Simulated in vitro hypoxic conditions from psoriatic arthritis cartilage change plasminogen activating system urokinase and serpine functionality. Reversal of antiapoptotic protection suggests common homeostatic buffering.

Introduction: Rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis are both characterised by synovial destruction associated with a higher turnover of the extracellular matrix. In both conditions, inflammatory processes create hypoxic environments which destabilise members of the plasminogen activating system. Aim: Comparing the effect of bioactive concentrations of urokinase (uPA) and serpine (PAI-1) on cellular survival of human fibroblast-like-synoviocytes (HFLS) in rich and hypoxic growth media. Material and methods: Monocultures of HFLS were exposed to bioactive uPA and PAI-1 concentrations in both media conditions for 24, 48 and 72 h. Cellular survival was evaluated with a cell viability assay by spectrum absorbance of formazan reduced WST-8. Results: PAI-1 at 0.1 and 1 µg/ml was found to stimulate cell viability under hypoxic stress at 48 and 72 h of incubation, with the effect increasing from 48 to 72 h. uPA increased cell viability in rich medium at 48 and 72 h of incubation between 5 and 40 ng/l, but was found to reduce viability at 80 ng/l at 24 and 48 h. PAI-1 increased cell viability in the hypoxic stress model, while high concentrations of uPA decreased cell viability in rich medium. Conclusions: The alternative modes of function at extreme concentrations provide a novel description of PAI-1 and uPA activity based on their colocalization and mutual buffering capacity, helping to place these molecules more accurately in the context of arthritic synovial deterioration.

Potential usefulness of enamel matrix derivative in skin and mucosal injury treatment.

Enamel matrix proteins (EMP) are secreted by ameloblasts during odontogenesis. The main component of enamel protein extract is amelogenin. The extracts also contain proteins with bioactive properties similar to bone morphogenic proteins and transforming growth factor ß1. Research on animal models indicates that EMP improve healing of oral mucosa wounds by stimulating the production of collagen fibers and blood vessels in the connective tissue. Success in the treatment of oral wounds prompted interest in possible applications of amelogenins in the repair of damaged skin due to similarities in histological structure between skin and mucosa.

Effect of injectable equine collagen type I on metabolic activity and apoptosis of gingival fibroblasts.

Collagen as a biomaterial is widely used for tissue regeneration due to various advantages including its biodegradation, biocompatibility, and low allergenicity. Along with aesthetic medicine development, collagen is also used in the injectable form as a tissue biostimulator. The area of our study was collagen's impact on fibroblast activity and apoptosis. The research showed that atelocollagen decreases metabolic activity of fibroblasts, but also showed an increasing number of living cells after 48 h and 72 h incubation under the influence of collagen.

Influence of Herbal Medicines on HMGB1 Release, SARS-CoV-2 Viral Attachment, Acute Respiratory Failure, and Sepsis. A Literature Review.

By attaching to the angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) protein on lung and intestinal cells, Sudden Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV-2) can cause respiratory and homeostatic difficulties leading to sepsis. The progression from acute respiratory failure to sepsis has been correlated with the release of high-mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1). Lack of effective conventional treatment of this septic state has spiked an interest in alternative medicine. This review of herbal extracts has identified multiple candidates which can target the release of HMGB1 and potentially reduce mortality by preventing progression from respiratory distress to sepsis. Some of the identified mixtures have also been shown to interfere with viral attachment. Due to the wide variability in chemical superstructure of the components of assorted herbal extracts, common motifs have been identified. Looking at the most active compounds in each extract it becomes evident that as a group, phenolic compounds have a broad enzyme inhibiting function. They have been shown to act against the priming of SARS-CoV-2 attachment proteins by host and viral enzymes, and the release of HMGB1 by host immune cells. An argument for the value in a nonspecific inhibitory action has been drawn. Hopefully these findings can drive future drug development and clinical procedures.

The relationship between periodontal status and rheumatoid arthritis - systematic review.

