Clinically Effective Molecules of Natural Origin for Obesity Prevention or Treatment.

The prevalence and incidence of obesity and the comorbidities linked to it are increasing worldwide. Current therapies for obesity and associated pathologies have proven to cause a broad number of adverse effects, and often, they are overpriced or not affordable for all patients. Among the alternatives currently available, natural bioactive compounds stand out. These are frequently contained in pharmaceutical presentations, nutraceutical products, supplements, or functional foods. The clinical evidence for these molecules is increasingly solid, among which epigallocatechin-3-gallate, ellagic acid, resveratrol, berberine, anthocyanins, probiotics, carotenoids, curcumin, silymarin, hydroxy citric acid, and α-lipoic acid stand out. The molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways of these molecules have been shown to interact with the endocrine, nervous, and gastroenteric systems. They can regulate the expression of multiple genes and proteins involved in starvation-satiety processes, activate the brown adipose tissue, decrease lipogenesis and inflammation, increase lipolysis, and improve insulin sensitivity. This review provides a comprehensive view of nature-based therapeutic options to address the increasing prevalence of obesity. It offers a valuable perspective for future research and subsequent clinical practice, addressing everything from the molecular, genetic, and physiological bases to the clinical study of bioactive compounds.

Epidemiological, clinical, and prognostic analysis of oral squamous cell carcinoma diagnosed and treated in a single hospital in Galicia (Spain): a retrospective study with 5-year follow-up / Análisis epidemiológico, clínico y pronóstico del carcinoma oral de células escamosas diagnosticado y tratado en un único hospital de Galicia (España): un estudio retrospectivo con un seguimiento de 5 años

Background: Oral cancer is a common neoplasm worldwide, mostly corresponding to squamous cell carcinoma(OSCC). Unfortunately, its overall prognosis remains poor, with no improvement in recent decades. In this study,we have analysed the epidemiological, clinical, and prognostic characteristics of OSCC on patients of a specificSpanish region (Galicia), in order to improve its prognosis and apply effective preventive and early diagnosismeasures.Material and Methods: We retrospectively analysed 243 cases of OSCC, diagnosed and treated in a single hospitalcentre in Galicia between 2010 and 2015 (minimum of 5 years of evolution). Overall and specific survival werecalculated (Kaplan-Meier) and associated variables were identified (log rank test and Cox regression).Results: The mean age of the patients was 67 years, with the majority being male (69.5%), smokers (45.9%) andalcohol consumers (58.6%), who lived in non-urban areas (79.4%). Cases diagnosed at advanced stages entailedthe 48.1% of the sample, and 38.7% of cases relapsed. The 5-year overall and disease-specific survival rates were39.9% and 46.1%, respectively. Patients who consumed tobacco and alcohol had a worse prognosis. OSCC casesreferred to hospital by specialist dentists had a better prognosis, as those who were previously diagnosed with anoral potentially malignant oral disorder (OPMD) or received dental care during OSCC treatmen. Conclusions: In view of these findings, we conclude that OSCC in Galicia (Spain) still has a very poor overall prog-nosis, which is mainly related to the advanced age of the patients and the late diagnosis. Our study highlights thebetter survival of OSCC in relation to the referring health professional, the presence of a previous OPMD and thedental care after diagnosis. This demonstrates the importance of dentistry as a health profession involved in the earlydiagnosis and multidisciplinary management of this malignant neoplasm.(AU)

Pyrosequencing Analysis of O-6-Methylguanine-DNA Methyltransferase Methylation at Different Cut-Offs of Positivity Associated with Treatment Response and Disease-Specific Survival in Isocitrate Dehydrogenase-Wildtype Grade 4 Glioblastoma.

