an adjunct to clinical examination in future research design. Scanning cytokines in GCF with a multiplex immunoassay technique is consequential, especially because many cytokine types are found in one sample.

Evaluation of oxidative status in patients with chronic periodontitis and polycystic ovary syndrome: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: In patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), chronic periodontitis (CP) contributed to increased oxidative stress (OS), owing to an increase in serum and salivary 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and a decrease in serum total antioxidant status (TAS) levels. The aim of the present study is to investigate salivary and serum 8-OHdG and MDA levels as well as total antioxidant status (TAS) in females with CP and PCOS compared with healthy females. METHODS: Four groups, each consisting of 22 individuals, were: 1) women with both PCOS and CP (PCOSCP); 2) systemically healthy women with CP; 3) periodontally healthy women with PCOS (PCOSPH); and 4) periodontally and systemically healthy women (PH). Demographic and clinical periodontal parameters were measured. Oxidative parameters were evaluated in serum and salivary samples. RESULTS: Salivary 8-OHdG levels in the PCOSCP and CP groups were statistically higher than those in both the PCOSPH and the PH groups (P < 0.05). There was no statistical difference between the PCOSCP, CP, and PCOSPH groups with regard to salivary MDA and TAS levels (P > 0.05). Highest serum 8-OHdG and MDA levels and lowest serum TAS levels were seen in the PCOSCP group (P < 0.05). Serum 8-OHdG and MDA levels in the PCOSPH group were higher than those in both systemically healthy groups (PH and CP) (P < 0.05). Salivary TAS levels were highest (P < 0.05) in the PH group. There was no statistical difference between the CP and PCOSPH groups, but serum TAS levels were lower than those in the PH group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: CP, which led to an increase in serum and salivary 8-OHdG and MDA levels and a decrease in serum TAS levels in patients with PCOS, contributed to increased OS. This effect was more prominent in serum levels than in salivary levels.

Evaluation of genotoxic and antigenotoxic effects of boron by the somatic mutation and recombination test (SMART) on Drosophila.

OBJECTIVE: In this study, different concentrations of boron have been evaluated for genotoxic and antigenotoxic properties by using the somatic mutation and recombination test (SMART) on Drosophila melanogaster. STUDY DESIGN: The treatment concentrations were chosen to a pretest. Third-instar larvae trans-heterozygous for two genetic markers, multiple wing hair (mwh) and flare (flr3), were treated at different concentrations (0.1, 5, 10, 20, and 40 mg/mL) of boron. In addition to investigating antigenotoxic effects, the same boron concentrations were co-administered with 0.1 mM Ethyl Methane Sulfonate (EMS). Distilled water was used as a negative control; 0.1 mM of EMS was used as a positive control. For the chronic feeding study, small plastic vials were prepared with 1.5 g of dry Drosophila Instant Medium and 5 mL of the respective test solution. Hundreds of trans-heterozygous larvae were embedded into this medium. Feeding ended with pupation of the surviving larvae. After metamorphosis, all surviving flies were collected and stored in a 70% ethanol solution. Preparation and microscopic analyses of wing were made after the treatment. Then the observed mutations were classified according to size and type of mutation per wing. RESULTS: Results indicated that there is no significant genotoxic effect with all of the boron concentrations. In addition, the antigenotoxic activities of boron against EMS were tested. Results indicated that all boron concentrations (0.1, 5, 10, 20 and 40 mg/mL) were able to abolish the genotoxic effects induced by the EMS. CONCLUSION: It is suggested that the observed effects can be linked to the antioxidant properties of boron. Moreover, these in vivo results will contribute to the antigenotoxicity database of boron.

Relationship between periodontal destruction and gene mutations in patients with familial Mediterranean fever.