There have been numerous publications investigating the relationship between periodontitis (PD) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) so far. This publication presents the common risk factors for the development of PD and RA. The major impact of the pathological bacterial factor and cigarette smoking with chronic inflammation playing the key role in both diseases has been confirmed by numerous studies in various populations over the years. More research focuses nowadays also on the role of improper diet and obesity. Pathophysiological pathways, such as increased concentration of proinflammatory cytokines, indirectly affecting the cardiovascular complications and coagulation disorders, which has an impact on function disorders of tissue metalloproteinase inhibitors and the plasminogen activation system, were also researched. This systematic review of current literature has shown numerous discrepancies in previous analyses and the need for further detailed research on the relationship between periodontal status and RA.

Diagnosis of Papillon-Lefèvre syndrome: review of the literature and a case report.

Papillon-Lefëvre syndrome (PLS), classified as ectodermal dysplasia, is an autosomal recessive condition related to the cathepsin C (CTSC) gene mutation. The first clinical symptoms, occurring most commonly between the ages of 1 and 4, are palmoplantar hyperkeratosis and also periodontitis resulting in the loss of most or all teeth in the same sequence in which they erupted. Most often the redness of palms and soles precede the occurrence of keratoderma. Moreover, excessive sweating, moderate mental retardation, the tendency to purulent skin and internal organs infection may occur. Lack of cathepsin seems to have a crucial role in the intensity of symptoms. In most of the patients, there can be observed impairment of phagocytosis and chemotaxis of neutrophils, granulocytes, leukocytes and cytotoxic lesion of fibroblasts and macrophages. Also, functional impairment of lymphocytes, neutrophils, and monocytes is observed. The study, using flow cytometry, showed a decreased percentage of T cells CD8+ and increased CD4:CD8 ratio.

Benign tumours and tumour-like lesions in the oral cavity: a retrospective analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Oral lesions are divided into non-neoplastic lesions, potentially malignant lesions and neoplastic lesions. More clinical data are needed to determine their helpful clinical pattern. AIM: To present the epidemiological, clinical and histopathological characteristics of the oral lesions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The retrospective study group comprised records of 208 patients which were reviewed according to selected epidemiological and clinical features. All the biopsy specimens were classified into: reactive lesions, precancerous lesions/potentially malignant lesions, salivary gland pathologies, benign and malignant tumours. RESULTS: The lower lip was the most common site involved followed by buccal and vestibular mucosa. The most frequent diagnoses were fibroma, mucocele and papilloma. The predominant pathomorphological forms were nodule and bulla. The most frequent salivary gland pathology was mucocele. Fibroma was the most frequent pathomorphological diagnosis, followed by mucocele and reactive lesions such as irritation fibroma (IF) and granuloma. CONCLUSIONS: In cases of oral mucosal lesions, we propose the following algorithm: the exclusion of all odontogenic and iatrogenic causes; the detection and elimination of harmful habits, parafunctions and irritants from the oral cavity especially from the vestibule of the oral cavity and from the lips; all surgical treatment should be performed only after the proper detection and elimination of causative factors to decrease the risk of recurrence; excisional biopsy or in more diffuse lesions incisional biopsy is recommended to confirm clinical diagnosis; and consideration of other factors that can modify the clinical pattern of oral lesions, such as oral hygiene, systemic diseases, and drugs.

