Clinical, immunological and microbiological evaluation of experimental peri-implant mucositis and gingivitis in subjects with Grade C, stage III/IV periodontitis background.

AIM: To compare individuals with a periodontitis background (Grade C, stage III/IV-formerly generalized aggressive periodontitis) (H-GAP) with periodontally healthy subjects (H-Health) in terms of molecular changes (immunological/microbiological) accompanying experimental peri-implant mucositis and gingivitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: H-GAP and control (H-Health) subjects were recruited, and experimental mucositis/gingivitis was induced around a single screw-retained implant and one contralateral tooth. Participants refrained from oral hygiene for 21 days in the selected areas, followed by professional prophylaxis and hygiene instructions for 21 days. Clinical parameters, immunological markers (multiplex analysis) and microbial data (16S rRNA gene sequencing) were collected at baseline, during induction (7, 14 and 21 days) and following remission (42 days). RESULTS: Clinically, no significant differences were observed between the groups (n = 10/each group) (H-GAP vs. H-Health) (p > .05, Mann-Whitney test) and the type of site (tooth vs. implant) (p > .05, Wilcoxon test) at the time of onset and resolution, or severity of gingival/mucosal inflammation. H-GAP displayed lower concentrations of the cytokines interleukin (IL)-1B, IL-4, IL-17, tumor necrosis factor-α and interferon-γ around implants than H-Health at baseline and during induction of mucositis (p < .05, Mann-Whitney test). In both groups, implants showed significantly higher inflammatory background at baseline and all subsequent visits when compared with teeth (p < .05, Wilcoxon test). Alpha and ß-diversity metrics showed a significant shift in the microbiome composition and abundances of core species during induction and resolution of peri-implant mucositis and gingivitis (p < .05, restricted maximum likelihood method of Shannon and Bray-Curtis indices, respectively). Differences were not significant for these parameters between the H-Health and H-GAP groups when the periodontal and peri-implant microbiomes were compared separately; however, at each time point, the peri-implant microbiome differed significantly from the periodontal microbiome. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of this pilot study (e.g. low power), it can be concluded that different microbial shifts contribute to the onset and progression of inflammatory responses around teeth and implants and that history of periodontal disease experience plays an additional role in modulating the immune response of peri-implant and periodontal tissues to biofilm accumulation.

Association of rs142548867 (EEFSEC) and periodontitis Grade C in a young Brazilian population.

BACKGROUND: Periodontitis Stage III-IV, Grade C (PerioC) is a severe form of Periodontitis. The individual genetic background has been shown to be an important etiopathogenic factor for the development of this disease in young, systemically healthy, and non-smokers patients. Recently, after exome sequencing of families with a history of the disease, PerioC was associated with three single nucleotide variations (SNVs) - rs142548867 (EEFSEC), rs574301770 (ZNF136), and rs72821893 (KRT25) - which were classified as deleterious or possibly harmful by prediction algorithms. OBJECTIVE: Seeking to validate these findings in a cohort evaluation, this study aims to characterize the allele and genotypic frequency of the SNVs rs142548867, rs574301770, and rs72821893 in the Brazilian population with PerioC and who were periodontally healthy (PH). METHODOLOGY: Thus, epithelial oral cells from 200 PerioC and 196 PH patients were harvested at three distinct centers at the Brazilian Southern region, their DNA were extracted, and the SNVs rs142548867, rs574301770, rs72821893 were genotyped using 5'-nuclease allelic discrimination assay. Differences in allele and genotype frequencies were analyzed using Fisher's Exact Test. Only the SNV rs142548867 (C > T) was associated with PerioC. RESULTS: The CT genotype was detected more frequently in patients with PerioC when compared with PH subjects (6% and 0.5% respectively), being significantly associated with PerioC (odds ratio 11.76, p=0.02). CONCLUSION: rs142548867 represents a potential risk for the occurrence of this disease in the Brazilian population.

