Deletion of Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 Beta Reprograms NK Cell Metabolism.

Loss of cytotoxicity and defective metabolism are linked to glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK3ß) overexpression in natural killer (NK) cells from patients with acute myeloid leukemia or from healthy donors after expansion ex vivo with IL-15. Drug inhibition of GSK3ß in these NK cells improves their maturation and cytotoxic activity, but the mechanisms of GSK3ß-mediated dysfunction have not been well studied. Here, we show that expansion of NK cells with feeder cells expressing membrane-bound IL-21 maintained normal GSK3ß levels, allowing us to study GSK3ß function using CRISPR gene editing. We deleted GSK3B and expanded paired-donor knockout and wild-type (WT) NK cells and then assessed transcriptional and functional alterations induced by loss of GSK3ß. Surprisingly, our data showed that deletion of GSK3B did not alter cytotoxicity, cytokine production, or maturation (as determined by CD57 expression). However, GSK3B-KO cells demonstrated significant changes in expression of genes related to rRNA processing, cell proliferation, and metabolic function, suggesting possible metabolic reprogramming. Next, we found that key genes downregulated in GSK3B-KO NK cells were upregulated in GSK3ß-overexpressing NK cells from AML patients, confirming this correlation in a clinical setting. Lastly, we measured cellular energetics and observed that GSK3B-KO NK cells exhibited 150% higher spare respiratory capacity, a marker of metabolic fitness. These findings suggest a role for GSK3ß in regulating NK cell metabolism.

Comparison of the plaque regrowth inhibition effects of oil pulling therapy with sesame oil or coconut oil using 4-day plaque regrowth study model: A randomized crossover clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare the plaque-inhibiting effects of oil pulling therapy with sesame oil or coconut oil using 4-day plaque regrowth study model. METHODS: This clinical observer-masked, randomized, crossover designed study involved 24 participants. The participants received professional prophylaxis in the preparatory period and after that subjects started to use the allocated mouthrinse (coconut oil or sesame oil). On day 5, periodontal clinical parameters including plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), stain index (SI) and bleeding on probing (BOP) were recorded. Subjects underwent a 14-day wash out period and then used the other mouthrinse for 4 days. RESULTS: Oil pulling therapy with coconut oil or sesame oil exhibited similar plaque regrowth inhibition (PI = 1.60 ± 0.28 and 1.49 ± 0.22, for oil pulling with coconut oil and sesame oil, respectively) and tooth staining (SI = 0.20 ± 0.11 and 0.21 ± 0.09, for oil pulling with coconut oil and sesame oil, respectively.) In addition, GI and BOP were similar in both groups (GI = 0.61 ± 0.19 and 0.69 ± 0.16; BOP = 0.09 ± 0.24 and 0.03 ± 0.03 for oil pulling with coconut oil and sesame oil, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Oil pulling therapy with coconut or sesame oil showed similar results in terms of plaque regrowth inhibition and tooth staining. According to the present results, both coconut oil and sesame oil can be used for oil pulling therapy with the aim of plaque regrowth inhibition.

Optimization and validation of CAR transduction into human primary NK cells using CRISPR and AAV.

Human primary natural killer (NK) cells are being widely advanced for cancer immunotherapy. However, methods for gene editing of these cells have suffered low transduction rates, high cell death, and loss of transgene expression after expansion. Here, we developed a highly efficient method for site-specific gene insertion in NK cells using CRISPR (Cas9/RNP) and AAVs. We compared AAV vectors designed to mediate gene insertion by different DNA repair mechanisms, homology arm lengths, and virus concentrations. We then validated the method for site-directed gene insertion of CD33-specific CARs into primary human NK cells. CAR transduction was efficient, its expression remained stable after expansion, and it improved efficacy against AML targets.

Assessment of Beta-2 Microglobulin Gene Edited Airway Epithelial Stem Cells as a treatment for Sulfur Mustard Inhalation.

