Occurrence rate of oral Candida albicans in denture wearer patients.

PURPOSE: The aim was to determine the fungi occurrence rate in the oral cavity of denture wearer patients in comparison to those without dentures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The examinations were conducted in patients treated in two clinical departments of the University Hospital. Demographic data and those connected with basic diseases were collected and the evaluation concerning dentition and oral hygiene was performed. Samples for mycological examinations from the tongue dorsa, palatal mucosa, and mucosal surfaces of dentures were collected from patients with dentures while tongue and palate swabs were taken from those without dentures. For culture and identify of fungi standard methods were used. RESULTS: Dental and mycological examinations were performed in 95 patients, out of which 57 (60.0%) used complete or partial dentures and 38 (40.0%) had their own dentition (without dentures). Oral cavity revealed only growth of Candida albicans species, more frequently in patients with dentures (38/57; 66.7%) than in those without dentures (11/ 38; 28.9%) (p = 0.0003). C. albicans statistically significantly more frequently was isolated in denture wearer patients with diabetes mellitus (p = 0.0207) and without diabetes (p = 0.0376) comparing to such groups of patients but without dentures. Among 32 patients with diabetes mellitus, 14 (43.8%) revealed C. albicans; this rate was comparable with 9/23 (39.1%) patients without diabetes (p > 0.05). A similar analysis, conducted in 25 surgical patients with abdominal cancer and 15--without--cancers, did not show statistically significant differences in the incidence rate of C. albicans; it also concerned denture wearers (14/16; 87.5%) and non-wearing dentures (5/9; 55.6%) (p > 0.05) with cancer. In 37 (64.9%) wearer patients denture stomatitis was observed, associated mainly with C. albicans infections (29/37; 78.4%). CONCLUSIONS: 1) Mycological findings from the present study do not indicate that diabetes mellitus or advanced cancer has a significant effect on oral colonisation by Candida albicans or other species of Candida genus. 2) The occurrence rate of oral Candida albicans in patients with dentures (diabetic and non-diabetic, cancer and non-cancer patients) was higher than in patients without dentures (p < 0.05).

Aerobic and anaerobic bacteria in subgingival and supragingival plaques of adult patients with periodontal disease.

PURPOSE: Clinical, epidemiological and microbiological examinations of adult patients with periodontal disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study of population consisted of 21 subjects (13 female and 8 male) aged 38-58 years, treated in the Outpatient Department of Periodontology. Dental examinations were performed at an artificial light and using a WHO periodontometer, a mirror and a probe. Periodontal status was assessed by determination of the probing pocket depth (CPI), gingival state (GSBI according to Mühlemann and Son), and oral hygiene index (according to Silness and Löe). Material for microbiological examination was collected from subgingival and supragingival plaques of each patient. Additionally, pus was obtained from 8 patients and periodontal pocket fluid from 2 patients. The samples were examined for the presence of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria and Candida yeasts. Standard procedures were used for culture and identification of bacteria and fungi. RESULTS: Candida yeasts were not isolated from adults with periodontal disease. In 19/21 patients, cultures of both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria from subgingival and supragingival plaque samples were positive. A total of 42 bacterial strains were isolated from subgingival plaques, of which 24 (57.1%) belonged to 7 anaerobic species and 18 (42.9%) to 12 aerobic species (p > 0.05). There were more aerobic (33/53; 62.3%) than anaerobic bacteria (20/53; 37.7%) (p < 0.05) in supragingival plaques. Anaerobes were isolated more frequently than aerobes from the abscess (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: 1) In adult patients with periodontal disease, Gram-positive anaerobes, including Peptostreptococcus, were the predominant bacteria in the subgingival plaque. 2) While in the supragingival plaque, Gram-positive aerobic cocci (Streptococcus and Staphylococcus) were predominant.

Aerobic bacteria in the oral cavity of patients with removable dentures.

