Oral manifestations of HIV: Can they be an indicator of disease severity? (A systematic review).

OBJECTIVE: To review the existing research literature on the paradigm that the oral lesions could be an indicator of the disease severity with the objective of documenting the current status of research, highlighting its major findings. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Publications were identified through a careful search, of which a majority focused on oral lesions as an indicator for HIV progression. A PubMed journal search of 10 years OF period publication (2009-2019) for "oral lesion, oral manifestation, indicator, HIV and HIV-associated" was performed and analysed. Various research methods were included within the study criteria including clinical study, clinical trial, comparative study and randomised control trial. RESULTS: A total 33 studies were obtained and analysed, including cohort study, cross-sectional study, case-control study, clinical trial, retrospective observational analysis study, prospective observational study and randomised control trial. The most common oral lesions found in the studies were Kaposi sarcoma (KS), followed by oral candidiasis, periodontitis, necrotising ulcerative gingivitis (NUG), necrotising ulcerative periodontitis (NUP) and oral hairy leucoplakia (OHL). The early diagnosis and accurate treatment plan were very important to indicate the disease severity related to HIV infection. CONCLUSION: Oral lesions reported in 39% articles and could be an indicator of HIV disease severity due to its effects on decreased cluster-differentiated (CD4+) T-cell count and increased viral load.

Analysis of the Total Antioxidant Capacity of Saliva in Smokers

Objective: To analyze the total antioxidant capacity (TAoC) of saliva in smokers based on type of cigarette, duration and frequency of smoking. Material and Methods: 51 male smokers, aged 20-55 years were enrolled. Information regarding cigarette type and smoking duration and frequency was collected using a questionnaire. Unstimulated saliva samples were collected in the morning following fasting for 2 h, and TAoC was measured using a commercial kit. The data were evaluated through the independent t-test and Kruskal-Wallis test. Results: Mean TAoC for the consumption of Kretek cigarettes was 0.29 (±0.15) and for that of non-Kretek cigarettes was 0.36 (±0.10). Mean TAoC based on smoking duration was 0.31 (±0.14) for 5-10 years and 0.27 (±0.15) for >10 years. Median TAoC based on smoking frequency was 0.23 (0.11-0.44), 0.31 (0.06-0.64), and 0.27 (0.06-0.68) for 1-5, 6-10, and 11-20 cigarettes/day. Mean TAoC of the saliva from participants who consumed Kretek cigarettes was lower than that of the saliva from those who consumed non-Kretek cigarettes (p=0.3). Mean TAoC for a duration >10 years was lower than that for a duration of 5-10 years, although the difference between these two groups was not significant (p=0.4). Conclusion: There were tendencies of lower total antioxidant capacity on smokers with kretek type cigarettes, smoking duration >10 years and frequency of 1-5 cigarettes/day. This study indicates that the type, duration, and frequency of smoking may affect the salivary total antioxidant capacity.

Public awareness of oral cancer among adults in Jakarta, Indonesia.

AIM: The aim of the present study was to investigate the awareness of oral cancer among adults in Jakarta, Indonesia, and explore the factors influencing it. METHODS: A previously-tested questionnaire on 1000 adults in Jakarta was used in the present study. The data included sociodemographic factors and answers to assess the awareness of oral cancer, early signs and symptoms, risks factors, lifestyles, and history of dental visits. RESULTS: Only 53.2% of participants were aware of oral cancer. The level of awareness significantly differed by level of education, occupation, and experience of dental visits. Only 30% of patients had been asked about their tobacco and alcohol habits, and had been informed about the hazards of these by their dentists. All of the smokers knew that tobacco increased the risk for oral cancer. However, only a few participants considered alcohol, betel quid chewing, UV light exposure, poor diet, and genetics to play role in the development of oral cancer. Health warnings were the main source of information about oral cancer; the role of health professionals is still quite low and needs to be emphasized. CONCLUSION: Oral cancer awareness is still low among adults in Jakarta; this finding was consistent with other studies conducted in Asia. Educational material suited to particular communities is warranted.