Effect of red wine and its major components on periodontitis and systemic inflammation in rats.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the influence of red wine exposure, alcohol, grape juice and resveratrol in the occurrence of spontaneous and ligature induced periodontitis as well as CRP, TNFα and IL-6 levels in Wistar rats. METHODOLOGY: 50 male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to 5 groups (Control, Red Wine, Grape Juice, 12% Alcohol and 0.05mg/mL Resveratrol). All groups were fed with laboratory rat chow and liquid intake according to group allocation. After 8 weeks, ligatures were placed around the maxillary right second molars. The contra-lateral molars remained as intra-group controls. After 14 days, animals were killed, blood samples collected and specimens prepared for analysis. Group comparisons were performed by ANOVA. A cut-off point in the 75th percentile in the side without ligature was used for definition of spontaneous periodontitis. RESULTS: All animals completed the experiment. According to mean alveolar bone loss, no statistically significant differences were found. Animals exposed to red wine presented a lower occurrence of spontaneous periodontitis, lower levels of TNF-α (0.97 ng/mL) and CRP (0.29 mmol/µL) compared to controls (1.97 ng/mL, p = 0.008 and 0.45 mmol/ µL, p less than or equal to 0.05 respectively). CONCLUSION: Red wine exposure potentially affects the occurrence of spontaneous periodontitis, CRP and TNF-α levels in Wistar rats.

Accuracy of clinical diagnosis for the identification of potentially malignant disorders and malignant lip lesions.

The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of clinical diagnosis for lip lesions based on sensitivity and specificity. The retrospective analysis focused on the detection of lesions caused by potentially malignant disorders (PMDs) and malignant lesions (n = 1195). All cases were classified as benign, PMD, and malignant lesions. Concordance between diagnoses based on clinical examination and those based on histopathological analysis was assessed, and accuracy for the identification of PMD and malignant lesions was calculated. Histopathological analysis revealed 44 lesion types; PMD and malignant lesions comprised 8.3% of all cases. Compared with histopathological analysis, clinical examination showed 97.4% accuracy for the identification of non-malignant and potentially malignant/malignant cases. Degrees of specific sensitivity ranged from 34% to 77% for different lesions, and were highest for autoimmune (77%) and reactive (72%) lesions. Positive and negative predictive values for the identification of PMD and malignant lesions were 81.9% and 98.9%, respectively. Clinical examination showed a high degree of accuracy for the detection of PMD and malignant lip lesions, indicating good reliability.

Accuracy of clinical diagnosis for the identification of potentially malignant disorders and malignant lip lesions

Abstract: The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of clinical diagnosis for lip lesions based on sensitivity and specificity. The retrospective analysis focused on the detection of lesions caused by potentially malignant disorders (PMDs) and malignant lesions (n = 1195). All cases were classified as benign, PMD, and malignant lesions. Concordance between diagnoses based on clinical examination and those based on histopathological analysis was assessed, and accuracy for the identification of PMD and malignant lesions was calculated. Histopathological analysis revealed 44 lesion types; PMD and malignant lesions comprised 8.3% of all cases. Compared with histopathological analysis, clinical examination showed 97.4% accuracy for the identification of non-malignant and potentially malignant/malignant cases. Degrees of specific sensitivity ranged from 34% to 77% for different lesions, and were highest for autoimmune (77%) and reactive (72%) lesions. Positive and negative predictive values for the identification of PMD and malignant lesions were 81.9% and 98.9%, respectively. Clinical examination showed a high degree of accuracy for the detection of PMD and malignant lip lesions, indicating good reliability.

Photobiomodulation reduces oral mucositis by modulating NF-kB.

The aim of this study was to evaluate NF-kB during 5-fluorouracil (FU)-induced oral mucositis and ascertain whether photobiomodulation (PBM), as a preventive and/or therapeutic modality, influences this transcription factor. Ninety-six male golden Syrian hamsters were allocated into four groups: control (no treatment); PBM therapeutic, PBM preventive, and PBM combined. Animals received an injection of 5-FU on days 0 and 2. On days 3 and 4, the buccal mucosa was scratched. Irradiation was carried out using a 660-nm, 40-mW diode laser at 6 J/cm(2) during 6 s/point, 0.24 J/point, for a total dose of 1.44 J/day of application. Animals were euthanized on days 0, 5, 10, and 15 (n=6). Buccal mucosa was removed for protein quantification by Western blot. Clinical analysis revealed that PBM groups exhibited less mucositis than controls on day 10. Control animals exhibited lower levels of NF-kB during mucositis development and healing. The preventive and combined protocols were associated with higher NF-kB levels at day 5; however, the therapeutic group had higher levels at days 10 and 15. These findings suggest that the preventive and/or therapeutic PBM protocols reduced the severity of oral mucositis by activating the NF-kB pathway.

