Influence of photoactivation on tissue response to different dyes used in photodynamic therapy and laser ablation therapy.

Laser ablation therapy (LA) uses Indocyanine Green dye (ICG) which efficiently absorbs laser energy and the increased temperature results in an instantaneous flame that chars tissue and microbes. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) uses different dyes that are activated by light to kill bacteria. This study evaluated the biocompatibility of the dye Curcumin (CUR), Methylene Blue (MB), and Indocyanine Green (ICG) before and after laser activation (ACT). Polyethylene tubes containing one of the dyes were implanted in the subcutaneous tissue of 32 rats (4 tubes per rat) which were divided into 8 groups: C - control (saline solution); C + ACT (Red Laser 660 nm); CUR; CUR + ACT (480 nm blue LED); MB; MB + ACT (Red Laser 660 nm); ICG; ICG + ACT (810 nm Infrared Laser). After 7 and 30 days (n = 8/time), the rats were euthanized and the tubes with the surrounding tissue were removed and processed for histological analysis of inflammation using H&E stain, and collagen fiber maturation using picrosirius red (PSR). A two-way analysis of variance statistical test was applied (p < 0.05). At 7 days, regardless of laser activation, the CUR group showed a greater inflammatory infiltrate compared to the ICG and control groups, and the MB group had a greater inflammation only in relation to the control (p < 0.05). At 30 days, CUR and MB groups showed a greater inflammatory infiltrate than the control (p < 0.05). ICG group was equal to the control in both periods, regardless of the laser activation (p > 0.05). Laser activation induced the proliferation of collagen immature fibers at 7 days, regardless of the dye (p < 0.05). The CUR group showed a lower percentage of immature and mature fibers at 7 days, compared to ICG and control (p < 0.05) and, at 30 days, compared to control (p < 0.05). Regardless of laser activation, the ICG showed the results of collagen maturation closest to the control (p > 0.05). It was concluded that all dyes are biocompatible and that laser activation did not interfere with biocompatibility. In addition, the maturity of collagen was adequate before and after the laser activation. These results demonstrate that the clinical use of dyes is safe even when activated with a laser.

In vitro study on how photodynamic therapy and calcium hydroxide medication influence adhesive interface properties of glass-fiber posts to intraradicular dentin.

PURPOSE: This in vitro study evaluated the influence of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT), using methylene blue (MB) as photosensitizer (PS) and calcium hydroxide (CH) as intracanal medication on adhesive bond strength, sealing, and integrity of the luting interface of glass-fiber posts to different thirds of endodontically treated root canal dentin. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 102 incisors were sorted into 6 groups: a negative control irrigated with deionized water; a positive control irrigated with deionized water and filled with CH; CH + MB 50 mg/L without laser radiation; CH + MB 100 mg/L without laser radiation; CH + MB 50 mg/L radiated by red laser; and CH + MB 100 mg/L radiated by red laser. Push-out bond strength (n = 8), adhesive interface sealing (n = 3), and volume and quantification of voids (n = 6) were assessed using a universal testing machine, confocal laser scanning microscope, and computerized microtomography, respectively. Scanning electron micrographs were obtained from representative samples to qualify the fracture patterns. Push-out bond strength and adhesive interface integrity data were subjected to 2-way ANOVA for repeated measures followed by Tukey's test (α = 0.05). Adhesive interface sealing was evaluated by the inter-examiner Kappa test and submitted to Kruskal-Wallis and Dunns tests (α = 0.05). RESULTS: Assessing the apical region, the positive control and MB100WA + Ca(OH)2 groups showed lower adhesive bond strength compared to the MB100A + Ca(OH)2 group (P < 0.05). The cervical third showed higher bond strength than the apical third for the positive control, MB50WA + Ca(OH)2, MB100WA + Ca(OH)2, and MB50A + Ca(OH)2 groups (P < 0.05). A prevalence of mixed failure was observed in all experimental groups. There were no statistically significant differences in adhesive interface sealing for any of the parameters assessed (P > 0.05). MB100WA + Ca(OH)2 and MB100A + Ca(OH)2 groups promoted a higher volume and quantification of voids compared to the negative control group evaluating the cervical third (P < 0.05). In general, there were no differences in the quantification of voids comparing the intraradicular thirds (P > 0.05), differently to the volume of voids in which, in general, the cervical third promoted higher values compared to the middle and apical thirds (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: aPDT with methylene blue PS at 50 mg/L associated with calcium hydroxide as intracanal medication demonstrated satisfactory bond strength, sealing, and integrity of the adhesive interface at any intraradicular depth.

Curcumin reduces inflammation in rat apical periodontitis.

