Longitudinal analysis of microcirculatory parameters in gingival tissues after tooth extraction in patients with different risk profiles for wound healing disorders - a pilot study.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to establish a risk profile for intraoral wound healing disorders based on measurements of microcirculation in gingival tissues. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Oxygen saturation (SO2) and blood flow in gingival tissues were measured with tissue spectrometry and laser doppler spectroscopy in 37 patients before/after tooth extractions. Patients were assigned to four groups: anamnestically and periodontally healthy patients (n = 7), anamnestically healthy but suffering from periodontitis (n = 10), anamnestically healthy but smoking and suffering from periodontitis (n = 10) and suffering from diabetes and periodontitis (n = 10). Measurements were performed at three different time points: Baseline measurement (T0), one day post extractionem (p.e.) (T1) and seven days p.e. (T2). RESULTS: Baseline SO2 values were higher in control patients (p = .038). This effect was most evident in comparison to smokers suffering from periodontitis (p = .042), followed by diabetics suffering from periodontitis (p = .09). An opposite trend was seen for blood flow. Patients suffering from periodontitis demonstrated higher blood flow values (p = .012). Five patients, which belonged to the group of smokers suffering from periodontitis, showed clinically a delayed wound healing. CONCLUSION: Differences in SO2 and blood flow of gingival tissue could be detected in different groups of patients with existing periodontitis compared to control patients. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Lower baseline SO2 values could be a warning signal for possible wound healing disorders after oral surgery.

Randomized controlled clinical trial on the efficacy of a novel antimicrobial chewing gum in reducing plaque and gingivitis in adolescent orthodontic patients.

OBJECTIVES: Chewing gums containing antiseptics or other antimicrobial substances may be effective in reducing plaque and gingivitis. Therefore, the aim of this randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial was to investigate the efficacy of a novel antimicrobial chewing gum containing essential oils (cinnamon, lemon, peppermint) and extracts on reduction of dental plaque and gingivitis as well as on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in adolescent orthodontic patients. MATERIALS: 52 patients (11-22 years of age) were randomly assigned to use a test chewing gum (COVIDGUM, Clevergum) or a commercially available control chewing gum over a period of 10 days. Approximal plaque index (API), papillary bleeding index (PBI) and an OHRQoL questionnaire for children (COHIP-G19) were assessed at baseline (BL), after 10 days (10d) and 30 days (30d). In addition, oral health and oral hygiene related questions of the COHIP-G19 questionnaire were evaluated separately in subscales at each timepoint. Data were analyzed using non-parametrical statistical procedures (α = 0.05). RESULTS: API and PBI decreased significantly over time from BL to 10d and from BL to 30d in both groups, without significant differences between the groups. In both groups, the COHIP-G19 score, oral health subscale and oral hygiene subscale decreased significantly over time. Regarding the oral hygiene subscale, the test group showed significantly better scores at 30d (p = 0.011). CONCLUSION: Both chewing gums performed similarly effective in terms of reducing plaque accumulation and gingival inflammation and improving OHRQoL. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Chewing gums without antimicrobial ingredients may be sufficient to decrease plaque accumulation and gingival inflammation.

Association between dental age and malocclusions: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: The evidence in the literature suggests that some skeletal or dental malocclusions are involved with dental development, resulting in advanced or delayed dental age (DA). The purpose of this systematic review was to investigate the association between DA and different types of malocclusions. METHODS: The search was carried out on PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Virtual Health Library, and in the gray literature. Observational studies that evaluated the association between DA and sagittal, vertical, or transversal malocclusions were included. The quality assessment was performed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). The data from primary studies were narratively synthesized. The certainty of evidence was evaluated using the GRADE approach. The study was conducted from August 2023 to October 2023. RESULTS: One Thousand Nine Hundred Ninety-One records were identified in the initial search. Twenty (n = 20) studies were included. Most of the studies (n=15) presented a moderate quality according to NOS. Twelve studies evaluated the association between DA and sagittal discrepancies; eight studies evaluated vertical discrepancies, and only one study analyzed a transversal discrepancy. Demirjian's method for DA assessment was the most used among the studies. The primary studies observed that patients of both sexes presenting a vertical growth pattern and males with skeletal Class III malocclusion tend to have advanced DA. The study that investigated transversal malocclusion found that unilateral posterior cross-bite is associated with delayed DA. The certainty of evidence was very low for all outcomes evaluated. CONCLUSION: DA may be associated with the type of malocclusion. It is suggested that DA can be used as an initial diagnostic tool in orthodontics. Future well-designed studies should be performed in order to investigate the association between DA and different types of malocclusions in more detail. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD42023454207).

