Evaluation of Dentist's Knowledge and Practice About Dental Management of Oral Cancer Patients.

BACKGROUND: Dentists play a key role in and the management of oral cancer treatment complications. This study aimed to evaluate the general and specialist dentists' knowledge and practice regarding the dental management of such patients. METHODS: This cross-sectional analytic study was conducted among 370 general and specialist dentists in Isfahan, Iran 2020. A self-administrative questionnaire was designed and validated. The questionnaire had 18 questions in Knowledge section, 10 questions to measure performance, and 3 questions to evaluate dentist's opinion toward their management ability. The collected data were analyzed by descriptive and analytic tests such as T-Test, Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney, Chi-square, and Fisher's Exact statistics (P ≤ 0.05). RESULTS: The mean knowledge score was 9.96±2.87 in specialists and 7.59±2.36 in general dentists (out of 18, P < 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference between the mean knowledge based on gender, employment type, work experience of general and specialist, or the number of working days in a week. In addition, there was a significant relationship between the mean knowledge and having patients with oral cancer undergoing radiotherapy or chemotherapy (P = 0.012). CONCLUSION: This study indicated that specialists'knowledge level is higher than general dentists. It was also shown that knowledge directly relates to practice and attitude. Besides, regarding insufficient knowledge of dentists in this field, it is necessary to hold training programs and retraining sessions.

Evaluation of the Effects of Photodynamic Therapy With Methylene Blue on Different Candida Species In Vitro.

Introduction: Oral candidiasis is the most prevalent opportunistic infection of the oral cavity. The most common cause of this infection is Candida albicans. Considering the side effects of conventional antifungal therapies, this study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of photodynamic therapy with new methylene blue (a photosensitizer) in inhibiting the growth of C. albicans, C. tropicalis, C. glabrata, and C. krusei in vitro. Methods: In this experimental study, 200 samples of standard suspension (0.5 McFarland) were prepared from C. albicans, C. tropicalis, C. glabrata, and C. krusei (50 samples from each species). The samples of each species were divided into five groups (n=10), including photodynamic therapy with a photosensitizer, with or without laser irradiation, nystatin treatment, laser therapy, and control. Next, cultivation of samples was performed on Sabouraud dextrose agar, and the colony-forming units were determined after 24 hours of incubation at 37 °C. Data were analyzed in SPSS version 22 by means of the Kruskal-Wallis test (P<0.05). Results: The most sensitive and resistant species to nystatin therapy were C. glabrata and C. krusei, respectively. On the other hand, C. krusei was the most sensitive species to photodynamic therapy, and C. glabrata was the most resistant type to this treatment. The highest therapeutic effectiveness was attributed to nystatin therapy, although photodynamic therapy was also effective. Laser therapy was recognized as the least effective method. Conclusion: Photodynamic therapy with new methylene blue, as a suitable adjunct therapy, can be effective in the management of candidiasis. It may also be a potential novel treatment for immunocompromised patients with oral candidiasis.

Evaluation and comparison of antifungal effect of voriconazole with nystatin on candida species derived from neoplastic patients undergoing maxillofacial radiotherapy.

Background: Radiotherapy is a common treatment for head-and-neck malignancies and causes complications such as oral candidiasis and the change of oral Candida species from albicans to nonalbicans. Voriconazole has acceptable antifungal effect. The aim of this study was to determine and compare the antifungal effect of nystatin with voriconazole on these species. Materials and Methods: The samples used in this in vitro study were identified by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism from patients before and 2 weeks after head-and-neck radiotherapy in Seyed Al-Shohada Hospital. The antifungal effect of nystatin and voriconazole was determined by microdilution method and measurement of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum fungicidal concentration, and the results were analyzed by Mann-Whitney analysis. Results: The results showed that all species before and after radiotherapy showed 100% sensitivity to nystatin. Prior to radiotherapy, 57.1% of albicans species isolated were in the sensitive range (MIC ≤1) and 42.9% were in the dose-dependent range (MIC = 2) to voriconazole. After radiotherapy, 58.3% of albicans species were in the sensitive range and 41.7% of these species were in the dose-dependent range to voriconazole. Conclusion: The results of the present study showed that before radiotherapy, all species were sensitive to nystatin, while a percentage of albicans and nonalbicans were resistant to voriconazole. In the 2nd week of radiotherapy similar to prior to radiotherapy, all species isolated from patients were sensitive to nystatin, while a percentage of albicans and nonalbicans were resistant to voriconazole.

