Artisanal model replaces animal use for ultrasound-guided fine needle puncture practice in medical sciences teaching.

Fine needle puncture (FNP) is a widespread technique used to collect cellular samples. Its efficiency can be enhanced by the use of ultrasonography to guide the procedure. Ultrasound-guided FNP is therefore an operator-dependent exam. For this reason, it demands the acquisition of psychomotor skill, ability to recognize structures, and dexterity during the needle puncture. This study describes the development of an artisanal simulator made with gelatin to replace the use of live animals during practical classes in veterinary or medical sciences education. The experimental set consisted of three phases in which the student performed different tasks such as recognition of the target structure with ultrasound and injection of ink (phase 1) or aspiration (phase 2) of its content and evaluation of a parenchymatous organ (liver) and puncture of its surface (phase 3). A survey on the acceptance of the model was carried out, and students filled out a questionnaire elaborated with the visual analog scale system. Participants considered the artisanal model a strong method to teach ultrasound-guided FNP. Other attractive advantages of this simulator are the low manufacturing costs (compared with expensive high-technology devices) and the possibility to replace the use of live animals in practical classes.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study describes an artisanal simulator made with gelatin to teach ultrasound-guided fine needle puncture during practical classes in veterinary or medical sciences education. A three-phase experimental set allowed the students to practice ultrasound-guided fine needle puncture, aspiration, and injection in three different target structures. This cost-effective simulator may be an alternative to the use of expensive devices or the use of live animals during practical classes.

Self-sampling for human papillomavirus DNA detection: a preliminary study of compliance and feasibility in BOLIVIA.

BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer incidence and mortality rates in Bolivia are among the highest in Latin America. This investigation aims to evaluate the possibility of using simple devices, e.g. a cotton swab and a glass slide, for self-sampling in order to detect human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA by PCR in cervico-vaginal cells. METHODS: In the first phase of our study we evaluated the use of a glass slide as a transport medium for cervical cells. A physician took paired-cervical samples from 235 women. One sample was transported in Easyfix® solution and the other sample was smeared over a glass slide. Both were further analyzed and compared for human DNA recovery and HPV detection. A kappa value was determined to evaluate the agreement between the HPV DNA detection rates. In the second phase of the study, 222 women from the urban, peri-urban and rural regions of Cochabamba were requested to perform self-sampling using the following devices: a cotton swab combined with a glass slide, and a vaginal tampon. Women gave their opinion about the self-sampling technique. Finally, the agreement for high risk-HPV detection between self- and physician-collected samples was performed in 201 samples in order to evaluate the self-sampling technique. RESULTS: Firstly, the comparison between Easyfix® solution and the glass slide to transport clinical samples gave a good agreement for HPV DNA detection (κ = 0.71, 95% CI 0.60-0.81). Secondly, self-sampling, especially with cotton swab combined with glass slide, would generally be preferred over clinician sampling for a screening program based on HPV detection. Finally, we showed a good agreement between self- and physician collected samples for high risk-HPV detection (κ = 0.71, 95% CI 0.55-0.88). CONCLUSIONS: Simple devices such as a cotton swab and a glass slide can be used to perform self-sampling and HPV DNA detection. Furthermore, most Bolivian women preferred self-sampling over clinician-sampling for cervical cancer screening.

Influence of clinicians' socio-demographic, professional and educational variables on their compliance with preventive measures against hepatitis B and C.

PURPOSE: To investigate the influence of a number of variables regarding clinicians' gender, social class, length of time since graduation and the level of knowledge on their use of available preventive measures against hepatitis B and C. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey was carried out involving a random and representative sample (n = 319) of the clinicians working in Recife, Pernambuco, North-East Brazil. The participants were interviewed by means of a questionnaire, prepared and pretested by the researchers. Pearson's chi-square and Fisher's exact tests were used in the statistical analyses (significance level: 5%). RESULTS: Female clinicians were found to make more frequent use of equipment such as lab coats, scrub caps and masks (P = 0.0357). With regard to lab coat use in relation to social class, it was seen that clinicians from social class B used it less (P = 0.0077). The length of time since graduation was seen to be connected with the use of scrub caps (P = 0.0003), coating of equipment with polyvinyl chloride plastic film (P = 0.037), use of alcohol for cleaning equipment (P = 0.0012), two-handed recapping of needles (P < 0.0001) and immunisation (P = 0.003), showing that those who graduated most recently were more likely to take adequate infection control steps. The fact that clinicians had been informed about hepatitis B and C, and also their knowledge about its contagion, was positively associated with their levels of vaccination against HBV (P = 0.0313 and 0.0108, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The adherence to preventive practices against hepatitis B and C was shown to be connected with the clinicians' socio-demographic, professional and educational variables.

