Clinical and Histological Effects of Calcium Hydroxyapatite Filler in the Orofacial Region: A Study in Rats.

BACKGROUND: Calcium hydroxyapatite (CaHA) dermal filler has been increasingly used in facial aesthetic procedures. OBJECTIVE: To investigate clinical and histological changes associated with calcium hydroxyapatite (CaHA) dermal filler in the orofacial region. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-eight female Wistar rats were divided into CaHA and control groups. The material was applied in the ventral tongue and the submandibular region; the animals were euthanized after 7, 30, and 90 days. RESULTS: After 7 days, yellowish nodules with a firm consistency were observed on the tongue. In 2 animals, the material migrated to the base of the tongue. Histopathological examination revealed CaHA spheres surrounded by an infiltrate, predominantly composed of macrophages. In the CaHA group, the percentage of collagen in the tongue and dermis was higher compared with the control group ( p < .05) at both 30 and 90 days. The thickness of the epidermis/dermis was also higher in the CaHA group ( p < .05). In 5 submandibular glands containing material, areas of edema and hyperemia were observed, along with infiltrates of neutrophils, lymphocytes, and plasma cells. Changes in the morphology of ducts and acini in adjacent regions were evident. CONCLUSION: CaHA exhibits satisfactory properties for filling and collagen biostimulation in the tested regions. Further studies are required to explore the potential for migration and the glandular alterations.

Effect of tyrosine kinase inhibitor sunitinib on tissue repair at tooth extraction sites.

BACKGROUND: Both zoledronic acid, a potent bisphosphonate, and the antiangiogenic drug sunitinib are included in anticancer protocols and have also been associated with jaw osteonecrosis. Our aim was to compare the effect of these drugs on tissue repair at tooth extraction sites. METHODS: Wistar rats were allocated into four groups: (1) sunitinib; (2) sunitinib/zoledronic acid; (3) zoledronic acid; (4) control group. The animals underwent tooth extractions and maxillae were macro- and microscopically analyzed. RESULTS: On macroscopic evaluation, the zoledronic acid group showed a significantly higher frequency of oral mucosal lesion; lesions in the sunitinib/zoledronic acid group were larger, albeit not significantly so. The sunitinib/zoledronic acid group had significantly less epithelium than the zoledronic acid and control group, but showed no significant difference compared to the sunitinib group. The sunitinib/zoledronic acid and zoledronic acid groups did not differ from each other, but had significantly less connective tissue and more non-vital bone and microbial colonies than sunitinib and control groups, whereas these latter two groups did not significantly differ from each other. Vital bone and inflammatory infiltrate did not significantly differ between groups. CONCLUSION: Sunitinib alone is not associated with non-vital bone, whereas the sunitinib/zoledronic acid combination and zoledronic acid alone are.

Autogenous dentin combined with mesenchymal stromal cells as an alternative alveolar bone graft: an in vivo study.

OBJECTIVE: Considering the chemical and structural properties of dentin, this study was aimed at evaluating the effect of dentin matrix alone or combined with mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) on postextraction alveolar bone regeneration. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Wistar rats were subjected to tooth extraction with osteotomy and allocated into groups according to the graft inserted: (1) Gelita-Spon®, (2) Bio-Oss®, (3) Dentin, (4) MSC, (5) Dentin/MSC, and (6) Control. Maxillae were analyzed by means of hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis, microcomputed tomography (micro-CT), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Serum levels of calcium and phosphorus were quantified. RESULTS: The Bio-Oss group showed less bone than Gelita-Spon and Dentin/MSC; no other significant differences were seen in H&E analysis. The Bio-Oss group showed higher expression of collagen type I compared to the Dentin and Dentin/MSC groups and also higher osteocalcin expression than the Dentin/MSC group. There was a tendency of higher expression of osteopontin in the MSC, Dentin, and Dentin/MSC groups and higher VEGF in the MSC group. On micro-CT analysis, the Bio-Oss and the Dentin/MSC groups exhibited greater bone volume than the Control. Serum calcium and phosphorus levels did not significantly differ between the groups. SEM analysis depicted particles of Bio-Oss and dentin in the respective groups, as well as significant cellularity in the MSC group. CONCLUSION: Autogenous nondemineralized dentin is an alternative for alveolar bone grafting, which can be improved by combination with MSC. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This work provides support for the clinical applicability of dentin graft alone or combined with MSC.