Comparison of oral candidiasis characteristics in head-and-neck cancer patients before and during radiotherapy.

Background: Patients undergoing head-and-neck radiotherapy are susceptible to Candida colonization and infection. This study aimed to identify oral Candida species type (ST), colony count (CC), and oropharyngeal candidiasis (OPC) in head-and-neck cancer patients, undergoing radiotherapy, before and 2 weeks after radiation. Materials and Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, head-and-neck cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy (up to 6000 cGy) were recruited. Samples were taken before and 2 weeks after radiation therapy (RT). CC was assigned using Sabouraud dextrose agar culture medium and morphological studies were performed to confirm OPC. For identification, polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism was performed. Data were analyzed using Chi-square-test and kappa coefficient. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Twenty-one of 33 patients were Candida positive. The detected fungal species included Candida albicans (60%), Candida tropicalis (22%), Candida glabrata (9%), and other species (9%). Following RT, OPC and CC changed significantly (P = 0.003 and P = 0.001, respectively), whereas ST did not significantly change (P = 0.081). Two new species (Candida krusei and Candida parapsilosis) were detected after the intervention. The OPC, CC, and ST changes after RT were not significantly related to malignancy site or radiation dose (P > 0.05). Conclusion: The present study showed that OPC, CC, and ST were not related to the malignancy site. Following RT, OPC and CC changed significantly, while ST showed no significant change. The radiation dose and malignancy site had no effects on the OPC, CC, or ST alterations following RT.

Effect of nystatin and licorice on yeasts isolated from the oral lesions of patients with cancer under chemotherapy (in vitro study).

Background: Oral candidiasis is one of the most common manifestations of patients with cancer under chemotherapy. Due to many side effects of chemical antifungal products and various advantages of herbal extracts like licorice, this study was performed to compare the antifungal effects of nystatin and licorice on yeasts isolated from oral mucosa of patients with cancer receiving chemotherapy. Materials and Methods: In this in vitro study, a total number of 30 patients with oral candidiasis who received chemotherapy were examined. The samples were prepared by using swabs taken from the lesions, and after 48 h, they were transferred and cultured on Sabouraud dextrose agar. The antifungal effect of licorice was compared with nystatin using agar disk diffusion method. These data were entered in SPSS statistical software and were analyzed with Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests. (α = 5%). Results: Four types of candida were identified among all 30 oral lesions (Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, Candida stellatoidea, and Candida SP). The mean inhibition zone diameter around nystatin showed a significant difference (P < 0.001) between C. albicans (9.486), C. glabrata (8.627), C. stellatoidea (7.00), and C. sp (7.06) but the inhibition zone diameter around licorice was almost zero in all groups. Conclusion: Licorice extracts did not show any antifungal effects whereas nystatin showed the most antifungal effect against C. albicans.

A novel drug delivery system using acyclovir nanofiber patch for topical treatment of recurrent herpes labialis: A randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: Topical treatment with acyclovir cream has shown low efficacy in recent studies. Nano drug delivery systems, have received much attention in recent decades. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of acyclovir nanofiber patch with acyclovir cream. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this double-blind three-armed randomized clinical trial, a total of 60 patients with recurrent labial herpes, were randomly divided into three groups, each consisting of 20. The patients in the first, second, and third groups were treated with acyclovir nanofiber patch, placebo nanofiber patch, and acyclovir cream, respectively. A numerical scale was used by the patients to record the self-reported symptoms. Symptoms score, crusting time and healing time were assessed by the clinician. Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare the symptoms between the three groups, a survival test was also performed to evaluate the crusting and healing time. Data were analyzed in SPSS V22 at P-value < 0.05. RESULTS: The mean scores of symptoms at baseline were 1.6, 1.5, and 1.4 in the first, second, and third groups, respectively. The symptoms were not significantly different between the three groups on different treatment days. The mean crusting time was 2.3, 2.4, and 2.6 days in the three groups, and the mean healing time was 7.4, 7.2, and 7.7 days, respectively. Crusting time and healing time were not significantly different between the three groups. CONCLUSIONS: Acyclovir nanofiber patches are recommended for accelerating symptom relief in recurrent labial herpes, however, they are not effective in shortening the crusting or healing time. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: IRCT20141124020073N2. Registered in: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (www.irct.ir).

