Comparison of the effectiveness of Ankaferd Blood Stopper® and Emdogain in periodontal regeneration.

OBJECTIVES: The present study was performed to compare the effectiveness of Ankaferd Blood Stopper® (ABS) with enamel matrix derivatives (EMD) for treating fenestration defects in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-eight male Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups (each n = 8). Fenestration defects were created in all rats, to which ABS, EMD, or saline (S) was then applied. The rats were grouped and sacrificed at one of two different time points, as follows: ABS-10-group, ABS-treatment/sacrifice on day 10; EMD-10-group, EMD-treatment/sacrifice on day 10; S-10-group, S-treatment/sacrifice on day 10; ABS-38-group, ABS-treatment/sacrifice on day 38; EMD-38-group, EMD-treatment/sacrifice on day 38; and S-38-group, S-treatment/sacrifice on day 38. Then, histomorphometric analysis including measurements of new bone area (NBA) and new bone ratio (NBR), and immunohistochemical analysis including the determination of osteopontin (OPN) and type-III-collagen (C-III) expression were performed. RESULTS: The NBA and NBR were significantly higher in the ABS-10-group and EMD-10-group compared to the S-10-group (p < .05), and in the EMD-38-group compared to the S-38-group (p < .05). The levels of C-III and OPN immunoreactivity were significantly higher in the ABS-10-group compared to the S-10-group (p < .017). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggested that ABS can promote early periodontal regeneration, although its efficacy seems to decrease over time.

Clinical and biochemical evaluation of oral irrigation in patients with peri-implant mucositis: a randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: This randomized clinical trial aimed to compare the efficacy of an oral irrigator and an interdental brush in patients with peri-implant mucositis clinically and biochemically at different time points (at baseline and at the 2nd, 4th, and 12th weeks). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-five patients with at least one implant with peri-implant mucositis were included in the present study (n = 45). The patients were divided into three groups: oral irrigator + toothbrush (OI group, n = 15), interdental brush + toothbrush (IB group, n = 15), and toothbrush only (control) (C group, n = 15). The modified plaque index (mPlI), modified sulcus bleeding index (mSBI), probing pocket depth (PPD), probing attachment level (PAL), and bleeding on probing (BOP) were recorded at baseline and at the 2nd, 4th, and 12th weeks. The levels of interleukin 1 beta (IL-1ß), transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-ß), tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA), and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) were also determined in the peri-implant crevicular fluid samples biochemically. RESULTS: The mSBI and t-PA at the 2nd week (p = 0.003; p = 0.003); the mPlI, mSBI, BOP, t-PA, and PAI-1 at the 4th week (p < 0.05; p < 0.001; p < 0.001; p = 0.015; p = 0.011); and the mPlI, mSBI, IL-1ß, t-PA, and PAI-1 at the 12th week (p < 0.05; p < 0.001; p = 0.013; p < 0.001; p = 0.002) were significantly lower in the OI group compared with those in the C group. Meanwhile, PAI-1 at the 2nd week, mSBI at the 4th week, and t-PA at the 12th week were significantly lower in the OI group compared with those in the IB group (p < 0.001; p = 0.011; p = 0.003). At the 2nd, 4th, and 12th weeks, all other parameters were not statistically different in the three groups. CONCLUSION: The clinical indexes (such as mSBI and BOP) that play an important role in the diagnosis of peri-implant mucositis showed the lowest means (although limited) in the OI group at all evaluation time points. Moreover, when the clinical and biochemistry results were interpreted altogether, it became apparent that the OI group exhibited similar or more effective results than the IB group in resolving peri-implant mucositis. In light of the foregoing, this study concluded that the use of an oral irrigator can be as effective as an interdental brush in interdental cleaning. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In this study, it is suggested that the regular use of an oral irrigator along with a toothbrush could be an appropriate alternative to other oral hygiene products such as dental floss and interdental brush for the management of peri-implant mucositis by preventing the accumulation of dental plaque (NCT03844035).

Prenatal sonographic diagnosis of a vitelline vein aneurysm.

