Human Papillomavirus in Oral Lichen Planus: Is There an Association? A Meta-Analysis.

Lichen planus (LP) is a chronic, recurrent mucocutaneous inflammatory disease with unclearly defined etiology, where a potential role of several viruses has been considered. This meta-analysis aimed to determine the potential association between HPV and oral LP based on case-control and cross-sectional study results. A systematic search was performed in PubMed, Web of Science (SCI), Google Scholar, and Scopus databases with the last update on 6 March 2024. Pooled data were analyzed by calculating odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) with the metafor package for R. A total of 13 studies on 541 cases and 413 controls were included in this meta-analysis. It covered eight countries: India, Iran, Turkey, Czech Republic, Hungary, Italy, Macedonia, and the UK. In seven papers, the differentiation into the erosive-atrophic type and non-erosive-atrophic type of OLP was utilized. HPV infection was associated with at least a two times higher risk for a person with HPV to have OLP, depending on whether original data or filled/trimmed data were used. The OR values were 3.54 [2.01, 6.24] and 2.10 [1.16, 3.82], respectively. This meta-analysis was performed to identify the association between HPV and OLP and revealed that HPV infection was associated with at least a high risk for a person with HPV to develop OLP.

Intraoperative ultrasonography for the reposition of the condylar process during bilateral sagittal osteotomy of the mandible-A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Ultrasonography (USG), being a safe, quick and relatively cheap examination, is used to diagnose various pathologic conditions. The application of ultrasound to assess the position of the condyle during bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO) may improve the treatment results. CASE PRESENTATION: A 33-year-old patient, who was operated for a skeletal defect of maxilla and mandible with BSSO and Le Fort I maxillary osteotomy is discussed in this case report. The procedure was complicated with a mandibular head dislocation. The split segment was repositioned under ultrasound guidance, and a repeat osteosynthesis was performed. CONCLUSIONS: The ultrasound method is useful for the intraoperative assessment of the condylar process' position. The use of ultrasound in the diagnosis of complications and for intraoperative monitoring should be promoted.

Adjunctive use of platelet-rich fibrin in surgical treatment of furcation defects: A systematic review.

Periodontitis is an infectious disease characterized by the inflammatory destruction of the tooth supporting tissues. In multi-rooted teeth, this process leads to periodontal destruction within furcations creating defects demanding in terms of treatment. Regeneration of class II furcation involvement, although possible, is considered an unpredictable procedure, especially in terms of the bone fill. The interest in wound healing improvement by additional use of autologous concentrates of growth factors remains high in many fields of dentistry. Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is a second-generation platelet concentrate and biomaterial. PRF forms a solid fibrin matrix, which is slowly remodeled comparable to the natural blood clot. Its utilization is associated with release of growth factors and glycoproteins over a long period of time. PRF activates alkaline phosphates, which show osteoblastic activity and this activation influences the bone formation. The aim of this review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was to evaluate the adjunctive use of platelet-rich fibrin in surgical treatment of furcation defects.

Prevalence of oral complications in the course of severe SARS-CoV-2 infection under mechanical non-invasive ventilation.

BACKGROUND: The management of oral health during severe symptoms of Covid-19 is still a challenge, especially in intensive care units under invasive/noninvasive ventilation in hospital. Understanding the cause-and-effect relationships may allow for individual adjustment of oral care recommendations during Covid-19 disease. The study's objective was to assess Covid-19 patients' oral health status under hospital treatment due to pulmonary adverse Covid-19 outcomes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Covid-19 patients (mean age 74.4 ± 15.4; n = 120, male n = 50/female n = 70) were admitted to hospital in the acute phase of Covid-19 between January and March 2022 who required oxygen therapy due to pneumonia, rapid respiratory failure, low saturation. Blood and radiological tests were taken according to National Health Fund guidelines. The condition of teeth (Decayed, Missing, Filled teeth as DMFT index), dental hygiene (Plaque Control Record as PCR index), periodontal status (probing depth PD, clinical attachment CAL, bleeding on probing BOP) and oral mucosa (BRUSHED and Beck scores) were examined. RESULTS: Charateristics of the teeth (dental caries 35.2%, DMFT Median 22), plaque retention (83.4%), advanced periodontitis (48.3%), xerostomia (74.2%), oral mucosa inflammation (80.8%), angular cheilitis (53.3%), hemorrhagic (21.7%) showed a high incidence of harmful oral conditions. BRUSHED model and Beck score indicated moderate oral dysfunction and need for oral care every 8 h. Spearman's analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between pneumonia and neutrophile, interleukin-6 IL-6, C-reactive protein CRP (p = 0.01, p < 0.001, p < 0.001), negative to lymphocyte count (p < 0.001). Multiple and logistic regressions selected the following risk predictors for pneumonia as IL-6, CRP, obesity and for severe COVID-19 symptoms D-dimer level and a lack of targeted vaccination (p < 0.001). Among oral predictors, the PCR index and Beck score were significant for both outcomes (respectively p < 0.001, p < 0.012). Patients who received oxygen therapy with face masks had more often angular heilitis and debris (p = 0.025, p = 0.035). CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19 hospitalised patients with severe symptoms crossing with poor oral health-related conditions. This may exacerbate a response for COVID infection, and play a role in cytokine storm. For Covid-19 management, to inhibit extraoral/intraoral complications, it is recommended to adjust oral hygiene procedures, including antibacterial, protective, moisturising agents after individual oral health assessment.