Tobacco smoking decreases clinical symptoms of gingivitis in patients with type 1 diabetes-a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: Periodontal disease may develop on the background of microvascular complications of diabetes. However, some modifying factors, such as tobacco smoking, should be taken into consideration when assessing risk of development of chronic complications. The aim of the study was the clinical assessment of the periodontal status in patients with type 1 diabetes according to tobacco smoking. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total of 362 subjects aged 29 (IQR 22-35) years, type 1 diabetes duration 12 (8-18) years, hemoglobin A1c, HbA1c 8.0 (7.2-9.1)% were included. We used Gingival Index, Approximal Plaque Index, and Sulcus Bleeding Index to assess periodontal health. Patients were divided into two subgroups according to current cigarette smoking. RESULTS: No differences in age, diabetes duration, and chronic complications were found between subgroups. A better metabolic control of diabetes expressed by lower HbA1c (p = 0.00001) and triglyceride levels (p = 0.004) was shown in nonsmokers. Smokers presented significantly lower gingival bleeding, p = 0.009. HbA1c correlated with API in study group (Rs = 0.16; p = 0.002) and in nonsmokers subgroup (Rs = 0.2;p = 0.004), however, not in smoker's subgroup. In multivariable regression analysis, smoking cigarettes (ß = -0.26; p = 0.0002), hs-CRP (ß = 0.15; p = 0.03) and age (ß = -0.19; p = 0.007) occurred to be independent predictors of SBI after adjustment for confounding variables (R2  = 0.13; p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with type 1 diabetes smoking cigarettes presented lower gingival sulcus bleeding and worse metabolic control of diabetes than nonsmoking patients.

Can EGCG Alleviate Symptoms of Down Syndrome by Altering Proteolytic Activity?

Down syndrome (DS), also known as "trisomy 21", is a genetic disorder caused by the presence of all or part of a third copy of chromosome 21. Silencing these extra genes is beyond existing technology and seems to be impractical. A number of pharmacologic options have been proposed to change the quality of life and lifespan of individuals with DS. It was reported that treatment with epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) improves cognitive performance in animal models and in humans, suggesting that EGCG may alleviate symptoms of DS. Traditionally, EGCG has been associated with the ability to reduce dual specificity tyrosine phosphorylation regulated kinase 1A activity, which is overexpressed in trisomy 21. Based on the data available in the literature, we propose an additional way in which EGCG might affect trisomy 21-namely by modifying the proteolytic activity of the enzymes involved. It is known that, in Down syndrome, the nerve growth factor (NGF) metabolic pathway is altered: first by downregulating tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) that activates plasminogen to plasmin, an enzyme converting proNGF to mature NGF; secondly, overexpression of metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) further degrades NGF, lowering the amount of mature NGF. EGCG inhibits MMP-9, thus protecting NGF. Urokinase (uPA) and tPA are activators of plasminogen, and uPA is inhibited by EGCG, but regardless of their structural similarity tPA is not inhibited. In this review, we describe mechanisms of proteolytic enzymes (MMP-9 and plasminogen activation system), their role in Down syndrome, their inhibition by EGCG, possible degradation of this polyphenol and the ability of EGCG and its degradation products to cross the blood-brain barrier. We conclude that known data accumulated so far provide promising evidence of MMP-9 inhibition by EGCG in the brain, which could slow down the abnormal degradation of NGF.

[The assessment of periodontal status in smoking and non-smoking patients with type 1 diabetes].

Chronic microvascular complications of type 1 diabetes relate to small and medium-sized vessels and clinically manifest as retinopathy, nephropathy and neuropathy as well as periodontitis. Cigarette smoking significantly modifies the course of inflammation in subjects without diabetes. The aim of the study was to assess the periodontal status in smoking and non-smoking subjects with type 1 diabetes. Materials and Methods: 115 subjects with type 1 diabetes, median age 32 years (IQR 25-38), median HbA1c 8.3% (7.4-9.4) were included. Assessed gingival indices comprised API, SBI, GI. Results: Smoking cigarettes was more frequent among men compared to women (p = 0.03). API was lower among women compared to men (p = 0.004). There was no correlation between HbA1c and gingival indexes, however, people achieving good metabolic control (HbA1c≤6.5%) had a lower API (p = 0.039). Smokers presented lower SBI compared to non- -smokers (p = 0.03). Conclusions: People with type 1 diabetes smoking cigarettes present lower gingival bleeding compared to non-smokers. In people with poor metabolic control of type 1 diabetes there is an increased accumulation of dental plaque in comparison with well-controlled type 1 diabetic patients.

Effects of chlorhexidine, essential oils and herbal medicines (Salvia, Chamomile, Calendula) on human fibroblast in vitro.

