Detection of antibodies against Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans in serum and saliva through ELISA in periodontally healthy individuals and individuals with chronic periodontitis.

BACKGROUND: Periodontitis is a persistent polymicrobial infection, which leads to chronic inflammation in the tooth supporting tissues. Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans are normal commensals of oral cavity but are low in number in periodontally healthy subjects. They are one of the major pathogens aetiologically linked to periodontal disease. Plasma and salivary antibody measurement may be useful to support diagnosis, disease activity, classification and prognosis of periodontitis. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between the serum and salivary antibody levels to A. actinomycetemcomitans and therefore, to find whether this association was varying in different grades of periodontitis. METHOD: Total of 50 periodontally healthy and 50 chronic periodontitis subjects (35-65 years) of both sexes were included for the study. 2 ml of un-stimulated saliva and 5 ml of venous blood was collected under sterile conditions. The detection of antibodies against A. actinomycetemcomitans in periodontally healthy individuals and individuals with chronic periodontitis was performed using indirect ELISA. RESULTS: Results showed serum IgG, IgA mean levels against A. actinomycetemcomitans were higher in chronic periodontitis subjects compared to mean levels in periodontally healthy subjects. Similarly, salivary IgG, IgA levels were also raised in chronic periodontitis patients as compared in healthy subjects. Also the mean levels of serum IgG and salivary IgA were increased as the severity of disease increased. CONCLUSION: Antibody titer using saliva and serum could be useful tool for screening of patients with chronic periodontitis. Further, monitoring the various phases of treatment outcome using saliva could be a useful, non-invasive, prognostic indicator.

Polymerase chain reaction-based identification of various serotypes of Streptococcus mutans in adults with and without dental caries.

Background: Dental caries is a multistep process which initiates the development of plaque' defined as a structured biofilm containing microbial communities. Teeth provide unique surfaces for bacterial colonization. Serotypes of Streptococcus mutans implicate the development of dental caries. Aim: The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence and association of serotypes of S. mutans in groups with and without dental caries. Materials and Methods: One hundred and fifty adults aged between 18 and 35 years were included in the study. Supragingival plaque samples were collected, followed by deoxyribonucleic acid extraction. Polymerase chain reaction was performed to identify S. mutans and its serotypes. Proportions of S. mutans and its serotypes were correlated with caries-active (CA) and caries-free (CF) groups. Results: CA group showed 66.7% positivity for S. mutans and CF group showed only 42.7% of positivity. Serotype C showed a higher proportion followed by E' F, and K in the CA group, whereas in the CF group, higher proportion was observed with K followed by C' E, and F. 70.8% cases showed single serotype in the CA group and 83.3% in CF group. Multiple serotypes were seen in 29.2% in the CA group and 16.7% in the CF group. Conclusions: The study clearly established variation in proportions of S. mutans and its serotypes between CA and CF groups. Positive correlation was observed in the CA group for S. mutans and its serotypes.

Detection and comparison of prevalence of Porphyromonas gingivalis through culture and Real Time-polymerase chain reaction in subgingival plaque samples of chronic periodontitis and healthy individuals.

Introduction: The micro-flora of oral cavity is a myriad of micro-organism. Any infection of oral cavity leads to diseased condition which is a transitional transformation of the micro-organism in a specific paradigm depending upon the diseased condition. Periodontitis is one of the predominant chronic diseases which is a multifactorial infection. Porphyromonas gingivalis is a key etiological agent in causing periodontitis. To study the predominance of these bacteria in the diseased condition is important to detect, quantify and to find its efficacy by comparing different methods for identification. Aim and Objectives: The aim of the study is to determine the prevalence of P. gingivalis by anerobic culture and by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) from subgingival plaque samples of chronic periodontitis and healthy individual and to compare efficacy of two methods. Materials and Methods: A total of 400 subjects were considered, and subgingival plaque was collected using paper points. Individual were equally divided into two groups: chronic periodontitis (200) and healthy individuals (200). Each plaque sample collected was divided into two aliquots of which the first aliquot was subjected for anerobic culture to isolate P. gingivalis. Phenotypical identification was done morphologically and biochemically further quantification of P. gingivalis was done by colony-forming unit. The second aliquot was subjected for DNA extraction and real-time PCR was conducted to detect and quantify P. gingivalis using specific primer. Results: Out of 400 samples, 73% showed detection of P. gingivalis by culture method and through reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR), the detection was 75%. Individual detection of P. gingivalis by culture in chronic periodontitis was 89.5% and 54.4% in healthy individuals, while detection by RT-PCR was found to be 91.5% in chronic periodontitis and 58% in healthy individuals. However, comparison between two techniques in detection of P. gingivalis was statistically insignificant. Conclusion: When we compared RT-PCR with culture RT-PCR showed higher positivity. RT-PCR is more sensitive and requires less time to detect. However, in the present study, culture also showed good positivity, suggesting proper dilution and with extended incubation, the specificity of culture can be improved to a great extent.

