Caffeine induces alveolar bone loss in rats submitted to orthodontic movement via activation of receptor activator of nuclear factor Ò¡B, receptor activator of nuclear factor Ò¡B ligand, and osteoprotegerin pathway.

INTRODUCTION: Caffeine is a widely consumed substance with several effects on bone metabolism. This study aimed to investigate the effect of caffeine on the bone tissue of rats submitted to orthodontic movement. METHODS: Twenty-five male Wistar rats underwent orthodontic movement (21 days) of the first permanent maxillary molars on the left side. The experimental group (caffeine; n = 13) and control group (n = 12) received caffeine and water, respectively, by gavage. Microcomputed tomography was performed to analyze orthodontic movement. Histologic analysis of the inflammatory infiltrate and osteoclast count by tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase were conducted. Maxilla tissue was evaluated for receptor activator of nuclear factor Ò¡B (RANK), RANK ligand (RANKL), and osteoprotegerin by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Caffeine exhibited a lower bone volume/tissue volume ratio (78.09% ± 5.83%) than the control (86.84% ± 4.89%; P <0.05). Inflammatory infiltrate was increased in the caffeine group compared with the control group (P <0.05). A higher number of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-positive cells was observed in the caffeine (9.67 ± 1.73) than in the control group (2.66 ± 0.76; P <0.01). Immunoexpression of RANK and RANKL in the caffeine group was greater than the control (P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The use of caffeine thermogenic induces alveolar bone loss in rats submitted to orthodontic movement via activation of RANK, RANKL, and osteoprotegerin signaling pathways.

Silencing of heat shock factor 1 (HSF1) inhibits proliferation, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in oral squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Oral squamous cell carcinoma is characterized by high rates of morbidity and mortality. Evidence obtained for different types of cancer shows that tumor initiation, progression, and therapeutic resistance are regulated by heat shock factor 1. This research aimed to analyze the effects of heat shock factor 1 on the biological behavior of oral squamous cell carcinoma. METHODS: Clinicopathological and immunoexpression study of heat shock factor 1 in 70 cases of oral tongue SCC and functional assays by gene silencing of this factor in an oral tongue SCC cell line. RESULTS: Heat shock factor 1 was overexpressed in oral tongue SCC specimens compared to normal oral mucosa (p < 0.0001) and in the SCC15 line compared to immortalized keratinocytes (p < 0.005). No significant associations were observed between overexpression of heat shock factor 1 and clinicopathological parameters or survival rates of the oral tongue SCC cases in the present sample. In vitro experiments showed that heat shock factor 1 silencing inhibited cell proliferation (p < 0.005) and cell cycle progression, with the accumulation of cells in the G0/G1 phase (p < 0.01). In addition, heat shock factor 1 silencing reduced cell invasion capacity (p < 0.05) and epithelial-mesenchymal transition, characterized by a decrease in vimentin expression (p < 0.05) and an increase in E-cadherin expression (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Heat shock factor 1 may exert several functions that help maintain cell stability under the stressful conditions of the tumor microenvironment. Thus, strategies targeting the regulation of this protein may in the future be a useful therapeutic tool to control the progression of oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Microbiological analysis of oral biofilms in patients admitted to intensive care unit: Pilot study.

AIM: To identify Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus in oral biofilms of intubated and non-intubated patients admitted to an Intensive Care Unit (ICU). METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study, with 30 biofilm sites sampled. S. aureus and P. aeruginosa were identified by conventional biochemical assays. Antimicrobial susceptibility was tested by disk-diffusion. RESULTS: Of 30 sites, 50% contained P. aeruginosa and 3.33% S. aureus. P. aeruginosa was detected in similar amounts in all 3 sample sites, with 5 colonized sites (50%). S. aureus colonized a single supragingival site (3.33%). There was resistance to multiple antimicrobial agents of P. aeruginosa in 7 sites (100%) and S. aureus in 1 (100%). CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed an important relationship between P. aeruginosa and S. aureus colonization at supragingival, subgingival and lingual sites and intubation, thus revealing antimicrobial resistant bacteria colonization of medical interest, which may contribute to the therapy choice directed to these microorganisms.

Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Fucan from Spatoglossum schröederi in a Murine Model of Generalized Inflammation Induced by Zymosan.