Assessing the relationship between single nucleotide polymorphisms in Wingless signaling pathway genes and sella turcica morphology.

Sella turcica development involves molecular factors and genes responsible for ossification. It is possible that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in key genes are involved in morphological variation of sella turcica. Genes belonging to the WNT signaling pathway are involved in the ossification process and are candidates of sella turcica morphology. This study aimed to evaluate if SNPs in WNT6 (rs6754599) and WNT10A (rs10177996 and rs3806557) genes are associated with the calcification and patterns of the sella turcica. Nonsyndromic individuals were included in the research. Cephalometric radiographs were examined and the sella calcification was evaluated and classified according to the calcification of the interclinoid ligament (no calcification, partial calcification, and incomplete calcification) and sella turcica pattern (normal sella turcica, bridge type A-ribbon-like fusion, bridge type B-extension of the clinoid processes, incomplete bridge, hypertrophic posterior clinoid process, hypotrophic posterior clinoid process, irregularity in the posterior part, pyramidal shape of the dorsum, double contour of the floor, oblique anterior wall, and oblique contour of the floor). DNA samples were used to evaluate SNPs in the WNT genes (rs6754599, rs10177996, and rs3806557) using real-time PCR. Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test were used to compare the allele and genotype distributions according to sella turcica phenotypes. The alpha was set as 5% for all comparisons. A total of 169 individuals were included, 133 (78.7%) present sella turcica partially or completely calcified. Sella turcica anomalies were found in 131 individuals (77.5%). Sella turcica bridge type A (27.8%), posterior hypertrophic clinoid process (17.1%), and sella turcica bridge type B (11.2%) were the most prevalent morphological patterns observed. Individuals carrying the TT genotype in rs10177996 (TT vs. CT + CC) had higher chance to present a partially calcified sella turcica (p = 0.047; Odds ratio = 2.27, Confidence Interval 95% 1.01-5.13). In conclusion, the SNP in WNT10A is associated with the calcification phenotype of the sella turcica, the pleiotropic effect of this gene should be taken into consideration in future studies.

Impact of PIEZO1-channel on inflammation and osteoclastogenesis mediated via periodontal ligament fibroblasts during mechanical loading.

The identification of mechanosensitive ion channels and their importance in innate immunity provides new starting points to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of orthodontic tooth movement. The mechanosensitive electron channel PIEZO1 (Piezo Type Mechanosensitive Ion Channel Component 1) may play a crucial role in orthodontic tooth movement. To investigate the role of the PIEZO1 channel, periodontal ligament fibroblasts (PDLF) were subsequently treated with a PIEZO1 inhibitor (GsMTx) with simultaneous pressure application or with an activator (JEDI2) without mechanical strain. The expression of genes and proteins involved in orthodontic tooth movement was examined by RT-qPCR, Western blot and ELISA. In addition, the effect on PDLF-mediated osteoclastogenesis was investigated in a coculture model using human monocytes. Inhibition of PIEZO1 under pressure application caused a reduction in RANKL (receptor activator of NF-kB ligand) expression, resulting in decreased osteoclastogenesis. On the other hand, activation of PIEZO1 without mechanical strain downregulated OPG (osteoprotegerin), resulting in increased osteoclastogenesis. PIEZO1 appears to play a role in the induction of inflammatory genes. It was also shown to influence osteoclastogenesis.

