Management of hyperplastic tissue response following connective tissue grafting.

OBJECTIVE: While connective tissue graft shrinkage is a well-documented post-transplantation reaction, there is a literature gap concerning hyperplastic tissue response. Despite its infrequent occurrence, investigation is warranted due to its capacity to compromise esthetics, disrupt lip dynamics, and promote food retention. Moreover, efforts to mitigate hyperplastic tissue response often prove challenging, and there is a potential risk of exacerbating gingival tissue rebound. CLINICAL CONSIDERATIONS: This report presents a potential solution to managing tissue overgrowth after connective tissue grafting in five clinical cases. The patients underwent corrective surgery involving internal excision of excessive tissue while preserving the overlying mucosa. The surgical approach was tailored to excise hyperplastic tissue with minimal trauma, aiming to optimize esthetic outcomes. Subsequent follow-up assessments spanning 1-5 years demonstrated stable results, with no indications of relapse or recurrence of tissue overgrowth. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of this case series, surgical internal excision holds promise as a viable treatment modality for addressing post-transplantation hyperplastic tissue response. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This case series addresses the challenge of uncontrolled tissue overgrowth following connective tissue grafting, a concern for which previous attempts have proven unsuccessful. Internal in-toto excision emerges as a promising approach for effectively eliminating overgrown tissue, offering potential advancements in the clinical management of this complication.

The Management of Drug-Induced Gingival Enlargement in a Patient With Preexisting Periodontitis.

Antihypertensives such as amlodipine, which is a family of calcium channel blockers (CCBs), possess a limitation by causing gingival enlargement on long-term use. Gingival enlargement hinders the patient's oral hygiene maintenance and causes more plaque accumulation and inflammation. The severity of the condition is dependent on dose and duration. When untreated, this leads to functional and esthetic disabilities. This is a case report of amlodipine-induced gingival enlargement in a young, chronic periodontitis patient who was under 5 mg of amlodipine for six months. Upon diagnosis, the patient underwent periodontal surgery and supportive periodontal therapy, which significantly improved her periodontal health in a one-year follow-up period.

Deep dental phenotyping and a novel FAM20A variant in patients with amelogenesis imperfecta type IG.

OBJECTIVES: To identify etiologic variants and perform deep dental phenotyping in patients with amelogenesis imperfecta (AI). METHODS: Three patients of two unrelated families were evaluated. Genetic variants were investigated by exome and Sanger sequencing. An unerupted permanent third molar (AI1) from Patient1 and a deciduous first molar (AI2) from Patient2, along with three tooth-type matched controls for each were characterized. RESULTS: All three patients harbored biallelic pathogenic variants in FAM20A, indicating AI1G. Of the four identified variants, one, c.1231C > T p.(Arg411Trp), was novel. Patient1 possessed the largest deletion, 7531 bp, ever identified in FAM20A. In addition to hypoplastic enamel, multiple impacted teeth, intrapulpal calcification, pericoronal radiolucencies, malocclusion, and periodontal infections were found in all three patients, gingival hyperplasia in Patient1 and Patient2, and alveolar bone exostosis in Patient3. Surface roughness was increased in AI1 but decreased in AI2. Decreased enamel mineral density, hardness, and elastic modulus were observed in AI1 enamel and dentin and AI2 dentin, along with decreased phosphorus, increased carbon, and increased calcium/phosphorus and carbon/oxygen ratios. Severely collapsed enamel rods and disorganized dentin-enamel junction were observed. CONCLUSIONS: We report a novel FAM20A variant and, for the first time, the defective mineral composition and physical/mechanical properties of AI1G teeth.

Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Mimicking Lichenoid Reaction After Implant Placement: A Case Report.

The early detection of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) poses significant challenges, especially if it mimics a benign condition. This report presents a case of a 79-year-old nonsmoker Saudi male patient with an alveolar lesion that initially resembled an implant-induced reaction but upon biopsy revealed dysplastic squamous epithelium indicative of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). This case highlights that lesion mimicry, the absence of pain, and low cancer awareness can cause diagnostic delays. Treatment options for OSCC include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, with surgery being the primary treatment modality. This case emphasizes the need for heightened vigilance among healthcare providers, regular follow-ups, and enhanced cancer awareness to promote early detection and intervention. Recognizing the diverse clinical presentations of OSCC remains essential for effective management and improved patient outcomes, despite the complexities of its etiology and diagnostic challenges.