We report a case of vitelline vein aneurysm detected at 23 weeks of gestation. Few postnatal cases of vitelline vein aneurysm have been reported; however, due to their similar appearances most of them were considered initially as umbilical vein dilatations. The accurate prenatal diagnosis of vitelline vein aneurysm and early postnatal surgical treatment are crucial steps to prevent postnatal obliterative extension of thrombosis that might cause severe neonatal morbidity.

Does combining magnetic-activated cell sorting with density gradient or swim-up improve sperm selection?

PURPOSE: The present study aimed to evaluate whether combining the magnetic-activated cell sorting (MACS) with density-gradient (DG) or swim-up (SU) sperm separation techniques can improve sperm selection to obtain higher quality spermatozoa. METHODS: Two commonly used sperm selection techniques, SU and DG, were compared to MACS combined with either SU or DG. Spermatozoa obtained from normozoospermic (n = 10) and oligozoospermic (n = 10) cases were grouped as SU, DG, SU+MACS, and DG+MACS followed by the analysis of sperm morphology, motility, DNA integrity, and the levels of Izumo-1 and PLCZ proteins. RESULTS: Although spermatozoa obtained by SU or DG when combined with MACS have improved aspects when compared to SU or DG alone, results did not reach a statistically significant level. Moreover, separation with MACS caused a significant loss in the numbers of total and rapid progressive spermatozoa. CONCLUSIONS: Considering the cost/benefit ratio, MACS application together with traditional techniques may only be preferred in certain cases having higher concentrations of spermatozoa, but it does not seem to be an ideal and practical sperm selection technique for routine use.

Long-term clinical results on the use of platelet concentrate in the treatment of intrabony periodontal defects.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this clinical investigation was to evaluate long-term results obtained with the combination of platelet pellet (PP) plus bioabsorbable barrier membrane (BM) and to compare this outcome with the results obtained using bioactive glass (BG) graft material with a BM. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using a split mouth design, 11 chronic periodontitis patients (power ≥ at least 80%) were randomly assigned to treatment with a combination of PP/GTR or BG/GTR in contra-lateral dentition areas. Clinical attachment level (CAL) as the primary outcome variable, calculated as the sum of probing pocket depth (PPD) and gingival recession, and radiological alveolar bone level were recorded at baseline, 6 months and 5 years. RESULTS: There were no statistical differences between test and control defects at baseline. PPD reductions and CAL and radiological alveolar bone height gains were statistically significant between baseline and 6 months and between baseline and 5 years in both groups (p < 0.01). Six months results of frequency distribution showed that 82% of the defects attained ≥ 4 mm CAL gain in both groups, while 5 year results showed that 73% of the defects attained 2 mm ≤ CAL gain < 4 mm in the PP/BM group and 55% of the defects attained 2 mm ≤ CAL gain < 4 mm in the BG/BM group. All parameters evaluated showed no significant differences between 6 months and 5 years in both groups (p > 0.05). No statistically significant difference in any of the clinical parameters was observed at 6 months and 5 years between the groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The long-term efficacy of platelet concentrate combined with a barrier membrane is similar with the combination of bioactive glass graft material and barrier membrane, suggesting that results obtained with both treatment approaches can be maintained over a period of 5 years.

The impacts of adenotonsillar hypertrophy on periodontal health in children: a prospective controlled pilot study.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the impacts of obstructive adenotonsillar disease on periodontal health and to assess the efficacy of adenotonsillectomy in the prevention of chronic periodontitis in children. METHODS: This prospective and controlled clinical study was conducted between August 2012 and February 2013 with 35 pediatric patients who had permanent anterior dentition. The study group included twenty patients (n = 20) who had complaints of chronic mouth breathing and snoring and were diagnosed with obstructive adenotonsillar disease. These patients underwent adenoidectomy with or without tonsillectomy. We performed periodontal examinations to assess the periodontal health status in these children before and two months after surgery. The periodontal measures included plaque index (PI), pocket depth (PD) and gingival index scores (GI). Subsequently, these periodontal measures were compared with healthy control group who had no adenotonsillar disease (n = 15). RESULTS: Among the study group six patients underwent adenoidectomy and 14 patients underwent adenoidectomy combined with either tonsillectomy or tonsillotomy. The preoperative PI, PD and GI scores of the study group were 1.27 ± 0.39, 1.34 ± 0.31 and 0.97 ± 0.37 respectively. These scores were significantly higher compared to the control group (p < 0.001). These periodontal index scores were significantly improved after surgery (p = 0.008 for PI and p < 0.001 for both PD and GI). In addition, we found no difference in postoperative values of PD and GI between the study group and control group. CONCLUSION: We concluded that obstructive adenotonsillar disease adversely affects periodontal health in children and surgical management of obstruction improves the clinical findings. However, more comprehensive research is required to elucidate the association between adenotonsillar hypertrophy and periodontal disease.

