No association between dopamine D2 receptor (DRD2) alleles and crack/cocaine dependence in Brazilians

INTRODUCTION: The causal mechanisms behind crack/cocaine use are still unknown, but genetic influences are suggested. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between the genetic polymorphism TaqI (rs1800497) in the dopamine D2 receptor (DRD2) gene and susceptibility to crack/cocaine dependence in a group of addicts to crack/cocaine and a non-addicted group. METHODS: The case group (n=515) was composed of crack/cocaine-dependent men and the control group (n=106) comprised men who were considered not dependent on crack/cocaine. The oral hygiene habits, decayed, missing, and filled teeth index, gingival index, and plaque index were evaluated. The reference single nucleotide polymorphism (rs1800497 C/T) of the DRD2 gene was genotyped by a real-time polymerase chain reaction technique. Student's t-tests for independent samples or the non-parametric Mann-Whitney test were used to compare groups regarding quantitative variables. RESULTS: The case group showed a mean time of 9.91±7.03 years of crack use, and 61.06±92.96 stones/week. The socio-demographic profile of the sample was White, single men, with basic education, blue-collar worker, smoker, and reporting alcohol use. There was a high frequency of gingival inflammation, plaque accumulation, and caries experience. For all genetic models tested, there was no significant difference in the genotypic frequency in rs1800497 of the DRD2 gene, between case and control groups (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: The genetic variant in the DRD2 did not increase the vulnerability to develop crack/cocaine dependence. The complex genetic nature of crack/cocaine dependence and a large variation of DRD2 allele frequencies, depending on the population group sampled, could be one explanation for the no association.

Worse Caries Experience Does Not Lead to Worse Overall Health

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze caries experience depending on periodontitis affection concomitant or not with cardiovascular risks or mental health issues with the hypothesis that worse accumulated caries experience is not necessarily the result of the presence of concomitant overall health issues. Material and Methods: All subjects of this cross-sectional study were participants of the Dental Registry and DNA Repository project. Variables age, ethnicity, sex, caries experience, periodontitis and mental disease statuses and blood pressure assessment, dental clinical data (DMFT, DMFS and periodontitis) were evaluated and collected from the clinical records. We used chi-square, Fisher's exact, or Student's t-tests to determine differences in frequencies of sex, age, ethnicity, and dental clinical data depending on caries experience, periodontitis, mental health status, and cardiovascular risks. The established alpha was 5%. Results: Of the total 1,437 subjects included in this study, 407 were individuals with high blood pressure and 1,030 were individuals without high blood pressure. Also, 558 were individuals with mental disease and 879 were individuals without mental disease. High blood pressure patients were mostly men (47.17%) and women were the majority when analyzing patients with mental illness (60.04%). Most of the patients in the different groups were white, with a mean age ranging from 15.4 to 88 years. Conclusion: We concluded that caries experience concomitant or not with periodontitis affection does not associate with high blood pressure and mental disease.

Calcium and phosphorus levels in saliva are influenced by genetic polymorphisms in estrogen receptor alpha and microrna17

Abstract Homeostasis between salivary calcium and phosphorus is important for maintaining oral health. The aim of this study was to evaluate if polymorphisms in ESR1 (Estrogen Receptor Alpha), ESR2 (Estrogen Receptor Beta) and miRNA17 (microRNA17) are associated with calcium and phosphorus levels in saliva. Saliva from 276 12-year-old children were collected by masticatory stimulation and calcium and phosphorus levels were determined by Mass Spectrometry. Genomic DNA was extracted from remaining saliva and genetic polymorphisms in ESR1 (rs12154178, rs1884051, rs9340799 and rs2234693), in ESR2 (rs4986938 and rs1256049) and in miRNA17 (rs4284505) were genotyped using TaqMan chemistry and a real-time PCR equipment. Statistical differences in genotype and allele distributions between 'low' and 'high' calcium and phosphorus levels were determined using chi-square or Fisher´s exact tests. The analysis was also adjusted by sex (alpha of 5%). ESR1 rs9340799 had the less common genotype associated with higher calcium levels (p=0.03). The less common allele of ESR1 rs1884051 was associated with lower phosphorus levels (p=0.005) and there was an excess of heterozygotes for miRNA17 rs4284505 among individuals with lower calcium levels (p=0.002), both adjusted by sex. This study provides evidence that genetic polymorphisms in ESR1 and miRNA17 are involved in determining salivary calcium and phosphorus levels.

