An assessment of unstimulated salivary flow rate, IgA and clinical oral dryness among active and passive smokers.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the impact of smoking on the whole salivary flow rate (SFR), IgA levels and clinical oral dryness (COD) among active and passive smokers. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The participants were categorized as active smokers (N = 54) or passive smokers (N = 163). Saliva was collected in tubes and placed in ice storage at -70°C. Salivary IgA levels were assessed in duplication using the enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. Following the saliva sample collection, the subjects were assessed for COD using the COD score, SFR and caries. Chi-square test, the t-test and ANOVA were employed to compare the clinical impact of the smoking status associated with specific variables (smoking status, number of cigarettes, active caries, gender, age, COD score, IgA level and SFR). A p-value of <0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Two hundred and seventeen subjects with the mean age of 32.86±6.30 years, with 145 males (66.8%) and 72 females (33.2%), were included in the study. Among the active smokers, 88.8% were males compared to 11.2% females. The active smokers had the mean age of 32.52 years, a COD score of 1.43, an IgA level of 1.39 g/l, and a SFR of 0.37 ml/min. Among the passive smokers, 59.5% were males and 40.5% were females, with the mean age of 32.97 years, a COD score of 0.87 g/l, an IgA level of 1.47, and a SFR of 0.42 ml/min. Active caries showed a positive correlation with the number of cigarettes, with significance in the >35 years age group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The study demonstrated significant differences in SFR, IgA and COD scores among the active and passive smokers. The number of cigarettes had a negative impact on saliva production, IgA levels, the oral health status, and the progression of caries with respect to age and gender. Smoking potentially leads to xerostomia associated with active caries. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2022;35(1):39-51.

Clinical, radiographic and restorative parameters for short tuberosity implants placed in smokers: a retrospective study with 5 year follow-up.

This study aimed to estimate and compare the clinical, radiographic, and restorative parameters around short tuberosity implants (STIs) placed in cigarette smokers (CS) and never smokers (NS). In this 60-month follow-up retrospective study, a total of 50 (37 males + 13 females) individuals who had received 82 dental implants were included. These participants were categorized into two groups as follows: (i) Group-1: 25 self-reported systemically healthy CS with 43 STIs; and (ii) Group-2: 25 self-reported systemically healthy NS with 39 STIs. In both groups, peri-implant plaque index (PI), probing depth (PD), bleeding on probing (BOP), and crestal bone loss (CBL) and restorative parameters were measured at 12 and 60 months of follow-up. Group comparisons were performed utilizing the Kruskal-Wallis test. The significance level was set at p < 0.05. In CS and NS, the mean age of participants was 58.5 and 60.7 years, respectively. No statistically significant differences were observed in the overall mean levels of PD and CBL around STIs among CS and NS. However, a statistically significant increase was observed in the mean scores of BOP and PI around STIs in the NS and CS at 12 and 60 months follow-up, respectively. In both groups, the loosening of the implant was the most frequently encountered type of STI failure. The outcomes of the present study suggest that STIs placed in maxillary tuberosity can show reliable clinical, radiographic, and restorative stability among cigarettes smokers and non-smokers. However, the role of smoking status and oral hygiene cannot be disregarded in this scenario.

Assessment of Tumor Angiogenesis by Expression of CD 105 in Ameloblastoma, Odontogenic Keratocyst and Central Giant Cell Lesion.

