Association between alcohol dehydrogenase polymorphisms (rs1229984, rs1573496, rs1154460, and rs284787) and susceptibility to head and neck cancers: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Head and neck cancer (HNC) is a prevalent and complex group of malignancies with increasing incidence globally. Alcohol dehydrogenases (ADHs) play a crucial role in alcohol metabolism, and their polymorphisms have been linked to HNC risk. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to evaluate the association between ADH polymorphisms and susceptibility to HNCs, incorporating additional analyses and adding more studies to increase power and accuracy of the results. DESIGN: Subgroup analysis, meta-regression analysis, and sensitivity analyses were conducted to explore potential differences within the data and assess the stability of pooled odds ratios (ORs). To mitigate the risk of false conclusions from meta-analyses, a trial sequential analysis was performed. RESULTS: For ADH1B rs1229984, the pooled OR (95 % confidence interval (CI)) was 0.73 (0.65, 0.82), 0.42 (0.35, 0.50), 0.57 (0.44, 0.73), 0.56 (0.50, 0.62), and 0.80 (0.73, 0.88), as well as for ADH7 rs1573496, the pooled OR was 0.72 (0.62, 0.85), 0.36 (0.17, 0.74), 0.76 (0.64, 0.91), 0.80 (0.71, 0.91), and 0.38 (0.18, 0.78) with a p < 0.05 in all allelic, homozygous, heterozygous, recessive, and dominant models, respectively. However, no significant association was found between the ADH7 rs1154460 and rs284787 polymorphisms and the risk of HNC with pooled ORs of 1.11 (p = 0.19) and 1.09 (p = 0.24) for the recessive model, respectively. The ethnicities, tumor subsites, control sources, sample sizes, quality scores, and Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium statuses were confounding factors. CONCLUSION: The ADH1B rs1229984 and ADH7 rs1573496 polymorphisms are significantly associated with a reduced risk of HNC.

Optimization of ethanol-modified subcritical water extraction of curcuminoids from turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) rhizomes: Comparison with conventional techniques.

Subcritical solvent extraction (SSE) as ethanol-modified subcritical water extraction (SWE) was applied to extract curcuminoids from turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) rhizomes. RSM-CCD was employed to evaluate the influential factors including temperature (90-150 °C), flow rate (1-4 mL/min), and ethanol concentration (25-75 wt%) on the extraction yield. The optimum condition was 90 °C, 4 mL/min, and 25 wt% with the extraction yield of 4.12 wt% (db). Applying ethanol as a polarity-tuning parameter enabled operations at lower temperatures, which prevented thermal degradation. The SSE optimum experiment was compared with Soxhlet, ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and conventional solvent extraction (CSE), both with the ethanol-water mixture (25 wt%). Their yields were 2.71, 0.85, and 0.84 wt% (db), respectively. The higher yield of SSE was related to the higher solubility of curcuminoids due to the more appropriate adjustment of solvent polarity by a decrease in the dielectric constant with a rise in the operating temperature.

Association between the CYP1A1 MspI polymorphism and risk of head and neck cancer: a meta-analysis.

The studies recommended the relationship between lots of polymorphisms with the head and neck cancers (HNCs) risk. Herein, we reported the association between the CYP1A1 MspI polymorphism and the risk of HNC in an updated meta-analysis. The PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Scopus databases were searched until March 31, 2021, without any restrictions. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were applied to assess a relationship between CYP1A1 MspI polymorphism and the HNC risk based on five applied genetic models by RevMan 5.3 software. Other analyses (sensitivity analysis, meta-regression, and bias analysis) were performed by CMA 2.0 software. Trial sequential analysis (TSA) was done by TSA software (version 0.9.5.10 beta). Among the databases and other sources, 501 recorded were identified that at last, 29 studies were obtained for the analysis. The pooled ORs were 1.28 (95%CI 1.09, 1.51; P = 0.003), 1.68 (95%CI 1.16, 2.45; P = 0.007), 1.24 (95%CI 1.03, 1.50; P = 0.02), 1.26 (95%CI 1.07, 1.48; P = 0.005), and 1.66 (95%CI 1.27, 2.16; P = 0.0002) for allelic, homozygous, heterozygous, recessive, and dominant models, respectively. Therefore, the m2 allele and m1/m2 and m2/m2 genotypes had significantly increased risks in HNC patients. With regards to stable results and enough samples, the findings of the present meta-analysis recommended that there was an association between CYP1A1 MspI polymorphism and the HNC risk.