A Retrospective Histological Study on Palatal and Gingival Mucosa Changes during a Rapid Palatal Expansion Procedure.

The most common inflammatory reactions in the oral mucosa are found at the gingival level. The treatment of these inflammations requires, first of all, the removal of the causative factor; often, this maneuver is sufficient. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate clinical and histopathological changes that occur in terms of gingival and palatal mucosa enlargement during palatal expansion treatment and their evolution during treatment. Twenty-five (n = 25) research participants, aged between thirteen and twenty-six years old, were examined in this retrospective study. At the end of the treatment, fragments of tissue from the affected level were obtained via incisional biopsy and sent to the histopathology laboratory for a specialized examination. The changes identified were specific to mechanical traumatic injuries, thus excluding hyperplasia from other etiologies (infectious, tumoral, or non-mechanical traumatic). The examined fragments showed hyperplasia. The histopathological examination revealed the mechanical character of the lesion, strengthening the causal relationship between the insertion of the expander and the occurrence of hyperplasia of the palatal mucosa. The type of palatal expander influenced the degree of inflammation, with the severity of hyperplasia being more pronounced in the case of mini-implant-anchored rapid palatal expander (MARPE) usage than in the case of tooth-borne rapid palatal expander (RPE) usage. The analysis of the distance between the expander and the palatal mucosa did not provide conclusive results; the incidence and severity of the reaction were variable in patients with the same distance between the expander and the palatal or gingival mucosa.

Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, inflammation, subsequent collagen production, and reduced proteinase expression cooperatively contribute to cyclosporin-A-induced gingival overgrowth development.

Drug-induced gingival overgrowth (DIGO), induced by certain immunosuppressive drugs, antihypertensive agents, and antiepileptic drugs, may contribute to the formation of deeper periodontal pockets and intractableness in periodontitis. To date, multiple factors such as enhanced matrix production, inflammation, and reduced matrix degradation might be involved in the pathogenesis of DIGO. We have previously reported that SPOCK-1, a heparan sulfate proteoglycan, could affect gingival thickening by promoting epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in gingival keratinocytes. However, few studies have investigated whether a combination of these factors enhances the DIGO phenotype in animal models. Therefore, we investigated whether SPOCK-1, periodontal inflammation, and cyclosporin-A (CsA) could cooperatively promote gingival overgrowth. We first confirmed that Spock-1 overexpressing (Spock1-Tg) mice showed significantly thicker gingiva and greater alveolar bone loss than WT mice in response to ligature-induced experimental periodontitis. DIGO was induced by the combination of CsA administration and experimental periodontitis was significantly enhanced in Spock1-Tg mice compared to that in WT mice. Ligature-induced alveolar bone loss in CsA-treated Spock1-Tg mice was also significantly greater than that in CsA-treated WT mice, while being accompanied by an increase in Rankl and Col1a1 levels and a reduction in matrix metalloprotease expression. Lastly, SPOCK-1 promoted RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation in both human peripheral blood mononuclear cells and murine macrophages, while peritoneal macrophages from Spock1-Tg mice showed less TNFα and IL-1ß secretion than WT mice in response to Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide. These results suggest that EMT, periodontal inflammation, and subsequent enhanced collagen production and reduced proteinase production contribute to CsA-induced DIGO pathogenesis.

Gingival Enlargement Can Constitute the Only Diagnostic Sign of Leukemia: Report of an Unusual Case.

