Sex differences in inflammatory and apoptotic signaling molecules in normal and diseased human gingiva.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to determine whether sex dimorphism exists in the expression of inflammatory and apoptotic mediators in gingiva obtained from normal and diseased sites of periodontal disease. METHODS: Gingival papillae were obtained from individuals (56 males and 62 females) who required extraction of adjacent teeth. Gingival samples were grouped by adjacent sulcus depth: 1 to 3 mm (normal), 3 mm with bleeding on probing (slight disease), 3 to 6 mm (moderate disease), and >6 mm (severe disease). The tissue concentrations of cysteine-requiring aspartate-directed protease 3 (caspase-3), interleukin-2, tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand, Fas ligand, p38α mitogen-activated protein kinase, extracellular signal-related kinase 1/2, and survivin were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. These mediator concentrations, age of donor, sex of donor, and gingival sulcular depth were the outcome variables. Data were compared by factorial analysis of variance, post hoc Tukey, and Pearson correlation test. P <0.05 was used to indicate significant differences among the outcome variables. RESULTS: The mean gingival sulcular depth was significantly greater in male than in female groups (P <0.05). The majority of the tested mediators were significantly correlated with both sex and sulcular depth and with caspase-3 (P <0.05). The concentration of caspase-3 in female gingiva at all diseased sites was significantly greater than in gingiva derived from male sites (P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest sex dimorphism in the presence of gingival apoptosis at sites of periodontal disease, with females having the highest incidence of apoptosis. Because apoptosis clears inflammatory cells and promotes healing, this phenomenon could provide a mechanism for sex dimorphism for the incidence of periodontal disease.

Use of saliva for assessment of stress and its effect on the immune system prior to gross anatomy practical examinations.

The objective of this study was to determine the longitudinal effects of a series of stressful gross anatomy tests on the immune system. Thirty-six freshman occupational therapy students completed a written stress evaluation survey, and saliva samples were obtained at baseline and prior to each of three timed-practical gross anatomy tests. Cortisol, secretory IgA (sIgA), and IL-12 concentrations were measured within the salivary samples by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The total scores from the stress surveys were used as markers for environmental stress. Data were compiled for each student at baseline and prior to each examination and were compared by repeated-measures MANOVA and Pearson's correlation test. Following normalization for protein concentration and flow rate, the concentrations of IL-2, IL-6, IL-12, and sIgA progressively increased from baseline to the third test. Cortisol concentrations, following normalization for flow rate, were highest prior to the first test and became significantly reduced prior to second and third test. Prior to second and third test, salivary concentrations of IL-6, IL-2, IL-12, and sIgA were significantly correlated (P < 0.05). In contrast, prior to third test, there was a negative correlation between salivary concentrations of cortisol and IL-12 (P < 0.05). Progressive increases in salivary sIgA, IL-6, IL-2, and IL-12 concentrations from the first to the third test coincident to decreased salivary cortisol suggest that the initial examination stressors precede significant effects on the immune system. These data suggest that there may be latent effects of examination stress on the immune system and that saliva can be used to predict these effects.

Relationship between gingival angiopoietin-1 concentrations and depth of the adjacent gingival sulcus.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to assess concentrations of angiopoietin (Ang)-1 at various stages of gingival inflammation. Ang-1 is an anti-inflammatory mediator present in various inflammatory diseases. However, its presence during the pathogenesis of gingival inflammation has not been established in vivo. METHODS: Gingiva was obtained from 110 human donors before extraction of the adjacent teeth. The tissue was grouped based on adjacent probing depth and bleeding on probing (BOP). Gingiva adjacent to a 6-mm sulci was classified as "diseased, severe" (DSev). Tissues were solublized, and concentrations of interleukin (IL)-1beta and -6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, endothelin (ET)-1, Ang-1, vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)-1, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Data were compared by factorial analysis of variance, the post hoc Tukey test, and the Pearson correlation test. Groups were defined as significantly different when P <0.05. RESULTS: Gingival concentrations of IL-1beta and -6, TNF-alpha, VEGF, and ET-1 were significantly greater, and VCAM-1 and Ang-1 were significantly lower, in DSev and DM than in N and DS tissues (P <0.05). In addition, gingival concentrations of IL-6, VEGF, and ET-1 were significantly greater, and VCAM-1 and Ang-1 were significantly lower, in DSev than in DM tissues (P <0.05). There were significant positive correlations among sulcular depth, IL-1beta and -6, TNF-alpha, VEGF, and ET-1 and negative correlations among VCAM-1, Ang-1, sulcular depth, and the other biomarkers (P <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Depleted tissue concentrations of Ang-1 may allow gingival inflammation to become more severe because VEGF and ET-1 secretion become less inhibited. Thus, the tissues become edematous and more likely to develop BOP.