Biochemical analysis of pentraxin 3 and fibrinogen levels in experimental periodontitis model.

OBJECTIVE: Pentraxin 3 (PTX3), newly discovered inflammation marker, is a member of acute-phase proteins. The hypothesis, synthesis of gingival tissue and serum PTX-3 increases in the experimental periodontitis model (with 10-day and 40-day periods), was tested by detecting gingival tissue and serum PTX-3 levels in rats with experimental periodontitis. METHODS: Thirty rats were randomly divided into three groups of ten animals each: ligature-induced experimental periodontitis groups (with 10-day (Group1) and 40-day periods (Group2)) and healthy group (Group3). At the end of experimental period, rats were sacrificed, and radiological and histomorphometric analyses were performed on the mandibles. PTX3 levels were measured in gingival tissue and serum samples using ELISA. Plasma fibrinogen levels were measured according to the nephelometric method. RESULTS: Significant alveolar bone resorption and periodontal inflammation were evident in periodontitis groups. Levels of PTX3 in gingival tissue were statistically higher in Group 1 than those in groups 2 and 3 (P < 0.01). No significant difference was found in serum PTX3 levels between experimental periodontitis and control groups (P > 0.05). Plasma fibrinogen levels were significantly increased in the experimental periodontitis groups (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: PTX3 seems to be associated with tissue destruction in earlier periods of inflammatory periodontal disease, contrary to the fibrinogen findings.

The diagnostic value of the Doppler ultrasonography in distinguishing the endometrial malignancies in women with postmenopausal bleeding.

PURPOSE: To investigate the diagnostic value of blood flow measurements in endometrial, myometrial and uterine vasculature by transvaginal Doppler ultrasonography in the differentiation of the neoplastic endometrial pathologies in women with postmenopausal bleeding. METHODS: 106 women who presented with postmenopausal bleeding were enrolled in a prospective cohort study. Endometrial thickness, pulsatility and resistance indices of the uterine, myometrial and endometrial vasculature, endometrial histopathology were measured by transvaginal Doppler sonography. Dilatation and curettage were performed for all women. Sonographic and histopathological results were evaluated. RESULTS: Endometrial malignancy was diagnosed in 24 of the patients (22.7%). Endometrial thickness was found to be higher in the patients with malign histopathology compared with the patients of benign histopathology. Statistically, uterine artery PI, RI, radial artery PI, spiral artery PI, and RI were also significantly lower in patients with malign histopathology. According to ROC curve analysis the endometrial thickness of 5 mm, uterine artery PI of 1.450, uterine artery RI of 0.715, radial artery PI of 1.060, and radial artery RI of 0.645 were defined as the cut-off points. In multivariate regression model, only uterine artery PI was identified as independent determinant of malignant endometrium. CONCLUSIONS: Blood flow of uterine artery and also myometrial and endometrial vasculature displayed lower impedance in patients with malignant endometrium, but these lower indices are not already adequate for using as diagnostic tests.

Comparison of mesenchymal stem cells and autogenous cortical bone graft in the treatment of class II furcation defects in dogs.