PURPOSE: Determination of bacterial composition in the oral cavity of patients with removable dentures and with own dentition (without dentures). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Bacteriological investigations were performed in 55 patients from the department of internal medicine (32 diabetic patients) and 40 patients treated in surgical department (25 patients with malignancy). Palate mucosa and tongue dorsa swabs were collected from two groups of patients, and additionally swabs from mucosal part of denture surfaces in prosthetic patients. Cultures in oxygenic and microaerophilic (5% CO2) conditions were conducted on solid non-selective and selective media as well as media enriched with 5% sheep blood. Standard procedures of bacterial culture and identification were applied. RESULTS: Among 95 of examined patients, 57 (60.0%) with removable dentures and 38 (40.0%) had their own dentition. As far as prosthetic patients were concerned, the rate of bacterial isolations from palate, tongue dorsa and denture plaque swabs were generally comparable (p > 0.05); in number and species compositions. Statistically significant differences were observed in the bacterial composition of denture plaques, palate and tongue dorsa in patients with and without abdominal cancers. Patients without cancer did not reveal staphylococci and enteric bacteria in the samples from a various sites of their oral cavities. These bacteria were most common in cancer patients. Similar (in number and species) composition of bacteria occurred in palate and tongue swabs in patients without dentures (p > 0.05). The incidence rate of aerobic bacteria in denture plaques and palatal mucosa of patients with (37/57; 64.9%) and without (20/57; 35.1%) denture associated stomatitis were comparable (except for Neisseria spp.). CONCLUSIONS: 1) Generally, there were no statistically significant differences in species composition of bacteria isolated from the hard palate and tongue dorsa in patients with and without removable dentures. 2) Staphylococcus spp. and Gram-negative enteric bacilli were isolated more often from denture plaque, palate and tongue dorsa of cancer patients than from patients without cancer (p < 0.05). 3) Staphylococcus spp. was isolated more frequently from denture plaques of diabetic patients compared with non-diabetic patients (p < 0.05). 4) No significant differences observed in isolation frequencies (%) of aerobic bacteria in denture plaques and palatal mucosa of patients with and without denture associated stomatitis.

Assessment of dental status and oral hygiene in the study population of cystic fibrosis patients in the Podlasie province.

PURPOSE: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is one of the most common genetic diseases worldwide. It is caused by mutations of the gene situated on the long-arm of the 7th chromosome coding Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTCR) which is responsible for the synthesis of cAMP-dependent membrane chloride channel located on the top surface of epithelial cells of exocrine glands. Accumulation of the secretion in the outlet ducts caused by a dysfunction or lack of CFTR proteins leads to abnormal activity of exocrine glands, especially in the respiratory and alimentary tracts. Carbohydrates, the main dietary component, supply energy to the body, but at the same time are the major cariogenic agent. The aim of the current study was to assess dental caries disease and oral hygiene in CF patients in the region of Podlasie. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study involved 23 patients with cystic fibrosis, aged 2.5-24 years, from the Podlasie Province treated in the Outpatient Cystic Fibrosis Department of the Children's University Hospital in Bialystok. Three age groups were distinguished: 1-5, 6-12, 13-24 years. The following were evaluated: caries incidence (percentage of patients with caries CI), caries intensity--based on the mean dmf/DMF score, oral hygiene--based on the dental plaque index (OHI-pl). RESULTS: The incidence rate of caries was found to be very high both in the CF population and in the control group. In children with mixed dentition it was 100%. For permanent teeth, mean DMF score was 3.55 in group II and 10.9 in group III. In CF patients, dental plaque index was the highest in group III. CONCLUSIONS: In CF patients, there is a serious risk of caries due to severe course of the disease, long-term administration of medications and high carbohydrate diet. CF patients should remain under constant dental care according to the individually designed programmes of oral health promotion and caries prophylaxis.