Identification and treatment of the geriatric alcoholic dental patient.

The geriatric alcoholic patient is often difficult to identify because signs of alcoholism are also signs of aging. Often, the elderly abuse alcohol for different reasons than younger individuals do, and these differences can be used for identification of geriatric alcoholics. While alcoholics may have more oral disease than nonalcoholics, most dental treatment of the alcoholic patient does not differ significantly from that for the nonalcoholic. However, the dentist must be aware of damage to the immune system and liver by alcohol, which complicates healing after surgical procedures. The dentist also must be cautious about prescribing postoperative medications to alcoholic and recovering alcoholic patients. Screening tests for alcoholism in the elderly can be used not only to identify problem drinkers, but also to make them aware of their abuse of alcohol. Referral of these patients for rehabilitation therapy is the first step to establishing a sober lifestyle, which often has social and health benefits. Thus, the alert dentist has the opportunity to improve significantly both the oral health and the lifestyle of these patients by careful analysis of the patients' social, as well as, dental needs.

The relationship between smoking history, periodontal screening and recording (PSR) codes and overweight/obesity in a Mississippi dental school population.

PURPOSE: To examine the risks for being overweight (Ow) or obese (Ob) in subjects with elevated Periodontal Screening and Recording (PSRTM) Codes (> or =1) (with smoking as a modifier) in a population of dental school patients located within a region with a high incidence of Ow, Ob, diabetes mellitus (Db), and cardiovascular disease (CVD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: 1098 patient files were studied and data were grouped by average PSR Codes, smoking history, and body mass index (BMI). Data were compared by factorial ANOVA, the Mann-Whitney U test, and chi-square analysis using PSRTM Code as an exposure for BMI, Db, or CVD, with smoking as the effect modifier. Data were then analysed by adjusted multivariate logistic regression to determine the risks for being Ow or Ob. RESULTS: Subjects with an average PSRTM Code > or =1 and a smoking history did not have a significantly increased risk for either Db or CVD. Non-smoking subjects with an average PSR Code =3 had a significantly higher risk for being Ow; those with an average PSR Code of 2-4 had a significantly higher risk for being Ob (p < 0.05). In contrast, only smokers with an average PSR Code =4 had a significant risk for being either Ow or Ob. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that smoking may not directly increase the risk factors for Db or CVD in subjects with an average PSRTM Code > 1 (confirming the 'Smoker's Paradox'), but could be an indirect risk factor for these diseases as a consequence of its effect on body weight.

Periodontitis as a component of hyperinflammation: treating periodontitis in obese diabetic patients.

Increasing evidence points to periodontal disease as a significant risk factor in the etiology of other diseases with inflammatory components, such as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Thus, it may be possible to reduce the risk for other diseases with an inflammatory component by maintaining a healthy periodontium. In addition to plaque and calculus, other factors such as diet, body weight, lifestyle, and environmental stress complicate the maintenance of a healthy periodontium. It is becoming more important for the general dentist to address these additional risk factors in addition to providing conventional treatment for periodontal disease. This review addresses a multifactorial approach to the treatment of periodontal disease and suggests that the "focal theory" of infection may still be relevant for oral inflammation.

Gingival concentrations of interleukin-23 and -17 at healthy sites and at sites of clinical attachment loss.

BACKGROUND: The presence of interleukin (IL)-23 has not been reported within inflamed gingiva, so we evaluated its concentration within gingiva from normal sites and sites of chronic periodontal disease. METHODS: Gingiva was obtained prior to extraction of teeth. It was grouped based on clinical attachment loss (CAL): 0 to 2 mm (normal-slight), 3 to 4 mm (moderate), and >5 mm (severe). Tissues were solubilized, and IL-12, -23, -6, -17, and -1beta; interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma); and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) concentrations were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Data were compared by factorial analysis of variance, post hoc Tukey test, and Pearson correlation test. Groups were defined as significantly different when P <0.05. RESULTS: The gingival concentrations of IL-23, -17, -1beta, and -6 and IFN-gamma were significantly greater at moderate CAL sites than at normal-slight CAL sites. Gingival concentrations of IL-23, -1beta, -17, and -6 and TNF-alpha were significantly greater at severe CAL sites than at normal-slight CAL sites. In addition, the gingival concentrations of IL-23, -17, and -6 and TNF-alpha were significantly greater and the gingival concentrations of IL-12 and IFN-gamma were significantly lower at severe CAL sites than at moderate CAL sites. Gingival concentrations of IL-23, -17, -6, and -1beta and TNF-alpha correlated positively with CAL. The IL-23 gingival concentration correlated significantly with IL-17, -1beta, and -6 and TNF-alpha concentrations and correlated negatively with IL-12 and IFN-gamma concentrations. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggested the possibility that the IL-23/IL-17 immune response was present within chronically inflamed gingiva. This is a host response that had not been reported previously in periodontal disease and may be an important factor in the chronic nature of the disease.