Preprocedural mouthwashes for infection control in dentistry-an update.

OBJECTIVES: Aerosols and splatter are routinely generated in dental practice and can be contaminated by potentially harmful bacteria or viruses such as SARS-CoV-2. Therefore, preprocedural mouthwashes containing antiseptic agents have been proposed as a potential measure for infection control in dental practice. This review article aims to summarize the clinical (and, if insufficient, preclinical) evidence on preprocedural mouthwashes containing antiseptic agents and to draw conclusions for dental practitioners. METHODS: Literature on preprocedural mouthwashes for reduction of bacterial or viral load in dental aerosols was searched and summarized. RESULTS: Preprocedural mouthwashes, particularly those containing chlorhexidine digluconate (CHX), cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC), or essential oils (EO), can significantly reduce the bacterial load in dental aerosols. With respect to viruses such as HSV-1, there are too little clinical data to draw any clear recommendations. On the other hand, clinical data is consolidating that CPC-containing mouthwashes can temporarily reduce the intraoral viral load and infectivity in SARS-CoV-2 positive individuals. Nevertheless, potential risks and side effects due to regular antiseptic use such as ecological effects or adaptation of bacteria need to be considered. CONCLUSIONS: The use of preprocedural mouthwashes containing antiseptics can be recommended according to currently available data, but further studies are needed, particularly on the effects on other viruses besides SARS-CoV-2. When selecting a specific antiseptic, the biggest data basis currently exists for CHX, CPC, EO, or combinations thereof. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Preprocedural mouthwashes containing antiseptics can serve as part of a bundle of measures for protection of dental personnel despite some remaining ambiguities and in view of potential risks and side effects.

Impact of malocclusion treatments on Oral Health-Related Quality of Life: an overview of systematic reviews.

OBJECTIVE: To perform an overview of systematic reviews (SR) assessing the impact of malocclusion treatments (Orthodontic Treatment - OT and/or Orthodontic Surgical Treatment - OST) on Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A search strategy was conducted in electronic databases until June 7th, 2021, followed by a manual search in grey literature and registration databases. Two independent authors applied the eligibility criteria, extracted the data, assessed the risk of bias (AMSTAR-2), and performed the certainty of evidence (GRADE) evaluation. Meta-analysis was planned to be carried out in RevMan 5.3 (with 95% confidence intervals (CI) considering p < 0.05), in case of homogeneous studies considering OHRQoL instrument and time of follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 126 articles were accessed on the database, 18 registers, 33 records on grey literature and 3 articles by means of citation searching. After duplicates removal and eligibility criteria analyses, 15 SR were included. From that, 13 showed improvement in OHRQoL after OT and/or OST. The methodological quality ranges from high (n = 2), to critically low (n = 9). Meta-analysis was conducted. Improvement on OHRQoL after a 6-month OST using the OQLQ-22 (p < 0.00001; 19.65; CI: 12.60-26.70) and OHIP-14 instruments (p < 0.00001; 10.70; CI: 9.89-11.51); and after a 6-month OT using the CPQ 11-14 instrument (p = 0.010; 3.57; CI: 0.86-6.28) with very low certainty of the evidence for all outcomes was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Although most SR selected in this overview are characterized by a critically low quality, as well as very low certainty of the evidence, OT and/or OST seem to have a positive impact in improving the OHRQoL. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The overview of existing systematic reviews compiled that OT and/or OST seem to have a positive impact on improving the OHRQoL. This information will facilitate clinical decision-making considering the clinical and psychological parameters.