Estimation of serum and salivary matrix metalloproteinase levels in oral squamous cell carcinoma patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play a pivotal role in the cancer progression, invasion, and angiogenesis. AIM: This meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the difference between oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) patients and healthy controls in the serum and salivary MMP levels. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Four databases - Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library - were searched up to March 2019. The pooled standard mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were obtained to explain the difference between the patients and controls in the salivary and serum MMP levels. Both Egger's and Begg's tests were considered as the significant publication bias. RESULTS: Thirteen case-control studies were included in the meta-analysis. Among the analyses of serum MMP levels, the serum MMP7 (SMD = 0.78; 95% CI: 0.15-1.41; p = 0.02) and MMP9 (SMD = 1.18; 95% CI: 0.51-1.84; p = 0.0005) levels were significantly higher in the OSCC patients than in the controls. In addition, the analyses of salivary MMP levels showed that the MMP1 (SMD = 0.46; 95% CI: 0.22-0.70; p = 0.0001) and MMP9 (SMD = 0.66; 95% CI: 0.19-1.12; p = 0.005) levels were significantly higher in the OSCC patients than in the controls. CONCLUSIONS: The meta-analysis showed that the serum MMP7 and MPP9 levels as well as the salivary MMP1 and MPP9 levels were significantly higher in the OSCC patients than in the controls.

Association between IL-8 (-251T/A) and IL-6 (-174G/C) Polymorphisms and Oral Cancer Susceptibility: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Inflammation and cell-mediated immunity can have significant roles in different stages of carcinogenesis. The present meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the association between the polymorphisms of IL-8 (-251T/A) and IL-6 (-174G/C) and the risk of oral cancer (OC). METHODS: PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Scopus databases were searched until December 18, 2020 without any restrictions. RevMan 5.3 software was used to calculate the results of forest plots (odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs)); CMA 2.0 software was used to calculate funnel plots (Begg's and Egger's tests), and SPSS 22.0 was used for the meta-regression analysis. Moreover, trial sequential analysis was conducted to estimate the robustness of the results. RESULTS: Eleven articles including twelve studies were selected for the meta-analysis. The pooled ORs for the association between IL-8 (-251T/A) polymorphism and the risk of OC in the models of A vs. T, AA vs. TT, TA vs. TT, AA + TA vs. TT, and AA vs. TT + TA were 0.97 (p = 0.78), 0.86 (p = 0.55), 0.78 (p = 0.37), 0.83 (p = 0.45), and 1.10 (p = 0.34), respectively. The pooled ORs IL-6 (-174G/C) polymorphism and the risk of OC in the models of C vs. G, CC vs. GG, GC vs. GG, CC + GC vs. GG, and CC vs. GG + GC were 1.07 (p = 0.87), 1.17 (p = 0.82), 1.44 (p = 0.38), 1.28 (p = 0.61), and 0.96 (p = 0.93), respectively. There was no association between IL-8 (-251T/A) polymorphism and OC susceptibility, but the C allele and GC and CC genotypes of IL-6 (-174G/C) polymorphism were associated with the risk of OC based on subgroup analyses, that is to say, the source of control and the genotyping method might bias the pattern of association. CONCLUSIONS: The meta-analysis confirmed that there was no association between the polymorphisms of IL-6 (-174G/C) and IL-8 (-251T/A) and the susceptibility of OC. However, the source of control and the genotyping method could unfavorably impact on the association between the polymorphisms of IL-6 (-174G/C) and the risk OC.

A PRISMA-compliant meta-analysis on association between X-ray repair cross complementing (XRCC1, XRCC2, and XRCC3) polymorphisms and oral cancer susceptibility.

