Presence of CXCR3-positive cells and IFN-gamma-producing cells in human periapical granulomas.

In an attempt to understand further the balance between the types of helper T (Th) cells in human apical periodontitis, we examined the difference in the expression of the chemokine receptor and cytokine in samples obtained from human subjects by means of immunohistochemical methods. Chemokine receptor CXCR3-positive cells and IFN-gamma-producing cells were found to be present in human periapical granulomas, whereas chemokine receptor CCR3-positive cells and IL-4-producing cells could not be detected. By contrast, no factor expression was observed in a clinically healthy periodontal ligament serving as a negative control. Our findings suggest that Th1 cells may play an important role in the pathological process of local inflammation such as apical periodontitis.

The usefulness of an autologous blood clot combined with gelatin for regeneration of periodontal tissue.

Several growth factors have been used in tissue regeneration therapy. Here we describe the use of an autologous blood clot combined with gelatin for teeth affected by severe periodontitis and vertical root fracture treated using three oral surgical procedures: periodontal flap surgery, intentional tooth replantation (IR), and tooth autotransplantation. Treatment with a blood clot improved the condition of the periodontal tissue, including reduction of pocket depth. Radiographical images demonstrated no evidence of ankylosis, and revealed the presence of alveolar bone regeneration. Our successful clinical outcome suggests that use of an autologous blood clot combined with gelatin is clinically effective for regeneration of lost periodontal tissue.

The usefulness of three-dimensional imaging for prognostication in cases of intentional tooth replantation.

This paper describes the utility of three-dimensional (3D) images obtained with cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) for prediction of successful clinical outcome in two cases of intentional tooth replantation (IR). IR was performed for teeth affected by vertical root fracture and root perforation with local application of blood clot and oxy-tetracycline antibiotic. High-resolution 3D images demonstrated no evidence of ankylosis, but did reveal the presence of alveolar bone regeneration, suggesting a good long-term prognosis. Our observations in these cases suggested that local application of the above two materials might help to induce the regeneration of lost periodontal tissues in IR.

The usefulness of three-dimensional imaging in the diagnosis and treatment of clinically ambiguous gingival swelling.

We evaluated and treated a 54-year-old woman with gingival swelling. Conventional intraoral and panoramic radiography did not provide sufficient information for either determining the cause of gingival swelling or planning treatment of clinical symptoms. The 3D Accuitomo XYZ Slice View Tomograph (3DX) is a compact dental computed tomography device that allowed for accurate identification and optimal treatment of the causes of gingival swelling. At four years after treatment, 3DX radiographs showed no abnormalities in treated teeth or healing of surrounding structures. We conclude that high-resolution 3D images obtained with 3DX promise to be very effective for diagnosing oral diseases and determining effective treatment.

Involvement of substance P, mast cells, TNF-alpha and ICAM-1 in the infiltration of inflammatory cells in human periapical granulomas.

BACKGROUND: Substance P (SP), a potent proinflammatory peptide present in sensory neurons, is believed to be a major mediator of neurogenic inflammation. The aim of this study was to examine the localization and involvement of SP, mast cells and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha)-positive cells in human periapical granulomas. METHODS: Sections from seven periapical granulomas were stained using a variety of immunohistochemical methods. RESULTS: SP-immunoreactive nerve fibers, mast cells and TNF-alpha-positive cells were found localized in the vicinity of blood vessels in all the samples of periapical granulomas. The vascular endothelial cells stained positively for E-selectin and intercellular adhesion molecule-1. SP, TNF-alpha-positive cells and E-selectin could not be detected in clinically healthy periodontal ligament, and served as a negative control. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that SP, mast cells, TNF-alpha-positive cells and E-selectin may modulate the pathogenesis of apical periodontitis and may be responsible for stimulating the formation of granuloma with the resorption of periapical bone.

The presence of chemokine (MCP-1, MIP-1alpha, MIP-1beta, IP-10, RANTES)-positive cells and chemokine receptor (CCR5, CXCR3)-positive cells in inflamed human gingival tissues.

Chemokines are said to be small peptides that are chemoattractants for leukocyte subpopulations within local inflammation sites. Gingival inflammation is characterized by infiltration of inflammatory mononuclear cells. The point of this study was to examine the presence or absence of chemokine-positive cells and chemokine receptor-positive cells by means of immunohistochemical methods in samples of gingival tissues obtained from patients with marginal periodontitis. Macrophage chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1alpha, MIP-1beta, (IFN-gamma)-inducible protein-10 (IP-10) and RANTES-producing cells were found to be present in inflamed human gingival tissues. In addition, CCR5- and CXCR3-positive cells were present. In contrast, no factor expression was observed in periodontally healthy gingival tissue. Our findings suggest that these chemokines may be responsible for modulating the process of infectious disease such as marginal periodontitis.

The presence of cytokine (IL-8, IL-1alpha, IL-1beta)-producing cells in inflamed gingival tissue from a patient manifesting Papillon-Lefevre syndrome(PLS).

The point of this study was to examine the presence or absence of cytokine-positive cells by means of immunohistochemical methods in the samples of inflamed gingival tissues obtained from an 11-year-old girl with Papillon-Lefevre syndrome (PLS). Interleukin-8 (IL-8)-positive cells were found to be present. In addition, IL-1alpha-and IL-1beta-positive cells were detected. No dysfunction in the phagocytosis and the bacterial killing of peripheral blood polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) was observed in this patient. Our findings suggest that these cytokines may be members responsible for modulating the process of rapidly progressive periodontitis for patient with PLS.

Humoral immune responses to S-layer-like proteins of Bacteroides forsythus.

Bacteroides forsythus is one of the important periodontopathic bacteria, and this microorganism is known to have an S-layer outside the outer membrane. The S-layer-like antigens were recently isolated from B. forsythus, and they were found to be 270- and 230-kDa proteins in the envelope fraction. In this study, these proteins were confirmed to be specific to B. forsythus by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and they were clearly recognized by sera from patients with adult and early-onset periodontitis in Western immmunoblot analysis. We compared the immunoglobulin G (IgG) responses against the purified S-layer-like antigen by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. IgG responses against this antigen were low in healthy control subjects, but they were significantly higher in subjects with adult and early-onset periodontitis. Together with the fact that the IgG responses against the crude extract of B. forsythus did not rise significantly in patients with periodontitis, S-layer-like proteins are considered to be specific antigens of B. forsythus and may play an important role in the progression of periodontitis.