Fucans from marine algae have been the object of many studies that demonstrated a broad spectrum of biological activities, including anti-inflammatory effects. The aim of this study was to verify the protective effects of a fucan extracted from the brown algae Spatoglossum schröederi in animals submitted to a generalized inflammation model induced by zymosan (ZIGI). BALB/c mice were first submitted to zymosan-induced peritonitis to evaluate the treatment dose capable of inhibiting the induced cellular migration in a simple model of inflammation. Mice were treated by the intravenous route with three doses (20, 10, and 5 mg/kg) of our fucan and, 1 h later, were inoculated with an intraperitoneal dose of zymosan (40 mg/kg). Peritoneal exudate was collected 24 h later for the evaluation of leukocyte migration. Doses of the fucan of Spatoglossum schröederi at 20 and 10 mg/kg reduced peritoneal cellular migration and were selected to perform ZIGI experiments. In the ZIGI model, treatment was administered 1 h before and 6 h after the zymosan inoculation (500 mg/kg). Treatments and challenges were administered via intravenous and intraperitoneal routes, respectively. Systemic toxicity was assessed 6 h after inoculation, based on three clinical signs (bristly hair, prostration, and diarrhea). The peritoneal exudate was collected to assess cellular migration and IL-6 levels, while blood samples were collected to determine IL-6, ALT, and AST levels. Liver tissue was collected for histopathological analysis. In another experimental series, weight loss was evaluated for 15 days after zymosan inoculation and fucan treatment. The fucan treatment did not present any effect on ZIGI systemic toxicity; however, a fucan dose of 20 mg/kg was capable of reducing the weight loss in treated mice. The treatment with both doses also reduced the cellular migration and reduced IL-6 levels in peritoneal exudate and serum in doses of 20 and 10 mg/kg, respectively. They also presented a protective effect in the liver, with a reduction in hepatic transaminase levels in both doses of treatment and attenuated histological damage in the liver at a dose of 10 mg/kg. Fucan from S. schröederi presented a promising pharmacological activity upon the murine model of ZIGI, with potential anti-inflammatory and hepatic protective effects, and should be the target of profound and elucidative studies.

Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy in the treatment of oral erythematous candidiasis: a controlled and randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the clinical and microbiological efficacy of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) in patients with erythematous candidiasis (EC). METHODS: This study was a controlled and randomized clinical trial in patients diagnosed with EC, who were allocated into a control group (CG) and experimental group (EG) treated with nystatin oral suspension and aPDT with methylene blue 0.1%, respectively. A clinical index was used to classify the EC lesions from mild to severe and assess the treatment efficacy. Microbiological samples were collected before and after aPDT session and analyzed by counting colony-forming units (CFUs) of Candida and Staphylococcus sp. RESULTS: A total of 41 patients (CG (n = 18); EG (n = 23)) were analyzed in our research. Of these, 16 (94.1%) of the CG and 16 (84.2%) of the EG exhibited complete remission of the lesions. Regarding the degree of the lesion, it was observed that the severe lesions were more difficult to present remission, while all the mild and moderate lesions showed complete regression (p = 0.001). The microbiological analysis showed that Candida albicans and Staphylococcus sp. were the most prevalent microorganisms, and the aPDT group showed a decrease in CFUs of these microorganisms after the first aPDT session (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: aPDT proved to be a clinically and microbiologically effective therapy for treating EC. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Registered at ClinicalTrials.gov; Set 12th, 2019; No. RBR-8w8599. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: aPDT is a promising alternative treatment since it presents satisfactory results and does not cause damage to oral tissues or develop resistance to the treatment.

