Investigating the efficacy of a varnish containing gallic acid on remineralization of enamel lesions: an in vitro study.

This study evaluated the efficacy of a formulated remineralizing gallic acid (GA) varnish in treating artificial enamel caries lesions. Fifty-five intact bovine incisors were collected. Enamel blocks (5 × 9 mm) were prepared. A third of each block's surface remained intact. Primary carious lesions were induced on the middle and bottom thirds of the blocks by immersing the samples in a demineralization solution for 6 h. The bottom third of the blocks were further remineralized by randomly applying 0.5%, 2%, or 8% GA varnishes and 2.26% fluoride varnish (V varnish, Vericom, Seoul, Korea), or the varnish base without active ingredients (n = 11 each). The specimens were immersed in a remineralizing solution for 4 h and then subjected to a 2-hour immersion in the demineralizing solution. After six days of pH cycling, the surface microhardness was measured at depths of 30, 75, and 120 µm. The percentage of surface microhardness recovery (SMHR%) was compared among the groups using the Shapiro-Wilk, ANOVA, and Tukey HSD post-hoc tests (α = 0.05). The SMHR% of all experimental groups was higher than the control group at 30 µm (p < 0.05). The 0.5% GA varnish showed the highest SMHR% at all depths; however, the difference with the other experimental groups was significant at a depth of 30 µm (p < 0.05). The SMHR% of the fluoride and the 2% and 8% GA varnishes was comparable at all depths. All treatments potentially remineralize enamel lesions, with 0.5% GA varnish having the greatest effect, particularly on the top surface layer. As such, this newly developed varnish may emerge as a promising alternative to fluoride varnish.

Effect of Allium cepa extract on total and differential WBC, TP level, oxidant and antioxidant biomarkers, and lung pathology in ovalbumin-sensitized rats.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown that Allium cepa (A. cepa) has relaxant and anti-inflammatory effects. In this research, A. cepa extract was examined for its prophylactic effect on lung inflammation and oxidative stress in sensitized rats. METHODS: Total and differential white blood cell (WBC) count in the blood, serum levels of oxidant and antioxidant biomarkers, total protein (TP) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and lung pathology were investigated in control group (C), sensitized group (S), and sensitized groups treated with A. cepa and dexamethasone. RESULTS: Total and most differential WBC count, TP, NO2, NO3, MDA (malondialdehyde), and lung pathological scores were increased while lymphocytes, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and thiol were decreased in sensitized animals compared to controls (p < 0.01 to p < 0.001). Treatment with all concentrations of extract significantly improved total WBC, TP, NO2, NO3, interstitial fibrosis, and emphysema compared to the S group (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). Two higher concentrations of the extract significantly decreased neutrophil and monocyte count, malondialdehyde, bleeding and epithelial damage but increased lymphocyte, CAT, and thiol compared to the S group (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). Dexamethasone treatment also substantially improved most measured parameters (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001), but it did not change eosinophil percentage. It was proposed that A. cepa extract could affect lung inflammation and oxidative stress in sensitized rats.

Effect of Allium cepa extract on total and differential WBC, TP level, oxidant and antioxidant biomarkers, and lung pathology in ovalbumin-sensitized rats

Background: Previous studies have shown that Allium cepa (A. cepa) has relaxant and anti-inflammatory effects. In this research, A. cepa extract was examined for its prophylactic effect on lung inflammation and oxidative stress in sensitized rats. Methods: Total and differential white blood cell (WBC) count in the blood, serum levels of oxidant and antioxidant biomarkers, total protein (TP) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and lung pathology were investigated in control group (C), sensitized group (S), and sensitized groups treated with A. cepa and dexamethasone. Results: Total and most differential WBC count, TP, NO2, NO3, MDA (malondialdehyde), and lung pathological scores were increased while lymphocytes, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and thiol were decreased in sensitized animals compared to controls (p < 0.01 to p < 0.001). Treatment with all concentrations of extract significantly improved total WBC, TP, NO2, NO3, interstitial fibrosis, and emphysema compared to the S group (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). Two higher concentrations of the extract significantly decreased neutrophil and monocyte count, malondialdehyde, bleeding and epithelial damage but increased lymphocyte, CAT, and thiol compared to the S group (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). Dexamethasone treatment also substantially improved most measured parameters (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001), but it did not change eosinophil percentage. It was proposed that A. cepa extract could affect lung inflammation and oxidative stress in sensitized rats (AU)

The effects of vitamin C on respiratory, allergic and immunological diseases: an experimental and clinical-based review.

