Immunological and microbiological periodontal profiles in isolated growth hormone deficiency.

BACKGROUND: Growth hormone (GH) has been identified as an important regulator of the immune response. We have previously shown that adults with isolated GH deficiency (IGHD) due to a mutation in the GH releasing hormone receptor (GHRHR) gene, have a greater chance of having periodontitis. However, the interaction of GH with periodontal tissues is still unknown, and this population has emerged as a unique model to investigate this issue. Therefore, we evaluated the microbiological and immunological periodontal profiles of such individuals. METHODS: Nineteen IGHD and 19 controls matched by age, sex, diabetes, and smoking status, were enrolled in this case-control study. Periodontal clinical parameters (probing depth [PD] and clinical attachment loss [AL]) were measured at six sites per tooth. Immune mediators (C-reactive protein, matrix metalloproteinase [MMP]-8, MMP-9, interleukin [IL]-1α, IL-6, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-α, adiponectin, and leptin) were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) in four non-adjacent sites for each participant (two with PD ≤3 mm [shallow sites] and two with PD ≥7 mm or the worst PD found in the mouth [deep sites]). Bacterial quantification (Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Treponema denticola, and Tannerella forsythia) of subgingival biofilm samples collected from these same sites was performed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). RESULTS: IGHD individuals presented higher values of PD and AL, and increased levels of CRP, IL-8, MMP-8, and adiponectin in the GCF. Bacterial quantification did not identify differences between the two groups. CONCLUSION: IGHD alters the local immune response in periodontal pockets leading to greater attachment loss, and GH stands out as an important hormone to be evaluated in the pathogenesis of periodontitis.

Periodontal disease in a Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome patient: case report.

INTRODUCTION: Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome (RTS) is a rare disorder affecting 1 of 300,000 people, characterized by growth, mental and motor retardation, small stature, broad thumbs and toes, characteristic face, high-arched palate, and recurrent respiratory infections. CASE REPORT: The present report describes the periodontal and immunological status of a 14-year-old female patient with RTS. Probing depth, clinical attachment level, bleeding on probing, and radiographic evaluation were performed. Periodontal examination revealed severe attachment loss in incisors and molars and generalized bleeding on probing. Periodontal treatment consisted of scaling and root planing and oral hygiene instructions. Periodontal treatment resulted in resolution of gingival inflammation and pocket depth reductions. The association of periodontal disease and RTS is previously undescribed. CONCLUSION: This case report underscores the importance of periodontal clinical diagnosis and the possibility of successful periodontal treatment in RTS patients.

Gingival flap-split thickness flap, a combined procedure. Clinical study in humans and dogs.

1. The combined procedure can be performed to handle the two very common periodontal problems (bone defect, high frenum, and/or high muscle insertion) when present in the same area. 2. Healing was uneventful, since only four postoperatory complications were observed in 40 surgeries performed, and none of these complications was in humans. 3. Macroscopically, the surgical area showed normalcy 1 week after the procedure. 4. It is a procedure very easy to perform and shows uneventful postoperative healing. There is no patient discomfort.

Split thickness flap, apically replaced, with protected linear periosteal fenestration.

The split thickness flap, apically replaced, with internal linear periosteal fenestration, is a combination of two known techniques. This procedure is another choice to solve mucogingival problems. The advantages in addition to securing a firmer bond of periosteum to bone and mucosa to periosteum at the selected position are: there is no bone exposed, healing is apparently faster and postoperative pain is minimal. An experimental work, carried out on dogs to study the histological reactions after this procedure, is in progress. The results of these observations will be reported in a future publication.