BACKGROUND: Angiogenesis is critical for tumor growth and reflects the aggressive behavior of invasive odontogenic lesions [like Ameloblastoma (AM), Odontogenic Keratocyst (OKC) and Central giant cell lesion (CGCL)]. Mean vascular density (MVD) shows the angiogenic potential and CD105 is an ideal endothelial biomarker due to its specificity to new blood vessels for MVD detection. The aim of the study was to compare the MVD (angiogenic potential) among AM, OKC and CGCL in comparison to Pyogenic Granuloma (PG) using CD105 biomarker. METHODS: Sixty-four primary cases of odontogenic invasive tumors (AM, OKC and CGCL) and PG, diagnosed clinically and histologically were included in the study, with 16 samples in each group. Tissue samples of peripheral AM, Peripheral GCL of jaws, malignant AM, and specimen with insufficient tissue were excluded. Tissue sections were embedded, processed and stained using Hematoxylin and Eosin (H and E). Immunohistochemistry was performed using antibodies against CD105, with positive brown cytoplasmic staining in the endothelial cells of neo-vasculature. Distinct countable, positively stained endothelial cell or clusters were evaluated under light microscope for identification of MVD. ANOVA and t-test were applied for statistical analysis of data. RESULTS: Highest MVD was displayed in CGCL (32.99±0.77) and the minimum was observed in OKC (7.21± 0.75) respectively. CGCL showed significantly higher MVD to AM, OKC and PG lesions (p <0.05). AM (8.07± 0.36) and Odontogenic Keratocyst (7.21± 0.75) showed comparable MVD, which was lower than PG (14.7± 0.96) and CGCL vascular density (p < 0.01) respectively. CONCLUSION: CGCL was most aggressive, with highest MVD among the investigated odontogenic lesions (OKC, AM and PG). The proliferative aggressive behavior of Odontogenic Keratocyst is comparable to AM due to comparable mean vascular density.
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Efficacy of Scaling and Root Planing with Photobiomodulation for Treating Periodontitis in Gutka Chewers: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Objective: To explore the influence of photobiomodulation (PBMT) as an adjuvant to scaling and root planing (SRP) for treating periodontitis among gutka chewers. Materials and methods: Self-reported smokeless-tobacco (gutka) users were enrolled; and underwent SRP with (test group) and without (control group) PBMT. Full-mouth plaque index (P-I), bleeding upon probing (BUP), probing depth (P-D) clinical attachment loss (CAL), marginal bone loss (MBL) (on mesial and distal surfaces of the teeth), and number of missing teeth were recorded before treatment and at 3 and 6 months. Group comparisons were performed and p < 0.05 was referred significant. Results: In the control group, P-I (p < 0.013), BUP (p < 0.001), and P-D (p < 0.012) were high at baseline compared with 3 months follow-up. P-I, BUP, and P-D were higher in the test group, at baseline in comparison with the 3-month (p < 0.001) and 6-month (p < 0.01) follow-up. At 3 and 6 months, scores of P-I, BUP, and P-D were high in the control compared with the test group. No difference in CAL, and mesial and distal MBL was found among patients of both groups at 3 and 6 months. Conclusions: Among gutka chewers, SRP with PBMT is more efficient than SRP alone in the management of periodontitis.

Expression of HER-2/neu in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: HER-2/neu is a member of the human epidermal growth factor (HER) family of transmembrane tyrosine kinases, which is significantly associated with the pathogenesis of various cancer types. The aim was to evaluate the expression of HER-2/neu in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) as a potential biomarker to target antigens for specific immunotherapy in OSCC. METHODS: One hundred and forty histologically diagnosed OSCC cases were identified. Four to five-micrometer thick formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tumor sections were stained with Haematoxylin and Eosin (H and E). Histological grade was assessed according to WHO/Broders classification, while tumors were staged according to the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) TNM classification from stage I to IV. Immunohistochemistry was performed by using Rabbit monoclonal antibody against HER-2/neu (EP700Y, cell marquee and diluted 1:50). FISH was performed on positive cases using Vysis PathVysion HER-2 DNA probe (Abbott USA). Probes consist of LSI HER gene spectrum orange and control probe CEP 17 spectrum green. RESULTS: In this study, males were mostly effected (64.3%) with buccal mucosa (49%) to be the commonly involved site for OSCC. Majority of cases were moderately differentiated (62.1%) and 50.7% tumors were Stage IV. HER-2/neu was found to be positive (2+) in one case of OSCC, however weak to moderate complete membrane staining was observed in >10% of the tumor cells. One hundred and thirty nine cases were HER-2/neu negative. FISH analysis of HER-2/neu positive cases also showed gene amplification (Her2-neu/ CEp 17 = 225/33 = 7.2). CONCLUSIONS: The study showed disparity in the expression of HER-2/neu in OSCC, which is due to multiple reasons. Therefore therapy against HER-2/neu in OSCC is debatable.

Influence of body fat in patients with dental implant rehabilitation treated with adjunctive photodynamic therapy.