Gingival hyperplasia may arise due to microbial-related local irritation, mouth breathing, drug administration, genetic disorders, leukemia, Wegener granulomatosis, Crohn's disease, and sarcoidosis. The background may be inflammatory, fibrotic, or combined. The aim of this study was to present the diagnostic procedure for a case of gingival enlargement, which was the only sign of a severe systemic disease in a young male adult. The patient was referred, complaining of persistent gingival bleeding in the posterior area of the maxilla, bilaterally. Clinically, a diffuse gingival enlargement was noticed without regional lymphadenopathy. The histopathological examination revealed abundant neoplastic cells of hemopoietic origin with strong and diffuse positivity for CD45 and CD68, and in addition, scattered neoplastic cells exhibited mild to moderate positivity for c-kit (CD117), indicating the diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia, which diffusely infiltrated the lamina propria of the gingiva. The numerous conditions leading to gingival enlargement other than gingivitis or periodontitis are a diagnostic challenge in clinical practices. From this point of view, the role of the dentist is crucial when commencing the diagnosis of severe systemic diseases like leukemia.

Improvement of drug-induced gingival overgrowth and cerebrovascular related dementia after dental treatments.

Drug-induced gingival overgrowth can occur as a side effect of specific drugs and lead to poor oral function. Appropriate dental management of the overgrowth may improve oral function and improve cognitive deficits after cerebrovascular accidents.

Alteración en la integridad de la membrana basal en agrandamiento gingival inducido por tratamiento ortodóncico

Introducción: El agrandamiento gingival inducido por tratamiento de ortodoncia es un aumento progresivo, localizado o generalizado del tejido gingival. Objetivo: Determinar aspectos morfológicos en la membrana basal del tejido gingival de pacientes con agrandamiento gingival inducido por tratamiento de ortodoncia. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo de corte transversal, donde se analizaron tejidos gingivales de pacientes con agrandamiento gingival inducido por tratamiento de ortodoncia (grupo test: n=5) e individuos sanos (grupo control: n=5) mediante análisis histológicos e inmunohistoquímico con anticuerpo policlonal anti-citoqueratina 14. Las interrupciones de la membrana basal grado 1 y grado 2 fueron identificadas. Fue utilizado el programa estadístico R versión 4.0.2 para Windows. Se declaró significancia si p <0,05. Resultados: Se constató la presencia de rupturas de la membrana basal en todos los pacientes del grupo test. Estos individuos presentaron una mayor cantidad de cambios morfológicos en el tejido gingival. Exponiendo así, valores estadísticamente significativos de rupturas de la membrana basal (Grado I) y rupturas rodeadas de células epiteliales y/o fibroblastos gingivales (Grado II) en comparación con el grupo control (p <0,001). Conclusión: El tejido epitelial de pacientes con agrandamiento gingival inducido por tratamiento de ortodoncia presenta una evidente pérdida en la integridad de la membrana basal. Estas discontinuidades sugieren un aumento considerable de la plasticidad del epitelio en pacientes con agrandamiento gingival inducido por tratamiento de ortodoncia.

Introduction: Orthodontic treatment-induced gingival enlargement is a progressive, localized or generalized increase in gingival tissue. Objective: To determine morphologic aspects in the basal membrane of the gingival tissue in patients with orthodontic treatment-induced gingival enlargement. Methods: A descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out, in which gingival tissues of patients with orthodontic treatment-induced gingival enlargement (test group: n=5) and healthy individuals (control group: n=5) were analyzed by histological and immunohistochemical analysis with the polyclonal antibody anticytokeratin 14. Grade 1 and grade 2 disrupted basal membrane were identified. The statistical program R (version 4.0.2) for Windows was used. Significance was declared if p was greater than 0.05. Results: The presence of disrupted basal membranes was observed in all the patients from the test group. These individuals presented a greater number of morphological changes in the gingival tissue. Compared to the control group (p < 0.001), statistically significant values were observed for cases of disrupted basal membrane (grade I) and disruptions surrounded by epithelial cells or gingival fibroblasts (grade II). Conclusion: The epithelial tissue of patients with orthodontic treatment-induced gingival enlargement shows an evident loss of the basal membrane integrity. These discontinuities are suggestive of a considerable increase in epithelial plasticity in patients with orthodontic treatment-induced gingival enlargement.

Enamel renal syndrome: A case report with calcifications in pulp, gingivae, dental follicle and kidneys.