Endothelial cell-secreted EGF induces epithelial to mesenchymal transition and endows head and neck cancer cells with stem-like phenotype.

Emerging evidence suggests that endothelial cell-secreted factors contribute to the pathobiology of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) by enhancing invasive migration and resistance to anoikis. Here, we report that SCC cells within the perivascular niche have undergone epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) in a primary human SCC of a patient that developed distant metastases. Endothelial cell-secreted EGF induced EMT of human SCC cells in vitro and also induced acquisition of a stem-like phenotype. In vivo, tumor xenografts vascularized with EGF-silenced endothelial cells exhibited a smaller fraction of cancer stem-like cells (ALDH(+)CD44(+)) and were less invasive than tumors vascularized with control endothelial cells. Collectively, these results demonstrated that endothelial cell-EGF induces EMT and acquisition of stem-like properties by head and neck tumor cells. On this basis, we suggest that vascular endothelial cells contribute to tumor dissemination by secreting factors that endow carcinoma cells with enhanced motility and stemness.

Nanofiber scaffolds support bone regeneration associated with pulp stem cells.

Currently, there are a number of alternatives for bone grafting, though when used correctly they present physical, chemical or biological limitations, which justifies the pursuit for new alternatives for bone regeneration. This study gives a report on the potential for bone regeneration in the use of biodegradable nanofibers from poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) in association with human mesenchymal stem cells from dental pulp of deciduous teeth (SCDT). Five samples of SCDT were seeded with scaffolds (test) or without scaffolds (control) for cell adhesion and viability assay. To evaluate the ability of the association in promoting bone formation, critical defects were made in the calvarium of rats (n=20), which were then divided into the following groups: I--sham group; II--implant of scaffolds; III--scaffolds/ SCDT; and IV--scaffolds/SCDT. They were kept for 13 days in osteogenic media. After 60 days, the histomorphometric analysis was performed. It was observed that the adherence and viability of SCDT in the control and test group were similar throughout the experiment (p>0.05). The association of scaffolds/SCDT maintained in osteogenic media, showed greater bone formation than the other groups (p<0.05). The study demonstrated that the association of SCDT seeded in biodegradable PLGA scaffolds has the ability to promote bone regeneration in rats, which is a promising alternative for application in regenerative medicine.

Influence of different energy densities of laser phototherapy on oral wound healing.

The aim of the present prospective study was to evaluate the impact of laser phototherapy (LPT) on the healing of oral ulcers. Different power densities were used on oral wounds in Wistar rats (n=72) randomly divided into three groups: control (0 J/cm2), 4 J/cm2 laser, and 20 J/cm2 laser. Ulcers (3 mm in diameter) were made on the dorsum of the tongue with a punch. Irradiation with an indium-gallium-aluminum-phosphide laser (660 nm; output power: 40 mW; spot size: 0.04 cm2) was performed once a day in close contact with the ulcer for 14 consecutive days. A statistically significant acceleration in healing time was found with wounds treated with 4 J/cm2 LPT. Moreover, striking differences were found in the ulcer area, healing percentage, degree of reepithelialization, and collagen deposition. The most significant changes occurred after 5 days of irradiation. Based on the conditions employed in the present study, LPT is capable of accelerating the oral mucosa wound-healing process. Moreover, faster and more organized reepithelialization and tissue healing of the oral mucosa were achieved with an energy density of 4 J/cm2 in comparison to 20 J/cm2.

The biology of head and neck cancer stem cells.

Emerging evidence indicates that a small population of cancer cells is highly tumorigenic, endowed with self-renewal, and has the ability to differentiate into cells that constitute the bulk of tumors. These cells are considered the "drivers" of the tumorigenic process in some tumor types, and have been named cancer stem cells. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) appears to be involved in the process leading to the acquisition of stemness by epithelial tumor cells. Through this process, cells acquire an invasive phenotype that may contribute to tumor recurrence and metastasis. Cancer stem cells have been identified in human head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) using markers such as CD133 and CD44 expression, and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) activity. The head and neck cancer stem cells reside primarily in perivascular niches in the invasive front where endothelial-cell initiated events contribute to their survival and function. In this review, we discuss the state-of-the-knowledge on the pathobiology of cancer stem cells, with a focus on the impact of these cells to head and neck tumor progression.