Resumo A homeostasia entre cálcio e fósforo salivares é importante para a manutenção da saúde bucal. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar se polimorfismos genéticos no receptor de estrógeno alfa (ESR1), receptor de estrógeno beta (ESR2) e no microRNA17 (microRNA17) estão associados com os níveis salivares de cálcio e fósforo. Saliva de 276 crianças com 12 anos de idade foi coletada com estímulo mastigatório e os níveis de cálcio e fósforo foram determinados por Espectrofotometria de Massa. O DNA genômico foi extraído da saliva remanescente e os polimorfismos genéticos em ESR1 (rs12154178, rs1884051, rs9340799 e rs2234693), em ESR2 (rs4986938 e rs1256049) e no miRNA17 (rs4284505) foram genotipados pela reação em cadeia da polimerase em tempo real utilizando sondas TaqMan. As diferenças estatísticas nas distribuições alélicas e genotípicas entre "baixo" e "alto" níveis de cálcio e fósforo foram determinadas usando os testes qui-quadrado e teste exato de Fisher. As análises foram ajustadas por sexo (alfa de 5%). O polimorfismo rs9340799 em ESR1 foi o genótipo menos comum associado com altos níveis de cálcio (p=0,03). O alelo menos comum em ESR1 rs1884051 foi associado com baixos níveis de fósforo (p=0,005) e houve um excesso de heterozigotos para miRNA17 rs4284505 entre os indivíduos com baixos níveis de cálcio salivar (p=0,002), ambos ajustados pelo sexo. Este estudo fornece evidências de que polimorfismos genéticos em ESR1 e miRNA17 estão envolvidos na determinação dos níveis de cálcio e fósforo salivares.

Analysis of permanent second molar development in children born with cleft lip and palate

Abstract The study of dental development in individuals born with cleft lip and palate (CLP) serves to determine when orthodontic intervention should start. Objective To evaluate the permanent second molar development in children born with cleft lip and palate according to Demirjian's and Nolla's methods. Methodology Out of a total of 513 digital panoramic radiographs, 113 pairs of children aged 3 to 16 years were selected. The exams were from children born with or without cleft lip and palate, of the same sex, with an age difference of up to 30 days. The images were analyzed by three examiners and reliability was checked through intra-examiner agreement by the Kappa test. The data were analyzed by Wilcoxon's and Mann-Whitney tests according to each dataset. Results The findings indicated delayed development of the permanent second molars in children with CLP (P<0.001). The development of the right permanent second molar was delayed compared to the left molar in children with CLP. Moreover, mandibular teeth showed significantly earlier development than maxillary teeth in both the case and control groups. There was no significant difference in the development of permanent second molars between sexes. Conclusion Children with CLP presented delay in the development of permanent second molars.

Protein Profiles of Individuals with Erosive Tooth Wear

Abstract Objective: To determine if protein profiles identified in saliva could be used to determine risk and severity of erosive tooth wear. Material and Methods: Three types of saliva sampling were performed to obtain saliva from 34 18-year old individuals that received regular dental check-ups, along with clinical status of the dentition and risk factor related to erosive tooth wear using the VEDE scale. Protein profiles in saliva were determined using electrophoresis and the calculation of the percentage of a specific band at a specific molecular weight in relationship to the total protein in that sample (% of total) using molecular weight standards. This quantification was repeated for each protein band across a range of molecular weights for each sample to test for association with erosive tooth wear status. Results: There were no differences in the number of detectable proteins sourced from the parotid gland, nor the unstimulated and stimulated whole saliva. Five out of the 34 individuals had no signs of erosive tooth wear despite an acidic diet and were more likely to have proteins with molecular weight smaller than 1 KDa (p=0.03). Conclusion: There is potential for the use of protein profiling to determine risks for erosive tooth wear.