AIM: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of systemic curcumin administration on the severity of apical periodontitis (AP). METHODOLOGY: Forty male Wistar rats weighing 250-280 g each, age 2.5 months, were distributed into four groups (n = 10): control untreated rats (C), control rats treated with curcumin (CUR), rats with pulp exposure-induced apical periodontitis (AP) and rats with pulp exposure-induced apical periodontitis treated with curcumin (AP-CUR). Curcumin treatment was administered orally once daily for 15 days before pulp exposure and continued for 30 days after pulp exposure. The rats were sacrificed at 30 days, and the jaws were collected and reconstructed in a programme specific for micro-CT. The jaws were processed for analysis of the inflammatory process using haematoxylin and eosin staining and immunohistochemical assays for interleukin tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin (Il)-6 and Il-1ß. Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) and osteocalcin (OCN) staining were used to analyse the resorptive process on the bone surface of periapical area. Kruskal-Wallis with Dunn's test was performed for nonparametric data and anova with Tukey's test for parametric data, p < .05. RESULTS: Micro-CT revealed no statistically significant differences in bone resorption between the AP and AP-CUR groups (p > .05). The levels of inflammatory cell infiltration and immunoreactivity for the proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α, Il-6 and Il-1ß were significantly higher in the periapical lesions of the AP group than in the AP-CUR group (p < .05). The number of TRAP-positive multinucleated cells was higher in the AP group than in the AP-CUR group (p < .05). In OCN-positive cells, no differences were observed between the AP and AP-CUR groups (p > .05). CONCLUSIONS: Oral supplementation with curcumin had a significant effect on the AP severity in rats, suggesting an anti-inflammatory effect of curcumin on AP development.

Effects of methylene blue and curcumin photosensitizers on the color stability of endodontically treated intraradicular dentin.

BACKGROUND: Photodynamic therapy with photosensitizers can reduce the microbial load. However, few studies have evaluated the effects of photosensitizers on the color stability of endodontically treated intraradicular dentin. This in vitro study investigated the effects of methylene blue and curcumin photosensitizers used in photodynamic therapy on the color stability of intraradicular dentin. METHODS: Sixty human incisors were divided into three experimental groups according to the photosensitizer solutions used and their concentrations: methylene blue (25 mg/L), curcumin (1000 mg/L), and curcumin (1500 mg/L). The color stability of endodontically treated intraradicular dentin was evaluated using a portable reflectance spectrophotometer before and after the samples been storage in 2 mL of the photosensitizer solutions during 5 min (n = 20). Color stability data were subjected to a normality test, and statistical analysis was performed using the one-way analysis of variance and Tukey least significant difference test (α = 0.05). RESULTS: Samples treated with 25 mg/L methylene blue photosensitizer showed a higher level of color alteration than those stored in 1000 mg/L curcumin (p = .03322). However, there was no significant difference in the color alteration profiles between the samples treated with 25 mg/L methylene blue and 1500 mg/L curcumin (p = .36428). Furthermore, there was no difference in the color alteration profiles between the dentin samples immersed in 1000 mg/L and 1500 mg/L curcumin photosensitizer solutions (p = .45321). CONCLUSIONS: Methylene blue and curcumin photosensitizers influenced the color stability of endodontically treated intraradicular dentin, and this color alteration exceeded the clinical acceptability threshold. Samples treated with 25 mg/L methylene blue showed the highest level of color alteration.

Antibiofilm activity of laser ablation with indocyanine green activated by different power laser parameters compared with photodynamic therapy on root canals infected with Enterococcus faecalis.

BACKGROUND: Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) is used as an adjunct to endodontic treatment to enhance microbial reduction in the root canal system. However, studies evaluating the impact of laser ablation with Indocyanine Green (ICG) are scarce. Thus, this in vitro study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of laser ablation with ICG using different laser parameters compared with aPDT using photosensitizer methylene blue (MB) and curcumin (CUR) on the reduction of E. faecalis biofilms on root canals. METHODS: Forty-nine human premolars were used after biomechanical instrumentation for standardization. The root canals were contaminated with E. faecalis for 10 days to form biofilms, and divided into 7 groups (n = 7): 0.01% MB activated by red laser - MB+RL; 0.05% CUR activated by blue LED - CUR+BL; 0.05% ICG activated by infrared diode laser (2.5 W power, 30 ms interval, and 30 ms duration) - ICG+DL 2.5/30/30; 0.05% ICG activated by infrared diode laser (2.5 W power, 300 ms interval, and 100 ms duration) - ICG+DL 2.5/300/100; 0.05% ICG activated by infrared diode laser (3 W power, 300 ms interval, and 100 ms duration) - ICG+DL 3/300/100; sterile saline solution (negative control) - NC; and 2.5% NaOCl (positive control) - PC. Root canal sampling was performed prior to and immediately after the different treatment protocols. Data were submitted to One- and Two-Way ANOVA, followed by Student-Newman-Keuls test or Fisher LSD's test (α = 0.05). RESULTS: All aPDT protocols promoted significant CFU reductions compared with the NC; the highest CFU reduction was observed for PC (p < 0.05). Among the protocols the highest CFU reduction was promoted by laser ablation with ICG+DL 3/300/100 (p < 0.05) except compared with aPDT using CUR+BL (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Laser ablation protocol using ICG+DL proved to be efficient in reducing E. faecalis biofilms, especially when activated at 3/300/100 configuration.