Psychological Functioning of Women Diagnosed with Lichen Planus and Other Diseases of the Oral Cavity-Explorative Study.

The role of psychosocial factors in the development of changes in lichen planus and other diseases of the oral cavity has been implicated, but is still understudied. Therefore, the aim of our study was to describe the specific profile of psychological functioning of patients with these diseases, including the role of temperamental traits, action-oriented personality components, and self-esteem. In total, 94 adult women participated in the study: (1) with lichen planus (LP; n = 46; Mage = 54.80, SD = 12.53), (2) with other oral conditions (n = 25; Mage = 34.76, SD = 16.03), (3) without chronic disease (n = 24; Mage = 40.96, SD = 13.33). The following questionnaires were used: ZKA-PQ/SF, Polish Adaptive and Maladaptive Perfectionism Questionnaire, ACS-90, PROCOS, and MSEI. Results indicated no significant differences in temperament dimensions between studied groups. However, women diagnosed with LP presented lower levels of maladaptive perfectionism and social support than healthy women. Furthermore, women with LP also obtained lower scores for social resourcefulness and higher scores for moral self-approval than healthy women. Summarizing, patients with LP often use compensatory mechanisms that negatively affect their social functioning; thus diagnostic/therapeutic programs directed towards those group should be holistic, including psychologists and psychiatrists who support patients' psychological well-being.

The effectiveness of topical forms of dexamethasone in the treatment of oral lichen planus- A systematic review.

The goal of this systematic review was to assess the efficacy of dexamethasone compared to other treatments in oral lichen planus (OLP). The literature search used the following inclusion criteria: randomized controlled trials (RCT) comparing dexamethasone and other treatment strategies in patients with OLP. The outcome measures included relief of symptoms, decrement of erosive area size, and changes in quality of life. A computer and manual search was performed in Pubmed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library up to January 31, 2021. The risk of bias was measured with the Revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials. Eight trials with 131 study participants and 132 controls were identified. The following interventions were compared dexamethasone mouthwash, and 5% methylene blue-mediated photodynamic therapy, low-level laser therapy, amlexanox, clobetasol mouthwash, ketoconazole with amitriptyline, and thalidomide 1% paste. The therapeutic outcomes were more advantageous for dexamethasone in comparison with photodynamic therapy (PDT) (2 RCT) and low-level laser therapy (LLLT). Comparable effects were observed for dexamethasone, amlexanox, thalidomide, and PDT (1 RCT). Clobetasol showed more effective action than dexamethasone. Given the small sample sizes, heterogeneity and the few studies included, there is limited evidence to support the selection of treatment for OLP.

Oral mucositis in patients with acute myeloid leukemia treated with allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in relation to the conditioning used prior to transplantation.