Idiopathic first bite syndrome - A rare case report with review of literature.

First bite syndrome (FBS) is a condition that classically presents as severe pain in the preauricular region, initiated on the first bite of a meal. In most of the cases reported, it is associated with a history of upper neck surgery or tumor of the parotid salivary gland or parapharyngeal space (PPS). Some propose that FBS arises due to damage to the cervical sympathetic trunk leading to the loss of sympathetic innervations to the parotid salivary gland. Literature also showed occurrence of this syndrome in individuals who had no history of parotid tumor, PPS tumor or surgery of the upper neck, and such cases are referred to as idiopathic FBS (IFBS). There are very few case reports reported on IFBS. We report the one such rare case of IFBS in a 35-year-old male, referred to the outpatient department, with a 5-month history of severe, sharp pain and bilateral swelling in the parotid region occurring only on the first bite of eating and would diminish over few minutes.

Forensic application of frontal sinus measurement among the Indian population.

AIM: Studies have been done in diversified population, demonstrating the uniqueness of frontal sinus; data related to the Indian population are less. Thus, the present study was aimed to determine the frontal sinus measurement and to assess its forensic application in the Indian population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 400 individuals with Indian origin (21-30 years) were included in the study. The digitized posteroanterior skull radiographs were obtained and was transferred to Adobe® CS4 extended to measure the dimensions of frontal sinus and orbit for 12 parameters. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: A descriptive statistical analysis was performed. RESULTS: The descriptive statistics showed the presence of bilateral frontal sinus in 87.7% and bilateral absence in 8.0% of the individuals and the absence of left and right frontal sinus in 3.3% and 1%, respectively. Maximum population showed high asymmetry index (64.7%); the right side frontal sinus (height, 59.3% and width, 40.8%) was superior to the left side in both males and females. The partial septa among the Indian population were absent for maximum population (55.2%), and supraorbital cells of the frontal sinuses were present on both sides among the Indian population. CONCLUSION: The observation of the present study suggests that the frontal sinus is highly asymmetrical and unique to the individual and hence can be effectively used in personal identification method in forensic anthropology.

Ex vivo culture of oral keratinocytes using direct explant cell culture technique.

BACKGROUND: Culture of cells and tissues is a standard research method practiced in many laboratories. In most of the cases, these cultures are being used as substrates for cell products or as investigative tools for delving the mechanism of gene expression, cell proliferation and transformation. Primary monolayer cell culture has been beneficial to study the general biology of both oral and skin keratinocytes. There are two different techniques of primary cell cultures followed, which include direct explant and enzymatic techniques. AIMS: The aim of the study was to optimize the culture of keratinocytes obtained from patients with normal oral mucosa by direct explant technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Keratinocytes were isolated from 15 patients and were cultured in vitro and observed under an inverted microscope. The cultured cells were characterized by immunocytochemistry method using pan-cytokeratin. RESULTS: The total success rate of primary culture of the oral epithelial cells by direct explant technique was 88.6%. No contamination of microorganisms in the primary cell cultures was obtained. CONCLUSION: Within the limited numbers of samples used in the current pilot study, we conclude that the direct explant technique appears to be a simple and successful technique for the isolation of oral mucosal keratinocytes if we follow the appropriate protocol.