Association of rs142548867 (EEFSEC) and periodontitis Grade C in a young Brazilian population

Abstract Periodontitis Stage III-IV, Grade C (PerioC) is a severe form of Periodontitis. The individual genetic background has been shown to be an important etiopathogenic factor for the development of this disease in young, systemically healthy, and non-smokers patients. Recently, after exome sequencing of families with a history of the disease, PerioC was associated with three single nucleotide variations (SNVs) - rs142548867 (EEFSEC), rs574301770 (ZNF136), and rs72821893 (KRT25) - which were classified as deleterious or possibly harmful by prediction algorithms. Objective Seeking to validate these findings in a cohort evaluation, this study aims to characterize the allele and genotypic frequency of the SNVs rs142548867, rs574301770, and rs72821893 in the Brazilian population with PerioC and who were periodontally healthy (PH). Methodology Thus, epithelial oral cells from 200 PerioC and 196 PH patients were harvested at three distinct centers at the Brazilian Southern region, their DNA were extracted, and the SNVs rs142548867, rs574301770, rs72821893 were genotyped using 5′-nuclease allelic discrimination assay. Differences in allele and genotype frequencies were analyzed using Fisher's Exact Test. Only the SNV rs142548867 (C > T) was associated with PerioC. Results The CT genotype was detected more frequently in patients with PerioC when compared with PH subjects (6% and 0.5% respectively), being significantly associated with PerioC (odds ratio 11.76, p=0.02). Conclusion rs142548867 represents a potential risk for the occurrence of this disease in the Brazilian population.

Smoking negatively impacts the clinical, microbiological, and immunological treatment response of young adults with Grade C periodontitis.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the influence of smoking on clinical, microbiological and immunological parameters in young adult with stage III-IV Grade C periodontitis after full-mouth ultrasonic debridement (FMUD) associated with Amoxicillin and Metronidazole (AMX + MTZ), comparing smokers (PerioC-Y-Smk) with non-smokers (PerioC-Y-NSmk). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifteen PerioC-Y-NSmk and 14 PerioC-Y-Smk patients underwent FMUD associated with AMX + MTZ for 10 days. All parameters were collected at baseline and 3 and 6 months after treatment. Plaque index (PI), bleeding on probing (BoP), probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL)- the primary variable-, and gingival recession (GR) were clinically assessed. The impact of PI on CAL change at 6-month was verified by a regression analysis. Samples of the subgingival biofilm was collected for detection of levels of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (A. actinomycetemcomitans), Porphyromonas gingivalis (P.gingivalis), Tannerella forsythia (T. forsythia), and Fusobacterium nucleatum ssp (F. nucleatum), and were analyzed by real-time qPCR; gingival crevicular fluid was collected for detection of levels of interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and interferon (IFN)-γ, which were analyzed using an enzyme immunoassay. RESULTS: PerioC-Y-Smk had significantly higher PI, BOP, and GR at baseline compared to non-smokers (p < .05). PerioC-Y-Smk presented higher PD, CAL, and GR at 3 and 6 months (p < .05) compared with PerioC-Y-NSmk in the same periods; PI negatively affected CAL gain in PerioC-Y-NSmk at 6-month follow-up (p = .052) and did not impact on clinical response in PerioC-Y-Smk (p = .882). Lower levels of IFN-γ, IL1-ß, and IL-4 were observed at 3 months in the PerioC-Y-NSmk (p < .05) compared with PerioC-Y-Smk. Lower proportions of P. gingivalis were observed in PerioC-Y-NSmk at baseline and at 3 months (p < .05) and lower proportions of F. nucleatum were observed at 6 months, in the PerioC-Y-NSmk (p < .05). CONCLUSIONS: PerioC-Y-Smk presents an unfavorable clinical, microbiological, and immunological response after 3 and 6 months after FMUD associated with AMX + MTZ. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Smoking worsens periodontal condition of young treated adults presenting stage III/IV Grade C periodontitis.

The familial trend of the local inflammatory response in periodontal disease.