This study was designed to investigate the frequency and severity of oral mucositis in patients with acute myeloid leukemia after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation, in relation to the type of conditioning used. Eighty patients diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia were assigned to two groups based on the conditioning regimen used before transplantation. The intensity of oral inflammatory lesions induced by chemotherapy (oral mucositis) was evaluated according to a 5-point scale recommended by World Health Organization. Oral mucosa was investigated in all patients before the transplantation and during two subsequent stages of the post-transplantation procedure in relation to the conditioning regimen used. Mucositis in the oral cavity was observed in the majority of patients (66%) in the first week after transplantation, whereas the largest percentage of patients suffering oral lesions (74%) occurred in the second week after transplantation. A significantly higher percentage of patients with mucositis was observed in the group which underwent myeloablation therapy (74% of MAC and 50% of RIC patients in the first week; 83% of MAC and 53% of RIC patients in the second examination).The severity of mucositis after transplantation was higher in the MAC patients compared to the RIC patients. The highest mean value of the mucositis index was recorded in the second week in the MAC group (1.59). In AML sufferers receiving allo-HSCT, oral mucositis is a significant complication of the transplantation. This condition is more frequent and more severe in patients after treatment with myeloablation therapy.

Beta-defensin 1 gene polymorphisms in the pathologies of the oral cavity-Data from meta-analysis: Association only with rs1047031 not with rs1800972, rs1799946, and rs11362.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this meta-analysis was to reveal a potential association of the four functional polymorphisms in human Beta-defensin 1 (DEFB1) gene: rs1047031(c*5G > A) at 3'UTR and rs11362 (-20 G > A), rs1800972(-44 C > G), and rs1799946 (-52 G > A) at 5'UTR with the risk of common oral cavity pathologies that included periodontitis, caries, lichen planus, and recurrent aphthous stomatitis. METHODS: The relevant studies were obtained by the two researchers from PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science up to April 29, 2020. The manual search of the reference lists was also performed. Studies on DEFB1 gene polymorphisms and oral cavity disorders, using the case-control genetic association analysis approach, and published as full texts in English were included. To assess the association strength, odds ratios (ORs) with their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were extracted. RESULTS: Thirteen publications met the inclusion criteria and were incorporated in this meta-analysis. Statistically significant values of the association tests were found only for the rs1047031 polymorphism. Allele distribution in the rs1047031 polymorphism was significantly associated with susceptibility to oral cavity pathologies (adjusted P value = 0.003). The rare variant allele carriers had a significantly higher risk for oral disasters under recessive (CC vs CT + TT), and CC vs CT models. No significant correlations between rs11362, rs1800972, and rs1799946 and the risk of oral pathologies were revealed. CONCLUSIONS: Significant association between rs1047031 polymorphism and risk of oral pathologies has been found, and therefore, we suggest to include this polymorphism in future research concerning the genetic background of the oral cavity diseases.

Oral mucosal lesions in psoriatic patients based on disease severity and treatment approach.

BACKGROUND: This observational case-control study was designed to investigate the frequency of oral lesions in psoriatic patients and to identify an association between mucosal involvement, the severity of the disease, and a form of treatment. METHODS: One hundred twenty-seven patients diagnosed with psoriasis were enrolled in this study from November 2018 to September 2019. The oral mucosa evaluation was based on the clinical appearance, location, and morphology of the lesions. All patients completed a general medical history and a Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) questionnaire. The severity of skin involvement was assessed using the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) scale. RESULTS: The most common oral lesions in patients with psoriasis were found to be fissured (FT), white coated (CT), and geographic tongue (GT). A significantly lower prevalence of GT was evident in the group managed with a new class of biological drugs and smokers. There appeared to be no association between the oral manifestation and the PASI score. FT appeared significantly more often in patients that experienced an extremely large effect of psoriasis on their quality of life as determined by the DLQI questionnaire and smokers. Only 25% of patients presented normal oral mucosa. CONCLUSIONS: Tongue lesions seem to be associated with skin psoriasis regardless of the treatment. The severity of the disease, according to the PASI scale, does not influence mucosal involvement. The type of treatment may affect the prevalence of oral lesions. Further investigations are required to confirm the influence of biological therapies on mucosal improvement.

Low-level laser therapy in the treatment of recurrent aphthous stomatitis and oral lichen planus: a literature review.

Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) and oral lichen planus (OLP) present inflammatory, recurrent diseases of the oral mucosa with not fully understood aetiology. Despite numerous attempts to discover an effective treatment for RAS and OLP, the current main treatment strategies are largely confined to the reduction of symptoms. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is of interest as a novel treatment modality. The aim of the paper was to discuss the mechanism of action and the biological effects of LLLT and to critically review and summarize recent clinical reports on the management of RAS and OLP. Most of the studies demonstrated the beneficial effect of LLLT in accelerating the healing process and pain reduction. However, the results should be interpreted with caution due to the limited number of studies available and empirical design using various irradiation parameters.