Comparative analysis of photobiomodulation therapy and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation for burning mouth: a randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effect of photobiomodulation (PBM) and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) in the treatment of burning mouth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Randomized clinical trial of 25 patients with burning mouth treated by TENS (n=12) and PBM (n=13). The patients were treated weekly for 8 weeks. Two-factor ANOVA was used to determine whether the two interventions promoted significant differences in symptoms (measured with a visual analogue scale), unstimulated salivary flow, xerostomia, and dysgeusia between T0 (baseline), T1 (after the 4th treatment session), T2 (after the 8th treatment session), and T3 (30 days after the end of treatment). RESULTS: Intragroup comparison of VAS scores for pain showed a significant difference between T0xT1, T0xT2, and T0xT3 in the TENS group and between T0xT2 and T0xT3 in the PBM group (p˂0.001). Intergroup comparison of VAS scores for pain between T2xT3 showed a better response to PBM than to TENS (p=0.003). Patients of the TENS group showed an increase in salivary flow between T1 and T2 (p=0.052). There were no expressive variations in xerostomia or dysgeusia in the two groups analyzed. CONCLUSION: TENS and PBM were effective in reducing the symptoms of burning mouth during and after treatment. The PBM group showed a better response during follow-up. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This clinical trial was registered at http://clinicaltrials.gov (Number: NCT05816200). CLINICAL RELEVANCE: TENS was found to be a safe and effective therapy for burning mouth. Trial registration number (TRN) and date of registration: This clinical trial was registered at http://clinicaltrials.gov (Number: NCT05816200; date: May 08, 2023).

Comparative study of royal jelly, propolis, and photobiomodulation therapies in 5-fluorouracil-related oral mucositis in rats.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the effects and mechanisms of action of royal jelly (RJ) and propolis compared to photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) in an animal model of 5-fluorouracil-related oral mucositis (OM). METHODS: Seventy-two male Wistar rats were randomly allocated to four groups (n = 18 each): control (no treatment), PBMT (intraoral laser, 6 J/cm2), RJ, and propolis. On days 0 and 2, the animals received an injection of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). The buccal mucosa was scratched (days 3 and 4) and the treatments were initiated on day 5. Six animals of each group were euthanized on days 8, 10, and 14. Phytochemical analysis (thin-layer chromatography, TLC) and clinical, histopathological, and immunohistochemical analysis of pS6, pAKT, and NF-κB were performed, and oxidative stress markers were also investigated. RESULTS: TLC revealed the presence of large amounts of sucrose (Rf 0.34) in RJ and of flavonoids in propolis. Lower clinical OM scores were observed on day 8, and improved morphological data were observed on day 10 in the PBMT, RJ, and propolis groups (p < 0.05). On day 8, immunoexpression of pS6, pAKT, and NF-κB was increased compared to control. On day 14, reduced glutathione (GSH) antioxidant levels were increased in the propolis group compared to control (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that RJ and propolis, as well as PBMT, are effective in the treatment of OM. Considering that some patients who develop OM do not have access to PBMT, the present study demonstrated that topical application of RJ and propolis may be an important alternative for the treatment of OM.

Efficacy of ILIB on periodontal clinical parameters and glycemic control in patients with periodontitis and type II diabetes-randomized clinical trial.

Our study aimed to study the efficacy of ILIB on periodontal parameters and glycemic control in patients with periodontitis and type II diabetes. Twenty-one patients in a randomized clinical trial were divided into 2 groups: control group (CG), conventional periodontal therapy, and test group (TG), conventional periodontal treatment associated with 10 laser applications by the ILIB-Modified (ILIB-M) technique. Fasting blood glucose levels and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), visible plaque index (VPI), gingival bleeding index (GBI), and periodontal clinical parameters were evaluated at baseline and after 4 months (T4). Regarding periodontal parameters, the intragroup analysis showed a statistically significant reduction (p < 0.05) between baseline and T4, for the VPI, GBI, BOP, PD, and CAL indexes. However, in the intergroup analysis, no statistically significant improvements (p > 0.05) were observed between the TG and CG for the VPI, GBI, BOP, PD, and CAL indexes. Regarding HbA1C and fasting blood glucose values, no statistically significant improvements were observed in intergroup and intragroup analyses (p > 0.05). The Modified ILIB did not improve the periodontal clinical parameters and glycemic control in patients with type II diabetes.