Evaluation of tooth eruption rate of incisor teeth in rats with estrogen deficiency.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the influence of estrogen deficiency on tooth eruption rate (TER) and gene expression of estrogen receptor alpha and beta (ERα and ERß) in the odontogenic region of teeth with continuous formation in a rat model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ovariectomies (OVX; n = 25) and sham surgeries (SHAM; n = 25) were performed in female Wistar rats when animals were 25 days old. The TER of the lower incisors, both in impeded (hyperfunction condition) and unimpeded (trimmed incisal edge-hypofunction condition) conditions, was evaluated using standardized digital photographs acquired every 48-72 h for 3 weeks (35th-53rd day of life), using a camera coupled to a stereomicroscope. Quantitative real-time PCR was performed to evaluate the relative gene expression of ERα and ERß in the odontogenic region. RESULTS: The OVX group showed a significant reduction in TER when compared to the SHAM group, only in the impeded condition (p = 0.03). There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in ERα gene expression (p = 0.33). ERß showed a significantly higher gene expression in the OVX group (p ≤ 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Estrogen deficiency decreases TER in teeth under impeded condition. Estrogen deficiency also increases ERß gene expression in the odontogenic region of teeth with continuous formation. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Hormonal disturbances affecting estrogen levels can cause alterations in dental formation and teeth eruption.

Dissecting the Complexity of Skeletal-Malocclusion-Associated Phenotypes: Mouse for the Rescue.

Skeletal deformities and malocclusions being heterogeneous traits, affect populations worldwide, resulting in compromised esthetics and function and reduced quality of life. Skeletal Class III prevalence is the least common of all angle malocclusion classes, with a frequency of 7.2%, while Class II prevalence is approximately 27% on average, varying in different countries and between ethnic groups. Orthodontic malocclusions and skeletal deformities have multiple etiologies, often affected and underlined by environmental, genetic and social aspects. Here, we have conducted a comprehensive search throughout the published data until the time of writing this review for already reported quantitative trait loci (QTL) and genes associated with the development of skeletal deformation-associated phenotypes in different mouse models. Our search has found 72 significant QTL associated with the size of the mandible, the character, shape, centroid size and facial shape in mouse models. We propose that using the collaborative cross (CC), a highly diverse mouse reference genetic population, may offer a novel venue for identifying genetic factors as a cause for skeletal deformations, which may help to better understand Class III malocclusion-associated phenotype development in mice, which can be subsequently translated to humans. We suggest that by performing a genome-wide association study (GWAS), an epigenetics-wide association study (EWAS), RNAseq analysis, integrating GWAS and expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL), micro and small RNA, and long noncoding RNA analysis in tissues associated with skeletal deformation and Class III malocclusion characterization/phenotypes, including mandibular basic bone, gum, and jaw, in the CC mouse population, we expect to better identify genetic factors and better understand the development of this disease.

Impact of Mechanical Strain and Nicotinamide on RUNX2-Deficient Osteoblast Mimicking Cleidocranial Dysplasia.

Cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD) is a rare genetic defect caused by a heterozygous mutation of runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), which is important for osteoblast and skeletal development. RUNX2-deficiency causes extra- and intra-oral malformations that often require orthodontic treatment. Nicotinamide (NAM) affects bone remodelling processes. As these are crucial for orthodontic therapy, NAM could improve orthodontic treatment in CCD patients. This study investigates the effect of NAM in control and RUNX2-deficient osteoblasts under mechanical strain mimicking orthodontic treatment. First, the optimal NAM concentration and the differences in the expression profile of control and RUNX2-deficient osteoblasts were determined. Subsequently, osteoblasts were exposed to tensile and compressive strain with and without NAM, and the expression of genes critically involved in bone remodelling was investigated. NAM increased the expression of bone remodelling genes. RUNX2-deficient osteoblasts expressed more receptor activator of NFkB ligand (RANKL) and interleukin-6 (IL6), but less colony-stimulating factor-1 (CSF1). Most of the positive effects of NAM on bone remodelling genes were impaired by mechanical loading. In conclusion, NAM stimulated osteoblast differentiation by increasing the expression of RUNX2 and regulated the expression of osteoclastogenic factors. However, the positive effects of NAM on bone metabolism were impaired by mechanical loading and RUNX2 deficiency.