The O-6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) gene is a critical guardian of genomic integrity. MGMT methylation in diffuse gliomas serves as an important determinant of patients' prognostic outcomes, more specifically in glioblastomas (GBMs). In GBMs, the absence of MGMT methylation, known as MGMT promoter unmethylation, often translates into a more challenging clinical scenario, tending to present resistance to chemotherapy and a worse prognosis. A pyrosequencing (PSQ) technique was used to analyze MGMT methylation status at different cut-offs (5%, 9%, and 11%) in a sample of 78 patients diagnosed with IDH-wildtype grade 4 GBM. A retrospective analysis was provided to collect clinicopathological and prognostic data. A statistical analysis was used to establish an association between methylation status and treatment response (TR) and disease-specific survival (DSS). The patients with methylated MGMT status experienced progressive disease rates of 84.6%, 80%, and 78.4% at the respective cut-offs of 5%, 9%, and 11%. The number was considerably higher when considering unmethylated patients, as all patients (100%), regardless of the cut-off, presented progressive disease. Regarding disease-specific survival (DSS), the Hazard Ratio (HR) was HR = 0.74 (0.45-1.24; p = 0.251); HR = 0.82 (0.51-1.33; p = 0.425); and HR = 0.79 (0.49-1.29; p = 0.350), respectively. Our study concludes that there is an association between MGMT unmethylation and worse TR and DSS. The 9% cut-off demonstrated a greater potential for patient survival as a function of time, which may shed light on the future need for standardization of MGMT methylation positivity parameters in PSQ.

Oral Trichogranuloma in an Asian 12-Year-Old Female With Trichotillomania.

Pilonidal sinus is an acquired chronic inflammatory condition associated with the penetration of hair fragments into the skin. In the pathogenesis of most of these cases, a traumatic event initiates the process allowing the introduction of the hairs into the skin. We report an unusual case of acquired pilonidal sinus as a consequence of the unconscious habit of chewing on the hairs in a 12-year-old girl. Although most commonly located in the gluteal cleft, it has been reported in several areas of the body (including face), but to the best of our knowledge, this is the first report in the oral cavity. Our case presented as a palatal and vestibular fistula in a patient who suffered from an undiagnosed peculiar form of hair pulling disorder that involved hair chewing but not trichophagia.

Increased Plasmatic Levels of Exosomes Are Significantly Related to Relapse Rate in Patients with Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is characterized by an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Their plasma-derived exosomes deliver immunomodulatory molecules and cargo that correlate significantly with clinical parameters. This study aims to assess the exosomal profile as a potential tool for early detection of relapse and long-term outcomes in OSCC patients undergoing conventional therapy. METHODS: 27 OSCC patients with a median 38-month follow-up were included in this study. The relationship between NTA-derived parameters and clinical pathological parameters was examined, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were utilized to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of these values in detecting cancer relapse. RESULTS: Plasmatic levels of exosomes prior to surgery showed a drastic reduction after surgical intervention (8.08E vs. 1.41 × 109 particles/mL, p = 0.006). Postsurgical concentrations of exosomes were higher in patients who experienced relapse compared to those who remained disease-free (2.97 × 109 vs. 1.11 × 109 particles/mL, p = 0.046). Additionally, patients who relapsed exhibited larger exosome sizes after surgery (141.47 vs. 132.31 nm, p = 0.03). Patients with lower concentrations of exosomes prior to surgery demonstrated better disease-free survival compared to those with higher levels (p = 0.012). ROC analysis revealed an area under the curve of 0.82 for presurgical exosome concentration in identifying relapse. CONCLUSIONS: Presurgical exosomal plasmatic levels serve as independent predictors of early recurrence and survival in OSCC. All in all, our findings indicate that the detection of peripheral exosomes represents a novel tool for the clinical management of OSCC, with potential implications for prognosis assessment.

Identification of Proteomic Biomarkers in Proliferative Verrucous Leukoplakia through Liquid Chromatography With Tandem Mass Spectrometry.