BACKGROUND: Obesity appears to govern peri-implant hard and soft tissue health. We hypothesized that adjunctive photodynamic therapy (aPDT), improves clinical peri-implant perimeters and alleviates peri-implant crevicular fluid (PICF) levels of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6 and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) in obese with moderate peri-implantitis. The current clinic-laboratory study aimed to determine whether obesity influences the outcomes of aPDT in patients with moderate peri-implantitis. METHODS: A total of 49 patients (24 obese and 25 non-obese) with moderate periodontitis receiving aPDT were included. Clinical characteristics including peri-implant probing depth (PIPD), peri-implant bleeding on probing (PIBOP), and peri-implant plaque index (PIPI) were measured. PICF levels of TNF-a, IL-6 and hsCRP were assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Both clinical and cytokine assessments were performed at baseline, three months and six months, respectively. Intra-group comparisons of changes in clinical parameters pre and post PDT was performed using Friedman test. Comparison of changes of TNF-a, IL-6 and hsCRP levels within group was performed using Kruskal-Wallis test. RESULTS: When compared with the baseline, a considerable reduction in PIPI, PIBOP and PIPD was observed in obese as well as non-obese patients at three- and six-months follow-up. At three months follow-up, a statistically significant difference was observed in PIPI (p < 0.05), PIBOP (p < 0.05) and PIPD (p < 0.05) among obese and non-obese individuals. Additionally, when compared with the baseline, a statistically significant difference was noticed in PICF volume (p < 0.05) and levels of TNF-α (p < 0.05) and IL-6 (p < 0.05) in non-obese as well as obese at three- and six-months follow-up. CONCLUSION: With the application of aPDT, considerable improvement was observed in peri-implant inflammatory parameters among obese and non-obese patients with moderate peri-implantitis. Obesity did not appear to influence aPDT outcome in patients with moderate peri-implantitis.

Oral Candida carriage among cigarette- and waterpipe-smokers, and electronic cigarette users.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this cross-sectional study was to compare oral Candida carriage among cigarette- and waterpipe-smokers, electronic cigarette (E-Cig) users, and never-smokers. METHODS: Demographic data and information regarding smoking and vaping were collected using a questionnaire. Number of missing teeth and unstimulated whole salivary flow rate (UWSFR) were recorded. Oral Candida samples were collected and identified using concentrated oral rinse culture technique and PCR, respectively. Level of significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: Thirty-four cigarette-smokers (Group-1), 33 waterpipe-smokers (Group-2), 30 E-Cig users (Group-3), and 32 never-smokers (Group-4) were included. All were male participants with comparable mean ages. In groups 1, 2, 3, and 4, oral Candida carriage rate was 100%, 100%, 83.3% and 50%, respectively. The most commonly isolated oral yeast species in all groups was C. albicans. C. albicans carriage was significantly higher in groups 1 (p < 0.05), 2 (p < 0.05), and 3 (p < 0.05) than Group-4. Data stratification for age, missing teeth, and UWSFR showed no significant difference in oral yeasts carriage in groups 1, 2, and 3. CONCLUSIONS: Oral C. albicans carriage was significantly higher among cigarette- and waterpipe-smokers and E-Cig users than never-smokers. No significant differences were identified among groups in the oral carriage of other Candida species.

Peri-implant soft tissue status and crestal bone levels around adjacent implants placed in cigarette smokers and never smokers: Five-year follow-up results.

BACKGROUND: It is hypothesized that peri-implant soft tissue inflammation and crestal bone loss (CBL) are higher around adjacent implants placed in cigarette smokers compared with never smokers. The aim of the present 5-years follow-up retrospective clinical study was to compare the peri-implant soft tissue status and CBL around adjacent implants placed in cigarette smokers and never smokers. METHODS: Cigarette smokers (group 1) and never smokers (group 2) with adjacent dental implants were included. Demographic information regarding age, sex, duration of smoking (pack-years), daily frequency of toothbrushing and most recent visit to a dentist or dental hygienist were recorded using a questionnaire. Information regarding implant dimensions (length × diameter), duration of implants in function, loading protocol (and type of restoration was recorded. Peri-implant plaque index (PI), bleeding on probing (BOP), probing depth (PD), and mesial and distal CBL were measured. P <0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Seventy-two male participants (37 in group 1 and 35 in group 2) were included. The mean age of individuals in groups 1 and 2 were 50.3 ± 5.4 and 48.5 ± 3.8 years, respectively. In group 1, the mean duration of cigarette smoking was 22.3 ± 1.6 pack years. A family history of smoking was more often reported by individuals in group 1 compared with group 2. In groups 1 and 2, 54 and 70 adjacent implants, respectively were placed in the regions of missing premolars and molars. All implants were delayed loaded and were fixed with non-splinted screw-retained restorations. In groups 1 and 2, toothbrushing twice daily was reported by 78.3% and 74.2% individuals, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in peri-implant PI, BOP, PD, and mesial and distal CBL among individuals in groups 1 and 2. CONCLUSION: Peri-implant soft tissue status and crestal bone levels were comparable around adjacent dental implants placed in cigarette smokers and never smokers.