Differences in Proteomic Profiles Between Caries Free and Caries Affected Children

Abstract Objective: To determine if there are differences in protein profiles in saliva depending if children of caries-free versus caries affected. Material and Methods: A cohort of 91 children with ages between 6 and 19 years, along clinical status of caries experience. Protein profiles in saliva were determined using electrophoresis and the calculation of the percentage of a specific band at a specific molecular weight in relationship to the total protein in that sample (% of total) using molecular weight standards. This quantification was repeated for each protein band across a range of molecular weights for each sample. Chi-square, Fisher's exact, and Student t-tests were used to compare the distributions between caries-free and caries affected children (α=0.05). Results: Histatin was more likely to be non-detectable or reduced in caries-free children (OR=7.56; 95% CI 1.62-35.13) and these children had on average one less gel band detected by the assay we used. Conclusion: We have found differences in proteins between caries affected and caries-free children, suggesting that this line of investigation holds the promise of providing new tools for caries management.

COVID-19-Related Challenges in Dental Education: Experiences From Brazil, the USA, and Australia

Abstract Objective: To describe and compare how three dental schools from different countries (Australia, Brazil, and the USA) have managed experiences in dental education during the COVID-19 crisis. Material and Methods: It is a descriptive study reporting the experience that three distinct dental schools faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. They represent countries that adopted different measures to tackle the pandemic and were undergoing different stages of the disease. Results: After the WHO declared the COVID-19 pandemic, the Federal University of Paraíba suspended all on-site teaching, research, and service activities. For the return to teaching activities, the use of information and communications technology resources for distance learning was recommended. At the School of Dental Medicine (University of Pittsburgh), all research activities were suspended or, otherwise, could not be interrupted because of the employment of unique materials or supplies. When the pandemic started, Australia was one of the first countries to introduce strong regulations related to social distancing, travel restrictions, testing and tracking of infected patients. As such, the universities started to be closed from mid-March, cancelling all clinical and pre-clinical activities, maintaining online theoretical activities, such as seminars, lectures, and journal clubs. Conclusion: Numerous and critical difficulties have arisen as a result of the pandemic for individuals, communities and institutions that will have long-lasting effects. Our students face disruption to their education and career; our professional colleagues will be challenged rebuilding their practices, while staff at all Dental Schools are experiencing various hardships.

Defining the Prevalence of Molar Incisor Hypomineralization in Brazil

Abstract Objective: To define the prevalence of Molar Incisor Hypomineralization (MIH) in Brazil since the reports ranged from 2.5% to 40.2%. Material and Methods: We studied 407 children from 7 to 14 years of age. MIH was measured using the European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry criteria of 2003. Clinical data were collected by a calibrated dentist (Kappa=0.88) and included affected teeth and degree of MIH severity (mild/severe). Mild MIH cases were considered when the tooth presented demarcated opacity ≥ 1.0mm, without any loss of structure. While severe cases were defined by teeth in which loss of structure was present, or past or current lesion that required treatment, or presence of atypical restorations. In addition, published data (nine studies) reporting MIH in Brazilians were identified, and the heterogeneity of these studies was tested (I2 index/ p≤0.01). Results: In the original sample studied, the majority of patients were males (55.3%; n = 225), with an average age of 10.1 years (± 2.1 years). The prevalence of MIH in this group was 14.5% (59 affected in 407), and most of the affected teeth had a mild degree of alteration (77.4% or 202 in 261 teeth). Conclusion: A meta-analysis including nine published reports, and our original data showed that MIH prevalence in Brazil is 13.48 (95% CI, 8.66% -18.31%).

