Abrasive challenge effects on enamel and dentin from irradiated human teeth: an in vitro study.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of radiotherapy (RT) and chemoradiotherapy (CRT) on the wear and surface roughness of in vitro irradiated human enamel and dentin subjected to abrasive challenge. Enamel and dentin specimens (n = 42) were prepared from teeth donated by healthy patients and those with head and neck cancer who had received radiotherapy (RT) or chemoradiotherapy (CRT). The specimens were categorized into three groups: control, RT, and CRT (n = 14 per group for both enamel and dentin). These samples were subjected to an in vitro abrasive experiment using a brushing machine, followed by wear and surface roughness assessments with a confocal laser scanning microscope conducted before and after the abrasive challenge, considering both exposed and non-exposed areas. Statistical analysis used Shapiro-Wilk tests for normality, Wilcoxon tests for comparing two means, and Kruskal-Wallis tests. A significance level of 5% was adopted. In enamel specimens, wear profile values ​​of CRT and RT groups were not different from the control (p > 0.05). The RT group presents lower step values than the CRT and control groups (p < 0.001). No significant difference in final surface roughness was observed in all groups (p > 0.05). In dentin specimens, no significant difference in wear profile and step was observed in all groups (p > 0.05). However, CRT and RT groups present higher values in final surface roughness (p < 0.001). The exposure to ionizing radiation (associated or not to chemotherapy) influenced the surface roughness of dentin and the wear (step) of enamel after the in vitro abrasive challenge.Trial registration: Ethical procedures were approved by the FORP/USP Research Ethics Committee (CAAE: 61308416.4.0000.5419), and Hospital do Câncer de Barretos/Fundação Pio XII (CAAE: 61308416.4.3001.5437).

The effects of re-irradiation on the chemical and morphological properties of permanent teeth.

This study aimed to assess the in vitro effects of re-irradiation on enamel and dentin properties, simulating head and neck cancer radiotherapy retreatment. Forty-five human permanent molars were classified into five groups: non-irradiated; irradiated 60 Gy, and re-irradiated with doses of 30, 40, and 50 Gy. Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS) were employed for analysis. Raman spectroscopy assessed intensity, spectral area, and specific peaks comparatively. Statistical analysis involved Kolmogorov-Smirnov and One-Way ANOVA tests, with Tukey's post-test (significance level set at 5%). Significant changes in irradiated, non-irradiated, and re-irradiated enamel peaks were observed, including phosphate (438 nm), hydroxyapatite (582 nm), phosphate (960 nm), and carbonate (1070 nm) (p < 0.05). Re-irradiation affected the entire tooth (p > 0.05), leading to interprismatic region degradation, enamel prism destruction, and hydroxyapatite crystal damage. Dentin exhibited tubule obliteration, crack formation, and progressive collagen fiber fragmentation. EDX revealed increased oxygen percentage and decreased phosphorus and calcium post-reirradiation. It is concluded that chemical and morphological changes in irradiated permanent teeth were dose-dependent, exacerbated by re-irradiation, causing substantial damage in enamel and dentin.

TLR2 agonist prevents the progression of periapical lesions in mice by reducing osteoclast activity and regulating the frequency of Tregs.