Proinflammatory cytokine levels and peri-implant parameters among cigarette smokers, individuals vaping electronic cigarettes, and non-smokers.

BACKGROUND: Tobacco smoking compromises the prognosis of dental implant treatment and is associated with increased risk of peri-implant bone loss and increased implant failure rate. There is a dearth of studies that have compared clinical, radiographic, and immunological peri-implant parameters among cigarette smokers (CS), individuals vaping e-cigarettes (e-cigs), and non-smokers (NS). This study aimed to compare clinical and radiographic peri-implant parameters and levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 and interleukin (IL)-1ß levels among CS, individuals' vaping e-cigs, and NS. METHODS: Thirty-two CS (group 1), 31 individuals vaping e-cigs (group 2), and 32 NS (group 3) were included. Demographic- and implant-related data were collected using a structured baseline questionnaire. Peri-implant plaque index (PI), bleeding on probing (BOP), and probing depth (PD) were recorded and marginal bone loss (MBL) were assessed using standardized digital radiographs. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to assess levels of MMP-9 and IL-1ß in peri-implant sulcular fluid. Pearson correlation coefficient was used to analyze for correlations of MMP-9 and IL-1ß levels with peri-implant parameters. RESULTS: BOP showed significantly higher values in group 3 as compared with groups 1 and 2 (P < 0.01). PI (P < 0.01), PD ≥ 4 mm (P < 0.01), and mean concentrations of MMP-9 (P < 0.001) and IL-1ß (P < 0.01) were significantly higher in groups 1 and 2 than group 3. MBL was significantly higher in group 1 as compared with group 2 and group 3 (P < 0.01). Significant positive correlations were found between MMP-9 (P = 0.0198) and IL-1ß (P = 0.0047) levels and MBL in group 1; and a significant positive correlation between IL-1ß and MBL in group 2 (P = 0.0031). CONCLUSIONS: Peri-implant health was compromised among CS than vaping individuals and NS. Increased levels of proinflammatory cytokines in CS and vaping individuals may suggest greater peri-implant inflammatory response.

Clinical and radiographic periodontal status and whole salivary cotinine, IL-1ß and IL-6 levels in cigarette- and waterpipe-smokers and E-cig users.

The aim was to compare the clinical (plaque index [PI], bleeding on probing [BOP], probing pocket depth [PPD] and clinical attachment loss [CAL]) and radiographic (marginal bone loss [MBL]) periodontal parameters and whole salivary cotinine, interleukin (IL)-1ß and IL-6 levels among cigarette-smokers, waterpipe-smokers, E-cig users and never-smokers. In total, 154 male individuals (39 cigarette-smokers, 40 waterpipe-smokers, 37 E-cig users and 38 never-smokers) were included. Full mouth PI, BOP, PPD and CAL were measured on all teeth (excluding third molars); and MBL was measured in digital intra-oral radiographs. Unstimulated whole salivary flow rate (UWSFR) and whole salivary cotinine, IL-1ß and IL-6 levels were measured. Group comparisons were performed using one way analysis of variance and Bonferroni post-hoc tests. P-values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. There was no difference in UWSFR among the groups. Cotinine levels were significantly higher among cigarette- (P < 0.001) and waterpipe-smokers (P < 0.001) and E-cig users (P < 0.001) than never-smokers. IL-1ß (P < 0.01) and IL-6 (P < 0.01) levels were significantly higher among cigarette- and waterpipe-smokers than E-cig users and never-smokers. There was no difference in PPD, CAL, mesial and distal MBL and whole salivary IL-1ß and IL-6 levels among E-cig users and never-smokers. In conclusion, clinical and radiographic parameters of periodontal inflammation were poorer in cigarette and waterpipe smokers than E-cig users and never-smokers; and whole salivary cotinine levels were similar in all groups. Whole salivary IL-1ß and IL-6 levels were higher in cigarette- and waterpipe-smokers than E-cig users and never-smokers.