Association of taste receptor gene polymorphisms with dental caries

Abstract This study was performed to evaluate the interplay between dental caries, nutritional status, and genetic polymorphisms in TAS1R1 and TAS1R2 (taste receptor, type 1, member 1 and 2) in preschool children and pre-adolescents. We included 525 subjects (306 preschool children and 219 pre-adolescents). Parents/caregivers answered a self-administered questionnaire about their children's systemic health, characteristics, oral hygiene habits, and diet. Clinical examination was performed to evaluate dental caries and nutritional status. Saliva samples were collected for DNA extraction. The genotyping of rs17492553 ( TAS1R1 ), rs3935570, and rs4920566 ( TAS1R2 ) polymorphisms was performed using real-time PCR with Taqman Genotyping Master Mix and SNP assay. Both univariate and multivariate Poisson regression analyses with robust variance were used for the data analysis. In preschool children, consumption of sweets between meals increased the prevalence of dental caries by 85% (PR c = 1.85; 95%CI 1.39-2.46; p < 0.001), whereas in pre-adolescents, this prevalence increased by 34% (PR a = 1.34; 95%CI 1.11-1.62; p = 0.002), regardless of genetic polymorphisms . Moreover, individuals carrying at least one allele C in rs17492553 presented 23% more prevalence of dental caries (PR a = 1.23; 95%CI 1.02-1.49 p = 0.030). Nutritional status was not associated with dental caries, neither with genetic polymorphisms . Consumption of sweets between meals increased the prevalence of dental caries. In pre-adolescents, rs17492553 genetic polymorphism in TAS1R1 was associated with dental caries.

Dental caries experience associate with mental issues and hypertension in asian americans

Objective: To determine if oral health indicators (dental caries experience andperiodontitis) associate with mental and cardiovascular health issues in AsianAmericans. Methods: Medical history data, dental caries experience (DMFT andDMFS; Decayed, Missing due to caries, Filled Teeth/Surface), and periodontitisstatus of Asian Americans were obtained from the Dental Registry and DNARepository at University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine. A total of 6,117individuals were evaluated and among which dental status of 309 Asian Americansubjects (292 adults and 17 children under the age of twelve) were analyzed. Thefrequency of mental health issues and hypertension depending on dental cariesexperience (Decayed, Missing due to caries, Filled Teeth or Surfaces, DMFT/DMFS)and periodontitis were evaluated and chi-square or Fisher's exact test were usedwith an alpha of 0.05 to determine statistical differences. Results: For the 292Asian American adult subjects, the mean DMFT was 10.1 and mean DMFS was 27.5,which is similar to the expected values in adult DMFT (9.0-11.3) for the UnitedStates. For the 17 Asian American children subjects under age of twelve, the meanDMFT was 1.8 and mean DMFS was 3.8, which also fell into the expected values forchildren DMFT for the United States (1.2-2.6). More severe dental caries experiencewas associated with having an underlying mental health issue (p=0.02) andhypertension (p=0.02). No associations between having periodontitis and mentalor cardiovascular issues were found in the cohort. Conclusion: More severe dentalcaries experience of Asian Americans associate with mental and cardiovascularissues.

Objetivo: Determinar se medidas de saúde oral (cárie dentária e periodontite)estão associadas com doenças cardiovasculares e mentais em asiáticosamericanos. Métodos: Dados de saúde, experiência de cárie (CPOD e CPOS) eperiodontitie de asiáticos americanos foram obtidos do Registro Odontológico eRepositório de DNA da Universidade de Pittsburgh. O total de 6.117 pessoas estavadisponível no registro e 309 asiáticos americanos foram estudados (292 adultos e17 crianças abaixo de 12 anos). As frequências de doença mental e hipertensão,dependendo da experiência de cárie e periodontite, foram avaliadas e os testesqui-quadrado e exato de Fisher foram usados com alfa de 0,05 para determinardiferenças estatísticas. Resultados: A média de CPOD dos 292 adultos foi de 10,1e a média de CPOS foi 27,5, o que é parecido com os valores esperados de CPODde adultos nos Estados Unidos (9,0-11,3). A média de CPOD das 17 crianças menoresde 12 anos foi 1,8 e a do CPOS foi 3,8, o que também é similar aos valores de CPODem crianças dos Estaods Unidos (1,2-2,6). Experiência de cárie mais severaassociou-se com ter problema de saúde mental (p=0,02) e hipertensão (p=0,02).Não se encontrou associação entre periodontite e problemas mentais oucardiovasculares na amostra. Conclusão: Experiência de cárie mais severa emasiáticos americanos associa-se com doença mental e cardiovascular.