Evaluation of the efficacy of treatment modalities in burning mouth syndrome-A systematic review.

OBJECTIVES: Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a medical entity characterised by a spontaneous sensation of burning, numbness or pain of the oral mucosa in the absence of clinical symptoms. The goal of this systematic review was to assess the efficacy of various current treatments for BMS. METHODS: The literature search used the following inclusion criteria: randomised controlled trials (RCTs) which compared one or more treatment strategies for patients with primary/idiopathic BMS with a placebo group describing all types of interventions. The primary and secondary outcome measures included: relief of pain/burning sensations, changes in psychosocial factors and feeling of sensation of dryness. A computer and manual search was performed in Pubmed, Web of Science and Cochrane Library up to 5 November 2019 and updated on 28 June 2020. The risk of bias was measured with the Cochrane Collaboration tool. RESULTS: Thirty RCTs which included 727 study participants and 589 controls were identified. The following interventions were introduced: dietary supplements, anticonvulsants, benzodiazepines, antidepressants, analgesics, topical agents, electromagnetic radiation or induction, physical barriers and psychological therapies. The most successful therapeutic outcomes were observed for clonazepam tested in 3 RCTs, where significant pain reduction appeared after both topical and systemic application. Evident pain reduction was also reported for tongue protectors and capsaicin in 2 separate studies. DISCUSSION: Short follow-up periods, low numbers of participants, variability of the metrics used in the evaluation of the results and heterogeneous study design were the main limitations of the reviewed studies. Based on our analysis, clonazepam appears to be the most effective treatment option for BMS.

Scarlet fever - a diagnostic challenge for dentists and physicians: A report of 2 cases with diverse symptoms.

Scarlet fever is an infectious disease caused by group A streptococcal bacteria, transmitted mainly through direct contact with the saliva and nasal fluids of infected people. It may also arise from streptococcal wound infections or burns. The disease most commonly affects children aged 5-15 years and manifests as a sore throat, fever and a sandpaper-like, papular skin rash. Due to the evident involvement of the oral structures, the awareness of the symptoms of scarlet fever is essential for dentists in order to avoid the spread of this highly contagious disease in crowded places, such as kindergartens and schools. As no vaccine is available to prevent scarlet fever, the early diagnosis and treatment of this condition are important in reducing the risk of developing local and systemic complications, which include acute rheumatic fever, glomerulonephritis, bacteremia, pneumonia, endocarditis, and meningitis. In this report, 2 cases of scarlet fever are described in unrelated children with diverse symptoms, and diagnostic and therapeutic strategies are discussed.

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in the treatment of recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) - a promising treatment option: A report of two cases.

Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is a chronic, ulcerative condition of the oral mucosa that affects 10-25% of the population. The etiopathogenesis of the disease is not fully understood, although a polygenic mode of inheritance and immunological dysregulation have been suggested in several studies. The contribution of numerous predisposing factors, such as a deficiency of iron, vitamin B12 or folic acid, trauma, emotional stress, endocrine disturbances, or allergy, have also been considered. So far, no causative treatment for RAS has been developed; instead, topical and systemic drugs are used to reduce pain and inflammation, and to lengthen the period of remission. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is a non-invasive and atraumatic therapeutic method that involves the local application of a high-density, monochromatic, narrow-band light source. With the use of the appropriate power and wavelength, the therapy brings anti-inflammatory and analgesic results, and wound healing is promoted. Several reports on the beneficial effects of LLLT in RAS have been presented recently. This report describes 2 cases of adult patients with RAS treated with LLLT to relieve pain and promote the healing of the ulcers. The clinical presentations with the signs and symptoms are discussed and illustrated, along with the treatment algorithms and outcomes.

Systemic and environmental risk factors for recurrent aphthous stomatitis in a Polish cohort of patients.