Nystatin effect on chlorhexidine efficacy against Streptococcus mutans as planktonic cells and mixed biofilm with Candida albicans.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of nystatin on the efficacy of chlorhexidine against Streptococcus mutans in planktonic cells and mixed biofilm with Candida albicans. MATERIAL AND METHODS: S. mutans ATCC 25,175 in suspension and also combined with C. albicans ATCC 18,804 in biofilm were cultured. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), crystal violet colorimetric assay, and colony-forming unit counting (CFUs/mL) were performed. RESULTS: An increased MIC of chlorhexidine against S. mutans was observed when the drugs were administered mixed in a single formulation and with time intervals in between, except for the 30-min interval. The biofilm optical density (OD) in treatments using chlorhexidine and nystatin combined did not significantly differ from chlorhexidine alone. Either in biofilm colorimetric assay or determination of CFUs, the combined treatments with nystatin administered before chlorhexidine had less effect on chlorhexidine efficacy. CONCLUSIONS: Nystatin interferes with the action of chlorhexidine against S. mutans. The antimicrobial effectiveness of the combined drugs depends on their concentration, time interval used, and the planktonic or biofilm behavior of the microorganisms. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In view of the great number of patients that can receive a prescription of chlorhexidine and nystatin concomitantly, this study contributes to the knowledge about the effect of the combined drugs. Given the high prevalence of prescriptions of chlorhexidine and nystatin in dentistry, dental professionals should be aware of their possible antagonistic effect.

Adverse effects of deoxycholic acid in submandibular glands, submental, inguinal and subplantar regions: a study in rats.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the effects of the deoxycholic acid (DCA) in the submental and subplantar regions of rats, and to histologically analyze the changes caused in the submandibular glands, soft tissues of the paw, and inguinal adipose tissue. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty male Wistar rats were divided into DCA and control (CG) groups. DCA was injected in the submental, inguinal, and subplantar regions, and saline was injected in the CG. The animals were euthanized after 24 h and at 7 and 21 days. RESULTS: The DCA group showed edema in the submental region in 24 h and in the paw in all experimental times. In the paw there were also erythema and ulceration in 7 days, and alopecia after 21 days. At 21 days, a few animals also showed erythema and ulceration in paw; however, there was no significant difference from CG. Histological analysis of the paw showed an intense inflammatory process, with a predominance of neutrophils, lymphocytes, and plasma cells in 24 h and 7 days. In the adipose tissue, we observed loss of architecture and inflammatory infiltrate, followed with a lower number of adipose cells, and at 21 days, fibroplasia. In the submandibular glands we observed inflammatory infiltration, loss of tissue architecture, and fibrosis. CONCLUSIONS: DCA produces a significant inflammatory process in the structures. It can cause skin ulcerations and, in salivary glands, it causes loss of tissue architecture and fibrosis. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: There has been growing increase in the use of DCA for aesthetic purposes by health care providers. Due to the presence of important anatomical structures in the submental region, constant vigilance is required to report new adverse effects.

Repercussions of osteoporosis on the maxillofacial complex: a critical overview.

INTRODUCTION: We present here a literature review focusing on the repercussions of osteoporosis on the oral and maxillofacial complex. Osteoporosis is a silent metabolic disorder characterized by reduced bone mineral density (BMD), which can lead to bone fractures, particularly affecting elderly women. The prevalence of this disease has increased significantly worldwide, and since it accelerates bone resorption also in the jaw bones, some attention has been paid to possible oral and maxillofacial manifestations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The databases PubMed and Google Scholar were searched for reports of oral and maxillofacial changes related to osteoporosis. RESULTS: Several parameters evaluating bone changes in panoramic radiography have been proposed to estimate osteoporosis-related BMD loss, but they tend to warn about the possibility of osteoporosis, rather than being diagnostic criteria. Meanwhile, it seems that osteoporosis-related BMD loss could delay alveolar bone healing and potentiate bone loss in periodontal disease. CONCLUSION: Even though orofacial bones are not compromised by osteoporosis as much as the axial/appendicular skeleton, a regular dental follow-up of osteoporotic patients is advised, especially in the case of periodontal disease and maxillofacial surgery. Further controlled longitudinal studies considering the site-specificity of osteogenesis would be helpful regarding this issue.