Respiratory system damage is the primary cause of mortality in individuals who are exposed to vesicating agents including sulfur mustard (SM). Despite these devastating health complications, there are no fielded therapeutics that are specific for such injuries. Previous studies reported that SM inhalation depleted the tracheobronchial airway epithelial stem cell (TSC) pool and supported the hypothesis, TSC replacement will restore airway epithelial integrity and improve health outcomes for SM-exposed individuals. TSC express Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC-I) transplantation antigens which increases the chance that allogeneic TSC will be rejected by the patient's immune system. However, previous studies reported that Beta-2 microglobulin (B2M) knockout cells lacked cell surface MHC-I and suggested that B2M knockout TSC would be tolerated as an allogeneic graft. This study used a Cas9 ribonucleoprotein (RNP) to generate B2M-knockout TSC, which are termed Universal Donor Stem Cells (UDSC). Whole genome sequencing identified few off-target modifications and demonstrated the specificity of the RNP approach. Functional assays demonstrated that UDSC retained their ability to self-renew and undergo multilineage differentiation. A preclinical model of SM inhalation was used to test UDSC efficacy and identify any treatment-associated adverse events. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were administered an inhaled dose of 0.8 mg/kg SM vapor which is the inhaled LD50 on day 28 post-challenge. On recovery day 2, vehicle or allogeneic Fisher rat UDSC were delivered intravenously (n = 30/group). Clinical parameters were recorded daily, and planned euthanasia occurred on post-challenge days 7, 14, and 28. The vehicle and UDSC treatment groups exhibited similar outcomes including survival and a lack of adverse events. These studies establish a baseline which can be used to further develop UDSC as a treatment for SM-induced airway disease.

The relationship between body mass index and stage/grade of periodontitis: a retrospective study.

OBJECTIVES: Possible impact of obesity on stage and grade of periodontitis has never been investigated before. This study aimed to examine the association between body mass index (BMI) and stage/grade of periodontitis per the current classification of periodontal diseases. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 142 patients (82 males/60 females) were included in this study. "2017 World Workshop on the Classification of Periodontal and Peri-Implant Diseases and Conditions" was taken as basis to characterize the stage/grade of periodontitis. Age, gender, smoking status, and frequency of tooth brushing, and medical data of the patients including hypertension, hyperlipidemia, BMI, and diabetes mellitus were obtained from the patient's hospital records. Obesity was assessed by BMI using the "World Health Organization" criteria. For estimating the association between BMI and periodontitis, logistic regression analysis was utilized. RESULTS: BMI was statistically associated with clinical attachment loss (CAL), probing pocket depth (PPD), Plaque index (PI), stage and grade of periodontitis, and number of remaining teeth (p < 0.001, p < 0.05, p < 0.05, p < 0.05, p < 0.001, respectively). According to the multiple regression analysis results, those with BMI 25-29.9 were found to be at risk of being stage III-IV 3.977 times (95% CI: 1.831-8.640, p < 0.001) higher than those with BMI < 25, and similarly, those with BMI ≥ 30 were found to be at risk of being stage III-IV 4.062 times (95% CI: 1.315-12.549, p = 0.015) higher than those with BMI < 25. No relationship was found between obesity and grade of periodontitis according to multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: BMI increases the likelihood of stage III and stage IV periodontitis; however, it does not have an impact on the grade of periodontitis. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: It seems that obesity is related to the severity of periodontitis.

History repeats itself: horse originated hyperimmune sera production against SARS CoV-2

Background/aim/AIM: SARS-CoV-2 disease was announced as a pandemic by The World Health Organization in early 2020. It is still threatening the world population. Here, we aimed to produce hyperimmune sera that contain immunoglobulin G and F(ab')2 fragments sourced from horse antibodies as an urgent response to the pandemic. Materials and methods: SARS-CoV-2 was produced and inactivated with three different methods [formaldehyde (FA), formaldehyde, and binary ethylene amine (FA + BEI), and heat treatment]. After in vitro inactivation control, immunogens were mixed with Freund's adjuvant, thereafter horses (n: 2 for FA, 4 for FA + BEI, 2 for heat inactivation) and New Zealand rabbits (n: 6 for FA, 6 fo r FA + BEI, 6 for heat inactivation) were immunized four times. Neutralizing antibody levels of the sera were measured at the 4th, 6th, and 8th weeks. When the antibodies were detected at the peak level, plasma was collected from horses and hyperimmune sera procured after the purification process. Results: Horses and rabbits produced highly neutralizing antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 in FA and FA + BEI inactivation groups, foreign proteins were removed effectively after purification. Conclusion: This study presents a profitable practice to develop specific antisera in horses against SARS-CoV-2 for emergency and low-cost response. In further studies, new purification methods can be used to increase the efficiency of the final product.

