Periodontitis and inflammatory bowel disease: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Periodontitis was reported to be associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, the association between them has not been firmly established in the existing literature. Therefore, this meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the relationship between periodontitis and IBD. METHODS: Electronic databases were searched for publications up to August 1, 2019 to include all eligible studies. The pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were estimated to determine the association between periodontal disease and IBD using a random or fixed effects model according to heterogeneity. RESULTS: Six eligible studies involving 599 IBD patients and 448 controls were included. The pooled OR between periodontitis and IBD was 3.17 (95% CI: 2.09-4.8) with no heterogeneity observed (I2 = 0.00%). The pooled ORs were 3.64 (95% CI: 2.33-5.67) and 5.37 (95% CI: 3.30-8.74) for the associations between periodontitis and the two sub-categories of IBD, Crohn' s disease and ulcerative colitis, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The results demonstrated that periodontitis was significantly associated with IBD. However, the mechanisms underlying periodontitis and IBD development are undetermined. Further studies are needed to elucidate this relationship.

Protective role of α2-macroglobulin against jaw osteoradionecrosis in a preclinical rat model.

OBJECTIVE: We have previously demonstrated the effect of alpha-2-macroglobulin (α2M) in the remediation of radiation-induced cellular damage. Here, we investigated the protective effects of α2M in a preclinical rat model of jaw osteoradionecrosis (ORN). METHODS: Eighteen rats were divided randomly into three groups: the control group, the radiation therapy (RT) alone group, and the radiated mandibles pretreated with α2M (α2M + RT) group. One month after radiation, all left molar teeth were extracted. After another 3 months, the animals were sacrificed and body weight, histopathology, microcomputed tomography and immunofluorescence were evaluated in all groups. RESULTS: The RT group showed serious alopecia, bone exposure, inflammation, necrosis, fibrosis, and the absence of new bone formation within the socket. The α2M + RT group exhibited less alopecia than the RT group and slight inflammation and fibrosis in the bone marrow cavity. The cortical bone was similar to normal bone tissue. Interestingly, compared with RT group, serum superoxide dismutase levels in the α2M + RT group increased at the 1th day (P = 0.037), 14th day (P = 0.012), while reactive oxygen species levels clearly decreased at the 1th day (P< 0.001), 14th day (P = 0.007), and 28th day (P = 0.013). CONCLUSIONS: A clinically translational model of jaw ORN was successfully established and the application of α2M prior to radiation protected the bone from being injured by the radiation, possibly related to oxidative stress.

Association of transforming growth factor-ß1 T869C, G915C, and C509T gene polymorphisms with rheumatoid arthritis risk.

The association of transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGFß1) is an important signaling pathway factor involving extracellular matrix regulation, and its gene polymorphisms with the risk of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is currently still fiercely debated. Therefore, this meta-analysis was performed to determine if TGFß1 T869C, G915C, and C509T gene polymorphisms correlate with the risk of developing RA. Association reports were identified from PubMed, Cochrane Library and CBM-disc (China Biological Medicine Database) on 1 May 2013, and eligible studies were recruited and synthesized to identifying patterns among study results. T869C TT genotype in the overall population was associated with increased RA risk (OR = 1.28, 95% CI: 1.02-1.60, p = 0.03). In the sub-group analysis, T869C TT genotype was shown to be a risk factor for RA, and T869C C allele or CC genotype a protective factor against RA disease in Asians, but these associations were not found in Caucasians. Furthermore, TGFß1 C509T TT genotype was distinctly associated with RA susceptibility, but the T allele and CC genotype were not. TGFß1 G915C gene polymorphism was not associated with RA susceptibility. In conclusion, the TT genotype of TGFß1 T869C was associated with RA risk in the overall population and Asians. Furthermore, CC genotype or C allele was determined to be protective factors with respect to the RA risk in the overall population and Asians. Nonetheless, additional studies are required to firmly establish a correlation between the aforementioned polymorphisms and RA risk.

Use of extended vertical lower trapezius island myocutaneous flaps to cover exposed reconstructive plates.