Estrogen deficiency and periodontal condition in rats: a radiographic and macroscopic study.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of ovariectomy-induced estrogen deficiency as a risk factor of periodontal disease in rats. Forty 90-day old female rats were either ovariectomized (OVX; n=20) or sham operated (SHAM; n=20). After 30 days, periodontitis was induced by placement of a cotton ligature around the upper second molars of 10 OVX and 10 SHAM animals. All animals were sacrificed 5 weeks later. Body weight was assessed before all surgical procedures. The left hemimaxillas were removed and the percentage of periodontal bone support was determined radiographically and buccal alveolar bone loss was determined macroscopically using an image-analysis software. Furcation involvement was also evaluated. Data were analyzed statistically by ANOVA at 5% significance level. Within the evaluated period, the ovariectomized rats gained more weight than the sham-operated animals (p<0.001). The animals in which periodontitis was induced had less bone support, greater alveolar bone loss and furcation involvement than those without ligature (p<0.001). However, there was no difference between ovariectomized and sham-operated animals (p>0.05). Based on the findings of this study, estrogen deficiency could not be considered as a risk factor for periodontal disease.

Basal cerebral glucose distribution in long-term post-traumatic stress disorder.

The purpose of this investigation was to study basal cerebral glucose absorption patterns associated to long-term post-traumatic stress disorder. Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) and statistic parametric mapping (SPM) were used to compare regional cerebral glucose absorption between 15 war veterans (Hispanic men, aged 39-41 (M = 39.5, SD = 0.84)) diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) based on DSM-IV criteria, and a matching control group of six asymptomatic veterans. This study was conducted 20 years after the traumatic events. PTSD patients presented relatively diminished activity (P<0.005) in: cingulate gyri, precuneus, insula, hippocampus; frontal, pre-frontal and post-central regions; lingual, calcarine, occipital medial and superior gyri, and verbal and paraverbal areas. Relativeley augmented activity (P<0.005) was observed in PTSD patients in: fusiform, temporal superior, medial, and inferior gyri; occipital medial, inferior and lingual gyri; precuneus, and cerebellum. The amygdala and the thalamus showed normal metabolic activity. Various brain regions that showed diminished activity (limbic, frontal and prefrontal cortex, multimodal parieto-occipital areas and verbal and paraverbal areas) have evolved lately, and sub-serve highly complex cognitive and behavioural functions. Metabolic activity patterns are comparable to those observed in personality disorders of the borderline type.

Evaluation of two morphometric methods of bone loss percentages caused by periodontitis in rats in different locations.

OBJECTIVE: The present study evaluated morphometrically bone loss percentages in experimental periodontitis in rats, comparing different locations (lingual mandible, palatal maxilla and buccal maxilla) and two evaluation methods (distance and area methods). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ligatures were placed around the maxillary right second molar and around the mandibular right first molar in 14 female Wistar rats. The contralateral molars served as intragroup controls. After 4 weeks, the rats were sacrificed and their mandible and maxilla were removed. The specimens were dissected and stained with methylene blue dye. Bone loss was evaluated by two different methods on the surfaces of the defleshed jaw. In the first method, the distance from the cementoenamel junction (CEJ) to the alveolar bone crest was measured in the roots of teeth associated with ligature. In the second method, the area of bone loss was determined using the alveolar tissue bone, CEJ and the proximal region of roots associated with the ligature as reference. The data were converted to bone loss percentages caused by ligature: (ligated - unligated) x 100/ligated. RESULTS: When comparing the distance and area methods, no statistically significant difference was observed (p>0.05). Both methodologies indicated that the maxilla presented greater bone loss than the mandible and it was more accentuated on the buccal side than on the palatal side (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study show that both the area and the distance methods can be used to evaluate bone loss caused by ligature placement in rats, and suggest applying the morphometric methodology to the maxilla on the buccal side.