Evaluating the Impacts of Some Etiologically Relevant Factors on Excessive Gingival Display.

The literature offers limited and even conflicting information on the etiology of gummy smile. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate smile line, hypermobile upper lip (HUL), altered passive eruption (APE), and short upper lip (SUL) distribution in a group of patients seeking dental treatment and examine their effects on gummy smile. A total of 501 individuals (265 men, 236 women) were included in the study. The patients were grouped by gingival display, and presence of HUL, APE, and SUL were evaluated. Multivariate Logistic Regression analyses were performed to investigate the impact of possible risk factors on gummy smile. Of the individuals, 173 (34.5%) had a low smile line, 127 (25.3%) had an average smile line, 146 (29.1%) had a high smile line, and 55 (10.9%) were gummy smile patients. Individuals with gummy smile were younger than the individuals with low smile line (P < .001). As for the possible risk factors for gummy smile, age (odds ratio [OR]: 0.936; 95% CI: 0.901 to 0.972; P = .001), HUL (OR: 18.85; 95% CI: 7.82 to 45.44; P < .001), and APE (OR: 8.819; 95% CI: 3.894 to 19.973; P < .001) were found to be significant together. Gender and SUL/upper lip length were not found to have any impact on gummy smile. HUL is the primary factor that increases the probability of having gummy smile, followed by APE as the secondary factor. It seems reasonable to focus on correction of the HUL for treatment in most gummy smile patients.

Association of probable bruxism with periodontal status: A cross-sectional study in patients seeking periodontal care.

OBJECTIVE: The goals of this study were to investigate the prevalence of probable bruxism in a group of patients seeking a periodontal care and the association between probable bruxism and periodontal status. BACKGROUND: The results of previous studies evaluating the relationship between bruxism and periodontitis are contradictory. In addition, the relationship between probable bruxism and periodontitis in adults has not been evaluated, yet. Therefore, new studies are required in this field to clarify the relationship between bruxism and periodontitis. METHODS: Patients seeking periodontal care at a university periodontology unit were considered in this study. Their periodontal diagnosis, number of missing teeth, presence of probable bruxism, and sociodemographic characteristics were recorded. The periodontal status of each study participant was defined according to the latest consensus of the American Association of Periodontology/European Federation of Periodontology, and the 2018 consensus report on the assessment of bruxism was used to evaluate probable bruxism. A multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the effects of bruxism on periodontitis. RESULTS: A total of 541 patients (289 females and 252 males, mean age 42.1 ± 15.9 years) were enrolled in the present study. The prevalence of probable bruxism was 36.6%. Additionally, 40.9% of the study population was diagnosed with periodontitis. The probable bruxers were older (P < 0.001), had a higher number of missing teeth (P < 0.001), and had poor periodontal status (P < 0.001). The multivariate logistic regression analysis suggested that probable bruxism was associated with periodontitis, after adjusting relevant factors (odds ratio: 2.243, 95% CI: 1.465-3.434, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: It was observed that the prevalence of probable bruxism was 36.6% and probable bruxers showed higher odds of periodontitis. Future studies with prospective randomized design should be conducted to confirm these results among a larger study population.

Assessment of carotid artery calcifications on digital panoramic radiographs and their relationship with periodontal condition and cardiovascular risk factors.

OBJECTIVE: The main purpose of this study is to determine the presence of carotid artery calcification (CAC) detected on digital panoramic radiographs (DPRs) retrospectively and correlate the findings with cardiovascular risk factors including gender, age, smoking status, hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia, along with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and periodontal status. METHODS: This clinical study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov as NCT04017078. DPRs, periodontal status and cardiovascular risk factors of 1,101 patients (576 males, 525 females) were evaluated. The patients were grouped based on whether CAC was detected in dental DPRs [CAC (+)] or not [CAC (-)]. Periodontal status was categorised as gingivitis, periodontitis, and gingivitis with reduced periodontium (periodontally stable patient). RESULTS: Out of 1,101 patients, whose mean age was 42.1 ± 15.5 years and 525 (47.7%) were female, 34 (3.1%) were diagnosed with CAC on DPRs. No significant difference was observed between groups considering gender, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, smoking, and periodontal status. Patients aged 40-55 years (n = 398, 36.15%) and patients older than 55 years (n = 222, 20.16%) were associated with CAC (odds ratio = 4.49, 95% confidence interval = 1.65-12.17, P = 0.003; odds ratio = 4.41, 95% confidence interval = 1.33-14.61, P = 0.015, respectively). CONCLUSION: Among all parameters, only age exhibited significant correlation with an increased risk of carotid calcification. Further studies with prospective designs and larger study populations are needed.