Morphological and immunohistochemical features of tooth extraction sites in rats treated with alendronate, raloxifene, or strontium ranelate.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate morphological and immunohistochemical features of tooth extraction sites in rats subjected to different antiresorptive drugs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Wistar rats were allocated into 4 groups according to the treatment: (1) alendronate, (2) raloxifene, (3) strontium ranelate, and (4) control. The animals underwent tooth extraction (60th day of treatment) and afterwards were euthanized (90th day of treatment). Tooth extraction sites were analyzed by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), hematoxylin-eosin staining (H&E), and immunohistochemical staining (RANKL and OPG). RESULTS: On H&E analysis, the alendronate group showed greater amounts of non-vital bone, biofilm, inflammatory infiltrate and root fragment, and smaller amount of vital bone. The strontium ranelate group showed great amount of non-vital bone. This group also had lower levels of OPG, while the alendronate group showed lower OPG and RANKL than the other groups. On SEM analysis, the alendronate group showed a considerable number of microcracks on the alveolar bone surface and few Howship lacunae and lack of bone cells as well. The raloxifene, strontium ranelate, and control groups showed a large number of bone cells and Howship lacunae on the bone surface and few microcracks. CONCLUSION: Alendronate therapy is associated with macro- and microscopic features of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw at tooth extraction sites, whereas raloxifene therapy is not, and strontium ranelate therapy is associated with non-vital bone. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Osteonecrosis of the jaws is a serious side effect of alendronate therapy, where tooth extraction is a major risk factor. Considering the significant number of patients undergoing antiresorptive therapies worldwide, the present study investigated whether raloxifene and strontium ranelate interfere with bone repair after tooth extraction in a similar way to bisphosphonates.

Cannabidiol on 5-FU-induced oral mucositis in mice.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical, histological, hematological, and oxidative stress effects of cannabidiol (CBD) in mice with induced oral mucositis. METHODS: We used 90 mice of the CF-1 strain in which oral mucositis was induced using a protocol with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) chemotherapy. The animals were divided randomly into 10 study groups. Three groups were treated with different doses of CBD (3, 10, and 30 mg/kg), while 2 were control groups (positive control: 5-FU + mechanical trauma + placebo; and negative control: mechanical trauma + placebo), and 2 experimental times were studied (4 and 7 days). All treatments were by intraperitoneal administration. RESULTS: In the clinical evaluation, the groups treated with CBD showed less severity of oral lesions compared with the positive control at both experimental times. The intensity of the inflammatory response was also lower in the groups treated with this drug, but there was no statistically significant difference when compared with the positive control. With regard to erythrocyte, leukocyte, and platelet counts and anti-oxidant enzyme activity, the groups treated with CBD showed better results, but only some of these variables showed statistically significant differences. CONCLUSIONS: CBD seems to exert an anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activity favoring a faster resolution of oral mucositis in this animal model.

Cannabidiol As A Novel Therapeutic Strategy For Oral Inflammatory Diseases: A Review Of Current Knowledge And Future Perspectives.

The high frequency and painful profile of inflammatory oral lesions and the lack of an effective drug protocol for their management stimulate the search for pharmacological alternatives for the treatment of these conditions. Cannabidiol is the major non-psychotropic constituent of Cannabis sativa, receiving lately scientific interest because of its potential in the treatment of inflammatory disorders such as asthma, colitis and arthritis. There is little published in the current literature about the use of cannabidiol in oral health. Among its many protective functions, the ability to attenuate inflammation through the modulation of cytokines and its antiedema and analgesic effects may be important features in the treatment of oral lesions. In this review, we suggest that cannabidiol can be useful in the management of oral inflammatory disorders.

Doxycycline: An option in the treatment of ulcerated oral lesions?

WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVES: In addition to its antimicrobial effect, doxycycline has potent anti-inflammatory activity. In view of these pharmacological characteristics, its use in the management of inflammatory, autoimmune and granulomatous diseases has been proposed. The objective of this study was to investigate, through a systematic literature review, the effect of doxycycline on pain and healing of ulcerated lesions of the mouth. METHODS: An electronic search was performed in accordance with PRISMA guidelines in PubMed, Cochrane Central Register, Web of Science, Bireme/LILACS and Scopus databases. Controlled, randomized clinical trials were selected. The concentration of doxycycline, frequency of application, pain relief and clinical remission of the lesions were analysed. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: According to the inclusion criteria, five articles were selected. In four of these studies, doxycycline was used in the treatment of aphthous stomatitis, and in one study, it was used in the treatment of herpes labialis. In all studies, the drug was used topically, both as a hydrogel and as a crushed tablet (along with a prosthetic adhesive). The groups treated with doxycycline showed faster healing of lesions and lower pain scores compared to placebo. WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION: The present study suggests that topical doxycycline has a positive effect on the treatment of recurrent aphthous ulceration and herpes labialis. Experimental animal studies and double-blind randomized clinical trials should be performed on other oral lesions, such as traumatic ulcers and mucositis.

Oral yeast colonization in patients with primary and secondary Sjögren's syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to investigate the pattern of oral yeast colonization of Sjögren's syndrome patients and its correlation to salivary flow rates, age, and time of the disease progression. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Saliva and swab specimens were obtained from 45 patients (primary Sjögren's syndrome = 15/ secondary Sjögren's syndrome = 15/ healthy controls = 15). Yeast species were identified using culture method through chromogenic medium followed by polymerase chain reaction and Sanger sequencing. RESULTS: Eleven species from six different genera were detected. The most prevalent species found was Candida albicans followed by Candida tropicalis, Candida glabrata, Candida parapsilosis, and Candida krusei. Both groups of Sjögren's syndrome showed higher counts of C. albicans (Total and CFU counts) when compared to control group. In contrast, a greater variety of yeast species was identified on samples of the control group. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that C. albicans is the most prevalent yeast, but also that a variety of other yeast species can colonize the oral cavity of Sjogren's syndrome patients. The identification of most of the colonies was not obtained by culturing-PCR methods combined.

Effects of cannabidiol, a Cannabis sativa constituent, on oral wound healing process in rats: Clinical and histological evaluation.

The effects of cannabidiol (CBD), the main non-psychotropic component of Cannabis sativa, were assessed on oral wound healing in an in vivo model. Standardized ulcers were induced in 60 Wistar rats using a 5-mm biopsy punch on the midline of the ventral tongue. Animals received intraperitoneal injections of CBD at doses of 0 (control), 5, and 10 mg/kg daily. Animals were weighed daily, and wound healing was clinically and histologically evaluated after 3 and 7 days of treatment. CBD treatment did not influence the wound area of ulcerative lesions at either observation time. Conversely, microscopic findings revealed that at Day 3 postwounding, CBD-treated lesions exhibited significantly lower inflammatory scores than those in the control group. However, this difference was not observed at Day 7. Collectively, these findings indicate that CBD exert an antiinflammatory effect in early phase of wound healing process although it was not sufficient promote clinical improvement of oral traumatic ulcerative lesions.

Salivary hypofunction: An update on therapeutic strategies.

OBJECTIVE: To perform a literature review addressing the therapeutic strategies for salivary hypofunction. BACKGROUND: Qualitative and quantitative salivary dysfunctions predispose to changes in the oral mucosa and teeth, cause impairment to oral functions and negative impact on quality of life. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A MEDLINE/PubMed search was conducted using the terms "Xerostomia" AND, "Saliva Artificial" OR, "Citric Acid," "Malic Acid," "Chewing Gum," "Acupuncture" OR, "Pilocarpine" OR, "Bethanechol" OR, "Cevimeline" OR, "Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy" OR, "Stem Cell Therapy" OR "Genetic Therapy" and their Mesh Terms. RESULTS: We selected 25 clinical trials investigating the effects of salivary substitutes, chewing gum, malic and citric acids, pilocarpine, cevimeline, bethanechol, acupuncture, hyperbaric oxygen therapy and regenerative therapies on salivary hypofunction. In most studies, the number of participants was low and the follow-up times short. The therapeutic modalities were classified according to the level of evidence on salivary dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS: Pilocarpine and cevimeline had the strongest evidence of beneficial effect on salivary hypofunction. Citric and malic acids increase salivary flow but also increase the risk of erosion and dental caries. There are no controlled clinical trials supporting the efficacy of acupuncture, stem cell therapy and gene therapy on salivary dysfunction, although clinical observations suggest a promising effect. There is no evidence supporting salivary substitutes, chewing gum, bethanechol or hyperbaric oxygen on the treatment of salivary hypofunction.

Effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on tooth extraction sites in rats subjected to bisphosphonate therapy-histomorphometric and immunohistochemical analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) on tooth extraction sites in rats treated with bisphosphonate. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Rats were treated with zoledronic acid, subjected to tooth extractions and allocated into groups: (1) 7 days of HBOT, (2) 14 days of HBOT, (3) 7-day control, and (4) 14-day control. The site of tooth extractions was analyzed by histomorphometry and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: On macroscopic analysis, HBOT did not significantly affect bone exposure volume either at 7 or 14 days. On hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) analysis, the 14-day HBOT group showed less non-vital bone compared to both controls and 7-day HBOT group. HBOT significantly lowered expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), receptor activator NF-kB ligand (RANKL), bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2), and osteoprotegerin (OPG) at 7 days, compared to control, whereas at 14 days, there was no significant difference for these variables. CONCLUSION: HBOT can reduce the amounts of non-vital bone microscopically detected in tooth extraction sites of rats subjected to bisphosphonate therapy. The effect seems to occur in a dose-dependent mode. Further studies are required to clarify the mechanisms accounting for this effect. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Treatment of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ) has been a challenging task, where the effectiveness of HBOT is controversial. This study reports important effects of HBOT on the maxillae of rats subjected to bisphosphonate treatment, making an important contribution to the knowledge about the applicability of HBOT in BRONJ.

Use of nystatin and chlorhexidine in oral medicine: Properties, indications and pitfalls with focus on geriatric patients.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this work was to review the scientific literature on the properties, indications and pitfalls related to nystatin and chlorhexidine in oral medicine and also to compare these to other topical antifungal agents, considering the elderly population. BACKGROUND: Nystatin is a polyene antifungal widely used as a topical formulation to treat candidiasis, whereas chlorhexidine is a wide-spectrum antimicrobial, especially used against bacteria, but also effective in treating some fungal infections including those caused by Candida spp. These compounds have been prescribed for immunocompromised patients, hospitalized or not, some of them undergoing head and neck radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy, including elderly patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Dental and medical literature concerning the use of nystatin and chlorhexidine in oral medicine were selected and reviewed. RESULTS: Nystatin and chlorhexidine are gold-standard antimicrobial mouthrinses respectively for Candida spp. and bacteria. Although recognized as effective in cotrolling oral infections, both nystatin and chlorhexidine are just complementary to systemic therapy in cases of systemic infections already established. The prescriber should also take into account that some commercial nystatin and chlorhexidine formulations contain compounds such as sugar and ethanol, which can be associated with side effects. Meanwhile, alternative formulations in which these compounds are absent are available and should be considered. CONCLUSIONS: Further studies investigating new drugs and interactions of drug combinations are necessary to improve the therapeutic management of oral infections.

Topical application of Aloe vera and vitamin E on induced ulcers on the tongue of rats subjected to radiation: clinical and histological evaluation.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to assess the effect of two types of antioxidants, vitamin E (VE) and Aloe vera (AV), on healing of induced oral lesions after radiation in a murine model by clinical and histological analysis. METHODS: The animals were randomly divided into three groups of 12 animals each (400 mg VE, 70 % AV and control) and two time periods (5 and 7 days). They were irradiated with a single dose of 30 Gy, and after 24 h, a lesion was produced on the ventral tongue of each animal. The products were applied daily in their respective group until euthanasia. RESULTS: On clinical analysis, there was a higher frequency of lesions in the animals of the control group at both periods. The area of the lesions was also greater in the control group compared with the groups AV and VE (5 days p = 0.006; 7 days p = 0.002). On microscopic analysis, the degree of inflammation differed between the study groups and experimental periods. At 5 days, the statistical difference was not significant among the groups evaluated, but at 7 days, animals in the control group showed intense inflammation, while those in groups VE and AV exhibited mild to moderate inflammation (p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: The results suggest that VE and AV contributed to the decrease in inflammatory response and healing of the lesions induced on the tongue of rats subjected to radiation.

Low-level Laser Therapy: A Review of Its Applications in the Management of Oral Mucosal Disorders.