Comparison of the antifungal effect of voriconazole and fluconazole on oral candidiasis before and during radiotherapy.

Background: Head-and-neck radiotherapy can change oral Candida species and cause candidiasis resistance to common antifungals by making the changes to the oral cavity environment. Voriconazole is a synthetic azole with extensive antifungal activity. The current study aimed at comparing the antifungal activity of fluconazole and voriconazole on Candida species isolated from the oral cavity of patients undergoing head-and-neck radiotherapy. Materials and Methods: The present in vitro study was performed on samples isolated from patients undergoing head-and-neck radiotherapy, before and during radiotherapy. After the identification of the species, the antifungal effect of fluconazole and voriconazole was determined by the microdilution method, and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), the minimum fungicidal concentration, and the antifungal susceptibility of the isolated strains were also measured. The data were analyzed by the Chi-squared and then two-sided Fisher's exact tests. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The study findings showed no significant difference in the susceptibility of Candida albicans to voriconazole and fluconazole before and during radiotherapy. Before radiotherapy, both voriconazole and fluconazole had similar effects on Candida tropicalis, but after radiotherapy, voriconazole was less effective. However, both before and during radiotherapy, fluconazole had a greater antifungal effect than voriconazole on Candida glabrata strains. The MICs of voriconazole and fluconazole for both Candida parapsilosis and Candida krusei isolates were within the susceptible or dose-dependent range. Conclusion: The current study results showed that voriconazole was not more effective than fluconazole in the treatment of oral candidiasis in patients undergoing head-and-neck radiotherapy.

Oral manifestations in inflammatory bowel disease: A cross-sectional study in Isfahan.

BACKGROUND: Various systemic diseases can cause oral manifestations, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This study is designed to investigate the frequency of oral manifestations in patients with IBD referred to health centers and offices in Isfahan in 2018. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was done among 161 patients suffering from IBD in Isfahan, Iran. They were chosen by the systematic randomized sampling. Finally, the data were analyzed using the logistic regression test in the SPSS software. Significance was assigned at P < 0.05. RESULTS: The number of patients with ulcerative colitis and Crohn's syndrome was, respectively, 119 persons (73.9%) and 42 persons (26.1%). Oral manifestations were seen among 52 (32.3%) of the samples. The frequency of oral manifestations was 35.6% (31 cases) in males and 28.4% (21 cases) in females. Oral manifestations were seen in 29.4% of patients with ulcerative colitis and 40.5% of patients with Crohn's disease. Based on the logistic regression, there was a statistically significant relationship between the use of azathioprine and mesalazine with oral manifestations (P < 0.05), whereas the severity of disease and smoking were not statistically significantly related to oral manifestations (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The severity of the disease was not significantly correlated with oral manifestations, which are in agreement with the results of previous studies. It was also found that among patients with IBD, the oral aphthous ulcers can appear 1-3 years before the diagnosis of the disease. Besides that, some of the drugs used to treat the disease have a significant relationship with oral manifestations.