BACKGROUND: Enamel renal syndrome is a rare genetic disorder transmitted through an autosomal recessive mode. It is featured by a hypoplastic amelogenesis imperfecta, delayed tooth eruption, gingival fibromatosis, and nephrocalcinosis. The aim of this study was to describe clinically, radiologically, and histologically the main features of enamel renal syndrome and to point out the role of dentists in early diagnosing this genetic disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our case of enamel renal syndrome was initially described by clinical, radiographic, and genealogic data, then complemented by ultrasound examination of the kidneys and microscopic observation of gingivae. RESULTS: The study showed the presence of amelogenesis imperfecta (AI), several teeth impaction, gingival hyperplasia, bilateral nephrocalcinosis, and multiple calcifications in pulp, gingiva, dental follicle, and kidneys. CONCLUSION: The patient was followed for a full mouth rehabilitation and also referred to a nephrology for global medical checkup. The dentist plays a key role in diagnosing genetic diseases and in referring patients for medical comprehensive care.

Manifestaciones periodontales de la Granulomatosis de Wegener: Reporte de un caso clínico

La granulomatosis de Wegener o granulomatosis con Poliangitis (GPA) es una enfermedad caracterizada por inflamación y necrosis de las paredes de los vasos sanguíneos. Es de etiología desconocida, baja prevalencia y alta agresividad. Esta enfermedad puede comprometer los tejidos bucales causando agrandamiento e inflamación del tejido gingival. Se reporta el caso de un paciente de género masculino que manifiesta aumento de volumen de la encía e inflamación asociado al diagnóstico de granulomatosis de Wegener. La lesión fue eliminada quirúrgicamente y el diagnóstico se logró al combinar los hallazgos serológicos del test ANCA, manifestaciones periodontales y análisis histopatológico. El paciente fue tratado con metotrexato y corticoesteroides y no presenta recidiva de la lesión luego de 2 años de control. En este artículo se analizan las manifestaciones periodontales asociadas a la GPA resaltando la importancia de un adecuado diagnóstico de lesiones periodontales caracterizadas por agradamiento gingival e inflamación.

Wegener's granulomatosis or granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is a disease characterized by inflammation and necrosis of the blood vessel walls. It is of unknown etiology, low prevalence and high degree of aggressiveness. This disease can compromise the oral tissues, causing enlargement and inflammation of the gingival tissues. The case of a male patient who presented rapidly growing gingival tissue enlargement and inflammatory characteristics associated with the diagnosis of Wegener's granulomatosis is reported. The lesion was removed surgically and the diagnosis was achieved by combining the serological findings of the ANCA test, periodontal manifestations and histopathological analysis of the lesion. The patient was treated with methotrexate and corticosteroids and the lesion did not reappear after 2 years of control. In this article, the periodontal manifestations associated with GPA are analyzed, highlighting the importance of an adequate diagnosis of periodontal lesions characterized by gingival enlargement and inflammation.

Assessment of Reliability of Three Indices Measuring Gingival Overgrowth.

Objectives: Numerous indices have been used to grade the severity of gingival overgrowth which led to suspicion regarding the results concerning its prevalence and pathogenicity. The aim of this study was to assess the concordance of three different gingival overgrowth indices, which were used widely in previous studies, and check their reliability and reproducibility. Material and Methods: A total of 30 full-mouth plaster casts and 90 intra-oral photographs collected from 30 patients diagnosed with gingival overgrowth were included in our study. Three trained examiners performed measurements twice on plaster casts using gingival hyperplasia index (A index) and hyperplastic index (B index). Intraoral photographs were assessed also twice using (C index). Results: Concordance of intra-examiner and inter-examiner reliability of the recorded measurements was carried out for each index using weighted kappa (K), with a confidence interval of 95%. The A index revealed intra-examiner total kappa values between 0.724-0.876 for horizontal measurement and 0.512-0.823 for vertical measurement, and inter-examiner total kappa values between 0.255-0.626 horizontally and 0.235-0.279 vertically. The B index presented intra-examiner total kappa values between 0.587-0.868 horizontally and 0.653-0.855 vertically; and inter-examiner total kappa values between 0.393-0.595 and 0.372-0.635 for horizontal and vertical measurements, respectively. The C index achieved the highest intra-examiner concordance with total kappa values between 0.758-0.855 and inter-examiner total kappa values between 0.716-0.804. Conclusions: The C index evaluated through intraoral photographs is considered the most reliable and applicable method to be utilized. The C index is suggested to be used in large scale populations with its definite detailed criteria.