Proliferative verrucous leukoplakia (PVL) is an oral potentially malignant disorder associated with high risk of malignant transformation. Currently, there is no treatment available, and restrictive follow-up of patients is crucial for a better prognosis. Oral leukoplakia (OL) shares some clinical and microscopic features with PVL but exhibits different clinical manifestations and a lower rate of malignant transformation. This study aimed to investigate the proteomic profile of PVL in tissue and saliva samples to identify potential diagnostic biomarkers with therapeutic implications. Tissue and saliva samples obtained from patients with PVL were compared with those from patients with oral OL and controls. Label-free liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry was employed, followed by qualitative and quantitative analyses, to identify differentially expressed proteins. Potential biomarkers were identified and further validated using immunohistochemistry. Staining intensity scan analyses were performed on tissue samples from patients with PVL, patients with OL, and controls from Brazil, Spain, and Finland. The study revealed differences in the immune system, cell cycle, DNA regulation, apoptosis pathways, and the whole proteome of PVL samples. In addition, liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry analyses showed that calreticulin (CALR), receptor of activated protein C kinase 1 (RACK1), and 14-3-3 Tau-protein (YWHAQ) were highly expressed in PVL samples. Immunohistochemistry validation confirmed increased CARL expression in PVL compared with OL. Conversely, RACK1 and YWHA were highly expressed in oral potentially malignant disorder compared to the control group. Furthermore, significant differences in CALR and RACK1 expression were observed in the OL group when comparing samples with and without oral epithelial dysplasia, unlike the PVL. This research provides insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying these conditions and highlights potential targets for future diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.

Genetic linkage analysis of head and neck cancer in a Spanish family.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the genetic variants that may be associated with the development of head and neck cancer (HNC) and functionally validating the molecular implications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective observational study was carried out on a family of 3 generations in which 3 members had developed HNC. Peripheral blood sample was taken in a routine procedure for exome sequencing in one relative and genotyping in the remaining twelve relatives. For the functional analysis all-trans retinoic acid (atRA) was extracted from saliva and serum and measured using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). The presence of HPV-DNA. RESULTS: None of the patients smoked or consumed alcohol. The presence of HPV DNA was not detected in any of the biopsied samples. A total amount of 6 members out of 13 (46.15%) carried out the same mutation of CYP26B1 (2p13.2; G>T). The mean plasma concentration of atRA was 3.3109 ± 1.4791 pg/mL for the study family and 4.7370 ± 1.5992 pg/mL for the controls (p = 0.042). CONCLUSION: Lower levels of atRA were confirmed in the study family, which may open the way to the possible relationship between the polymorphism CYP26B1 (2p13.2; G>T) and HNC.

Quantitative proteomics in medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw: A proof-of-concept study.

OBJECTIVE: Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) is a paradoxical effect associated with bone-modifying agents (BMAs) and other drugs. Currently, no valuable diagnostic or prognosis biomarkers exist. The goal of this research was to study MRONJ-related salivary proteome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This case-control aimed to study salivary proteome in MRONJ versus control groups (i) formed from BMAs consumers and (ii) healthy individuals to unravel biomarkers. Thirty-eight samples of unstimulated whole saliva (18 MRONJ patients, 10 BMA consumers, and 10 healthy controls) were collected. Proteomic analysis by SWATH-MS coupled with bioinformatics analysis was executed. RESULTS: A total of 586 proteins were identified, 175 proteins showed significant differences among MRONJ versus controls. SWATH-MS revealed differentially expressed proteins among three groups, which have never been isolated. These proteins had distinct roles including cell envelope organization, positive regulation of vesicle fusion, positive regulation of receptor binding, or regulation of low-density lipoprotein particle clearance. Integrative analysis prioritized 3 proteins (MMP9, AACT, and HBD). Under receiver-operating characteristic analysis, this panel discriminated MRONJ with a sensitivity of 90% and a specificity of 78.9%. CONCLUSION: These findings may inform a novel biomarker panel for MRONJ prediction or diagnosis. Nonetheless, further research is needed to validate this panel.

Importance of the vaporization margin during CO2 laser treatment of oral leukoplakia: A survival study.

