A case series on safety and tolerability of human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells on patients in Malaysia.

Umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells for regenerative therapy are a promising treatment option for chronic illnesses. Umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells offer several advantages over other sources, which makes them an attractive option in tissue repair and regeneration. This clinical study describes a 1-year follow-up on the safety and tolerance of umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cell therapy on nine patients in Malaysia. Patients were assessed for adverse effects, and liver function tests were carried out on both pre- and post-treatments. Umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells' effectiveness and safety were assessed by follow-up evaluations. All nine patients responded positively towards umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cell therapy, without any adverse effects. After umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cell therapy, a significant improvement was observed in liver functioning test outcomes, as haematological parameters and tumour markers were stable. The present study concludes that umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cell therapy is well tolerated by Malaysian patients; however, further clinical screening must be done over a large number of patients population.

Withanone as an Emerging Anticancer Agent and Understanding Its Molecular Mechanisms: Experimental and Computational Evidence.

Despite decades of research and effort, treating cancer is still a challenging task. Current conventional treatments are still unsatisfactory to fully eliminate and prevent re-emergence or relapses, and targeted or personalised therapy, which are more effective in managing cancer, may be unattainable or inaccessible for some. In the past, research in natural products have yielded some of the most commonly used cancer treatment drugs known today. Hence it is possible more are awaiting to be discovered. Withanone, a common withanolide found in the Ayurvedic herb Withania somnifera, has been claimed to possess multiple benefits capable of treating cancer. This review focuses on the potential of withanone as a safe cancer treatment drug based on the pharmacokinetic profile and molecular mechanisms of actions of withanone. Through these in silico and in vitro studies discussed in this review, withanone showspotent anticancer activities and interactions with molecular targets involved in cancer progression. Furthermore, some evidences also show the selective killing property of withanone, which highlights the safety and specificity of withanone in targeting cancer cell. By compiling these evidences, this review hopes to spark interest for future research to be conducted in more extensive studies involving withanone to generate more data, especially involving in vivo experiments and toxicity evaluation of withanone.

The emerging role of non-coding RNAs in the Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway in Prostate Cancer.

Prostate cancer (PCa) is an important worldwide medical concern, necessitating a greater understanding of the molecular processes driving its development. The Wnt/-catenin signaling cascade is established as a central player in PCa pathogenesis, and recent research emphasizes the critical involvement of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in this scenario. This in-depth study seeks to give a thorough examination of the complex relationship between ncRNAs and the Wnt/ß-catenin system in PCa. NcRNAs, such as circular RNAs (circRNAs), long ncRNAs (lncRNAs), and microRNAs (miRNAs), have been recognized as essential regulators that modulate numerous facets of the Wnt/ß-catenin network. MiRNAs have been recognized as targeting vital elements of the process, either enhancing or inhibiting signaling, depending on their specific roles and targets. LncRNAs participate in fine-tuning the Wnt/ß-catenin network as a result of complicated interplay with both upstream and downstream elements. CircRNAs, despite being a relatively recent addition to the ncRNA family, have been implicated in PCa, influencing the Wnt/ß-catenin cascade through diverse mechanisms. This article encompasses recent advances in our comprehension of specific ncRNAs that participate in the Wnt/ß-catenin network, their functional roles, and clinical relevance in PCa. We investigate their use as screening and predictive indicators, and targets for treatment. Additionally, we delve into the interplay between Wnt/ß-catenin and other signaling networks in PCa and the role of ncRNAs within this complex network. As we unveil the intricate regulatory functions of ncRNAs in the Wnt/ß-catenin cascade in PCa, we gain valuable insights into the disease's pathogenesis. The implementation of these discoveries in practical applications holds promise for more precise diagnosis, prognosis, and targeted therapeutic approaches, ultimately enhancing the care of PCa patients. This comprehensive review underscores the evolving landscape of ncRNA research in PCa and the potential for innovative interventions in the battle against this formidable malignancy.

The Impacts and Changes Related to the Cancer Drug Resistance Mechanism.