Inmunolocalización de citoqueratina 14, 19 y Ki-67 en el epitelio de pacientes con agrandamiento gingival

R E S U M E N En pacientes con ortodoncia aparecen eventos patológicos no deseados como agrandamiento gingival inducido por tratamiento de ortodoncia (AGTO) o hipertrofia gingival. El objetivo del estudio es identificar la distribución inmunohistoquímica de citoqueratina CK-14, CK-19 y Ki-67 en epitelio gingival de pacientes con AGTO. Se seleccionaron I3 pacientes divididos en: grupo control (n=6), conformado por individuos periodontalmente sanos no portadores de aparatología ortodóntica y grupo test (n=7), integrado por pacientes con AGTO. Los marcadores CK-14, CK-19 y Ki-67 fueron identificados mediante inmunohistoquímica con anticuerpos monoclonales y observados en un microscopio óptico Leica DM 500. En los pacientes del grupo test el tejido epitelial se mostró hipertrófico con pérdida en la continuidad de la membrana basal. La CK-14 y CK-19 fue positiva en el epitelio de todos los sujetos evaluados, con una expresión positiva de alta intensidad en células de la lámina basal del grupo test. El promedio de células positivas para Ki-67 en el grupo test fue de 56%. En conclusión, la CK-14, CK-19 y Ki-67 son marcadores con elevada inmunoreactividad en tejido gingival de pacientes con AGTO portadores de ortodoncia.

During orthodontic treatment, unwanted pathological events such as gingival overgrowth induced by orthodontic treatment or gingival hypertrophy may appear The objective of this study is to identify immunohistochemical distribution of cytokeratin CK-14, CK-19 and Ki-67 in the gingival epithelium of patients with gingival overgrowth induced by orthodontic treatment. Thirteen patients were selected divided into: control group (n = 6), conformed of periodontally healthy individuals without orthodontic appliances and the test group (n = 7), conformed of patients with gingival overgrowth induced by orthodontic treatment. The biomarkers CK-14, CK-19 and Ki-67 were identified by immunohistochemistry with monoclonal antibodies and observed in a Leica DM 500 optical microscope. Hypertrophic epithelial tissue with loss of continuity of the basement membrane was found in the test group patients. CK-14 and CK-19 were positive in the epithelial tissue of all the subjects evaluated, with a high intensity positive expression in the cells of the basal lamina of the test group. The average number of cells positive for Ki-67 in test group was 56%. In conclusion, CK-14, CK-19 and Ki-67 are biomarkers with high immunoreactivity in the gingival tissue of patients with gingival overgrowth induced by orthodontic treatment.

Durante o tratamento ortodôntico, eventos patológicos indesejados como o crescimento gengival induzido pelo tratamento ortodôntico (CGTO) ou hipertrofia gengival podem aparecer: O objetivo deste estudo é identificar a distribuição imuno-histoquímica das citoqueratinas CK -14, CK-19 e Ki-67 no epitélio gengival de pacientes com CGTO. Foram selecionados 13 pacientes divididos em: grupo controle (n=6), conformado por indivíduos periodontalmente saudáveis sem aparelhos ortodônticos e o grupo teste (n=7), conformado por pacientes com CGTO. Os biomarcadores CK-14, CK-19 e Ki-67 foram identificados por imuno-histoquímica com anticorpos monoclonais e observados em microscópio óptico Leica DM 500. Tecido epitelial hipertrófico com perda de continuidade da membrana basal foi encontrado nos pacientes do grupo teste. CK-14 e CK-19 foram positivos no tecido epitelial de todos os sujeitos avaliados, com expressão positiva de alta intensidade nas células da lâmina basal do grupo teste. O número médio de células positivas para Ki-67 no grupo teste foi de 56%. Em conclusão, CK-14, CK-19 e Ki-67 são biomarcadores com alta imunorreatividade no tecido gengival de pacientes com CGTO.

Gingival hyperplasia: An initial oral manifestation of acute myeloid leukemia.