Bacterial composition in the supragingival plaques of children with and without dental caries.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the present investigation was to determine if the supragingival bacterial composition plaques in children with caries would differ from those found in caries-free controls. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Pooled supragingival plaque samples from the smooth surfaces of teeth were collected from 75 children with caries and 131 children without caries. The plaque samples were analysed for bacterial content by cultures on a series of non-selective and selective media for aerobic, microaerophilic and anaerobic bacteria. Additionally, the specimens of dentine carious lesions were examined. The standard culture procedures and identifications of bacteria were used. RESULTS: Among 131 children without dental caries, 41 (31.3%) were at preschool age with deciduous teeth and 90 (68.7%) at school age with permanent teeth. Dental plaques of caries-free children revealed 452 strains, out of which 326 (72.1%) were from permanent teeth, 126 (27.9%)--from deciduous teeth (p = 0.0001). Among 75 children with dental caries, 61 (81.3%) were at preschool age and 14 (18.7%)--at school age. There were 239 strains isolated from supragingival plaques in children with dental caries, 187 (78.2%) --in preschool children, and 52 (21.8%)--in school children (p < 0.05). From dentine carious lesions in these children, 209 strains were isolated; 164 from preschool children and 45--from school children (p < 0.05). Gram-positive bacteria were isolated more frequently than Gram-negative ones (p = 0.0001) from supragingival plaques both in children with and without dental caries. Streptococcus genus bacteria were isolated more often (p = 0.0002) from the plaques in school children without dental caries. The proportion (%) of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria was comparable (p > 0.05) in dental plaques in children with and without dental caries, except for Veillonella spp., which were isolated more frequently from dental plaques in school children with dental caries (p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: 1) Generally, there was no statistically significant difference of bacterial species composition isolated from supragingival plaques in children with deciduous and permanent dental caries and caries-free children. 2) There was no difference between bacterial composition in dentine carious lesions of deciduous teeth and permanent teeth as compared to supragingival plaques in these children (except for Neisseria spp., Peptostreptococcus spp.).

Oral Candida albicans carriage in healthy preschool and school children.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the present study was to detect Candida albicans carriage in the oral cavity of healthy preschool and school children. The second aim was the determination of correlation between C. albicans occurrence and dental caries in children population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The samples for mycological examinations were collected from the pharynx and supragingival plaque, and carious lesions in 102 children, aged 4-7 years (preschool children) and 104 children and adolescents, aged 12 and 18 (school children). All samples were cultured directly on Sabouraud agar medium. Isolated yeasts were identified based on API 20C AUX (bioMérieux). RESULTS: A total of 123 C. albicans strains were isolated, in which 61 (49.6%) derived from supragingival plaque, 48 (39%)--from carious lesions, and 14 (11.4%)--from pharyngeal swabs. C. albicans was isolated from the samples of single material in 61 children (35--school children, 26 --preschool children) while from the rest of 29 children, C. albicans was isolated from two (25x) or three materials (4x). C. albicans was detected in 48/75 (64%) children with dental caries; the rate was statistically significantly higher as compared to the overall number of children with C. albicans carriage (90/206; 43.7%) (p = 0.0026). Similar results was obtained in preschool children (38/61; 62.3% and 47/102; 46.1%, respectively) (p = 0.0449), as in school children (10/14; 71.4% and 43/104; 41.3%, respectively) (p = 0.0336). CONCLUSIONS: 1) Candida albicans was observed in the oral cavity of healthy children with high (approximately 40%)--comparable rate in school and preschool children (p > 0.05). 2) C. albicans was isolated with high comparable rate from carious lesions in preschool and school children. The statistically significant differences between the rate of C. albicans in carious lesions in preschool children (62.3%) and school children (71.4%) and the overall number of children with C. albicans carriage in the oral cavity of children in both age groups (p < 0.05) were showed.

Recession occurrence in patients treated with fixed appliances--preliminary report.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the dependence of gingival recession, malocclusion and factors that may lead to recessions of the gingiva in patients applying for orthodontical treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study involved 52 randomly selected patients treated with fixed appliances due to occlusal irregularities and dental abnormalities. Data obtained from the examination and selected parameters from cephalometric analysis were placed in a chart including ANB skeletal class and Wits parameter, lower incisor position IMPA, dental abnormalities, extractions due to orthodontical indications and recession etiopathic factors. Statistical analysis of obtained data was conducted using variance analysis. Statistically significant were assumed those calculations for which value of significance level p < or = 0.05. RESULTS: Recession was observed in 18 patients of the 52 examined. Skeletal I class was found in 11 patients (61.12%) and in 8 cases Wits parameter corresponded with skeletal class III (44.4%). Among the patients examined normal incisor inclination was observed in 6 patients (33.33%), whereas 12 cases revealed inclination irregularities (66.66%). Clinical examination disclosed dental defects in 13 patients (72.22%) and in 12 cases recession etiopathic factors were recognized (66.66%). Statistically significant differences between periodontal biotype and gingival recession of 43, 31, 33 teeth were estimated. CONCLUSIONS: Anatomical factors, malocclusion and dental irregularities were fund to be the main cause of the single and/or multiple recessions. Patients applying for orthodontic treatment due to occlusal abnormalities should remain under particular control in case of symptoms suggesting the incidence of recession, particularly when recessions are already present.