Antiseptic rinses have been successfully used in inflammatory states of the gums and oral cavity mucosa. Antibacterial effects of chlorhexidine, essential oils and some herbs are well documented. Reaction of host tissue to these substances has much poorer documentation. The aim of the study was to analyse the influence of chlorhexidine (CHX), essential oil (EO: thymol, 0.064%; eucalyptol, 0.092%; methyl salicylate, 0.060%; menthol, 0.042%) mouth rinses and salvia, chamomile and calendula brews on fibroblast biology in vitro. The human fibroblast CCD16 line cells were cultured in incubation media which contained the examined substances. After 24 and 48 hours, the cell morphology, relative growth and apoptosis were evaluated. Exposure of fibroblasts to CHX, EO or salvia caused various changes in cell morphology. Cells cultured for 48 hours with CHX revealed a noticeably elongated shape of while cells cultured in high EO concentration or with salvia were considerably smaller and contracted with fewer projections. Chlorhexidine, EO and salvia reduced the fibroblast proliferation rate and stimulated cell death. Both reactions to EO were dose dependent. Cells exposure to chamomile or calendula brews did not change morphology or proliferation of fibroblasts. The results of this in vitro study showed that in contrast to chamomile and calendula, the brews of EO, CHX or salvia had a negative influence on fibroblast biology.

[The role of epithelial cell rests of Hertwig's sheath in periodontal regeneration--review]. / Rola pozostalosci komórek nablonkowej pochewki korzenia w procesie regeneracji przyzebia--przeglad literatury.

Epithelial cell rests of Malassez (ERM) are the potential source of stem cells subpopulation with ability to periodontal regeneration by epithelial-mesenchymal induction. The morphology of ERM and ERM influence on root development and regeneration process was described based on the literature.

Effect of tobacco smoking on human gingival and periodontal fibroblasts. A systematic review of literature.

Influence of smoking tobacco on the oral cavity has been showcased, based on a review of the relevant literature. The effect of tobacco smoke, as well as its components, on the morphology and motility of human gingival and periodontal ligament fibroblasts in health, periodontal disease, and in neoplasms, has been described.

[The influence of selected plants on the tobacco smoking-induced effects in the oral cavity--review]. / Wplyw wybranych zwiazków roslinnych na ograniczenie skutków palenia tytoniu w jamie ustnej--przeglad literatury.

Tobacco smoking is a culprit of many pathological lesions on the oral mucosa. In this literature review we focused on various therapeutic options for tobacco induced mucosal pathologies. Many active ingredients of Aloe vera, Chamomile, Curcuma longa and Calendula show potent anti-inflammatory and regenerative activity, making plant derived drugs a reasonable option for traditional pharmaceuticals.

An anthropometric analysis of the head and face in vocal students.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was an anthropometric analysis of the values of selected cranial and facial indexes in vocal students and a comparison of these values with the standards for the same ethnic and age group of non-singing students. PATIENTS AND METHODOLOGY: 56 vocal students, aged 19-26 years, were examined. Standard instruments, such as sliding and spreading callipers and soft measuring tape, were used for the examination. A set of 32 linear measurements of the head and face was provided. RESULTS: In all head measurements the obtained results were greater for the vocal students. The vocal students revealed greater values of the indexes related to face width and depth of the lower jaw. In the comparison group the indices for the middle and lower part of the face were significantly higher. CONCLUSION: Vocalists have bigger heads and mandibles than non-singers.

Effectiveness of Emdogain in the periodontal treatment.

OBJECTIVES: The study was designed to investigate how the periodontal disease treatment with Emdogain may influence the parameters of serum acute phase response and the total antioxidant status (TAS) of nonstimulated saliva. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The wound healing process after periodontal treatment provided with EMD and regular open flap procedure was observed in 28 patients. TAS in saliva and acute phase proteins in blood was measured before and after treatment. RESULTS: The PD varied from 3,91 mm before treatment to 1,27 after it in EMD group and from 3,83 mm and 1,33 in the control group. CAL varied from 3,2 - 2,4 mm in EMD group and from 2,70 - 2,2 in the control group (p<0,01 and p<0,001). On the basis and after treatment of acute phase proteins analysis existence of chronic inflammatory state with slight decreased total concentration of AGP, ACP. Low TAS level found in the saliva of the subjects in our study may suggest that the antioxidant defence of saliva in patients with chronic periodontitis is poor.