Vitamin C is used in modern medicine supplements for treatment of various disorders associated with oxidative stress, inflammation and immune dysregulation. In this review article, experimental and clinical results regarding the effects of vitamin C on respiratory immunologic, and allergic diseases are reviewed. Various databases and appropriate keywords are used to search the effect of vitamin C on respiratory diseases until the end of May 2022. Books, theses and articles were included. These studies assessed the effects of vitamin C on respiratory disorders including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung infection and lung cancer. Vitamin C showed relaxant effect on tracheal smooth muscle via various mechanisms. The preventive effects of vitamin C were mediated by antioxidant, immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory mechanisms in the experimental animal models of different respiratory diseases. Some clinical studies also indicated the effect of vitamin C on lung cancer and lung infections. Therefore, vitamin C could be used a preventive and/or relieving therapy in respiratory diseases.

Pharmacological Properties of Allium cepa, Preclinical and Clinical Evidences; A Review.

Onion or Allium cepa (A. cepa) is one of the most important condiment plants grown and consumed all over the world. This plant has various therapeutic effects attributed to its constituents, such as quercetin, thiosulphinates and phenolic acids. In the present article, various pharmacological and therapeutic effects of A. cepa were reviewed. Different online databases using keywords such as onion, A. cepa, therapeutic effects, and pharmacological effects until the end of December 2019 were searched for this purpose. Onion has been suggested to be effective in treating a broad range of disorders, including asthma, inflammatory disorders, dysentery, wounds, scars, keloids and pain. In addition, different studies have demonstrated that onion possesses numerous pharmacological properties, including anti-cancer, anti-diabetic and anti-platelet properties as well as the effect on bone, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, nervous, respiratory, and urogenital systems effects such as anti-osteoporosis, anti-hypertensive, antispasmodic, anti-diarrheal, neuro-protective, anti-asthmatic and diuretic effects. The present review provides detailed the various pharmacological properties of onion and its constituents and possible underlying mechanisms. The results of multiple studies suggested the therapeutic effect of onion on a wide range of disorders.

Effects of Allium cepa and Its Constituents on Respiratory and Allergic Disorders: A Comprehensive Review of Experimental and Clinical Evidence.

The health benefits of Allium cepa (A. cepa) have been proclaimed for centuries. Various pharmacological and therapeutic effects on respiratory, allergic, and immunologic disorders are shown by A. cepa and its constituents. Flavonoids such as quercetin and kaempferol, alk(en)yl cysteine sulfoxides including S-methyl cysteine sulfoxide and S-propyl cysteine sulfoxide, cycloalliin, thiosulfinates, and sulfides are the main compounds of the plant. A. cepa displays broad-spectrum pharmacological activities including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive, and antidiabetic effects. Our objective in this review is to present the effects of A. cepa and its constituents on respiratory, allergic, and immunologic disorders. Different online databases were searched to find articles related to the effect of A. cepa extracts and its constituents on respiratory, allergic, and immunologic disorders until the end of December 2020 using keywords such as onion, A. cepa, constituents of A. cepa, therapeutic effects and pharmacological effects, and respiratory, allergic, and immunologic disorders. Extracts and constituents of A. cepa showed tracheal smooth muscle relaxant effects, indicating possible bronchodilator activities or relieving effects on obstructive respiratory diseases. In experimental animal models of different respiratory diseases, the preventive effect of various extracts and constituents of A. cepa was induced by their antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory effects. The preventive effects of the plant and its components on lung disorders induced by exposure to noxious agents as well as lung cancer, lung infection, and allergic and immunologic disorders were also indicated in the experimental and clinical studies. Therefore, this review may be considered a scientific basis for development of therapies using this plant, to improve respiratory, allergic, and immunologic disorders.

A review of anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects of Allium cepa and its main constituents.