The clinical assessment of mobile teeth stabilization with Fibre-Kor.

PURPOSE: A glass fiber tapes are used in periodontal diseases to stabilize mobile teeth. The purpose of this project was to make a clinical appraisal of teeth stabilization which were using Fibre-Kor splinting. MATERIAL AND METHOD: 56 patients 35-67 year old were examined. There were made 162 teeth blocks using Fibre-Kor as reinforcement and Flow-It material as matrix. After 10 months clinical parameters such as: PI, SBI, GI and periodontal pocket were checked. RESULTS: Periodontal pockets depth decreased average by 0.58 mm after teeth stabilization. Bleeding index and inflammation of gums fall average by 2.55 and 1.95. The average oral cavity hygiene improved and achieved 1.46. CONCLUSION: The Fibre-Kor splint is an esthetic and functional solution of mobile teeth stabilization, and is a part of the specialist periodontal treatment.

Incidence rate of Candida species in the oral cavity of middle-aged and elderly subjects.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine the incidence rate of oral Candida species in middle-aged and elderly subjects. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study carried out in 103 adults aged 35-92 years, in which 32 (31.1%) used complet or partial acrylic dentures. Mycological tests were performed by using culture (Sabouraud agar) and API 20C AUX (bioMérieux) for identification of the species level. Material for analysis included swabs taken from the palate mucosa and mucosal part of denture surfaces in denture wearers, as well as, from tooth surface and/or dentine carious lesions. The dental caries status of each patients was evaluated using DMF index (WHO 1986 criteria). RESULTS: Yeasts of Candida genus were isolated in 65/103 (63.1%) adults. The incidence rate of Candida spp. was higher in adults without dentures (46/71; 64.8%) compared to denture wearers (19/32; 59.4%); however, the differences were not statistically significant (p = 0.59 > p = 0.05). Candida albicans were the most frequently isolated species, and with a comparable rate (p = 0.06), both in adults with and without dentures (17/32; 53.1% and 38/71; 53.5%, respectively). In 3 individuals without dentures, two other species were found apart from C. albicans, namely C. glabrata (2x) and C. krusei (1x). In a total of 11/49 (22.5%) strains belonging to 5 non-C. albicans species were detected in adults without dentures, while in denture wearers only 2/19 (10.5%) other species were found (C. krusei and C. oralis) (p = 0.26 > p = 0.05). Strains of C. glabrata species were isolated only from the elderly. No significant differences were noted in the incidence of Candida spp. between middle-aged subjects (35-44 years) (35/52; 67.3%) and the elderly (> 55 years) (30/51; 58.8%) (p > 0.05), both in denture wearers and non-denture wearing subjects. However, the frequency of oral Candida spp. strains was increased in advanced age subgroup 71-92 years (74.2%) compared with 56-70 years (35.0%) of elderly subjects (p < 0.05), only in denture wearers (30.0% vs 5.0%) (p < 0.05). The sex and DMF index distribution of both subject groups had no significant influence on the numbers of Candida spp. detected. CONCLUSIONS: Yeasts of the genus Candida were isolated at a comparable rate (p > 0.05) from the oral cavity of adults with and without dentures, as well as in middle-aged (35-44 years) and elderly subjects (56-92 years). However, a significant difference was observed only between elderly subgroups aged 56-70 (35%) and advanced age subgroup 71-92 years (74%).

Short time effect of elmex and Listerine mouthrinses on plaque in 12-year-old children.