BACKGROUND: Oral Cancer (OC) is one of the leading causes of death and the disease mainly occurs over 50 years of age. Herein, a meta-analysis aimed to assess the association between X-ray repair cross complementing (XRCC) polymorphisms and OC risk. METHODS: Four databases were searched extensively until June 5, 2020. Subgroup analysis, meta-regression, and funnel plots, as well as the quality assessment were estimated. RESULTS: Fifteen studies were entered to the analysis. With regards to allele, homozygote, heterozygote, recessive, and dominant models, the pooled ORs for XRCC1 rs1799782 polymorphism were 1.51 (P = 0.01), 1.45 (P = 0.11), 1.45 (P = 0.0003), 1.44 (P = 0.0002), and 1.29 (P = 0.26); for XRCC1 rs1799782 polymorphism were 1.65 (P = 0.11), 1.50 (P = 0.33), 1.06 (P = 0.83), 1.57 (P = 0.12), and 1.32 (P = 0.45); for XRCC1 rs25489 polymorphism were 0.01 (P = 0.19), 1.44 (P = 0.48), 1.21 (P = 0.72), 1.17 (P = 0.19), and 1.38 (P = 0.54); for XRCC2 rs2040639 polymorphism were 0.68 (P = 0.0002), 0.63 (P = 0.02), 0.95 (P = 0.92), 0.79 (P = 0.49), and 0.61 (P = 0.005); and for XRCC3 rs861539 polymorphism were 1.24 (P = 0.20), 1.28 (P = 0.48), 0.99 (P = 0.95), 1.15 (P = 0.46), and 1.52 (P = 0.15), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The T allele and CT genotype of XRCC1 rs1799782 polymorphism had an elevated risk, whereas the G allele and GG genotype of XRCC2 rs2040639 polymorphism had a protective role in OC.

Common Polymorphisms of Interleukin-10 (-1082A/G, -592A/C, and -819C/T) in Oral Cancers: An Updated Meta-Analysis.

The mechanisms of genetic alteration are checked to be responsible for the oral cancer incidence. Herein, this meta-analysis aimed to assess the association between -1082A/G, -592A/C, and -819T/C polymorphisms of interleukin (IL)-10 and susceptibility to oral cancer. We systematically searched the PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Scopus databases until May 2019 to find the studies reporting the association between the IL-10 polymorphisms and the oral cancer risk. Rev Man 5.3 software was used to calculate the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The CMA (version 2.0) software showed the results of publication bias. In addition, SPSS (version 22.0) was used for meta-regression analysis. Out of 8 studies included in this meta-analysis, 7, 6, and 5 studies reported -1082A/G, -592A/C, and -819T/C polymorphisms, respectively. The pooled ORs of the allele, homozygote, heterozygote, dominant, and recessive models were 1.64 (95% CI: 1.26-2.13), 2.99 (95% CI: 1.32-6.79), 1.64 (95% CI: 1.16-2.33), 1.77 (95% CI: 1.25-2.49), and 2.44 (95% CI: 1.21-4.92), respectively, showing a significant association for -1082A/G polymorphism, but not for -592A/C, and -819T/C polymorphisms with the risk of oral cancer. However, subgroup analysis showed an association for -592A/C polymorphisms, Caucasian ethnicity, and hospital-based controls. In summary, the findings of this meta-analysis illustrated an elevated risk of oral cancer related to -1082A/G polymorphism, but there was no association between -592A/C and -819C/T polymorphisms and the risk of oral cancer.

A meta-analysis and meta-regression of association between MTHFR A1298C polymorphism and nonsyndromic cleft lip/palate risk: An evaluation based on five genetic models.

OBJECTIVE: The present meta-analysis is intended to assess the association between NSCL/P risk and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) A1298C polymorphism in case-control studies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Web of Science, PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for related articles published by April 2019. Review Manager 5.3 was applied to measure the odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence interval (CI) in the analyses assessing the strength of the association between A1298C polymorphism and NSCL/P risk. Results Sixteen studies were involved and analysed in this meta-analysis. Altogether, the reviewed articles included 2677 NSCL/P patients and 3669 controls. The pooled ORs of the allele, homozygote, heterozygote, dominant, and recessive models were 1.11 (95% CI: 0.94, 1.30; P=0.21), 1.14 (95% CI: 0.94, 1.37; P=0.18), 0.98 (95% CI: 0.80, 1.20; P=0.87), 1.03 (95% CI: 0.86, 1.22; P=0.79), and 1.18 (95% CI: 0.99, 1.41; P=0.07), respectively. The analysis did not identify any significant association between the polymorphism and the risk of NSCL/P in any ethnicity or source of controls. CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis revealed that A1298C polymorphism is not associated with NSCL/P susceptibility, and the subgroup analyses based on ethnicity and the source of cases further confirmed this result.