Cyclic fatigue resistance of novel Genius and Edgefile nickel-titanium reciprocating instruments.

This study aimed to assess the cyclic fatigue resistance of Genius and EdgeFile X1 reciprocating instruments compared with WaveOne Gold Primary. Twenty Genius (Ultradent) 25.04, 20 Genius 30.04, 20 EdgeFile X1 (EdgeEndo) and 20 WaveOne Gold Primary (Dentsply Maillefer) instruments were included in this study and tested in a static cyclic fatigue testing device, which has an artificial stainless steel canal with a 60° angle of curvature and a 5-mm radius of curvature. All instruments were operated in reciprocation mode until fracture occurred. The number of cycles to failure (NCF) was calculated and time to fracture (TF) was recorded in seconds using a digital chronometer. The mean and standard deviations of NCF and TF were calculated for each reciprocating system and the data were subjected to Kruskal-Wallis one-way analysis of variance and to Dunn's test (p < .05) using SigmaPlot software (Systat software, CA, USA). The fractured surfaces of five instruments from each brand were randomly examined and microphotographed by a low-vacuum environmental scanning electron microscopy - SEM (Tabletop Microscope TM3030, Hitachi, Japan) to confirm the cyclic fatigue fracture. EdgeFile exhibited the highest cyclic fatigue resistance, followed by both Genius files (p < .05). Within the limitations of this in vitro study, EdgeFile X1 instruments had significantly higher cyclic fatigue resistance than did Genius and WaveOne Gold Primary instruments. The cyclic fatigue resistance of both Genius files was higher than that of WaveOne Gold Primary.

Cleaning effectiveness of a nickel-titanium ultrasonic tip in ultrasonically activated irrigation: a SEM study.

In endodontic treatment, regardless of the instrumentation technique, the presence of a smear layer covering contaminated dentin walls is always a concern. Thus, irrigation plays an essential role in reducing bacterial load. To enhance irrigation effectiveness, different ultrasonic activation methods and the use of different tips have been studied. This study assessed the cleaning capacity of the novel NiTi ultrasonic tip for smear layer removal using ultrasonically activated irrigation (UAI) with passive or continuous ultrasonic irrigation (PUI or CUI, respectively), compared with conventional irrigation. Forty-five single-rooted human mandibular premolars were decoronated to a standardized length of 16 mm. Instrumentation was performed using the Genius system up to size 50.04 and irrigated with 3% NaOCl. The specimens were divided into three groups (n = 15) according to the final irrigation activation technique: conventional irrigation (CI), as control group; PUI; and CUI, following the manufacturer's protocol. The samples were longitudinally cleaved and analyzed under a scanning electron microscope for smear layer removal according to a cleanliness score for the cervical, middle, and apical thirds. Data were evaluated by means of the Kruskal-Wallis and Tukey's tests, with a 5% level of significance. UAI enhanced cleaning compared to conventional irrigation, mainly at the apical third. CUI showed the best results, with statistically significant lower scores than PUI and CI (p < 0.05). Final irrigant activation with the NiTi tip showed better cleaning capacity than conventional irrigation. In addition, CUI resulted in better smear layer removal than PUI.

Cleaning effectiveness of a nickel-titanium ultrasonic tip in ultrasonically activated irrigation: a SEM study

Abstract In endodontic treatment, regardless of the instrumentation technique, the presence of a smear layer covering contaminated dentin walls is always a concern. Thus, irrigation plays an essential role in reducing bacterial load. To enhance irrigation effectiveness, different ultrasonic activation methods and the use of different tips have been studied. This study assessed the cleaning capacity of the novel NiTi ultrasonic tip for smear layer removal using ultrasonically activated irrigation (UAI) with passive or continuous ultrasonic irrigation (PUI or CUI, respectively), compared with conventional irrigation. Forty-five single-rooted human mandibular premolars were decoronated to a standardized length of 16 mm. Instrumentation was performed using the Genius system up to size 50.04 and irrigated with 3% NaOCl. The specimens were divided into three groups (n = 15) according to the final irrigation activation technique: conventional irrigation (CI), as control group; PUI; and CUI, following the manufacturer's protocol. The samples were longitudinally cleaved and analyzed under a scanning electron microscope for smear layer removal according to a cleanliness score for the cervical, middle, and apical thirds. Data were evaluated by means of the Kruskal-Wallis and Tukey's tests, with a 5% level of significance. UAI enhanced cleaning compared to conventional irrigation, mainly at the apical third. CUI showed the best results, with statistically significant lower scores than PUI and CI (p < 0.05). Final irrigant activation with the NiTi tip showed better cleaning capacity than conventional irrigation. In addition, CUI resulted in better smear layer removal than PUI.