Immunohistochemical Expression of Podoplanin in Clinical Variants of Oral Leukoplakia and Its Correlation With Epithelial Dysplasia.

Oral leukoplakia is the most common premalignant lesion of the oral cavity and is associated with development of oral squamous cell carcinoma. Certain changes at cellular and molecular level are important indicators for transformation into carcinoma. Podoplanin, a transmembrane glycoprotein is involved in the cytoskeletal remodeling and increased motility of the cell which helps in determining the malignant potential of oral leukoplakic lesions. The objective of the study was to determine immunohistochemically the expression of podoplanin in homogenous (HOL) and nonhomogenous oral leukoplakia (NHOL) and to compare the expression with clinicopathological parameters. Study group included 15 cases each of HOL, NHOL and control group included 15 healthy volunteers. Both tissues were immunohistochemically stained for podoplanin (D2-40) antibody. No statistical significant difference was observed between the study and control groups for expression of podoplanin but significant difference was observed on comparison of podoplanin scores between HOL and NHOL. Statistical significant difference was observed when the podoplanin expression in the epithelium and the lymphatic vessel density were correlated with the histologic grading of HOL and NHOL. Expression of podoplanin was greater in NHOL as compared with HOL, this supports the fact that NHOL has a greater risk of malignant transformation when compared with HOL. Podoplanin expression, lymphangiogenesis, and lymphatic vessel density increased with increasing grades of dysplasia, suggesting that cellular modeling and motility is increased as the grade of dysplasia advances. Thus suggesting podoplanin can be used as a prognostic marker to determine the malignant potential in oral leukoplakias.

Comparison of microvessel density using CD34 and CD105 in oral submucous fibrosis and its correlation with clinicopathological features: An immunohistochemical study.

OBJECTIVES: To compare immunohistochemical expression of CD34 and CD105 in oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) and normal oral mucosa (NOM) and correlate with clinicopathological features of OSF. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Total of thirty clinically diagnosed and histologically confirmed cases of OSF and 15 NOM were included in the study. Tissues sections were immunostained using CD34 and CD105 antibodies. RESULTS: Twenty-eight cases (93.33%) were positive for CD34, and only 12 cases (40%) were positive for CD105 in OSF. In NOM all cases were positive for CD34 and only one case was positive for CD105. CD34 and CD105 significantly expressed in moderately advanced OSF when compared to very early, early, and advanced cases. It was found that the microvessel density (MVD) in NOM was significantly higher as compared to OSF and MVD decreased with advanced OSF. MVD was higher in CD34 when compared to CD105. MVD decreased with disease progression in OSF using both the markers. CONCLUSION: The role of CD34 in determining the premalignant nature of OSF could not be ascertained, since all endothelial cells were positive for CD34, whereas CD105 appeared to be more specific as it is associated with hypoxia-induced angiogenesis which is occurring in OSF due to hyalinization suggesting, CD105 to be more specific marker to determine neoangiogenesis in OSF. Thus further follow-up study of the cases positive for CD105 is required to determine the true nature of angiogenesis in OSF patients.

Comparison of palatal rugae pattern among Indian and Tibetan population.

INTRODUCTION: Palatoscopy is the study of palatal rugae pattern to establish the identity of a person. The palatal rugae are permanent and unique to each person and can establish identity through discrimination (via casts, tracings, or digitized rugae patterns). In addition, rugae pattern may be specific to racial groups facilitating population identification (which may require postdisasters). Hence, they can be used in postmortem identification provided an antemortem record exists. AIM: To determine the palatal rugae pattern and to assess the predominant palatal rugae pattern in Indian and Tibetan (in Mundgod Taluka, Karnataka) populations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The impressions of the maxillary arch were made for a total of one hundred adults comprising fifty Indian and fifty Tibetan populations aged between 20 and 40 years, and the dental cast was made using dental stone. The rugae were highlighted by a sharp graphite pencil on the cast under adequate light and a magnification lens. Rugae patterns were assessed using Thomas and Kotze and Kapali et al. classification. RESULTS: Total number of palatal rugae in Indian population (461) was more than Tibetan population (351). Moreover, Indian population showed predominantly wavy (43.60%) rugae pattern, whereas Tibetan showed curved (38.2%) rugae pattern. CONCLUSION: This suggests that there is a difference in the rugae pattern between Indian and Tibetan populations. Hence, palatal rugae pattern can be used as one of the methods in determining the ethnicity.