Assessment of salivary antioxidant status and immunoglobulin E in patients with geographic tongue.

OBJECTIVE: One of the possible ways of changing human health might be through the oral mucosa. One of tongue disorders is geographic tongue (GT), which classic manifestation is an area of erythema, with atrophy of filiform papillae of the tongue, surrounded by a serpiginous, white, hyperkeratotic border. Saliva is a rich source of antioxidant and fulfills an important role in maintaining the normal function of the oral cavity. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the status of salivary antioxidant and immunoglobulin E in patients with GT and healthy people. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this case-control study, samples were gathered from high school students in three municipal regions of Kermanshah, Iran by using multistage random cluster sampling method. The samples included 30 patients with GT (15 men and 15 women with the mean age of 17.6 ± 0.72) and 30 healthy volunteers (15 men and 15 women with the mean age of 17.1 ± 0.61). Saliva samples were collected through standard method, and total antioxidant capacity (TAC), catalase (CAT), and salivary immunoglobulin E were measured. RESULTS: In patients with GT, unstimulated salivary shows increased level of immunoglobulin compared with that of control group (P = 0.013). However, there was no significant relationship between control and GT patient groups regarding TAC of saliva (P = 0.91) and CAT (P = 0.83). CONCLUSION: It seems that the activity of CAT enzyme and TAC of saliva does not play primary role in the pathogenesis of GT. However, the level of immunoglobulin E present in saliva can function as an indicator of increased sensitivity in GT.

Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase C677T polymorphism is not associated with the risk of nonsyndromic cleft lip/palate: An updated meta-analysis.

Both genetic and environmental factors affect the risk of orofacial clefts. The present meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the association between methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T polymorphism and risk of nonsyndromic cleft lip/palate (NSCL/P) in cases-control studies. The PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases were searched up to April 2019 with no restrictions. The odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) in all analyses were calculated by Review Manager 5.3 software. The funnel plot analysis was carried out by the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis version 2.0 software. Subgroup analysis, meta-regression, and sensitivity analysis were performed for the pooled analyses. Thirty-one studies reviewed in this meta-analysis included 4710 NSCL/P patients and 7271 controls. There was no significant association between MTHFR C677T polymorphism and NSCL/P susceptibility related to allelic model (OR = 1.04; P = 0.49), homozygote model (OR = 1.11; P = 0.35), heterozygote model (OR = 0.99; P = 0.91), dominant model (OR = 1.00; P = 0.96), or recessive model (OR = 1.08; P = 0.23). There was no significant association between MTHFR C677T polymorphism and NSCL/P susceptibility based on the ethnicity or the source of cases. There was a significant linear relationship between the year of publication and log ORs for the allele model. The results of the present meta-analysis failed to show an association between MTHFR C677T polymorphism and NSCL/P susceptibility. The subgroup analyses based on the ethnicity and the source of cases further confirmed this result.

The effect of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome on serum S100B and NSE levels: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies.

BACKGROUND: Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a common disorder that is accompanied by structural brain changes. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effect of OSAS on the serum levels of astrocytic protein (S100B) and neuron-specific enolase (NSE) in observational studies. METHODS: A comprehensive search was performed in the PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Cochrane Library databases to assess the serum level of S100B and/or NSE in patients with OSAS and/or controls. The quality of the study was evaluated by the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). A random-effects model was performed using RevMan 5.3 with the mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: Out of 63 studies found in the mentioned databases and one identified by a manual search, nine studies were included and analyzed in this meta-analysis (three cross-sectional and six case-control studies). The analysis showed that the S100B [MD = 53.58 pg/ml, 95%CI: 1.81, 105.35; P = 0.04] and NSE levels [MD = 3.78 ng/ml, 95%CI: 2.07, 5.48; P < 0.0001] were significantly higher in patients than the controls. However, there were no significant differences between the S100B [MD = -28.00 pg/ml, 95%CI: - 79.48, 23.47; P = 0.29] and NSE levels [MD = 0.49 ng/ml, 95%CI: - 0.82, 1.80; P = 0.46]. CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis found elevated serum S100B and NSE levels in OSAS patients compared to the controls, which suggests that these markers may be used as peripheral indicators of brain damage in OSAS.