[Traditional and ayurvedic herbalism, homeopathy--the alternative therapeutic methods in dentistry. Review]. / Przydatnosc alternatywnych metod terapeutycznych w stomatologii: ziololecznictwo tradycyjne i ajurwedyjskie, homeopatia. Przeglad literatury.

Herbalism is the oldest therapeutic system useful also ayurvedic medicine. Homepathy uses small doses of various substances to stimulate autoregulatory and self-healing processes. Medicines are prepared by serial dilution and shaking, which proponents claim imprints information into water. Ayurveda is a holistic form of therapy. In this meaning herbalism selects substances by matching a patient's symptoms with symptoms produced by these substances in healthy individuals. The some substances useful in dentistry were showed in this letter.

[Tobacco smoking and clinical periodontal status with clinical parameters]. / Palenie tytoniu a stan kliniczny przyzebia z uwzglednieniem wskazników klinicznych.

Increasing evidence points to smoking as a major risk factor for periodontitis and, affecting the prevalence, extentent and severity of the disease. The aim of our study was to asses due to clinical and statistical methods oral health status among a group of 61 patients of Conservative Dentistry and Perodontology Department Poznan University of Medical Sciences according to DMF and CPITN indices, PPD and CAL level. In statistical analysis the Friedmann and Kruskal Wallis test were used.

[Music therapy in different dental specialties]. / Muzykoterapia w róznych dziedzinach stomatologii.

INTRODUCTION: Music is generally recognized as the best and, in parallel, the simplest medium of communication. The music therapy, applied in various spheres linked to a therapeutic process, is particularly valued in rehabilitation, medicine, humanities and social sciences. Present study aimed at determination of usefulness of selected techniques of music therapy in different dental specialties. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The studies were conducted on 81 generally healthy patients aging 18 to 62 years. Various planned dental procedures were performed first time or were appraised by the patients as unpleasant ones. On the basis of pilot studies, a stable scheme of the visits was established. At the beginning of the studies, music therapy according to Kieryl was conducted. Subsequently, basing on description of Schwabe, a form of regulatory individual music therapy was conducted. Depending on psychoemotional condition of the patient, music programming was based on ISO and LEVEL principles, taking into account musical preferences of the patient and his/her age. After every visit the patients filled questionnaires and appropriate results, together with results of studies performed by the dentist, were subjected to statistical analysis. CONCLUSIONS: 1. Results of the studies encourage application of musicotherapeutic techniques in different dental specialties. 2. Dental visit can be made attractive and patient's visits in dental office can be facilitated with no significant financial input or organizational.

[The influence of periodontal diseases on the concentration of selected metals in saliva]. / Wplyw chorób przyzebia na stezenie wybranych metali w slinie.

Analysis of elements (mainly metals) in biological materials provides a challenge for analytics. It results from complex matrix of this kind of samples and strict requirements for purity at all stages of the analytical process. Over the years many effective methods for determination of metals in body fluids have been developed, which link with searching for the association between elemental composition of human body and various diseases. The aim of the investigation was to study the usefulness of available methodology to determination of selected metals in saliva and blood of patients with periodontitis and healthy controls by two techniques" ICP-MS and ICP-OES. Next statistical analysis of the data statistical was carried out. The influence of periodontal disease upon the concentrations of selected metals (Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Pb and Zn) in saliva was examined, as well the attempt to classify samples of patients with periodontitis and healthy individuals correctly was made. Additionally mutual relations between analytes in examined materials were determined by computing the Pearson's correlation coefficient and principal component analysis (PCA).