Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A serum levels and common gene polymorphisms in generalized periodontitis affected patients.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and compare the associations of VEGFA serum levels and SNPs (rs1570360, rs699947, rs3025033, and rs2146323) with periodontitis in study participants grouped by gender. METHODS: The study enrolled 261 patients with periodontitis and 441 healthy controls as a reference group. Patients underwent periodontal examination and radiographic analysis to confirm the periodontitis diagnosis. Blood samples were collected, and the DNA salting-out method was used for DNA extraction from peripheral venous blood. Genotyping of VEGFA (rs1570360, rs699947, rs3025033, and rs2146323) was performed using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and serum level analysis was done for 80 individuals - 40 periodontitis-affected patients and 40 reference group subjects. RESULTS: The analysis of VEGFA (rs1570360, rs699947, rs3025033, and rs2146323) showed that the rs3025033 GG genotype was less frequent in the periodontitis group than in the reference group (1.6% vs. 5.7%,p = 0.008). VEGFA serum levels were not statistically significantly different between periodontitis patients and reference group subjects (554.29 (522.38) ng/ml vs. 581.32 (348.16) ng/ml, p = 0.786). Individuals carrying rs1570360, rs699947, rs3025033, and rs2146323 haplotype A-A-G-A had decreased risks of periodontitis, while rare haplotype of VEGFA (rs1570360, rs699947, rs3025033, and rs2146323) was associated with increased odds of periodontitis (OR= 0.42; 95% CI: 0.20-0.85; p < 0.017; OR= 4.08; 95% CI: 1.86-8.94; p < 0.0001, respectively). CONCLUSION: The rs3025033 GG genotype and the rs1570360, rs699947, rs3025033, and rs2146323 A-A-G-A haplotypes may play a protective role in the development of periodontitis, but a less common haplotype of the same VEGFA polymorphism may be associated with the risk of developing periodontitis.

Temporary Hydrostatic Splint Therapy and Its Effects on Occlusal Forces.

Background and objectives: This study analyzed and compared the distribution patterns of occlusal forces using T-Scan III before and after the hydrostatic temporary oral splint (Aqualizer Ultra) therapy in healthy subjects and subjects with temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). Materials and Methods: Fifty-one subjects were divided into groups based on anamnesis and responses to the Fonseca questionnaire. The first group, non-TMDs group (n = 19), and the second group, TMDs group (n = 32), had mild-to-severe TMDs, as identified by the Fonseca questionnaire. The non-TMDs group had an average age of 25.4 years (SD = 4.8, range 20-38) with 15 females (78.95%) and 4 males (21.05%). The TMDs group had an average age of 27.4 years (SD = 7.0, range 22-53) with 25 females (78.125%) and 7 males (21.875%). T-Scan III device was used for occlusal analysis before and after hydrostatic splint usage. Results: Significant differences were observed in the TMDs group for anterior and posterior right percentages of forces before and after hydrostatic splint usage. The analysis of force distribution per sector before and after hydrostatic splint therapy showed no significant differences in the non-TMDs group. Analysis of force distributions in the entire study population before and after hydrostatic splint therapy showed significant differences in the anterior and posterior right regions. Occlusal force increased by 32-56% in the front region and decreased in the posterior area after hydrostatic splint usage. Conclusions: Hydrostatic splint therapy is recommended as a part of full-mouth rehabilitation treatment for all patients regardless of the severity of TMDs.

Value of Serum Sirtuin-1 (SIRT1) Levels and SIRT1 Gene Variants in Periodontitis Patients.

Background and Objectives: Periodontitis is a multifactorial inflammatory disease associated with biofilm dysbiosis and is defined by progressive periodontium destruction. Genes largely regulate this entire process. SIRTs are a group of histone deacetylases (HDACs) intimately involved in cell metabolism and are responsible for altering and regulating numerous cell functions. Understanding SIRTs and their functions in periodontitis may be useful for therapeutic treatment strategies in the future. The aim of our study was to investigate the associations amid SIRT1 single-gene nucleotide polymorphisms (rs3818292, rs3758391, and rs7895833) and SIRT1 serum levels for patients affected by periodontitis in the Caucasian population. Materials and Methods: The study included 201 patients affected by periodontitis and 500 healthy controls. DNA extraction from peripheral leukocytes was carried out using commercial kits. The real-time PCR method was selected for the determination of the genotype of the periodontitis patients and the control group. The ELISA method was used to measure the SIRT1 concentration. A statistical data analysis was performed using "BM SPSS Statistics 27.0" software. Results: The SIRT1 rs3818292 AG genotype was associated with a 2-fold and 1.9-fold increase in the development of periodontitis under the codominant and overdominant models (OR = 1.959; CI = 1.239-3.098; p = 0.004; and OR = 1.944; CI = 1.230-3.073; p = 0.004, respectively). The serum SIRT1 levels were not statistically significantly different between subjects in the periodontitis and control groups (0.984 (5.159) ng/mL vs. 0.514 (7.705) ng/mL, p = 0.792). Conclusions: in our study, the genotypes and alleles of SIRT1 rs3818292, rs3758391, and rs7895833 statistically significantly differed between the periodontitis and control groups, exclusively in the male population and subjects older than 60 years.