OBJECTIVES: The imbalanced host response in front of a dysbiotic biofilm is one of the major aspects of severe periodontitis, which also presents a strong familial aggregation related to the susceptibility factors transmission within family members. This study hypothesized that aggressive periodontitis (GAgP) patients and their descendants could present a similar trend of a local inflammatory response that is different from healthy controls. METHODS: Fifteen GAgP subjects and their children and fifteen healthy subjects and their children were clinically assessed, and the concentration of interferon (IFN)-γ, interleukin (IL)-10, IL-17, IL-1ß, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α was evaluated in the gingival fluid using the multiplexed bead immunoassay. RESULTS: Children from the GAgP group presented lower IL-10 and IFN-γ subgingival concentration than Health children, despite no difference in the clinical parameters. GAgP parents showed a lower IFN-γ, IL-10, and IL-6 than healthy subjects. IL-10/IL-1ß and IFN-γ/IL-4 ratios were reduced in GAgP dyads, suggesting a familial trend in the subgingival cytokine's profile. The cytokines correlated to the clinical data and were predictors of probing depth increase. CONCLUSION: GAgP parents and their children presented a similar cytokine profile and an imbalance in the subgingival response characterized by decreased IFN-γ/IL-4 and IL10/IL-1ß ratios.

Do smokers have a different gingival crevicular fluid cytokine/chemokine profile than nonsmokers in clinically healthy periodontal sites? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Assessing the evidence and comparing the levels of cytokines in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of periodontal healthy sites of smokers and nonsmokers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seven databases were surveyed for observational studies up to April 8, 2021. Studies comparing cytokine levels on GCF in periodontally healthy sites of smokers vs. nonsmokers were included in the study. The risk of bias was evaluated using NIH (2014) tool. For meta-analyses, levels in GCF were analyzed, followed by evidence certainty assessment using the GRADE approach. RESULTS: Eighteen studies were included for qualitative evaluation, and eight were included in meta-analysis. Qualitatively, despite high heterogeneity and risk of bias observed among the studies, most of them presented no significant difference in the gingival crevicular cytokine fluid levels between groups. Regarding meta-analyses, interleukin-8 (IL-8) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels in GCF were analyzed. The significant difference was observed only in SOD levels, where heavy smokers had lower levels compared to nonsmokers (MD - 30.06 [- 40.17, - 19.96], p = 0.07, 95%CI), as well as light smokers had lower levels compared to nonsmokers (MD - 15.22 [- 16.05, - 14.39], p < 0.00001, 95%CI). CONCLUSION: No distinct GCF cytokine profiles were detected for smokers and non-smokers. However, despite the limitations observed in the included studies, lower levels of SOD were identified in smokers. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Indicating a distinct GCF profile of cytokines in periodontal healthy smokers may help to understand the mechanism whereby smoking may affect the host response.

Influence of rs6667202 SNP on Interleukin-10 levels in the gingival fluid of patients with periodontitis grade C

Grade C periodontitis in youngers is characterized by a severe form of periodontitis, and IL10 rs6667202 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) has been described as an important feature in this disease etiology. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate, in vivo, the functionality of IL10 rs6667202 SNP on IL-10 gingival fluid levels. Methods: Thirty patients with Perio4C were selected, 15 with the IL10 AA genotype (rs6667202) and 15 with AC/CC genotypes. The gingival fluid was collected from two sites with probing depth ≥ 7 mm and bleeding on probing, and two healthy sites. The IL-10 concentration was determined by Luminex/MAGpix platform. Results: In deep pockets, the IL10 AA genotype presented a lower concentration of IL-10 when compared with AC or CC genotypes (p<0.05). In shallow pockets, no difference between groups was seen (p>0.05). Conclusion: IL10 rs6667202 SNP decreases the production of IL-10 in crevicular fluid, potentially affecting this disease progression

Rethinking the decision-making process to treat gingival recession associated with non-carious cervical lesions.