Tumor de células granulares: relato de dois casos / Granular cell tumor: report of two cases

O tumor de células granulares (TCG) é uma neoplasia benigna incomum de tecidos moles. Dorso e borda lateral de língua são os sítios mais comumente afetados. Clinicamente, apresenta-se como uma lesão nodular, firme à palpação, bem delimitada, de crescimento lento. O objetivo deste trabalho é relatar dois casos clínicos de TCG mostrando seu aspecto clínico, histopatológico e discutir as hipóteses de diagnóstico e conduta realizada em cada caso.

The granular cell tumor (GCT) is an uncommon benign neoplasm of soft tissue. The sites most commonly affected are the dorsum and lateral border of the tongue. Clinically it presents as a nodular lesion, firm to palpation, well-defined with slow-growing. The aim of this study is to report two cases of GCT showing its clinical and histopathological aspects, and discuss the diagnosis and management of each case.

Simple bone cyst: report of cases and proposal for a minimal surgical intervention.

Simple bone cyst (SBC) is an intraosseous pseudocyst that appears as a radiolucent lesion, frequently observed among young patients. In this article we report six cases of SBC and propose a protocol for minimal surgical intervention in the management of this condition. No history of trauma was reported. All patients underwent a minimal bone intervention procedure to perforate the cortical bone and stimulate blood clot formation. Complete healing and no recurrence were observed after 1-year follow-up. This treatment shows advantages such as the establishment of a definitive diagnosis and low invasiveness, particularly in pediatric patients.

Calcitonin: a non-invasive giant cells therapy.

This paper reports four cases of central giant cell granuloma (CGCG) treated with calcitonin, attesting the efficacy and safety of its use as the chosen therapy for large CGCG. Four patients presenting CGCG treated with calcitonin were included in this study. Salmon calcitonin was administered for 6-28 months. It was observed determination of clear lesion limits for surgery, reduction and limitation of lesions. In aggressive cases, the calcitonin therapy was an excellent option, since it does not harm the patient, and a far less aggressive, complementary surgery may be performed in certain cases, avoiding life-long sequelae.

Comparative histological analysis of bone healing of standardized bone defects performed with the Er:YAG laser and steel burs.

This study compares the bone repair process after ostectomies performed either with the erbium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Er:YAG) laser or with the low-speed bur drilling. Eighteen rats were used for this study. In the control group, the ostectomy was performed with a low-speed bur drilling. In the experimental group, the ostectomy was made with an Er:YAG laser (500 mJ, 10 Hz). At 7 and 14 days after surgery, the experimental group presented earlier bone repair in comparison to the control group. The experimental group presented an altered layer of approximately 24-microm thickness, whereas the control group did not present any altered layer in the margins of the ostectomies. At 21 days, the histological features of the two groups were very similar, although the altered layer could still be seen. The Er:YAG laser successfully promoted the ablation of the bone tissue, but caused some thermal damage at the margins of the ostectomies.

Behavior of human dental pulp cells exposed to transforming growth factor-beta1 and acidic fibroblast growth factor in culture.

The development of methods for regenerative endodontic procedures requires an understanding of the factors regulating the development of odontoblasts from adult cell populations such as pulpal cell lines. In this study, we exposed cultures of human pulp cells (7th passage) to growth factors including transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1, at 1 or 5 ng/mL), acidic fibroblast growth factor (aFGF, 5 ng/mL), or a combination of the 2 growth factors and evaluated cellular morphology and markers of cell phenotype including alkaline phosphatase activity, osteocalcin, bone sialoprotein (BSP), and dentin sialophosprotein (DSPP). The mean number of nucleoli in the 1 ng/mL TGF-beta1 group was significantly higher than with 5 ng/mL aFGF. Alkaline phosphatase activity was significantly greater with 1 ng/mL TGF-beta1 versus 5 ng/mL TGF-beta1 + 5 ng/mL aFGF (P < .05). Osteocalcin mRNA was expressed in all samples. The cells exposed to 1 ng/mL TGF-beta1 were stimulated; however, exposure to growth factors for 8 days was not sufficient for expression of BSP and DSPP mRNA. Cells treated with 1 ng/mL TGF-beta1 exhibited higher activity, whereas 5 ng/mL aFGF-treated cells were inhibited. Although osteocalcin was observed in all cultures, suggestive of the potential for odontoblast formation, under the present conditions, the exposure to TGF-beta1 and aFGF was not sufficient to induce expression of the dentin matrix components BSP and DSPP.

