Modulation of oral cancer and periodontitis using chemotherapeutic agents - A narrative review.

Periodontitis, an inflammatory condition, is linked to a higher risk of developing oral cancer. Periodontitis may be a precipitating factor for tumorigenesis and the aggressiveness of specific cancer variants. Although genetics is considered the primary etiologic factor for the development of most cancers, many factors have come to be recognized in the initiation and progression of oral cancer. Consecutively, it is suggestive that periodontitis and oral cancer are distinct disease entities but share common pathogenic mechanisms. Oxidative stress and epigenetic mechanisms are among the most researched mechanisms responsible for initiating apoptotic mechanisms implicated in periodontitis and oral cancer. Current research aims to formulate therapeutic agents to intercede in these mechanisms via host modulation therapy and epigenetic therapy. These advances can revolutionize the treatment of periodontitis and oral cancer. This review aims to shed light on the common pathogenic mechanisms of these diseases and the various host modulation agents that could be beneficial in their treatment.

Assessment of Panoramic Radiographic Variables as Predictors of Inferior Alveolar Nerve Injury During Third Molar Extraction

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess the role of radiological predictive markers on orthopantomogram for inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) injury related to the removal of mandibular third molar surgery and the occurrence of post-operative IAN paresthesia. Material and Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted on 60 patients (aged 17-35 years) indicated for extraction and showed one or more of the seven previously known panoramic radiographic risk signs of IAN injury. Variables such as age, sex, tooth angulation, and relationship with the inferior alveolar canal (IAC) were assessed to see their outcome on IAN injury. Data analysis is presented through tables and descriptive methods. Results: Among patients, 26 were male and 34 were female, with a mean age of 26.17 years. Out of seven radiological predictive markers, only six were found in this study, whereas one marker, viz. interruption of white line of the canal was not found. After surgical removal of the lower third molar, only two patients with radiographic signs showing the deflection of roots and darkening of roots continued with sensory deficit 5 weeks post-operatively. Conclusion: The risk of inferior alveolar nerve injury during lower third molar surgery is very low, even in patients with radiological predictive markers.

Preclinical meritorious anticancer effects of Metformin against breast cancer: An In vivo trial.

OBJECTIVE: This research aims to evaluate the preclinical meritorious and anticancer effects of Metformin in a Xenograft model of breast cancer. METHODS: This interventional trial was conducted during a defined period of 5 months (August 2016 January 2017). We used a Xenograft model of nude BALB/c mice. A sample size of 50 mice, allocated into two groups and designated as Group A and Group B for Metformin and negative control groups, respectively. The anticancer activity of Metformin has been evaluated by comparing the tumour volume, tumour weight, tumour regression ratio, percentage regression, and survival rate. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, Metformin can significantly reduce the progression of tumour in the Xenograft model of breast cancer induced by MCF-7. This is reflected by significant differences in tumour volume at the final follow-up (p = <0.001). Our findings are further supported by a significant reduction of the tumour growth rate (p = <0.001) and tumour weight (p = <0.001) in the Metformin group than in the control group. Similarly, the total survival rate and tumour regression are more significantly correlated in the Metformin group. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that Metformin can significantly reduce the tumour growth and can increase the survival rate in a Xenograft model of breast cancer.