The presence of a tooth-surface defect, such as a non-carious cervical lesion (NCCL), associated with sites of gingival recession (GR) defects creates a combined soft tissue/tooth defect (CD) that requires a different treatment plan. This study aimed to critically review the literature regarding the available treatment protocols for CDs and suggest a new decision-making process. NCCLs were classified as Class A-: the cementoenamel junction (CEJ) was visible and the root surface discrepancy was < 0.5 mm (no step); Class A+: CEJ was visible and the root surface discrepancy was > 0.5 mm (with a step); Class B-: unidentifiable CEJ without a step; Class B+: unidentifiable CEJ with a step. NCCLs affecting both root and crown surfaces (Class B) lead to CEJ destruction and consequently eliminate an important landmark used before and after root coverage procedures. The depth of the root surface discrepancy is vital owing to its possible impact on soft tissue adaptation after healing, which, in turn, may influence the treatment options, namely the use of graft and/or composites to compensate for the discrepancy. Clinically, a step with horizontal depth greater than 0.5 mm should be recognized as the minimum threshold value to define this condition. Extremely deep defects tend to assume a V-shaped topography. Therefore, extremely deep V-shaped defects were classified into subclasses A+V, a V-shaped defect, and B+V, a V-shaped defect with loss of CEJ, for management considerations. The treatment options, supported by the literature, and a decision-making process to deal with each condition are presented.

Periodontal regeneration: is it still a goal in clinical periodontology?

In the last decades, Periodontal Regeneration has been one of the most discussed topics in Periodontics, attracting the attention of researchers and clinicians. This can be justified by the evident and continuous progress observed in the field, characterized by a better understanding of the biological mechanisms involved, significant improvement of operative and technical principles, and the emergence of a wide range of biomaterials available for this purpose. Together, these aspects put the theme much in evidence in the search for functional and esthetic therapeutic solutions for periodontal tissue destruction. Despite the evident evolution, periodontal regeneration may be challenging and require the clinician to carefully evaluate each case before making a therapeutic decision. With a critical reassessment of the clinical and preclinical literature, the present study aimed to discuss the topic to answer whether Periodontal Regeneration is still a goal in clinical periodontology. The main aspects involved in the probability of success or failure of regenerative approaches were considered. A greater focus was given to intrabony and furcation defects, clinical conditions with greater therapeutic predictability. Aspects such as more appropriate materials/approaches, long-term benefits and their justification for a higher initial cost were discussed for each condition. In general, deep intrabony defects associated with residual pockets and buccal/lingual class II furcation lesions have predictable and clinically relevant results. Careful selection of the case (based on patient and defect characteristics) and excellent maintenance are essential conditions to ensure initial and long-term success.

Parents with periodontitis impact the subgingival colonization of their offspring.

Early acquisition of a pathogenic microbiota and the presence of dysbiosis in childhood is associated with susceptibility to and the familial aggregation of periodontitis. This longitudinal interventional case-control study aimed to evaluate the impact of parental periodontal disease on the acquisition of oral pathogens in their offspring. Subgingival plaque and clinical periodontal metrics were collected from 18 parents with a history of generalized aggressive periodontitis and their children (6-12 years of age), and 18 periodontally healthy parents and their parents at baseline and following professional oral prophylaxis. 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing revealed that parents were the primary source of the child's microbiome, affecting their microbial acquisition and diversity. Children of periodontitis parents were preferentially colonized by Filifactor alocis, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Streptococcus parasanguinis, Fusobacterium nucleatum and several species belonging to the genus Selenomonas even in the absence of periodontitis, and these species controlled inter-bacterial interactions. These pathogens also emerged as robust discriminators of the microbial signatures of children of parents with periodontitis. Plaque control did not modulate this pathogenic pattern, attesting to the microbiome's resistance to change once it has been established. This study highlights the critical role played by parental disease in microbial colonization patterns in their offspring and the early acquisition of periodontitis-related species and underscores the need for greater surveillance and preventive measures in families of periodontitis patients.