Multiplex polymerase chain reaction detection of selected bacterial species from symptomatic and asymptomatic non-vital teeth with primary endodontic infections.

AIM: The aim of the present study was to investigate the presence of selective anaerobic microorganisms in primary root canal infections of symptomatic and asymptomatic non-vital teeth with periapical pathosis using multiplex polymerase chain reaction. METHODS: A total of 100 root canal samples (50 from symptomatic and 50 from asymptomatic teeth) were obtained from patients with primary endodontic infections. DNA extracted from the samples was amplified by using specific primers for the 16S rRNA gene of each bacterium, and semiquantification was done to analyze the prevalence of microorganisms and their correlation to clinical features. RESULTS: Treponema denticola (T. denticola) was present in 21 (42%) and 29 (58%) samples in the symptomatic and asymptomatic groups, respectively. Tannerella forsythia, Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis), and Fusobacterium nucleatum (F. nucleatum) were significantly high (P < .05) in the symptomatic group, whereas Prevotella intermedia was significantly high (P < .05) in the asymptomatic group. The mean counts of T. denticola and F. nucleatum were significantly high (P < .05) in the symptomatic group. For symptoms, P. gingivalis, T. denticola, and F. nucleatum were significantly associated with clinical features. CONCLUSION: Significant differences exist in the bacterial composition between asymptomatic and symptomatic primary endodontic infections. As well as presence of pathogens, other factors, such as the phenotypic trait of bacteria and interactions among bacterial members, might play a determining role in the pathogenicity of primary endodontic infections.

Radiographic assessment of facial soft tissue thickness in South Indian population--An anthropologic study.

Facial reconstruction is a technique used in forensic anthropology to identify an unknown person. Various methods used for facial reconstruction are drawings, sculpture and computer aided image building which is mainly based on facial soft tissue thickness measurement. Several methods have been established for measuring facial soft tissue thickness (FSTT) with each one having certain limitations. There is limited data available on FSTT among South Indian population. Hence the present study was ventured to determine the FSTT among South Indian adults and also to find FSTT difference between male and female. 308 subjects of South Indian origin (18-27 years) having full set of permanent dentition who require orthodontic treatment were included in the study. Subjects were assessed for Body Mass Index (BMI) and diagnostic digital x-ray of lateral cephalogram (LC), Lateral oblique (LO) view and posterior-anterior (PA) view was obtained. The digital image was transferred to Adobe Photoshop CS4 software and 23 different soft tissue points were measured. Mean FSTT was more in males compared to females except for three landmarks. Statistically significant difference was observed in 20 landmarks when height and weight was compared in males, whereas in females only 12 landmarks showed significant difference. BMI showed good correlation with FSTT in both males and females, which was confirmed by linear regression. The best regressor in terms of estimating FSTT in association with age/sex/BMI were nasion, sub nasale, labial superioris, labrale inferius, gnathion, inferior border of zygomatic, right and left gonion. Stepwise discriminant analysis using all variables showed 94.8% of overall accuracy in sex determination. The observation of present study suggests that LO and PA view along with LC gives information regarding mean FSTT among South Indian population. Even though BMI plays a dominant role in determining FSTT, but age, sex, height and weight should also be considered with care while facial reconstruction. Additionally the present regression equation contributes towards increase in the specificity of the tissue depths and can be used in real cases by allowing the practitioners to calculate individual tissue depth.

Culture-based identification of pigmented Porphyromonas and Prevotella species in primary endodontic infections.

