Cold atmospheric helium plasma in the Post-COVID-19 era: A promising tool for the disinfection of silicone endotracheal prostheses

ABSTRACT Despite the excellent properties of silicone endotracheal prostheses, their main limitation is the formation of a polymicrobial biofilm on their surfaces. It can cause local inflammation, interfering with the local healing process and leading to further complications in the clinical scenario. The present study evaluated the inhibitory effect of cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) on multispecies biofilms grown on the silicone protheses' surfaces. In addition to silicone characterization before and after CAP exposure, CAP cytotoxicity on immortalized human bronchial epithelium cell line (BEAS-2B) was evaluated. The aging time test reported that CAP could temporarily change the silicone surface wetting characteristics from hydrophilic (80.5°) to highly hydrophilic (<5°). ATR-FTIR showed no significant alterations in the silicone surficial chemical composition after CAP exposure for 5 min. A significant log reduction in viable cells in monospecies biofilms (log CFU/mL) of C. albicans, S. aureus, and P. aeruginosa (0.636, 0.738, and 1.445, respectively) was detected after CAP exposure. Multispecies biofilms exposed to CAP showed significant viability reduction for C. albicans and S. aureus (1.385 and 0.831, respectively). The protocol was not cytotoxic to BEAS-2B. CAP can be a simple and effective method to delay multispecies biofilm formation inside the endotracheal prosthesis.

Cold Atmospheric Helium Plasma in the Post-COVID-19 Era: A Promising Tool for the Disinfection of Silicone Endotracheal Prostheses.

Despite the excellent properties of silicone endotracheal prostheses, their main limitation is the formation of a polymicrobial biofilm on their surfaces. It can cause local inflammation, interfering with the local healing process and leading to further complications in the clinical scenario. The present study evaluated the inhibitory effect of cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) on multispecies biofilms grown on the silicone protheses' surfaces. In addition to silicone characterization before and after CAP exposure, CAP cytotoxicity on immortalized human bronchial epithelium cell line (BEAS-2B) was evaluated. The aging time test reported that CAP could temporarily change the silicone surface wetting characteristics from hydrophilic (80.5°) to highly hydrophilic (<5°). ATR-FTIR showed no significant alterations in the silicone surficial chemical composition after CAP exposure for 5 min. A significant log reduction in viable cells in monospecies biofilms (log CFU/mL) of C. albicans, S. aureus, and P. aeruginosa (0.636, 0.738, and 1.445, respectively) was detected after CAP exposure. Multispecies biofilms exposed to CAP showed significant viability reduction for C. albicans and S. aureus (1.385 and 0.831, respectively). The protocol was not cytotoxic to BEAS-2B. CAP can be a simple and effective method to delay multispecies biofilm formation inside the endotracheal prosthesis.

Effect of the pH on the Antibacterial Potential and Cytotoxicity of Different Plasma-Activated Liquids.

In this study, different plasma-activated liquids were evaluated for their antimicrobial effects against Escherichia coli, as well as for their cytotoxicity on mammalian cells. The PALs were prepared from distilled (DIS), deionized (DI), filtered (FIL), and tap (TAP) water. Additionally, 0.9% NaCl saline solution (SAL) was plasma-activated. These PALs were prepared using 5 L/min air gliding arc plasma jet for up to 60.0 min of exposure. Subsequently, the physicochemical properties, such as, the oxidation-reduction potential (ORP), the pH, the conductivity, and the total dissolved solids (TDS) were characterized by a water multiparameter. The PALs obtained showed a drastic decrease in the pH with increasing plasma exposure time, in contrast, the conductivity and TDS increased. In a general trend, the UV-vis analyses identified a higher production of the following reactive species of nitrogen and oxygen (RONS), HNO2, H2O2, NO3-, and NO2-. Except for the plasma-activated filtered water (PAW-FIL), where there was a change in the position of NO2- and NO3- at some pHs, The higher production of HNO2 and H2O2-reactive species was observed at a low pH. Finally, the standardized suspensions of Escherichia coli were exposed to PAL for up to 60.0 min. The plasma-activated deionized water (PAW-DI pH 2.5), plasma-activated distilled water (PAW-DIS pH 2.5 and 3), and plasma-activated tap water (PAW-TAP 3.5) showed the best antimicrobial effects at exposure times of 3.0, 10.0, and 30.0 min, respectively. The MTT analysis demonstrated low toxicity of all of the PAL samples. Our results indicate that the plasma activation of different liquids using the gliding arc system can generate specific physicochemical conditions that produce excellent antibacterial effects for E. coli with a safe application, thus bringing future contributions to creating new antimicrobial protocols.