Tissue reaction to Aroeira (Myracrodruon urundeuva) extracts associated with microorganisms: an in vivo study

Abstract: Based on aroeira's (Myracrodruon urundeuva) antimicrobial activity and a future trend to compose intracanal medication, the aim of this study was to assess in vivo inflamatory tissue response to the extracts by edemogenic and histological analysis containing inactivated facultative and anaerobic microorganisms. For edema quantification, eighteen animals were divided into three groups (n = 3, periods: 3 and 6 hours) and 0.2 mL of 1% Evans blue per 100 g of body weight was injected into the penile vein under general anesthesia. After 30 min the animals received a subcutaneous injection in the dorsal region of aqueous or ethanolic extract of aroeira or saline (control) containing inactivated bacteria. Samples were collected, immersed in formamide for 72h, and evaluated by spectrophotometry (630 m). For histological analysis, polyethylene tubes with the extracts were implanted in the dorsal of 30 male rats. Analysis of the fibrous capsule and inflammatory infiltrate were performed after 7 and 30 days. The aqueous extract group induced less edema in both postoperative periods compared to the other groups, but the differences were not significant (p > 0.05). Tissue repair was significantly better after 30 days than after 7 days (p < 0.01). The aqueous solution showed less inflammatory response than the ethanolic solution (p < 0.05), with tendency for better results than control after 7 days. After 30 days, the response to both extracts was similar to control. The aqueous and ethanolic aroeira extracts containing inactivated microorganisms showed a trend for better results than saline, even when associated with microorganisms, and facilitated the tissue repair process.

Diabetic Rats Present High Mean Platelet Count in the Presence of Oral Infections

Abstract Platelet count is associated with inflammatory diseases like diabetes mellitus (DM), which in turn, is related in a bidirectional manner with apical periodontitis and periodontal disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of apical periodontitis and/or periodontal disease on mean platelet count in a rat model of diabetes mellitus. Eighty Wistar rats were randomly divided into 8 groups (n=10): control (C), apical periodontitis (AP), periodontal disease (PD), apical periodontitis with periodontal disease (AP-PD), diabetes mellitus (DM), diabetes mellitus with apical periodontitis (DM-AP), diabetes mellitus with periodontal disease (DM-PD) and diabetes mellitus with apical periodontitis and periodontal disease (DM-AP-PD). Rats were anesthetized and DM was induced with a single dose of streptozotocin diluted in citrate buffer solution. After 6 days, the DM was confirmed. The animals were sedated and apical periodontitis was induced by dental exposure and periodontal disease was induced by periodontal ligature. After 30 days, animals were anesthetized and the blood was collected by cardiac puncture. Samples were processed and the mean platelet count was obtained. Data were tabulated and subjected to statistical analysis (p<0.05). Diabetic rats had higher mean glycemic levels compared with nondiabetic rats at 6 and 36 days after DM induction (p<0.05). The DM-PD and DM-PD-AP groups showed increased mean platelet count compared to control and AP groups (p<0.05). The periodontal disease alone or associated with apical periodontitis influence mean platelet count in a rat model of diabetes mellitus.

Resumo A contagem de plaquetas está associada a doenças inflamatórias como a diabetes mellitus (DM), que, por sua vez, está relacionada de forma bidirecional com periodontite apical e com a doença periodontal. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os efeitos da periodontite apical e/ou da doença periodontal na contagem de plaquetas utilizando o modelo de rato para DM. Oitenta ratos Wistar foram divididos aleatoriamente em 8 grupos (n=10): controle (C), periodontite apical (AP), doença periodontal (PD), periodontite apical com doença periodontal (AP-PD), diabetes mellitus (DM), diabetes mellitus com periodontite apical (DM-AP), diabetes mellitus com doença periodontal (DM-PD) e diabetes mellitus com periodontite apical e doença periodontal (DM-AP-PD). Os ratos foram anestesiados e a DM foi induzida com uma dose única de estreptozotocina diluída na solução tampão citrato. Após 6 dias, o DM foi confirmada. Os animais foram sedados e a periodontite apical foi induzida pela exposição dentária e a doença periodontal foi induzida por ligadura periodontal. Após 30 dias, os animais foram anestesiados e o sangue foi coletado por punção cardíaca. As amostras foram processadas e a contagem média de plaquetas foi obtida. Os dados foram tabulados e submetidos a análise estatística (p <0,05). Os ratos diabéticos apresentaram níveis glicêmicos médios mais elevados em comparação com ratos não diabéticos aos 6 e 36 dias após a indução da DM (p <0,05). Os grupos DM-PD e DM-PD-AP mostraram aumento da contagem média de plaquetas em comparação com os grupos controle e AP (p <0,05). A doença periodontal isolada ou associada à periodontite apical influencia na contagem de plaquetas em modelo de rato para diabetes mellitus.