Oral health of individuals with mental health disorders

Objective: To analyze the oral and dental health conditions in a population of patients with a history of mental health disorders. Background: Individuals with mental health disorders are susceptible to dental disease related to poor oral hygiene, behavioral changes, medication effects, and systemic disease. Mental health and dental health reciprocally affect one another. Poor mental health has been associated with self-neglect, dry mouth, increased likelihood of substance abuse, and a higher susceptibility to oral infection. Similarly, poor dental health negatively affects mental health. Halitosis, dental caries, missing teeth, and affected speech can exacerbate mental health illness related to self-esteem and social anxiety. Methods: The Dental Registry and DNA repository (DRDR) at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine was analyzed for patients with a history of mental health disorder. A total of 6,015 patient records were available from the DRDR at the time of this analysis. 1,068 patient records were available for individuals reporting a mental health disorder. We examined the prevalence of various dental conditions in a population of patients reporting a mental health disorder (N=1,068) in comparison to the rest of the registry (N=4,947), as well as the distribution of disorders and demographics. Mental health disorders included in this study are depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and eating disorders. Oral and dental health was assessed by dental caries, periodontal disease, gingivitis, tooth wear, complete and partial edentulism, xerostomia, coated tongue, gingivitis, oral ulceration, periapical lesions, and TMD. The prevalence of smoking, alcohol abuse, and substance abuse was also determined. Sex and ethnicity were also examined. Results: Of 6,015 patients, 1,068 reported a history of mental health disorder. 59.2% reported having depression, 16.7% reported anxiety, 13.3% reported bipolar disorder, 3.6% reported schizophrenia, 2.3% reported post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and 2.3% reported an eating disorder. Mental illness was significantly associated with partial and complete edentulism, dental caries, tooth wear, xerostomia, erosion, TMD, ulceration, and gingivitis. Mental illness was also significantly associated with female sex and Whites. Conclusions: Mental health conditions can significantly affect the dental and oral health of affected individuals. Individuals with mental health conditions may be more susceptible to dental disease.

Objetivo: Analisar o estado de saúde oral e dentária de uma população de pacientes com história de problemas de saúde mental. Conhecimento Prévio: Indivíduos com problemas de saúde mental só mais suscetíveis a doença oral relacionada a hygiene oral deficient, mudanças de comportamento, efeitos de medicações, e doenças sistêmicas. Saúde mental e oral afetam reciprocamente uma à outra. Problemas de saúde mental foram associados com falta de cuidado pessoal, boca seca, chance aumentada de uso de substâncias ilícitas, e risco aumentado de infecção oral. De forma semelhante, problemas de saúde oral afetam negativamente saúde mental. Halitose, cárie, perda de dentes, e problemas de fala podem agravar o estado de saúde mental relacionado com auto-estima e ansiedade. Métodos: The Dental Registry and DNA Repository (DRDR) da Faculdade de Medicina Dental da Universidade de Pittsburgh foi analisado na avaliação de pacientes com história de doença mental. Um total de 6.015 fichas de pacientes estava disponível no DRDR no momento dessa análise. Dessas, 1.068 eram fichas de pacientes com um problema mental. Prevalência de cárie, periodontite, atrição, edentulismo parcial e total, xerostomia, erosão, gengivite, disordem da articulação temporomandibular (TMD), e úlceras foram determinadas e comparadas com o resto do registro (N=4.947). Sexo e etnia foram também analisados. O teste to qui-quadrado com significância de 5% foi usado. Resultados: Dos 6.015 pacientes, 1.068 relataram história de problema de saúde mental. 59.2% reportou ter depressão, 16.7% ansiedade, 13.3% doença bipolar, 3.6% esquizofrenia, 2.3% transtorno de estresse pós-traumático (PTSD), e 2.3% problemas de alimentação. Doença mental estava significativamente associada com edentulismo parcial e total, cárie, atrição, xerostomia, erosão, TMD, ulceração, e gengivite. Doença mental também for significativamente associada com o sexo feminino e etinia branca. Conclusões: Problemas mentais signifcativamente afetam a saúde oral. Pessoas com problemas de saúde mental parecem ter risco aumentado à cárie, atrição, erosão, edentulismo, xerostomia, inflamcação das gengivas, e TMD. Esses resultados poderão ajudar a direcionar medidas de prevenção e tratamento dessas pessoas.