Patterns of Mandibular Third Molar Impaction in an Iranian Subpopulation

Abstract Objective: To assess the patterns of mandibular third molar impaction in an Iranian subpopulation. Material and Methods: This retrospective descriptive study evaluated 1000 panoramic radiographs retrieved from the archives of a private radiology clinic in Kermanshah city, Iran. Depth of impaction, position of impacted mandibular third molar relative to the mandibular ramus according to Pell and Gregory's classification and angle of impacted tooth according to Winter's classification were determined. Data were analyzed using the Chi-square and Wilcoxon tests. Results: Of 1000 radiographs, 230 (23%) showed an impaction of at least one mandibular third molar. Mandibular third molar impaction was more common in females (60%). Mesioangular (35.9%) and vertical (34.8%) impactions were the most common angles of impaction in the right and left sides, respectively. Level C (40.3%) and Class I (63.7%) were the most common types of impaction in terms of depth of impaction and position relative to ramus, respectively. No significant difference was observed between the right and left sides of the mandible in terms of patterns of mandibular third molar impaction (p>0.05). Conclusion: Mandibular third molar impaction was relatively common in the studied population. The mesioangular, level C and Class I impaction patterns were the most frequent.

Optimisation of Cobalt Oxide Nanoparticles Synthesis as Bactericidal Agents.

AIM: With the increased bacterial resistance and the resulting problems in recent years, it seems necessary to find new biocompatible compounds to confront this problem. This research was conducted to optimise the synthesis of cobalt oxide nanoparticles with the highest antibacterial activity. METHODS: In the present study, 9 experiments were designed using the Taguchi method. The effect of three factors of cobalt nitrate, KOH and the stirring time in the synthesis of cobalt oxide nanoparticles with the highest antibacterial activity was investigated. The bactericidal effect of synthesised nanoparticles was evaluated using the colony-forming unit (CFU) and disk diffusion methods. The characteristics of nanoparticles were studied using the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and the scanning electron microscopy (SEM). RESULTS: The results indicated that all three evaluated factors were effective on the antibacterial properties of the synthesised nanoparticles. The best antibacterial activity of cobalt oxide nanoparticles was observed in experiment 9 (cobalt nitrate 0.6 M, KOH 2M and stirring time 60 min). The study of nanoparticles synthesised by FTIR, XRD, and SEM confirmed the formation of cobalt oxide nanoparticles with size (24 nm) and a proper structure (spinel structure). CONCLUSION: Due to the optimal antibacterial properties of the synthesised cobalt oxide nanoparticles, they can be used in the fabrication of dental and medical equipment with antibacterial properties.

Oral health related quality of life of patients with class III skeletal malocclusion before and after orthognathic surgery.

BACKGROUND: Orthognathic surgery includes improvement of morphology and function of occlusion as well as psychological perception and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of patients. The aim of this study was to determine the OHRQoL of patients with class III skeletal malocclusion before and after orthognathic surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 112 skeletal class III patients including 39 (34.8%) males and 73 (65.2%) females participated in this descriptive quasi-experimental study in three groups: "prior to orthodontic treatment" (n = 25); "under orthodontic treatment and prior to surgery" (n = 65), and "after surgery" (n = 25). All patients filled out a demographic information questionnaire, the oral health impact profile-14 (OHIP-14), and the orthognathic quality of life questionnaire (OQLQ) under the supervision of the examiner. Data were analyzed using ANOVA, independent samples t-test, Mann Whitney test, and Kruskal-Wallis test. RESULTS: OHRQoL summary score changed from 14.5 prior to orthodontic treatment to 23.4 prior to surgery and during orthodontic treatment to 5.4 after surgery. These OHRQoL changes were statistically significant (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Orthognathic surgery matters to patients with class III skeletal malocclusion and significantly improves their OHRQoL.

Comparison of salivary epidermal growth factor in patients with recurrent aphthous stomatitis, smokers, and healthy individuals.