BACKGROUND: Cancer drug resistance remains a difficult barrier to effective treatment, necessitating a thorough understanding of its multi-layered mechanism. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to comprehensively explore the diverse mechanisms of cancer drug resistance, assess the evolution of resistance detection methods, and identify strategies for overcoming this challenge. The evolution of resistance detection methods and identification strategies for overcoming the challenge. METHODS: A comprehensive literature review was conducted to analyze intrinsic and acquired drug resistance mechanisms, including altered drug efflux, reduced uptake, inactivation, target mutations, signaling pathway changes, apoptotic defects, and cellular plasticity. The evolution of mutation detection techniques, encompassing clinical predictions, experimental approaches, and computational methods, was investigated. Strategies to enhance drug efficacy, modify pharmacokinetics, optimizoptimizee binding modes, and explore alternate protein folding states were examined. RESULTS: The study comprehensively overviews the intricate mechanisms contributing to cancer drug resistance. It outlines the progression of mutation detection methods and underscores the importance of interdisciplinary approaches. Strategies to overcome drug resistance challenges, such as modulating ATP-binding cassette transporters and developing multidrug resistance inhibitors, are discussed. The study underscores the critical need for continued research to enhance cancer treatment efficacy. CONCLUSION: This study provides valuable insights into the complexity of cancer drug resistance mechanisms, highlights evolving detection methods, and offers potential strategies to enhance treatment outcomes.

Unlocking Exosome-Based Theragnostic Signatures: Deciphering Secrets of Ovarian Cancer Metastasis.

Ovarian cancer (OC) is a common gynecological cancer worldwide. Unfortunately, the lack of early detection methods translates into a substantial cohort of women grappling with the pressing health crisis. The discovery of extracellular vesicles (EVs) (their major subpopulation exosomes, microvesicles, and apoptotic bodies) has provided new insights into the understanding of cancer. Exosomes, a subpopulation of EVs, play a crucial role in cellular communication and reflect the cellular status under both healthy and pathological conditions. Tumor-derived exosomes (TEXs) dynamically influence ovarian cancer progression by regulating uncontrolled cell growth, immune suppression, angiogenesis, metastasis, and the development of drug and therapeutic resistance. In the field of OC diagnostics, TEXs offer potential biomarkers in various body fluids. On the other hand, exosomes have also shown promising abilities to cure ovarian cancer. In this review, we address the interlink between exosomes and ovarian cancer and explore their theragnostic signature. Finally, we highlight future directions of exosome-based ovarian cancer research.

BIN1 in the Pursuit of Ousting the Alzheimer's Reign: Impact on Amyloid and Tau Neuropathology.

Alzheimer's disease contributes to 60-70% of all dementia cases in the general population. Belonging to the BIN1/amphiphysin/RVS167 (BAR) superfamily, the bridging integrator (BIN1) has been identified to impact two major pathological hallmarks in Alzheimer's disease (AD), i.e., amyloid beta (Aß) and tau accumulation. Aß accumulation is found to increase by BIN1 knockdown in cortical neurons in late-onset AD, due to BACE1 accumulation at enlarged early endosomes. Two BIN1 mutants, KR and PL, were identified to exhibit Aß accumulation. Furthermore, BIN1 deficiency by BIN1-related polymorphisms impairs the interaction with tau, thus elevating tau phosphorylation, altering synapse structure and tau function. Even though the precise role of BIN1 in the neuronal tissue needs further investigation, the authors aim to throw light on the potential of BIN1 and unfold its implications on tau and Aß pathology, to aid AD researchers across the globe to examine BIN1, as an appropriate target gene for disease management.

Anti-obesity effects of olivetol in adult zebrafish model induced by short-term high-fat diet.

Obesity is a complex disease caused by various factors, and synthetic drugs used to treat it can have side effects. Natural compounds, such as olivetol, could be a promising alternative. Olivetol is a substance found in certain lichen species and has anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. In this study, researchers conducted in-silico molecular docking studies and found that olivetol had significant binding affinity with receptors involved in obesity. They also investigated the effects of olivetol on a diet-induced obese zebrafish model and found that high doses of olivetol reduced excessive fat accumulation and triglyceride and lipid accumulation. The low dose of olivetol showed a significant reduction in liver enzymes' levels. However, the high dose of olivetol resulted in a significant increase in HMG-CoA levels. These results suggest that olivetol may be a promising anti-obesity agent for the treatment of hyperlipidemia-related disorders, but further research is necessary to understand its full effects on the body.

Uncovering the complex role of interferon-gamma in suppressing type 2 immunity to cancer.