AIM: To evaluate the role of regulatory T lymphocytes (Tregs) in the presence or absence of the synthetic ligand Pam3Cys during the progression of periapical lesion in wild-type (WT) and toll-like receptor 2 knockout (TLR2KO) mice. METHODOLOGY: A total of 130 C57BL/6 male WT and TLR2KO mice were allocated into control (n = 5) and experimental (periapical lesion induction) (n = 10) groups. In specific groups (WT+Pam3cys and TLR2KO+Pam3cys), the synthetic ligand Pam3cys was administered intraperitoneally every 7 days, according to the experimental period (14, 21 and 42 days). At the end of those periods, the animals were euthanized, and the mandible and the spleen were submitted to histotechnical processing. Mandible histological sections were analysed by haematoxylin and eosin, TRAP histoenzymology and immunohistochemistry (FOXP3, RANK, RANKL and OPG). Spleen sections were analysed by immunohistochemistry (FOXP3). RESULTS: The inflammatory infiltrate and bone resorption were more intense in the TLR2KO group compared to the WT group. The animals that received the Pam3cys had smaller periapical lesions when compared to the animals that did not receive the ligand (p < .05). TLR2KO animals showed a significant increase in the number of osteoclasts when compared to TLR2KO+Pam3cys group (p < .05). At 21 days, the WT+Pam3cys group had a lower number of osteoclasts when compared to the WT animals (p = .02). FOXP3 expression was more intense in the WT+Pam3cys groups when compared to the WT animals in the 42 days (p = .03). In the spleen analysis, the WT+Pam3cys group also had a higher expression of FOXP3 when compared to the WT animals at 14 and 42 days (p = .02). Concerning RANKL, there was a reduction in staining in the KOTLR2+Pam3cys groups at 21 and 42 days (p = .03) and a higher binding ratio between RANK/RANKL in animals that did not receive the ligand. CONCLUSION: Administration of the Pam3cys increased the proliferation of Tregs, showed by FOXP3 expression and prevented the progression of the periapical lesion in WT mice. On the other hand, in the TLR2KO animals, Treg expression was lower with larger areas of periapical lesions. Finally, systemic administration of the Pam3cys in KO animals was able to limit the deleterious effects of the absence of the TLR2 receptor.

The effects of NLRP3 inflammasome inhibition or knockout in experimental apical periodontitis induced in mice.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of NLRP3 inflammasome inhibition or knockout in experimental apical periodontitis (AP) induced in mice. METHODS: The experimental AP was induced by pulpal exposure. To evaluate NLRP3-specific inhibitor medication (MCC950), WT mice received intraperitoneal injections, while the control received PBS (n = 10). In addition, to evaluate NLRP3 knockout, 35 wild-type (WT) and 35 NLRP3-/- mice were divided into a control group (without pulpal exposure, n = 5) and three experimental groups: after 2, 14 and 42 days after pulpal exposure (n = 10). Microscopic and molecular analyzes were carried out using a significance level of 5%. RESULTS: Exposure to MCC950 did not affect the periapical lesion size after 14 days (P = 0.584). However, exposed mice had a lower expression of IL-1ß, IL-18 and caspase-1 (P = 0.010, 0.016 and 0.002, respectively). Moreover, NLRP3-/- mice showed a smaller periapical lesion after 14 and 42 days (P = 0.023 and 0.031, respectively), as well as a lower expression of IL-1ß after 42 days (P < 0.001), of IL-18 and caspase-1 after 14 (P < 0.001 and 0.035, respectively) and 42 days (P = 0.002 and 0.002, respectively). NLRP3-/- mice also showed a lower mRNA for Il-1ß, Il-18 and Casp1 after 2 (P = 0.002, 0.036 and 0.001, respectively) and 14 days (P = 0.002, 0.002 and 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: NLRP3 inflammasome inhibition or knockout can attenuate the inflammatory events that result in the periapical lesion (AP) formation after pulpal exposure in mice. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The NLRP3 inflammasome may be a therapeutic target for AP, and new approaches may verify the impact of its inhibition (through intracanal medications or filling materials) on the bone repair process and treatment success.

Root canal conicity determination of primary second molars using nanotomography: An in vitro study.