BACKGROUND: Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is one of the most common oral ulcerative diseases with unknown etiology. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) has been suggested to play a similar role in RAS. Therefore, this study investigated the salivary EGF level in patients with RAS, the patients without RAS, and smokers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 91 samples were recruited in this case-control study: 30 RAS patients, 30 controls, and 31 smokers. Age and gender were matched in the groups. In the case group, the salivary sample was taken during the infection and remission periods. Salivary EGF concentration was measured by Crystal Dibiotic assay (made in China) using ELISA technique. Finally, the data were analyzed by SPSS software (Version 18.0, Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). RESULTS: The results of paired t-test showed no statistically significant difference in salivary EGF between the infection and remission periods (P = 0.987). ANOVA test showed a statistically significant difference in EGF between the study groups (P < 0.001), as the mean salivary EGF was significantly lower in the smokers than the case and control groups during the infection and remission periods. CONCLUSION: The present study showed a lower level of salivary EGF in the smokers without a history of RAS. There was no statistically significant difference between the infection and remission periods in salivary EGF in the patients with RAS. Furthermore, salivary EGF showed no statistically significant difference between the patients with RAS and the controls.

Evaluation of Serum and Salivary Interleukin-6 and Interleukin-8 Levels in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Patients: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

This meta-analysis aimed to assess the salivary and serum concentrations of IL-6 and IL-8 in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) patients compared to the controls. Four electronic databases (Scopus, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science) were searched up to January 2019. The study quality was checked according to the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. The mean difference (MD) plus 95% confidence interval (95%CI) were calculated using RevMan 5.3 software. The publication bias and sensitivity analysis were done using CMA 2.0 software. Out of 309 studies retrieved from the 4 databases, 26 studies were analyzed in the present meta-analysis. In this meta-analysis, the pooled MD in the OSCC patients compared to the controls was 19.06 pg/mL (95%CI: 14.78-23.33) for the serum IL-6 level, 199.14 pg/mL (95%CI: 47.39-350.89) for the serum IL-8 level, 122 pg/mL (95%CI: 64-179) for the salivary IL-6 level, and 958 pg/dL (95%CI: 718-1197) for the salivary IL-8 level. All values in this meta-analysis were statistically significant. In conclusion, according to the meta-analysis results, the serum and salivary IL-6 and IL-8 levels in OSCC patients were significantly elevated compared to the controls, and both cytokines can be useful as potential biomarkers in early OSCC diagnosis.

Salivary Transferrin Levels in Patients with Oral Lichen Planus

Objective: To compare salivary transferrin levels between patients with oral lichen planus (OLP) and healthy subjects. Material and Methods: In this descriptive, analytical, crosssectional study, 11 patients with OLP and 22 healthy subjects were selected after matching in terms of age and gender. OLP was confirmed by two oral medicine specialists based on clinical and histopathological criteria. Salivary samples were collected by spitting. The patients were asked to collect their saliva in their oral cavity and then evacuate it into sterilized Falcon tubes. The procedure was repeated every 60 seconds for 5-15 minutes. A total of 5 mL of saliva was collected using this method. The samples were collected from 8 to 9 in the morning in a fasting state to avoid circadian changes. The collected salivary samples were immediately placed next to ice and transferred to the laboratory to be centrifuged at 4°C at 800 g to isolate squamous cells and cellular debris. Then the samples were frozen at -80°C until the samples were prepared. An ELISA kit was used to determine salivary transferrin levels. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics (means and standard deviations) and t-test for independent groups using SPSS 17. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Results: The mean salivary transferrin concentrations in patients with OLP and healthy subjects were 0.9055±0.28229 and 1.5932±0.80041 mg/dL, respectively (p<0.05). Conclusion: The salivary transferrin levels in patients with OLP were significantly lower than those in healthy subjects.

A Comparison of Doctor/Patient Satisfaction with Aesthetic Outcomes of Rhinoplasty: a Prospective Study.

