Local administration of curcumin-loaded nanoparticles enhances periodontal repair in vivo.

The aim was to assess the influence of local application of curcumin-loaded nanoparticles on an experimental model of periodontal repair. Periodontitis was induced by ligatures on both lower first molars of rats. After 15 days, ligatures were removed ("treatment") and animals were randomly allocated to three experimental groups (n = 8/group): (i) 0.05 mg/ml curcumin-loaded nanoparticles, (ii) empty nanoparticles (vehicle control), and (iii) sterile saline (negative control). Experimental treatments were administered locally on days 0, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11 after ligature removal. Animals were euthanized at 7 and 14 days. Bone repair was assessed by microcomputer tomography (µCT). Histological sections were stained with hematoxylin/eosin (H/E), Picrosirius Red, and Masson's trichrome. Expression of Runx-2 was studied by immunohistochemistry. Gene expression of Itgam, Arg1, and Inos was assessed by RT-qPCR. At 7 days, there was increased gene expression of Itgam and Arg1 and of the relative expression of Arg1/Inos in curcumin-treated animals, but no difference in any other outcomes. At 14 days, curcumin-loaded nanoparticles significantly increased bone repair and collagen content, as well as the number of osteocytes, percentage of extracellular matrix, and expression of Runx2. The results demonstrate that local administration of curcumin-loaded nanoparticles enhanced tissue repair in an experimental model of periodontal repair. Nanoparticle-encapsulated curcumin enhances early post-treatment repair of periodontal tissues.

Chalcone T4, a novel chalconic compound, inhibits inflammatory bone resorption in vivo and suppresses osteoclastogenesis in vitro.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the effect of a novel synthetic chalcone, Chalcone T4, on a murine model of periodontitis and on RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis in vitro. BACKGROUND: Chalcones are natural compounds with anti-inflammatory properties, and its synthetic analogs with enhanced biological effects have potential as therapeutic agents. Periodontitis is characterized by chronic inflammation of the periodontium and alveolar bone resorption. Safe and effective anti-inflammatory agents can have an important additive effect in the treatment in this disease. METHODS: Periodontitis was induced via the installation of a ligature around the first molar. Rats (n = 32) received Chalcone T4 (5 and 50 mg/kg) or distilled water by gavage daily for 15 days. Outcomes assessed were bone resorption (µCT), TNF-α production (ELISA), cellular infiltrate, and collagen content (stereometric analysis, CD45+ cells by immunohistochemistry), and activation of NFATc1 and NF-kB (immunohistochemistry). In vitro, RAW 264.7 were treated with Chalcone T4 and stimulated with RANKL for assessment of osteoclast differentiation (actin ring staining) and activity (pit assay). RESULTS: Chalcone T4 significantly reduced periodontitis-associated bone resorption, as well as the cellular infiltrate, while increasing the collagen content. Production of TNF-α, infiltration of CD45-positive cells, and NF-kB activation were markedly reduced. In vitro, chalcone T4 inhibited both osteoclast differentiation and activity. CONCLUSION: Chalcone T4 significantly inhibited alveolar bone resorption and inflammation in vivo and RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis in vitro, suggesting a therapeutic role for this compound in the treatment of periodontitis.

Oral Findings in Brazilian Infants Born at Full Term

Objective: To evaluate the oral findings of Brazilian infants born at full term as well as to identify the presence of abnormalities at birth. Material and Methods: Cross-sectional study comprising 190 infants aged up to 2 days old. Data were obtained by applying a structured questionnaire to the mothers as well as by collecting information from the infants' medical records. Clinical examination was conducted to evaluate the infants' oral features and it included the relationship of alveolar ridges and shape of the gum pads and the insertion of the lingual and labial frenula. The presence of oral developmental abnormalities was also evaluated. Chi-square and Mann-Whitney U tests were used to analyze the infants' abnormalities and gender (α = 0.05). Results: Most infants presented round upper gum pads (71.6%) and U-shaped lower one (52.6%). The mean discrepancy between the alveolar ridges was 3.33mm. Interference with tongue movement was found in 12.6% of the newborns. There was 50.0% prevalence of oral cysts. Among them, Epstein pearl was found in 27.4% of the cases, Bohn nodules in 26.3%, and dental lamina cysts in 11.1%. There was no significant difference between the occurrence of abnormalities and the infants' gender. The normal features of the oral cavity meet the literature data. The herein found congenital developmental abnormalities were oral cysts and ankyloglossia. Conclusion: Different classification forms made it difficult to compare the current study data with those from other studies. Therefore, it suggests the need for standardization in order to evaluate these abnormalities.