Polarography Can Successfully Quantify Heavy Metals in Dentistry.

Background and Objectives: Due to the nutritional and behavioral patterns of children, their teeth can be a good indicator of heavy metal uptake from over the years. To determine the amount of Zn, Cu, Cd, and Pb accumulated in the body, primary teeth of children in Zanjan, Iran, were examined with a polarography device. Materials and Methods: Samples were collected from dentistry clinics of Zanjan, Iran, and were prepared for acid digestion, and then were analyzed by a polarography device for determining the concentration of lead, copper, zinc, and cadmium. Results: Data were analyzed by a t-independent test to compare different groups (p < 0.05). Based on the results obtained from this study, the mean concentrations of zinc, lead, copper, and cadmium were 245, 7.66, 5.33, and 0.0879 µg/g, respectively, which shows that the amount of each of the four elements was more than the amounts that have been reported for different countries. The results showed no significant difference between age, tooth type, and jaw groups. Conclusions: We conclude that primary teeth are an important biological indicator to evaluate the concentration of heavy elements in the human body. The high concentrations of these elements in the primary teeth analyzed in this study could be attributed to the high concentrations of these elements in the environment of Zanjan.

Efficient osteogenic differentiation of the dental pulp stem cells on ß-glycerophosphate loaded polycaprolactone/polyethylene oxide blend nanofibers.

Hard tissue lesion treatment in oral and maxillofacial has been challenging because of tissue complexities. This study aimed to investigate novel biopolymeric construct effects on the osteogenic differentiation potential of the dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) for introducing a cell copolymer bioimplant. A blended polycaprolactone (PCL)-polyethylene oxide (PEO) was fabricated using electrospinning, simultaneously filled by ß-glycerophosphate (ß-GP). After that biocompatibility and release kinetics of the PCL-PEO+ß-GP was evaluated and compared with PCL-PEO and then the osteogenic differentiation potential of the DPSCs was examined while being cultured on the scaffolds and compared with those cultured on the culture plate. The results demonstrated that scaffolds have not any cytotoxicity and ß-GP can release in a long-term manner. Alkaline phosphatase activity and calcium content were significantly increased in DPSCs while being cultured on the PCL-PEO+ß-GP compared with the other groups. Runt-related transcription factor 2, collagen type-I, osteonectin, and osteocalcin (OSC) genes expression was upregulated in DPSCs cultured on the PCL-PEO+ß-GP and was significantly higher than those cultured on the PCL-PEO. Immunocytochemistry result also confirmed the positive effects of PCL-PEO+ß-GP on the osteogenic differentiation of the DPSCs by presenting a higher OSC protein expression. According to the results, incorporation of the ß-GP in PCL-PEO makes a better construct for osteogenic induction into the stem cells and it could be also considered as a great promising candidate for bone, oral, and maxillofacial tissue engineering applications.

Association of vitamin D binding protein and vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms in Iranian patients with chronic periodontitis.

Chronic periodontitis (CP) is a multifactorial disease and the most common type of periodontitis mainly caused by microbial plaque. Insufficient oral hygiene may initiate CP and it can be further modified and progressed by environmental and genetic susceptibilities. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between VDBP (rs7041 and rs4588) and (Taq 1-rs7975232 and Apa1-rs731236) SNPs of VDR gene receptor and susceptibility to CP in an Iranian population. Sixty nine cases with diagnosis of CP and 78 matched healthy controls engaged in this study. Three-milliliter peripheral blood samples were obtained for DNA isolation. Genotype analysis was performed using restriction fragment length polymorphism polymerase chain reaction (RFLP-PCR). Chi-squared test was used for distribution of genotypes analysis. 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to calculate the odds ratio (OR). Deviation from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, multiple inheritance models, linkage disequilibrium and haplotype analysis were done. There was no significant association between genotype/phenotype of VDBP's SNPs (rs7041 and rs4588) and occurrence of chronic periodontitis (p value = 0.401) Moreover, no statistically significant association was found between chronic periodontitis and Taq1 (rs731236) (p value = 0.401) and Apa1 (rs7975232) (p value = 0.248). The analysis of alleles and genotypes' distribution between different severities of chronic periodontitis and healthy controls indicated a significant association between various severities of chronic periodontitis and Apa1 (rs7975232) (p value = 0.011) and VDBP's SNPs (rs7041 and rs4588) (p value = 0.038), whereas no statistically significant association was observed between various severities of chronic periodontitis and Taq1 (rs731236) (p value = 0.278). Our results suggest a significant association between severity of chronic periodontitis and Apa1 (rs7975232) and VDBP SNPs (rs7041 and rs4588). Sequencing studies on different populations may release other results due to the genetic and racial diversity.

Oral manifestation as the only sign of Langerhans cell histiocytosis: A case report.