Sensitivity of Four Various Candida Species to Photodynamic Therapy Mediated by Indocyanine Green, an in vitro Study.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM: Various species of candida contribute to oral candidiasis. It is the time to shift from conventional rigid antimicrobial therapies to more patient specific and safer ones. PURPOSE: The present study aimed to investigate antifungal effects of photodynamic therapy (PDT) using Indocyanine green as photosensitizer and low-power laser irradiation on the viability of candida albicans, candida tropicalis, candida glabrata and candida krusei, and to compare it with Nystatin as the conventional treatment. MATERIALS AND METHOD: In this in vitro study, 0.5 McFarland suspensions of candida's species were prepared (n=50, each). Each strain was then divided into five groups of 10 samples each, according to the following experimental interventions: (1) Nystatin, (2) photodynamic therapy: laser irradiation (wavelength= 808 nm, power= 100 mW, energy density= 10 J/cm2, exposure duration= 100 s) in the presence of the photosensitizer, (3) laser irradiation alone, (4) treatment with the PS alone and (5-control: no exposure to laser light or photosensitizer. Next, serial dilutions were prepared and seeded onto Sabouraud dextrose agar. The colonies were counted, and the values of log (CFU/ml) were analyzed by variance and the Tamhan test (p< 0.05). RESULTS: Photodynamic therapy mediated indocyanine green is significantly effective in reducing the number of CFU/ml of all species of candida tested, compared to control group (p< .001). Nystatin, laser irradiation and photodynamic therapy, with respectively decreasing potency, have considerably reduced the number of candida's colonies in all four bacterial strains (p<. 05). Photosensitizer alone, showed impressive antimicrobial potency against all species of candida except candida albicans, in comparison to control group. CONCLUSION: It seems that laser therapy alone is more powerful than photodynamic therapy mediated indocyanine green; however, conventional treatment has still the top antimicrobial efficacy towards all candida species.

Inhibitory effects of ethanolic, methanolic, and hydroalcoholic extracts of olive (Olea europaea) leaf on growth, acid production, and adhesion of Streptococcus mutans.

BACKGROUND: Usage of chemical mouthwashes for controlling dental caries can end to some side effects such as oral biological imbalance. Recently, using natural derivatives such as herbs, presented to overcome such adverse effects. Due to antibacterial property of olive leaf extracts (Olea europaea), this study conducted in order to evaluate bacteriocidal, anti-acid production, and anti-adhesion effects of olive leaf ethanolic, methanolic, and hydroalcoholic extracts on Streptococcus mutans. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this in vitro study, nine strains of S. mutans (PTCC1683) were used. Maceration methods were done in order to provide the olive leaf ethanolic, methanolic, and hydroalcoholic extracts. The antibacterial activities evaluated by macrodilution and disc diffusion method in different concentrations (3.25%-100%). Acid production and adhesion of bacterial strains also were evaluated. The obtained data were analyzed by analysis of variance method using SPSS software. P < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. RESULTS: The minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration for ethanolic, methanolic, and hydroalcoholic olive leaf extracts on S. mutans are 12%-25%, 50%-75%, and 12%-25%, respectively. In addition, inhibition zone of S. mutans significantly increased in higher concentration (ethanolic and methanolic extracts: P = 0.004; hydroalcoholic extract: P = 0.003). The acid production and adhesion significantly decreased by increase in the concentration (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In general, olive leaf ethanolic, methanolic, and hydroalcoholic extracts induce growth inhibition, acid production, and adhesion of S. mutans. Consequently, it can be used as a natural preservative in the food industry, as well as in the production of commercial products such as chewing gum, chocolate, and toothpaste to prevent dental caries.

Antifungal effect of Atorvastatin against Candida species in comparison to Fluconazole and Nystatin.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Atorvastatin is a plasma cholesterol-lowering drug which applies antifungal effects by inhibiting the production of yeast cell wall ergostrol. The aim of present study was to investigate in-vitro susceptibility of candida species to atorvastatin, in comparison to nystatin and fluconazole. METHODS: Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentrations (MFC) were determined using serial dilution. Candida strains isolated from 35 patients receiving cancer chemotherapy in Isfahan, Seyyed-al-Shohada Hospital and analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis and Mann Whitney statistical methods. RESULTS: Candida isolates included 5 strains, C. albicans, C. glabrata, C. kefyr, C. stellatoidea and C. krusei. All five strains appeared to be resistant to nystatin and fluconazole but sensitive to atorvastatin with no statistically significant difference. The MFC of atorvastatin was significantly lower in comparison to both nystatin and fluconazole for all five strains (p value<0.05). There was no significant difference between the MFCs of 5 strains for fluconazole and atorvastatin. However, MFC of nystatin differed significantly for C. albicans and C. kefyr (p=0.007). CONCLUSION: The results showed that all strains were sensitive to atorvastatin and resistant to nystatin and fluconazole. Atorvastatin MIC for C. albicans, C. krusei and C. stellatoidea was equivalent to its serum level used to treat hyperlipidemia and was above such level for both C. glabrata and C. kefyr.