PURPOSE: Plate exposure is the most common complication after reconstruction of oncologic resection using a titanium plate. The outcomes of covering exposed reconstructive plates with extended vertical lower trapezius island myocutaneous flaps (TIMFs) were evaluated. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twelve instances of exposure of reconstructive plates occurred in patients after segmental mandibulectomy to treat cancer of the oral cavity and oropharynx. The plates were covered with extended vertical lower TIMFs. The site of the primary tumor was the gingiva or mandible in 5 cases, the buccal mucosa in 3, the floor of the mouth in 2, and the base of the tongue in 2. The types of bone defect were hemimandibular in 1 case, central in 2, and lateral in 9. Intraoral, extraoral, and intra- and extraoral exposures occurred in 1, 7, and 4 instances, respectively. Intraorally and extraorally exposed plates were re-covered with skin paddles measuring 6 × 7 to 6 × 23 cm (average, 6.0 × 13.5 cm). Four folded extended vertical lower TIMFs were constructed to cover plates exhibiting intra- and extraoral exposure. RESULTS: All flaps survived. Patients were followed for 12 to 36 months (median duration, 22.8 months). One patient (8.3%) exhibited external plate exposure at 20 months. Nine patients (75.0%) were alive with no evidence of disease at 12 to 36 months, and 2 (16.7%) were alive with disease at 20 to 28 months. One patient (8.3%) died of local recurrence at 23 months. CONCLUSIONS: The use of extended vertical lower TIMFs to cover intraorally, extraorally, or intra- and extraorally exposed plates is reliable.

Association of toll-like receptors with the risk of oral squamous cell carcinoma.

AIM OF STUDY: Association of toll-like receptors (TLRs) with the risk of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) from the published reports is still conflicting. This study was conducted to evaluate the relationship between TLRs and the risk of OSCC using meta-analysis method. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The association studies were identified from PubMed and Cochrane Library on April 01 2015, and eligible investigations were included and synthesized using meta-analysis method. RESULT: Three reports were recruited into this meta-analysis for the association of TLRs with OSCC susceptibility. In this meta-analysis, we found that TLRs were not associated with OSCC susceptibility. However, in the sub-group analysis, we found that TLR-7 was associated with OSCC risk. CONCLUSION: TLR-7 was associated with OSCC risk. TLR-7 might be an indicator to predict the OSCC risk. However, more studies should be conducted to confirm it.

Reconstruction of full-thickness cheek defects with a folded extended supraclavicular fasciocutaneous island flap following ablation of advanced oral cancer.

PURPOSE: The aim of the present clinical study was to evaluate the feasibility of a folded extended supraclavicular fasciocutaneous island flap (SFIF) for full-thickness cheek defect reconstruction following ablative oral cancer surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The nine patients with advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the buccal mucosa were six men and three women, with a mean age of 60.8 years. All patients were treated with surgery including ipsilateral radical neck dissection. A folded extended SFIF with a skin paddle ranging between 6 × (6 + 5) cm and 7 × (10 + 9) cm were used to reconstruct the full-thickness cheek defects. RESULTS: One minor flap failure and one wound dehiscence in donor site occurred, but all flaps survived, and there was no major complication in any patient. All patients were able to receive all of their nutrition orally and had normal speech. The patients were followed-up for 9-28 months; six patients were living with no evidence of disease, two was living with disease, and one died of local recurrence. CONCLUSION: The folded extended SFIF to reconstruct full-thickness cheek defects is reliable and an excellent alternative to other options for patients who have full-thickness defect of the cheek.

Removal of second branchial cleft cysts using a retroauricular approach.

BACKGROUND: Second branchial cleft cysts (also called cervical lymphoepithelial cysts) usually present in adulthood, and cosmesis of surgical access is an important issue. This study was performed to assess the feasibility and outcome of a retroauricular approach for removing second branchial cleft cysts. METHODS: Eight patients underwent removal of second branchial cleft cysts using a retroauricular approach. RESULTS: All 8 second branchial cleft cysts were removed successfully, and the wounds healed uneventfully. None of the patients suffered from weakness of the great auricular nerve. Marginal nerve palsy did not occur postsurgery. Average follow-up period was 14.5 months (range, 6-20 months) with no tumor recurrence. The incision scars were invisible. CONCLUSION: Second branchial cleft cyst resection using a retroauricular approach is a feasible method that provides an acceptable cosmetic outcome.

[Effect of anti-human VEGF monoclonal antibody on VEGF level in serum of nude mice transplanted buccal carcinoma: a quantitative study].

OBJECTIVE: Quantitative study of the effect of anti-human VEGF mAb E11 to VEGF level in serum of nude mice transplanted buccal carcinoma. METHODS: E11 was administered into BALB/c nu/nu mice which were transplanted human buccal carcinoma. The saline was administrated as negative control. Mice were killed at 18 days. The VEGF level in serum of mice was determined by improved indirect ELISA. RESULTS: Compared with the VEGF level in serum of mice in saline group, it was dramatically decreased in E11 group. The VEGF level in serum of mice treated E11 by subcutaneous was lowest and only reached (1.17 +/- 0.13) microg/L. CONCLUSION: It demonstrated that the anti-human VEGF mAb could reduce the VEGF level in serum by binding VEGF, and block its biological activity. It indicates that VEGF in serum of malignant tumor patient is a new tumor marker.