Antimicrobial properties, compressive strength and fluoride release capacity of essential oil-modified glass ionomer cements-an in vitro study.

OBJECTIVES: This study was designed to investigate the antimicrobial properties, compressive strength and fluoride release capacities of high-viscous glass ionomer cements (GICs) after incorporation of cinnamon and thyme essential oils. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Experimental-modified GICs were prepared by incorporation of thyme and cinnamon essential oils into the liquid phase of the cement at 5 and 10% v/v. Antimicrobial activity against selected microorganisms (Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans) was done using direct contact test. Compressive strength of the four new formulations and control group was tested using a universal testing machine while fluoride ion release was measured by ion-selective electrode at 1, 7, 14 and 28 days. Data analysis and comparisons between groups were performed using factorial and one-way ANOVA and Tukey's tests. RESULTS: All newly formulated GICs exhibited significantly higher inhibitory effects against both Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans growth when compared to conventional GIC (p < 0.05). Compressive strength of 5% cinnamon-modified GIC (MPa = 160.32 ± 6.66) showed no significant difference when compared with conventional GIC (MPa = 165.7 ± 5.769) (p value > 0.05). Cumulative fluoride-releasing pattern at days 7, 14, and 28 were 10% cinnamon-GIC > 5% thyme-GIC > 5% cinnamon-GIC > 10% thyme GIC > conventional GIC. CONCLUSIONS: Incorporation of 5% cinnamon oil into glass ionomer resulted in better antimicrobial effects against S. mutans and C. albicans and increased fluoride-release capacity without jeopardizing its compressive strength. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The 5% cinnamon-modified GIC appears to be a promising alternative restorative material in ART technique.

Associations among two vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene polymorphisms (ApaI and TaqI) in acne vulgaris: A pilot susceptibility study.

BACKGROUND: Acne vulgaris (AV) pathogenesis is multifactorial. Vitamin D (VitD) plays an important role in sebocytes' differentiation and function. Most VitD functions are mediated by the nuclear VitD receptor (VDR) following binding of its biologically active form (1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D3). Genetic variations in VDR gene may cause significant receptor dysfunction and have been found to be associated with many inflammatory skin diseases. Two adjacent single nucleotide polymorphisms of VDR, ApaI (rs7975232) and TaqI (rs731236), were commonly studied. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between VDR ApaI and TaqI gene polymorphism and AV. METHODS: This case control study included 30 Egyptian acne patients who attended Dermatology Outpatient Clinic of Al-Zahraa University and Misr University for Science and Technology Hospitals. Thirty age- and sex-matched healthy individuals participated as controls. VDR gene ApaI and TaqI polymorphisms were examined by polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism. Serum 25(OH)D was measured in all participants. RESULTS: Patients had significant decrease in ApaI A allele and AATT combined genotype (60%, 3.3%) than controls (78.3%, 20%), respectively, and significant increase in TaqI tt genotype and t allele (46.7%, 63.3%) than controls (13.3%, 41.7%), respectively. Patients showed significantly lower serum 25(OH)D3 concentration than controls. CONCLUSION: Polymorphisms of ApaI and TaqI may have a role in the pathogenesis of AV as A allele and AATT combined genotype could be considered protective against acne development and tt genotype and t allele may increase the risk of AV development. VitD deficiency can be considered as a risk factor for AV development.

Diagnostic value of anti-microbial peptide, cathelicidin in congenital pneumonia.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the diagnostic value of anti-microbial peptide (cathelicidin), LL-37, in congenital pneumonia and its relation to 25 hydroxycholecalciferol [(25 OH)D] status. METHODS: The study included 30 neonates with congenital pneumonia and culture proven sepsis admitted to neonatal intensive care unit of Ain Shams University and 30 healthy neonates as control group. All neonates were subjected to history taking, clinical examination and measurement of serum 25(OH)D and cathelicidin. RESULTS: Neonates with congenital pneumonia had significantly higher serum cathelicidin and lower serum 25(OH)D compared to controls. Serum cathelicidin was negatively correlated with Apgar score at 1 and 5 min and positively correlated with length of stay among patient group. CONCLUSION: Cut-off value of cathelicidin to diagnose congenital pneumonia was 17 pg/mmol with 93% sensitivity and 86% specificity. Neonates with congenital pneumonia had significantly high cathelicidin and low 25(OH)D suggesting a possible role of fetal 25(OH)D deficiency as predisposing factor for congenital pneumonia.

CD4+CD25+ T regulatory cells and MMP-9 as diagnostic salivary biomarkers in oral lichen planus.

Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by a dense subepithelial lymphocytic infiltrate, degeneration of basal keratinocytes and basement membrane disruption. Non-specific mechanisms include mast cell degranulation and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activation in OLP lesions. These mechanisms may combine to cause T-cell accumulation in the superficial lamina propria, basement membrane disruption, intra-epithelial T-cell migration, and keratinocyte apoptosis in OLP. Obviously, abnormality of immunological regulation may contribute to its pathogenesis. This study aimed at evaluating the role of salivary CD4+CD25+ T regulatory cells & Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 (MMP.9) as salivary biomarkers in patients with OLP. Twenty patients with various forms of OLP were investigated: 8 with bullous erosive form, 7 with atrophic and 5 with reticular forms. From each patient saliva was collected, and used for assessment of salivary T regulatory cells by immunoflourescent and MMP9 expression by quantitative RT-PCR. Nine out of the twenty patients showed CD4+CD25+ Tregs in saliva by immunoflourescent staining with sensitivity (90%), specificity (83.3%) and diagnostic accuracy (87.5%). molecular detection of salivary MMP-9 levels in CD4+CD25+ Tregs +ve cases showed a significant increase in CD4+CD25+ Tregs +ve cases. In conclusion, salivary CD4+CD25+ T regs and MMP-9 could be considered as sensitive and specific diagnostic & prognostic biomarkers in the detection of OLP.