Rat tissue reaction and cytokine production induced by antimicrobial photodynamic therapy.

BACKGROUND: The antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) inactivates the target cell via reactions among the photosensitizer (PS), Laser or Led and O2. The aim of this study was to evaluate the tissue reaction and cytokine production promoted by aPDT with curcumin photosensitizer. METHODS: Polyethylene tubes containing saline solution (control), 5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and aPDT with curcumin PS 500mg/L, were implanted into dorsal connective tissue of Wistar rats. After 7, 15, 30, 60 and 90days of implantation, the animals were euthanized and the tubes with surrounding tissues were removed. The specimens were divided in two part, one half was processed, fixed and prepared for histological analysis by staining with hematoxylin and eosin. The other half was collected for IL-1ß and IL-6 cytokine production using ELISA assay. The results were statistically analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis test followed by Dunn test (p<0.05) for tissue reaction and ANOVA followed by Bonferroni's correction (p<0.05) for ELISA. RESULTS: All groups showed severe tissue reactions at 7days, whilst a significantly decrease by time was observed. Regarding to cytokine production, aPDT increases the IL-1ß levels in all periods of time (p<0.05). However, for IL-6 levels, the highest value was observed with aPDT on the 90th day (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: aPDT with curcumin PS 500mg/L demonstrated biocompatibility similar to saline solution and induced the IL-1ß and IL-6 cytokines production.

Mixing failures of endodontic sealers: an in vivo biocompatibility study / Falhas durante espatulação de cimentos endodônticos: um estudo de biocompatibilidade in vivo

Objectives: Evaluate, in vivo, the influence of mixing failures on endodontic sealers. Material and Methods: To alveolus analysis, 80 rats were divided into Sealapex® and AH Plus® groups. Within each group, the sealer was subjected to either partial (incomplete homogenization­ simulating handling failures) or total mixing (complete homogenization) over two periods of 7 and 30 days (n = 20). The maxillary incisor was extracted and a polyethylene tube containing the sealer was inserted. To quantify edema, 40 male rats were divided into four groups (n = 10). The animals received 2% Evans Blue intravenously, and either AH Plus® or Sealapex® was injected subcutaneously. The rats were euthanized after 3 or 6 hours and analyzed in a spectrophotometer (630 ƞm). To analyze the subcutaneous tissue, 20 rats received polyethylene tube implants with the sealers in the dorsal area (n=10), then euthanized after either 7 or 30 days, and inflammation was evaluated according to an inflammatory cells score. Results: In the alveolar 7-day group, control group presented an inflammation score 1, while all other groups presented a score 2, except AH plus® total mix group (3). After 30 days, all groups presented a score 1. The edemogenic test showed less edema in Sealapex® groups (p < 0.5). In subcutaneous 7-day period, all groups presented score 2. In 30 days, all groups revealed score 1, except AH Plus® partial mix group (2). Conclusion: Regarding mixing of the sealers, there were no significant differences among the groups (AU)

Objetivo: Avaliar, in vivo, a influência das falhas de espatulação de cimentos endodônticos. Material e Métodos: Para análise alveolar, 80 ratos foram divididos nos grupos Sealapex® e AH Plus®. Em cada grupo, o cimento foi espatulado de forma parcial (homogeneização incompleta, simulando falhas) ou total (homogeneização completa) em dois períodos de 7 e 30 dias (n=20). O incisivo superior foi extraído e um tubo de polietileno contendo o cimento foi inserido. Para quantificar edema, 40 ratos foram divididos em quatro grupos (n = 10). Os animais receberam Azul de Evans 2% intravenoso, e AH Plus® ou Sealapex® injetados no tecido subcutâneo. Após 3 ou 6 horas foram eutanasiados e analisados em espectrofotômetro (630 ƞm). Para analisar a resposta subcutânea, 20 ratos receberam implantes de tubo de polietileno com os cimentos na região dorsal (n = 10), eutanasiados após 7 ou 30 dias, e a inflamação foi avaliada de acordo com um escore de células inflamatórias. Resultados: Na análise alveolar em 7 dias, o grupo controle apresentou escore 1 de inflamação, enquanto que todos os outros grupos apresentaram 2, com exceção do AH plus® espatulação total (3). Após 30 dias, todos os grupos apresentaram escore 1. O teste edemogênico mostrou menor edema nos grupos Sealapex® (p < 0,5). No período subcutâneo de 7 dias, todos os grupos apresentaram escore 2. Em 30 dias, todos os grupos revelaram escore 1, exceto AH Plus® espatulação parcial (2). Conclusão: Não houve diferença estatística significante entre os cimentos quanto à espatulação. (AU)

