RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to analyze the scope, nature, and extent of the applicability of terahertz (THz) spectroscopy in dentistry. STUDY DESIGN: A scoping review was conducted following the 5-step methodology of Arksey and O'Malley, the PRISMA-ScR checklist, and the Evidence Synthesis Manual of the Joanna Briggs Institute. Electronic literature searches were performed in the PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases, including full-text articles with no specific publication period. The following research question was formulated: "What are the applications of THz spectroscopy in the field of dentistry?" RESULTS: Seventeen laboratory studies were identified, detailing oral and dental applications of THz. In restorative dentistry, 8 investigations sought to identify the properties of human and animal dental tissues and differentiate between healthy and decayed tissue. In oral pathology, 5 articles analyzed the identification of cancer cells in comparison to the identification of these cells in histological or cytological analysis. In biomaterials, 4 papers studied the changes in properties of restorative materials and effects on polymerization. CONCLUSION: While the potential for early diagnosis using THz spectroscopy in dentistry is evident, our findings underscore its limitations. The studies were exclusively conducted in vitro, emphasizing the need for innovative clinical research using intraoral devices. Bridging this gap is essential to unlock the full potential of this noninvasive technology for early diagnosis and informed clinical decision-making.
RESUMO
Snake venom metalloproteases (SVMPs) are hydrolytic enzymes dependent on metal binding, primarily zinc (Zn2+), at their catalytic site. They are classified into three classes (P-I to P-III). BjussuMP-II, a P-I SVMP isolated from Bothrops jararacussu snake venom, has a molecular mass of 24 kDa. It exhibits inhibitory activity on platelet aggregation and hydrolyzes fibrinogen. TNF-α upregulates the expression of adhesion molecules on endothelial cell surfaces, promoting leukocyte adhesion and migration during inflammation. Literature indicates that SVMPs may cleave the TNF-α precursor, possibly due to significant homology between metalloproteases from mammalian extracellular matrix and SVMPs. This study aimed to investigate BjussuMP-II's effects on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC), focusing on viability, detachment, adhesion, release, and cleavage of TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10. HUVEC were incubated with BjussuMP-II (1.5-50 µg/mL) for 3-24 h. Viability was determined using LDH release, MTT metabolization, and 7AAD for membrane integrity. Adhesion and detachment were assessed by incubating cells with BjussuMP-II and staining with Giemsa. Cytokines were quantified in HUVEC supernatants using EIA. TNF-α cleavage was evaluated using supernatants from PMA-stimulated cells or recombinant TNF-α. Results demonstrated BjussuMP-II's proteolytic activity on casein. It was not toxic to HUVEC at any concentration or duration studied but interfered with adhesion and promoted detachment. PMA induced TNF-α release by HUVEC, but this effect was not observed with BjussuMP-II, which cleaved TNF-α. Additionally, BjussuMP-II cleaved IL-1ß, IL-6, and IL-10. These findings suggest that the zinc metalloprotease BjussuMP-II could be a valuable biotechnological tool for treating inflammatory disorders involving cytokine deregulation.