Recent studies have shown that genetic factors involved in the host responses might determine the disease severity for both familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) and periodontitis. The present study aimed to investigate the relationship of FMF with periodontitis and to search for the potential association between periodontitis and MEFV gene missense variations in patients with FMF. The study consisted of 97 FMF patients and 34 healthy volunteers. FMF patients were classified according to the kind of MEFV gene mutation: (1) patients with homozygous M694V gene mutation, (2) patients with heterozygous M694V gene mutation, and (3) patients with MEFV gene different mutations. Gingival Index (GI), Plaque Index (PI), probing pocket depth (PD), and clinical attachment level (CAL) were measured in all participants. The results of multivariate logistic regression showed a highly significant association between homozygous M694V gene mutation and periodontitis in FMF patients (p < 0.05). After adjusting for potential confounders (smoking, body weight, age, and gender), FMF patients with homozygous M694V gene mutation were 3.51 (1.08-11.45) times more likely to present periodontitis than the other FMF patients. These results indicate that the presence of homozygous M694V gene mutation seems to increase the risk for periodontitis in FMF patients.

Effect of Chronic Periodontitis on Oxidative Status in Patients With Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis.

BACKGROUND: Psoriasis (PS), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and chronic periodontitis (CP) are the most common chronic inflammatory diseases and have remarkable pathologic similarities. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of periodontal inflammation on oxidative stress in patients with PS and PsA by evaluating serum total antioxidant status, total oxidant status, oxidative stress index, levels of lipid hydroperoxides, and the activities of paraoxonase, arylesterase, and ceruloplasmin. Also measured were the levels of prolidase and total sulfhydryl groups. METHODS: A total of 120 participants were divided into six groups of 20 participants: 1) PS with CP (PS-CP); 2) PS-periodontally healthy (PS-C); 3) PsA with CP (PsA-CP); 4) PsA-periodontally healthy (PsA-C); 5) systemically healthy with CP (CP); and 6) both systemically and periodontally healthy (C). Demographic, periodontal, and serum oxidative parameters were evaluated. RESULTS: Oxidative stress index values of PS-C, PS-CP, PsA-C, and PsA-CP groups were approximately twice as high as those of C and CP groups, and there were no differences between any of the PS (PS-C and PS-CP), and PsA (PsA-C and PsA-CP) groups. Total antioxidant status levels of the C group were higher by 27% compared with those of the PS-C and the PsA-CP groups (P <0.05). Total oxidant status levels of both PsA-C and PsA-CP groups were approximately twice as high as those of the C (P <0.05) and CP (P <0.05, P <0.001 respectively) groups. CONCLUSIONS: The contribution of CP on systemic oxidative levels in patients with PS and PsA or systemically healthy individuals seems limited. PS and PsA did not show any additional detrimental effect on clinical parameters in patients with CP.

Comparison of low level laser and arginine-calcium carbonate alone or combination in the treatment of dentin hypersensitivity: a randomized split-mouth clinical study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare the efficacy of low-level laser (LLL) and desensitizing paste (DP) containing 8% arginine-calcium carbonate, in the treatment of dentin hypersensitivity (DH) and also to determine whether their combined application would improve the efficacy of the treatment. BACKGROUND DATA: There are various options for the treatment of DH; however, superiority of one method over others alone has not been currently demonstrated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-one patients with 156 teeth affected by DH were included in the study. Selected teeth were randomly divided into five groups: LLL, DP, laser followed by DP (LLL+DP), DP followed by laser (DP+LLL) applied to one of the quadrants, and a control group, consisting of a randomly selected additional tooth in one of the quadrants. Teeth were irradiated by the 685 nm diode laser treatment with 25 mW at 9 Hz for 100sec at 1 cm(2) area (2J/cm(2)) in interrupted mode. Pain response to evaporative stimulus was quantified on a visual analogue scale (VAS) over a 90-day period. RESULTS: All four treatment groups experienced significant and persistent decrease in the mean VAS score immediately post-treatment until the end of the study, whereas the placebo group had high VAS scores throughout the study. On day 90, percent reduction in VAS scores was 72% for LLL, 65.4% for DP, 54.6% for LLL+DP, and 69.6% for DP+LLL, whereas the placebo group showed an increase of 7.8%. CONCLUSIONS: The application of either LLL or DP containing 8% arginine-calcium carbonate appears to be effective in decreasing DH. However, their combined use does not improve the efficacy beyond what is attainable with either treatment alone.