Post-exposure distribution of selenium and aluminum ions and their effects on superoxide dismutase activity in mouse brain.

The study was conducted to determine how aluminum (Al) and selenium (Se) ions alone and in combination affect superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and to evaluate the distribution of these elements in the blood and the brain of laboratory mice. SOD activity in mouse brain was evaluated after single-time (within 24 h) and repeated (over 14 days) intraperitoneal (IP) injections of SeO32-, Al3+, and (SeO32-+Al3+) solutions. The control mice received IP injections of the same volume of saline. Aluminum concentration in mouse blood increased both after single-time and repeated injections of AlCl3 and the combined (AlCl3 + Na2SeO3) solutions. The concentration of Se increased in blood after single-time and repeated injections of Na2SeO3 and the combined (AlCl3 + Na2SeO3) solutions. After the single-time injection of the experimental solutions, the concentrations of both Al and Se in mouse brain remained at baseline, but after repeated injections of (AlCl3 + Na2SeO3) solutions increased aluminum concentration. A single IP injection of Al did not change SOD activity in mouse brain, while a single injection of Se or the Se + Al mixture decreased it. After 14 days, IP injections of Al or Se alone did not affect SOD activity, while their combination decreased it. Our results showed that Se ions decreased SOD activity in mouse brain after both single-time and repeated IP injections of selenium-containing solutions. The study failed to show a direct or linear effect of increased Al or Se concentrations on SOD activity in mouse brain.

Effect of Supragingival Irrigation with Aerosolized 0.5% Hydrogen Peroxide on Clinical Periodontal Parameters, Markers of Systemic Inflammation, and Morphology of Gingival Tissues in Patients with Periodontitis.

BACKGROUND Various studies have shown that non-surgical periodontal treatment is correlated with reduction in clinical parameters and plasma levels of inflammatory markers. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of long-term weekly supragingival irrigations with aerosolized 0.5% hydrogen peroxide as maintenance therapy followed by non-surgical periodontal treatment on clinical parameters, plasma levels of inflammatory markers, and morphological changes in gingival tissues of patients with periodontitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS In total, 43 patients with chronic periodontitis were randomly allocated to long-term maintenance therapy. The patients' periodontal status was assessed using clinical parameters of approximal plaque index, modified gingival index, bleeding index, pocket probing depth, and plasma levels of inflammatory markers (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and white blood cell count) at baseline and after 1, 2, and 3 years. The morphological status of gingival tissues (immediately after supragingival irrigation) was assessed microscopically. RESULTS Complete data were obtained on 34 patients. A highly statistically significant and consistent reduction was observed in all long-term clinical parameters and plasma levels of inflammatory markers. Morphological data showed abundant spherical bubbles in gingival tissues. CONCLUSIONS 1. The present study showed that non-surgical periodontal treatment with long-term weekly supragingival irrigations with aerosolized 0.5% hydrogen peroxide improved clinical periodontal status and plasma levels of inflammatory markers and may be a promising method in periodontology. 2. We found that supragingival irrigation with aerosolized 0.5% hydrogen peroxide created large numbers of spherical bubbles in gingival tissues.

Efficacy of sucralfate for the treatment of post-tonsillectomy symptoms.

Pain after tonsillectomy remains the main issue of postoperative morbidity and the search for an effective post-tonsillectomy analgesic is of increasing relevance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of topical sucralfate during an early post-tonsillectomy period. Fifty patients of both genders from 6 to 58 years submitted to tonsillectomy or adenotonsillectomy were randomly included into either a sucralfate treatment group (N = 25) or into a control group (N = 25). Patients of the sucralfate group received topical sucralfate four times a day for 7 days. No topical treatment was applied to patients of the control group. A systemic analgesic was standardized. Post-tonsillectomy symptoms, including throat pain, odynophagia and otalgia, were evaluated during the period of seven postoperative days. Secondary outcomes were analgesic use, well being in general, return to regular daily activities, secondary hemorrhage and side effects of sucralfate. This study revealed that during the period of the second to seventh postoperative days average throat pain scores of the sucralfate using patients were significantly lower than those of the control group patients (p < 0.05); the same could be applied to odynophagia scores during the period of all seven postoperative days (p < 0.01) and otalgia scores from the 4th postoperative day (p < 0.05). The sucralfate group patients also had a significantly smaller need for analgesics, better scores of well being in general and early return to regular daily activities with no side effects of the treatment. Topical sucralfate could be recommended for the everyday clinical practice as a safe, adjuvant medicine of treatment during the period of the first post-tonsillectomy week.