Cancer involves cells' abnormal growth and ability to invade or metastasize to different body parts. Cancerous cells can divide uncontrollably and spread to other areas through the lymphatic or circulatory systems. Tumors form when malignant cells clump together in an uncontrolled manner. In this context, the cytokine interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) is crucial in regulating immunological responses, particularly malignancy. While IFN-γ is well-known for its potent anti-tumor effects by activating type 1 immunity, recent research has revealed its ability to suppress type 2 immunity, associated with allergy and inflammatory responses. This review aims to elucidate the intricate function of IFN-γ in inhibiting type 2 immune responses to cancer. We explore how IFN-γ influences the development and function of immune cells involved in type 2 immunity, such as mast cells, eosinophils, and T-helper 2 (Th2) cells. Additionally, we investigate the impact of IFN-mediated reduction of type 2 immunity on tumor development, metastasis, and the response to immunotherapeutic interventions. To develop successful cancer immunotherapies, it is crucial to comprehend the complex interplay between type 2 and type 1 immune response and the regulatory role of IFN-γ. This understanding holds tremendous promise for the development of innovative treatment approaches that harness the abilities of both immune response types to combat cancer. However, unraveling the intricate interplay between IFN-γ and type 2 immunity in the tumor microenvironment will be essential for achieving this goal.

Role of Artificial Intelligence in Drug Discovery and Target Identification in Cancer.

Drug discovery and development (DDD) is a highly complex process that necessitates precise monitoring and extensive data analysis at each stage. Furthermore, the DDD process is both time-consuming and costly. To tackle these concerns, artificial intelligence (AI) technology can be used, which facilitates rapid and precise analysis of extensive datasets within a limited timeframe. The pathophysiology of cancer disease is complicated and requires extensive research for novel drug discovery and development. The first stage in the process of drug discovery and development involves identifying targets. Cell structure and molecular functioning are complex due to the vast number of molecules that function constantly, performing various roles. Furthermore, scientists are continually discovering novel cellular mechanisms and molecules, expanding the range of potential targets. Accurately identifying the correct target is a crucial step in the preparation of a treatment strategy. Various forms of AI, such as machine learning, neural-based learning, deep learning, and network-based learning, are currently being utilised in applications, online services, and databases. These technologies facilitate the identification and validation of targets, ultimately contributing to the success of projects. This review focuses on the different types and subcategories of AI databases utilised in the field of drug discovery and target identification for cancer.

Molecular Targets of Aptamers in Gastrointestinal Cancers: Cancer Detection, Therapeutic Applications, and Associated Mechanisms.

Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers are among the most common cancers that impact the global population, with high mortality and low survival rates after breast and lung cancers. Identifying useful molecular targets in GI cancers are crucial for improving diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment outcomes, however, limited by poor targeting and drug delivery system. Aptamers are often utilized in the field of biomarkers identification, targeting, and as a drug/inhibitor delivery cargo. Their natural and chemically modifiable binding capability, high affinity, and specificity are favored over antibodies and potential early diagnostic imaging and drug delivery applications. Studies have demonstrated the use of different aptamers as drug delivery agents and early molecular diagnostic and detection probes for treating cancers. This review aims to first describe aptamers' generation, characteristics, and classifications, also providing insights into their recent applications in the diagnosis and medical imaging, prognosis, and anticancer drug delivery system of GI cancers. Besides, it mainly discussed the relevant molecular targets and associated molecular mechanisms involved, as well as their applications for potential treatments for GI cancers. In addition, the current applications of aptamers in a clinical setting to treat GI cancers are deciphered. In conclusion, aptamers are multifunctional molecules that could be effectively used as an anticancer agent or drug delivery system for treating GI cancers and deserve further investigations for clinical applications.

Impact of nanocarrier aggregation on EPR-mediated tumor targeting.

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of excipients on retaining the particle size of methotrexate (MTX) loaded chitosan nanocarriers (CsNP) during lyophilization, which relates to the ability to enlarge the particle size and target specific areas. The nanocarriers were prepared using the ionic gelation technique with tripolyphosphate as a crosslinker. Three lyophilized formulations were used: nanosuspension without Lyoprotectant (NF), with mannitol (NFM), and with sucrose (NFS). The lyophilized powder intended for injection (PI) was examined to assess changes in particle size, product integrity, and comparative biodistribution studies to evaluate targeting ability. After lyophilization, NFS was excluded from in-vivo studies due to the product melt-back phenomenon. The particle size of the NF lyophile significantly increased from 176 nm to 261 nm. In contrast, NFM restricted the nanocarrier size to 194 nm and exhibited excellent cake properties. FTIR, XRD, and SEM analysis revealed the transformation of mannitol into a stable ß, δ polymorphic form. Biodistribution studies showed that the nanocarriers significantly increased MTX accumulation in tumor tissue (NF = 2.04 ± 0.27; NFM = 2.73 ± 0.19) compared to the marketed PI (1.45 ± 0.25 µg), but this effect was highly dependent on the particle size. Incorporating mannitol yielded positive results in restricting particle size and favoring successful tumor targeting. This study demonstrates the potential of chitosan nanocarriers as promising candidates for targeted tumor drug delivery and cancer treatment.