BACKGROUND: The conicity of the root canals of primary teeth is an important measure for endodontic therapies. However, determining this conicity depends on the methods employed, which requires further investigation. AIM: The aim of this study was to determine the conicity of the root canals of the upper and lower primary second molars using nanotomography (nCT). DESIGN: An in vitro study was performed using nine primary second molars, both upper and lower, subjected to nCT. Comparisons between the diameters of root canals were performed between the thirds (cervical-D0, middle-D5, and apical-D7). The conicity (%) was determined for each root canal from cervical to apical. Data were statistically analyzed with a significance level of 5%. RESULTS: The conicity ranged from 2% to 8% for the upper primary second molars. Significant differences in root canal diameter between the thirds (D0, D5, and D7 points) were observed in the mesio- and distobuccal roots (p < .05), but not in the palatal roots (p > .05). For the lower primary second molars, the conicity ranged from 2% to 17%, as well as significant differences in root canal diameter between the thirds (D0, D5, and D7 points) were observed in all roots (distal, mesiobuccal, and mesiolingual; p < .05). CONCLUSION: The conicity of the upper primary second molars was different from that of the lower ones, which showed a greater variability.

Evaluation of tooth eruption rate of incisor teeth in rats with estrogen deficiency.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the influence of estrogen deficiency on tooth eruption rate (TER) and gene expression of estrogen receptor alpha and beta (ERα and ERß) in the odontogenic region of teeth with continuous formation in a rat model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ovariectomies (OVX; n = 25) and sham surgeries (SHAM; n = 25) were performed in female Wistar rats when animals were 25 days old. The TER of the lower incisors, both in impeded (hyperfunction condition) and unimpeded (trimmed incisal edge-hypofunction condition) conditions, was evaluated using standardized digital photographs acquired every 48-72 h for 3 weeks (35th-53rd day of life), using a camera coupled to a stereomicroscope. Quantitative real-time PCR was performed to evaluate the relative gene expression of ERα and ERß in the odontogenic region. RESULTS: The OVX group showed a significant reduction in TER when compared to the SHAM group, only in the impeded condition (p = 0.03). There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in ERα gene expression (p = 0.33). ERß showed a significantly higher gene expression in the OVX group (p ≤ 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Estrogen deficiency decreases TER in teeth under impeded condition. Estrogen deficiency also increases ERß gene expression in the odontogenic region of teeth with continuous formation. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Hormonal disturbances affecting estrogen levels can cause alterations in dental formation and teeth eruption.

Needle-free anesthetic polymeric device for dental anesthesia in children: A randomized clinical trial.

PURPOSE: To evaluate efficacy of an anesthetic mucoadhesive film with a polymeric device (PD) in promoting anesthesia compared to conventional local infiltration (LA) in children. METHODS: 50 children aged 6-10 years (both genders) needing similar procedures on homologous teeth on the maxilla were included. The parents and children were asked about perception of dental treatment. The child's heart rate per minute (bpm) and blood pressure were evaluated before and after each anesthetic technique (AT) procedure. Anesthesia efficacy was measured by reporting pain using Wong-Baker Faces Scale. Children's behavior and AT preferences were also evaluated. Paired T-test, chi-square and Wilcoxon test were used for statistical comparisons. RESULTS: Fear of anesthesia was reported by 50% of caregivers and by 66% of children. No difference was observed in systolic (P= 0.282) and diastolic (P= 0.251) blood pressure, comparing both AT. Difference was observed regarding the child's behavior when the PD was used (P= 0.0028). Evaluating the face scale, 74% of the children selected the "no pain" (face 0) (P< 0.0001) for PD, and 26% for LA. PD was preferred by 86% of children. Only 20% of the PD anesthesia needed to be complemented by LA. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The polymeric device presented promising results since most children did not report pain and dental procedures could be performed without local infiltration.

Effect of chlorhexidine mouthwashes on periodontal parameters and extrinsic tooth staining in orthodontic patients.