The influence of ovariectomy, simvastatin and sodium alendronate on alveolar bone in rats.

Bisphosphonates are currently used in the treatment of many diseases involving increased bone resorption such as osteoporosis. Statins have been widely used for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia and recent studies have shown that these drugs are also capable of stimulating bone formation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of an estrogen deficient state and the effects of simvastatin and sodium alendronate therapies on alveolar bone in female rats. Fifty-four rats were either ovariectomized (OVX) or sham operated. A month later, the animals began to receive a daily dose of simvastatin (SIN - 25 mg/kg), sodium alendronate (ALN - 2 mg/kg) or water (control) orally. Thirty-five days after the beginning of the treatment, the rats were sacrificed and their left hemimandibles were removed and radiographed using digital X-ray equipment. The alveolar radiographic density under the first molar was determined with gray-level scaling and the values were submitted to analysis of variance (alpha = 5%). Ovariectomized rats gained more weight (mean +/- standard deviation: 20.06 +/- 6.68%) than did the sham operated animals (12.13 +/- 5.63%). Alveolar radiographic density values, expressed as gray levels, were lowest in the OVX-water group (183.49 +/- 6.47), and differed significantly from those observed for the groups receiving alendronate (sham-ALN: 193.85 +/- 3.81; OVX-ALN: 196.06 +/- 5.11) and from those of the sham-water group (193.66 +/- 4.36). Other comparisons between groups did not show significant differences. It was concluded that the ovariectomy reduced alveolar bone density and that alendronate was efficient for the treatment of this condition.

Estrogen treatment and periodontal disease progression: an experimental study in ovariectomized rats / Tratamento com estrógeno e progressão da doença periodontal: Estudo experimental em ratas ovariectomizadas

The aim of this study was to investigate different periods of estrogen replacement therapy onset on the progression of experimental periodontitis in ovariectomized rats. Sixty five female Wistar rats were ovariectomized and divided into two groups, experimental and control that received 17ß estradiol or vehicle, respectively. Each group was subdivided into five subgroups that started the treatment immediately, one, two, three and four weeks after the ovariectomy. A month after ovariectomy, a cotton ligature was placed around the maxillary second molars. Thirty five days after ligature placement, the animals were sacrificed. The macroscopic, radiographic, microscopic and histometric aspects of the periodontal area were analyzed. The results indicated that estrogen-deficient state may not have a direct effect on the resorption of alveolar bone adjacent to the maxillary second molar roots, once no differences between test and control groups were detected. Under the conditions of this experiment, estrogen replacement therapy did not delay the progression of induced periodontitis.

O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a ação da terapia de reposição de estrógeno iniciada em diferentes períodos na progressão da periodontite induzida em ratas ovariectomizadas. Sessenta e cinco ratas Wistar foram ovariectomizadas e divididas em dois grupos, experimental e controle, os quais receberam 17β estradiol ou veículo, respectivamente. Cada grupo foi subdividido em cinco subgrupos, os quais iniciaram o tratamento imediatamente, uma, duas, três e quatro semanas após a ovariectomia. Um mês após a cirurgia, um fio de algodão foi colocado ao redor dos segundos molares superiores. Trinta e cinco dias após a colocação do fio, os animais foram sacrificados. Foram analisados os aspectos macroscópicos, radiográficos, microscópicos e histomorfométricos da região periodontal. Os resultados mostraram que o estado de deficiência de estrógeno não possui efeito direto sobre a reabsorção do osso alveolar adjacente às raízes dos segundo molares, uma vez que não houve diferença entre os grupos experimental e controle. Dentro das limitações deste estudo concluiu-se que a terapia de reposição de estrógeno não retardou a progressão da periodontite induzida