Key Clinical Message: The manifestations of Langerhans cell histiocytosis can be limited in the oral cavity, including gingival recession, tooth mobility, and bone destruction. Dentists play a crucial role in the early detection and management of these oral symptoms, which can significantly impact the overall prognosis and quality of life for patients with this serious disease. Abstract: The hyperplastic activity of bone marrow can lead to excessive histocyte proliferation, called Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH). Based on the accumulation location, it has various organ involvement, including skin, bone, and so forth. Oral manifestations such as tooth involvement, bone lesions, mucosal ulcers, and periodontal problems can occur, and they might be the only manifestation of LCH. A subtle diagnosis is crucial and can be started with dental examinations. A 5-year-old girl was examined with the chief complaint of gingival recession with no pain, caries, or calculus. The clinical and radiographical assessment led to further immunohistochemical (IHC) evaluations. The diagnosis was LCH based on S-100 and cluster of differentiation 1a (CD1a) markers. LCH can involve different cells and tissues locally or generally. The early detection and treatment of LCH increase children's survival rate and quality of future life. Therefore, an accurate diagnosis is important among dentists. They must consider that abnormal mobility, gingival, or periodontal problems with no logical cause might warn about a latent problem. Sometimes extraction of loose teeth is not the end of treatment; it is the start of neglecting a serious disease.

Effects of Iron Salts on Demineralization and Discoloration of Primary Incisor Enamel Subjected to Artificial Cariogenic Challenge versus Saline Immersion.

AIM: This study aimed to assess the effects of iron salts on the demineralization and discoloration of primary incisor enamel subjected to artificial cariogenic challenge (ACC) versus saline immersion. METHODOLOGY: In this in vitro experimental study, 90 primary incisors were evaluated in 10 groups (n = 9). Five groups were subjected to ACC, and the other five were immersed in saline. Ferrous sulfate, ferrous fumarate, ferrous ammonium citrate, and ferrous gluconate were added to both saline and cariogenic solutions. The solutions were refreshed every 48 h. After 14 days, the teeth were removed from the media and their demineralization was inspected via scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) was also performed. The color of the specimens was measured at baseline and after the intervention using the Vita Shade Guide. RESULTS: Data were analyzed by the Kruskal-Wallis test, one-way ANOVA, and Tukey's test. The color change of specimens subjected to ACC was greater than the color change of those in saline (p = 0.083). The teeth subjected to ACC showed greater iron uptake than did those in saline (p = 0.023). SEM assessment revealed a regular pattern of enamel prisms, with some broken prisms and superficial cracks in the teeth immersed in saline. The teeth subjected to ACC showed numerous fractures and cracks, which were greater in the ferrous sulfate group. CONCLUSIONS: Immersion in ACC increased the structural porosities and led to greater iron uptake and, consequently, higher discoloration. The maximum structural changes and subsequent staining were noted in the ferrous sulfate group, followed by ferrous ammonium citrate, ferrous fumarate, and ferrous gluconate.

Evaluation of inductive effects of different concentrations of cyclosporine A on MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-3, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2 in fetal and adult human gingival fibroblasts.

Background The etiology of gingival overgrowth due to cyclosporine A (CsA) is still unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the possible role of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of MMPs (TIMPs) on extra-cellular matrix (ECM) homeostasis when treated with different levels of CsA and its difference between fetal and adult human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs). Methods Each group of cells (adult and fetal) was cultured in 40 wells that consisted of four different CsA treatment concentrations. Every 10 wells were treated with 0, 50, 100, and 150 ng/mL of CsA which makes a total of 80 wells. Supernatants of every well were used to determine the concentration of MMPs and TIMPs using the Elisa kits from Boster, CA, USA. Results MMP-1 level increased with the treatment of CsA when treated with 50 and 150 ng/mL of CsA (p = 0.02 and p = 0.04) as TIMP-1 decreased (p < 0.0001) in adult group; while in the fetal group, TIMP-1 level increased with treatment of 150 ng/mL (p < 0.0001). MMP-2 level increased in both adult and fetal groups (p < 0.0001). MMP-3 level decreased in adult group (p < 0.0001) but went up in fetal HGFs (p = 0.01) when treated with 150 ng/mL CsA. TIMP-2 level increased in all wells significantly when treated with CsA (p < 0.0001). The study showed that CsA affects secretion of MMPs and TIMPs. MMP-1 increment and TIMP-1 decrement were observed, which indicate more degradation of ECM. This may be due to single donor use in this study. TIMP-2 and MMP-2 were both more active when treated with CsA which may be due to the gelatinase activity of them and that in CsA gingival overgrowth. There was more inflammation rather than fibrosis.