Long non-coding RNAs in lung cancer: Unraveling the molecular modulators of MAPK signaling.

Lung cancer (LC) continues to pose a significant global medical burden, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of its molecular foundations to establish effective treatment strategies. The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling system has been scientifically associated with LC growth; however, the intricate regulatory mechanisms governing this system remain unknown. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are emerging as crucial regulators of diverse cellular activities, including cancer growth. LncRNAs have been implicated in LC, which can function as oncogenes or tumor suppressors, and their dysregulation has been linked to cancer cell death, metastasis, spread, and proliferation. Due to their involvement in critical pathophysiological processes, lncRNAs are gaining attention as potential candidates for anti-cancer treatments. This article aims to elucidate the regulatory role of lncRNAs in MAPK signaling in LC. We provide a comprehensive review of the key components of the MAPK pathway and their relevance in LC, focusing on aberrant signaling processes associated with disease progression. By examining recent research and experimental findings, this article examines the molecular mechanisms through which lncRNAs influence MAPK signaling in lung cancer, ultimately contributing to tumor development.

Chemistry, Biosynthesis and Pharmacology of Streptonigrin: An Old Molecule with Future Prospects for New Drug Design, Development and Therapy.

Streptonigrin is an aminoquinone alkaloid isolated from Streptomyces flocculus and is gaining attention as a drug molecule owing to its potential antitumor and antibiotic effects. It was previously used as an anticancer drug but has been discontinued because of its toxic effects. However, according to the most recent studies, the toxicity of streptonigrin and its structurally modified derivatives has been reduced while maintaining their potential pharmacological action at lower concentrations. To date, many investigations have been conducted on this molecule and its derivatives to determine the most effective molecule with low toxicity to enable new drug discovery. Therefore, the main objective of this study is to provide a comprehensive review and to discuss the prospects for streptonigrin and its derived compounds, which may boost the molecule as a highly interesting target molecule for new drug design, development and therapy. To complete this review, relevant literature was collected from several scientific databases, including Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus and ScienceDirect. Following a complete screening, the obtained information is summarized in the present review to provide a good reference and accelerate the development and utilization of streptonigrin and its derivatives as pharmaceuticals.

Detection of Circulating Tumor Cells and Epithelial Progenitor Cells: A Comprehensive Study.

Technological advancement to enhance tumor cells (TC) has allowed discovery of various cellular bio-markers: cancer stem cells (CSC), circulating tumor cells (CTC), and endothelial progenitor cells (EPC). These are responsible for resistance, metastasis, and premetastatic conditions of cancer. Detection of CSC, CTC, and EPC assists in early diagnosis, recurrence prediction, and treatment efficacy. This review describes various methods to detect TC subpopulations such as in vivo assays (sphere-forming, serial dilution, and serial transplantation), in vitro assays (colony-forming cells, microsphere, side-population, surface antigen staining, aldehyde dehydrogenase activity, and Paul Karl Horan label-retaining cells, surface markers, nonenriched and enriched detection), reporter systems, and other analytical methods (flow cytometry, fluorescence microscopy/spectroscopy, etc.). The detailed information on methods to detect CSC, CTC, and EPC in this review will assist investigators in successful prognosis, diagnosis, and cancer treatment with greater ease.

Exploring the Mechanical Perspective of a New Anti-Tumor Agent: Melatonin.