The effect of alcohol consumption on periodontal bone support in experimental periodontitis in rats.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the alcohol consumption on the periodontal bone support (PBS) in experimental periodontitis in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-three male rats were divided into seven groups: G1 (control); G2 (10% ethanol); G3 (nutritional control of G2); G4 (20% ethanol); G5 (nutritional control of G4); G6 (30% ethanol) and G7 (nutritional control of G6). The groups G3, G5 and G7 received controlled diets with equivalent caloric amounts to those consumed in G2, G4 and G6 respectively, with the ethanol replaced by sucrose. After anesthesia, ligatures were installed around the mandibular first molar, leaving the contralateral teeth unligated. After 8 weeks, the rats were killed and their mandibles were radiographed to measure the percentage of PBS on the distal aspect. RESULTS: The intragroup analyses showed that presence of ligatures induced periodontitis (p<0.05). Unligated groups did not show significant differences among the percentages of PBS (p=0.1969). However, in ligated groups the rats that received alcohol (G2:48.71%+/-3.88; G4:47.66%+/-2.54; G6:47.32%+/-3.24) and the nutritional control group associated with a high concentration of ethanol (G7:47.40%+/-3.24) presented a significantly lower percentage of PBS than the other groups (G1:52.40%+/-2.75; G3:52.83%+/-2.41; G5:50.85%+/-4.14). CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrated that alcohol consumption in rats may result in a direct effect on alveolar bone loss and increased development of periodontitis. In addition, they suggest that heavy caloric consumption of ethanol may also present an indirect effect on periodontal tissue as a consequence of malnutrition.

Evaluation of two morphometric methods of bone loss percentages caused by periodontitis in rats in different locations

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE: The present study evaluated morphometrically bone loss percentages in experimental periodontitis in rats, comparing different locations (lingual mandible, palatal maxilla and buccal maxilla) and two evaluation methods (distance and area methods). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ligatures were placed around the maxillary right second molar and around the mandibular right first molar in 14 female Wistar rats. The contralateral molars served as intragroup controls. After 4 weeks, the rats were sacrificed and their mandible and maxilla were removed. The specimens were dissected and stained with methylene blue dye. Bone loss was evaluated by two different methods on the surfaces of the defleshed jaw. In the first method, the distance from the cementoenamel junction (CEJ) to the alveolar bone crest was measured in the roots of teeth associated with ligature. In the second method, the area of bone loss was determined using the alveolar tissue bone, CEJ and the proximal region of roots associated with the ligature as reference. The data were converted to bone loss percentages caused by ligature: (ligated - unligated) x 100/ligated. RESULTS: When comparing the distance and area methods, no statistically significant difference was observed (p>0.05). Both methodologies indicated that the maxilla presented greater bone loss than the mandible and it was more accentuated on the buccal side than on the palatal side (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study show that both the area and the distance methods can be used to evaluate bone loss caused by ligature placement in rats, and suggest applying the morphometric methodology to the maxilla on the buccal side.

Identificação de cuidados preventivos contra as hepatites B e C em cirurgiões-dentistas da cidade do Recife / Identification of preventive care against hepatitis B and C among dentists at Recife city

Este estudo objetivou identificar os cuidados que os cirurgiões-dentistas (CDs) têm adotado para se prevenir contra as hepatites B e C, abordando principalmente as questões da imunização, e das medidas adotadas para minimizar o risco de exposições ocupacionais a material biológico potencialmente contaminado, incluindo o uso de equipamentos de proteção individual (EPI). Foi conduzido um inquérito com 319 CDs residentes na cidade do Recife, PE, por meio de questionário auto-aplicável. Após a coleta de dados, a análise foi obtida através de técnicas de estatística descritiva. A adesão dos CDs aos EPI mostrou-se alta, porém variou conforme o equipamento. Do total de pesquisados, 30,2% relataram nunca reencapar agulhas com as duas mãos e 98,4% relataram ter recebido a vacina contra hepatite B, dos quais 79,3% tomaram as três doses. Em relação a traumas pérfuro-cortantes, estes foram relatados por 71,5% dos CDs. Demonstrou-se que os EPIs são bastante utilizados entre os CDs. Apesar de a cobertura vacinal detectada ilustrar um crescimento em relação a estudos anteriores, ainda são necessários esforços educativos no sentido de expandi-la ainda mais.

