Effect of photodynamic therapy by 810 and 940 nm diode laser on Herpes Simplex Virus 1: An in vitro study.

INTRODUCTION: Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is among the most common viruses in humans. HSV1 is often responsible for oral and perioral herpetic lesions. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a novel antimicrobial modality that involves the use of laser and a photosensitizer with a specific wavelength. This study aimed to assess and compare the effect of PDT with 810 and 940 nm diode laser and indocyanine green (ICG) photosensitizer on HSV1. METHODS: In this in vitro study, HSV1 isolated from herpes labialis and there were 6 experimental groups.The irradiation parameters were the same for all groups. Number of remaining viruses per milliliter in each group was determined using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and statistically analyzed by ANOVA. RESULTS: The virus count in all groups significantly decreased compared to the control group (P < 0.05) except in group ICG- without irradiation (P > 0.05). Comparison of groups 810- and 940- (use of each laser alone) with groups 810+ and 940+ (use of each laser plus ICG) revealed that reduction in virus count in groups 810+ and 940+ was significantly greater than that in groups 810- and 940-. CONCLUSION: 810 nm diode laser irradiation and ICG causes the greatest reduction in number of HSV1 compared to all the other groups. ICG without laser irradiation has not significant efficacy on reduction of virus count.

Dental caries prevalence in human immunodeficiency virus infected patients receiving highly active anti-retroviral therapy in kermanshah, iran.

OBJECTIVE: Introduction of new approaches for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection such as anti-retroviral medicines has resulted in an increase in the life expectancy of HIV patient. Evaluating the dental health status as a part of their general health care is needed in order to improve the quality of life in these patients. The aim of this study was to compare the root and crown caries rate in HIV patients receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) with that rate in HIV patients without treatment option. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross sectional study consisting of 100 individuals of both genders with human immunodeficiency virus were divided into two groups: i. group 1 (treatment group) including 50 patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) receiving HAART and ii. group 2 (control group) including 50 HIV infected patients not receiving HAART. Dental examinations were done by a dentist under suitable light using periodontal probe. For each participant, numbers of decay (D), missed (M), filled (F), Decayed missed and filled teeth (DMFT), decay surface (Ds), missed surface (Ms), filled surface (Fs), Decayed missed and filled surfaces (DMFS), and tooth and root caries were recorded. Data were analyzed using Chi-square test and independent t test using SPSS 13.0, while p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant in all analysis. RESULTS: The mean and standard deviation (SD) of decayed, missed and filled teeth of those who were on highly active antiretroviral therapy was 6.86 ± 3.57, 6.39 ± 6.06 and 1.89 ± 1.93, respectively. There was no significant difference between these values regarding to the treatment of patients. The mean and standard deviation of DMFT, DMFS and the number of decayed root surfaces were 15.14 ± 6.09, 56.79 ± 28.56, and 4.96 ± 2.89 in patients treated by anti-retroviral medicine which were not significantly different compared to those without this treatment. CONCLUSION: According to the results of the present study, highly active antiretroviral therapy could not be considered as a single factor for dental caries prevalence in HIV-infected patients. However, more research is recommended to evaluate the cariogenic potential of these medicines.

Role of Somatic Testicular Cells during Mouse Spermatogenesis in Three-Dimensional Collagen Gel Culture System.

OBJECTIVE: Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are the only cell type that can restore fertility to an infertile recipient following transplantation. Much effort has been made to develop a protocol for differentiating isolated SSCs in vitro. Recently, three-dimensional (3D) culture system has been introduced as an appropriate microenvironment for clonal expansion and differentiation of SSCs. This system provides structural support and multiple options for several manipulation such as addition of different cells. Somatic cells have a critical role in stimulating spermatogenesis. They provide complex cell to cell interaction, transport proteins and produce enzymes and regulatory factors. This study aimed to optimize the culture condition by adding somatic testicular cells to the collagen gel culture system in order to induce spermatogenesis progression. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this experimental study, the disassociation of SSCs was performed by using a two-step enzymatic digestion of type I collagenase, hyaluronidase and DNase. Somatic testicular cells including Sertoli cells and peritubular cells were obtained after the second digestion. SSCs were isolated by Magnetic Activated Cell Sorting (MACS) using GDNF family receptor alpha-1 (Gfrα-1) antibody. Two experimental designs were investigated. 1. Gfrα-1 positive SSCs were cultured in a collagen solution. 2. Somatic testicular cells were added to the Gfrα-1 positive SSCs in a collagen solution. Spermatogenesis progression was determined after three weeks by staining of synaptonemal complex protein 3 (SCP3)-positive cells. Semi-quantitative Reverse Transcription PCR was undertaken for SCP3 as a meiotic marker and, Crem and Thyroid transcription factor-1 (TTF1) as post meiotic markers. For statistical analysis student t test was performed. RESULTS: Testicular supporter cells increased the expression of meiotic and post meiotic markers and had a positive effect on extensive colony formation. CONCLUSION: Collagen gel culture system supported by somatic testicular cells provides a microenvironment that mimics seminiferous epithelium and induces spermatogenesis in vitro.

Comparison of salivary antioxidants in healthy smoking and non-smoking men.