The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) as scaffold and autogenous cortical bone (ACB) graft with and without PRP in the regenerative treatment of class II furcation defects in dogs. The mandibular second, third, and fourth premolars (P2, P3, P4) and maxillary P3 and P4 of both sides in three dogs were selected for experimentation. Class II furcation defects (5 mm in height and 2 mm in depth) were surgically created. Five weeks after the first operation, scaling + root planning (group 1), PRP (group 2), ACB (group 3), combination of ACB/PRP (group 4), and combination of MSCs/PRP (group 5) treatments were performed during open flap debridement. The percentage of cementum and alveolar bone formation was evaluated by histomorphometric analysis after a healing period of 8 weeks. There was new cementum along with periodontal ligament and coronal growth of alveolar bone in all groups. Cementum formation was significantly higher in groups 3, 4, and 5 compared to the control group (P < 0.05) with no significant difference between groups 2, 3, 4, and 5. Alveolar bone formation was similar in all groups (P > 0.05). It can be concluded that periodontal regeneration with complete filling of class II furcation defects with cementum, alveolar bone, and periodontal ligament is obtained 8 weeks after ACB, ACB/PRP, and MSCs/PRP treatments; however, efficacy of none is higher than another.

Vascular endothelial growth factor expression levels of gingiva in gingivitis and periodontitis patients with/without diabetes mellitus.

OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN: The aim of this study was to determine vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) mRNA expression levels in gingival tissues of gingivitis and periodontitis patients with diabetes mellitus and those without. The hypothesis tested is that expression of VEGF, considered the effective cytokine in the relationship between diabetes and periodontal disease, is differentially affected in gingivitis and periodontitis patients with or without diabetes mellitus compared to healthy controls. METHODS: Forty-five subjects were evaluated in five groups; individuals with gingivitis (group 1; n = 10), individuals with periodontitis (group 2; n = 10), individuals with gingivitis + type II diabetes (group 3; n = 10), individuals with periodontitis + type II diabetes (group 4; n = 10), and individuals without periodontal and systemic disease (group 5; n = 5). VEGF mRNA levels in gingival tissues were measured by quantitative real-time PCR using Lightcycler. RESULTS: Expression of VEGF mRNA was detected in all groups. There was no significant difference in expression levels of VEGF mRNA between groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: VEGF expression is probably related to both maintenance of periodontal health and periodontal tissue destruction. It can be concluded that systemic condition in type II diabetes mellitus under good metabolic control does not seem to have additional effects on gingival tissue VEGF mRNA levels in gingivitis and periodontitis patients.

Prospective clinical study of the association between plasma level of free IGF-1 and myometrial invasion min patients with endometrial adenocarcinoma.

INTRODUCTION: Endometrial carcinoma is a common malignancy of the female genital tract. There is a strong correlation between myometrial invasion and clinical prognosis. Increasing myometrial penetration is associated with an increasing risk of pelvic and para-aortic lymph node metastasis, adnexal metastasis, positive peritoneal cytology local vault recurrence, and hematogenous spread. The causal role for Insulin-like growth factor-1 and insulin in endometrial carcinogenesis is well supported and insulin and IGF system have mitogenic and antiapoptotic activity Endometrial cancer cell lines express high-affinity insulin receptors, consistent with there being a direct biological effect of insulin and IGF system on the growth and myometrial invasion of endometrial cancer cells. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients with endometrial carcinoma have been divided into three groups: tumor confined to the endometrium (stage IA, n:24), endometrial carcinoma with a minimal invasion (less than 50% of the myometrium; stage IB, n:32), and the control group (n:40). Demographic factors, estradiol and free IGF-1 plasma levels have been compared in all groups. RESULTS: Lower Free IGF-1 plasma levels were found in patients with myometrial invasion when compared to the patients without myomnetrial invasion. CONCLUSIONS: In the following work we have presented the current understanding of endometrial carcinoma, association between free IGF-1 plasma levels and myometrial invasion in patients with endometrial adenocarcinoma in terms of management and survival.

Nonsurgical Periodontal Therapy Reduces Salivary and Gingival Crevicular Fluid YKL-40 and IL-6 Levels in Chronic Periodontitis.