Osteoclast distribution within the rat interdental septum coincident to experimental tooth movement using light forces.

There is little quantitative information concerning the number and distribution of bone-matrix resorbing osteoclasts (BMRO) within the adjacent alveolar bone coincident to tooth movement. We moved the right first maxillary molar tooth anteriorly in 40 female rats (E), the left side was untreated, serving as an internal control (IC). Forty female age and weight matched rats were untreated, serving as external controls (EC). BMRO were identified on periosteal and endosteal surfaces of the interdental septum from 1-5 days after initial force application using the MTB-322 antibody. The number of BMRO at periosteal surfaces of E was greater in IC and EC from 2-5 days (P < 0.001). Similarly, the number of BMRO at endosteal surfaces was greater from 1-5 days (P < 0.001). The number of BMRO at periosteal and endosteal surfaces was greater within E than within EC from 1-5 days (P < 0.001). Outcome data from IC were often significantly different from EC. Our data suggest that relatively low forces increase the number of BMRO, which are not uniformly distributed onto both periosteal and endosteal surfaces. Thus, the interdental septum resorbs at the alveolar wall and within spaces between the trabeculae, which, taken together, results in net removal of bone from areas of compression. These data also suggest that experimental tooth movement produces significant differences in the number and distribution of BMRO within IC and EC. Thus, EC groups should be included in studies of tooth movement.

The contribution of interleukin-13 and -15 to the cytokine network within normal and diseased gingiva.

BACKGROUND: There are no comparisons of concentrations of interleukin (IL)-13 and -15 and gingival sulcular depth within healthy or inflamed gingiva. Study of non-oral inflammations indicated that IL-15 has similar functions to IL-2, and IL-13 has similar functions to IL-4 and -10. Thus, IL-13 and -15 likely have a function in gingival inflammation. METHODS: We compared the concentrations of IL-13 and -15 within healthy or inflamed human gingiva to gingival sulcular depth and the concentration of various T-helper 1 and T-helper 2 cytokines in a group of Hispanic subjects. Gingival papillae were grouped by the depth of the adjacent gingival sulcus: 6 mm (diseased). The gingival concentrations of IL-2, -4, -6, -10, -13, and -15 and interferon (IFN)-gamma were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: IL-2, -4, -6, -10, and -13 and IFN-gamma concentrations were higher within gingiva adjacent to 3 to 6 mm diseased compared to normal; IL-15 concentrations were significantly greater within normal gingiva than within diseased gingiva (P <0.001). Within gingiva adjacent to >6 mm sulci, IL-6 concentrations were significantly higher than in normal gingiva, and the concentrations of the other cytokines were similar to those in normal gingiva. Gingival IL-6 concentration correlated significantly with the adjacent gingival sulcular depth, whereas the IL-15 concentration correlated inversely with the adjacent gingival sulcular depth (P <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: IL-13, -4, and -10 had a similar concentration pattern within normal and diseased tissue; however, the concentration pattern of IL-15 was not similar to IL-2. Relatively low IL-15 concentrations within diseased gingiva suggest that IL-15 might have anti-inflammatory properties.

Comparative 35S-sulfate and 3H-proline metabolism within the interdental septal bone and adjacent periodontal ligament.