Periodontal status and dental behaviour of heart transplant recipients and healthy controls.

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the periodontal status and dental behaviour of heart transplant recipients with systemically healthy controls.Material and Methods: Forty heart transplant recipients and 40 systemically healthy patients were included. A questionnaire was used to record demographic, systemic health and dental behaviour data, and the following clinical parameters were recorded: plaque index, bleeding on probing, probing depth, gingival recession, and clinical attachment level.Results: Mean probing depth (p = .045), mean gingival recession (p = .016), mean clinical attachment level (p = .021) and mean plaque index scores (p = .001) were higher in heart transplant recipients than the systemically healthy group. However, bleeding on probing was similar in both groups (p > .05). Tooth brushing frequency and number of participants who used dental floss/interdental brush was lower in the heart transplant group.Conclusion: Considering the poor oral hygiene and high clinical periodontal parameters of heart transplant recipients, periodontal evaluation should be done regularly before and after transplantation. The patient's daily oral hygiene regimens should be evaluated carefully in this evaluation session and modified based on their gingival health, manual skill and motivational levels. The importance of oral health and its effects on systemic health should also be explained to the transplant recipients in detail.

Efficacy of oil pulling therapy with coconut oil on four-day supragingival plaque growth: A randomized crossover clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the plaque-inhibiting effects of oil pulling using 4- day plaque regrowth study model compared to 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX) containing mouthrinse. DESIGN: The study was an observer-masked, randomized, cross-over design clinical trial, involving 29 volunteers to compare 0.2% CHX and oil pulling therapy in a 4- day plaque regrowth model. After the preparatory period, in which the subjects received professional prophylaxis, the subjects commenced rinsing with their allocated rinsed. On day 5 plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), stain index (SI), bleeding on probing (BOP) were recorded from the subjects. Each participant underwent a 14- day wash out period and then used the other mouthrinse for four days. RESULTS: Oil pulling therapy presented similar inhibitory activity on plaque regrowth compared with CHX (PI = 1.67 ±â€¯0.24, 1.61 ±â€¯0.20, respectively) with less staining (SI = 0.21 ±â€¯0.13, 0.47 ±â€¯0.27, respectively). In addition, GI and BOP was similar in both groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Oil pulling with coconut oil seems to have similar plaque inhibition activity as CHX. In addition it caused less tooth staining than CHX. These findings suggest that oil pulling therapy may be an alternative to CHX rinse.

Levels of High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein in Heart Transplant Patients With and Without Periodontitis.

OBJECTIVES: The outcomes of heart transplantation are very favorable, but inflammation still plays a critical role in deterioration of chronic transplants. Periodontal diseases are not limited to supporting the structures of the teeth, but they also cause systemic inflammation. Based on the importance of inflammation in heart transplant recipients and the association between periodontal disease and systemic inflammation, this study explored whether periodontitis may be a modifier of serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein in heart transplant patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our study included 33 patients who had heart transplant procedures at the Baskent University Hospital. Clinical periodontal parameters were recorded to assess the periodontal status. On the same day as clinical measurements, blood samples were collected to measure the serum levels of highsensitivity C-reactive protein. RESULTS: Of the 33 heart transplant patients, 9 patients (27.3%) were diagnosed with periodontitis, 4 (12.1%) were periodontally healthy, and 20 (60.6%) had gingivitis. In the group with periodontitis, serum highsensitivity C-reactive protein levels were significantly higher than the periodontally healthy and gingivitis groups (P = .006). In addition, Spearman correlation analyses showed that serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein was positively correlated with probing depth (r = 0.358; P = .041), clinical attachment level (r = 0.352; P = .045), and gingival recession (r = 0.422; P = .014). CONCLUSIONS: We found that elevated levels of serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein in heart transplant patients were associated with periodontitis. Thus, these findings reinforce the need for the inclusion of regular periodontal visits after transplant.