OBJECTIVES: The main purpose of this study was to assess the response of oral leukoplakia to CO2 laser vaporization treatment, as well as determining possible factors that may affect recurrence of lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted, in which the medical records of patients who had been clinically and histologically diagnosed with oral leukoplakia and treated with CO2 laser between 1996 and 2019 at the Oral Medicine Teaching Unit of the Faculty of Dentistry of the University of Santiago de Compostela were reviewed. RESULTS: Fifty-eight patients were included: 36 female and 22 male subjects, with a mean age of 63.7 years old (SD ±13.1). The average follow-up time was 57.5 months (SD ±57.9). A relapse rate of 52.6% was determined. Of all the studied variables, the margin was the only one for which a statistically significant association with recurrence of lesions was demonstrated (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The vaporization of lesions using CO2 laser with a safety margin of at least 3 mm from the clinical limits of OL is a key factor in preventing recurrence.

Lichenoid areas may arise in early stages of proliferative verrucous leukoplakia: A long-term study of 34 patients.

BACKGROUND: Proliferative verrucous leukoplakia is considered an uncommon oral potentially malignant disorder with a high malignant transformation rate. The objective of this paper was to define its cancer incidence and related risk factors. METHODS: A retrospective audit of 34 patients diagnosed with proliferative verrucous leukoplakia from a university-based unit, during the period from 1995 to 2019 was performed. The mean number of visits was 23 ± 18.6. The follow-up was divided into four-time intervals to evaluate the clinical presentation, number of lesions, dysplasia grade, and malignant transformation rate. RESULTS: The majority of patients were females 29 (85.3%), with verrucous component (77.8%), with a gingival presentation (31.8%), and with a preceding lichenoid area (44.1%). Eleven patients (32.4%) were affected by oral cancer during the follow-up, developing a total of 15 carcinomas. The mean age of malignant transformation was 67.2 ± 12.9 years, particularly 8 ± 8.5 from the onset of the lesions. Warty forms presented a higher mean estimate for malignant transformation (15.2 years, 95% confidence interval 4.4-26 years) than nodular forms (1.9 years, 95% confidence interval 1.9-1.9) (p = 0.019). Patients with an initial proliferative verrucous leukoplakia diagnosis suffered a higher risk of malignancy, particularly 15.55 times (95% confidence interval 1.69-143.17; p = 0.015) than those who did present a preceding area with lichenoid morphology. CONCLUSION: Proliferative verrucous leukoplakia presented a high malignant transformation rate and sometimes displayed preceding oral lichenoid areas in early stages. Further studies are needed to understand the impact of these lichenoid areas in proliferative verrucous leukoplakia progression.

Efficacy of different sentinel lymph node biopsy protocols in oral squamous cell carcinoma: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

The sentinel node biopsy (SNB) is highly protocolized in other cancers, however, this is not the case for oral squamous cell carcinoma patients, hence our objective was to evaluate the different protocols published. A specific study protocol was designed and subsequently registered on PROSPERO (Ref. CRD42021279217). Twenty-three articles were included in the meta-analysis. The grouped sensitivity of the SNB was 82% (95% CI: 0.74-0.88), and the grouped specificity was 100% (95% CI: 0.99-1.00). The use of other radiotracers other than pre-operative lopamidol showed higher values of sensitivity of 82.80% (95% CI: 76.90%-87.50%; p < 0.001). The use of the blue dye stain showed higher sensitivity values of 85.60% (95% CI: 71.90%-93.20%), compared to sensitivity values of 77.50% when it was not used (95% CI: 69.10%-84.20%) (p < 0.001). Diagnostic rates are variable and they were significantly better when 99mTc was used in all its variations and accompanied by the blue dye staining.

Influence of loading and drilling on marginal bone loss around implants with a Dynamic Bone Management design: A single-blind, randomised, 12-month clinical trial.