Effectiveness of adjunctive antimicrobial photodynamic therapy in reducing peri-implant inflammatory response in individuals vaping electronic cigarettes: A randomized controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: There are no studies that have assessed the effectiveness of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) in reducing peri-implant inflammatory response in individuals vaping electronic cigarettes (e-cigs). This study explored the effectiveness of aPDT as an adjunct to mechanical debridement (MD) in the treatment of peri-implant mucositis (p-iM) in individuals vaping e-cigs. METHODS: Vaping individuals with p-iM were divided into 2 groups: (a) Group-I: receiving MD with aPDT (test group); and (b) Group-II: MD only (control group). Peri-implant inflammatory parameters including plaque index (PI), bleeding on probing (BoP), and pocket depth (PD) were assessed at baseline and 12-weeks follow-up. Inter- and intra-group comparisons were made using Mann-Whitney U test and Wilcoxon signed ranks test. P-value < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Thirty-eight male patients (20 in Group-I and 18 in Group-II) were included. The mean age of vaping individuals in groups I and II were 33.6 ±â€¯2.8 and 35.4 ±â€¯2.1 years, respectively. Mean daily frequency of vaping e-cigs in groups I and II was 7.3 ±â€¯0.9 and 5.9 ±â€¯1.0 whereas mean duration of vaping e-cigs was 4.8 ±â€¯1.5 and 4.1 ±â€¯1.3 years respectively. There was no significant difference between groups at baseline. There was significant improvement in PI (p < 0.001) and PD (p < 0.001) at 12-weeks follow-up with respect to the baseline visit in both groups. There was a significant reduction in PI (p < 0.001) and PD (p < 0.001) for group-I as compared to group-II at follow-up. There was no statistically significant difference for BoP between groups at follow-up. CONCLUSION: Antimicrobial PDT is more effective compared to MD alone in the treatment of p-iM in individuals vaping e-cigs. The findings of the present study should be considered preliminary and interpreted with caution. Further randomized clinical trials should be performed in order to obtain strong conclusions.

Hepatocyte growth factor levels in the saliva and gingival crevicular fluid in smokers with periodontitis.

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) production by oral fibroblasts is enhanced by various molecules that are induced during inflammatory conditions including periodontitis. HGF plays an important role in the progression of periodontitis, by stimulating intense growth of epithelial cells and preventing regeneration of connective tissue attachments. Smokers have a greater risk factor in the pathogenesis and progression of periodontal disease. The objective of the study was to estimate the level of HGF in saliva and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) in smokers with periodontitis and to compare these levels with that of nonsmokers with periodontitis and healthy controls. The HGF levels were found to be significantly high in the saliva and GCF of smokers with periodontitis compared to both never-smokers with periodontitis and the healthy control group. The elevated levels of HGF in the saliva and GCF in the study population could explain the intrinsic mechanism triggering the severity of the periodontitis in smokers. Further studies are necessary to validate the current observations and to establish a sensitive marker to predict periodontal disease activity.

Increased levels of serum and gingival crevicular fluid monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 in smokers with periodontitis.

BACKGROUND: Smoking alters the host response, including vascular function, neutrophil/monocyte activities, adhesion molecule expression, antibody production, and cytokine and inflammatory mediator release. Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) is involved in the activation and recruitment of inflammatory and immune cells to infected sites, thereby mediating a variety of pathophysiologic conditions. Estimation of serum and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) MCP levels could be a reliable indicator of periodontal disease activity. Hence, the objective of this study is to analyze the serum and GCF MCP-1 levels of smokers and never-smokers with periodontitis and compare them with those in periodontally healthy individuals. METHODS: A total of 90 participants (30 periodontally healthy individuals, 30 non-smoking individuals with periodontitis, and 30 smokers with periodontitis) formed the study group. Serum and GCF samples were collected, and MCP-1 levels were estimated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: Mean MCP-1 levels in serum and GCF were found to be highest in smokers with periodontitis, followed by the periodontitis group, and then by the healthy controls. The values were statistically significant (P <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: It can be concluded that the high levels of both serum and GCF MCP-1 found in smokers could explain the severity of periodontitis in smokers. More longitudinal, prospective studies will help to verify the observations of the present study. Further research in this direction could reveal reliable markers to forecast the progression of periodontitis in high-risk groups.