Clinical, radiographic, and patient-centered outcomes after use of enamel matrix proteins for the treatment of intrabony defects in patients with aggressive periodontitis: A 12-month multicenter clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical, radiographic and patient-centered results of enamel matrix derivative (EMD) therapy in intrabony defects in aggressive periodontitis (AgP) patients and compare them with those in chronic periodontitis (CP) patients. METHODS: Sixty intrabony defects in AgP and CP patients associated with ≥ 6 mm residual probing pocket depth (PPD) were included and randomly assigned to one of three groups: AgP+CS (conservative surgery) (n = 20); AgP+CS/EMD (n = 20); CP+CS/EMD (n  =  20). Clinical parameters were measured at baseline and after 6 and 12 months. Defect resolution (DR) and bone filling (BF) were used for radiographic analysis. The quality of life was recorded at baseline and 6 months using OHIP-14 and VAS scale in the early post-therapy period. RESULTS: PPD and relative clinical attachment level (rCAL) improved for all groups during follow-up (P ≤ 0.05), and AgP+CS/EMD presented a higher rCAL gain (2.4 ± 1.0 mm) when compared to AgP control patients (1.6 ± 1.6 mm, P ≤ 0.05) after 12 months. No difference was observed between AgP+CS/EMD and CP+CS/EMD groups (P > 0.05). No radiographic differences were observed among groups at any time point (P > 0.05). All the groups reported a positive impact on OHIP-14 total score, without differences among them. CONCLUSIONS: EMD therapy of intrabony defects promotes additional benefits in AgP patients, presenting a similar regeneration rate compared to CP patients, and has proven to be a viable therapy for the treatment of individuals with AgP.

Rethinking the decision-making process to treat gingival recession associated with non-carious cervical lesions

Abstract The presence of a tooth-surface defect, such as a non-carious cervical lesion (NCCL), associated with sites of gingival recession (GR) defects creates a combined soft tissue/tooth defect (CD) that requires a different treatment plan. This study aimed to critically review the literature regarding the available treatment protocols for CDs and suggest a new decision-making process. NCCLs were classified as Class A-: the cementoenamel junction (CEJ) was visible and the root surface discrepancy was < 0.5 mm (no step); Class A+: CEJ was visible and the root surface discrepancy was > 0.5 mm (with a step); Class B-: unidentifiable CEJ without a step; Class B+: unidentifiable CEJ with a step. NCCLs affecting both root and crown surfaces (Class B) lead to CEJ destruction and consequently eliminate an important landmark used before and after root coverage procedures. The depth of the root surface discrepancy is vital owing to its possible impact on soft tissue adaptation after healing, which, in turn, may influence the treatment options, namely the use of graft and/or composites to compensate for the discrepancy. Clinically, a step with horizontal depth greater than 0.5 mm should be recognized as the minimum threshold value to define this condition. Extremely deep defects tend to assume a V-shaped topography. Therefore, extremely deep V-shaped defects were classified into subclasses A+V, a V-shaped defect, and B+V, a V-shaped defect with loss of CEJ, for management considerations. The treatment options, supported by the literature, and a decision-making process to deal with each condition are presented.

Periodontal regeneration: is it still a goal in clinical periodontology?

Abstract In the last decades, Periodontal Regeneration has been one of the most discussed topics in Periodontics, attracting the attention of researchers and clinicians. This can be justified by the evident and continuous progress observed in the field, characterized by a better understanding of the biological mechanisms involved, significant improvement of operative and technical principles, and the emergence of a wide range of biomaterials available for this purpose. Together, these aspects put the theme much in evidence in the search for functional and esthetic therapeutic solutions for periodontal tissue destruction. Despite the evident evolution, periodontal regeneration may be challenging and require the clinician to carefully evaluate each case before making a therapeutic decision. With a critical reassessment of the clinical and preclinical literature, the present study aimed to discuss the topic to answer whether Periodontal Regeneration is still a goal in clinical periodontology. The main aspects involved in the probability of success or failure of regenerative approaches were considered. A greater focus was given to intrabony and furcation defects, clinical conditions with greater therapeutic predictability. Aspects such as more appropriate materials/approaches, long-term benefits and their justification for a higher initial cost were discussed for each condition. In general, deep intrabony defects associated with residual pockets and buccal/lingual class II furcation lesions have predictable and clinically relevant results. Careful selection of the case (based on patient and defect characteristics) and excellent maintenance are essential conditions to ensure initial and long-term success.

