The ability of orexin-A to modify pain-induced cyclooxygenase-2and brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression is associated with its ability to inhibit capsaicin-induced pulpal nociception in rats

Background@#The rostral ventromedial medulla (RVM) is a critical region for the management of nociception. The RVM is also involved in learning and memory processes due to its relationship with the hippocampus. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the molecular mechanisms behind orexin-A signaling in the RVM and hippocampus’s effects on capsaicin-induced pulpal nociception and cog-nitive impairments in rats. @*Methods@#Capsaicin (100 g) was applied intradentally to male Wistar rats to induce inflammatory pulpal nociception. Orexin-A and an orexin-1 receptor antagonist (SB-334867) were then microinjected into the RVM. Immunoblotting and immunofluorescence staining were used to check the levels of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the RVM and hippocampus. @*Results@#Interdental capsaicin treatment resulted in nociceptive responses as well as a reduction in spatial learning and memory. Additionally, it resulted in decreased BDNF and increased COX-2 expression levels. Orexin-A administration (50 pmol/1 μL/rat) could reverse such molecular changes. SB-334867 microinjection (80 nM/1 μL/rat) suppressed orexin’s effects. @*Conclusions@#Orexin-A signaling in the RVM and hippocampus modulates capsaicininduced pulpal nociception in male rats by increasing BDNF expression and decreasing COX-2 expression.

Expression of p27 protein in oral and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma [SCC] is the most common malignant tumor of oral cavity [O] and esophagus [E]. P27 protein has a significant role in biological behavior of the tumors. The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of P27 expression in OSCC and ESCC. Forty paraffin embedded blocks of OSCC and ESCC were collected and clinic pathological data were recorded in this descriptive study. Immunohistochemical staining [IHC] was done for P27 [Kipl] and Labeling Index [percent of positive cells in 10HPF] was calculated and then cases classified in to low [LI<25%] and high [LI>25%] expressions. Statistical analysis was performed by SPSS 16 using Fisher's exact and Mann-Whitney tests. Twenty-four cases [60%] were male and 16 cases [40%] were female. The mean age was 65.3+14.3. Twenty five percent of ESCCs and 10% of OSCCs showed high expression of P27. Seventy five percent of ESCC and 90% off OSCC showed low expression and there was no significant difference among OSCCs and ESCCs [P>0.05]. There were no significant correlations between age, sex, grade or size of the tumors and P27 expression in OSCCs and ESCCs. Low expression of P27 was found in most of ESCC and OSCC cases

[Comparison of two bonding systems: self etch versus etch and rinse in effectiveness of fissure sealants on newly erupted first permanent molars]

Pit and fissures are the most common affected sites of caries occurance in newly erupted first permanent molars, however effectiveness of sealants are questionable in these teeth, due to difficulties in moisture control. The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the impact of two different categories of dentin bonding agents on sealant performance. 56 pairs of sealants [122 teeth] were placed bilaterally and randomly on the occlusal surface of both upper and lower first molars with either dentin bonding agent. With no preparation of the surface, Adper prompt or Excite both were applied as one layer and cured before sealant placement. Caries assessment was performed according to the CCC method [Color, Coverage, Caries] introduced by Deery et al. [2001] at 6-month intervals for 12 months. Partially or totally lost sealants were replaced at each recall visit. Data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon test. Total etch and Excite were significantly superior in both retention and caries prevention [P=0.0001]. Excite showed a significantly greater retention in the mandible than maxilla [P=0.027], whilst Adpaer prompt showed no difference between the jaws.. Among the teeth whose sealants were lost, progression of caries was greater in the Adper Prompt group. According to findings of this study, application of total-etch and bond is preferred to self-etch adhesives before sealant application in newly erupted first permanent molars

Comparison of propofol and remifentanil administration on lipid profile

This study aimed to investigate the serum level of triglyceride, cholesterol, high density lipoprotein, low density lipoprotein, and very low density lipoprotein during administration of propofol and comparing it with infusion of remifentanil in patients undergoing sedation in ICU of Masih Daneshvari Hospital during 2005-2007. All patients with pulmonary disease, undergoing intubation and mechanical ventilation were enrolled in our study. The patients were randomly divided into two groups, first receiving propofol and second receiving remifentanil as the sedative agent. Lipid profile [triglyceride, cholesterol, high density lipoprotein, low density lipoprotein, and very low density lipoprotein] was checked before, immediately after, and the day after drug administration. A total of 40 patients were enrolled in this study, 20 of which took propofol and the remaining took remifentanil. The mean age of the patients was 58.67 +/- 18.57 yrs. Triglyceride and very low density lipoprotein[VLDL] were the two factors with statistically significant rise after infusion of propofol [p < 0.002]. Such a change was not detected in the remifentanil group. The other understudy factors did not show similar changes. Propofol infusion can induce dramatic rises in triglyceride and VLDL concentration even after low dose infusions and therefore special attention must be paid to patients prone to hyper-triglyceridemia and pancreatitis