CONTEXT: Allium cepa L. (Liliaceae), known as onion, is consumed throughout the world. Onion and its derivatives including saponins, aglycones, quercetin, cepaenes, flavonoids, organosulfurs, and phenolic compounds, showed various pharmacological properties and therapeutic effects. OBJECTIVE: Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects of A. cepa and its main constituents, along with the underlying molecular mechanisms are presented. METHODS: Databases including, Web of Knowledge, Medline/PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar were checked for articles published between 1996 and the end of July 2020, using the key-words Allium cepa, quercetin, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and immunomodulatory. RESULTS: A. cepa and its constituents mainly quercetin showed anti-inflammatory effects mediated via reduction of total and differential WBC counts, inhibition of chemotaxis of polymorphonuclear leukocytes, COX, and LOX pathways and prevented formation of leukotrienes and thromboxanes, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) as onVCAM-1, NF-κB, MARK,d STAT-1, JNK, p38 and osteoclastogenesis. A. cepa and its derivatives showed antioxidant effect by decreasing lipid peroxidation, NAD(P)H, MDA, NO, LPO and eNOS but enhancing antioxidants such as SOD, CAT, GSH, GPx, GSPO, TrxR, SDH, GST and GR activities and thiol level. Immunomodulatory effects of the plant and quercetin was also shown by reduction of Th2 cytokines, IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 as well as IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-1ß and TNF-α and IgE levels, but increased CD4 cells, IFN-γ level and IFN-γ/IL4 ratio (Th1/Th2 balance). CONCLUSIONS: The effect of onion and its constituents on oxidative stress, inflammatory and immune system were shown indicating their therapeutic value in treatment of various diseases associated with oxidative stress, inflammation, and immune-dysregulation.

Calcium and potassium channels are involved in curcumin relaxant effect on tracheal smooth muscles.

Context: Curcumin, the active component of Curcuma longa L. (Zingiberaceae), exhibits a wide variety of biological activities including vasodilation and anti-inflammation.Objective: The relaxant effect of curcumin in tracheal smooth muscle (TSM) was not examined so far, thus, this study was designed to assess the relaxant effect of curcumin on rat TSM and examine the underlying mechanism(s) responsible for this effect.Materials and methods: TSM was contracted by KCl (60 mM) or methacholine (10 µM), and cumulative concentrations of curcumin (12.5, 25, 50, and 100 mg/mL) or theophylline (0.2, 0.4, 0.6, and 0.8 mM, as positive control) were added to organ bath. The relaxant effect of curcumin was examined in non-incubated or incubated tissues with atropine (1 µM), chlorpheniramine (1 µM), indomethacin (1 µM), and papaverine (100 µM).Results: In non-incubated TSM, curcumin showed significant relaxant effects on KCl-induced contraction in a concentration-dependent manner (p < 0.001 for all concentrations). The relaxant effects of curcumin 12.5, 25, and 50 mg/mL were significantly lower in atropine-incubated tissue compared to non-incubated TSM (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). A significant difference was observed in EC50 between atropine-incubated (48.10 ± 2.55) and non-incubated (41.65 ± 1.81) tissues (p < 0.05). Theophylline showed a significant relaxant effect on both KCl and methacholine-induced contraction in a concentration-dependent manner (p < 0.001 for all cases).Conclusions: The results indicated a relatively potent relaxant effect of curcumin on TSM, which was less marked than the effect of theophylline. Calcium channel blocking and/or potassium channel opening properties of curcumin may be responsible for TSM relaxation.

Effect of carvacrol on pulmonary function tests, and total and differential white blood cell counts in healthy volunteers: A randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: This is the first study to evaluate the effect of carvacrol on pulmonary function tests (PFT), and total and differential white blood cell (WBC) counts in healthy volunteers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty healthy volunteers were recruited based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The subjects were treated with two doses of carvacrol (1 and 2 mg/kg/day) for 1 month. Total and differential WBC counts and PFT were examined before and after the treatment period. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences in terms of total and differential WBC counts between pre and post-treatment with the two doses of carvacrol. Also, results of PFT tests indicated that administration of 1 mg/kg/day carvacrol had no effect on PFT parameters when comparing post-treatment values with pre-treatment values. Treatment with 2 mg/kg/day carvacrol for 1 month increased forced expiratory volume in first second (FEV1) (p<0.05). However, the changes in total and differential WBC counts as well as PFT values after 1-month treatment were not significantly different between two groups. CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicated that treatment of healthy individuals with 1 and 2 mg/kg carvacrol for 1 month has no negative effects on total and differential WBC counts nor PFT values.