Applications of Plasma-Activated Water in Dentistry: A Review.

The activation of water by non-thermal plasma creates a liquid with active constituents referred to as plasma-activated water (PAW). Due to its active constituents, PAW may play an important role in different fields, such as agriculture, the food industry and healthcare. Plasma liquid technology has received attention in recent years due to its versatility and good potential, mainly focused on different health care purposes. This interest has extended to dentistry, since the use of a plasma-liquid technology could bring clinical advantages, compared to direct application of non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasmas (NTAPPs). The aim of this paper is to discuss the applicability of PAW in different areas of dentistry, according to the published literature about NTAPPs and plasma-liquid technology. The direct and indirect application of NTAPPs are presented in the introduction. Posteriorly, the main reactors for generating PAW and its active constituents with a role in biomedical applications are specified, followed by a section that discusses, in detail, the use of PAW as a tool for different oral diseases.

Bilateral mandibular buccal bifurcation cyst: a case report emphasizing the role of imaging examination in the diagnosis.

A mandibular buccal bifurcation cyst is an inflammatory cyst that usually occurs on the buccal aspect of the permanent mandibular first molar of children. This lesion is diagnosed by an association of radiographic, clinical, and histological features. We report a bilateral case of mandibular buccal bifurcation cyst and discuss the main findings of this entity. A 7-year-old girl presented pain and delayed dental eruption in the posterior mandibular region. A cone beam computed tomography was performed and revealed hypodense lesions involving the crown and root of the mandibular first molars, with expansion of the buccal cortical and lingual tilting of the molar roots. A biopsy was carried out, and the common features of an inflammatory odontogenic cyst were histologically observed. The final diagnosis was bilateral mandibular buccal bifurcation cyst. Clinicians need to be aware of this diagnostic possibility in cases of mandibular cysts in children-especially when bilateral-to perform the correct treatment, which should not involve the extraction of the affected tooth.

Bilateral mandibular buccal bifurcation cyst: a case report emphasizing the role of imaging examination in the diagnosis

A mandibular buccal bifurcation cyst is an inflammatory cyst that usually occurs on the buccal aspect of the permanent mandibular first molar of children. This lesion is diagnosed by an association of radiographic, clinical, and histological features. We report a bilateral case of mandibular buccal bifurcation cyst and discuss the main findings of this entity. A 7-year-old girl presented pain and delayed dental eruption in the posterior mandibular region. A cone beam computed tomography was performed and revealed hypodense lesions involving the crown and root of the mandibular first molars, with expansion of the buccal cortical and lingual tilting of the molar roots. A biopsy was carried out, and the common features of an inflammatory odontogenic cyst were histologically observed. The final diagnosis was bilateral mandibular buccal bifurcation cyst. Clinicians need to be aware of this diagnostic possibility in cases of mandibular cysts in children­especially when bilateral­to perform the correct treatment, which should not involve the extraction of the affected tooth.

Are Desensitizing Toothpastes Equally Biocompatible and Effective Against Microorganisms?