Milk Reverts the Effects of an Enamel Erosive but Healthy Diet

Objective: To determine the erosive effects of popular fruits and vegetables on enamel, and the potential counter effects of milks. Material and Methods: Ten popular fruits and vegetables were individually blended in a juicer to form a fruit or vegetable juice. The labial surfaces (three for each treatment group) were then immersed for thirty minutes in a fresh juice of one of ten products: strawberry, spinach, pineapple, grapefruit, green pepper, pickle, orange, apple, tomato, and carrot. In a second experiment, human enamel was treated with Coca-Cola for 30 minutes, followed by a variety of milks: Skim, 2%, Whole, Chocolate, Lactaid, Almond, and Silk Soy. Three teeth were used for each treatments and enamel microhardness of each sample was measured at baseline, after erosive exposure, and after the 30-minute variable treatment. Results: All fruits and vegetables showed differences between the pre- and posttreatment microhardness values. For the second experiment, tested milks result in significant increases (p<0.05) in enamel microhardness. Paired-t test was used for all comparisons. A thirty-minute exposure to the juices of all fruits and vegetables examined in the study significantly changed the microhardness of enamel, with grapefruit and pickle having potentially the most erosive effect on enamel. Diets that are high in fruits and vegetables can predispose to enamel erosion. For the second experiment, filtered water, ACT fluoride rinse, and varying milks all result in remineralization of enamel. Conclusion: Eroded enamel exposed to milk demonstrated a significant greater gain of enamel microhardness as compared to filtered water.

Association between TNFα - 308 G/A polymorphism and oral lichen planus (OLP): a meta-analysis

Abstract Objectives To determine whether Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha (TNFα) -308 G/A polymorphism is associated with oral lichen planus (OLP). Material and Methods A systematic electronic search of the literature was conducted to identify all published studies on the association between TNFα -308 G/A polymorphism and OLP. All case-control studies evaluating the TNFα -308 G/A polymorphisms in OLP were selected. A meta-analysis of the studies that fulfilled the inclusion criteria was performed. Odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were also calculated. Results Seven studies comprising 450 OLP cases and 867 controls were included in the meta-analysis. In the pooled analysis, TNFα -308 G/A polymorphism was associated with OLP with random effects and OR of 2.33 (95%CI=1.07-5.11; p=0.03), assuming a dominant mode of inheritance (AA+GA vs. GG). In the subgroup analysis by ethnicity, TNFα -308 G/A was associated with a significantly increased odds ratio of OLP in mixed ethnicity (OR=5.22; 95%CI=1.93-14.15; p=0.001), but not in Asians (OR=1.57; 95%CI=0.54-4.54; p=0.41) or Caucasians (OR=1.45; 95%CI=0.19-11.22; p=0.72). For subgroup analysis based on HCV (hepatitis C virus) infection status, significant increased risk of OLP was found among patients with mixed HCV infection status (OR=3.77; 95%CI=1.07-13.2; p=0.038), but not in patients without HCV infection (OR=2.09; 95%CI=0.63-6.91; p=0.22) and patients with HCV infection (OR=0.48; 95%CI=0.13-1.69; p=0.25). Conclusion Our results suggest that -308 G/A polymorphism in TNFα is a potential genetic marker for OLP.

MMP13, TIMP2 and TGFB3 Gene Polymorphisms in Brazilian Chronic Periodontitis and Periimplantitis Subjects