The effect of environmental lead exposure on human health and the contribution of inflammatory mechanisms, a review.

Lead (Pb) pollution has been considered as a major threat for human health due to induction of inflammatory cascades in various tissues. The aim of present review is to summarize the literature on the effects of lead exposure on respiratory, neurologic, digestive, cardiovascular and urinary disorders and the role of inflammation as an underlying mechanism for these effects. Various databases such as ISI Web of Knowledge, Medline, PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar and Iran Medex, were searched from 1970 to November 2017 to gather the required articles using appropriate keywords such as lead, respiratory disorders, neurologic disorders, digestive disorders, cardiovascular disorders, urinary disorders and inflammation. Disorders of various body systems and the role of inflammation due to lead exposure has been proven by various studies. These studies indicate that lead exposure may cause respiratory, neurologic, digestive, cardiovascular and urinary diseases. The results were also indicated the increased inflammatory cells and mediators due to lead exposure including cytokines and chemokines due to lead exposure which suggested to be the cause various organ disorders.

The Effects of Allium Cepa Extract on Tracheal Responsiveness, Lung Inflammatory Cells and Phospholipase A2 Level in Asthmatic Rats.

Antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-hyperglycaemic, anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory effects of Allium cepa (A. cepa) have been previously shown. In this study, the effects of A. cepa aqueous-alcoholic extract on tracheal responsiveness, lung inflammatory cells and phospholipase A2 (PLA2) level in bronchoalveolar fluid (BALF) of asthmatic rats were examined. Wistar rats were randomly divided into control group (C), asthmatic group (A), asthmatic group (A) treated with A. cepa extract (AC, 0.175, 0.35, and 0.7 mg/mL) and dexamethasone (D, 1.25 µg/mL). The extract of A. cepa and dexamethasone were added to animal's drinking water during sensitization period. Tracheal responsiveness to methacholine and ovalbumin, lung inflammatory cells and PLA2 level in BALF were assessed. Tracheal responsiveness to methacholine and ovalbumin, PLA2 level, total and most differential WBC count were increased but lymphocytes was decreased in asthmatic animals compared to group C (p<0.05 to p<0.001). Treatment of sensitized rats with dexamethasone and all concentrations of A. cepa lead to a significant decrease in total WBC and PLA2 level compared to asthmatic group (p<0.001). The two higher concentrations of A. cepa also significantly decreased tracheal responsiveness, neutrophil and eosinophil counts but led to a significant increase in lymphocytes count compared to asthmatic group (p<0.05 to p<0.001). Treatment of sensitized group with the highest concentration of A. cepa also significantly reduced monocyte count compared to asthmatic group (p<0.001). Anti-inflammatory and preventive effects of A. cepa on tracheal responsiveness and lung inflammation in asthmatic animals may suggest its potential therapeutic effect on airway diseases such as asthma.

The effect of toothbrushing and flossing sequence on interdental plaque reduction and fluoride retention: A randomized controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Mechanical plaque control methods such as brushing and flossing are highly recommended to remove dental plaque. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of the sequence of brushing and flossing on reducing interdental plaque and increasing fluoride retention in that area. METHODS: This randomized controlled crossover trial was conducted on 25 dental students. After prophylaxis, they were asked to discontinue all forms of oral hygiene for 48 hours. The study was performed in two phases with two-week washout intervals. In one phase, they first brushed, then flossed (sequence 1: brush-floss group). In the other phase they initially used dental floss then brushed (sequence 2: floss-brush group). At each phase, dental plaque (using the Rustogi Modified Navy Plaque Index) and fluoride concentrations (using a fluoride ion specific electrode) were measured before and after flossing and brushing, and the dental plaque reduction and fluoride increase were compared between the two groups using the mixed model test. A significance level of 5% was selected. RESULTS: In the floss-brush group interdental and whole plaque was reduced significantly more than the brush-floss group (p = 0.001, p = 0.009 respectively). However, marginal plaque did not show any statistically significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.2). Fluoride concentrations in interdental plaque were significantly higher in the floss-brush group than the other group (p = 0.027). CONCLUSION: The results showed that flossing followed by brushing is preferred to brushing then flossing in order to reduce interdental plaque and increase fluoride concentration in interdental plaque.