The aims of this study were evaluate cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, antimicrobial activity of desensitizing toothpastes compared to a common one and the surface roughness of tooth enamel submitted to brushing with these toothpastes. Samples of three desensitizing toothpastes (Colgate Sensitive, Sensodyne and Oral B Sensitive) and common toothpaste (Colgate) were placed in contact with gingival human fibroblasts. Cytotoxicity and genotoxocity were measured by MTT assay and micronucleus test. Antimicrobial activity of the toothpastes extracts against C. albicans, S. mutans and S. aureus were assessed. For surface roughness evaluation, bovine teeth were submitted to 10.000 brushing cycles. The results were analyzed statically using Mann-Whitney U, ANOVA and Z tests (p<0.05). All toothpastes caused cytotoxic effect to the cells (p<0.05), except Colgate Sensitive. The toothpastes did not increase the number of micronuclei compared to the untreated control group. Colgate eliminated all the evaluated microorganisms at lower concentrations compared to Colgate Sensitive and Oral B Sensitive, which were not able to eliminate S. aureus. Sensodyne did not reach the minimum microbicidal concentration. The surface roughness of tooth enamel increased after brushing with Colgate Sensitive and Oral B Sensitive, however the comparison between groups showed no difference on the enamel surface roughness presented by desensitizing toothpastes when compared with the common one (p>0.05). Based on these results, we can conclude that although none toothpaste has induced genotoxicity, Colgate Sensitive was also not cytotoxic. Colgate was the most effective against the microorganisms, and there were no differences on the enamel surface roughness between the groups.

The Antimicrobial Peptide LL-37 as a Possible Adjunct for the Proliferation and Differentiation of Dental Pulp Stem Cells.

INTRODUCTION: This study evaluated the biocompatibility of 5 and 10 µg/mL LL-37 in vitro and its effect on the differentiation of human dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) into odontoblast-like cells. METHODS: Cell viability, genotoxicity, nitric oxide production, cell cycle, dentine sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) production, and DSPP gene expression. RESULTS: Concentrations of 5 and 10 µg/mL of LL-37 were not cytotoxic and generally increased cell viability, especially on the third day (P < .05). The tested concentrations did not induce genotoxicity (P < .05). LL-37 did not significantly alter nitrite production at either concentration. Cell cycle analysis revealed that 10 µg/mL of LL-37 arrested cells in G0/G1 (P < .05). The control group exhibited higher numbers of cells in other phases of the cell cycle (P < .05). The expression of the DSPP protein and gene was also higher in the 10 µg/mL of LL-37 group (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrated that LL-37 was biocompatible at these concentrations and increased the number of viable cells, especially during the initial period. The 10 µg/mL concentration arrested the cell cycle and increased expression of the DSPP protein and gene, which indicates that this peptide contributes to odontoblastic differentiation.

Mucopolysaccharidosis type I, II and VI and response to enzyme replacement therapy: Results from a single-center case series study.

Mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS) types I, II and VI are associated with deficiencies in alpha-L-iduronidase, iduronate-2-sulfatase and N-acetylgalactosamine-4-sulfatase, respectively, and generally involve progressive and multi-systemic clinical manifestations. Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) appears to be reasonably well tolerated. The aim of this study was to examine clinical and diagnostic findings of a series of pediatric and adult MPS patients, and assess the safety and efficacy of ERT in children and adults with MPS type I, II and VI. Pediatric and adult patients were treated weekly with 1 mg/kg recombinant human N-acetylgalactosamine-4-sulphatase (rhASB), 0.45 mg/kg alpha-L-iduronidase, or 0.5 mg/kg iduronate-2-sulfatase. Clinical and biochemical parameters with ERT were evaluated for a mean duration of 5 years. Mantel-Haenszel risk ratios and associated 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for rates of death among different types of enzyme replacement therapies (ERTs). Twenty-seven patients (mean ages ‒ pediatric: 6.8 years; adult: 29 years) were included. ERT was found to be consistently well tolerated and effective in attenuating symptoms, but did not prevent the progression of the disease or reduce mortality rates. Our findings demonstrated that early diagnosis and initiation of ERT are critical for improvements in patient-important outcomes and quality of life, although disease progression and mortality rates remain high.

Are Desensitizing Toothpastes Equally Biocompatible and Effective Against Microorganisms?