Tooth movements require rapid remodeling of the periodontal ligament (PDL) and adjacent alveolar bone. Our objective was to compare the regional metabolism of sulfated-glycosaminoglycans (sGAG) within the PDL and adjacent alveolar bone and compare it to the metabolism of collagenous proteins using radioautographic techniques. Rats were injected with either (3)H-proline or (35)S-sulfate and maxillae were removed at 1, 6, and 12 hr 1-7 days later. Silver grains were counted over the PDL and adjacent alveolar bone and the incorporation and removal rates for each radioisotope were determined. In general, net collagenous protein incorporation and removal were greatest within the distal and net sGAG incorporation and removal were greatest within the mesial compartments of the periodontium. The rate of removal of (3)H-proline was significantly greater within the distal alveolar bone surface than the adjacent PDL at all levels (P < 0.001). In contrast, the rate of removal of (35)S-sulfate was significantly greater in the PDL than within the adjacent mesial surface of the interdental septum at all levels (P < 0.001). The mesial surfaces of the interdental septum had a slower rate of removal of both isotopes than distal surfaces at all levels (P < 0.001). Our data suggest significant regional differences in the metabolism of (35)S-sulfate and (3)H-proline within the PDL and alveolar bone, which likely result from the characteristics of the forces produced by the adjacent teeth and may be a factor in the remodeling of the alveolar wall coincident to tooth movement.

Racial differences in salivary sIgA concentrations in postmenopausal women.

The purpose of this study was to compare sIgA salivary concentrations between Caucasian and African-American postmenopausal women. The age, height, weight and history of hormone replacement therapy were recorded and the BMI was calculated for each individual. Whole, stimulated saliva was assayed for sIgA and total protein. Logistic regression analysis evaluated the relationships between the outcome variables. Total salivary sIgA and adjusted sIgA (adjusted for protein) concentrations were significantly higher in the African-American women (p<0.01). There were significant statistical correlations between sIgA concentrations and race (p<0.01). Our data suggest that racial differences in salivary sIgA concentrations in elderly women could be an important variable for planning future studies utilizing salivary samples as biological markers.

Synthesis of alveolar bone Sharpey's fibers during experimental tooth movement in the rat.

There is little information concerning the effects of tooth movement on the relative synthesis of bone matrix and Sharpey's fiber collagenous proteins. The purpose of this study was to investigate this situation using radioautographic techniques. The maxillary first molar tooth in rats was tipped toward the midline using an appliance and the animals were injected with 3H-proline after 3 days and sacrificed 24 hr later. Maxillae were sectioned and silver grain proportional areas (grain density/5,000 microm2) evaluated over Sharpey's fibers and adjacent alveolar bone matrix using computerized densitometry and histomorphometric techniques. These data were compared to a group of untreated animals by Fisher's exact test. At depository surfaces of experimental tissues, the silver grain proportional area over bone matrix was significantly greater than over Sharpey's fibers (P<0.05) and control bone matrix (P<0.01). The silver grain proportional area over Sharpey's fibers was not different between the groups. At resorptive surfaces, the silver grain proportional area over both bone matrix and Sharpey's fibers was significantly greater in experimental tissues compared to controls (P<0.01). Thus, movements of adjacent teeth affect both the quantity and ratios of collagenous protein incorporation into Sharpey's fibers and adjacent alveolar bone, which is dependent on the intensity and characteristics of the force.

Effects of spaceflight on the attachment of tendons to bone in the hindlimb of the pregnant rat.

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of spaceflight on the structure of the tendon-bone junction (TBJ). Pregnant rats either flew in the space shuttle Atlantis (flight group; F) or were exposed to simulated launch and landing protocols (synchronous control group; SC) during days 9-19 of pregnancy. Following birth of their pups, maternal hindlimbs were studied using scanning electron and light microscopic histomophometric techniques. The tibial and calcaneal tuberosities, the fibular head, and the tibia-fibula junction were studied. Myofiber density and cross-sectional area of the quadratus femoris and soleus muscles and diameters of the calcaneal and patellar tendons were also evaluated. Cortical erosion was significantly greater at the tibial tuberosity and the fibular head in F animals compared to SC animals (P < 0.001). Sharpey fiber density was significantly less at the tibial tuberosity and fibular head in F animals compared to SC animals (P < 0.001). The myofiber area of both the soleus and quadratus femoris muscles and the diameters of both calcaneal and patellar tendons were significantly less in F compared to SC rats (P < 0.05). Our data illustrate that the TBJ morphology is affected by spaceflight at the attachment sites of the soleus and quadratus femoris muscles in pregnant animals, which could adversely affect their physical properties. These atrophic TBJ changes could have resulted from atrophy of the adjacent muscles and their tendons. Atrophic changes in the structure of the TBJ could predispose an animal to injury following spaceflight, when normal gravity conditions are reestablished.