The efficacy of photodynamic therapy in rat tongue dysplasia.

BACKGROUND: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) using 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) has previously shown promising results in cancerous cell destruction. The present study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of this treatment option on oral epithelial dysplasia in Wistar rats. Furthermore, microscopic effects of systemic versus topical administration of ALA before laser illumination was assessed. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty male Wistar rats (200- 250 grams) were used in the present study. Tongue dysplasia was induced by a daily delivery of a 20 ppm solution of 4-nitroquinoline -1- oxide (4NQO) for 3 months. Then, rats were divided into 3 groups of 10 including, group 1 that was received systemic ALA-based PDT (30 mg/kg ALA), group 2 that was received topical ALA-based PDT (20% ALA solution) and group 3 (control) which was left untreated. Tongue specimens were fixed for histopathological evaluation and dysplasia was graded at microscopic level. Data was compared between various treatment groups using Mann Whitney test (p<0.05). RESULTS: The rate of atypical dysplastic cells was decreased significantly in both topical (p= 0.006) and systemic (p= 0.001) treatment groups compared to control group. Furthermore, systemic use of ALA resulted in a remarkable destruction of dysplastic cells compared to its topical application (p=0.045). Nevertheless, some evidence of muscle destruction was documented in systemic ALA group. CONCLUSIONS: It seems that ALA mediated PDT is an effective treatment option for the destruction of dysplastic cells. However, the extent of this effect depends on the mode of ALA administration before light illumination. Key words:Photodynamic therapy, 5-aminolevulinic acid, Dysplasia, Potentially malignant disorders.

Effect of Herbal Echinacea on Recurrent Minor Oral Aphthous Ulcer.

BACKGROUND: The oral aphthous is a common oral ulcer with intense pain and there is no treatment for it, yet. Echinacea is an herbal medicine that moderated the immune system. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Echinacea on the treatment of aphthous ulcer. METHODS: 50 patients with minor aphthous participated in our study. 25 patients take 3 tablets in a day for five weeks (case group) and 25 patients didn't take any tablets (control group). The patients were monitored for one month before taking the tablets for six months. During this period, the number of lesions, complete improvement of ulcers, recurrence rate and intensity of pain were considered in each month. Finally, the Friedman and ANOVA tests used to analyze the obtained data. RESULT: Our study showed a significant difference between a number of lesions during six-month in case and control groups (p>0.001). In this way, we observed that the number of lesions was decreased significantly after six months in the case group. Hence, ANOVA analysis showed a significant decrease between each month for the intensity of pain (p=0.025), complete improvement (p<0.001) and recurrence rate (p=0.026). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, we showed that Echinacea tablets as an herbal medicine have positive effects on a number of lesions, intensity of pain, complete improvement and recurrence rate in patients with recurrent minor aphthous ulcers.

Comparative Evaluation of the Efficacy of Laser Therapy and Fibroblastic Growth Factor Injection on Mucosal Wound Healing in Rat Experimental Model.

Introduction: The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of laser and basic fibroblastic growth factor (bFGF) treatment on operative wound healing in a rat model. Methods: Sixty-six male Wistar rats were employed in this study. A 10-mm surgical wound was created on the buccal mucosa of each rat, under anesthesia, and then the rats were divided into 3 groups of 22: (1) GF group (received subcutaneous injection of bFGF), (2) laser group (treated with low-level laser irradiation), and (3) control group (received no treatment). On day 5, half of the rats in each group and on day 10 the other half, were sacrificed. Afterward, samples were taken from rats' buccal mucosa for histological assay and scoring. The data were analyzed using MannWhitney test (α =5%). Results: On day 5 there was not any significant difference between GF and control groups; however, the laser group showed clinically delayed wound coverage, compared to other groups (P<0.05). On day 10, histological examination demonstrated marked vascular granulation tissue ( GT) in GF group. Collagen production was significantly prominent in laser group compared to GF treated samples (P=0.004). Inflammation of GT in GF and laser groups was significantly less than that in control samples (P=0.005 and P=0.001, respectively). Conclusion: The components of wound matrix induced by GF and laser treatment were significantly different. Although bFGF or laser treatment of oral wounds, under the conditions of the present study, did not accelerate wound healing, they showed some other notable effects on the quality of healing.