INTRODUCTION: Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is a common oral mucosal disease without a clearly defined etiology. AIM: To analyze the influence of systemic diseases, medications, smoking and a family history of RAS on the prevalence and the course of the condition in Polish patients with RAS. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Seventy-eight patients with RAS and 72 subjects without a history of RAS were enrolled in the study. All participants underwent a detailed oral examination and a full blood count. The results were statistically analyzed with Statistica 10 (StatSoft, Krakow, Poland) with Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis, χ2 and Fisher tests, with p < 0.05 considered as the significance level. RESULTS: The most common systemic conditions observed in patients with RAS were hypertension, allergies and anemia. Both HT and anemia were prevalent in the RAS group. A positive RAS family history occurred more frequently in the study group than in controls. However, no association was found between smoking and RAS prevalence, although a higher percentage of smokers was observed in the RAS subgroup with a low frequency of RAS episodes. CONCLUSIONS: The potential role of hypertension and anemia as modifiers of the immune reaction in RAS has been implied in this study but confirmation of this association requires further studies on a larger sample of patients. However, there appears to be no correlation between smoking and the occurrence of RAS. The positive family history observed in this study in the majority of RAS patients confirms the genetic background of the condition.

Beta-defensin 1 gene polymorphisms at 5' untranslated region are not associated with a susceptibility to recurrent aphthous stomatitis.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the possible association between two single nucleotide polymorphisms of the ß-defensin 1 gene: -20 G > A and -44 C > G at 5 untranslated region and recurrent aphthous stomatitis in a cohort of Polish patients. DESIGN: One hundred and six patients suffering from recurrent aphthous stomatitis and 96 healthy volunteers were genotyped at ß-defensin 1-20 G > A and -44 C > G using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) approach. The results were statistically analysed with the difference test between two proportion and chi-square tests with p < 0.05 as a significance level (Dell Statistica data analysis software system, version 13, Dell Inc. 2016). RESULTS: No statistically significant differences between the tested groups were revealed in the genotype distribution for -20 G > A and -44 C > G polymorphisms of the ß-defensin 1 gene. Stratification into carriers and non-carriers of alleles did not unequivocally show the single nucleotide polymorphism recognized as a risk factor for recurrent aphthous stomatitis. However, after gender stratification, statistically significant differences in the distribution of some DEFB1 genotypes were observed. Heterozygotes of G[-20]A and C[-44]G genotypes were found more frequently in males with RAS than in males from the control group. Moreover, a significantly higher rate of carriers of the polymorphic *A[-20] allele was found in males with RAS compared to the controls. CONCLUSIONS: The role of the tested single nucleotide polymorphisms of the ß-defensin 1 gene in the aetiology of recurrent aphthous stomatitis has not been confirmed. Further observations are required to clarify this potential association.

Hand, foot and mouth disease as an emerging public health problem: Case report of familial child-to-adult transmission.

Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is a highly contagious viral infectious disease that commonly affects small children. Typical clinical symptoms include low-grade fever, malaise and myalgia followed by a characteristic maculovesicular eruption on hands, feet and the oral cavity. In most cases, the disease is self-limiting, but some severe complications, including pneumonia, meningitis and encephalitis, may occasionally occur. The most severe outbreaks of HFMD have been observed in Asia-Pacific region; however, epidemics in Europe and America have also occurred in the past. The disease is caused by an infection with various members of Picornaviridae family in the genus enterovirus, most commonly by Coxsackievirus A6 (CVA6), Coxsackievirus A16 (CVA16), and Enterovirus 71 (EV71). This report describes the intra-familial transmission of hand, foot and mouth disease between 2 sibling children (a 3-year-old girl and a 5-year-old boy) and their immunocompetent mother in Poland. Clinical presentation with signs, symptoms and a suggested treatment regime are discussed and illustrated.

Haematinic deficiencies and patient clinical profiles in Polish patients with recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS).

BACKGROUND: Recurrent aphthous stomatitis is a common ulcerative disorder of the oral mucosa, where the immune impairment may develop in genetically predisposed subjects exposed to certain environmental factors. The aim of the study was to investigate the frequency of anaemia, iron and vitamin B12 deficiency in recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) and to explore its impact on the clinical presentation of RAS. METHODS: A total of 141 adults including the following: 71 subjects with RAS and 70 controls were enrolled in the study. A detailed dental and haematological assessment, including full blood count, serum iron and vitamin B12 evaluation, was performed in all study participants. The results were statistically analysed with Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis, χ2 and Fisher tests with P < .05 designated as a significance level. RESULTS: Recurrent aphthous stomatitis patients were found to suffer anaemia, iron and vitamin B12 deficiency more frequently than the controls. The mean serum iron levels were also significantly lower in RAS subjects than in controls, although still within the norm. The lowest mean serum iron levels were observed in patients with a mild course of RAS. No significant differences in mean serum iron and vitamin B12 levels were revealed as a function of stratification according to the number of lesions per single flare-up. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study indicate an association between iron and vitamin B12 deficiency and RAS in a Polish population. However, as the haematinic deficiencies did not significantly modify the course and clinical phenotype of the disease, further studies to explore their role in RAS aetiology are required.

