Evaluation of matrix metalloproteinase-1, -2, -3, -7, and -13 gene polymorphisms in patients with chronic periodontitis and healthy controls.

OBJECTIVES: The current study aimed to investigate the association of matrix metalloproteinase- (MMP-) 1, -2, -3, -7, and -13 gene polymorphisms with chronic periodontitis (CP) in an Iranian population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this case-control study, 87 subjects with CP and 89 periodontally healthy subjects were allocated to case and control groups, respectively. Subjects' venous blood samples (5 cc) were collected, and DNA extraction was performed. A spectrophotometer was utilized to assess the concentration of extracted DNAs. The desired gene polymorphisms were examined using restriction fragment length polymorphism polymerase chain reaction (RFLP-PCR) followed by electrophoresis. Statistical analyses were done using the Pearson Chi-Square test, odds ratio, and t-Test using SPSS Version 28. RESULTS: The MMP-1 (-1607 1G/2G) rs1799750, MMP-3 (-1171 5A/6A) rs3025058, and MMP-7 (-181 A/G) rs11568818 gene polymorphisms significantly differed between case and control groups (PV = 0.019, 0.007, and 0.028, respectively). In contrast, the gene polymorphisms of MMP-2 (-1306 C/T) rs243865 and MMP-13 (-77 A/G) rs2252070 did not make a significant difference. Regarding allele frequencies, the presence of the 2G allele in the MMP-1 (-1607) rs1799750 genotype increased the CP susceptibility significantly, while subjects with the 6A allele in their MMP-3 (-1171) rs3025058 genotype showed significantly lower susceptibility to CP (PV = 0.008 and < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION: In the studied population, gene polymorphisms in the DNA sequences of MMP-1 (-1607 1G/2G) rs1799750, MMP-3 (-1171 5A/6A) rs3025058, and MMP-7 (-181 A/G) rs11568818 may have impacts on CP incidence. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Clinicians should be cautious about the association between MMP-1, MMP-3, and MMP-7 gene polymorphisms and the incidence of chronic periodontitis during periodontal treatment planning.

Evaluation of facial profile characteristics of aesthetically pleasing Iranian faces.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to assess the soft and hard tissue cephalometric indexes of facial profiles perceived as attractive. METHODS: A total of 360 individuals (180 females and 180 males) with well-balanced faces and no history of orthodontic or cosmetic procedures were selected. Twenty-six raters (13 females and 13 males) rated the attractiveness of profile view photographs of the enrolled individuals. According to the total score, the rated top 10% of photographs were selected as attractive. Overall, 81 (40 soft tissue and 41 hard tissue) cephalometric measurements were made on traced cephalograms of the attractive faces. The obtained values were compared with orthodontic norms and attractive Whites using Bonferroni-corrected t tests. They were also analyzed regarding age and sex effects using a two-way ANOVA test. RESULTS: Significant differences were found between the cephalometric measurements of attractive profiles and orthodontic norms. Among the most important parameters were greater H angle and basic upper lip thickness in attractive males, and greater facial convexity and smaller nose prominence in attractive females. Also, attractive male participants had greater soft tissue chin thickness and subnasale perpendicular to the upper lip compared with attractive females. CONCLUSIONS: According to the results, males with a normal profile and thicker protruded upper lips were perceived as more attractive. Also, females with a slightly convex profile, deeper mentolabial sulcus, less prominent nose, and shorter maxilla and mandible were perceived as more attractive.

Photodynamic Therapy in Root Canal Disinfection: A Case Series and Mini-Review.

Introduction: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is now a widely used treatment modality in many fields of dentistry, including endodontics. The most common application of PDT in endodontics is to disinfect root canals. The purpose of this study was to present the experience of using PDT in root canal disinfection of three patients. Case Presentation: Three patients referred to the Endodontics Department of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences were treated using 0.1 mg/mL Toluidine Blue (FotoSan® agent; CMS Dental, Denmark) irradiated with a light-emitting diode (LED) lamp (FotoSan®; CMS Dental, Denmark) with a mean wavelength of 630 nm and a mean power density of 3 W/cm2 over two 30-second periods. Conclusion: PDT using LED lighting can be used in conjunction with conventional root canal treatment (RCT) to achieve great results.

Gingival Melanin Depigmentation Using a Diode 808-nm Laser: A Case Series.

Introduction: Gingival hyperpigmentation is caused by an increase in the amount of melanin production or the number of melanocytes in the epithelium, which can impair smile esthetics. The current study aimed to report the experience of using a diode laser for gingival depigmentation of three different patients. Case Presentation: Three adult patients are presented with hyperpigmentation in labial gingivae of both jaws. The depigmentation was done using a diode laser at a wavelength of 808 nm, fiber diameter of 300 µm, and power of 1 W and in continuous mode. All three patients showed proper resolution of hyperpigmented areas in short- and long-term follow-up sessions. However, degrees of recurrence were noticeable in two cases. Conclusion: The 808-nm diode laser can be utilized safely and efficiently in gingival depigmentation, resulting in an acceptable cosmetic outcome.