INTRODUCTION: Periodontal health and biofilm control are primordial to success in orthodontic treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of chlorhexidine (CHX) mouthwashes on periodontal status and extrinsic tooth staining in orthodontic patients. METHODS: Thirty-three patients of both sexes, aged 11-33 years, under orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances at <16 months, were randomly distributed into 2 groups. In the control group, patients received mechanical hygiene instruction, and in the experimental group, patients also used CHX wash twice a week for 60 days. The effectivity of the protocols was evaluated using the plaque, gingival, gingival bleeding, and discoloration indexes before the hygiene protocol was applied, 15, 30, and 60 days after protocol implementation. RESULTS: In the experimental group, there was a decrease in the plaque, gingival, and gingival bleeding indexes at the different evaluation periods (P <0.05). In addition, there was a significant difference in the discoloration index at 60 days compared with initial time points after implementing hygiene protocols in the experimental group (P <0.05). In contrast, there were no significant differences in plaque, gingival, gingival bleeding, and discoloration indexes in the control group at any time (P >0.05). CONCLUSIONS: CHX mouthwash administered 30 days, twice a week, significantly improved the periodontal status with mild brown staining. After this period, expressive extrinsic tooth staining was observed.

Assessment of microbial contamination in removable orthodontic appliances with and without the use of antimicrobial agents by checkerboard DNA-DNA hybridization analysis.

INTRODUCTION: This clinical, crossover, double-blind trial evaluated the microbial contamination of removable orthodontic appliances used by children and the efficacy of 0.12% chlorhexidine gluconate spray use for disinfection. METHODS: Twenty children aged 7-11 years were instructed to wear removable orthodontic appliances for 1 week. They were instructed to use a placebo solution (control) or 0.12% chlorhexidine gluconate (experimental) to clean the appliances on days 4 and 7 after installation. After this period, the microbial contamination on the surfaces of the appliance was analyzed using checkerboard DNA-DNA hybridization for 40 bacterial species. Data were analyzed by Fisher exact, t, and Wilcoxon tests (α = 0.05). RESULTS: Removable orthodontic appliances were heavily contaminated by the target microorganisms. Streptococcus sanguinis, Streptococcus oralis, Streptococcus gordonii, and Eikenella corrodens were found in 100% of the appliances. Among cariogenic microorganisms, Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus were more abundant than Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus casei. Red complex pathogens were more abundant than orange complex species. Purple complex bacteria were the most prevalent among bacterial complexes not associated with specific pathologies, detected in 34% of the samples. After the use of chlorhexidine, the number of cariogenic microorganisms (S. mutans, S. sobrinus, and L. casei) decreased significantly (P <0.05), and the numbers of periodontal pathogenic species from the orange and red complex also decreased significantly (P <0.05). There was no reduction for Treponema socranskii. CONCLUSIONS: Removable orthodontic appliances were densely contaminated by several bacterial species. Twice-a-week application of chlorhexidine spray effectively reduced cariogenic and orange and red complex periodontal pathogens.

Photoelastic, microhardness and roughness analysis of zirconia and stainless steel crowns for primary molars.

PURPOSE: To compare the stress distribution through photoelasticity, microhardness and roughness of intact crowns of primary molars (CC) and the preformed crowns of stainless steel (SSC) and zirconia (ZC) used in dental restorations in pediatric dentistry. METHODS: Six healthy primary molars were selected. For the photoelastic models, the teeth were fixed in photoelastic resin. A load of 100 N was applied, and the models were analyzed by transmission polariscope. The Tardy method was used to quantify the fringe order which calculates the maximum stress (T) value in each selected point. The teeth were prepared for cementation of the crowns. The photoelastic test was repeated for each experimental crown. Knoop microhardness was assessed on the buccal surfaces of the CCs, SSCs, and ZCs using a microhardness tester. Parameters were 50 gf for 5 seconds. Roughness was evaluated using a confocal 3-D laser scanning microscope/software at 216x magnification. Roughness average (Ra) values from each model (expressed in µm) were collected and group means were calculated. The stress distribution, microhardness, and roughness data were compared by using one-way ANOVA and the Tukey's test (α= 0.05). RESULTS: There was no difference in the stress distribution for the CCs, SSCs and ZCs. For the microhardness analysis, the ZCs obtained the highest values compared to the CCs and the SSCs (P< 0.001). The CCs were significantly higher than the SSCs (P= 0.027). There was no difference in roughness for the three models (P= 0.615). The SSCs and ZCs showed satisfactory mechanical behavior. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The use of preformed crowns, especially those made of esthetic materials, is currently increasing in the field of pediatric dentistry. The knowledge of mechanical properties of stainless steel- and zirconia-prefabricated crowns provides scientific foundation for safe clinical application, especially in primary teeth.