PURPOSE: A novel acute-phase protein, YKL-40, is known as an inflammation-associated glycoprotein. YKL-40 is shown to be linked to inflammation, endothelial dysfunction and tissue remodeling secreted by various cells and is also considered to be stimulated by cytokines such as interleukin-6 (IL-6). The present study aimed to investigate YKL-40 and IL-6 levels in saliva and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of patients with chronic periodontitis (CP) after non-surgical periodontal therapy for the first time. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-six CP patients and 26 periodontally healthy individuals were enrolled. Clinical measurements were recorded; saliva and GCF samples were obtained at baseline and 1 and 3 months after non-surgical periodontal therapy. Levels of YKL-40 and IL-6 in saliva and GCF were analysed by ELISA. RESULTS: Salivary and GCF YKL-40 and IL-6 levels were found to be statistically significantly higher in CP patients compared to healthy controls at baseline (p < 0.001). At 1 and 3 months after the completion of treatment, both YKL-40 and IL-6 levels in saliva and GCF had statistically significantly decreased compared with baseline values in CP patients (p < 0.001). On the other hand, no statistically significant difference was observed between 1 and 3 months in terms of salivary and GCF YKL-40 and IL-6 levels or any of the clinical findings (p > 0.016). CONCLUSION: Salivary and GCF YKL-40 levels may be useful to evaluate resolution of periodontal inflammation. Within the limits of this study, YKL-40 acute-phase protein might be a potential biomarker for detection of periodontitis and monitoring the response to periodontal therapy.

The investigation of the factors affecting retroperitoneal lymph node metastasis in stage IIIC and IV epithelial ovarian cancer.

INTRODUCTION: The appropriate management of advanced ovarian cancer has been controversial in recent years. Lymphatic node involvement is known one of the most important prognostic factors in epithelial ovarian carcinomas. On the other hand in patients with advanced ovarian cancer involving the upper abdomen (with/without lymph node involvement) the evaluation of pelvic and para-aortic lymph nodes does not contribute to the staging and more importantly it does not improve overall-survival. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred three patients underwent systematic pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy in our clinic. Fifty-three patients with FIGO stage IIIC and IV epithelial ovarian tumor were included in the study. The numbers of positive lymph nodes in each patient were compared with the preoperative CA125 values, positivity/negativity of peritoneal washings and tumor types. Also we compared the patients with positive lymph nodes with patients with negative lymph nodes and investigate differences in CA125 levels, histological types, and cytology. RESULTS: No significant difference was observed between the patients' preoperative CA125 values and the number of positive lymph nodes. A significant relation was not determined between the positivity or negativity of peritoneal washings and the number of positive lymph nodes. As a number of positive lymph nodes were compared with the tumor types a significant difference was not observed. On the other hand, statistically, a significant relationship was found between patients with positive lymph nodes and patients with negative lymph nodes in terms of preoperative CA125 values, the positivity or negativity of peritoneal washings and histological types of tumors. DISCUSSION: We could not determine any effects of preoperative CA125 values, histological type of tumor and peritoneal cytology on the number of positive lymph nodes. Pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy must be performed for us until the factors that affect nodal involvement will be described further in larger and more comprehensive studies.

Migration of an intrauterine device into the bladder: a rare case.

INTRODUCTION: Intrauterine device (IUD) application has been used for over 30 years and is a widely accepted contraception method among women because of its low-complication rates. The use of intrauterine devices may cause complications but migration of the IUD into an adjacent organ is rarely encountered. CASE: In the present report, we present a 26-year-old patient to whom IUD had been applied 2 years ago and whose examination performed due to pain and urinary complaints revealed migration of the uterine device into the bladder. CONCLUSION: Patients with pelvic pain and chronic irritative urinary symptoms whose vaginal examination and ultrasonography reveal a dislocated IUD should be carefully examined for the migration of the IUD into the bladder. In order to avoid this rare complication, patient should be evaluated physically and ultrasonographically for uterine position, thinness of the uterine wall and inflammatory disease before the insertion. The patient should be evaluated with sonography immediately after insertion and periodically.

Primary malignant melanoma of the vagina.