Comparison of antimicrobial effect of Ziziphora tenuior, Dracocephalum moldavica, Ferula gummosa, and Prangos ferulacea essential oil with chlorhexidine on Enterococcus faecalis: An in vitro study.

BACKGROUND: Different irrigating solutions with high antimicrobial activity have been introduced for cleaning of the root canal system. However, effects of Prangos ferulacea (PF), Ziziphora tenuior (ZT), Dracocephalum moldavica (DM), and Ferula gummosa (FG) on oral and dental pathogens have not been extensively evaluated due to their optimal biocompatibility and insignificant side effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial effects of essential oils of mentioned plants on Enterococcus faecalis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this in vitro study the plants were collected from Zanjan Province, Iran. Analysis of the essential oil was carried out by gas chromatography/mass chromatography. Micro-broth dilution and disc diffusion methods were used for assessment of the antimicrobial activity, and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were evaluated. RESULTS: All the four essential oils had antibacterial effects on E. faecalis, and ZT had the greatest antibacterial activity. Assessment of the mean diameter of the growth inhibition zone showed higher antibacterial activity of PF and ZT than that of chlorhexidine. The MIC and MBC of ZT showed that the antimicrobial activity of ZT against E. faecalis was greater than that of other plants evaluated in this study. CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicated significant antibacterial effects of the mentioned plants on E. faecalis. The greatest antimicrobial activity belonged to ZT. The current study suggests extraction of effective compounds in these medicinal plants to use them in the clinical setting.

Interleukin-2, -16, and -17 gene polymorphisms in Iranian patients with chronic periodontitis.

AIM: Chronic periodontitis (CP) is a multifactorial disease and the most common type of periodontitis mainly caused by microbial plaque. CP can be brought on by, and progresses with, insufficient oral hygiene, and environmental and genetic susceptibilities. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between interleukin (IL)-2 (T-330G), IL-16 (T-295C), and IL-17 (A-7383G) gene polymorphisms and the susceptibility to CP in an Iranian population. METHODS: Ninety-nine cases diagnosed with CP and 75 matched healthy controls engaged in the present study. 3 cc peripheral blood samples were obtained for DNA isolation. Genotype analysis was performed using restriction fragment length polymorphism polymerase chain reaction. Genotype distribution and allele frequencies within groups were compared using χ2 -test, and logistic regression analysis was used to recognize the independent relation between the disease and the absence or presence of alleles. RESULTS: There was no polymorphism in IL-2 (T-330G) among our patients, and the TT genotype was present in both study groups. Moreover, none of the studied genotypes and alleles of IL-16 (T-295C) and IL-17 (A-7383G) was significantly associated with CP. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrated no association between IL-2 (T-330G), IL-16 (T-295C), and IL-17 (A-7383G) genotypes and CP in an Iranian population.

Types of Lasers and Their Applications in Pediatric Dentistry.

Laser technology has been recently introduced into the dental field with the idea to replace drilling. Having a less painful first dental experience by the use of modern instruments like laser can be an efficient preventive and therapeutic strategy in pediatric dentistry. Pedodontists need to learn the new less invasive technologies and adopt them in their routine practice. This study aimed to review the available types of lasers and their applications in pediatric dentistry. An electronic search was carried out in IranMedex, InterScience, Scopus, Science Direct, PubMed, ProQuest, Medline and Google Scholar databases to find relevant articles published from 2000 to 2014. Relevant textbooks were reviewed as well. Laser can be used as a suitable alternative to many conventional diagnostic and therapeutic dental procedures. It is especially efficient for caries detection and removal, pulp therapy, lowering the risk of infection, inflammation and swelling and reducing bleeding. On the other hand, due to minimal invasion, laser treatment is well tolerated by children. Improved patient cooperation leads to higher satisfaction of the parents, dentists and the children themselves.

Effect of phenytoin and age on gingival fibroblast enzymes.

OBJECTIVE: The alteration of cytokine balance is stated to exert greater influence on gingival overgrowth compared to the direct effect of the drug on the regulation of extracellular matrix metabolism. The current study evaluated the effect of phenytoin on the regulation of collagen, lysyl oxidase and elastin in gingival fibroblasts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Normal human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) were obtained from 4 healthy children and 4 adults. Samples were cultured with phenytoin. MTT test was used to evaluate the proliferation and ELISA was performed to determine the level of IL1ß and PGE2 production by HGFs. Total RNA of gingival fibroblasts was extracted and RT-PCR was performed on samples. Mann-Whitney U test was used to analyze the data with an alpha error level less than 0.05. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in the expression of elastin between the controls and treated samples in both adult and pediatric groups and also in the lysyl oxidase expression of adult controls and treated adults. No significant difference was found between collagen expression in adults. CONCLUSION: The significant difference in elastin and lysyl oxidase expression between adult and pediatric samples indicates the significant effect of age on their production.