Evaluation of photodynamic therapy on fibroblast viability and cytokine production.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of photodynamic therapy with curcumin (PDT) comparatively to 5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and saline solution on cell viability and cytokine (IL-1ß and IL-6) production by mouse fibroblasts. METHODS: Sixty seconds of pre-irradiation time with curcumin 500mg/L and Led wavelength (λ) 480nm, 72Jcm(2), for 300s was used for PDT. Solutions were diluted in culture medium DMEM (1×10(4) cells) and placed into 24-well cell culture plates with mouse fibroblasts L-929. Culture medium was used as control. After 6, 24 and 48h, 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay (MTT) was used to evaluate the cell viability and the supernatant was collected for cytokine evaluation using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The results were statistically analyzed by ANOVA and BonFerroni correction (p<0.05) for MTT and Kruskal-Wallis test and Dunn (p<0.05) for ELISA. RESULTS: PDT and saline solution presented low cytotoxic effect similar to the control group (p>0.05) while 5% NaOCl was more cytotoxic than PDT (p<0.05) in all periods of time. All materials similarly expressed IL-1ß and IL-6 regardless to the experimental period (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: PDT with curcumin was not cytotoxic to L929 fibroblasts differently from 5% NaOCl. In all groups occurred similar expression of IL-1ß and IL-6.

Fracture Resistance of Simulated Immature Teeth after Different Intra-radicular Treatments

The aim of this study was to evaluate the fracture resistance of simulated immature teeth after different intra-radicular treatments. Crowns and roots of bovine incisors were cut transversally and removed to simulate immature teeth. Root canal preparation and flaring were performed using a bur in crown-apex and apex-crown direction. The samples were distributed into 5 groups (n=10): Positive control (PoC) - no root canal flaring or filling; Negative control (NeC) - teeth were sectioned and their root canals were flared; Direct anatomical glass fiber post (RaP) - #2 Reforpost main glass fiber post relined with composite resin; Double tapered conical glass fiber posts (ExP) - #3 Exacto glass fiber post; and #2 Reforpost main glass fiber + Reforpin accessory glass fiber posts (RrP). In RaP, ExP and RrP, 4.0-mm apical plugs were done with MTA Angelus. The specimens were embedded in polystyrene resin inside cylinders and the periodontal ligament was simulated with a polyether-based impression material. The specimens were submitted to compressive fracture strength test (0.5 mm/min at 135° relative to the long axis of the tooth) in a servo-hydraulic mechanical testing machine MTS 810. Data were subjected to one-way ANOVA and Dunnett's C or Tukey's tests (α=0.05). The control groups (PoC and NeC) showed lower fracture strength than the experimental groups. NeC presented the lowest resistance and ExP presented the highest resistance among the experimental groups. The flaring procedures produced a detrimental effect on the fracture resistance of the bovine teeth. Glass fiber intra-radicular posts increased significantly the fracture resistance of simulated immature teeth.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a resistência à fratura de dentes com rizogênese incompleta simulada após diferentes tratamentos intra-radiculares. A rizogênese incompleta foi simulada pelo seccionamento das coroas e raízes de incisivos bovinos. O preparo e alargamento do canal radicular foram realizados utilizando uma broca no sentido coroa-ápice e ápice-coroa. As amostras foram distribuídas (n=10) em cinco grupos: controle positivo (PoC) - sem preparo do canal radicular e sem obturação; controle negativo (NeC) - os dentes foram seccionados e os canais radiculares foram preparados; pino anatômico direto Reforpost #2 (RaP) - pino de fibra de vidro principal + resina composta; pino de fibra de vidro com dupla conicidade (ExP) - pino de fibra de vidro Exacto #3; e pino de fibra de vidro Reforpost #2 + pinos de fibra de vidro acessórios Reforpin (RrP). Nos grupos RaP, ExP e RrP foram realizados plugs apicais de MTA Angelus com 4,0 mm. As amostras foram incluídas em cilindros com resina de poliestireno e o ligamento periodontal foi simulado com material de moldagem à base de poliéter. As amostras foram submetidas ao teste de resistência à fratura, por meio de força compressiva (0,5 mm/min a 135º em relação ao longo eixo do dente) em uma máquina de ensaios mecânicos MTS 810. Os dados foram submetidos à ANOVA a um critério e aos testes para comparações múltiplas Dunnett C ou Tukey HSD (α=0,05). Os grupos controle (PoC e NeC) apresentaram resistência à fratura inferior aos grupos experimentais, sendo o menor valor médio produzido por NeC. ExP produziu os maiores valores de resistência à fratura entre os grupos experimentais. Os procedimentos de preparo e alargamento produziram efeitos prejudiciais na resistência à fratura de dentes bovinos. A utilização de pinos de fibra de vidro intra-radiculares aumentou significativamente a resistência à fratura de dentes com rizogênese incompleta simulada.