Various systemic diseases can manifest oral signs and symptoms early, which may be crucial for diagnosis and outlining the treatment plan. This case report highlights the presentation of acute leukemia (a malignancy of white blood cells) in a young female. An 11-year-old girl presented with gingival overgrowth and bleeding from the gingiva, weakness, and recent history of weight loss. A detailed workup consisting of complete blood count, bone marrow examination, flow cytometric immunophenotyping, cytogenetics, and molecular studies were carried out. The investigations confirmed the infiltration of blast cells of myelomonocytic origin, and a confirmatory diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia (French-American-British classification M5) was made. The patient was put on induction chemotherapy and responded well. She developed febrile neutropenia following chemotherapy, which was managed conservatively. Gingival overgrowth subsided after the chemotherapy, and at the time of discharge, she was asymptomatic and hemodynamically stable. The oral health-care professionals must recognize that gingival overgrowth/enlargement may represent an initial manifestation of an underlying systematic disease.

Vitamin D Deficiency and Gingival Enlargement: A Case Report.

The occurrence of vitamin D insufficiency is rising constantly, and most pediatric patients are below the required levels. Individuals with vitamin D deficiency are more susceptible to inflammatory diseases because it reduces their immunity. The role of vitamin D deficiency in gingival enlargement has been reported in the literature. In this case report, we are describing a case in which a vitamin D supplement has resolved the gingival enlargement significantly without any invasive procedure. A 12-year-old boy reported a chief complaint of swollen gums in the upper and lower front teeth region. On clinical examination, there was minor surface plaque and calculus along with the formation of pseudopockets, but there was no clinical attachment loss. The patient has been advised to undergo laboratory tests for a complete blood profile, including a vitamin assessment. The patient reported after two and a half months with a gingivectomy on the first quadrant at a private clinic. They reported back to us because they didn't want the same trauma from surgery again and wanted a more conservative treatment option. So, on the basis of the reassessment of reports, vitamin D deficiency was confirmed, and treatment was started with 60,000 thousand I/U of vitamin D supplement weekly and advised for sunlight exposure with minimal clothing. There was a significant decrease in enlargement observed after the six-month follow-up period. Vitamin D supplements can be a more conservative treatment option for gingival enlargement of unknown etiology.

Expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition-associated proteins and proliferating cell nuclear antigen in dihydropyridine-induced gingival overgrowth fibroblasts: A preliminary study.

Background/purpose: The clinical features of dihydropyridine-induced gingival overgrowth (DIGO), including extracellular matrix accumulation and cell hyperplasia, are regulated by inflammatory factors (e.g., Interleukin-1ß [IL-1ß]) in combination with calcium channel blockers (e.g., nifedipine [Nif]). We speculated that IL-1ß and Nif (IL-1ß/Nif) may be the main factor modulating the proliferative potential and turnover of fibroblasts in DIGO. Materials and methods: We cultured four DIGO fibroblast strains and analysed the possible effects of IL-1ß/Nif treatments on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-associated proteins. We developed short hairpin ribonucleic acids (shRNAs) and used them to explore the role of IL-1ß/Nif in regulating proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) levels in DIGO tissues. Results: Our results revealed that compared with control cells, DIGO cells stimulated with IL-1ß/Nif had higher levels of the EMT-associated proteins Snail, Slug, and Twist. Moreover, both drugs enhanced androgen receptor (AR), Slug, and PCNA expression. Conclusion: Taken together, our data indicate that proinflammatory cytokines in combination with calcium channel blockers can regulate the expression of EMT-associated proteins and increase the proliferative potential of DIGO fibroblasts.

Agrandamiento gingival asociado al tratamiento de ortodoncia: análisis histológico e inmunohistoquímico de dos casos clínicos

El agrandamiento gingival asociado al tratamiento de ortodoncia (AGTO) es el crecimiento no controlado de la encía. Aquí reportamos dos casos clínicos de pacientes masculinos sistèmicamente sanos con AGTO generalizado, con asociación a la biopelícula dental y sin esta. En ambos pacientes se identificó un tejido epitelial hiperplásico con abundantes células positivas para Ki-67 y tejido conectivo rico en fibras de colágeno distribuidas aleatoriamente. Futuros estudios serán útiles para dilucidar las diferencias fisiopatológicas del AGTO con relación con el biofilm dental y sin esta.