BACKGROUND: Primary vaginal melanoma is a rare, highly malignant, and poor prognostic disease. CASE: The 51-year-old patient with diagnosis of vaginal malignant melanoma was referred to our clinic. Since detection of pervasive brown lesions in the vagina total vaginectomy was performed. At pathological investigation melanoma was not determined. Immunotherapy was administered adjuvantly. Paraaortic lymph node metastasis was seen on the ninth month after total vaginectomy and the metastatic lymph nodes were excised. Cisplatin and tremozolamide chemotherapy was administered for six cycles after surgery. The patient is alive and disease-free at 18th month of the diagnosis of the disease. CONCLUSION: The impact of therapy on outcome of primary vaginal malign melanomas is poorly understood. Improved clinical outcomes were associated with surgical removal of gross disease whenever possible. Because of the low rate of lymph node metastasis, elective pelvic lymph node dissection is not mandatory. We presented a case of FIGO stage I primary vaginal malignant melanoma, which metastasized to the paraaortic lymph nodes 9 months after the primary operation.

Comparison of platelet pellet with or without guided tissue regeneration in the treatment of class II furcation defects in dogs.

The purpose of this study was to compare histological effectiveness of platelet pellet (PP), which has higher platelet content than platelet-rich plasma, and the combination of PP/guided tissue regeneration (GTR) for class II furcation defects in dogs. The mandibular second, third, and fourth premolars of both sides in four dogs were used. Class II furcation defects (5 mm in height and 2 mm in depth) were surgically created. Five weeks after the first operation, second premolars were treated with scaling and root planing (group 1); right third and fourth premolars received PP (group 2), and left premolars received the combination of PP/GTR (group 3). Percentage of cementum and alveolar bone formation were evaluated by histometric analysis after a healing period of 12 weeks. There was new cementum along with periodontal ligament and coronal growth of alveolar bone in all groups. Cementum formation was significantly higher in groups 2 and 3 compared to the control group (P < 0.05) with no significant difference between groups 2 and 3. Limited alveolar bone formation was statistically similar in all groups (P > 0.05). It is concluded that both PP and the combination of PP/GTR are effective in the treatment of class II furcation defects in dogs. PP thus appears to be a suitable alternative material in the regenerative periodontal therapy.

Histopathological and biochemical evaluation of paeoniflorin administration in an experimental periodontitis model.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of administered Paeoniflorin (Pae) on periodontal tissues within an experimental periodontitis model. Forty male Wistar rats were used in this study and experimental periodontitis was created in all rats except in the control group (n = 10, first group). In the periodontitis group, experimental periodontitis was created but no other application was performed (n = 10, second group). In the other groups created experimental periodontitis, systemic Pae (n = 10, third group) or saline (n = 10, fourth group) was applied. A biochemical analysis of the gingival vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels and a histomorphometric analysis (measurements of the area of alveolar bone, alveolar bone resorption, and attachment loss) were performed. In the Pae group, the area of the alveolar bone was increased, while alveolar bone resorption and attachment loss decreased. Gingival VEGF levels increased in all groups that created experimental periodontitis and the greatest increase seen in the Pae group. Histomorphometric and biochemical analyses in this study suggest that Pae has a curative effect on periodontal tissues. However, additional studies are needed to confirm these results.

Histopathological and biochemical evaluation of the effect of Paeoniflorin on the periodontium during and after periodontitis formation in rats.