Background. The most common species isolated from primary endodontic infections are black-pigmented bacteria. These species are implicated in apical abscess formation due to their proteolytic activity and are fastidious in nature. Therefore, the present study was carried out to evaluate the presence and identification of various pigmented Porphyromonas and Prevotella species in the infected root canal through culture-based techniques. Methods. Thirty-one patients with primary endodontic infections were selected. Using sterile paper points, samples were collected from the root canals after access opening and prior to obturation, which were cultured using blood and kanamycin blood agar. Subsequently, biochemical test was used to identify the species and the results were analyzed using percentage comparison analysis, McNemar and chi-squared tests, Wilcoxon match pair test and paired t-test. Results. Out of 31 samples 26 were positive for black-pigmented organisms; the predominantly isolated species were Prevotella followed by Porphyromonas. In Porphyromonas only P. gingivalis was isolated. One of the interesting features was isolation of P. gingivalis through culture, which is otherwise very difficult to isolate through culture. Conclusion . The presence of Prevotella and Porphyromonas species suggests that a significant role is played by these organisms in the pathogenesis of endodontic infections.

Immunohistochemical Expression of CD105 and TGF-ß1 in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Adjacent Apparently Normal Oral Mucosa and its Correlation With Clinicopathologic Features.

Angiogenesis in oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC) is essential for its growth, invasion, and metastasis. This entails a shift in the balance between proangiogenic and antiangiogenic factors. CD105 and TGF-ß1 are 2 such proangiogenic factors wherein CD105 exerts its angiogenic effect by binding to and modulating the TGF-ß1 pathway. A total of 50 resected specimens of OSCC were considered. One tissue specimen was taken from tumor proper and another specimen from adjacent apparently normal mucosa (AANM). Both tissues were immunohistochemically stained using CD105 and TGF-ß1 antibodies. The expression of each antibody was individually assessed and then compared. Pearson χ test was used for statistical comparison of expression. CD105 was significantly expressed in OSCC as compared with AANM and also correlated with increasing TNM stage. The mean microvessel density was higher in OSCC. TGF-ß1 was significantly expressed in epithelium of OSCC as compared with AANM. On comparing expression of TGF-ß1 and CD105, 79.54% of endothelial cells expressed positivity for both molecules. Both CD105 and TGF-ß1 were increased in OSCC, although based on our results CD105 alone can be used as a prognostic marker. On the basis of immunohistochemical expression of CD105 and TGF-ß1 in endothelial cells, our results demonstrate that CD105 acts as one of the receptors of TGF-ß1 on endothelial cells and induces the angiogenic pathway in OSCC.

Histomorphometric study to compare histological changes between oral squamous cell carcinoma and apparently normal adjacent oral mucosa.

Despite the advances in surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy the annual death for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is rising rapidly. The carcinoma has propensity to develop in a field of cancerization. Clinically may it be apparently normal mucosa (ANM) adjacent to squamous cell carcinoma which harbours certain discrete molecular alteration which ultimately reflects in cellular morphology. Hence the aim of the study is to assess histomorphometric changes in ANM adjacent to OSCC. A prospective study was done on 30 each of histologically diagnosed cases OSCC, ANM at least 1 cm away from OSCC, and normal oral mucosa (NOM). Cellular and nuclear morphometric measurements were assessed on hematoxylin and eosin sections using image analysis software. Statistical analysis was done using analysis of variance test and Tukey's post hoc test. The present study showed significant changes in cellular and nuclear area in superficial and invasive island of OSCC compared to ANM. The basal cells of ANM showed significant decrease in cellular and nuclear areas and nuclear cytoplasmic ratio when compared to NOM. Histomorphometry definitely can differentiate OSCC form ANM and NOM. The basal cells of ANM showed significant alterations in cellular area, nuclear area and nuclear cytoplasmic area when compared to NOM suggesting change in the field and have high risk of malignant transformation. These parameters can be used as indicator of field cancerization.

Assessment of frontal sinus dimensions to determine sexual dimorphism among Indian adults.