Recovery of periodontopathogenic bacteria from embalmed human cadavers.

There is recent interest in recovery of periodontopathogenic bacteria from arterial and bronchial tissues to identify a link between periodontal and cardiovascular or pulmonary diseases. This interest could provide a useful clinical correlation exercise for gross anatomy. Our objective was to perform a feasibility study to determine whether these bacteria could be recovered from two sites within eight (4 dentate, 4 edentulous) human embalmed cadavers from an anatomical dissection laboratory. Bacterial samples were collected from the right coronary artery and the right superior secondary bronchus and assayed for the presence and concentrations of the DNA of A. actinomycetemcomitans, E. corrodens, C. rectus, P. intermedia, P. gingivalis, B. forsythus, T. denticola, and F. nucleatum. Frequencies were compared using a Kruskal-Wallis H-test. Correlations between the presence of teeth, bacterial species, and site were determined by a Spearman's rho correlation test. A. actinomycetemcomitans and B. forsythus frequencies were different between the sites in edentulous subjects (P <0.05); the frequency of B. forsythus was different in dentate and edentulous subjects at the bronchus site (P <0.05). Numerous significant correlations were identified between strains of bacteria, site, and presence of teeth. Thus, it is possible for the DNA of periodontopathogenic bacteria to be recovered from human embalmed cadavers. Collection and identification of these bacteria from these cadavers could be a useful clinical correlation exercise for dental students in a gross anatomy class.

Use of water 'softening and conditioning systems' significantly increases the risk of periodontitis: smoking considerations.

BACKGROUND: The role of water in the etiology of periodontal disease is poorly understood. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to examine the association amongst water softness, risk for periodontitis, and smoking status. METHODS: We examined the association between use of water 'softening and conditioning systems' and the risk for periodontal disease in smokers and non-smokers, using adult participants (18+ years), from the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III) data. Zero to 33 per cent (0-33%) of sites with periodontal attachment loss > or = 3 mm was considered a healthy periodontium, and > 33% of sites with periodontal attachment loss > or = 3 mm was defined as periodontitis. Soft water users were divided into 'yes' or 'no' using the question, 'Does your home have a "softening or conditioning system?".' Smoking subjects were divided into groups as follows: current smokers (had smoked > or = 100 cigarettes in their lifetime and currently smoked), former smokers (had smoked > or = 100 cigarettes in their lifetime, not currently smoking), or never smokers (had not smoked > or = 100 cigarettes in their lifetime). Data was analyzed by univariate analyses using SPSS. The 5% level of statistical significance was adopted throughout. RESULTS: Subjects that answered the question 'yes' to soft water use had a significantly higher risk of periodontitis (p < 0.05), adjusting for confounders. When mineral intake from foods was added to the model, the significance of periodontitis risk remained the same for the non-smoking, soft water-using subjects, whereas for the smoking, soft water-using subjects the risk for periodontitis increased significantly (p < 0.05) in most cases. CONCLUSIONS: Thus, use of water 'softening and conditioning systems' significantly increased the risk for periodontitis, and smoking increased this risk.

The relationship between tomato intake and congestive heart failure risk in periodontitis subjects.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between monthly tomato consumption (MTC) and serum lycopene (sLyco) levels, and a self-reported history of congestive heart failure (CHF) in individuals with periodontitis using data available in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III). METHODS: Adult participants in NHANES III were used in this study. Zero to thirty three percent of sites with a periodontal attachment loss (PAL) of >3 mm was considered a healthy periodontium, while greater than >33% of sites with PAL of >3 mm as periodontitis. The outcome variable was the self-reported history of CHF. MTC and sLyco levels were categorized into quartiles. Data was analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis, anova and multivariate analyses using SPSS(R). p<0.05 was used to reject the null hypothesis. RESULTS: Individuals with periodontitis showed a dose-response relationship between dietary MTC and self-reported CHF risk; moderate MTC (risk ratio (RR), 3.15; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.03-9.67), low MTC (RR, 3.31; 95% CI, 1.33-8.24) (p<0.05) and very low MTC (RR, 5.10; 95% CI, 1.67-15.57) (p<0.01), adjusting for confounders of both diseases (periodontitis and CHF). The moderate sLyco level-healthy periodontium group showed a significant decrease in CHF risk (RR, 0.25; 95% CI, 0.07-0.84) (p<0.05), adjusting for confounders. Significant inverse dose-response relationships were seen between sLyco and C-reactive protein, and MTC and white blood cell count in periodontitis subjects, respectively (p<0.05). MTC was correlated with sLyco concentration (r=-0.018, p<0.05), adjusting for confounders abolished that significance. CONCLUSIONS: A relationship exists between periodontitis and CHF risk, and high MTC appears to affect this relationship in a positive direction in periodontitis subjects.