Abstract Subjects susceptible to chronic periodontitis (CP) show a high risk for the development of peiimplantitis (PI). Both diseases are multifactorial, presenting similarities in their pathophysiology and polygenic profile. MMP-13 (matrix metalloproteinases 13/ collagenase 3) is a collagenolytic enzyme, which expression is induced by TGF beta 3 (transforming growth factor type 3) in human gingival fibroblasts and inhibited by TIMP-2 (tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase type 2). The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of peiimplantitis (PI) in subjects with history of chronic periodontitis (CP) and polymorphisms frequency in MMP13, TIMP2 and TGFB3 genes. One hundred and sixty-three volunteers received dental implant placement were submitted to oral and radiographic examination in order to identify past history of CP or presence of PI. Volunteers were divided into 4 groups: Control (without PI and CP, n=72), CP (with CP and without PI, n=28), PI (with PI and without CP, n=28) and diseased (with CP and PI, n=35). The chi-square test correlated genotypes in specific regions of MMP13 (rs2252070), TIMP2 (rs7501477) and TGFB3 (rs2268626) genes, considering the interaction between CP and PI. The results showed that volunteers with CP had 3.2 times more susceptibility to develop PI (p=0.0004) compared to those without CP. No significant association was observed in MMP13, TIMP2 and TGFB3 genes with CP or PI. CP is a risk factor to develop PI, however, there is no association of both diseases with polymorphisms in the MMP13, TIMP2 and TGFB3 genes.

Resumo Indivíduos susceptíveis à periodontite crônica (CP) apresentam alto risco para o desenvolvimento de periimplantite (PI). Ambas doenças são multifatoriais e apresentam similaridades na patofisiologia e perfil poligênico. A MMP-13 (metaloproteinase da matriz tipo 13) é uma enzima colagenolítica cuja expressão é induzida por TGF beta 3 (fator transformador do crescimento tipo 3) nos fibroblastos gengivais humanos e inibida por TIMP-2 (inibidor tecidual de metaloproteinase tipo 2). O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a ocorrência de periimplantite em sujeitos com periodontite crônica e a frequência dos polimorfismos nos genes MMP13, TIMP2 e TGFB3. Cento e sessenta e três voluntários submetidos à instalação de implantes endósseos foram analisados clínica e radiograficamente quanto à presença de histórico de CP e PI, sendo divididos em 4 grupos: Controle (sem história de CP e PI, n=72), CP (com CP e sem PI, n=28), PI (com PI e sem CP, n=28) e Doentes (com CP e PI, n=35). O teste do qui-quadrado correlacionou os genótipos nas regiões dos genes MMP13 (rs2252070), TIMP2 (rs7501477) e TGFB3 (rs2268626), considerando a interação entre CP e PI. Os resultados mostraram que voluntários com CP possuem 3.2 vezes mais chances de desenvolver PI (p=0.0004) comparados aos sem CP. Nenhuma associação significativa foi observada entre os genes MMP13, TIMP2 e TGFB3 e CP ou PI. A CP é um fator de risco ao desenvolvimento de PI, no entanto, não há associação entre ambas as doenças com polimorfismos nos genes MMP13, TIMP2 e TGFB3.

Supernumerary teeth vary depending on gender

The presence of supernumerary teeth (ST) is a dental developmental anomaly of patterning and morphogenesis. Its variability of morphology, location and developmental timing can shed light on its etiology. In this work we report ST patterns. Orthopantomograms of 1,166 pediatric subjects were examined and the morphology, location and timing of the formation of ST were determined. The frequency of supernumerary teeth in the studied population was 2.3 percent (n = 27). Twenty-five subjects presented one ST. Maxilla midline was the most commonly affected region (nine cases). We noted high incidence of conical morphology in the midline region. Only teeth with tuberculate morphology presented delayed formation. ST in the midline region occurred more often in males whereas ST in the incisor region were more common in females. In conclusion, ST patterns vary depending on gender.

Genética da periodontite agressiva em brasileiro: resultados preliminares em famílias de ascendência africana / Genetics of Aggressive Periodontitis in Brazilians: Preliminary Data in African-Brazilian Families

Estudos de genética de periodontite agressiva em brasileiros ainda são escassos. Nesse estudo, o padrão de segregação de periodontite agressiva foi avaliado em cinco famílias descendentes de africanos. Em adição, estudos moleculares preliminares foram realizados. Os resultados sugerem que o modo de herança da periodontite agressiva nestas famílias é autossômico dominante com penetrância muito alta ou completa. Foram encontrados no cromossomo um, três SNPs com genótipos heterozigotos idênticos nos quatro indivíduos analisados que diferiam do genótipo de referência (chance de isso ocorrer ao acaso em três pessoas não aparentadas da população: p < 0,000005). Estes três SNPs estão localizados no intervalo 1q32.2-32.3, onde pode-se observar a presença de 17 genes que codificam proteínas. Um dos genes, TRAF5, pertence à família dos receptores de fator de necrose tumoral (TNF) e está envolvido no processo inflamatório. Os resultados deste estudo preliminar sugerem que, sob a hipótese de um modelo de um gene principal para periodontite agressiva, TRAF5 é um potencial gene candidato para periodontite agressiva em brasileiros de origem africana.