Evaluation of serum zinc levels in patients with recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS).

BACKGROUND: Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is an ulcerative disease of the oral mucosa without a clearly defined etiology. The aim of the study was to evaluate the serum zinc levels in patients with RAS in comparison to healthy controls and to validate the association between zinc levels and the course of RAS. METHODS: Seventy-five patients with RAS and 72 controls underwent full dental examination. Serum zinc levels were determined by flame atomic absorption spectroscopy (F AAS). The results were statistically analyzed with Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney, chi-square tests and the test of difference between the two rates of structure with p < 0.05 as a significance level (Statistica 10, StatSoft®). RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were detected in serum zinc levels between RAS patients and healthy controls. The mean serum zinc concentration was found to be 84.2 µg/dL in RAS group and 83.9 µd/dL in controls, within the accepted norms. Zinc deficiency was observed in 10.7% patients from the RAS group and in 6.9% controls. No significant differences in serum zinc levels were found between patients when the course of the disease was considered. CONCLUSIONS: Serum zinc concentrations did not differ significantly in RAS patients and in healthy controls and it did not influence the course of the disease. Therefore, zinc does not appear to be an important modifying factor in the development of RAS.

The absence of an association between Interleukin 1ß gene polymorphisms and recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS).

OBJECTIVES: Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is a chronic, ulcerative disease with a probable polygenic mode of inheritance and complex etiology with a strong immunological background. The aim of the present study was to determine the possible association between two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the IL-1ß gene: IL-1ß-511 T>C (rs16944) and IL-1ß+3954C>T (rs1143634) and RAS susceptibility in a moderately large group of patients. DESIGN: One hundred and four patients with minor, major and herpetiform RAS and 75 healthy volunteers were genotyped at IL-1ß-511 T>C (rs16944) and IL-1ß+3954C>T (rs1143634) using the PCR-RFLP approach. The results were statistically analysed with chi-square test and test of difference between two rates of structure, with p<0.05 assumed to be a statistically significance level (Statistica 10, StatSoft®, Kraków, Poland). RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences in the genotype distribution for the IL-1ß C[+3954]T polymorphism between the RAS and control groups. The frequency of IL-1ß*T[-511]/*T[-511] homozygotes among the patients was significantly higher when compared to our study control (p<0.0347). The results after stratification into carriers and non-carriers of C and T alleles did not clearly indicate which SNP may be considered a risk factor for RAS. CONCLUSIONS: The genetic association between the studied SNPs of the IL-1ß gene and RAS remains controversial and requires further investigation.

Vitamin D status in recurrent aphthous stomatitis.

INTRODUCTION: Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is a common chronic inflammatory oral mucosa disease with an unknown cause. However, dysregulation of the immune response seems to play an important role in this disease. AIM: To evaluate the vitamin D status in RAS patients and its effects on RAS severity, given the likely immunomodulatory function of vitamin D in the human organism. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty-six patients with RAS and 66 controls were examined. Immunomodulatory or immunosuppressive treatment and other ulcerative oral diseases were used as exclusion criteria. The severity of RAS was assessed according to the clinical classification of the disease, the number of lesions per flare-up and the length of intervals between the attacks. The serum vitamin D level was established in each participant. RESULTS: The mean serum vitamin D (25(OH)D) levels were found to be 16.81 ng/ml in the study group and 19.22 ng/ml in the control group, with no statistically significant difference between the two groups. In the study group, 5 (7.6%) participants were diagnosed with the "normal" vitamin D levels, while 16 (24.2%) had "insufficient" levels and 45 (68.2%) had "deficient" levels. The corresponding distribution in the control group was 8 (12.1%), 18 (27.3%) and 40 (60.6%), respectively. There was no statistical significance in the difference of vitamin D deficits between the study and the control groups. No correlation was detected between the severity of RAS and the serum vitamin D level. CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin D does not seem to be a trigger factor for RAS occurrence and does not appear to influence the severity of the disease in the studied group.