Clinical and biochemical effects of 810 nm diode laser as an adjunct to periodontal therapy: a randomized split-mouth clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this clinical trial was to determine the clinical and biochemical efficacy of an 810 nm diode laser as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP). BACKGROUND DATA: Lasers can achieve excellent tissue ablation with strong bactericidal and detoxification effects. The use of lasers is one of the most promising new technical modalities for nonsurgical periodontal treatment. However, the most effective wavelength and parameters for their use are still under investigation. METHODS: This study was designed as a single-blinded, randomized-controlled, split-mouth clinical trial. Twenty-one patients (12 females and 9 males between 26 and 55 years of age), diagnosed with generalized chronic periodontitis, were included in the study. After initial periodontal therapy, which consisted of oral hygiene instructions and scaling, patients underwent two different treatment modalities. Test and control sites were chosen with coin toss randomization. At the test site, patients received SRP and laser treatment; at the contralateral control site, they received SRP treatment alone. RESULTS: Both treatment modalities resulted in significant improvements in all clinical and biochemical parameters. Sites irradiated with an 810 nm diode laser using the "hot tip" (∼ 760 °C) technique showed enhanced healing in all the registered periodontal variables and interleukin (IL)-1ß levels, compared with SRP alone. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of this study, the use of diode lasers as an adjunct to SRP produced significant improvements in clinical parameters as well as gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) IL-1ß levels in the 6 month study period.

Host modulation in rheumatoid arthritis patients with TNF blockers significantly decreases biochemical parameters in periodontitis.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of host modulation therapy on periodontal and biochemical parameters. Sixteen rheumatoid arthritis patients newly scheduled for anti-tumour necrosis factor (TNF) therapy were screened for 30 days. Periodontal parameters (clinical attachment level, probing pocket depth, bleeding on probing, plaque index and gingival index) as well as salivary and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF), interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-8 and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) levels of the patients were evaluated at baseline and on the 30th day of therapy. GCF volume, IL-1ß and IL-8 levels (p = 0.007, p = 0.017 and p = 0.009, respectively) of the periodontitis patients significantly decreased. Although there was a decrease in all these parameters in healthy patients, it was below statistical significance. Salivary IL-8 and MCP-1 levels significantly decreased in periodontitis patients (p = 0.028 and p = 0.013, respectively), but IL-1ß levels remained unchanged. These results suggest that TNF blockers may significantly modify host response in terms of biochemical parameters of the periodontium and may mask significant associations such as those reported between periodontitis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Periodontal disease in patients with psoriatic arthritis.

Rheumatological diseases and periodontal disease are both characterized by dysregulation of the host inflammatory response. The aim of this study was to determine the possible relationship between periodontitis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Fifty-one adults with PsA (27 men and 24 women; mean age 41.73 ± 11.27 years) and 50 age- and gender-balanced systemically healthy control subjects participated in the study. Participants' periodontal status as determined by probing pocket depth, clinical attachment loss (CAL), plaque index, and gingival index was evaluated. The CAL levels of the PsA group were significantly higher than those of the control group (p < 0.05) There were no statistically significant differences in the frequency of periodontitis, probing pocket depth, plaque index, or gingival index between the two groups. The results of the present study show that periodontitis severity as determined by CAL was higher in the PsA group; therefore, periodontal evaluation must be considered when PsA is diagnosed.

Protective effects of Ginkgo biloba extract on ligature-induced periodontitis in rats.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that the systemic administration of extract of Ginkgo biloba (EGb) would prevent excessive tissue destruction in ligature-induced periodontitis in a rat model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-two male Wistar albino rats were used in the current study. The rats were randomly divided into four groups of eight rats each: (1) non-ligated treatment (NL) group, (2) ligature-only (LO) group, (3) ligature plus GB28 (28 mg/kg, daily for 11 days) group and (4) ligature plus GB56 (56 mg/kg, daily for 11 days) group. RESULTS: Measurement of alveolar bone loss in the mandibular molar tooth revealed significantly lower bone loss values in the LO group compared to groups NL, GB28 and GB56 (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The present results are the first data which suggests that host response in periodontitis can be modified by EGb administration. EGb minimized progression of periodontal disease.