The tendency toward cosmetic surgeries has been increasing all over the world. These surgeries are conducted to improve the functions related to the involved organ. Moreover, such procedures are supposed to have significant effects on an individual's physical and mental health. This study aims at comparing doctor/patient satisfaction with the aesthetic outcomes of rhinoplasty. In the present retrospective study, 60 patients, including 26 males and 34 females, were investigated. The patients were candidates for a nose job (rhinoplasty). One week before the surgery, the doctor and the patients were provided with questionnaires including information about the nasal hump, nostrils, nose tip size, upward sloping of the nose at the tip, the display of the middle-lower nose, nasal width, the nasal proportion compared with the face, and the general satisfaction. The information on the aforementioned items was collected to record the condition of nose beauty before rhinoplasty. After the surgery, the patients and the doctor were given the same questionnaire following one-month and three-month intervals, so that the aesthetic outcomes resulted from the surgery were evaluated. In comparison to the first month, the surgeons and the patients had a higher level of satisfaction in the third month. The surgeons' satisfaction with the upward sloping of the nose at the tip, as well as the display of the middle-lower nose, was greater compared to the patients. However, the patients' satisfaction with the nostrils was higher than that of the surgeons. Regarding the other factors investigated in the present study, there was no significant difference between the satisfaction of patients and surgeons. For individuals whose educational levels were higher than high school, there was a higher satisfaction level with the nasal hump, the display of the middle-lower nose, and the nasal proportion compared with the face.

Evaluation of Salivary Levels of Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-2 in Patients with Moderate Generalized Chronic Periodontitis: A Case- Control Study

Objective: To compare salivary levels of PAI-2 in patients with moderate generalized chronic periodontitis before and after treatment and healthy subjects. Material and Methods: The present case-control study evaluated patients with generalized moderate chronic periodontitis (the case group) and subjects with healthy gingiva (the control group). The healthy subjects were evaluated once and the cases were evaluated twice (before and after treatment) by collecting their salivary samples. ELISA technique was used to determine PAI-2 salivary levels. Data were analyzed with the use of SPSS 17. The level of significance was set at 5%. Results: The mean salivary levels of PAI-2 in the case and control groups were 45.63 ± 8.63 and 22.01 ± 9.77 ng, respectively (p<0.0001). In addition, PAI-2 salivary levels in the case group subjects after treatment was 27.43 ± 5.79 ng, which was lower than that before treatment (45.63 ± 8.63 ng) (p<0.0001). The mean salivary level of PAI-2 in subjects with periodontitis after treatment (27.43 ± 5.79) was not significantly different from that in healthy subjects (22.01 ± 9.77) (p>0.05). Conclusion: The salivary levels of PAI-2 in patient with moderate generalized chronic periodontitis were higher than these in healthy subjects. However, the salivary levels of PAI-2 decreased in the case group subjects after treatment, with no significant difference from the healthy subjects.

Comparing Serum and Salivary Levels of Vitamin D in Patients with Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis and Healthy Individuals.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM: Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is the most prevalent ulcerative condition of the oral mucosa. Many studies have emphasized on immunologic factors as the reason of inducing RAS; however, the exact etiologic cause of RAS has not been identified yet. Vitamin D has an endocrine function and regulatory effects on the immune system. It has potential therapeutic effects on autoimmune diseases, psoriasis, and neoplasms. Vitamin D deficiency has been detected in some autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arteritis. PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to compare the serum and salivary levels of vitamin D in patients with RAS and healthy individuals. MATERIALS AND METHOD: In this cross sectional study, patients with RAS, referring to the Department of Oral Medicine, Tabriz Faculty of Dentistry, were evaluated after taking medical history, clinical examinations, and completing an informed consent form. The serum and salivary vitamin D levels were compared between case (n=26) and control (n=26) groups. RESULTS: The mean serum vitamin D levels in the case and control groups were 33.0.7±12.41 and 50.89±9.30 (ng/dL), respectively, with a statistically significant difference (p<0.001). On the other hand, the mean salivary vitamin D levels in the case and control groups were 17.36± 8.01 and 20.79±6.31 (ng/dL), respectively, with no statistically significant difference (p= 0.09). In addition, the correlation between the serum and salivary levels of vitamin D was 56%, being statistically significant (p< 0.001). CONCLUSION: The serum levels of vitamin D in patients with RAS were significantly less than that in healthy individuals; however, there were no significant differences in salivary vitamin D levels between patients with RAS and healthy individuals. In addition, there was a significant and positive correlation between serum and salivary levels of vitamin D in all patients.