PURPOSE: To evaluate marginal bone loss 6 and 12 months after prosthetic loading of implants with Dynamic Bone Management (Straumann, Basel, Switzerland) through the implementation of different drilling protocols. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A balanced, randomised, single-blind clinical trial was conducted with four parallel experimental arms: immediate loading and under-drilling, immediate loading and complete drilling, early loading and under-drilling, and early loading and complete drilling. Forty-four implants with a Dynamic Bone Management design and with a diameter of 3.75 mm and a length of 10.00 mm were placed in healed mature bone (more than 6 months post-extraction). RESULTS: The mean primary stability achieved was 60.6 ± 12.2 implant stability quotient, with a range from 21 to 75, and no differences were observed when considering the drilling protocol used, bone type or location. Early loading resulted in a loss of 0.728 mm (standard error 0.212; 95% confidence interval 1.134 to -0.325; t value -3.440), whereas immediate loading did not result in any bone loss. When the interaction between the loading and drilling protocols was studied, performing the complete drilling protocol in conjunction with early implant loading was found to result in lower marginal bone loss, with a marginal bone gain effect of 0.814 mm (standard error 0.283; 95% confidence interval -0.274 to 1.353; t value 2.880). CONCLUSIONS: Use of the complete drilling protocol in conjunction with early implant loading resulted in the lowest marginal bone loss at 12 months.

Regeneration of Craniofacial Bone Induced by Periosteal Pumping.

A variety of surgical techniques and tissue engineering strategies utilizing osteogenic potential of the periosteum have been developed for the repair of extended bone deficiencies. The aim of the present study was to assess the impact of an alternating protocol of periosteal distraction osteogenesis (PDO) on bone regeneration in an intraoral model. Eight adult, male Beagle dogs were used for the study. Two distraction devices were placed on each side of the mandible. After a 7-day latency period, distraction devices in all animals were manipulated at the rate of 0.5 mm for a total of 8 days. The pumping protocol in two test groups proceeded twice daily by alternating activation with relaxation. In the periosteal pumping/distraction (PPDO) group, the distraction screws were activated two times (at 12 and 24 h) and then turned back (at 36 h), and in the periosteal pumping (PP) group repeatedly activated and turned back (at 12 h). In the PDO group, only activation was performed once daily (positive control). Devices were left inactivated in the negative control (NC) group. The samples were harvested after 8 weeks of consolidation period and investigated by micro-CT and histological analysis. New mature, lamellar bone was formed over the pristine bone in all groups. PPDO and PDO groups showed more new bone area (NBA) compared to the PP (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively) and to the NC group (p = 0.032 and p = 0.031, respectively). Furthermore, greater NBA was found in the PP group than the NC group (p = 0.006). PDO demonstrated higher relative connective tissue area than the PPDO group (p = 0.005) and lower relative new bone volume than the NC group (p = 0.025). Pumping protocol of periosteal distraction may successfully induce the endogenous regeneration of the mandibular bone in dogs. Impact Statement Repair of extended bone defects impose a significant challenge to oral and maxillofacial surgeons. In this article, a principle of distraction osteogenesis was applied to stimulate bone regeneration in the mandible. A periosteum-based regeneration approach may represent a valuable step toward creating a significant volume of hard and soft tissues, without need for autogenous bone harvesting or application of biomaterials.

Analysis of the Efficiency and Prognostic Value of the Sentinel Node Technique in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma after Seven Years.

