Anticancer effect of Piper betle leaf extract on KB cell lines – an in vitro study

Background: Various researchers have stated a causal association of betle quid chewing with oral cancer and other potentially malignant disorders of oral cavity. On the contrary, Piper betle leaf when used alone has potential medicinal benefits including anticancer, anti-helminthic, hepato-protective and antioxidant activities. In this is study we examined the anti-cancer activity of Piper betle extract (aqueous) on KB- cancer cell lines Aims: To observe the anti- cancer activity of Piper betle leaf extract on KB cancer cell lines. Setting and Design: The study was conducted in Biogenix Research Centre, Thiruvananthapuram. The KB cancer cell lines were procured from NCCS, Pune. Methods and Material: The cancer cell lines were treated with increasing concentration of Piper betle leaf extract 6.25,12,25,50 & 100?g/ml. The cytotoxic effect of the extract on the cells was studied by physical indicators of cytotoxic changes by observing the cells under an inverted phase contrast microscope, for any detectable changes in the cell morphology and by MTT assay method to assess the percentage of viability of cells. Results: The cancer cells showed considerable changes in the cell morphology suggestive of cell cytotoxicity and apoptosis after the treatment with the extract. The results of the MTT assay showed that the percentage viability of the cancer cells decreased with increasing concentrations of the extract, The percentage of viability of cells was noted to be 43.42% with the highest concentration of 100?g/ml of Piper betle leaf extract which proves that Piper betle leaf extract has anticancer activity. Conclusion: The cytotoxic potential of Piper betle leaf may be used to develop chemotherapeutic agent, but further focused studies of anticancer properties and isolation of compounds from Piper betle leaf are necessary to prove its worth in the cancer therapy.

A Comparative Study on Microwave Tissue Processing and Conventional Tissue Processing

Introduction: The field of medical technology is ever evolving which necessitates traditional techniques replaced by newer technologies. Contrary to this histotechniques in histopathology has remained static with hardly any changes where tissue preparation for microscopic examination still remains time consuming. However recent emergence of automatic tissue processor and microwaves has successfully reduced the time from several days to 1-2 days. Materials and Methods: 133 different tissue blocks from the department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology were used in the current study. Each tissue received was fixed in 10% formalin overnight, sectioned into approximately two halves. One tissue was sent for routine processing whereas the other was sent for microwave processing. After processing the sections were embedded, section and stained with H and E. A pathologist evaluated the stained slides and the results so obtained were analyzed statistically. Results: Microwave processing considerably cut down the processing time from days to merely hours. Microwave stained slides showed no loss of cellular and nuclear details, uniform-staining characteristics and was of excellent quality. Conclusion: The cellular details, nuclear details and staining characteristics of microwave stained sections were better than or equal to the routine stained sections. The overall quality of microwave-stained sections was found to be better than the routine stained sections in majority of cases

Accelerated staining technique using kitchen microwave oven.

Introduction: Histopathological diagnosis of specimens is greatly dependent on good sample preparation and staining. Both of these processes is governed by diffusion of fl uids and dyes in and out of the tissue, which is the key to staining. Diffusion of fl uids can be accelerated by the application of heat that reduces the time of staining from hours to the minute. We modifi ed an inexpensive model of kitchen microwave oven for staining. This study is an attempt to compare the reliability of this modifi ed technique against the tested technique of routine staining so as to establish the kitchen microwave oven as a valuable diagnostic tool. Materials and Methods: Sixty different tissue blocks were used to prepare 20 pairs of slides for 4 different stains namely hematoxylin and eosin, Van Gieson’s, 0.1% toluidine blue and periodic acid-Schiff. From each tissue block, two bits of tissues were mounted on two different slides. One slide was stained routinely, and the other stained inside a microwave. A pathologist evaluated the stained slides and the results so obtained were analyzed statistically. Results: Microwave staining considerably cut down the staining time from hours to seconds. Microwave staining showed no loss of cellular and nuclear details, uniform-staining characteristics and was of excellent quality. Interpretation and Conclusion: The cellular details, nuclear details and staining characteristics of microwave stained tissues were better than or equal to the routine stained tissue. The overall quality of microwave-stained sections was found to be better than the routine stained tissue in majority of cases.

An Update on Bisphosphonate-related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw.

Bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ) is a condition found in patients who have received intravenous and oral forms of bisphosphonate therapy for various bone-related conditions. BRONJ, manifests as exposed, nonvital bone involving the maxillofacial structures. The mandible is more commonly affected than the maxilla (2:1), and 60% of cases are preceded by a dental surgical procedure. The signs and symptoms that may occur before the appearance of clinically evident osteonecrosis include changes in the health of periodontal tissues, nonhealing mucosal ulcers, loose teeth and unexplained soft-tissue infection. Although, the definitive role of bisphosphonates remains to be elucidated, alteration in bone metabolism with surgical insult or prosthetic trauma appears to be key factors in the development of BRONJ. The significant benefits that bisphosphonates offer to patients clearly outbalance the risk of potential side effects; however, any patient for whom prolonged bisphosphonate therapy is indicated, should be provided with preventive dental care in order to minimize the risk of developing this severe condition. This article provides a review of current developments about the pathogenetic, clinical, management and preventive aspects of BRONJ.

Common Superficial Tongue Lesions.

The tongue is an important structure in the oral cavity and the strongest muscular organ in the body involved in critical functions of taste, speaking, chewing and swallowing. The basic anatomy of tongue is such that unless scrupulous dental hygiene is followed it may lead to pathological lesions. Since the earliest days of medicine, the tongue has been considered a good reflection of systemic diseases. Assessment of the tongue has historically been an important part of a clinical medical examination as many pathological lesions are seen exclusively on the tongue. Lesions occurring on the tongue are vast and range from developmental disorders to infections to idiopathic lesions to malignancies; some lesions may be clues to the underlying systemic illness. General practitioners/physicians and dentists regularly come across such lesions on tongue in their day-to-day practice. A basic and through knowledge of the commonly occurring lesions on the tongue may enlighten the general practitioner in regards to the diagnosis and thereby help in the most effective management of the patients. Uniform diagnostic criteria may heighten the level of clinical diagnosis. Most lesions occurring on tongue heal fast owing to the rich blood supply and if a lesion fails to heal within 10-14 days it must be biopsied and/or further evaluation is necessary for an appropriate diagnosis.

An Overview of Burning Mouth Syndrome.

Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is an idiopathic condition characterized by a chronic continuous burning sensation of intraoral soft tissues, typically involving the tongue, with or without extension to the lips and oral mucosa. It is classically accompanied by gustatory disturbances like dysgeusia and parageusia and subjective xerostomia. This syndrome commonly affects people all over the world without racial or socioeconomic predilection. Some patients may develop a single episode of burning sensation while some may show recurrent episodes that last for months or years. It commonly affects perimenopausal and postmenopausal women. The etiology remains obscure and multifactorial, hence the treatment is complicated with multiple approaches involving drugs, psychotherapy along with latest techniques like acupuncture and low level laser therapy being used to treat BMS effectively.