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to determine the effect of two mouthrinses elmex and Listerine on plaque accumulation in 12-year-olds. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 30 12-year-old children took part in the clinical study. They were divided into three groups. Group I (10 people) was given Listerine to home use. Group II (10 people) was given elmex to home use. Group III (10 people) did not receive any mouthrinses. Following indices were used in first and base study Plaque Index (PI), Approximal Plaque Index (API) and Sulcus Bleeding Index (SBI). The statistical analysis was performed using T test for related samples and Spearman rank order correlations. RESULTS: Mean PI lessened in group I (Listerine) from 0.996 to 0.804 and group II (elmex) from 0.807 to 0.698. In group III it stayed almost at the same level. In all children values of API and SBI decreased after two weeks. Reduce of API in participants using Listerine was important statistically and it lessened from 57.4% to 48.1% (reduction by 16.2%). The other results of API and SBI were not statistically important. API in children using elmex lowered by 15.5%. Bleeding (SBI) in Listerine group decreased by 21.5% and in elmex group decreased by 24.5%. In control group diminish of SBI was only by 14.4%. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, this study has demonstrated that additional rinsing helped in reducing plaque and gingivitis in 12-year-olds but it is not as essential as motivation to everyday oral hygiene.

The evaluation of CPITN index among adults living in Podlasie region.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the condition and treatment needs of the periodontium in adults living in Podlasie region. Checked population was divided into three groups: 18 year old, 35-44 and 65-74 year old. The assessment of the periodontium status was performed on the basis of CPITN index. The study showed that young people usually did not need any periodontal treatment. The predominating treatment need was removing of dental calculus, respectively 7.4% subjects aged 18, 62.5% of second group and 58.7% of the oldest one. 10% persons aged 35-44 and 6.9% persons aged 65-74 required complex periodontal treatment. The number of excluded sextants grown with aged.

Prevalence rate and antibiotic susceptibility of oral viridans group streptococci (VGS) in healthy children population.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluated the prevalence rate of oral viridans group streptococci (VGS) and their susceptibilities to some antibiotics in healthy children. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Samples of pharyngeal swabs and supragingival dental plaques for microbiological studies were collected from 206 healthy children, aged 4-18 years. Additionally, 75 samples of carious lesions from children with dental caries were included. The streptococci were isolated and identified using standard methods and commercial identification kits. For performance of antibacterial susceptibility testing of VGS strains disk diffusion and/or breakpoints procedures were used according to NCCLS standards and criteria. A total of 425 VGS strains were tested against penicillin, ampicillin, erythromycin, clindamycin, tetracycline, doxycycline, ciprofloxacin and vancomycin. RESULTS: A total of 239 VGS strains belonging to 8 species from pharyngeal swabs of 192 (93.2%) children were isolated. VGS strains from supragingival plaques were isolated in 149 (72.3%) healthy children (p < 0.05), and from carious lesions in 37 (49.3%) children with dental caries. VGS strains of S. mitis species were isolated most frequently from 4-5 year old as compared to 12 and 18 year old children (p < 0.05), while S. vestibularis strains isolated most often in 12 year old ones (p < 0.05). Among 425 VGS strains, high level of penicillin resistance (MIC > or = 2.0 mg/L) was shown in 71 (16.7%) strains, 33 (46.5%) of them belonged to S. mitis species. VGS strains were also resistant to erythromycin (23.5%), clindamycin (23.1%), tetracyclines (T-52%, DOX-16%), gentamycin (25.9%) and ciprofloxacin (55.2%). All VGS strains were vancomycin - susceptible. CONCLUSIONS: 1. In the oral cavities of healthy children, approximately 98% of streptococci belonged to two VGS groups, i.e. mitis and salivarius groups. Streptococci of mutans and anginosus groups were isolated sporadically (2%). 2. We observed difference in susceptibility to penicillin and other antibiotics between the various species of viridans groups streptococci. Mitis group strains (except S. pneumoniae) were more frequently penicillin-resistant (23%) in comparison to salivarius group of VGS strains (9%) (p = 0.0001).

Microorganisms in root carious lesions in adults.