Background and objectives: The purpose of this study was to analyse the diagnostic and prognostic efficiency of the sentinel lymph node biopsy technique (SLNB). Materials and Methods: This is a prospective observational study performed by the Hospital Complex in Santiago de Compostela (CHUS) in Spain, between February 2013 and June 2020. The study included 60 patients, who had been diagnosed with OSCC in stage T1/T2N0M0. Results: 10 patients (16.7%) presented with SN+ (sentinel node positive). The majority (80%) only presented subcapsular affection, however one case also presented with extracapsular affection. Using the Kaplan-Meier curves, we determined that the average survival estimation for SN- patients was 74.0 months (CI95% 67.6-80.5) and it was 45.4 months (CI95% 10.9-24.0) for SN+ patients (p = 0.002). SN+ patients presented an OR = 11.000 (CI95% 2.393-50.589, p = 0.002) for cancer-related mortality. In terms of the diagnostic performance of the SN (sentinel node) test, a 55% sensitivity, a 100% specificity, 100% PPV and a 84% NPV were obtained. The analysis using ROC (receiver operating characteristic) curves revealed an AUC = 0.671 (CI95% 0.492-0.850, p = 0.046). Conclusions: SLNB seems to be an adequate technique for the detection of hidden metastases.

A new morphologic classification of the alveolar ridge after distraction osteogenesis in human patients. A 17 years retrospective case series study / Una nueva clasificación morfológica de la cresta alveolar después de la distracción osteogénesis en pacientes humanos. Un estudio de serie de casos retrospectivo de 17 años

Background: To perform a morphologic classification based on the results of bone augmentation after a distractionosteogenesis.Material and Methods: Thirty-four (34) patients (24 women and 10 men; mean age, 47.1 years (SD=9.5); age range,23 to 62 years) underwent a total of 42 alveolar ridge distractions before the placement of a total of 89 dentalimplants. Ridge bone morphology was evaluated as the main ordinal variable. Chi-squared, Kruskal-Wallis andANOVA one-way test were used.Results: Category I (30.95%): consisted of wide alveolar rim and no bone defects Category II (28.57%): widealveolar rim, lateral bone surface concavity. Category III (23.81%): narrow alveolar rim, lateral bone surface con-cavity. Category IV (2.38 %): distraction transport segment forming a bridge, without bone formed beneath andrequiring guided bone regeneration. Category V (9.52%): return of the transport segment to its initial position dueto the reverse rotation of the distractor screw. Category VI (4.76 %): distraction transport segment completely lost.Subcategory D (28.57%), consisted of lingual deviation of the distraction axis, occurring in any of the categories Ito IV. More men (76.9 %) presented with category I (p<0.001). The use of the chisel resulted mainly in categories I and II (69.4 %) (p<0.001). GBR was only required in 23.1 % of the cases in Category I (p=0.011). The bone heightachieved decreases as the category increases, due to the accompanying osteogenic limitations (p<0.001). The im-plants placed in category I were longer 11.5 ± 0.9 mm (CI95% 10.9-11.9 mm) compared to those placed in categoryIII with a length of 10.4 ± 1.5 mm (CI95% 9.5-11.4 mm) (p=0.035).Conclusions: The alveolar ridge after distraction osteogenesis could be divided into six morphologic categorieswhich provide a useful basis for decision-making regarding implant placement.(AU)

Effect of mesoporous silica and its combination with hydroxyapatite on the regeneration of rabbit's bone defects: A pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Bone volume augmentation is a routine technique used in oral implantology and periodontology. Advances in the surgical techniques and the biomaterials field have allowed a greater accessibility to these treatments. Nevertheless, dehiscence and fenestrations incidence during dental implant procedures are still common in patients with bone loss. OBJECTIVE: The main objective is to evaluate in a pilot experimental study the biological response to mesoporous silica (MS) hybrid scaffolds and its regenerative capacity in different formulations. METHODS: Two defects per rabbit tibia were performed (one for control and other for test) and the biomaterials tested in this study have been used to fill the bone defects, prepared in two different formulations (3D hybrid scaffolds or powdered material, in 100% pure MS form, or 50% MS with 50% hydroxyapatite (HA). Euthanasia was performed 4 months after surgery for bone histopathological study and radiographic images were acquired by computerized microtomography. RESULTS: Results showed that radiographically and histopathologically pure MS formulations lead to a lower biological response, e.g when formulated with HA, the osteogenic response in terms of osteoconduction was greater. CONCLUSIONS: We observed tolerance and lack of toxicity of the MS and HA, without registering any type of local or systemic allergic reaction.