Melatonin is a serotonin-derived pineal gland hormone with many biological functions like regulating the sleep-wake cycle, circadian rhythm, menstrual cycle, aging, immunity, and antioxidants. Melatonin synthesis and release are more pronounced during the night, whereas exposure to light decreases it. Evidence is mounting in favor of the therapeutic effects of melatonin in cancer prevention, treatment and delayed onset in various cancer subtypes. Melatonin exerts its anticancer effect through modification of its receptors such as melatonin 1 (MT1), melatonin 2 (MT2), and inhibition of cancer cell proliferation, epigenetic alterations (DNA methylation/demethylation, histone acetylation/deacetylation), metastasis, angiogenesis, altered cellular energetics, and immune evasion. Melatonin performs a significant function in immune modulation and enhances innate and cellular immunity. In addition, melatonin has a remarkable impact on epigenetic modulation of gene expression and alters the transcription of genes. As an adjuvant to cancer therapies, it acts by decreasing the side effects and boosting the therapeutic effects of chemotherapy. Since current treatments produce drug-induced unwanted toxicities and side effects, they require alternate therapies. A recent review article attempts to summarize the mechanistic perspective of melatonin in different cancer subtypes like skin cancer, breast cancer, hepatic cancer, renal cell cancer, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), colon oral, neck, and head cancer. The various studies described in this review will give a firm basis for the future evolution of anticancer drugs.

Synthesis, Characterization, Cytotoxicity Analysis and Evaluation of Novel Heterocyclic Derivatives of Benzamidine against Periodontal Disease Triggering Bacteria.

Periodontal disease (PD) is multifactorial oral disease that damages tooth-supporting tissue. PD treatment includes proper oral hygiene, deep cleaning, antibiotics therapy, and surgery. Despite the availability of basic treatments, some of these are rendered undesirable in PD treatment due to side effects and expense. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to develop novel molecules to combat the PD triggering pathogens. The study involved the synthesis of 4-((5-(substituted-phenyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)methoxy)benzamidine (5a-e), by condensation of 2-(4-carbamimidoylphenoxy)acetohydrazide (3) with different aromatic acids; and synthesis of 4-((4-(substituted benzylideneamino)-4H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)methoxy)benzamidine (6a-b) by treatment of compound 3 with CS2 followed by hydrazination and a Schiff reaction with different aromatic aldehydes. Synthesized compounds were characterized based on the NMR, FTIR, and mass spectrometric data. To assess the effectiveness of the newly synthesized compound in PD, new compounds were subjected to antimicrobial evaluation against P. gingivalis and E. coli using the micro-broth dilution method. Synthesized compounds were also subjected to cytotoxicity evaluation against HEK-293 cells using an MTT assay. The present study revealed the successful synthesis of heterocyclic derivatives of benzamidine with significant inhibitory potential against P. gingivalis and E. coli. Synthesized compounds exhibited minimal to the absence of cytotoxicity. Significant antimicrobial potential and least/no cytotoxicity of new heterocyclic analogs of benzamidine against PD-triggering bacteria supports their potential application in PD treatment.

Biological activities of meroterpenoids isolated from different sources.

Meroterpenoids are natural products synthesized by unicellular organisms such as bacteria and multicellular organisms such as fungi, plants, and animals, including those of marine origin. Structurally, these compounds exhibit a wide diversity depending upon the origin and the biosynthetic pathway they emerge from. This diversity in structural features imparts a wide spectrum of biological activity to meroterpenoids. Based on the biosynthetic pathway of origin, these compounds are either polyketide-terpenoids or non-polyketide terpenoids. The recent surge of interest in meroterpenoids has led to a systematic screening of these compounds for many biological actions. Different meroterpenoids have been recorded for a broad range of operations, such as anti-cholinesterase, COX-2 inhibitory, anti-leishmanial, anti-diabetic, anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-neoplastic, anti-bacterial, antimalarial, anti-viral, anti-obesity, and insecticidal activity. Meroterpenoids also possess inhibitory activity against the expression of nitric oxide, TNF- α, and other inflammatory mediators. These compounds also show renal protective, cardioprotective, and neuroprotective activities. The present review includes literature from 1999 to date and discusses 590 biologically active meroterpenoids, of which 231 are from fungal sources, 212 are from various species of plants, and 147 are from marine sources such as algae and sponges.