Estudo dos casos de ameloblastomas diagnosticados no Laboratorio de Patologia Bucal da Faculdade de Odontologia da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul / Study of ameloblastoma's cases diagnosed in the Oral Pathology Laboratory of the Faculty of Dentistry of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul

Com o objetivo de obter um perfil de indivíduos afetados por ameloblastoma e comparar os resultados com os estudos encontrados na literatura, realizou-se uma análise retrospectiva dos casos de ameloblastomas do Laboratório de Patologia Bucal da FO-UFRGS. Os resultados revelaram uma maior ocorrência em indivíduos jovens, do sexo feminino, raça branca, localização predominantemente na mandíbula e tipo histológico plexiforme. Conclui-se que, o perfil dos pacientes com ameloblastoma diagnosticados no Laboratório de Patologia Bucal da FO-UFRGS concorda com o perfil de pacientes com ameloblastoma diagnosticado em outras partes do mundo e relatado na literatura diferindo apenas no que se refere a faixa etária no momento do diagnóstico

Assessment of micronucleus frequency in normal oral mucosa of patients exposed to carcinogens.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the presence of micronuclei in exfoliated oral mucosal cells collected from 3 anatomic sites in patients exposed to tobacco and alcohol. STUDY DESIGN: Smears were prepared with normal oral mucosal cells obtained from the lower lip, tongue border and floor of the mouth of 21 controls, 28 tobacco users and 19 tobacco/alcohol users. Slides were stained with Feulgen stain for quantification of micronucleated cells, karyorrhexis and "broken eggs." RESULTS: The groups were similar in terms of the mean number of micronucleated cells and cells undergoing karyorrhexis. In the comparison of anatomic sites, the mean number of cells undergoing karyorrhexis was higher on the lower lip than on the tongue border or floor of the mouth (all groups). A significantly higher number of broken eggs was observed in the control group when compared to the tobacco and tobacco/alcohol groups at all anatomic sites. CONCLUSION: The higher number of broken eggs in patients not exposed to tobacco and/or alcohol suggests that this nuclear alteration may be associated with DNA repair or a healthy mucosa. A trend toward an increased number of micronucleated cells was observed for tobacco and/or alcohol users at all anatomic sites.

Management of melanotic neuroectodermal tumor of infancy.

Melanotic neuroectodermal tumor of infancy is a rare congenital neoplasm involving the head and neck in young patients. The clinical assessment, histologic diagnosis, and management is reviewed, with an emphasis on different treatment alternatives in two new case reports.

Quantification of silver-staining nucleolar organizer region in epithelial cells of tongue of mice after exposure to, or intake of, alcohol.

The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the effect of alcohol on the proliferative activity of epithelial cells in the lingual mucosa of mice by means of silver-staining nucleolar organizer region (AgNOR) count and area measurements. Forty-eight CF1 mice were separated into three groups. The test groups were submitted to topical exposure to, or intake of, 40% (volume/volume) ethyl alcohol. Biopsy specimens were collected from the middle third of the dorsal tongue at 0, 6, and 12 months, and samples were stained according to the AgNOR technique. Mean number and mean area of AgNOR per nucleus were calculated for 50 basal layer cells and 50 intermediate layer cells. Increases in mean number and mean area of AgNOR per nucleus in intermediate cells were observed at 12 months in the alcohol intake group (P < .05). Results showed that intake of 40% alcohol increased epithelial cell proliferation in the dorsal surface of lingual mucosa.

Proliferating cell nuclear antigen expression on tongue of mice after intake of, or topical exposure to, alcohol.

The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the effects of alcohol on cellular proliferation. Sixty mice were separated into three groups of 20 mice in each. The first group, exposed to alcohol continuously, ingested 40% [volume/volume (vol./vol.)] alcohol instead of water during the experiment. For the second group, exposed to alcohol topically, alcohol was applied to the dorsum of the tongue twice a week. The third group served as the control group. We used the proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) immunohistochemical expression technique to perform quantitative measurements of cellular proliferation in the basal and intermediate layers of the epithelial tissue of the tongue. Cell proliferation was quantified at three different time points: just before the beginning of the experiment and at 6 and 12 months. Results were compared for mice in each group and for the three groups. At 12 months, we observed an increase in cellular proliferation in the intermediate layer of the epithelium of mice in the group that consumed alcohol (P=.01). Results for topical alcohol-exposed and control groups did not show significant differences in cellular proliferation at any time point during the study. We concluded that the effects of alcohol on cellular proliferation may be caused by continuous intake of alcohol and occur throughout life.