Self-ligating brackets exhibit accumulation of high levels of periodontopathogens in gingival crevicular fluid.

Different types of brackets seem to influence the disruption of the oral microbial environment. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of self-ligating brackets on the gingival crevicular fluid levels of the putative periodontal pathogens Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans sorotype a (Aaa), Tannerella forsythia, Fusobacterium nucleatum, and Porphyromonas gingivalis. Sixty samples of crevicular fluid of twenty patients (11 boys and 9 girls) were analysed at baseline (T0) and after 30 (T1) and 60 (T2) days of bonding of the self-ligating (In-Ovation®R, Dentsply, GAC or SmartClip™, 3 M Unitek, Monrovia, CA, USA) and of one conventional bracket (Gemini™, 3 M Unitek, Monrovia, CA, USA) used with elastomeric ligatures. Total DNA from samples was extracted using CTAB-DNA precipitation method and Real-time PCR was performed to analyse bacterial level. Non-parametric Friedman and Wilcoxon tests were used for data analysis (p value of < 0.05). F. nucleatum presented a different level among the different brackets at T1 (p = 0.025), the highest level in the Gemini™ bracket when compared to the SmartClip™ bracket (p = 0.043). P. ginigvalis levels increased in the In-Ovation®R (p = 0.028) at T1. The subgingival levels of bacterial species associated with periodontal disease P. ginigvalis increased in the self-ligating brackets In-Ovation®R.Clinical Relevance: Some kinds of brackets could provide more retentive sites than others, and it seems to modulate the subgingival microbiota, since, in this study, we could observe the increase of the species associated with periodontal disease. Preventive protocols should be adopted in the use of self-ligating brackets.

Adolescents' perception of malocclusion, their motivations, and expectations concerning the orthodontic treatment. Is it all about attractiveness? A qualitative study.

INTRODUCTION: In addition to essential clinical parameters, orthodontic treatment outcomes should also consider patients' opinions and perceptions, which could be comprehensively clarified with a qualitative scientific approach. Considering that the information on younger patients' views is scarce, the objective of this study was to investigate how adolescent orthodontic patients perceive malocclusion, and their motivations and expectations concerning orthodontic corrective treatment. METHODS: In this descriptive qualitative study, 12 adolescents aged 12 to 14 years and of both genders, covering a heterogeneous collection of malocclusions, were recruited from the waiting list of an Orthodontics Graduate Course. They were individually interviewed before the appliance insertion by an experienced researcher using an interview guide and photographic records to stimulate patients' self-perception of their oral condition. The interviews proceeded simultaneously with transcription analyses until saturation. After the transcription evaluation, the framework analysis technique was performed. RESULTS: Data derived from the transcription analyses were grouped into 3 major themes: perceptions concerning the concepts of normality and abnormality regarding oral health; self-perceptions regarding malocclusion and other discrepancies; and motivations for seeking orthodontic treatment and expectations related to the results. CONCLUSIONS: Attractiveness was exceptionally relevant among adolescent patients. Most interviewees seemed to focus their attention on esthetically upsetting dentofacial traits, which they expected to be corrected by orthodontic treatment. In addition to self-oriented appearance-driven motivations, parents, other health professionals, friends, and peers also influenced adolescents' perception of their need for treatment. The achievement of a normal dentofacial status seems to be closely attached to social and individual aspirations.

Leukotriene B4 loaded in microspheres regulate the expression of genes related to odontoblastic differentiation and biomineralization by dental pulp stem cells.