Evaluating the Effects of a Topical Preparation with Dexpanthenol, Silbiol, Undecylenic Acid, and Lidocaine on Palatal Mucosa Wound Healing in a Rat Model

Background: Postoperative complications occur after periodontal plastic surgeries, but an ideal treatment to overcome them has not been found yet. Aims: To evaluate the effects of topically applied Oral-norm gel on the healing of excisional wounds. Study Design: Animal experiment. Methods: Excisional wounds with a diameter of 3 mm were made in the center of the palatal mucosa of 63 Sprague Dawley rats. Seven animals were sacrificed at time 0. The remaining rats were divided into two groups: a test group in which the topical Oral-norm gel was applied three times a day and a control group in which nothing was applied. Seven animals in each group were sacrificed at 3, 7, 14, and 21 days. Mean wound surface area was measured photographically, while wound healing and width were evaluated microscopically. Results: The mean wound surface area decreased significantly after 3 days in both groups (p<0.001). Between days 3 and 7, the mean wound surface area decreased from 6.62 (2.85) to 0.83 (1.62) mm2 in the control group and 5.07 (0.88) to 1.42 (1.67) mm2 in the test group. The wound width decreased significantly on day 7 in both groups (p<0.001), with no further changes by day 14. Both groups had a significant increase in inflammation and vascularization on day 3 (p<0.001), with a reduction thereafter. No significant differences in macroscopic and microscopic measurements were observed between the groups at any time point (p>0.05). Conclusion: The Oral-norm gel has no positive healing effects in the palatal mucosa of rats.

The effects of smoking on the expression of gelatinases in chronic periodontitis: a cross-sectional study.

Smokers have a risk of developing periodontal disease. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) play a significant role in periodontal tissue destruction. In this study possible relationship between smoking and gingival tissue expression of gelatinases in chronic periodontitis patients relative to periodontally healthy subjects was investigated. Forty chronic periodontitis patients (20 smokers and 20 non-smokers) and forty periodontally healthy subjects (20 smokers and 20 non-smokers) were enrolled. The clinical periodontal measurements recorded, and gingival tissues harvested after that. After histologic evaluation, matrix metalloproteinases -2 and -9 expressions were analyzed immunohistochemically. In nonsmokers, higher expression of metalloproteinases -2 and -9 detected in chronic periodontitis group compared to the periodontally healthy group. In the smoker chronic periodontitis group, the expression of metalloproteinases-2 was lower than nonsmoker chronic periodontitis group. Statistically significant differences detected between smoker and nonsmoker periodontally healthy groups in metalloproteinases-2 expression. For metalloproteinases-9 expression, smoker chronic periodontitis group has lower values than nonsmoker chronic periodontitis group. In periodontally healthy group smokers showed higher metalloproteinases -9 expressions than non- smokers. Present findings support the role of gelatinases in chronic periodontitis pathogenesis. Based on the current results we conclude that smoking alters the expression of gelatinases in gingival tissues.

The effects of smoking on the expression of gelatinases in chronic periodontitis: a cross-sectional study

Abstract Smokers have a risk of developing periodontal disease. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) play a significant role in periodontal tissue destruction. In this study possible relationship between smoking and gingival tissue expression of gelatinases in chronic periodontitis patients relative to periodontally healthy subjects was investigated. Forty chronic periodontitis patients (20 smokers and 20 non-smokers) and forty periodontally healthy subjects (20 smokers and 20 non-smokers) were enrolled. The clinical periodontal measurements recorded, and gingival tissues harvested after that. After histologic evaluation, matrix metalloproteinases -2 and -9 expressions were analyzed immunohistochemically. In nonsmokers, higher expression of metalloproteinases -2 and -9 detected in chronic periodontitis group compared to the periodontally healthy group. In the smoker chronic periodontitis group, the expression of metalloproteinases-2 was lower than nonsmoker chronic periodontitis group. Statistically significant differences detected between smoker and nonsmoker periodontally healthy groups in metalloproteinases-2 expression. For metalloproteinases-9 expression, smoker chronic periodontitis group has lower values than nonsmoker chronic periodontitis group. In periodontally healthy group smokers showed higher metalloproteinases -9 expressions than non- smokers. Present findings support the role of gelatinases in chronic periodontitis pathogenesis. Based on the current results we conclude that smoking alters the expression of gelatinases in gingival tissues.