Orthodontic treatment-induce gingival overgrowth (OTGO) is uncontrolled growth of the gingiva. Here, we report two clinical cases of systemically healthy male patients with generalized GH undergoing orthodontic treatment, with and without association with dental biofilm. In both patients, hyperplastic epithelial tissue was identified with abundant Ki-67 positive cells and connective tissue rich in randomly distributed collagen fibers. Future studies will be useful to elucidate the pathophysiological differences of OTGO with and without relation to dental biofilm.

Drug-Induced Gingival Overgrowth-Molecular Aspects of Drug Actions.

Drug-induced gingival overgrowth (DIGO) is one of the side effects produced by therapeutic agents, most commonly phenytoin, nifedipine and cyclosporin A. However, the precise mechanism of DIGO is not entirely understood. A literature search of the MEDLINE/PubMed databases was conducted to identify the mechanisms involved in DIGO. The available information suggests that the pathogenesis of DIGO is multifactorial, but common pathogenic sequelae of events emerge, i.e., sodium and calcium channel antagonism or disturbed intracellular handling of calcium, which finally lead to reductions in intracellular folic acid levels. Disturbed cellular functions, mainly in keratinocytes and fibroblasts, result in increased collagen and glycosaminoglycans accumulation in the extracellular matrix. Dysregulation of collagenase activity, as well as integrins and membrane receptors, are key mechanisms of reduced degradation or excessive synthesis of connective tissue components. This manuscript describes the cellular and molecular factors involved in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition and extracellular matrix remodeling triggered by agents producing DIGO.

Cyclosporine A-induced gingival overgrowth in renal transplant patients accompanied by epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between the prevalence of cyclosporin A-induced gingival overgrowth and the expression of the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition factors in the gingival tissues of renal transplant patients. BACKGROUND: Gingival overgrowth (GO) is a frequent complication in organ transplant patients treated with the immunosuppressant cyclosporin A (CsA). The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is considered a factor contributing to CsA-induced GO. However, current knowledge on this topic is sparse. METHODS: Sixty-three renal transplant patients were divided into two groups according to the occurrence of GO: those with gingival overgrowth (GO+ group) and those without gingival overgrowth (GO- group). Data on age, sex, and use of immunosuppressant and calcium channel blocker medications, serum creatinine values, peak concentrations of blood CsA, and gingival hyperplasia scores were recorded to identify clinically pathogenic factors. Gingival tissues from five patients with CsA-induced GO and five healthy subjects were selected for histomorphological observation with hematoxylin-eosin staining, Masson staining, and immunohistochemical staining. The mRNA expression of EMT factors was detected with reverse transcription-quantitative PCR. RESULTS: The use of CsA significantly increased the prevalence of GO in renal transplant patients. The expression of α-SMA, SMAD4, and TGM2 was upregulated and that of E-cadherin was downregulated in the gingival tissues of patients with CsA-induced GO compared with those of the corresponding controls. CONCLUSION: Treatment with CsA is closely related to the occurrence of GO in renal transplant patients and EMT plays an important role in CsA-induced gingival tissue hyperplasia.

Clinical Aspects and Therapeutic Management of an Aggressive Manifestation of Stage III Grade C Periodontitis in a Female Teenager.

The main objective of this study was to evaluate the improvement of periodontal health in patients with periodontitis treated with non-surgical periodontal therapy and subgingival-administrated local and systemic antimicrobial agents. A female teenager with periodontitis-associated health issues and a history of dental trauma was selected for this study. Clinical indices were obtained, and radiographic examination was performed at the beginning of the study. The patient was treated with periodontal therapy and administration of antibiotics. After this therapy, visits were scheduled at regular intervals to observe the clinical changes. Non-surgical periodontal therapy and administration of local and systemic antibiotics resulted in a reduction in the patient pocket depth probing, plaque index, and bleeding on probing. Gingival and periodontal health improved in terms of gingival overgrowth, plaque, tartar index, and tooth mobility. Suppuration was eliminated, and no gingival inflammation signs were observed.