Transcriptome profile of highly osteoblastic/cementoblastic periodontal ligament cell clones.

BACKGROUND: Heterogeneous cell populations of osteo/cementoblastic (O/C) or fibroblastic phenotypes constitute the periodontal dental ligament (PDL). A better understanding of these PDL cell subpopulations is essential to propose regenerative approaches based on a sound biological rationale. OBJECTIVE: Our study aimed to clarify the differential transcriptome profile of PDL cells poised to differentiate into the O/C cell lineage. METHODOLOGY: To characterize periodontal-derived cells with distinct differentiation capacities, single-cell-derived clones were isolated from adult human PDL progenitor cells and their potential to differentiate into osteo/cementoblastic (O/C) phenotype (C-O clones) or fibroblastic phenotype (C-F clones) was assessed in vitro. The transcriptome profile of the clonal cell lines in standard medium cultivation was evaluated using next-generation sequencing technology (RNA-seq). Over 230 differentially expressed genes (DEG) were identified, in which C-O clones showed a higher number of upregulated genes (193) and 42 downregulated genes. RESULTS: The upregulated genes were associated with the Cadherin and Wnt signaling pathways as well as annotated biological processes, including "anatomical structure development" and "cell adhesion." Both transcriptome and RT-qPCR showed up-regulation of WNT2, WNT16, and WIF1 in C-O clones. CONCLUSIONS: This comprehensive transcriptomic assessment of human PDL progenitor cells revealed that expression of transcripts related to the biological process "anatomical structure development," Cadherin signaling, and Wnt signaling can identify PDL cells with a higher potential to commit to the O/C phenotype. A better understanding of these pathways and their function in O/C differentiation will help to improve protocols for periodontal regenerative therapies.

Triclosan toothpaste as an adjunct therapy to plaque control in children from periodontitis families: a crossover clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: Studies have demonstrated that children from aggressive periodontitis (AgP) parents presented precocious alterations in their periodontal condition, and the use of chemical agents in association to plaque control could be useful to control these alterations. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Triclosan toothpaste to modulate the clinical and subgingival condition in children from AgP parents. METHODS: Fifteen children from AgP parents and 15 from periodontally healthy parents were included in this crossover placebo study. Children were randomly allocated into triclosan or placebo therapy, using selected toothpaste for 45 days. After 15 days of wash-out, groups were crossed, changing the used toothpaste. Clinical examination and saliva, crevicular gingival fluid (GCF), and subgingival biofilm collection were performed at baseline and 45 days of each phase. GCF cytokines' levels were analyzed by Luminex/MAGpix platform and subgingival and salivary periodontal pathogens' levels by qPCR. RESULTS: At baseline, AgP group presented higher plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), and bleeding on probing (BoP), higher Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa) abundance in saliva and subgingival biofilm, and lower levels of INF-É£, IL-4, and IL-17 in GCF. Placebo therapy only reduced PI in both groups. Triclosan toothpaste reduced PI and GI in both groups. Triclosan promoted reduction of BoP and probing depth (PD), Aa salivary, and IL-1ß levels in AgP group. In health group, triclosan reduced INF-É£ and IL-4 concentration. CONCLUSION: Triclosan toothpaste demonstrated to be more effective than placebo toothpaste to control the periodontal condition in children from AgP parents, by reducing the BoP, PD, salivary Aa, and IL-1ß. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Triclosan toothpaste can improve oral conditions in higher-risk population for AgP. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov with the identifier NCT03642353.