Influência da hipertensão em infecções bucais e no tratamento endodôntico / Influence of hypertension on oral infections and endodontic treatment

A hipertensão arterial é caracterizada pelo aumento da resistência vascular periférica, fazendo com que a pressão do sangue nas artérias seja maior que o normal, com várias alterações sistêmicas observadas, que podem ter influências negativas no estado de saúde bucal. Assim, o objetivo do presente trabalho foi realizar uma revisão de literatura acerca da influência da hipertensão em problemas bucais e no tratamento endodôntico. Os vasos sanguíneos, o cérebro e os rins são os principais órgãos acometidos por essa morbidade. Um estado hipertensivo pode levar a um aumento do nível de hormônios da paratireoide, metabolismo anormal da vitamina D, redução da concentração de cálcio ionizado e diminuição da absorção de cálcio. A partir de todas essas alterações sistêmicas que a hipertensão acarreta, pode-se inferir que ela pode ter uma íntima associação com problemas bucais, como, por exemplo, doenças periodontais, perda tardia de implantes, dificuldades na cicatrização óssea, diminuição do fluxo salivar e da concentração de proteínas na saliva, aumento da quantidade de neutrófilos e, como consequência, o favorecimento do processo inflamatório. Tem sido sugerido, ainda, que o índice de sucesso do tratamento endodôntico em pessoas hipertensas é menor que nos demais. A resposta do tratamento endodôntico, das medicações intracanais utilizadas, assim como dos cimentos obturadores em pacientes hipertensos, deve ser mais bem estudada para que se proporcione um conhecimento sobre as alterações, falhas e sucessos durante o tratamento endodôntico.

Influência da menopausa no tratamento endodôntico / Influence of menopause in endodontic treatment

A menopausa é uma das mudanças fisiológicas caracterizadas pelo encerramento dos ciclos menstrual e ovulatório, ocorrendo nas mulheres entre a quarta e a quinta década de vida. Com ela, ocorre uma diminuição na produção de estrógeno, um importante hormônio que atua em muitos processos fisiológicos do indivíduo, como a regulação do sistema esquelético. O declínio nos níveis de estrógeno resulta em perda de densidade mineral óssea, aumento do risco de fratura, bem como no aparecimento de doenças ósseas, como a osteoporose, um processo patológico onde há o aumento na reabsorção de cavidades que não são completamente preenchidas por osso neoformado. Além disso, a deficiência de estrógeno pode causar muitas mudanças na saúde bucal do indivíduo. Na presença de uma infecção bacteriana no tecido pulpar, essa deficiência pode agravar a periodontite apical. Vários medicamentos têm sido estudados como potenciais agentes terapêuticos para suprir a deficiência de estrógeno. Essas drogas têm como objetivo reduzir o risco de fraturas e prevenir a perda óssea e distúrbios cardiovasculares e mentais resultantes de deficiência hormonal pós-menopausa. O raloxifeno (RLX), é uma das drogas terapêuticas mais estudadas, demonstrando prevenir a perda óssea. Mesmo com a indicação e benefícios do raloxifeno no metabolismo ósseo e na manutenção da densidade óssea, estudos sobre o seu papel na infecção endodôntica em organismos osteopênicos precisam ser realizados.

Avaliação das nanopartículas de prata como solução irrigadora / Evaluation of silver nanoparticles as irrigating solution

Introdução: a irrigação é um procedimento importante durante o tratamento do canal radicular, auxiliando na limpeza de áreas do sistema de canais radiculares que não são alcançadas diretamente por instrumentos. Objetivo: o objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar a biocompatibilidade e a capacidade de desinfecção de nanopartículas de prata em dispersão, em comparação ao hipoclorito de sódio a 2,5%. Métodos: trinta ratos receberam, individualmente, quatro tubos de dentina infectados e não infectados, irrigados com dispersão de nanopartículas de prata 47ppm e 23ppm, hipoclorito de sódio a 2,5% e solução salina. Dezesseis ratos receberam um tubo de dentina infectada e um tubo de dentina não infectada como grupo controle. Após 7 e 30 dias, os animais foram sacrificados, os tubos e o tecido circundante foram removidos e preparados para análise em microscopia de luz. Avaliações qualitativas e quantitativas das reações foram realizadas. Resultados: todas as soluções em tubos não infectados causaram reações leves em 30 dias. Todas as soluções em tubos infectados causaram reações graves em 7 dias e leves em 30 dias. As respostas foram semelhantes às do grupo controle não infectado, mas melhores do que o grupo controle infectado. Conclusões: foi possível concluir que nanopartículas de prata em dispersão são biocompatíveis e podem atuar na desinfecção de tubos contaminados, especialmente em concentrações de 23ppm