Abstract The aims of this study were evaluate cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, antimicrobial activity of desensitizing toothpastes compared to a common one and the surface roughness of tooth enamel submitted to brushing with these toothpastes. Samples of three desensitizing toothpastes (Colgate Sensitive, Sensodyne and Oral B Sensitive) and common toothpaste (Colgate) were placed in contact with gingival human fibroblasts. Cytotoxicity and genotoxocity were measured by MTT assay and micronucleus test. Antimicrobial activity of the toothpastes extracts against C. albicans, S. mutans and S. aureus were assessed. For surface roughness evaluation, bovine teeth were submitted to 10.000 brushing cycles. The results were analyzed statically using Mann-Whitney U, ANOVA and Z tests (p<0.05). All toothpastes caused cytotoxic effect to the cells (p<0.05), except Colgate Sensitive. The toothpastes did not increase the number of micronuclei compared to the untreated control group. Colgate eliminated all the evaluated microorganisms at lower concentrations compared to Colgate Sensitive and Oral B Sensitive, which were not able to eliminate S. aureus. Sensodyne did not reach the minimum microbicidal concentration. The surface roughness of tooth enamel increased after brushing with Colgate Sensitive and Oral B Sensitive, however the comparison between groups showed no difference on the enamel surface roughness presented by desensitizing toothpastes when compared with the common one (p>0.05). Based on these results, we can conclude that although none toothpaste has induced genotoxicity, Colgate Sensitive was also not cytotoxic. Colgate was the most effective against the microorganisms, and there were no differences on the enamel surface roughness between the groups.

Resumo Os objetivos desse estudo foram avaliar a citotoxicidade, genotoxicidade, atividade antimicrobiana de dentifrícios dessensibilizantes em comparação com um comum e também a rugosidade superficial do esmalte dentário submetido à escovação com esses dentifrícios. Amostras de três dentifrícios dessensibilizantes (Colgate Sensitive, Sensodyne e Oral B Sensitive) e um dentifrício comum (Colgate) foram colocadas em contato com fibroblastos gengivais humanos e a citotoxicidade e genotoxidade foram mensuradas pelo ensaio MTT e teste do micronúcleo. A atividade antimicrobiana dos extratos dos dentifrícios contra C. albicans, S. mutans e S. aureus foi determinada. Para a avaliação da rugosidade superficial, espécimes de dentes bovinos foram submetidas à 10.000 ciclos de escovação. Os resultados foram analisados estatisticamente usando os testes Mann-Whitney U, ANOVA e Teste Z (P<0,05). Todos os dentifrícios causaram efeito citotóxico às células (P<0,05), exceto o Colgate Sensitive. Os dentifrícios não aumentaram o número de micronúcleos em comparação com o grupo não tratado. O Colgate foi capaz de eliminar todos os microorganismos avaliados em concentrações mais baixas em comparação com Colgate Sensitive e Oral B Sensitive, que não foram capazes de eliminar os S. aureus. O Sensodyne não atingiu a concentração microbicida mínima para qualquer microorganismo. A rugosidade superficial do esmalte dentário aumentou após a escovação com Colgate Sensitive e Oral B Sensitive, porém a comparação entre os grupos não mostrou diferença na rugosidade superficial do esmalte apresentada por dentifrícios dessensibilizantes quando comparados ao comum (p>0,05). Com base nesses resultados, podemos concluir que, embora nenhum dentifrício tenha induzido genotoxicidade, o Colgate Sensitive também não foi citotóxico. O Colgate foi o mais eficaz contra os microorganismos, e não houve diferença na rugosidade superficial do esmalte entre os grupos.

Analysis of indicators of osteogenesis, cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of an experimental ß-TCP compared to other bone substitutes / Análise dos indicadores da osteogênese, citotoxicidade e genotoxicidade de um ß-TCP experimental comparado a outros substitutos ósseos