Due to its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and biostimulating effects, low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has been widely used for oral disorders, such as oral lichen planus (OLP), xerostomia, recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS), herpes labialis, burning mouth syndrome (BMS), and oral mucositis (OM). The research team for the present study has reviewed the literature on the subject, with an emphasis on the applicability of LLLT in general and of its various clinical protocols for the management of those oral disorders. In lesions such as the ones occurring in OM, RAS, herpes labialis, and OLP, the course of wound healing and the pain have been shown to decrease, with a few, or most often, no adverse side effects. The literature shows that LLLT can also be effective in reducing symptoms in patients with BMS. For the treatment of hyposalivation and xerostomia, the use of LLLT has been described in the literature, but no consensus has resulted. Very few controlled clinical studies with well-established therapeutic protocols have occurred, except for OM, for which LLLT has been widely researched. Although information on the use of the laser for some lesions has already been consolidated, further research is needed, especially randomized, controlled clinical trials with long-term follow-up. Those studies will allow the safe use of LLLT, permitting the creation of care protocols for the management of oral disorders.

Local and systemic tissue response submitted to injection of 2 and 30% polymethylmethacrylate in rats' tongue.

INTRODUCTION: Adverse effects on the oral mucosa after the use of dermal fillers have been reported due to their increased use for facial aesthetics. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate, clinically and histologically, the local and systemic effects of two concentrations of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) dermal filler in rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty-four female rats were allocated into three treatment groups (2% PMMA, 30% PMMA and 0.9% NaCl), according to the substance injected in the tongue, and three experimental periods: 7, 60 and 90 days. The rats were clinically evaluated and then euthanised, and their tongue and right kidney removed. The histological sections were stained with haematoxylin/eosin and picrosirius. RESULTS: Clinically, significant differences were found between test groups as to the occurrence of nodules (Kruskal-Wallis; p < 0.001). Histologically, there was greater inflammatory response in the PMMA compared with control (Kruskal-Wallis; p < 0.001). 30% PMMA had greater collagen formation (anova mixed models; p < 0.01). No migration of the material towards kidney was found. CONCLUSION: Polymethylmethacrylate induced intense reaction in the initial period of observation (7 days), followed by gradual decrease during the study, favouring the presence of fibroplasia adjacent to the material.

Antioxidant agents: a future alternative approach in the prevention and treatment of radiation-induced oral mucositis?

Radiotherapy is a therapeutic modality frequently employed for patients with head and neck cancer (HNC). It destroys tumor cells, but it is not selective, also affecting healthy tissues and producing adverse effects. One that stands out is oral mucositis because of the morbidity that it is capable of causing. This lesion is characterized by the presence of erythema, ulcerations, pain, opportunistic infections, and weight loss. These side effects can lead to serious situations that require the interruption of the antineoplastic treatment and can result in hospitalization and even death. The complex mechanisms linked to the pathogenesis of oral mucositis were recently established, and since then, the control of oxidative stress (OS) has been tied to the prevention and management of this disease. The authors have carried out a review of the literature about the use of antioxidant agents in the prevention and treatment of radiation-induced oral mucositis, using the PubMed database. This review has shown that the research on use of antioxidants (AOX) has proved insufficient to justify suggesting the products in treatment protocols. Results are promising, however, and AOX may represent a future alternative in the prevention and treatment of oral mucositis.

Important aspects concerning alendronate-related osteonecrosis of the jaws: a literature review.

OBJECTIVE: To conduct a literature review on sodium alendronate, focusing on osteonecrosis of the jaws, a serious potential side effect. BACKGROUND: Sodium alendronate is a bisphosphonate that is widely used for the treatment of osteopenia, osteoporosis and Paget's disease. Like other bisphosphonates, it inhibits bone resorption by inactivating osteoclasts. Alendronate has evident benefits in the treatment of these diseases, but it is associated with jaw osteonecrosis, although less frequently compared with intravenous bisphosphonates. Therefore, some preventive measures should be taken to avoid this side effect. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We reviewed the literature regarding the pharmacological aspects, mechanism of action, indications of use and side effects of sodium alendronate, as well as the management of patients under this therapy. CONCLUSION: The benefits of sodium alendronate are scientifically proven, but a serious adverse effect is osteonecrosis. Therefore, it is crucial to prepare the oral cavity before bisphosphonate therapy, providing a careful dental evaluation and all needed dental treatment.