Biomarkers of bone turnover can be assayed from human saliva.

The purpose of this study was to determine if biomarkers of bone turnover [deoxypyridinium (D-PYR) or osteocalcin (OC)] could be detected in human saliva. These biomarkers have been measured in ovariectomized sheep saliva, but not in human saliva. Saliva was collected from 37 women. The bone mineral density of the calcaneus was assessed by quantitative ultrasound and expressed as a T score. Salivary D-PYR and OC concentrations were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Data were analyzed by a Spearman's rho correlation test and factorial analysis of variance was followed by a post hoc Tukey's test. There were significant correlations between age, body mass index, D-PYR, or OC concentration and calcaneus T scores (p<.05), suggesting that saliva could be used as a fluid for assay of human biomarkers of bone turnover. Our data suggest a beneficial use of saliva in situations where a large number of patients are to be screened for metabolic bone diseases.

Synergistic enhancement of collagenous protein synthesis by human gingival fibroblasts exposed to nifedipine and TNF-alpha in vitro.

BACKGROUND: Gingival overgrowth occurs in patients receiving nifedipine. Gingival inflammation may be an etiologic factor. METHODS: Gingival fibroblasts were either exposed to (i) 0-500 ng/ml TNF-alpha or 10(-7) M nifedipine or (ii) 0-500 ng/ml TNF-alpha + 10(-7) M nifedipine for 7 days. 3H-proline was used to quantify collagenous protein synthesis. RESULTS: Both TNF-alpha and 10(-7) M nifedipine significantly decreased cell proliferation, and 10(-7) M nifedipine + 500 ng/ml TNF-alpha reversed these effects. Collagenous protein synthesis was significantly reduced by TNF-alpha and was significantly enhanced by either 10(-7) M nifedipine or 5-500 ng/ml TNF-alpha + 10(-7) M nifedipine. CONCLUSIONS: Our data report that nifedipine reverses the primary effects of TNF-alpha on collagenous protein synthesis. Patients with gingivitis could be susceptible to gingival overgrowth during nifedipine therapy as a result of synergistic effects of these agents on fibroblast metabolism, which occurs irrespective of reduced cell numbers.

Comparison of body composition and periodontal disease using nutritional assessment techniques: Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III).

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to investigate the association of body composition (obesity) and periodontal disease using simple, inexpensive nutritional assessment techniques available in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Caucasian subjects, aged 18 years and above, participating in NHANES III, were used for this study. Weight, height, waist circumference, hip circumference, skinfold thickness (S), and bioelectrical impedance analysis measurements were performed and used in the calculation of body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) (visceral fat), log sum of S (subcutaneous fat), and fat-free mass (FFM). Data were analyzed using SPSS. One-way, factorial ANOVA, multivariate analyses, and regression curve analyses were performed. p<0.05 was used to reject the null hypothesis. RESULTS: Adjusting for age, gender, history of diabetes, current smoking, and socioeconomic status, statistically significant correlations were found between periodontitis and WHR, BMI, FFM, and in some instances S. CONCLUSION: This study, indicating significant correlations between body composition and periodontal disease (with WHR being the most significant, followed by BMI, FFM, and S), showed similarities to those observed in other obesity-related health problems. This strengthened arguments that periodontal disease and certain obesity-related systemic illnesses are related, with abnormal fat metabolism possibly being an important factor.

Cambios en el contenido mineral en la inserción al cemento de las fibras dentoalveolares del ligamento periodontal producidos por fuerzas ortodónticas / Changes in the mineral content in the insertion to the cement ofdentoalveolar fibers the periodontal ligament produced by ortodontical forces

El trauma producido por fuerzas ortodónticas sobre el ligamento periodontal, hueso alveolar y cemento ha sido estudiado extensivamente debido a las posibles secuelas que pueden producir fuerzas excesivas sobre estas estructuras. El presente estudio reporta respuestas de mineralización tanto en la inserción de fibras de Sharpey al cemento como en el mismo ligamento periodontal humano, luego de aplicar fuerzas ortodónticas. Este fenómeno se puede asociar clínicamente con eventos como anquilosis, y reabsorción radicular.