This study aimed to identify the preventive care the dentists have carried out against hepatitis B and C, broaching specially the topics of immunization and measures taken to minimize the risk of occupational exposition to potentially contaminated biological material, including the use of individual protection equipment (IPE). An inquiry was conducted with 319 dentists living at Recife-PE, Brazil, using a self-administered questionnaire. After the data collection, the analysis was obtained through techniques of descriptive statistics. The adhesion to the use of IPE was high, and varied according to the equipment. Among the participants, 30,2% reported never having recapped needles with both hands and 98,4% said they received the vaccine against hepatitis B, although 79,3% received the three doses. Regarding to perforating-cutting trauma, they were reported by 71,5% of the dentists. It was demonstrated that, the IPE are very often used by the dentists. Although the vaccinal cover detected illustrates an increase in comparison to previous studies, educational efforts remain necessary to spread it even more.

The influence of ovariectomy, simvastatin and sodium alendronate on alveolar bone in rats

Bisphosphonates are currently used in the treatment of many diseases involving increased bone resorption such as osteoporosis. Statins have been widely used for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia and recent studies have shown that these drugs are also capable of stimulating bone formation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of an estrogen deficient state and the effects of simvastatin and sodium alendronate therapies on alveolar bone in female rats. Fifty-four rats were either ovariectomized (OVX) or sham operated. A month later, the animals began to receive a daily dose of simvastatin (SIN - 25 mg/kg), sodium alendronate (ALN - 2 mg/kg) or water (control) orally. Thirty-five days after the beginning of the treatment, the rats were sacrificed and their left hemimandibles were removed and radiographed using digital X-ray equipment. The alveolar radiographic density under the first molar was determined with gray-level scaling and the values were submitted to analysis of variance (a = 5 percent). Ovariectomized rats gained more weight (mean ± standard deviation: 20.06 ± 6.68 percent) than did the sham operated animals (12.13 ± 5.63 percent). Alveolar radiographic density values, expressed as gray levels, were lowest in the OVX-water group (183.49 ± 6.47), and differed significantly from those observed for the groups receiving alendronate (sham-ALN: 193.85 ± 3.81; OVX-ALN: 196.06 ± 5.11) and from those of the sham-water group (193.66 ± 4.36). Other comparisons between groups did not show significant differences. It was concluded that the ovariectomy reduced alveolar bone density and that alendronate was efficient for the treatment of this condition.

Os bisfosfonatos são empregados atualmente para o tratamento de várias doenças caracterizadas pelo aumento da reabsorção óssea, como a osteoporose. As estatinas são amplamente utilizadas para redução de níveis elevados de colesterol e estudos recentes têm revelado sua ação anabólica no osso. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a influência da deficiência estrogênica e dos tratamentos com sinvastatina ou alendronato sódico no osso alveolar em ratas. Cinqüenta e quatro ratas sofreram ovariectomia (OVX) ou cirurgia simulada ("sham"). Um mês após, os animais passaram a receber diariamente, via oral, 25 mg/kg de sinvastatina (SIN), 2 mg/kg de alendronato (ALN) ou água (controle). Trinta e cinco dias depois do início do tratamento os animais foram sacrificados, as hemimandíbulas esquerdas removidas e radiografadas em aparelho de raios X digital. Foi calculada a densidade radiográfica em tons de cinza da área de osso alveolar sob o primeiro molar mandibular e os valores foram submetidos a ANOVA, ao nível de 5 por cento. Ratas ovariectomizadas ganharam mais peso (média ± desvio-padrão: 20,06 ± 6,68 por cento) que as demais (12,13 ± 5,63 por cento). Os valores de densidade radiográfica, em tons de cinza, foram menores nos animais do grupo OVX-água (183,49 ± 6,47), significantemente diferentes daqueles observados nos grupos que receberam alendronato ("sham"-ALN: 193,85 ± 3,81; OVX-ALN: 196,06 ± 5,11) e no grupo "sham"-água (193,66 ± 4,36). Outras comparações entre grupos não revelaram diferenças estatísticas. Concluiu-se que a ovariectomia reduziu a densidade óssea alveolar e que o tratamento com alendronato sódico foi eficiente para o tratamento desta situação.