PURPOSE: Root caries is emerging as a significant problem in the middle aged and elderly subjects because of the improving general health conditions, and medical and technological advances. The purpose of this investigation was to assess the prevalence of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria as well as yeasts of Candida genus in root carious lesions in middle-aged and older adults. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Specimens of root carious lesions were collected from 78 adults for bacteriological and mycological studies. Standard procedures of culture, isolation, and identification of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, and fungi were used in the study. RESULTS: The analysis of results was performed independently in two age groups of adults, i.e. 52 subjects aged 35-44 years (middle age) and 26-aged 55-72 years (older age). There were 120 bacterial strains isolated from root carious lesions in middle-aged subjects, 63 (52.5%) strains belonged to 5 genera of aerobic bacteria and 57 (47.5%)--to 7 genera of anaerobic bacteria (p > 0.05). While in the second group, 85 strains were isolated, 54 (63.5%)--6 genera of aerobic bacteria and 31 (36.5%)--4 genera of anaerobic bacteria (p = 0.0004). There were no differences between the isolation rate of a various species in both examined groups, except for Streptococcus spp., S. oralis, Micrococcus spp., Neisseria spp. and Veillonella spp., which statistically significantly most frequent occurred in elderly (p < 0.05). The yeasts of Candida genus of 4 species (C. albicans, C. lusitaniae, C. pelliculosa, and C. pulcherrima) were isolated from middle-aged subjects (32.7%) with the comparable rate to older adults (30.8%; only C. albicans) (p > 0.05). Among all isolated microorganisms, Candida spp., were comprised about 10% in both examined groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Aerobic Gram-positive cocci (Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp.) as well as anaerobic ones (Peptostreptococcus spp.), and Candida albicans were occurred most frequently in root carious lesions in middle-aged and older adults.

The evaluation of parodontium in medical students of the Medical University of Bialystok according to CPITN index.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was the evaluation of parodontium according to Community Peridental Index of Treatment Needs (CPITN) index in 455 students of The Medical and Dentistry Department of The Medical University of Bialystok. MATERIAL AND METHODS: After the examination, the students filled a survey according to their own project concerning hygienic habits as well as smoking, sweet intake. The results underwent statistical analysis. RESULTS: There were 1334 (48.86%) sextants observed with healthy parodontium in the studied population. Gingivorrhoea was stated in 440 sextants (16.12%), more often in men than in women. Calculus was reveled in 790 sextants (28.94%) of the population. The number of sextants with code 3 was 1.76%. Sextants with shallow pockets were more numerous in women (37 sextants) than in men (11 sextants). Advanced changes in parodontium (code 4) were observed in 9 sextants (0.33%). On the basis of the analysis of treatment needs in the group of 455 students, it can be stated that only 24.62% of the examined subjects did not need parodontium treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The diagnosis of parodontopathy and the factor that can have harmful influence on the parodontium tissues in young people is a superior criterion in the fight with irreversible parodontium changes in adults.

The oral cavity hygiene as the basic element of the gingival recession prophylaxis.

The purpose of the study was the evaluation of the dental plaque and the influence of determined hygienic factors on gingival recession occurrence in 455 students of The Medical University of Bialystok. All the subjects were examined in artificial light, with the use of the probe, mirror, and parodontometer. The distribution of stained dental deposits were estimated with the use of the plaque index according to Quigley and Hein. Moreover, the students were to fill a survey of their own project concerning hygienic habits. The results underwent statistical analysis. The dental plaque was not present in 71 people. Gingival recession was revealed in 134 out of 455 subjects. The majority of medical students brushed their teeth twice a day, using medium hard toothbrush or electric toothbrush with appropriate movements and medium strength while brushing. The frequency of brushing the teeth, hardness of the toothbrush, the use of electric toothbrush, the movements during brushing the teeth, the strength of brushing, the frequency of toothbrush change, the age, and sex have significant influence on the number of recession. The increase in the gingival recession in students is connected with: large pressure on the brush while toothbrushing, too frequent brushing and toothbrush change, the use of hard toothbrush and additional hygienic items, movements while brushing, the age (the number of recession elevates with the age), and sex (women showed more recession than men).

Evaluation of polypeptide growth factors in the process of dental implant osseointegration.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the concentration of three polypeptide growth factors: transforming growth factor beta (TGF beta), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF) in the blood of patients treated with Italian Logos system implants. The blood for analysis was collected three times: prior to the surgery, the day after and four months after the procedure before implant exposure for the prosthetic phase. The concentration of growth factors was assayed using ELISA method with R&D kits. The mean serum PDGF concentration on the first day and after 4 months following the procedure were comparable to the preliminary examination. The mean serum concentration of TGF beta in the second examination increased significantly compared to that before surgery. Four months later its mean concentration was lower than in the second examination, but still higher than in the preliminary examination. The mean serum FGF concentration in our patients remained similar throughout the study. Based on presented above data we conclude that inflammation process caused by tissue injure during implantation stimulates TGF beta release what can be detected by increase of it's concentration in blood serum.