Treatment of dehiscence-type defects with collagen matrix and/or enamel matrix derivative: Histomorphometric study in minipigs.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate, histomorphometrically, the use of collagen matrix (CM) and/or enamel matrix derivative (EMD) for the treatment of dehiscence-type recession defects in minipigs. METHODS: Eight healthy, male, young BR-1 minipigs, with no periodontal disease were treated. Bilateral dehiscence-type defects were surgically created on the buccal of the mandibular premolars (PI and PII). After 30 days, the defects were randomly assigned to four groups: coronally advanced flap (CAF); CAF + CM; CAF + EMD; and CAF + CM + EMD (split-mouth design). The evaluated parameters (mm): total defect length; new cementum (NC); new bone (NB); gingival margin position; total epithelium length; epithelium on the root; connective tissue adaptation; and soft tissue thickness (STT). RESULTS: The EMD-treated groups showed a superior length of NC [4.13 ± 1.22 (CAF + EMD); 3.95 ± 1.11 (CAF + CM + EMD); 2.94 ± 0.77 (CAF + CM); 2.72 ± 0.81 (CAF), P = 0.02] and NB [3.21 ± 0.68 (CAF + CM + EMD); 3.01 ± 0.56 (CAF + EMD); 2.15 ± 0.47 (CAF + CM); 2.29 ± 0.82 (CAF), P = 0.005]. The CAF and CAF + CM groups showed a superior epithelial length when compared to EMD-treated groups after 3 months. A superior STT was observed for CAF + CM + EMD group (1.5 ± 0.33) when compared with the other groups [1.09 ± 0.26 (CAF + EMD); 1.04 ± 0.34 (CAF + CM); and 1.14 ± 0.29 (CAF), P = 0.03]. CONCLUSION(S): The results of the present study indicate that EMD application, irrespective of the combination with CM, may improve the periodontal regeneration of dehiscence-type defects in this animal model.

Randomized clinical trial evaluating single maxillary gingival recession treatment with connective tissue graft and tunnel or trapezoidal flap: 2-year follow-up.

BACKGROUND: The literature lacks long-term evidence regarding outcomes of the coronally advanced tunnel flap (TUN) combined with connective tissue graft (CTG) when compared to the trapezoidal coronally advanced flap (CAF) and CTG combination. This study presents 2-year results of a randomized clinical trial comparing CTG combined with either CAF or TUN in the treatment of single maxillary gingival recession (GR) defects. METHODS: Thirty-nine patients, each contributing a single Miller Class I or II GR defect, were treated by CAF+CTG (control; n = 19) or TUN+CTG (test; n = 20) and completed the 2-year follow up. Clinical, patient centered, and esthetic evaluations were performed and differences among groups were analyzed. RESULTS: At 2 years, mean root coverage for control and test group was 89.5% ± 14.6% and 87.7% ± 18.4%, respectively (P = 0.5). The corresponding complete root coverage prevalence was 68.4% and 50% (P = 0.4). Dentin hypersensitivity significantly decreased for both groups. The two groups showed improvement in esthetics, as assessed by both professionals and patients, without significant intergroup differences (P > 0.5). TUN+CTG sites were much more likely to present improvement in root coverage between 6 months and 2 years, exhibiting creeping attachment of 0.7 ± 0.6 mm. CONCLUSIONS: At 2 years of follow up, both CAF+CTG and TUN+CTG resulted in significant clinical and esthetic improvements and provided similar results in the treatment of single maxillary GRs.

Transcriptome profile of highly osteoblastic/cementoblastic periodontal ligament cell clones