Histopathologic grading and its relationship with outcome in oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Histopathologic grading has been routinely used as a complement for clinical staging in the prognostication of patients with oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC). However, this subject remains contentious because there is no universally accepted grading system. OBJECTIVES: This study compared the prognostic significance of four histopathologic grading systems in 80 cases of oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC). METHODS: Clinical and follow-up information of the patients were obtained from medical records. Histopathologic malignancy grading of the tumor invasive front, Histologic risk assessment (HRA), World Health Organization (WHO) grading system, and Budding and Depth of invasion (BD) model were evaluated in the surgical specimens. RESULTS: The HRA, histopathologic malignancy grading and WHO systems did not predict survival. Patients with larger tumor size [Hazard ratio (HR): 2.38; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.07-5.27; P = 0.026] and patients with BD model high-grade tumors (HR: 2.99; 95% CI: 1.03-8.68; P = 0.034) were significantly associated with a poor 5-year overall survival rate. In the multivariate analysis, tumor size was identified as the only significant independent prognostic factor (HR: 2.23; 95% CI: 1.00-4.99; P = 0.050). None of the grading systems studied was associated with 5-year disease-free survival rates. CONCLUSIONS: BD model was the only histopathologic grading system associated with the outcome of patients with OTSCC, indicating its potential value as an effective tool for the prognostication of OTSCC.

Evaluation of sclerotherapy of benign oral vascular lesions with monoethanolamine oleate.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy of sclerotherapy with monoethanolamine oleate (MEO) in a series of cases of benign oral vascular lesions (BOVL). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Clinical records and images were retrieved (2015-2019), and data regarding age, gender, location, size, symptomatology, treatment and outcomes of patients were collected. All patients were diagnosed according to the classification of International Society for the Study of Vascular Anomalies and received the same treatment protocol (MEO 0.05 g/mL). The collected data were submitted to descriptive analysis and Pearson's chi-square test (p ≤ 0.05). RESULTS: Thirty-seven patients were treated. Most were female (70.3%) aged 9 to 88 years (median, 57.5 ± 17.4 years). Lower lip (54.1%) was the most affected site followed by buccal mucosa (16.2%). Thirty-two lesions were asymptomatic and 35.1% showed ≤ 0.5 cm in size. In 48.6% of the patients, only one application of MEO was performed. Complete regression occurred in 62.2% of cases, whereas 27% showed partial regression. One patient showed hypersensitivity during treatment. There was no significant difference between clinical outcome and age, anatomic site, size, and number of applications of MEO. CONCLUSIONS: Sclerotherapy with MEO is an acceptable and affordable treatment and can provide satisfactory results in BOVL, especially where other treatment options could compromise the esthetic aspects. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: As it is a non-invasive therapy leading, in most cases, to adequate clinical results, safety, and tolerability, sclerotherapy with MEO can be considered an effective treatment for BOVL.

Evaluation of PD-L1, PD-L2, PD-1 and cytotoxic immune response in oral lichen planus.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expression of programmed death-ligands 1 and 2 (PD-L1, PD-L2), programmed death-1 (PD-1), CD8 and granzyme B (GrB), as well as its correlation with the severity of oral lichen planus (OLP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a collaborative study, 33 cases of OLP were evaluated according to the latest criteria proposed by the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology (AAOMP/2016) and were submitted to immunohistochemistry. Positivity was measured semiquantitatively (PD-L1, PD-L2) and quantitatively (PD-1, CD8, GrB). The severity of OLP was assessed according to clinical subtype, symptomatology and response to corticosteroid therapy. RESULTS: Most OLPs were considered to be negative for PD-L1 (66.6%), but high expression of PD-L2 (96.9%) by keratinocytes and immunoinflammatory cells was observed. PD-1+ cell density/mm2 was reduced compared to CD8+ cells. A low cytotoxic immune response (CD8:GrB ratio) was also demonstrated. Interestingly, there were fewer GrB+ cells in the intraepithelial region in reticular OLP compared to erosive/bullous OLP. CONCLUSIONS: PD-L1/PD-1 pathways appear to be compromised in OLP due to low PD-L1 expression in most samples. In contrast, PD-L2 overexpression associated with a possible regulation of the cytotoxic immune response suggests an immune tolerance that may contribute to the chronic profile of OLP.