Clinical and radiographic evaluation of periodontal therapy using enamel matrix derivative (Emdogain).

The aim of the present study was to evaluate clinical and radiographic outcome following the application of enamel matrix derivative--Emdogain in the treatment of the bone defects due to periodontitis. The study included 25 generally healthy patients with advanced periodontitis. Clinical and radiographic examination was carried out twice: before the procedure and a year after treatment. The following clinical parameters were evaluated: probing pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment level (CAL) and gingival recession (GR). Defect depth, width and bone defect fill were assessed on the radiographs. A year after surgery the follow-up examination found a significant improvement of clinical parameters. The mean depth of gingival pockets was reduced from 8.76 +/- 1.74 mm to 4.52 +/- 1.56 mm. The mean CAL value was also decreased from 10.72 +/- 1.56 mm to 7.82 +/- 1.68 mm. Analysis of radiographs showed a statistically significant reduction in depth and width of bone defects. Our results indicate a good clinical and radiographic effect following the application of Emdogain in the treatment of periodontal intrabony defects.

Serum levels of interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) in patients treated with dental implants.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the levels of proinflammatory interleukins (IL)--IL-1, IL-6 and IL-8 in the blood of patients subjected to dental implant anchorage procedures. The study involved 10 generally healthy people aged 27-52, 4 men and 6 women. The patients were characterised by normal oral hygiene and lack of clinical symptoms of oral inflammation. Surgical procedures used Italian Logos system dental implants. The blood for analysis was collected three times: prior to surgery, one day and four months after the procedure before implant exposure. Interleukin levels were assayed with the ELISA method. The results were subjected to statistical analysis using Wicoxon's test. In all the cases examined soft tissue healing following the procedure was uneventful. The three consecutive examinations revealed similar IL-1 blood levels. Mean serum concentrations of IL-6 and IL-8 increased significantly in the second examination and returned to the close-to-initial values after 4 months. Increase of blood serum levels of IL-6 and IL-8 in the first day after implantation reflects local inflammation process caused by tissue impair.

Interleukin 6, tumor necrosis factor alpha and their soluble receptors in the blood serum of patients with denture stomatitis and fungal infection.

Determinations of the blood serum levels of interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) and their soluble receptors (sIL-6R, sTNFR) in denture stomatitis patients (DS) were performed. Serum levels of interleukins and their soluble receptors were measured using the ELISA method. In all examined patients mycological diagnostics were conducted using API 20C AUX stripe tests and an automatic ATB machine. Results were compared with those of healthy denture wearers (D), and controls (C). In DS patients, yeasts were isolated in 90.9%, in D in 66.7% of cases. The most often isolated species in both groups was Candida albicans. Mean concentrations of IL-6 and TNF-alpha were statistically significantly higher in DS and D groups compared to controls. Mean concentrations of sIL-6R were similar in all groups; however, concentrations of sTNFR in both DS and D groups were significantly lower compared to controls. There were no correlations found between values of IL-6 and TNF-alpha nor between examined interleukins and their soluble receptors.

Polypeptide growth factors in the course of surgical periodontal treatment.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the behaviour of certain polypeptide growth factors in patients with rapidly progressive periodontitis (RPP) during periodontal therapy using alloplastic grafts. Concentrations of epidermal growth factor (EGF), fibroblastic growth factor (FGF), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and transforming growth factor beta (TGF beta) were assayed in blood serum and saliva. Significant differences in the behaviour of growth factors in blood referred to EGF and PDGF. Their mean concentrations in serum of RPP patients were higher both in the preliminary examination and in the final investigation after 3 months compared with control group. However, mean FGF concentrations in serum were significantly higher only in the distant examination. In saliva, the concentrations of EGF, PDGF and FGF were not significantly different compared with control group. Salivary TGF beta in patients with RPP was significantly higher than in controls and increased in the final examination. The differences observed in the concentrations of growth factors in the serum and saliva of patients with RPP indicate that these factors can be involved in inflammation, destruction and regeneration of periodontal tissues.