Effects of platelet-rich fibrin on healing of intra-bony defects treated with anorganic bovine bone mineral.

Anorganic bovine bone mineral (ABBM) is extensively used in the treatment of intra-bony defects. Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is a new-generation platelet concentrate with a simplified technique. Although certain studies have reported the use of PRF in the treatment of intra-bony defects, to date, none of them have evaluated its additive effects with ABBM. Therefore, a randomised, split-mouth clinical trial was conducted to compare healing of intra-bony defects treated with an ABBM-PRF combination with healing of those treated with ABBM alone. By using a split-mouth design, 15 paired intra-bony defects were randomly treated with either ABBM alone (control group) or ABBM-PRF combination (test group). Following clinical parameters and radiographical measurements were recorded at baseline and 6 months after treatment: plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), probing depth (PD), gingival recession (GR), clinical attachment level (CAL), vertical bone loss, depth of defect and defect angle. Preoperative clinical and radiographical measurements were similar for the test and control groups. Statistically significant reductions in GI, PD, CAL, vertical bone loss, depth of intra-bony defect and widening of defect angle were detected after treatment in both groups. With respect to inter-group analysis, gain in CAL was significantly greater in the test group than in the control group, whereas no inter-group differences were observed in any other parameter. The results of this study indicate that both therapies are effective in the treatment of intra-bony defects.

Effects of platelet-rich fibrin on healing of intra-bony defects treated with anorganic bovine bone mineral

Abstract Anorganic bovine bone mineral (ABBM) is extensively used in the treatment of intra-bony defects. Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is a new-generation platelet concentrate with a simplified technique. Although certain studies have reported the use of PRF in the treatment of intra-bony defects, to date, none of them have evaluated its additive effects with ABBM. Therefore, a randomised, split-mouth clinical trial was conducted to compare healing of intra-bony defects treated with an ABBM-PRF combination with healing of those treated with ABBM alone. By using a split-mouth design, 15 paired intra-bony defects were randomly treated with either ABBM alone (control group) or ABBM-PRF combination (test group). Following clinical parameters and radiographical measurements were recorded at baseline and 6 months after treatment: plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), probing depth (PD), gingival recession (GR), clinical attachment level (CAL), vertical bone loss, depth of defect and defect angle. Preoperative clinical and radiographical measurements were similar for the test and control groups. Statistically significant reductions in GI, PD, CAL, vertical bone loss, depth of intra-bony defect and widening of defect angle were detected after treatment in both groups. With respect to inter-group analysis, gain in CAL was significantly greater in the test group than in the control group, whereas no inter-group differences were observed in any other parameter. The results of this study indicate that both therapies are effective in the treatment of intra-bony defects.

Effects of self-ligating and conventional brackets on halitosis and periodontal conditions.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of fixed orthodontic treatment with steel-ligated conventional brackets and self-ligating brackets on halitosis and periodontal health. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty patients, at the permanent dentition stage aged 12 to 18 years, who had Angle Class I malocclusion with mild-to-moderate crowding were randomly selected. Inclusion criteria were nonsmokers, without systematic disease, and no use of antibiotics and oral mouth rinses during the 2-month period before the study. The patients were subdivided into three groups randomly: the group treated with conventional brackets (group 1, n  =  20) ligated with steel ligature wires, the group treated with self-ligating brackets (group 2, n  =  20), and the control group (group 3, n  =  20). The periodontal records were obtained 1 week before bonding (T1), immediately before bonding (T2), 1 week after bonding (T3), 4 weeks after bonding (T4), and 8 weeks after bonding (T5). Measurements of the control group were repeated within the same periods. The volatile sulfur components determining halitosis were measured with the Halimeter at T2, T3, T4, and T5. A two-way repeated measures of analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare the groups statistically. RESULTS: No statistically significant group × time interactions were found for plaque index, gingival index, pocket depth, bleeding on probing, and halitosis, which means three independent groups change like each other by time. The risk of tongue coating index (TCI) being 2 was 10.2 times higher at T1 than at T5 (P < .001). Therefore, the probability of higher TCI was decreased by time in all groups. CONCLUSIONS: The self-ligating brackets do not have an advantage over conventional brackets with respect to periodontal status and halitosis.