Effect of chronic periodontitis on oxidative status in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

BACKGROUND: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and chronic periodontitis (CP) are the most common chronic inflammatory diseases and have remarkable similar pathologies. The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of periodontal status on oxidative stress in patients with RA by evaluating serum oxidative parameters and prolidase levels. METHODS: For this cross-sectional comparative study, the following four groups were composed of 20 individuals each (80 individuals total): 1) RA with CP (RA-CP group); 2) RA but periodontally healthy (RA-C group); 3) systemically healthy with CP (CP group); and 4) systemically and periodontally healthy (C group). Demographic, periodontal, rheumatological, and serum oxidative parameters as determined by serum total antioxidant status, total oxidant status, oxidative stress index (OSI), lipid hydroperoxide levels, paraoxonase, arylesterase, and ceruloplasmin activity, prolidase level, and total sulfhydryl groups were evaluated. RESULTS: The OSI values of the RA-CP group were statistically significantly higher than those of the C group (P <0.05). The prolidase levels of the RA-C, RA-CP groups and the CP group were statistically higher than those of the C group (P = 0.001, P = 0.007, and P = 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Although CP and RA each increase oxidative stress, in a small sample size these effects are only significant when both CP and RA are combined relative to neither exposure. In addition, increased prolidase levels in patients with RA and CP may be related to increased oxidative tissue damage.

Effect of dietary boron on 5-fluorouracil induced oral mucositis in rats.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of boron on 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-induced oral mucositis in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-four male Wistar albino rats were injected with 5-FU on days 1 and 3. The right cheek pouch mucosa was scratched with the tip of an 18-G needle, dragged twice in a linear movement, on days 3 and 5. The animals were randomly divided into two groups of 32: boron group (BG) and control group (CG). Rats in the CG did not receive any treatment, whereas the others were fed boron (3 mg·kg(-1)·day(-1)) by gavage. The animals were sacrificed on day 3 (n = 8), 6 (n = 8), 9 (n = 8), and 12 (n = 8), and the cheek pouch was removed for histopathological analysis. RESULTS: On day 3, both groups showed necrosis and active inflammation, but the inflammation was mild in CG and moderate in BG. On day 6, both BG and CG showed necrosis; in the CG, there was moderate inflammation, and in the BG, there was severe inflammation and granulation tissue around the necrotic area. On day 9, re-epithelization began in both groups, and there were no differences between groups. Re-epithelization was complete in both groups on day 12. CONCLUSION: We found no beneficial effect of boron in healing oral mucositis. Additional research is warranted to elucidate the pathogenic inflammatory mechanisms involved in mucositis and the prophylactic and therapeutic roles of antioxidants.

Effects of low-level laser therapy as an adjunct to standard therapy in acute pericoronitis, and its impact on oral health-related quality of life.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) as an adjunct to standard therapy in acute pericoronitis. METHODS: Eighty acute pericoronitis patients were randomly assigned to one of four LLLT groups: (neodymium:yttrium-aluminum garnet [Nd:YAG] 1064-nm: n=20, 8 J/cm2, 0.25 W, 10 Hz, 10 sec; 808-nm diode: n=20, 8 J/cm2, 0.25 W, continuous mode, 10 sec; 660-nm diode: n=20, 8 J/cm2, 0.04 W, continuous mode, 60 sec; or a placebo laser control group: n=20). After standard treatment, LLLT or a placebo laser were applied to the treatment area at a distance of 1 cm from the buccal site. Interincisal opening, pain perception, and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) were evaluated at baseline, 24 h, and 7 days after laser application. The data were analyzed by the one-way ANOVA test. RESULTS: We found that the trismus and the OHRQoL in the Nd:YAG and the 808-nm diode groups were significantly improved when compared with the 660-nm diode and control groups at 24 h (p<0.05). No statistically significant differences were detected on day 7 among the groups with regard to any of the parameters evaluated. CONCLUSIONS: The results demonstrate that both the 1064-nm Nd:YAG and the 808-nm diode lasers were effective in improving trismus and OHRQoL in acute pericoronitis. Taking into account the limitations of this study, we conclude that the 1064-nm Nd:YAG laser has biostimulatory effects and improves OHRQoL, making it suitable for LLLT.