BACKGROUND: Sex identification of unknown individuals is important in forensic sciences. At times when only skull remains are found and other means of identification fails, radiographs of frontal sinus can be used for identification. Frontal sinus morphology is unique to individual and can be used effectively in person identification; whereas its use in determining sexual dimorphism is limited. AIM: To determine sexual dimorphism among Indians by evaluating frontal sinus pattern using postero-anterior radiograph. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The right and left areas, maximum height and width of frontal sinus were determined in 300 digital postero-anterior view radiographs obtained from 150 males and 150 females aged between 18-30 years. The measurements were carried out by transferring the image to Adobe(®) Photoshop(®) CS3 extended. Comparison of values were done using student's t-test and accuracy of sex determination was assessed through Logistic regression analysis. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: One hundred and forty seven males and 142 females show presence of frontal sinus with seven individuals showing unilateral/bilateral absence of frontal sinuses. The mean values of the frontal sinus height, width and area are greater in males. Right frontal sinus is larger than the left sinus in both the sex. The mathematical model based on logistic regression analysis gives an average concordance index for sex determination of 64.6%. Thus, frontal sinus provides average accuracy in sex determination among Indian population. This may be due to its greater variation in morphology.

Histomorphometric analysis of nuclear and cellular volumetric alterations in oral lichen planus, lichenoid lesions and normal oral mucosa using image analysis software.

INTRODUCTION: Lichen planus is a chronic inflammatory mucocutaneous disease that clinically and histologically resembles lichenoid lesions, although the latter has a different etiology. Though criteria have been suggested for differentiating oral lichen planus from lichenoid lesions, confusion still prevails. AIMS: To study the cellular and nuclear volumetric features in the epithelium of normal mucosa, lichen planus, and lichenoid lesions to determine variations if any. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was done on 25 histologically diagnosed cases each of oral lichen planus, oral lichenoid lesions, and normal oral mucosa. Cellular and nuclear morphometric measurements were assessed on hematoxylin and eosin sections using image analysis software. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Analysis of variance test (ANOVA) and Tukey's post-hoc test. RESULTS: The basal cells of oral lichen planus showed a significant increase in the mean nuclear and cellular areas, and in nuclear volume; there was a significant decrease in the nuclear-cytoplasmic ratio as compared to normal mucosa. The suprabasal cells showed a significant increase in nuclear and cellular areas, nuclear diameter, and nuclear and cellular volumes as compared to normal mucosa. The basal cells of oral lichenoid lesions showed significant difference in the mean cellular area and the mean nuclear-cytoplasmic ratio as compared to normal mucosa, whereas the suprabasal cells differed significantly from normal mucosa in the mean nuclear area and the nuclear and cellular volumes. CONCLUSIONS: Morphometry can differentiate lesions of oral lichen planus and oral lichenoid lesions from normal oral mucosa. Thus, morphometry may serve to discriminate between normal and premalignant lichen planus and lichenoid lesions. These lesions might have a high risk for malignant transformation and may behave in a similar manner with respect to malignant transformation.

HSP70 induces TLR4 signaling in oral squamous cell carcinoma: an immunohistochemical study.

OBJECTIVES: Toll like receptors play an important role in innate and adaptive immune responses. Heat shock proteins play a significant role in cell proliferation, differentiation and oncogenesis. HSP70 acts as one of the ligands of TLR4 and binds to it in a CD14 dependent fashion to bring about proinflammatory cytokine production leading to an anti-tumor response. On the contrary, TLR4 has been implicated in carcinogenesis by secretion of anti-apoptotic proteins. Thus the aim of this study was to compare and correlate the association of HSP70 and TLR4 in various grades of oral squamous cell carcinoma. STUDY DESIGN: Twenty-seven cases of oral squamous cell carcinoma were considered. Ten cases each of well-differentiated (WDSCC) and moderately differentiated (MDSCC), 7 cases of poorly differentiated carcinoma (PDSCC) were considered. Sections were stained for HSP70 and TLR4 and were evaluated for staining degree and intensity. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Positive expression of both HSP70 and TLR4 was found in all cases of WDSCC and MDSCC, whereas in PDSCC out of 7 cases only 6 showed positivity for TLR4 and 4 cases showed positivity for HSP70. Those cases that were positive for TLR4, also showed positivity for HSP70. HSP70 acts as a ligand and binds to TLR4 thus activating the My88 pathway resulting in production of proinflammatory cytokines, chemokines, growth factors etc., enhancing anti-cancer immunity in the early stages of disease. In later stages, TLRs expressed on cancer cells can produce anti-apoptotic proteins contributing to carcinogenesis and cancer cell proliferation.