Efficacy of different formulations of nystatin in an experimental model of oral candidiasis in sialoadenectomized rats.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Oral candidiasis is the most common fungal infection of the oral cavity and has become a focus of attention in recent years because of its association with highly topical immunosuppressive conditions. The aims of this study were to determine the value of microbiological, clinical and histological parameters of Candida albicans colonisation of the dorsal tongue surface as indicators of disease severity, and to evaluate therapeutic response to different formulations of nystatin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used 84 males, 2-month-old Sprague-Dawley sialoadenectomized rats. Different formulations of nystatin were used to evaluate the therapeutic response. The animals were randomized to 2 groups with each of 42 animals and received the experimental treatments from day 17-22. RESULTS: 100% of the rats showed evidence of infection. At 5 and 10 days of starting treatment with nystatin + chitosan, and at 10 days of starting nystatin + orabase, the number of animals with positive dorsal tongue culture decreased significantly (p < 0.05), acting the Nystatin + chitosan more rapidly against Candida. In the control group, the percentage of normal papillae on day 22 and 27 was 83.33% (SD = 1.50) and 79.08% (SD = 2.30), respectively. Significant differences were observed in the mean O'Grady score at 5 and 10 days (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: The model has been shown to be effective in inducing infection, and that the combination of nystatin and chitosan yielded the best therapeutic outcomes at both 5 and 10 days after infection.

Immunoexpression of Apoptosis and Cell-cycle Arrest Markers in Oral Lichen Planus.

The expression pattern of a panel of 5 molecular markers (p53, cyclin D1, Ki-67, BCL-2, and BAX) was studied in samples from patients with oral lichen planus (OLP) and normal oral mucosa (NOM) of healthy controls to investigate the implications of cell cycle and apoptosis in OLP. The 59 OLP and 16 NOM biopsies were stained by an inmunoperoxidase technique for p53, cyclin D1, Ki-67, BCL-2, and BAX and assessed microscopically for semiquantitative analysis. Positivity for BCL-2 and Ki-67 was significantly more frequent in NOM than in OLP (P<0.05). p53 levels were upregulated in atrophic/erosive clinical presentations when compared with reticular presentations and in cases with discontinued inflammatory infiltrate. Multivariate analysis through logistic regression showed that BCL-2 in OLP versus NOM was the only significantly altered marker in the present cohort (adjusted odds ratio=12.42; 95% confidence interval: 2.5-61.65; P=0.002). The cell patterns in OLP and NOM are distinct according to the present molecular markers panel. The presence of BCL-2 altered expression may be related to various molecular pathways that connect/link this condition to other autoimmune disorders and also may be involved in complex roles that evoke malignant transformation of OLP.

Analysis of the unpredictable migration of impacted mandibular third molars: A pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Eruption of an impacted mandibular third molar (3MM) is often unpredictable. The objective of this study was to establish the radiographic parameters of migration in patients whose 3MMs evolved unpredictably. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a retrospective observational study. Patients with unusual 3MM migration (away from their physiological eruption position with changes in the longitudinal and horizontal axes) and with at least two panoramic radiographs were included. To evaluate the radiographic parameters, images were superimposed, using mandibular angle and ipsilateral condyle as references. RESULTS: Of a total of 2851 patients, four were included in our study. The average age of the patients at the time of the second X-ray was 41.75 (SD=8.42) years. The mean follow-up period was 111 (SD=59.09) months. The migration was caudal in three of the 3MMs (75%) and cranial in one (25%). CONCLUSIONS: Unpredictable 3MM migration is rare, and occurs mostly in the vertical direction with an average angle of 12 degrees. None of these migrations were related to any type of lesion. Our results reveal that, due to its unpredictable behaviour, impacted wisdom teeth have to be periodically radiographically evaluated even if surgical extraction is not indicated. Key words:Tooth migration, third molar, ectopic tooth.