Myofibroblastic lesions in the oral cavity: Immunohistochemical and ultrastructural analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To immunohistochemically characterize a group of oral myofibroblastic lesions (MLs) and to evaluate the ultrastructural features of myofibroblasts. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Using a tissue microarray technique (TMA), cases of myofibroma (MF), of nodular fasciitis (NF), of desmoplastic fibroma (DF), and of myofibroblastic sarcoma (MS) from the Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana Xochimilco, and a Private Oral Pathology Service in Mexico City were stained with antibodies against alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), H-caldesmon, vimentin, desmin, ß-catenin, CD34, anaplastic lymphoma protein kinase (ALK-1), and Ki-67. RESULTS: Nineteen of the 22 MF cases, 2/5 of the NF cases, 1/10 of the DF cases, and 1/2 of the MS cases were positive for α-SMA. 1/2 of the MS cases were positive for desmin; 6/10 of the DF cases were positive for ß-catenin, and 2 of the MF cases were positive for ALK-1. All of the MLs were positive for vimentin and negative for H-caldesmon and CD-34. The Ki-67 labeling index in all of the 8/22 MF, 3/5 NF, and 2/2 MS cases was ≥10%. For all of the MLs evaluated, ultrastructural analysis revealed spindle-shaped cells containing endoplasmic reticulum and peripheral actin filament bundles. CONCLUSION: In certain myofibroblastic lesions, the use of auxiliary techniques (such as immunohistochemistry) can be critical for differential diagnosis.

Neoplasms and non-neoplastic pathologies in the oral and maxillofacial regions in children and adolescents of a Brazilian population.

BACKGROUND: Few studies regarding the distribution of pediatric oral diseases are available. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the incidence and demographic profile of neoplasms and non-neoplastic lesions among children and adolescents (0-19 years old). METHODS: A retrospective descriptive cross-sectional study was performed and data regarding gender, age, anatomical location, and histopathological diagnosis were collected and categorized. Biopsy records were obtained from the archives of a Brazilian referral center between 1980 and 2016. RESULTS: A total of 2.114 pediatric patient biopsy records were analyzed, where most cases were diagnosed in patients aged 10 to 19 years old (80.7%). Females were more affected (n = 1180) and the lip (n = 507) was the most common anatomical site. Reactive and inflammatory lesions (n = 942) were the most prevalent non-neoplastic pathologies, followed by cysts (n = 308). Benign neoplasms were the most frequent among neoplasms (n = 346) and malignant cases were very rare (n = 11). CONCLUSIONS: An increase in the prevalence of lesions in the second decade of life was observed, where reactive and inflammatory lesions, cysts, and benign neoplasms were most frequent. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Biopsy data allows for the real characterization of the incidence of oral and maxillofacial lesions and, thus, permits Brazilian dentists and pediatricians to diagnose these diseases.

Fludroxycortide cream as an alternative therapy for actinic cheilitis.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of the study is to assess, by clinical follow-up, the efficacy of the dermatological cream Fludroxycortide 0.125 mg/g (Drenison®) in the treatment of actinic cheilitis (AC). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-three patients diagnosed with AC participated in the study. Fifteen were submitted to corticotherapy with Fludroxycortide, applied three times a day for up to 6 weeks, associated with lip sunscreen (LS) before sun exposure. In the control group of eight patients, only the use of LS was established. At each weekly return, a photographic record was made of the lesion. After treatment, images were evaluated and scores were assigned to verify clinical evolution. Also, patients treated with Fludroxycortide responded to a questionnaire, to assess drug tolerability and treatment satisfaction. RESULTS: In the group treated with Fludroxycortide (n = 15), five patients showed total improvement, seven presented partial improvement, and three showed no clinical change. Concerning the patients treated with LS (n = 8), one presented total remission of the clinical lesion characteristics, four exhibited partial improvement, and three exhibited no clinical lip alteration. No case presented symptom worsening. Of the 15 patients undergoing corticotherapy, 12 were satisfied and reported that the product was not irritating and contributed to lesion improvement. CONCLUSIONS: Conventional treatment with LS was effective in the remission of some AC lesions, but treatment responses were improved when associated with Fludroxycortide, especially in the more severe cases. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: As it is a non-invasive therapy leading, in most cases, to adequate clinical results, safety, and tolerability, Fludroxycortide can be considered an effective alternative treatment for AC.