Reliability of mandibular canines as indicators for sexual dichotomy.

INTRODUCTION: Amongst the various calcified structures in the human body, teeth have gained lot of popularity in estimating the sex of an individual as they are highly resistant to destruction and decomposition. Using permanent mandibular canines many researchers have predicted a high level of accuracy in identifying the sex correctly. The purpose of our study was to gauge the effectiveness of mandibular canines in discerning sex. MATERIALS & METHODS: Fifty dental casts each of males and females were utilized for the study. Mesio-distal dimension and inter-canine distance of mandibular right and left canine was recorded using digital vernier caliper and mandibular canine index was calculated. RESULTS: The mean value of mesio-distal dimensions of right and left mandibular canine was slightly greater in males compared to females. The mandibular canine index was equal in both sexes. Inter-canine distance was marginally higher in males compared to females. Despite of higher values in males none of the parameters were statistically significant. CONCLUSION: The results herein bolster contemporary studies that mesio-distal dimensions of mandibular canines and mandibular canine index do not reflect sexual dimorphism and that its application should be discontinued in sex prediction among Indian populations. How to cite this article: Hosmani J V, Nayak R S, Kotrashetti V S, Pradeep S, Babji D. Reliability of Mandibular Canines as Indicators for Sexual Dichotomy. J Int Oral Health 2013; 5(1):1-7.

Laugier-Hunziker syndrome.

Laugier-Hunziker syndrome is a rare acquired disorder characterized by diffuse hyperpigmentation of the oral mucosa and longitudinal melanonychia in adults. They appear as macular lesions less than 5 mm in diameter. Laugier-Hunziker syndrome is considered to be a benign disease with no systemic manifestation or malignant potential. Therefore, it is important to rule out other mucocutaneous pigmentary disorders that do require medical management. Prompt clinical recognition also averts the need for excessive and invasive procedures and treatments. In India, the reported cases of this syndrome are very few. We provide a review of literature on Laugier-Hunziker syndrome with its differential diagnosis.

Karyotyping, dermatoglyphic, and sweat pore analysis of five families affected with ectodermal dysplasia.

BACKGROUND: Hereditary ectodermal dysplasia is a genetic recessive trait characterized by hypohydrosis, hypotrichosis, and hypodontia. The affected individual show characteristic physiognomy like protruded forehead, depressed nasal bridge, periorbital wrinkling, protruded lips, etc. There is marked decrease in sweat and salivary secretion. Due to skin involvement palm and sole ridge patterns are disrupted. AIM: In this study an attempt has been made to classify the affected members according to the degree of penetrance by pedigree analysis and also study karyotyping for cytogenetics, dermatoglyphic analysis for the various ridge patterns and variations in the number of sweat glands by sweat pore analysis in affected individuals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of five families who were affected with ectodermal dysplasia were considered. Pedigree analysis was drawn up to three generation by obtaining history. Dermatoglyphics and sweat pore analysis was done by obtaining palm and finger print impression using stamp pad ink. Karyotyping was done by collecting 3-5 ml peripheral blood. Karyotyping was prepared using lymphocyte culture. Chromosomes were examined at 20 spreads selected randomly under ×100 magnification. Results were analyzed by calculating mean values and percentage was obtained. RESULTS: Karyotyping did not show any abnormalities, dermatoglyphic analysis and sweat pore counts showed marked variations when compared with normal. Moreover, pedigree analysis confirmed the status of the disease as that of the recessive trait. CONCLUSION: Large number of affected patients needs to be evaluated for dermatoglypic analysis. Genetic aspect of the disease needs to be looked into the molecular level in an attempt to locate the gene locus responsible for ectodermal dysplasia and its manifestation.