The aim of this study was to evaluate the indicators of osteogenesis, cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of an experimental beta tri-calcium phosphate (experimental ß-TCP) compared with two other bone substitutes: bovine hydroxyapatite (HA) (Bio-Oss® - Geistlich) and beta tri-calcium phosphate (ß-TCP - Bionnovation). The cell viability and genotoxicity were measured by MTT and MNT assay, respectively. The indicators of osteogenesis were analyzed by alkaline phosphatase activity, total protein content, and calcium deposition. The MTT and MNT assay showed that none of the tested materials was cytotoxic nor genotoxic. Concerning the indicators of osteogenesis, it was observed that cells in contact with all the materials were able to induce the osteogenesis and this process was influenced by the period of the cell culture in contact with bone substitutes. Based on the results of this study, it was concluded that this experimental ß-TCP appears to be a promising material as a bone substitute.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os indicadores da osteogênese, citotoxicidade e genotoxicidade de um beta-tricálcio fosfato (ß-TCP experimental) comparado com dois outros substitutos ósseos : Hidroxiapatita Bovina (HA) (Bio-Oss® - Geistlich) e beta-tricálcio fosfato (ß-TCP - Bionnovation). A viabilidade celular e genotoxicidade foram mensuradas pelos ensaios MTT e MNT, respectivamente. Os indicadores da osteogênese foram analisados pela atividade de fosfatase alcalina (ALP), conteúdo de proteína total, e deposição de cálcio. Os ensaios MTT e MNT mostraram que nenhum dos materiais testados foi citotóxico ou genotóxico. Em relação aos indicadores da osteogênese, foi observado que as células em contato com todos os materiais foram capazes de induzir a osteogênese, e que esse processo foi influenciado pelo período da cultura celular em contato com os substitutos ósseos. Baseado nos resultados desse estudo, conclui-se que este ß-TCP experimental parece ser um material promissor para ser utilizado como substituto ósseo.

Calcium Hydroxide improves epoxy sealer adhesion on root dentin / O hidróxido de cálcio melhora a adesão de selante resinoso à dentina radicular

Objetivo: O intuito deste estudo é avaliar a adesão de um cimento endodôntico (AH Plus) em canais radiculares após o uso de diferentes protocolos de EDTA 17% e o uso de medicação intracanal (ICM) à base de hidróxido de cálcio em veículo aquoso. Material e Métodos: Para isso, 72 dentes humanos unirradiculares foram instrumentadas até # 50 e divididos em seis grupos (n = 12). Grupo 1: EDTA por 3 min; Grupo 2: 3 mL de EDTA + 3 min de EDTA; Grupo 3: 3 ml de EDTA + 3 min de EDTA + 30 segundos de agitação ultra-sônica; Grupo 4: EDTA durante 3 min + ICM; Grupo 5: 3 ml de EDTA + 3 min de EDTA + ICM; Grupo 6: 3 ml de EDTA + 3 min de EDTA + 30 segundos de agitaçãosônica + ICM. Os canais radiculares foram preenchidos com cimento endodôntico após cada protocolo e, após 7 dias foram preparados para o teste de push-out. Os dados foram analisados utilizando ANOVA dois fatores (p < 0,05). Resultados: Não foi observado diferença estatística na resistência de união nos 3 diferentes protocolos de EDTA a 17%. No entanto, o uso de ICM aumentou significativamente a resistência de adesão. Conclusão: a medicação intracanal à base de hidróxido de cálcio melhorou a resistência de união do AH Plus às paredes dentinárias, independentemente do protocolo de EDTA. (AU)

Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the adhesion of an endodontic sealer (AHPlus) in root canals after the use of different protocols of 17% EDTA and the use of intracanal medication (ICM) based on calcium hydroxide in aqueous vehicle. Material and Methods: For this, 72 single-rooted human teeth were instrumented up to #50 and divided into six groups (n = 12). Group 1: EDTA for 3 min; Group 2: 3 mL of EDTA + 3 min of EDTA; Group 3: 3 mL of EDTA + 3 min of EDTA + 30 seconds of ultrasonic agitation; Group 4: EDTA for 3 min + ICM; Group 5: 3 mL of EDTA + 3 min of EDTA + ICM; Group 6: 3 mL of EDTA + 3 min of EDTA + 30 seconds of ultrasonic agitation + ICM. The root canals were filled with endodontic sealer after each protocol and after 7 days they were prepared to the push-out test. The data were analyzed using twoway ANOVA (p< 0.05). Results: It was observed no statistically difference in bond strength in the 3 different 17% EDTA protocols. However, the use of ICM increased significantly the resistance adhesion. Conclusion: Intracanal medication based on calcium hydroxide improved the bond strength of AHPlus to dentin walls, regardless of the EDTA protocol. (AU)