Orthodontic bonding to silicate ceramics: impact of different pretreatment methods on shear bond strength between ceramic restorations and ceramic brackets.

OBJECTIVE: The study aims to investigate the shear bond strength (SBS) between silicate ceramic restorations and ceramic brackets after different pretreatments and aging methods. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Leucite (LEU) and lithium disilicate (LiSi) specimens were pretreated with (i) 4% hydrofluoric acid + silane (HF), (ii) Monobond Etch&Prime (MEP), (iii) silicatization + silane (CoJet), and (iv) SiC grinder + silane (SiC). Molars etched (phosphoric acid) and conditioned acted as comparison group. SBS was measured after 24 h (distilled water, 37 °C), 500 × thermocycling (5/55 °C), and 90 days (distilled water, 37 °C). Data was analyzed using Shapiro-Wilk, Kruskal-Wallis with Dunn's post hoc test and Bonferroni correction, Mann-Whitney U, and Chi2 test (p < 0.05). The adhesive remnant index (ARI) was determined. RESULTS: LEU pretreated with MEP showed lower SBS than pretreated with HF, CoJet, or SiC. LiSi pretreated with MEP resulted in lower initial SBS than pretreated with HF or SiC. After thermocycling, pretreatment using MEP led to lower SBS than with CoJet. Within LiSi group, after 90 days, the pretreatment using SiC resulted in lowest SBS values. After HF and MEP pretreatment, LEU showed lower initial SBS than LiSi. After 90 days of water storage, within specimens pretreated using CoJet or SiC showed LEU higher SBS than LiSi. Enamel presented higher or comparable SBS values to LEU and LiSi. With exception of MEP pretreatment, ARI 3 was predominantly observed, regardless the substrate, pretreatment, and aging level. CONCLUSIONS: MEP pretreatment presented the lowest SBS values, regardless the silicate ceramic and aging level. Further research is necessary. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: There is no need for intraoral application of HF for orthodontic treatment.

Assessing the association between vitamin D receptor and dental age variability.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the association between genetic polymorphisms in vitamin D receptor (VDR), vitamin D serum levels, and variability in dental age. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was based on an oral examination, panoramic radiograph analysis, and genotype analysis from biological samples. Dental age was evaluated using two different methods: Demirjian et al. (Hum Biol 45:211-227, 1973) and Hofmann et al. (J Orofac Orthop.78:97-111, 2017). The genetic polymorphisms BglI (rs739837) and FokI (rs2228570) in VDR were genotyped through real-time PCR. The vitamin D level was also measured in the serum. Delta (dental age-chronological age) was compared among genotypes in VDR in the co-dominant model. Multiple linear regression analysis was also performed. An established alpha of 5% was used. RESULTS: Genotype distributions of BglI and FokI were not associated with dental maturity (p > 0.05). In the logistic regression analyses, genotypes in BglI and FokI and vitamin D levels were not associated with variability in dental age (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The genetic polymorphisms BglI and FokI in VDR and the vitamin D levels were not associated with variability in dental age. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: To unravel the factors involved in dental maturity can improve dental treatment planning in pediatric and orthodontic practice.

An Evaluation of Different 3D Cultivation Models on Expression Profiles of Human Periodontal Ligament Fibroblasts with Compressive Strain.

