Expression of peptidylarginine deiminase-2 and -4, citrullinated proteins and anti-citrullinated protein antibodies in human gingiva.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The presence of citrullinated proteins, and peptidylarginine deiminase types -2 (PAD-2) and -4 (PAD-4) in periodontal tissues, determine the presence of anti-cyclic citrullinated protein antibodies (anti-CCP) in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and compare the expression of these proteins between inflamed and non-inflamed sites. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Tissue sections were stained using antibodies against citrullinated proteins, PAD-2 and PAD-4. RT-PCR was performed to investigate PAD-2 and PAD-4 mRNA in inflamed and non-inflamed gingival tissues. Anti-CCP antibodies in gingival crevicular fluid were detected by ELISA. RESULTS: Citrullinated proteins, PAD-2 and PAD-4 were detected in gingiva. There was a correlation between inflammation and expression of these proteins. mRNAs for PAD-2 and PAD-4 were detected in both inflamed and non-inflamed gingival tissues. Antibodies to CCP were found mostly in the GCF of individuals with periodontitis. CONCLUSION: PAD-2 and PAD-4 (protein and mRNA) as well as citrullinated proteins are present in inflamed gingiva, and anti-CCP antibodies can be detected in the GCF of some patients. Tissue expression of citrullinated proteins and PAD increased with the severity of inflammation. The presence of anti-CCP antibodies in GCF was almost exclusive to a subset of patients with periodontitis. Increased expression of these proteins in inflamed gingiva lends support to the notion that periodontal inflammation contributes to the inflammatory burden in a similar way to rheumatoid arthritis.

Anterolateral dislocation of the proximal tibiofibular joint: case report and literature review.

1. Dislocation of the proximal tibiofibular joint is a rare injury, probably less than 1% of all knee injuries. It is seen more frequently in athletes such as soccer players, ballet dancers, and equestrian jumpers. 2. Proximal tibiofibular dislocations are classified into four types: Type I, subluxations; Type II, anterolateral (the most common); Type III, posteromedial; and Type IV, superior. 3. Open reduction is preferred for acute instability or inability to achieve a closed reduction. Chronic instability may result in degeneration of the joint surfaces and is best treated by fibular head resection.

Bactericidal effects of the neodymium:YAG laser: in vitro study.

The effects of laser energy on three bacterial strains, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were studied utilizing the neodymium:YAG laser. Cell suspensions of each strain were divided into four groups. In group I, suspensions from each strain were exposed to laser energy densities of 555-3,333 J/cm2. In groups II and III, two artificial dyes, congo red or methylene blue, were added to the suspensions prior to lasing. In group IVa, no laser energy was used, and group IVb was used to measure the bactericidal thermal effects of the laser. It was concluded that: Low dosages of laser energy exceeding 1,667 J/cm2 resulted in a 2 to 8 log decline in the number of viable bacterial colonies in vitro. Compared to the other two bacterial strains, P aeruginosa was the most sensitive to YAG laser irradiation. Addition of methylene blue, a dark-colored dye, enhanced the bactericidal effects of the YAG laser as indicated by the significantly reduced viability of P aeruginosa after irradiation with 2,222 J/cm2.