Abstract Heterogeneous cell populations of osteo/cementoblastic (O/C) or fibroblastic phenotypes constitute the periodontal dental ligament (PDL). A better understanding of these PDL cell subpopulations is essential to propose regenerative approaches based on a sound biological rationale. Objective Our study aimed to clarify the differential transcriptome profile of PDL cells poised to differentiate into the O/C cell lineage. Methodology To characterize periodontal-derived cells with distinct differentiation capacities, single-cell-derived clones were isolated from adult human PDL progenitor cells and their potential to differentiate into osteo/cementoblastic (O/C) phenotype (C-O clones) or fibroblastic phenotype (C-F clones) was assessed in vitro. The transcriptome profile of the clonal cell lines in standard medium cultivation was evaluated using next-generation sequencing technology (RNA-seq). Over 230 differentially expressed genes (DEG) were identified, in which C-O clones showed a higher number of upregulated genes (193) and 42 downregulated genes. Results The upregulated genes were associated with the Cadherin and Wnt signaling pathways as well as annotated biological processes, including "anatomical structure development" and "cell adhesion." Both transcriptome and RT-qPCR showed up-regulation of WNT2, WNT16, and WIF1 in C-O clones. Conclusions This comprehensive transcriptomic assessment of human PDL progenitor cells revealed that expression of transcripts related to the biological process "anatomical structure development," Cadherin signaling, and Wnt signaling can identify PDL cells with a higher potential to commit to the O/C phenotype. A better understanding of these pathways and their function in O/C differentiation will help to improve protocols for periodontal regenerative therapies.

Clinical and Microbiological Evaluation of Surgical and Nonsurgical Treatment of Aggressive Periodontitis.

The present study aimed to evaluate clinical and microbiological effects of surgical and nonsurgical periodontal therapy in generalized aggressive periodontitis (GAgP) treatment. Sixteen GAgP patients were included in this randomized split-mouth design clinical trial. Maxillary quadrants were allocated into two groups: Nonsurgical Therapy (NST) and Surgical Therapy (ST). The following clinical parameters were assessed: plaque index (PI), bleeding on probing index (BoP), probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL) and gingival margin position (GMP). Concentrations of Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa) in the subgingival biofilm were also determined. Clinical and microbiological parameters were assessed at baseline (n=16), 3 (n=15), 6 (n=15) and 12 months (n=8) after treatment. ST was able to promote higher PD reduction compared to NST in deep pockets at 12 months (p<0.05) and in posterior teeth at 6 months (p<0.05). In addition, higher gingival recession was observed in posterior teeth of the ST group at the 6th month (p<0.05). However, ST failed to promoted additional CAL gain in any timepoint (p>0.05). Moreover, microbiological evaluation showed no statistical difference in levels of Aa and Pg for both groups at all follow-up periods. Surgical therapy promoted similar clinical benefits to GAgP therapy. Moreover, both therapies failed to reduce Aa and Pg levels at different follow-up times.

Does enamel matrix derivative application improve clinical outcomes after semilunar flap surgery? A randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the treatment of gingival recessions by semilunar coronally positioned flap plus enamel matrix derivative (SCPF + EMD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty patients with class I localized gingival recession were included. They were randomly allocated in two groups: SCPF + EMD and SCPF. Recession height (RH), recession width (RW), width of keratinized tissue (WKT), thickness of keratinized tissue (TKT), probing depth (PD), and clinical attachment level (CAL) were measured at baseline, 6 and 12 months post-surgery. Patient/professional evaluation of esthetics and root sensitivity was performed. RESULTS: After 12 months, mean root coverage was 1.98 ± 0.33 mm for SCPF + EMD (90.86 ± 14.69%) and 1.85 ± 0.41 mm (79.76 ± 17.44%) for SCPF (p > 0.05). The esthetic evaluation by the patient showed preference for SCPF + EMD. According to the professional evaluation (QCE), the use of EMD decreases the appearance of postoperative scar tissue line. There was a significant reduction in root hypersensitivity with no further complaints by the patients. CONCLUSIONS: The addition of EMD provides significantly better esthetics to SCPF, according to patient and professional assessments. SCPF + EMD is effective but not superior to SCPF for root coverage, after 12 months. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Previous clinical trials showed that the combination of EMD with coronally advanced flaps may enhance the outcome of root coverage. There is a lack of studies testing the combination of EMD with SCPF. The combination SCPF + EMD provides better esthetics when compared to the SCPF and is effective, but not superior, to SCPF for root coverage, after 12 months. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT02459704.