Determination of salivary urea and uric acid of patients with halitosis.

BACKGROUND: Halitosis is the presence of unpleasant or foul smelling breath. The origin of halitosis may be related to both systemic and oral conditions, but a large percentage of cases, about 90%, is generally related to an oral cause. The aim of this study was to compare the concentration of urea and uric acid in patients with halitosis and people without halitosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this case-control study, concentration of urea and uric acid was compared between two groups: (1) persons suffering halitosis (2) control group without halitosis. Each group includes fifty patients. Unstimulated saliva was collected in both groups. Then, concentration of urea, uric acid, and creatinine was determined. The results were statistically analyzed with SPSS software version 14 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, Illinois, USA) by t-test (α = 0.05). RESULTS: Results showed that salivary urea and uric acid concentration in halitosis group were significantly greater than control group (P < 0.05). Salivary creatinine concentration in halitosis group was significantly lower compared to control group (P < 0.05). Salivary urea and uric acid concentration to creatinine ratios were higher in halitosis group than control group, and significant differences between them were existed (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: According to the results, urea and uric acid concentration show increase in patient suffering halitosis, and this increase may result in oral malodor.

Serum level of Interleukin-8 in subjects with diabetes, diabetes plus oral lichen planus, and oral lichen planus: A biochemical study.

BACKGROUND: Correlation between diabetes mellitus (DM) and oral lichen planus (OLP) seems probable. Since Interleukin-8 (IL-8) is an important inflammatory mediator involved in both conditions, this study aimed to measure and compare the serum level of IL-8 in DM, OLP, and DM + OLP patients in comparison with healthy individuals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross sectional study was conducted on 75 patients (30 OLP, 5 OLP and type II DM, 20 type II DM, and 20 healthy controls). Serum levels of IL-8, fasting blood sugar (FBS) and 2-h postprandial blood sugar were measured in the four groups. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20 by one-way ANOVA and post_hocleast significant difference test. RESULTS: Type II DM patients with OLP had the highest mean serum level of IL-8 followed by OLP, DM and control groups, respectively. Pairwise comparison of groups revealed significant differences in serum IL-8 between the control and OLP and also control and OLP+DM (P < 0.05) groups. No other significant differences were noted. The mean levels of FBS and 2-h postprandial blood sugar were the highest in OLP+DM patients followed by DM, OLP and control groups, respectively. CONCLUSION: The ascending trend of serum level of IL-8 in the control, DM, OLP, and DM+OLP patients may indicate the role of this factor in the pathogenesis of DM and OLP. Moreover, it may play a synergistic role in patients suffering from both conditions.

Comparative evaluation of low-level laser and systemic steroid therapy in adjuvant-enhanced arthritis of rat temporomandibular joint: A histological study.

BACKGROUND: Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has shown a promising effect in ameliorating symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The aim of this investigation was to compare the early and late anti-inflammatory effects of LLLT and betamethasone in RA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this animal experimental study, after inducing a model of RA in temporomandibular joint (TMJ) of 37 Wistar rats using adjuvant injection, they were randomly distributed into three experimental groups of 12 animals each: (1) LLLT group; (2) steroid group which received a single dose of betamethasone systemically; and (3) positive control group, which did not receive any treatment. One rat served as the negative control. Half of the animals in all the experimental groups were sacrificed on the 21(st) day after RA induction (early phase), and the other half were sacrificed 2 weeks later (late phase). Then, the severity of TMJ inflammation was assessed histologically in each group on a semi-quantitative scale. Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests were used to compare differences (α = 0.05). RESULTS: The LLLT and steroid groups showed significantly (P < 0.05) lower inflammation mean scores in both early (5.66 [±1.86] and 1.66 [±1.21], respectively) and late phases of evaluation (1.16 [±1.47] and 6.50 [±1.04], respectively) compared to positive control group in early and late stages of assessment (11.66 [±3.50] and 8.66 [±1.36], respectively). However, the best results (P < 0.005) were achieved in early phase of the steroid group as well as late phase of the LLLT group. CONCLUSION: Within limitations of this study, it may be concluded that LLLT method has a long-term promising effect on reducing inflammation severity of TMJ similar to betamethasone in earlier stages.