Immunoexpression of glucocorticoid receptor alpha (GRα) isoform and apoptotic proteins (Bcl-2 and Bax) in actinic cheilitis and lower lip squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Actinic cheilitis (AC) is a potentially malignant disorder that can progress to squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), but this process is not fully understood. This study evaluated the immunoexpression of glucocorticoid receptor alpha (GRα) isoform and apoptotic proteins (Bcl-2 and Bax) in AC and lower lip SCC (LLSCC). METHODS: Twenty-two AC and 44 LLSCCs (22 with regional nodal metastasis and 22 without metastasis) were selected. The percentages of nuclear (GRα) and cytoplasmic (GRα, Bcl-2, and Bax) staining in epithelial cells were assessed and correlated with clinical (tumor size/extent and clinical stage) and histopathological parameters (risk of malignant transformation for AC and histopathological grade of malignancy for LLSCCs). RESULTS: Expression of GRα was observed in all cases studied, with relatively high median percentages of positive staining. When compared to AC, LLSCCs exhibited lower nuclear expression and higher cytoplasmic expression of GRα (P < 0.05). Regarding clinicopathological parameters, significant differences were only found for cytoplasmic expression of GRα according to the histopathological grade of LLSCCs (P = 0.036). Higher expression of Bax compared to Bcl-2 was observed in AC and LLSCCs (P < 0.05). In LLSCCs, there was a positive correlation between nuclear and cytoplasmic expressions of GRα (P = 0.006). CONCLUSION: Reduced nuclear translocation and increased cytoplasmic expression of GRα may be important events in lip carcinogenesis but are not involved in the progression of LLSCC. The role of GRα in lip cancer development does not seem to be primarily related to modulations in the expression of Bcl-2 or Bax.

Immunoexpression of calcitonin and glucocorticoid receptors in central giant cell lesions of the jaws.

BACKGROUND: This study analyzed the immunoexpression of calcitonin receptor (CTR) and glucocorticoid receptor (GR) in central giant cell lesions (CGCLs) and verified potential associations with patient's response to clinical treatment with intralesional injection of triamcinolone. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-four cases of CGCLs, including 22 non-aggressive, and 32 aggressive, were investigated by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Surgery was the therapeutic choice for 53.1% of the aggressive CGCLs, and 46.9% were submitted to the conservative treatment with intralesional triamcinolone injections. Among patients submitted to conservative treatment, 60% (n = 9) showed favorable response. CTR expression was observed in 68.51%, and GR in 94.44% of the total sample. There were no differences in the expression of CTR, neither GR in mononucleated stromal cells (MSCs) or multinucleated giant cells (MGCs), in relation to aggressiveness, treatment performed for and the response to conservative treatment. Both markers showed a positive correlation between their expression in MSCs and MGCs in the total sample (P < 0.0001). CTR expression on MSCs showed a positive correlation with MGCs in the aggressive and non-aggressive groups (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Calcitonin receptor and GR expression were diffuse and similar in non-aggressive and aggressive cases, and it did not influence the response to clinical treatment with triamcinolone in the sample studied.

Evaluation of laser therapy and alpha-lipoic acid for the treatment of burning mouth syndrome: a randomized clinical trial.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) and alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) in the treatment of burning mouth syndrome (BMS) and secondary oral burning (SOB) by unstimulated sialometry, symptom assessment, and measurement of salivary TNF-α levels. Forty-four patients were randomized into four treatment groups: BMS/laser (n = 10), BMS/ALA (n = 5), SOB/laser (n = 15), and SOB/ALA (n = 14). The control group consisted of eight healthy female subjects. Unstimulated salivary flow was measured before and after treatment, and the collected saliva was stored at - 20 °C for the analysis of TNF-α. Symptoms were evaluated before and after treatment using a pain visual analog scale. Most patients were women (81.8%) during menopause (72.2%). LLLT and ALA were efficient in increasing salivary flow only in BMS but provided symptom relief in both conditions. TNF-α levels did not differ between patients with BMS and SOB or between those patients and the control group. No differences were observed in posttreatment TNF-α levels in either condition. The results of this study suggest that LLLT and ALA are efficient therapies in reducing burning mouth symptoms, with LLLT being more efficient than ALA.

Diclofenac sodium gel therapy as an alternative to actinic cheilitis.