Avaliação da perda óssea periodontal em ratos por meio dos métodos radiográfico e morfométrico / Evaluation of periodontal bone loss in rats for radiographic and morphometric methods

O presente estudo se propôs a avaliar morfometricamete (região da ligadura ou hemiarco) e radiograficamente (suporte ósseo periodontal) a perda óssea na periodontite experimental em ratos. Ligaduras de algodão foram posicionadas em torno do segundo molar maxilar e primeiro molar mandibular direitos em 14 ratas fêmeas (Wistar). Os molares contralaterais serviram como controle intragrupo. Após quatro semanas os ratos foram sacrificados e suas mandíbulas e maxilas foram removidas. Os espécimes foram radiografados e posteriormente dissecados, corados e fotografados. As alterações do suporte ósseo periodontal (SOP) foram avaliadas nas radiografias do 1° molar mandibular, 1° e 2° molares maxilares. Nas imagens a reabsorção óssea foi avaliada pelas alterações das medidas da distância da junção esmalte-cemento até a crista óssea alveolar nas raízes do dente, considerando hemiarco ou apenas a região da ligadura, por face livre. Verificou-se que não ocorreram diferenças estatísticas entre as alterações de SOP nos diferentes dentes. A reabsorção óssea foi significativamente maior na vestibular da maxila considerando tanto a região da ligadura em relação ao hemiarco quanto em relação às demais localizações (palatina da maxila e lingual da mandíbula). Conclui-se que o SOP expressa o percentual de alteração óssea independente do dente avaliado e que a análise morfométrica deve ser na região envolvida com a ligadura e não no hemiarco, sendo a vestibular da maxila a região onde se verificou a maior perda óssea em periodontite induzida em ratos

The present study aimed to morphometrically (region of ligature or hemiarco) and radiographically (periodontal bone support) the bone loss in experimental periodontitis in rats. Ligatures of cotton were positioned around the right second upper molar and around the first mandibular molar rights in 14 female Wistar rats. The contralateral molars served as intragroup controls. After four weeks, the rats were sacrificed and their mandible and maxilla were removed. The specimens were radiographiced and after dissected and stained with methylene blue dye. The periodontal bone support (PBS) was assessment in radiograph of 1° mandibular molar, 1° and 2° maxillary molars. The bone loss was evaluated by the distance from the cemento enamel junction to the alveolar bone crest inthe roots of teeth associating with ligature and by hemiarco for free side. The different tooth showed no significant differences among the alteration of the percentages of PBS. The results indicated that the maxilla by buccal presented greater bone loss on region of roots associated with the ligature than hemiarco and than among others localizations (palatal of maxilla and lingual of mandible). The present study concluded that the alteration of PDS was independent of teeth evaluated and the morphometric methodology may be used on ligature regions and that the maxilla for buccal side showed more elevated bone loss in periodontitis in rats.

The effect of alcohol consumption on periodontal bone support in experimental periodontitis in rats

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the alcohol consumption on the periodontal bone support (PBS) in experimental periodontitis in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-three male rats were divided into seven groups: G1 (control); G2 (10 percent ethanol); G3 (nutritional control of G2); G4 (20 percent ethanol); G5 (nutritional control of G4); G6 (30 percent ethanol) and G7 (nutritional control of G6). The groups G3, G5 and G7 received controlled diets with equivalent caloric amounts to those consumed in G2, G4 and G6 respectively, with the ethanol replaced by sucrose. After anesthesia, ligatures were installed around the mandibular first molar, leaving the contralateral teeth unligated. After 8 weeks, the rats were killed and their mandibles were radiographed to measure the percentage of PBS on the distal aspect. RESULTS: The intragroup analyses showed that presence of ligatures induced periodontitis (p<0.05). Unligated groups did not show significant differences among the percentages of PBS (p=0.1969). However, in ligated groups the rats that received alcohol (G2:48.71 percent±3.88; G4:47.66 percent±2.54; G6:47.32 percent±3.24) and the nutritional control group associated with a high concentration of ethanol (G7:47.40 percent±3.24) presented a significantly lower percentage of PBS than the other groups (G1:52.40 percent±2.75; G3:52.83 percent±2.41; G5:50.85 percent±4.14). CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrated that alcohol consumption in rats may result in a direct effect on alveolar bone loss and increased development of periodontitis. In addition, they suggest that heavy caloric consumption of ethanol may also present an indirect effect on periodontal tissue as a consequence of malnutrition.