Effects of Ginkgo biloba on experimental rapid maxillary expansion model: a histomorphometric study.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate the effect of systemic Ginkgo biloba in rapid maxillary expansion (RME). STUDY DESIGN: We randomly divided 24 rats into 3 groups: expansion only (EO), expansion plus Ginkgo biloba (GB), and no expansion (NE). Expansion appliances were affixed to the maxillary incisors. After a 5-day expansion period, there was a consolidation period of 15 days, following which the rats were killed. Histomorphometric examination was performed to determine the number of osteoclasts, osteoblasts, and capillaries, the number and intensity of inflammatory cells, and new bone formation. RESULTS: New bone formation, number of capillaries, and the ratio of inflammatory cells in maxillary sutures were higher in the GB group than in the other groups. Statistical analysis demonstrated that the GB group had more osteoblasts and osteoclasts than the other groups. CONCLUSIONS: GB may hasten new bone regeneration in RME and prevent relapse after RME.

Increased salivary levels of 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine may be a marker for disease activity for periodontitis.

BACKGROUND: 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) is commonly used as a marker to evaluate oxidative DNA damage in disorders including chronic inflammatory diseases such as inflammatory periodontal pathologies. In the current study we hypothesized that the level of 8-OHdG in saliva increases by the periodontal destruction severity determined by clinical parameters as clinical attachment level (CAL). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on a sum of 60 age gender balanced; chronic periodontitis (CP) (n=20), chronic gingivitis (CG) (n=20) and healthy (H) (n=20) individuals. Clinical periodontal parameters and salivary 8-OHdG levels were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean 8-OHdG level in the saliva of the CP group was significantly higher than H and CG groups (p< 0.001). Statistically significant correlation was only observed between the salivary levels of 8-OHdG and age (p< 0.05), probing depth (PD) and CAL (p< 0.001) in CP group. However, when CP patients were classified according to their CAL levels (CAL⩾ 3 mm (n=11) and CAL<3 mm (n=9)) statistically significant correlation was only observed between the salivary levels of 8-OHdG and CAL ⩾ 3 mm patients (p< 0.001). CONCLUSION: We suggest that elevated salivary levels of 8-OHdG may be a marker for disease activity and it may reflect indirectly disease severity parameters such as CAL.

Cytomorphological changes in buccal mucosa of patients treated with low-level 1,064-nm laser radiation.

The aim of this study was to examine the cytomorphological changes occurring in the buccal mucosa in patients treated with low-level 1,064-nm laser radiation. Seventeen individuals (12 males, five females) 18-24 years of age were included in the study. Low-level 1,064-nm laser radiation was applied to the right buccal mucosa near the premolar region; this therapy was repeated for 10 days. Buccal epithelial cells were collected from the right and left premolar regions of the individuals with a brush before and after therapy. The specimens collected from the left side were measured cytomorphometrically and used for the control group. Student's t test was used for statistical comparison of the values of the buccal epithelial cells collected from individuals; a p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. None of the patients showed any adverse reactions to the low-level 1,064-nm laser radiation therapy during application. There was no cytogenetic damage to the therapied or non-therapied regions in the buccal mucosa cells, as determined cytomorphologically. The results suggest that low-level 1,064-nm laser radiation therapy has no genotoxic potential. Within the limitations of this study, it can be concluded that low-level 1,064-nm laser radiation therapy may be used safely in dental treatments.

Increased levels of 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine and malondialdehyde and its relationship with antioxidant enzymes in saliva of periodontitis patients.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities in whole saliva of patients with chronic periodontitis. Moreover, the relationship among the oxidative damage biomarkers, antioxidant enzymes activities and clinical periodontal status were investigated. METHODS: Whole saliva samples were collected from 30 patients with chronic periodontitis and 30 periodontally healthy control. To determine the clinical condition of each subject, the plaque index, gingival index, clinical attachment level, and probing depth were measured. The salivary 8-OHdG level was measured using the ELISA method. SOD and GPx activities and MDA levels were determined spectrophotometrically. RESULTS: Higher salivary 8-OHdG and MDA levels (P<.001), and lower salivary SOD and GPx activities (P<.05) were detected in periodontitis patients compared to the healthy controls. Additionally, there were significant negative correlations between salivary levels of 8-OHdG and both salivary SOD and GPx activities as well as between salivary levels of MDA and both salivary SOD and GPx activities (P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: Higher salivary 8-OHdG and MDA levels and lower salivary antioxidant activities seem to reflect increased oxygen radical activity during periodontal inflammation.