The effects of compressive strain during orthodontic treatment on gene expression profiles of periodontal ligament fibroblasts (PDLFs) have mostly been studied in 2D cell culture. However, cells behave differently in many aspects in 3D culture. Therefore, the effect of pressure application on PDLFs in different 3D structures was investigated. PDLFs were either conventionally seeded or embedded into different 3D structures (spheroids, Mebiol® gel, 3D scaffolds) and exposed to compressive force or incubated without pressure. For one 3D scaffold (POR), we also tested the effect of different compressive forces and application times. Expression of an angiogenic gene (VEGF), a gene involved in extracellular matrix synthesis (COL1A2), inflammatory genes (IL6, PTGS2), and genes involved in bone remodelling (OPG, RANKL) were investigated by RT-qPCR. Depending on the used 3D cell culture model, we detected different effects of compressive strain on expression profiles of PDLFs. COL1A2 was downregulated in all investigated 3D culture models. Angiogenetic and proinflammatory genes were regulated differentially between models. In 3D scaffolds, regulation of bone-remodelling genes upon compressive force was contrary to that observed in 3D gels. 3D cell culture models provide better approximations to in vivo physiology, compared with conventional 2D models. However, it is crucial which 3D structures are used, as these showed diverse effects on the expression profiles of PDLFs during mechanical strain.

Impact of Melatonin on RAW264.7 Macrophages during Mechanical Strain.

The concentration of melatonin is elevated during the night when patients mainly wear removable orthodontic appliances. Next to periodontal ligament fibroblasts and osteoblasts, macrophages react to mechanical strain with an increased expression of inflammatory mediators. Here, we investigated the impact of melatonin on RAW264.7 macrophages exposed to tensile or compressive strain occurring during orthodontic tooth movement in the periodontal ligament. Before exposure to mechanical strain for 4 h, macrophages were pre-incubated with different melatonin concentrations for 24 h, to determine the dependence of melatonin concentration. Afterwards, we performed experiments with and without mechanical strain, the most effective melatonin concentration (25 µM), and the melatonin receptor 2 (MT2) specific antagonist 4P-PDOT. The expression of inflammatory genes and proteins was investigated by RT-qPCR, ELISAs, and immunoblot. Both tensile and compressive strain increased the expression of the investigated inflammatory factors interleukin-1-beta, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase-2. This effect was inhibited by the addition of melatonin. Incubation with 4P-PDOT blocked this anti-inflammatory effect of melatonin. Melatonin had an anti-inflammatory effect on macrophages exposed to mechanical strain, independent of the type of mechanical strain. As inhibition was possible with 4P-PDOT, the MT2 receptor might be involved in the regulation of the observed effects.

Impact of Leptin on the Expression Profile of Macrophages during Mechanical Strain In Vitro.

Childhood obesity is a growing problem in industrial societies and associated with increased leptin levels in serum and salvia. Orthodontic treatment provokes pressure and tension zones within the periodontal ligament, where, in addition to fibroblasts, macrophages are exposed to these mechanical loadings. Given the increasing number of orthodontic patients with these conditions, insights into the effects of elevated leptin levels on the expression profile of macrophages during mechanical strain are of clinical interest. Therefore, the aim of this in vitro study was to assess the influence of leptin on the expression profile of macrophages during simulated orthodontic treatment. RAW264.7 macrophages were incubated with leptin and lipopolysaccharides (LPS) from Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) or with leptin and different types of mechanical strain (tensile, compressive strain). Expression of inflammatory mediators including tumor necrosis factor (TNF), Interleukin-1-B (IL1B), IL6, and prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase (PTGS2) was assessed by RT-qPCR, ELISAs, and immunoblot. Without additional mechanical loading, leptin increased Tnf, Il1b, Il6, and Ptgs2 mRNA in RAW264.7 macrophages by itself and after stimulation with LPS. However, in combination with tensile or compressive strain, leptin reduced the expression and secretion of these inflammatory factors. By itself and in combination with LPS from P. gingivalis, leptin has a pro-inflammatory effect. Both tensile and compressive strain lead to increased expression of inflammatory genes. In contrast to its effect under control conditions or after LPS treatment, leptin showed an anti-inflammatory phenotype after mechanical stress.

Effect of Bacterial Infection on Ghrelin Receptor Regulation in Periodontal Cells and Tissues.