BACKGROUND: Leukotriene B4 (LTB4) is a potent lipid mediator that stimulate the immune response. Because dental pulp inflammation and dentin repair are intrinsically related responses, the aim of this research was to investigate the potential of LTB4 in inducing differentiation of dental pulp stem cells. METHODS: Microspheres (MS) loaded with LTB4 were prepared using an oil emulsion solvent extraction evaporation process and sterility, characterization, efficiency of LTB4 encapsulation and in vitro LTB4 release assay were investigated. Mouse dental pulp stem cells (OD-21) were stimulated with soluble LTB4 or MS loaded with LTB4 (0.01 and 0.1 µM). Cytotoxicity and cell viability was determined by lactate dehydrogenase and methylthiazol tetrazolium assays. Gene expression were measured by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction after 3, 6, 24, 48 and 72 h. Mineralized nodule formation was assessed after 28 days of OD-21 cell stimulation with LTB4 in mineralized media or not. Groups were compared using one-way ANOVA test followed by Dunnett's post-test (α = 0.05). RESULTS: Treatment with LTB4 or MS loaded with LTB4 (0.01 and 0.1 µm-µM) were not cytotoxic to OD-21 cells. Treatment with LTB4 modulated the expression of the Ibsp (integrin binding sialoprotein) and Runx2 (runt-related transcription factor 2) genes differently depending on the experimental period analyzed. Interestingly LTB4 loaded in microspheres (0.1 µM) allowed long term dental pulp cell differentiation and biomineralization. CONCLUSION: LTB4, soluble or loaded in MS, were not cytotoxic and modulated the expression of the Ibsp and Runx2 genes in cultured OD-21 cells. When LTB4 was incorporated into MS, odontoblast differentiation and mineralization was induced in long term culture.

Multifaceted effect of caffeic acid against Streptococcus mutans infection: microbicidal and immunomodulatory agent in macrophages.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of caffeic acid in the interface between the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory function in macrophage response against S. mutans. S. mutans (108 cfu/mL) were incubated with caffeic acid to determinate the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) and macrophage cells were incubated with caffeic acid to determinate cell viability and toxicity. Anti-inflammatory effects were measured by nitrite accumulation, TNF-α and PGE2 production, and NF-kB phosphorylation, and S. mutans survival following internalization by macrophages was investigated. We found that caffeic acid presented antimicrobial activity against S. mutans (IC50 = 2.938 ± 0.1225 mM) without exerting cytotoxicity. Caffeic acid inhibited nitrite, TNF-α and PGE2 production by the NF-kB dependent pathway, indicating an immunomodulatory property. Caffeic acid also contributed to macrophage bacteria clearance activity. In summary, caffeic acid presented antimicrobial activity against S. mutans and anti-inflammatory effects in macrophages.

Potential interactions among single nucleotide polymorphisms in bone- and cartilage-related genes in skeletal malocclusions.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate SNPs in bone- and cartilage-related genes and their interaction in the aetiology of sagittal and vertical skeletal malocclusions. SETTINGS AND SAMPLE POPULATION: This study included 143 patients and classified as follows: skeletal class I (n = 77), class II (n = 47) and class III (n = 19); maxillary retrusion (n = 39), protrusion (n = 52) and well-positioned maxilla (n = 52); mandibular retrognathism (n = 50), prognathism (n = 50) and well-positioned mandible (n = 43); normofacial (n = 72), dolichofacial (n = 55) and brachyfacial (n = 16). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Steiner's ANB, SNA, SNB angles and Ricketts' NBa-PtGn angle were measured to determine the skeletal malocclusion and the vertical pattern. Nine SNPs in BMP2, BMP4, SMAD6, RUNX2, WNT3A and WNT11 were genotyped. Chi-squared test was used to compare genotypes among the groups. Multifactor dimensionality reduction (MDR) and binary logistic regression analysis, both using gender and age as co-variables, were also used. We performed Bonferroni correction for multiple testing. RESULTS: Significant associations at P < .05 were observed for SNPs rs1005464 (P = .042) and rs235768 (P = .021) in BMP2 with mandibular retrognathism and for rs59983488 (RUNX2) with maxillary protrusion (P = .04) as well as for rs708111 (WNT3A) with skeletal class III (P = .02; dominant model), rs1533767 (WNT11) with a brachyfacial skeletal pattern (P = .01, OR = 0.10; dominant model) and for rs3934908 (SMAD6) with prognathism (P = .02; recessive model). After the Bonferroni correction, none of the SNPs remained associated. The MDR predicted some interaction for skeletal class II, dolichofacial and brachyfacial phenotypes. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that SNPs in BMP2, BMP4, SMAD6, RUNX2, WNT3A and WNT11 could be involved in the aetiology of sagittal and vertical malocclusions.