A comparative study of Candida albicans mean colony counts and blood group antigens in the saliva of healthy subjects.

BACKGROUND: Candida albicans is the most common opportunistic fungal species in the oral cavity. Various factors associated with C. albicans infection have been evaluated so far. In some studies, the relationship between the blood group antigens and C. albicans has been discussed. The aim of this study was to assess mean C. albicans colony counts in the saliva of healthy subjects and its relationship with ABO blood groups. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional/analytical study was performed in the Oral Medicine Department, School of Dentistry, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. Unstimulated whole saliva samples were obtained from 300 healthy subjects, including 100 individuals with blood group O, 100 with blood group A and 100 with blood group B. The samples were cultured on Sabouraud's dextrose agar media to determine the means of C. albicans colonies. Data were analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney statistical tests and SPSS 16. Statistical significance was defined at P < 0.05. RESULTS: The samples included 156 males and 144 females with a mean age of 27.52 years. The mean colony counts in the saliva of individuals with blood groups O, A, and B were 26.4, 19.84, and 21.23, respectively. There were no significant differences between the three groups (P = 0.280). CONCLUSION: Although the mean C. albicans colony counts in individuals with blood group O were more than those with other blood groups, the differences were not statistically significant. More research studies are needed in order to prove the role of blood groups in susceptibility to candidiasis.

The Serum and salivary level of malondialdehyde, vitamins A, E, and C in patient with recurrent aphthous stomatitis.

BACKGROUND: Oral recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is a chronic inflammatory disease affected oral mucosa which has afflicted about 20% of the society. Etiology of this disease is unknown. Three main factors influencing aphthous stomatitis are genetic, hematologic, and immunologic factors. Another proposed factor that may be considered in etiology of aphthous ulcer is oxidant, anti-oxidant imbalance in the body. The purpose of this study was the evaluation of lipid peroxide enzyme as an important oxidant agent and anti-oxidant vitamins in the saliva and serum of the patients suffering from RAS and compare it to healthy people. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional, descriptive - analytical study, 25 patients suffering from RAS were compared to 24 healthy individuals. Applying enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method, the amount of malondialdehyde (MDA) as well as Vitamins A, E, and C were measured in the saliva and serum of two groups. The results were analyzed by Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software version (11.5), t-test and χ(2). RESULTS: No significant difference was detected between salivary and serum levels of antioxidant vitamins (A, E, and C) and MDA in both experimental groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: According to the results of this study, RAS is not associated with oxidant-antioxidant imbalance in the body. However, it seems quite necessary to carry out more studies in this area.

Evaluation of interleukin-1α, interleukin-10, tumor necrosis factor-α and transforming growth factor-ß in the serum of patients with pemphigus vulgaris.

UNLABELLED: Pemphigus is an autoimmune blistering disease characterized by a loss of cell adhesion result in acantholysis. Genetic factors and immunologic factors such as cytokines particularly IL-1α, IL-10, TNF-α, and TGF-ß may counterpart to developing of Pemphigus. The aim of this study was to evaluate. The concentration of IL-1α, IL-10, TNF-α, TGF-ß in serum of pemphigus vulgaris (PV) patients and normal individuals. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this analytic and descriptive study 25 patients with pemphigus vulgaris (in active phase) and 25 healthy per sons were examined. Serum samples of two groups were obtained and the level of IL-1α, IL-10, TNF-α and TGF-ß were measured by ELISA technique. The data were analyzed statistically by independent T test (α = 0/05). RESULTS: All cytokines tested, showed higher concentration in patient's sera comparing to healthy control individuals. The level of IL-1α (p = 0.004), TNF-α (p = 0.008) and TGF-ß (p = 0.009) were statistically different in two experimental groups, There was no significant difference in IL-10 level (p = 0.605). CONCLUSION: Cytokines such as IL-1α, IL-10, TNF-α and TGF-ß probably have a role in pathogenesis of PV. Further comprehensive studies are suggested to confirm these findings.