The effect of bacterial infection on the expression of growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R) was investigated in periodontal cells and tissues, and the actions of ghrelin were evaluated. GHS-R was assessed in periodontal tissues of rats with and without periodontitis. Human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) were exposed to Fusobacterium nucleatum in the presence and absence of ghrelin. GHS-R expression was determined by real-time PCR and immunocytochemistry. Furthermore, wound healing, cell viability, proliferation, and migration were evaluated. GHS-R expression was significantly higher at periodontitis sites as compared to healthy sites in rat tissues. F. nucleatum significantly increased the GHS-R expression and protein level in HGFs. Moreover, ghrelin significantly abrogated the stimulatory effects of F. nucleatum on CCL2 and IL-6 expressions in HGFs and did not affect cell viability and proliferation significantly. Ghrelin stimulated while F. nucleatum decreased wound closure, probably due to reduced cell migration. Our results show original evidence that bacterial infection upregulates GHS-R in rat periodontal tissues and HGFs. Moreover, our study shows that ghrelin inhibited the proinflammatory actions of F. nucleatum on HGFs without interfering with cell viability and proliferation, suggesting that ghrelin and its receptor may act as a protective molecule during bacterial infection on periodontal cells.

Influence of Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms on Vitamin D Receptor Expression in Periodontal Ligament Fibroblasts as a Response to Orthodontic Compression.

This study aimed to evaluate if single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene are associated with gene expression in human periodontal ligament (hPDL) fibroblasts under simulated orthodontic compressive force. hPDL samples from 57 patients were used. A physiological compressive strain was performed to simulate orthodontic tooth movement in pressure areas under cell culture conditions. The RNA from hPDL fibroblasts was isolated to determine the relative gene expression (mRNA) of the VDR. The DNA was also isolated for the genotyping analysis of five SNPs in the VDR gene: BglI (rs739837, G/T), BsmI (rs1544410, T/C), ApaI (rs7975232, A/C), FokI (rs2228570, A/G), and TaqI (rs731236, A/G). Real-time polymerase chain reaction was used for both analyses. Kruskal−Wallis tests were used to compare VDR expression among genotypes of each SNP. A linear regression analysis was performed to evaluate SNP−SNP interaction. An established alpha of 5% was used. The relative mRNA VDR expression according to the genotypes in the SNPs BglI, BsmI, ApaI, FokI, and TaqI was not statistically significantly different (p > 0.05). The SNP−SNP interaction evaluated by regression analysis did not demonstrate any statistically significant association. No association was observed (p > 0.05). In conclusion, the SNPs BglI (rs739837), BsmI (rs1544410), ApaI (rs7975232), FokI (rs2228570), and TaqI (rs731236) did not show an impact on VDR gene expression in hPDL fibroblasts under simulated orthodontic compressive force.

Oral Cleft Related-Genes may be Involved in Root Curvature of Maxillary Lateral Incisors.

The maxilla is formed by the medial nasal and maxillary processes fusion. The dental lamina develops from 2 origins connecting in the lateral incisor. The maxillary lateral incisor region is often affected by dental anomalies and clefting. It is possible that genes involved in oral cleft could also be associated with a variety of phenotypic variations in the maxillary lateral incisor. In this phenotype-genotype study, we explored the association between polymorphisms in the oral-cleft-related genes BMP2 and BMP4 and root curvature of maxillary lateral incisors.Cross-sectional study.Universities and private clinics.Panoramic radiographs and DNA from 231 patients were analyzed.Schneider method (1971) was applied to estimate the degree of root curvature of the maxillary lateral incisors and to classify the root as straight (5° or less) or curved (higher than 5°). Genetic polymorphisms in BMP2 (rs235768 and rs1005464) and BMP4 (rs17563) were genotyped. Statistical analysis was performed.A total of 401 teeth (199 left and 202 right) were evaluated. Genetic analysis demonstrated trends toward association for the rs1005464 in BMP2 (P = .025) in co-dominant model and in dominant model (P = .026) for left incisors. The rs235768 in BMP2 showed trends toward association with the degree of root curvature in left incisors in the recessive model (P = .031). rs17563 in BMP4 also showed trends toward association with the degree of the root curvature in left incisors (P = .019).BMP2 (rs235768 and rs1005464) and BMP4 (rs17563) might be involved in maxillary lateral incisor root curvature.