Terapia fotodinâmica na Endodontia: emprego de uma estratégia coadjuvante frente à infecção endodôntica / Photodynamic therapy in Endodontics: Use of a supporting strategy to deal with endodontic infection

O tratamento endodôntico é de fundamental importância para abolir a infecção nos dentes com necrose pulpar. O sucesso desse tratamento depende: da eliminação eficiente da infecção no sistema de canais radiculares (SCR) e do correto selamento pela obturação dos canais radiculares. Devido à complexidade anatômica do SCR, certas áreas podem ser inacessíveis ao preparo biomecânico (PBM), portanto, o emprego de uma medicação intracanal potencializa a redução dos microrganismos (MO) e seus produtos tóxicos no SCR. Mesmo com o avanço técnico e científico da Endodontia, há MO que ainda sobrevivem ao PBM, sendo os principais responsáveis pela manutenção infecção endodôntica. Assim, novos tratamentos devem ser pesquisados. Com o advento dos aparelhos de laser e LED, surgiram alternativas de tratamentos na área da saúde, como a terapia fotodinâmica (TFD), que é um conjunto de procedimentos físicos, químicos e biológicos, que ocorrem após a administração de um agente fotossensibilizador (FS) ativado por meio de uma luz visível de comprimento de onda específico (laser ou LED) para destruir a célula-alvo, ou auxiliar no combate das infecções. Na Endodontia, foram demonstrados em estudos in vitro e in vivo que o emprego da TFD atua como um coadjuvante e potencializa a desinfecção do SCR, além de ser de fácil aplicação e não promover resistência microbiana. O objetivo da presente revisão é apresentar o estado atual da terapia fotodinâmica em Endodontia

Apical sealing quality of in vitro apicectomy procedures after using both Er:YAG and Nd:YAG.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the apical sealing of dentinal tubules after root-end surface cutting by using Er:YAG and Nd:YAG lasers. After root-canal instrumentation and filling, apices of 50 extracted maxillary canine human teeth were resected by Er:YAG with 400 mJ, 10 Hz, for 30 sec. The samples were randomly assigned to five groups (n = 10): (GI) treated without root-end cavity, but with Nd:YAG (1.0 W, 10 Hz, 20 sec) for dentinal tubules sealing; (GII) treated with root-end cavity without the use of Nd:YAG; (GIII) treated with root-end cavity and Nd:YAG application; (GIV) treated with root-end cavity made by Er:YAG with no focus and without Nd:YAG application; and (GV) treated without root-end cavity and without Nd:YAG application. The root-end cavities were performed by using Er:YAG at 300 mJ, 10 Hz, for 20 sec. Subsequently, all teeth were waterproofed and immersed in 2% methylene blue for 48 h in a vacuum environment. The samples were longitudinally sectioned, and microleakage was measured. ANOVA and the Fisher LSD test showed that GIV was less susceptible to microleakage than were the other groups (p < 0.05). Interestingly, the use of the Er:YAG with no focus showed superior dentinal tubule sealing in comparison with the other groups, even with or without root-end cavity and Nd:YAG application.

pH changes after manual or ultrasonic instrumentation and smear layer removal with EDTA or ultrasonic.

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the influence of instrumentation techniques associated with the smear layer removal, in the pH changes of the root surface. Thirty mandibular humans premolars were divided into three groups: Group I - instrumentation by Ohio technique and final cleaning with EDTA (3 minutes); Group II - instrumentation by Ohio technique and final cleaning with ultrasonic (1 minute); Group III - instrumentation by the ultrasonic technique and final cleaning with ultrasonic (1 minute). The pH was measured in the cavities prepared in the cervical, middle and apical thirds of the lateral wall of each root. The teeth were evaluated at the initiation of the experiment, and 3, 7, 14, 21, 30 days after of the intracanal dressing of the calcium hydroxide with camphorated p-monochlorophenol (Calen/PMCC). All the groups presented increasing pH values; group III presented the highest average pH, followed by groups II and I; the values for the apical third were lower than those of the middle and cervical thirds (anova and Tukey test). The results showed that the biomechanical preparation by the ultrasonic technique and smear layer removal with ultrasonic showing the highest diffusion of the calcium and hydroxyl ions from the intracanal dressing (P < 0.05).