Photosensitizers attenuate LPS-induced inflammation: implications in dentistry and general health.

Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) is a complementary therapeutic modality for periodontal and endodontic diseases, in which Gram-negative bacteria are directly involved. Currently, there are few evidences regarding the effects of aPDT on bacterial components such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and it would represent a major step forward in the clinical use of this therapy. In this context, this study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of different photosensitizers (PSs) used in aPDT in LPS inhibition. Four PSs were used in this study: methylene blue (MB), toluidine blue (TBO), new methylene blue (NMB), and curcumin (CUR). Different approaches to evaluate LPS interaction with PSs were used, such as spectrophotometry, Limulus amebocyte lysate (LAL) test, functional assays using mouse macrophages, and an in vivo model of LPS injection. Spectrophotometry showed that LPS decreased the absorbance of all PSs used, indicating interactions between the two species. LAL assay revealed significant differences in LPS concentrations upon pre-incubation with the different PSs. Interestingly, the inflammatory potential of LPS decreased after previous treatment with the four PSs, resulting in decreased secretion of inflammatory cytokines by macrophages. In vivo, pre-incubating curcumin with LPS prevented animals from undergoing septic shock within the established time. Using relevant models to study the inflammatory activity of LPS, we found that all PSs used in this work decreased LPS-induced inflammation, with a more striking effect observed for NMB and curcumin. These data advance the understanding of the mechanisms of LPS inhibition by PSs.

Osteoclast formation, inflammation, and matrix metalloproteinase-9 are downregulated in bone repair following root canal treatment in dogs teeth.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the inflammatory infiltrate, osteoclast formation, and expression of MMP-9 during the healing phase following root canal treatment in teeth with apical periodontitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Apical periodontitis was induced in dogs teeth, and root canal treatment was performed in a single visit or using calcium hydroxide as intracanal medication. One hundred and eighty days following treatment the presence of inflammation was examined, and the tissues were stained to detect osteoclasts by means of a tartrate resistant alkaline phosphatase (TRAP) assay. Synthesis of MMP-9 was detected using Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Teeth with apical periodontitis that had root canal therapy performed in a single visit presented a higher synthesis of MMP-9 compared with root canal treatment using calcium hydroxide. Treatment with calcium hydroxide resulted in a reduced amount of inflammatory cells and MMP-9 positive cells. Osteoclast formation, the number of MMP-9 positive osteoclasts and cementocytes, was reduced following root canal treatment, regardless of the root canal treatment protocol used. CONCLUSION: Root canal treatment reduced the amount of inflammatory cells and osteoclasts in periapical area. The use of calcium hydroxide as intracanal medication resulted in a lower synthesis of MMP-9, though the number of osteoclasts and MMP-9 positive osteoclasts were similar between the groups. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Periapical bone repair following root canal treatment is impacted by therapy performed either in single visit or using calcium hydroxide dressing measured by inflammatory cell recruitment, osteoclast formation, and MMP-9 synthesis.