Duration of toothbrushing with fixed appliances: a randomized crossover clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: Fixed orthodontic appliances might result in dental adverse effects, if sufficient oral hygiene is not maintained. Since recommendations on toothbrushing times are lacking scientific justification in orthodontic populations, the aim of the present study was to comparatively quantify the duration of toothbrushing with a manual and a powered toothbrush in two distinct age groups. TRIAL DESIGN: Two-centre, two-period crossover balanced randomized clinical trial with computer-generated numbers and blinding at the outcome-assessing level. METHODS: Children and adults with fixed appliances with at least 22 aligned teeth were recruited at a university clinic and private practice in Bavaria, Germany. Plaque was disclosed with staining tablets and participants brushed their teeth with their habitual technique in front of a mirror and without interference until staining was, to their own satisfaction, completely removed. The primary outcome was duration of toothbrushing in seconds. Secondary outcomes were percentage plaque reduction and questionnaire data on dental attitudes and behaviours. Data were analysed with linear mixed models. RESULTS: Twenty-eight participants were randomized to the first and 27 to the second toothbrush sequence. The combined effect of age and toothbrush on the duration of toothbrushing was evident (n = 52, F(1, 50.8) = 5.1, P = 0.028). Children brushed 14.5 seconds less [n = 28, 95% confidence interval (CI) = -31.3 to 2.3, P = 0.090], yet adults 13.3 seconds more (n = 24, 95% CI = -4.6 to 31.3, P = 0.143) with the manual than powered toothbrush. Brushing times ranged from 2 minutes and 45 seconds to 3 minutes and 17 seconds with plaque reduction at 76% and good dental attitudes and behaviours. CONCLUSIONS: Both children and adults with fixed appliances might equally reach an effective plaque reduction with either manual or powered toothbrushes and their habitual brushing technique in around three minutes, if plaque is visible. REGISTRATION: DRKS-German Clinical Trials Register ID: DRKS00012463. FUNDING: Oral-B Procter & Gamble.

Impact of melatonin on periodontal ligament fibroblasts during mechanical strain.

BACKGROUND: The endogenous hormone melatonin regulates the circadian rhythm and impacts on bone metabolism. As patient compliance to wear removable orthodontic appliances is generally higher at night, when melatonin release is increased, a boosting effect on tooth movement would be favourable for therapy, whereas an inhibiting effect would indicate daytime wear to be more therapy-effective. We hypothesize that melatonin has either a stimulating or impeding effect on the expression profile of periodontal ligament fibroblasts (PDLF) during simulated orthodontic compressive and tensile strain, which would suggest either an accelerating or inhibiting impact on orthodontic tooth movement in vivo. METHODS: PDLF were preincubated with melatonin for 24 h and then subjected to tensile or compressive strain to mimic tension and pressure sides in PDL. In addition, the selective melatonin MTNR1B-receptor antagonist 4P-PDOT was used. We investigated melatonin effects on collagen synthesis, expression of inflammatory and bone-remodelling genes/proteins by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, and total collagen assays. PDLF-induced osteoclastogenesis was analysed in a coculture model by tartrate-resistant acid phosphatise (TRAP) staining. RESULTS: Expression of melatonin receptors in PDLF was not affected by compressive strain. Melatonin increased expression of inflammatory factors and elevated collagen synthesis during mechanical strain. Melatonin showed no effects on OPG or RANKL expression without mechanical strain, but increased RANKL gene expression during compression. CONCLUSIONS: Expression of melatonin receptors by PDLF enable them to detect fluctuating melatonin concentrations in the periodontal ligament. Melatonin increased collagen synthesis and expression of inflammatory mediators, but had no effect on genes involved in bone remodelling. Therefore, we suggest that melatonin has no accelerating effect on PDLF-induced osteoclastogenesis.