OBJECTIVE: Actinic cheilitis (AC) is a potentially malignant lesion caused by prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light. The aim of this research was to analyze the efficacy of diclofenac sodium 3% gel in the treatment of this condition, through clinical follow-up. METHODS: Thirty-one patients diagnosed with AC were instructed to perform a topical application of the gel three times a day for a period of 90 days. In each visit, a digital photography was obtained for verified progress and response to treatment. Two researchers evaluated all images after treatment was completed and assigned the following scores regarding clinical aspect of the lip: 1, complete improvement; 2, partial improvement; 3, no changes; 4, worsening of the clinical condition. In addition, the patients' tolerability to the drug and their satisfaction after treatment were evaluated. RESULTS: Twelve cases abandoned the treatment for reasons unrelated to the study. Ten participants showed total remission of all clinical features of the lesion and three had partial improvement of the characteristics. One participant presented worsening of clinical condition, and in five cases, treatment was discontinued due to development of mild adverse effects at the site of gel application. Regarding satisfaction analyses and tolerability to the drug, from 14 patients who completed treatment without adverse effects or complications, most agreed fully that they were satisfied with the therapy (n = 11) and that the drug was not irritating to the mouth (n = 9). Patients are being monitored without clinical signs of recurrence and/or progression of the lesions. CONCLUSION: Topical application of the drug has provided a convenient and well tolerated in most cases. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Diclofenac sodium gel (3%) may be a promising alternative for treatment of actinic cheilitis.

An update of 77 cases diagnosed as oral hemangiomas based on GLUT-1 positivity.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate cases diagnosed as "oral hemangiomas" based on the immunohistochemical expression of human glucose transporter protein (GLUT-1) and on histopathological features, and to investigate whether the classification proposed by the ISSVA was used correctly to classify these lesions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: All cases stored in the archives of an Oral Pathology Service and diagnosed as "oral hemangiomas" were reviewed. Seventy-seven cases were analyzed regarding the expression of GLUT-1. GLUT-1(+) specimens were classified as true infantile hemangioma (IH) and GLUT-1(-) specimens were reclassified based on their histopathological features. The nomenclature of these lesions was evaluated and some cases were reclassified. RESULTS: Only 26 (33.8%) of the specimens were indeed IHs. Among the GLUT-1(-) specimens, 20 (26.0%) were reclassified as pyogenic granulomas (PGs) and 31 (40.2%) as vascular malformations. Considering the previously applied nomenclature, only 47.5% of the cases initially diagnosed as "hemangiomas" were IHs. In the group of "capillary hemangiomas", most cases (56.2%) were PGs. Among the three "cellular hemangiomas", two were PGs and one was IH. Most (88.8%) "cavernous hemangiomas" were vascular malformations. CONCLUSION: Careful and parameterized review of cases of vascular anomalies is necessary using auxiliary tools such as GLUT-1, since the exclusive use of histopathological findings might be insufficient to differentiate some anomalies. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Accurate clinical examination and the use of biomarkers such as GLUT-1 are essential for the diagnosis.

Prognostic Factors of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Young Patients: A Systematic Review.

PURPOSE: The objective of this review was to identify clinical and pathologic factors related to the prognosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma in young patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a literature search of articles indexed in PubMed (MEDLINE), Scopus, and Science Direct. Prospective and retrospective cohort studies published in English, Portuguese, or Spanish were included. An age threshold of 45 years was established for the purpose of selection. RESULTS: A total of 14,746 articles were retrieved, and 11 relevant studies were selected. The total sample comprised 2,317 patients, and there was a predominance of male patients. The tongue was the most commonly affected anatomic site. The prevalence of tobacco use ranged from 9.0 to 85.7%, and alcohol consumption was observed in 26.1 to 78.6% of the cases studied. Tobacco use and alcohol consumption were the main risk factors in young patients. Regarding tumor-node-metastasis stage, most studies found a predominance of cases diagnosed in early stages (I and II). The studies varied widely in terms of histologic grade of malignancy and locoregional recurrences. Regional lymph node metastases had a negative impact on overall and specific survival rates. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest a lack of solid evidence of differences in the prognosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma between young and older patients. This may reflect variations in the samples studied, including the prevalence of risk factors, access to health care services, and time since diagnosis.