Clinical Applications of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Children with Cleft Lip and Palate-A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this systematic review was (a) to explore the current clinical applications of AI/ML (Artificial intelligence and Machine learning) techniques in diagnosis and treatment prediction in children with CLP (Cleft lip and palate), (b) to create a qualitative summary of results of the studies retrieved. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An electronic search was carried out using databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and the Web of Science Core Collection. Two reviewers searched the databases separately and concurrently. The initial search was conducted on 6 July 2021. The publishing period was unrestricted; however, the search was limited to articles involving human participants and published in English. Combinations of Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) phrases and free text terms were used as search keywords in each database. The following data was taken from the methods and results sections of the selected papers: The amount of AI training datasets utilized to train the intelligent system, as well as their conditional properties; Unilateral CLP, Bilateral CLP, Unilateral Cleft lip and alveolus, Unilateral cleft lip, Hypernasality, Dental characteristics, and sagittal jaw relationship in children with CLP are among the problems studied. RESULTS: Based on the predefined search strings with accompanying database keywords, a total of 44 articles were found in Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science search results. After reading the full articles, 12 papers were included for systematic analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Artificial intelligence provides an advanced technology that can be employed in AI-enabled computerized programming software for accurate landmark detection, rapid digital cephalometric analysis, clinical decision-making, and treatment prediction. In children with corrected unilateral cleft lip and palate, ML can help detect cephalometric predictors of future need for orthognathic surgery.

Chemistry, Biosynthesis and Pharmacology of Viniferin: Potential Resveratrol-Derived Molecules for New Drug Discovery, Development and Therapy.

Viniferin is a resveratrol derivative. Resveratrol is the most prominent stilbenoid synthesized by plants as a defense mechanism in response to microbial attack, toxins, infections or UV radiation. Different forms of viniferin exist, including alpha-viniferin (α-viniferin), beta-viniferin (ß-viniferin), delta-viniferin (δ-viniferin), epsilon-viniferin (ε-viniferin), gamma-viniferin (γ-viniferin), R-viniferin (vitisin A), and R2-viniferin (vitisin B). All of these forms exhibit a range of important biological activities and, therefore, have several possible applications in clinical research and future drug development. In this review, we present a comprehensive literature search on the chemistry and biosynthesis of and the diverse studies conducted on viniferin, especially with regards to its anti-inflammatory, antipsoriasis, antidiabetic, antiplasmodic, anticancer, anti-angiogenic, antioxidant, anti-melanogenic, neurodegenerative effects, antiviral, antimicrobial, antifungal, antidiarrhea, anti-obesity and anthelminthic activities. In addition to highlighting its important chemical and biological activities, coherent and environmentally acceptable methods for establishing vinferin on a large scale are highlighted to allow the development of further research that can help to exploit its properties and develop new phyto-pharmaceuticals. Overall, viniferin and its derivatives have the potential to be the most effective nutritional supplement and supplementary medication, especially as a therapeutic approach. More researchers will be aware of viniferin as a pharmaceutical drug as a consequence of this review, and they will be encouraged to investigate viniferin and its derivatives as pharmaceutical drugs to prevent future health catastrophes caused by a variety of serious illnesses.

Epidemiological Factors of Periodontal Disease Among South Indian Adults.

Introduction: Oral conditions exist worldwide, and are related with astounding morbidity. Indian adults' incidence of mild and moderate periodontal conditions was nearly 25%, while about 19% of adults experience severe periodontitis. Objective: The aim of this study was to analyse epidemiological factors of periodontal disease among a south Indian population based on the role of sociodemographic factors, habitual factors and set of oral health knowledge, attitude, and behaviour measures. Methods: A sample of 288 participants above 18 years of age residing in Tamil Nadu, India took part in this cross-sectional study. Based on WHO criteria, periodontal disease was measured in our study. Age, ethnicity, smoking, education, and oral health behavior were found to be the covariates. Ordinal logistic regression analysis using R version 3.6.1 was utilized to study the various factors that influence periodontal disease among south Indian adults. Results: Various demographic factors such as age between 25 and 34 years (AOR = 2.25; 95% CI 1.14-4.55), 35-44 years (AOR = 1.80; 95% CI 0.89-3.64), ≥ 45 years old (AOR = 2.89; 95% CI 1.41-6.01), ethnicity (AOR = 2.71; 95% CI 1.25-5.81), smoking (AOR = 0.38; 95% CI 0.16-0.65), primary level education (AOR = 0.07; 95% CI 0.01-0.50) high school level education (AOR = 0.06; 95% CI 0.01-0.27), university level education (AOR = 0.08; 95% CI 0.01-0.36) and an individual's oral health behavior (AOR = 0.59; 95% CI 0.32-1.08) were found to be related with periodontal disease among the south Indian population. The maximum log likelihood residual deviance value was 645.94 in the final model. Conclusion: Based on our epidemiological findings, sociodemographic, habitual factors and oral health behavior play a vital role in an individual's periodontal status among south Indian adults. An epidemiological model derived from the factors from our study will help to bring better understanding of the disease and to implement various preventive strategies to eliminate the causative factors.