The effect of an inhibitor of gut serotonin (LP533401) during the induction of periodontal disease.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: LP533401 is an inhibitor of tryptophan hydroxylase 1, which regulates serotonin production in the gut. Previous work indicates that LP533401 has an anabolic effect in bone. Thus, we hypothesized that inhibition of gut serotonin production may modulate the host response in periodontal disease. In this study, we aimed to analyze the effects of LP533401 in a rat periodontitis model to evaluate the role of gut serotonin in periodontitis pathophysiology. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-four rats were divided into three groups: treated group (T: ligature-induced periodontal disease and LP533401, 25 mg/kg/d) by gavage; ligature group (L: ligature-induced periodontal disease only); and control group (C: without ligature-induced periodontal disease). After 28 d, radiographic alveolar bone support was measured on digital radiographs, and alveolar bone volume fraction, tissue mineral density and trabeculae characteristics were quantified by microcomputed tomography in the right hemi-mandible. Left hemi-mandibles were decalcified and alveolar bone loss, attachment loss and area of collagen in the gingiva were histologically analyzed. RESULTS: Significant difference between the L and C groups was found, confirming that periodontal disease was induced. We observed no difference between the T and L groups regarding alveolar bone destruction and area of collagen. CONCLUSION: LP533401 (25 mg/kg/d) for 28 d does not prevent bone loss and does not modulate host response in a rat model of induced periodontal disease.

B-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma in the maxilla of a child: a rare case report.

Lymphoblastic lymphoma is a malignant neoplasia that originates from B or T lymphocyte precursors and rarely occurs in the mouth. The authors report a rare case of B-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma in the maxilla of a child. Clinical examination revealed facial asymmetry with a swelling of the right maxilla, covered by healthy mucosa and painful to palpation. Radiographic examination revealed a poorly defined radiolucent lesion. Based on the hypothesis of malignant neoplasia of hematopoietic origin, an incisional biopsy was performed. Histological examination revealed malignant neoplasia with proliferation of monomorphic, lymphoid cells. Immunohistochemical staining was positive for leucocyte common antigen (LCA), CD10, CD20, CD79, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT). After the diagnosis of B-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma, the patient underwent chemotherapy, but died of leukoencephalopathy and demyelinization caused by high doses of methotrexate.

Traumatic neuroma of the lower lip.

Traumatic neuroma is a rare disorder that represents a reactive proliferation of neural tissue following damage to an adjacent nerve. Clinically, oral lesions usually appear as a nodule of normal or grayish white smooth surface colouration, and patients may complain of pain as a frequent symptom. We report a case of a painless lower lip traumatic neuroma, clinically misdiagnosed as lipoma, in a 24-year-old Caucasian woman. On intraoral examination, a yellowish and smooth sessile, well-delimited, painless, nodular lesion measuring 10 mm x 7 mm x 4 mm in size was observed on the mucosal lower lip. An excisional biopsy was performed and the final diagnosis was traumatic neuroma. After 18 months of follow-up, the patient is asymptomatic and there are no signs of recurrence.