The role of postnatal estrogen deficiency on cranium dimensions.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was investigate the cranium dimensions of adult female rats, who suffered estrogen deficiency during the prepubertal stage, to assess the impact of estrogen deficiency on craniofacial morphology. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-two female Wistar rats were divided into ovariectomy (OVX) (n = 11) and sham-operated control (n = 11) groups. Bilateral ovariectomy were performed in both groups at 21 days old (prepubertal stage), and rats were euthanized at an age of 63 days (post-pubertal stage). Micro-CT scans were performed with rat skulls, and the cranium morphometric landmark measurements were taken in the dorsal, lateral, and ventral view positions. Differences in measurements between the OVX and sham control groups were assessed using t test with an established alpha error of 5%. RESULTS: The measures of the rats' skull showed that the inter-zygomatic arch width and anterior cranial base length were significantly larger in OVX group (p = 0.020 and p = 0.050, respectively), whereas the length of parietal bone was significantly higher in the sham group (p = 0.026). For the remaining measurements no significant differences between groups were detected (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: This study provides evidence that ovariectomized rats had alterations in cranial bone dimensions, demonstrating that estrogens during puberty are important for skull morphology. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: To understand the role of estrogen on the postnatal cranium development will impact the clinical diagnose and therapy during childhood and adolescence.

Alteration of the oral microbiota may be a responsible factor, along with estrogen deficiency, by the development of larger periapical lesions.

OBJECTIVES: To answer the questions: (1) Does reducing estrogen levels influence the microbial composition of the oral cavity? (2) Does the presence of periapical lesion (PL) cause changes in the oral microbiota? (3) Since estrogen deficiency alters the oral microbiota, can this be one of the factors that contribute to the increase of the PL? MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-six rats were divided into four groups: sham (control), ovariectomy (OVX), control with PL (Sham + PL), and OVX + PL. After 9 weeks of OVX, the lower first molars were submitted to PL induction. After 21 days, the microbiological collection of the oral cavity was performed, and the animals were euthanized. The contents were evaluated by the checkerboard DNA-DNA hybridization method, to verify the prevalence of 40 bacterial species (divided into 7 microbial complexes). The blocks containing the lower first molars were submitted to histotechnical processing and staining with hematoxylin and eosin (HE), for the measurement of the periapical lesion area. The results were submitted to ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis tests and Tukey and Dunn post-tests, with a significance level of 5%. RESULTS: In conditions of estrogen deficiency, there was alteration of the oral microbiota. The OVX groups had a higher amount of bacteria compared to the SHAM group in most of the microbial complexes (p < 0.001). The animals in the control group (with or without lesion) did not present a statistically significant difference (p > 0.001) in any of the microbial complexes. The PLs in OVX animals were significantly higher compared to SHAM animals (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Hypoestrogenicity conditions interfere in the oral microbiota by increasing the amount of bacteria in the saliva and influencing the progression of periapical lesions. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This inedited study shows that deficiency of estrogen leads to alteration of the oral microbiota.

Effect of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs on pulpal and periapical inflammation induced by lipopolysaccharide.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in controlling pulpal and periapical inflammation in vivo as a potential coadjutant systemic therapy for pulpitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A suspension containing E. coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 1.0 µg/µL) was inoculated into the pulp chamber of the first molars of C57BL/6 mice (n = 72), and the animals were treated daily with indomethacin or celecoxib throughout the experimental periods. After 7, 14, 21, and 28 days, the tissues were removed for histopathological, histoenzymology, histometric, and immunohistochemical evaluation. RESULTS: Inoculation of LPS into the pulp chamber induced the synthesis of the enzyme cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in dental pulp and periapical region. Indomethacin and celecoxib treatment changed the profile of inflammatory cells recruited to dental pulp and to the periapex, which was characterized by a higher mononuclear cell infiltrate, compared to LPS inoculation alone which recruited a higher amount of polymorphonuclear neutrophils. Administration of indomethacin for 28 days resulted in the development of apical periodontitis and increased osteoclast recruitment, unlike celecoxib. CONCLUSIONS: NSAIDs indomethacin and celecoxib changed the recruitment of inflammatory cells to a mononuclear profile upon inoculation of LPS into the pup chamber, but indomethacin enhanced periapical bone loss whereas celecoxib did not. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Celecoxib, a selective COX-2 inhibitor, can change the profile of inflammatory cells recruited to the dental pulp challenged with LPS and might a be potential systemic coadjutant for treatment of pulpitis.