Avaliação do peptídeo LL-37 em contato com células-tronco da polpa dentária / Evaluation of LL-37 Peptide in contact with stem cells from dental pulp

O peptídeo LL-37 (catelicidina derivada de humano), é liberado por algumas células humanas e capaz de neutralizar os tecidos com lipopolissacarídeo (LPS), além de atrair células da polpa, e induzir a angiogênese, características que o tornam um possível adjunto para a regeneração do complexo dentino-pulpar. O objetivo desse trabalho foi avaliar in vitro a biocompatibilidade do peptídeo LL-37 nas concentrações de 5 e 10 µg/mL, e sua possível atuação na diferenciação de células-tronco da polpa dentária (DPSC) para odontoblastoslike. Com esse propósito, foram avaliados: (a) a citotoxicidade, pelo teste MTT; (b) a genotoxicidade, através do ensaio do micronúcleo; (c) a produção e quantificação de óxido nítrico; (d) as fases do ciclo celular, por citometria; (e) a expressão de alguns genes associados à formação de tecido mineralizado, através do teste qRT-PCR; (f) o conteúdo de proteína total; (g) a atividade de fosfatase alcalina (ALP); e (h) a produção de sialofosfoproteína dentinária (DSPP), pelo ensaio imunoenzimático ELISA. Foi observado que as concentrações de 5 e 10 µg/mL de LL-37 não foram citotóxicas e ainda aumentaram, em geral, a viabilidade celular (p<0,05), sendo que os maiores valores de absorbância foram observados no 3° dia de contato. As concentrações testadas também não induziram genotoxicidade, após 7 dias de contato, tendo sido genotóxico apenas o grupo controle positivo (EMS) (p<0,05). Ainda, não foi observado diferença estatisticamente significativa na produção de nitrito, pelas células expostas ao LL-37 após 7 dias, em ambas as concentrações. A análise do ciclo celular, evidenciou maior porcentual de células na fase G0/G1, em todos os grupos (p<0,05). Quando estes foram comparados, foi observado maior quantidade de células na fase G0/G1 na concentração de 10 µg/mL de LL- 37 comparada ao grupo controle (p<0,05). Por outro lado, o grupo controle exibiu mais células na fase G2 e em mitose (M) que os grupos tratados com 5 e 10 µg/mL de LL-37 (p<0,05), e mais células na interfase (S) que o grupo tratado com 10 µg/mL de LL-37 (p<0,05). A análise da expressão gênica demonstrou que não houve aumento de expressão dos genes fosfatase alcalina, osteocalcina, osteopontina e Runx2 após tratamento com ambas as concentrações do peptídeo, no 3° dia. Além disso, não foi observado diferença estatisticamente significativa na ALP nos grupos tratados e controle, após 3 e 14 dias, enquanto o conteúdo de proteína total foi maior aos 14 dias nos grupos tratados com LL-37 (p<0,05) Ainda, aos 3 dias, a produção da proteína DSPP foi maior no grupo tratado com 10 µg/mL de LL-37 (p<0,05). Com base nesses resultados, pode-se concluir que o LL-37 é biocompatível nas concentrações testadas nesse trabalho, e ainda aumenta o número de células viáveis, principalmente em período inicial. Além disso, aos 3 dias, na concentração de 10 µg/mL, ele retarda o ciclo celular e aumenta a expressão da proteína DSPP, além de aumentar a síntese proteica aos 14 dias, o que indica que esse peptídeo pode desempenhar algum tipo de função na diferenciação odontoblástica (AU)