The effect of chemical warfare on respiratory symptoms, pulmonary function tests and their reversibility 23-25 years after exposure.

Pulmonary complications due to mustard gas exposure range from no effect to severe bronchial stenosis. Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) and respiratory symptoms in chemical war victims were studied 23-25 years after exposure to sulfur mustard (SM). Respiratory symptoms were evaluated in a sample of 142 chemical war victims and 120 control subjects with similar age from the general population using a questionnaire including questions on respiratory symptoms in the past year. PFT values were also measured in chemical war victims before and 15 min after the inhalation of 200 µg salbutamol and baseline PFT in controls. All chemical war victims (100%) reported respiratory symptoms. Wheezing (66.19%), cough (64.78%), and chest tightness (54.4%) were the most common symptoms and only 15.5% of chemical war victims reported sputum (p < 0.01 for sputum and p < 0.001 for other symptoms compared with control group). In addition, 49.3% of chemical war victims had wheeze in chest examination, which were significantly higher than control group (p < 0.001). The severity of respiratory symptoms was also significantly higher than control subjects (p < 0.05 for sputum and p < 0.001 for other symptoms). All the PFT values were also significantly lower in chemical war victims than that in control subjects (p < 0.001 for all cases). In addition, all the PFT values improved significantly after the inhalation of 200 µg salbutamol (p < 0.05-p < 0.001). These results showed that chemical war victims, 23-25 years after exposure to chemical warfare have higher frequencies and severity of respiratory symptoms. PFT values were also significantly reduced among chemical war victims, which showed reversibility due to the inhalation of 200 µg salbutamol.

Treatment of severe rotations of maxillary central incisors with whip appliance: Report of three cases.

The routine treatment for rotated maxillary incisor is a fixed appliance, but in some instance the use of this method is impossible. In addition, in only limited cases of rotation, removable appliance is applicable. In this study, the use of a semi-removable appliance is presented, which has some benefits over the other methods. In this study, the corrections of about 70-90° rotation of the maxillary central incisors in different phases of mixed dentition were performed in three patients using whip appliance. This method was performed using a simple removable appliance such as Hawley appliance and whip spring that forced the couple to derotate the tooth. In all cases, treatment was successfully completed in relative short duration. Whip appliance can be recommended as an effective method to correct rotation of maxillary incisor in mixed dentition with several advantages like rapid correction.

Effect of inhaled medication and inhalation technique on dental caries in asthmatic patients.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between the type of inhaled medication, length of use, dosing, the inhaler use technique and the severity and duration of disease on the dental caries of asthmatic patients. OBJECTIVES: In the present study, the frequency of dental caries in the asthmatic patients and control group was examined. In addition the possible association of dental caries with disease duration, disease severity, asthma symptoms, chest wheeze, PFT values, and dose of medication and inhalation use technique was evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 40 asthmatic patients of both sex (20-30 years old) and 40 age and sex matched controls were studied. In asthmatic patients, the type, dose, duration of medications, the technique of inhaler use and severity and duration of the disease were recorded. The dental health status including DT, MT, FT and DMFT (decay, missing, filling teeth) were examined. In addition, pulmonary function tests (PFTs) were performed for both groups. RESULTS: All PFT variables in asthmatic patients were significantly lower than those of control group except for FVC (P < 0.001 for all cases). All indices of dental caries in asthmatic group were higher than those of controls which was statistically significant for MT and DMFT (P < 0.005 for both cases). Only FT and DMFT in patients with 11-15 years asthma duration were significantly more than those of 6-10 years (P < 0.05 for both cases). There was no significant correlation between indices of dental caries and disease duration, PFT values; doses of medication or the technique of inhaler use; although the technique of inhaler use was relatively acceptable in all asthmatic patients. CONCLUSIONS: These results showed that dental caries among asthmatic patients was more common than control group which can be due to using inhaler drugs or the technique of inhaler use.