Increased salivary level of 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine is a marker of premature oxidative mitochondrial DNA damage in gingival tissue of patients with periodontitis.

INTRODUCTION: Oxidative stress may contribute to the pathogenesis of periodontitis. However, the detailed molecular mechanism remains unclear. Both 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) deletion have been reported as early oxidative DNA damage markers. In this study, 8-OHdG levels in saliva and mtDNA deletions in gingival tissue of patients with chronic periodontitis (CP) were evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Gingival tissue and whole saliva samples were collected from 32 patients with CP and 32 healthy control subjects. To determine the clinical condition of each subject, the plaque index, gingival index, clinical attachment level (CAL), and probing depth (PD) were measured. Using the ELISA and polymerase chain reaction methods, the salivary 8-OHdG levels and the 7.4-kbp and 5-kbp mtDNA deletions were examined. RESULTS: The 5-kbp mtDNA deletion was detected in 20 of the 32 periodontitis patients (62.5%), but was not detected in the healthy controls. The mean value of 8-OHdG in the saliva of the periodontitis patients with deleted mtDNA was significantly higher than in the patients with non-deleted mtDNA (p<0.01). Also, significant correlation was found between the occurrence of the 5-kbp mtDNA deletion and salivary 8-OHdG levels (p<0.01). Similar correlations were detected between salivary 8-OHdG levels and age, PD, and CAL (p<0.01, p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Increased oxidative stress may lead to premature oxidative DNA damage in the gingival tissue of periodontitis patients and the salivary 8-OHdG level may signify premature oxidative mtDNA damage in diseased gingival tissue.

Cytotoxicity analysis of strontium ranelate on cultured human periodontal ligament fibroblasts: a preliminary report.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to analyze the cytotoxicity of strontium ranelate (SR) on human periodontal ligament fibroblasts (PDL cells) in vitro. METHODS: PDL cells were obtained from healthy human third molars and cultured in Dulbeccos Modified Eagles Medium. The experimental groups were: G1, cultures treated with fresh medium (control); and G2, G3, G4 and G5: treated with SR at 20, 10, 5 and 2.5 mg/mL, respectively. The experimental times were 1, 6, 12 and 24 hours (short-term) for viability, and 2, 4, 6 and 8 days (long-term) for cell survival. The cells were counted using a hemocytometer. Data were then analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Tukey's tests (p < 0.05). RESULTS: Cultures treated with the highest SR concentrations (G2 and G3) had significantly lower cell viability and cell numbers (p < 0.05) than those in G1, G4 and G5. SR at 2.5 mg/mL was non-cytotoxic to PDL cells. CONCLUSION: SR was non-toxic at appropriate concentrations. Preclinical tests are needed to further assess its safety and effectiveness for tooth resorption prior to clinical use.

The relationship between teething and handedness.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of tooth eruption sequences as an indicator of handedness. The investigation was carried out on 92 healthy children. The questionnaire form was filled out for each child. The form consisted of two parts. In the first part there were questions to determine the demographic features of the children. The second part consisted of the questions to clarify the eruption time and sequence of first primary teeth. Hand preference was evaluated by placing colored pencils directly in front of the child, who was asked to write an "X" on a piece of paper with each pencil. According to left-, right-, and indetermined handedness, all children regardless of sex were divided into three groups. The data were analyzed for statistical evaluation using tests for the difference between two population propositions. The mean eruption time of the first tooth in children was 7.5 +/- 1.7 months. The eruption time was found similar in both groups. No statistically significant difference was determined between the teeth eruption time and handedness (p >.05). The first tooth erupted was generally the lower central incisor. There was no difference tooth eruption and sex, gestation week (p >.05). No statistically significant difference was found between the teeth eruption time and sequence of the primary teeth (p >.05). There was statistically significant difference between sequence of the tooth eruption and handedness (p <.001). Consequently, the tooth eruption sequences may play an important role as an indicator in handedness.