The LL-37 peptide (human derived cathelicidin) is released by some human cells and able of neutralizing the tissues that present lipopolysaccharide (LPS), as well as, attracts pulp cells and induces angiogenesis; characteristics that makes it a possible adjunct for regeneration of the dentin-pulp complex. The aim of this study was evaluate in vitro the biocompatibility of LL-37 in the concentrations of 5 and 10 µg/mL, and its possible performance in the differentiation of dental pulp stem cells (DPSC) into odontoblasts-like cells. For this purpose, it was evaluated: (a) the cytotoxicity by MTT assay; (b) the genotoxicity by the micronucleus test; (c) the production and quantification of nitric oxide; (d) the cell cycle, by flow cytometry; (e) the expression of genes associated with the mineralization by qRT-PCR; (f) the total protein content; (g) the alkaline phosphatase activity (ALP); and (h) the production of dentine sialofosfoprotein (DSPP) by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). It was observed that the concentrations of 5 and 10 µg/ml of LL-37 were not cytotoxic, in addition to they increased, in general, the cell viability (p<0,05). Moreover, higher absorbance values were observed on 3rd day of contact. After 7 days, the tested concentrations also did not induce genotoxicity, (p<0,05); only the positive control group (EMS) was genotoxic (p<0.05). Furthermore, there was not statistical significance in the nitrite production by the cells exposed to LL-37 for 7 days, in both concentrations. The cell cycle test showed higher percentage of cells in the phase G0/G1 in all groups (p<0.05). When they were compared, it was noticied that concentration of 10 ug/ml of LL-37 arrested the cells in G0/G1 compared to the control group (p<0.05). On the other hand, the control group, exhibited higher amount of cells in G2 and mitosis (M) than the others (p<0.05) and also higher number of cells in interfase (S) than the group treated with 10 µg/mL of LL-37 (p<0.05). On the 3rd day, the analysis of gene expression demonstrated no increase in the expression of the genes alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, osteopontin and Runx2, after treatment with both peptide concentrations. Furthermore, it was not observed statistical significance in the ALP in the treated and control groups after 3 and 14 days, while total protein content was higher in the groups treated with LL-37, at 14 days (p<0.05). On the 3rd day, the production of DSPP protein was higher in the group treated with 10 µg/mL of LL-37 (p<0.05). Based on these results, it can be concluded that LL-37 is biocompatible at these concentrations and increases the number of viable cells, especially in the initial period. Moreover, on the 3rd day, the concentration of 10 µg/mL arrests the cell cycle, and increases the expression of DSPP protein, in addition to raising the protein content at 14 days, which indicates that this peptide may present some kind of function in the odontoblastic differentiation(AU)

Spindle Cell Lipoma Occurring in the Buccal Mucosa: An Unusual Location of This Benign Lipomatous Neoplasm.

Spindle cell lipoma is a benign lipomatous neoplasm, which rarely occurs in the oral cavity. The aims of this paper are to report a case of spindle cell lipoma located in buccal mucosa and discuss the main clinical, histological, and immunohistochemical findings of this entity. Thus, we report a 4-year history of an asymptomatic smooth surface nodule in an elderly Caucasian man with clinical hypothesis of fibroma. The histopathological examination showed spindle cells, mature adipose tissue, and many mast cells in a stroma of connective tissue presenting ropey collagen fibers bundles. After immunohistochemical analysis, the final diagnosis was spindle cell lipoma.

Influence of ovariectomy combined with lack of masticatory force in the evolution of periodontal disease

AIM: To evaluate the influence of ovariectomy combined with lack of masticatory force in the evolution of periodontal disease induced in rats. METHODS: Forty rats were bilaterally ovariectomized and 40 were submitted to sham ovariectomy. Periodontal disease was induced in the mandibular left first molar and the maxillary left first molar was extracted from half of the rats. The rats were randomly euthanized at 3, 7, 14 and 30 days post periodontal disease induction. Serial sections were obtained from the furcation area and stained for histological and histomorphometric analysis. The results of the histomorphometric analysis were statistically analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey tests. RESULTS: The results demonstrated statistically significant differences in the percentage of bone tissue when the variables presence or absence of estrogen (p=0.020) and time of euthanasia (p=0.002) were evaluated. However, the extraction procedure did not significantly affect the percentage of bone tissue (p=0.598). CONCLUSIONS : The bone loss resulting from periodontal disease is increased by estrogen deficiency and varies according to the time course of periodontitis. In contrast, masticatory force does not seem to interfere in bone loss derived from periodontal disease.