OBJETIVO: O propósito deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito do consumo de álcool sobre o suporte ósseo periodontal (SOP) em periodontite induzida por ligaduras em ratos. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Sessenta e três ratos machos foram divididos em sete grupos: G1 (controle); G2 (álcool a 10 por cento); G3 (controle nutricional de G2); G4 (álcool a 20 por cento); G5 (controle nutricional de G4); G6 (álcool a 30 por cento); G7 (controle nutricional de G6). Os grupos G3, G5 e G7 receberam dietas controladas com a mesma quantidade de calorias consumidas por G2, G4 e G6, respectivamente, com o etanol substituído por sacarose. Após anestesia foram instaladas ligaduras no primeiro molar inferior direito, permanecendo o dente contralateral sem ligadura. Após oito semanas, os ratos foram sacrificados e as mandíbulas radiografadas para medição do SOP na proximal distal. RESULTADOS: A análise intragrupo mostrou que a presença da ligadura foi capaz de induzir periodontite (p<0,05). Os grupos sem ligadura não demonstraram diferenças significativas (p=0,1969) no SOP. Contudo, nos grupos com ligadura os ratos que receberam álcool (G2:48,71 por cento±3,88; G4:47,66 por cento±2,54; G6:47,32 por cento±3,24) e o controle nutricional associado a alta concentração de etanol (G7:47,40 por cento±3,24) apresentaram percentual de SOP estatisticamente inferior aos outros grupos (G1:52,40 por cento±2,75; G3:52,83 por cento±2,41; G5:50,85 por cento±4,14). CONCLUSÕES: Os resultados demonstraram que o consumo de álcool em ratos pode resultar em efeito direto na perda óssea alveolar, aumentando o desenvolvimento da periodontite. Além disso, sugere-se que o consumo calórico pesado de etanol também pode apresentar efeito indireto nos tecidos periodontais, como conseqüência da má nutrição.

Estrogen deficiency and periodontal condition in rats: a radiographic and macroscopic study

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of ovariectomy-induced estrogen deficiency as a risk factor of periodontal disease in rats. Forty 90-day old female rats were either ovariectomized (OVX; n=20) or sham operated (SHAM; n=20). After 30 days, periodontitis was induced by placement of a cotton ligature around the upper second molars of 10 OVX and 10 SHAM animals. All animals were sacrificed 5 weeks later. Body weight was assessed before all surgical procedures. The left hemimaxillas were removed and the percentage of periodontal bone support was determined radiographically and buccal alveolar bone loss was determined macroscopically using an image-analysis software. Furcation involvement was also evaluated. Data were analyzed statistically by ANOVA at 5 percent significance level. Within the evaluated period, the ovariectomized rats gained more weight than the sham-operated animals (p<0.001). The animals in which periodontitis was induced had less bone support, greater alveolar bone loss and furcation involvement than those without ligature (p<0.001). However, there was no difference between ovariectomized and sham-operated animals (p>0.05). Based on the findings of this study, estrogen deficiency could not be considered as a risk factor for periodontal disease.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a influência da ausência de hormônios ovarianos induzida por ovariectomia como fator de risco para a doença periodontal em ratas. Quarenta ratas com idade de 90 dias foram submetidas a ovariectomia (OVX; n=20) ou cirurgia simulada (sham) (SHAM; n=20). Após 30 dias, ligaduras de algodão foram colocadas ao redor dos segundos molares superiores de 10 animais OVX e 10 animais SHAM. Cinco semanas após, todos os animais foram sacrificados. As ratas foram pesadas antes de todos os procedimentos cirúrgicos. As hemimaxilas esquerdas foram removidas e determinaram-se a porcentagem de suporte ósseo, através de radiografias, e a área de perda óssea alveolar, macroscopicamente, após maceração, com auxílio de programa computacional, além do grau de envolvimento de furca. Os dados foram submetidos à análise estatística por meio de ANOVA com nível de significância de 5 por cento. No período avaliado, as ratas ovariectomizadas apresentaram maior ganho de peso que aquelas submetidas à cirurgia simulada (sham) (p<0.001). As ratas em que foi induzida periodontite apresentaram suporte ósseo estatisticamente menor e maior perda óssea alveolar e envolvimento de furca que as demais (p<0.001). Porém, não foram encontradas diferenças significantes entre os animais ovariectomizados e não-ovariectomizados (p>0.05). Com bases nos achados deste estudo, a deficiência de hormônios ovarianos não pôde ser considerada como fator de risco para a doença periodontal.