The Role of Sulfhydryl (Thiols) Groups in Oral and Periodontal Diseases.

AIM: The sulfhydryl (thiols) group of glutathione plays an important role in the neutralization of foreign organic compounds and the reduction in peroxides. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the concentration of sulfhydryl groups in the gingival tissue of healthy individuals and those with gingivitis or periodontitis, and to examine the differences between these groups. MATERIAL AND METHODS: To assess the concentration of sulfhydryl groups (thiols) in the gingival tissue of healthy individuals and those with gingivitis or periodontitis, we used spectrophotometric analysis using dithionitrobenzoate (DTNB) as a reagent to measure the accessible sulfhydryl groups present in gingival tissue proteins. The sample was divided into three distinct groups: individuals with periodontal health, gingivitis, and periodontitis, and different indices were used to assess the periodontal status of the participants. Next, a statistical analysis was conducted to compare the concentrations of sulfhydryl groups among the different groups of patients. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study showed significantly decreased levels of sulfhydryl (thiols) groups in gingival tissue from patients with gingivitis and periodontitis, compared with healthy people (control group). These results confirm the role of sulfhydryl (thiols) groups in defense against free radicals. They share a significant role in detoxification, signal transduction, apoptosis, and various other functions at the molecular level.

Dental Number Anomalies and Their Prevalence According To Gender and Jaw in School Children 7 To 14 Years.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to find the prevalence of Hypodontia and Hyperdontia in different ethnicities in patients from 7 to 14 years old. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A group of 520 children were included aged 7 to 14 years, only the children who went to primary schools. Controls were performed by professional people to preserve the criteria of orthodontic abnormalities evaluation. The data were recorded in the individual card specially formulated for this research and all the patients suspected for hypodontia and hyperdontia the orthopantomography for confirmation was made. The data were analysed using descriptive statistical analysis using χ2 test for the significant difference for p ˂ 0.05 and Fisher test for p < 0.05. RESULTS: Hypodontia, not counting the patients with missing third molars was found in 18 patients researched or 3.46%. The most commonly missing teeth were the second lower premolars, the second upper premolars, second upper lateral incisors followed by the lower incisors. Hyperdontia not including the third molars was found in 4 cases of the participants or 0.76% from which the most frequent atypical tooth mesiodens and one case of bilateral hypodontia of a lateral upper incisor with typical shape and size. But there were no significant differences when tested between genders and jaws. CONCLUSION: The prevalence we found is similar to the prevalence in the region. Our findings indicate that there is a difference between the genders in the prevalence of hypodontia, but without statistical significance, while for hyperdontia we can't see such a difference between the sexes.