OBJECTIVES: Appraise the effect of systemic Paeoniflorin (Pae) application on the periodontium during and after induction of experimental periodontitis in the presence of ligature and after its removal. DESIGN: Seventy male Wistar rats were separated into seven equal groups. The first group was reserved as healthy control group (Group 1: no periodontitis, no medication) and experimental periodontitis was induced with ligature in the remaining rats. In experimental periodontitis groups, Pae or saline was administered systemically in three differet periods; during the experimental periodontitis induction (period 1), after experimental periodontitis induction which ligature removed (period 2) or ligature kept in position (period 3). Only, one of the groups acted as the control periodontitis group and received no treatment. Experimental periodontitis groups were as follows; Group 2: medication in period 1, Group 3: periodontitis and no medication, Group 4: medication in period 2, Group 5: saline application in period 2, Group 6: medication in period 3, Group 7: saline application in period 3. Matrix metalloproteinases-9 (MMP-9) levels and interleukin-10 (IL-10) levels were detected biochemically and histomorphometric analyses were performed. These analyses included measurements of the area of alveolar bone, the level of alveolar bone, and attachment loss. RESULTS: Area of alveolar bone and IL-10 levels were higher in the Pae-administered groups; level of alveolar bone, attachment loss, and MMP-9 levels were correspondingly lower (P < 0.05). The beneficial effects at histomorphometrical and biochemical levels of Pae were the strongest in the rats that were administered Pae after the removal of ligature. CONCLUSIONS: Systemically administered Pae had a positive effect on the healing of periodontal tissues. Pae can be used as a new therapeutic agent for periodontal diseases, but microbiology-based studies and more extensive biochemistry-based experimental and clinical studies are needed to address this possibility.

Effects of risedronate on alveolar bone loss and angiogenesis: a stereologic study in rats.

BACKGROUND: The present study was designed to evaluate the effects of risedronate, one of the most potent bisphosphonates, on alveolar bone resorption and angiogenesis in rats with experimental periodontitis to identify dose-response curves and treatment durations that can be therapeutic for periodontal therapy versus those associated with osteonecrosis of the jaws. METHODS: Thirty-five rats, 25 with experimental periodontitis (groups 1 through 5) and 10 with healthy periodontium (groups 6 and 7), were divided into seven equal groups: group 1 received no treatment; groups 2 and 3 received risedronate, 0.1 and 1 mg/kg, respectively, for 3 weeks; groups 4 and 5 received risedronate, 0.1 and 1 mg/kg, respectively, for 8 weeks; and groups 6 and 7 received 0.9% NaCl for 3 and 8 weeks, respectively. Animals in groups 2 through 7 were administered treatment 5 days per week. After histologic processing, histomorphometric and stereologic analyses were carried out to estimate the number of blood vessels (NBV) and the volumetric densities of bone (Vb), marrow (Vm), osteoblasts (Vob), and osteoclasts (Voc). RESULTS: A total of 0.1 and 1 mg/kg risedronate for 3 weeks (groups 2 and 3) significantly increased Vb and Vob and decreased Vm more prominently in group 2 (P <0.001), whereas 1 mg/kg risedronate for 8 weeks (group 5) induced no significant improvement in these parameters compared to group 1 (P >0.05). No significant decrease in Voc was found in drug-administered groups compared to group 1 (P >0.05). A significant decrease in NBV (P <0.01) and positive correlation between NBV and Vb (r(2) = 0.941; P = 0.006) were found only in group 5. CONCLUSION: A short duration of risedronate administration may be useful in inhibiting bone resorption in periodontitis, whereas excessive dosages of the drug administered in longer durations can lead to impairment of bone formation and angiogenesis.

The expression of vascular endothelial growth factor in a rat model at destruction and healing stages of periodontal disease.

BACKGROUND: The major role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), an angiogenic mediator, in promoting the progression or the healing of periodontal disease is still unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the VEGF expression in the destruction and healing stages of periodontal disease and to investigate the association between VEGF expression and vascularization with regard to the number and diameters of blood vessels. METHODS: Thirty rats were distributed equally into two test groups and a control group. Experimental periodontal disease was induced in the test groups by silk ligatures, which were kept in position for 40 days. On the 40th day, ligatures were removed from the healing group, whereas ligatures were left in position in the destruction group. On the 60th day, rats were sacrificed; histomorphometric and biochemical analyses were carried out to determine the number and diameters of blood vessels and the assessment of VEGF concentration by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant increase in the number of blood vessels in the healing group and in the diameters of blood vessels in the destruction group compared to the control group (P <0.001). In vivo VEGF expressions were highest in the healing group (P <0.001) and correlated significantly with the number of blood vessels (r(2) = 0.814; P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: VEGF expression may be related more to the healing stage of periodontal disease than to the destruction stage of the lesion.