BACKGROUND: Tobacco use is known as a serious global public health problem, and is also an important risk factor for oral diseases. Saliva is the first biological medium encountered during inhalation of cigarette smoke. Therefore, the main aim of this study was to compare the levels of salivary antioxidants between healthy smoking and non-smoking men. METHODS: Unstimulated whole saliva samples were collected from 80 men. Forty subjects were smokers with a daily consumption of 20 cigarettes for at least 10 years and 40 subjects were non-smokers. The salivary levels of uric acid, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and peroxidase were measured and compared between studied groups. RESULTS: The mean levels of salivary superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and peroxidase were significantly lower in smokers than non-smokers. There was no statistically significant difference in the salivary uric acid level between smokers and non-smokers. CONCLUSIONS: Measurement of antioxidant agents in human saliva might be useful for estimating the level of oxidative stress caused by cigarette smoke.

Histologic effects of demineralized bone matrix on regeneration of alveolar socket in diabetic rats.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this in vivo study was to determine the effect of demineralized bone matrix (DBM) on alveolar bone repair in type I diabetic rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was carried out on 40 adult (8 weeks-old) albino rats with an average weight of 200-250 grams. The animals were divided into four groups (n=10) as follows: group 1 nondiabetic rats, group 2, 3 and 4 were diabetic rats, group 4 rats took one unit of insulin daily. Diabetes was induced by Alloxan Monohydrate through the tail veins of the rats in groups 2-4. Only group 4 received insulin NPH 1 unit daily. After 10 days, the upper right incisors of all samples were extracted and the socket was filled with DBM in groups 3 and 4. The animals were sacrificed at the end of week 1 and 2. The specimens were prepared and stained with H&E. RESULTS: Histological results of group 4 displayed osteoblastic activity and bone formation with collagen fibers at the end of the first week and thick bone trabeculae formation in vicinity of DBM at the end of second week. In group 3, DBM showed some osteoinductivity at the end of the first week, but in some regions DBM particles were degraded by osteoclastic activity. Bone trabeculae formed with a dispersed and separate pattern at the end of second week. In group 2 hematoma and inflammation were dominant histological features at the end of first and second weeks; poor bone formation was detected in these two groups (2 and 3). In group 1, the results were as expected. CONCLUSION: It seems demineralized bone matrix simulate osteoblastic activity.

Root Canal Configuration of One-rooted Mandibular Canine in an Iranian Population: An In Vitro Study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: A perfect endodontic treatment necessitates proper understanding of the morphology of canal and pulpal variations. This in vitro study was conducted to demonstrate the in-ternal anatomy of mandibular canine teeth in an Iranian population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The samples consisted of 100 extracted mandibular permanent canines. The roots of the teeth were molded in acrylic boxes. The crowns of the teeth were cut and 2 mm cross sections were made from CEJ to the apex. Sections were examined using stereomicroscope to reveal the number and location of root canals. RESULTS: From 100 evaluated teeth, 12 (12%) had 2 canals from which 5 had type II canal configu-ration and 7 (7%) had type III. 88% of the specimens had one canal and none were seen to be of type IV. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study emphasize the importance of dentist's knowledge of varia-tions in root canal morphology, since leaving a canal untreated is one of the main reasons of endodontic failures. When treating mandibular canines, the existence of a second canal should be taken into consideration.

Serum Interleukin-6 as a Serologic Marker of Chronic Periapical Lesions: A Case-control Study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Chronic periapical disease with pulpal origin is an inflammatory condition caused by bacterial infection. Chronic infection could affect general health by increasing the production of cytokines such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) that probably play a role in pathogenesis of pulpal and periapical diseases. The aim of the present study was a comparative evaluation of the level of serum IL 6 in patients with periapical lesions and healthy controls. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This analytical case-control study included 40 patients with chronic peri-apical lesions and 40 individuals without any oral diseases. All of the participants were in good general health. After obtaining an informed consent, clinical and radiographic examinations were carried out and blood samples were collected. Serum IL-6 was measured using ELISA. Data were analyzed using t-test by SPSS 14.0 computer software. RESULTS: Serum IL-6 concentration was significantly higher in test group compared to the controls (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The results of the present study indicate that IL-6 produced in periapical lesions may serve as a marker of pathologic inflammatory activities in chronic periapical lesions.

Epidemiology of pemphigus in tehran, iran: a 20-year retrospective study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Pemphigus is a chronic autoimmune and vesiculobollous disease that can affect skin and different mucous membrane surfaces. Primary manifestations occur in oral cavity in almost 60% of cases. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the epidemiology of pemphigus in Tehran, Iran in a 20-year period. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on the records of 1560 patients diagnosed with different types of pemphigus in Razi Hospital of Dermatology in Tehran from March 1985 to March 2005. A questionnaire was prepared to collect information regarding age, sex, bedridden duration, pemphigus subtype, sites of involvement, recurrence and mortality rate. Data was analyzed using chi-square test with significant level of P < 0.05. RESULTS: There was a female predominance with a male to female ratio of 1:1.53. In nearly half of the patients, only the oral mucous membranes were affected. One hundred and fifty had only skin lesions and 261 cases had both skin and oral mucosal lesions. Involvement of esophageal and vaginal mucous membranes without skin lesions was observed in 150 patients and 298 cases had esophageal and vaginal mucosal involvement as well as skin lesions. Pemphigus vulgaris was the most common type, with the mean age of 44.6 years. Oral mucous membrane was the most frequent location where pemphigus vulgaris was observed. 1265 patients recovered which 52.2% of them had only oral lesions. Average of bedridden duration was 2.9 months. The highest recurrence rate was seen in patients with skin lesions exclusively. There was a significant difference between recurrences of lesions and location of involvement (P < 0.05). Thirty six patients had died from of the disease. CONCLUSION: The mean age of the disease onset in the present study was found to be a decade earlier than the other parts of the world. Recurrence and mortality rates were lower in patients with only oral lesions and their prognosis was better.