Método alternativo de coleta de células para a extração de DNA e genotipagem dos polimorfismos de um único nucleotídeo através da tecnologia do chip em indivíduos com periodontite agressiva / An alternative method of cells collection for DNA extraction and single nucleotide polymorphisms genotyping using the chip technology in subjects with aggressive periodontitis

Vários estudos em genética humana têm utilizado a tecnologia do chip com múltiplos marcadores para a genotipagem de polimorfismos de único nucleotídeo (SNPs). Paralelamente, um número crescente de estudos busca a base molecular da predisposição à periondontite através dos polimorfismos. Os objetivos do presente estudo foram: testar um método alternativo de coleta de células de indivíduos com periodontite agressiva para a obtenção do DNA genômico; avaliar a qualidade do DNA extraído; testar sua utilização para genotipagem dos SNPs através da tecnologia do chip (Affymetrix GeneChip®10K, Santa Clara, CA). O método alternativo de coleta de células, além de menos invasivo mostrou-se adequado aos objetivos propostos.

A associação entre os polimorfismos de um único nucleotídeo e a periodontite agressiva / The association of single nucleotide polymorphisms and aggressive periodontitis

Vários estudos vêm demonstrando que as diferenças genéticas devem exercer um papel importante no risco de periodontite agressiva. A natureza familiar da doença tem sugerido que uma alteração genética principal seja a responsável por essa transmissão. Vários polimorfismos genéticos têm sido associados com a periodontite agressiva. A hipótese central tem sido que variações herdadas nos genes das citicinas determinam variações na resposta biológica ao estímulo autigênico, predispondo o paciente ao desenvolvimento da doença. A proposta deste estudo é revisar na literatura os principais estudos de associação genética de polimorfismos de um único nucleotídeo e a periodontite agressiva.

Tratamento com antibiótico de pacientes com periodontite agressiva localizada / Treatment of agressive periodontal patients with antibiotics

A actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans (Aa) é um bastonete Gran-negativo, anaeróbio facultativo que tem sido considerado agente etiológico primário das periodontites agressivas. A maioria das cepas de Aa produzem leucotoxina, um potente fator de virulência que destrói células de defesa do hospedeiro. A capacidade do Aa em invadir tecidos epiteliais faz com que ele não seja eliminado eficazmente através do tratamento convencional, que consiste de raspagem supra e subgengival. É necessário a administração adjunta de antimicrobianos sistêmicos para uma eliminação/supressão efetiva do microrganismo. Mesmo após o tratamento, a reinfecção ocorre na maioria dos indivíduos num prazo de aproximadamente 6 meses. Tem sido sugerido que a presença de Aa após o tratamento está relacionado com futuros episódios de dano tecidual. O objetivo deste trabalho é comparar o status periodontal de pacientes com periodontite agressiva infectados após tratamento com raspagem subgengival e antibioticoterapia. A amostra consiste de 8 pacientes jovens com periodontite agressiva associada ao Aa que receberam tratamento convencional e terapia sistêmica com amoxicilina (1500mg diários) e metronidazol (750mg diários) durante 8 dias. Os parâmetros clínicos foram medidos antes do tratamento e 12 meses após. Os resultados mostraram uma melhora dos parâmetros clínicos em todos os pacientes, apesar de metade deles estarem infectados por Aa após um ano de tratamento. No entanto, o grupo infectado pelo microrganismo não apresentou resultados significativamente piores que o grupo não infectado, em nenhum dos parâmetros avaliados (índice de placa e gengival, profundidade de bolsa à sondagem e nível de inserção clínica)