Generalised Periodontitis: Examining TAS2R16 Serum Levels and Common Gene Polymorphisms (rs860170, rs978739, rs1357949).

The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the associations between TAS2R16 serum levels and common gene rs860170, rs978739, and rs1357949 polymorphisms in patients affected by generalized periodontitis. The study enrolled 590 patients: 280 patients with periodontitis and 310 healthy controls as a reference group. Patients underwent periodontal examination and radiographic analysis to confirm the periodontitis diagnosis. Blood samples were collected, and the DNA salting-out method was used for DNA extraction from peripheral venous blood. Genotyping of TAS2R16 (rs860170, rs978739, and rs1357949) was performed using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and serum level analysis was performed for both periodontitis-affected patients and reference group subjects. The analysis of TAS2R16 rs860170 (TT, CT, and CC) showed a statistically significant difference between generalized periodontitis and the reference group (41.8%, 58.2%, and 0% vs. 38.7%, 56.1%, and 5.2%, p < 0.001). TAS2R16 rs860170 (TT, CT, and CC) showed a statistically significant difference between males in generalized periodontitis and reference groups (38.4%, 61.6%, and 0% vs. 32.9%, 56.6%, and 10.5%, p = 0.002). Female-specific analysis showed that the TAS2R16 rs978739 C allele was more frequent in generalized periodontitis compared to the reference group (37.5% vs. 28.7%, p = 0.016). Subjects aged 70 years and older demonstrated a statistically significant difference in TAS2R16 rs860170 (TT, CT, and CC) between generalized periodontitis and the reference group (42.8%, 57.2%, and 0% vs. 38.6%, 53.8%, and 7.6%, p = 0.003). TAS2R16 serum levels were elevated in generalized periodontitis compared to the reference group (0.112 (0.06) ng/mL vs. 0.075 (0.03) ng/mL, p = 0.002). Females carrying the TAS2R16 rs978739 C allele were more prone to generalized periodontitis development. Associations were found between TAS2R16 rs860170 polymorphisms, elevated TAS2R16 serum levels, and generalized periodontitis development.

Physical and mechanical changes on titanium base of three different types of hybrid abutment after cyclic loading.

PURPOSE: This study investigated the physical and mechanical changes in the titanium base of three different hybrid abutment materials after cyclic loading by estimating the post-load reverse torque value (RTV), compressive side fulcrum wear pattern of titanium base, and surface roughness. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 24 dental implants were divided into three groups (n = 8 each): Group Z, LD, and P used zirconia, lithium disilicate, and polyetheretherketone, respectively, for hybrid abutment fabrication. RTV was evaluated after cyclic loading with 50 N for 1.2 × 106 chewing cycles. The compressive sides of the titanium bases were analyzed using a scanning electron microscope, and the roughness of the affected areas was measured using an optical profilometer after loading. Datasets were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis test followed by Mann-Whitney tests with the Bonferroni correction (α = .05). RESULTS: Twenty-three samples passed the test; one LD sample fractured after 770,474 cycles. Post-load RTV varied significantly depending on the hybrid-abutment material (P = .020). Group P had a significantly higher median of post-load RTVs than group Z (16.5 and 14.3 Ncm, respectively). Groups LD and P showed minor signs of wear, and group Z showed a more pronounced wear pattern. While evaluating compressive side affected area roughness of titanium bases, lower medians were shown in group LD (Ra 0.16 and Rq 0.22 µm) and group P (Ra 0.16 and Rq 0.23 µm) than in group Z (Ra 0.26 and Rq 0.34 µm); significant differences were found only among the unaffected surface and group Z. CONCLUSION: The hybrid abutment material influences the post-load RTV. Group Z had a more pronounced wear pattern on the compressive side of titanium base; however, the surface roughness was not statistically different among the hybrid-abutment groups.

Periodontitis association with IL-8 gene polymorphisms.

IL-8 and its polymorphisms are involved in multiple acute and chronic inflammatory processes including pathological changes to surrounding structures of the teeth called periodontal diseases or periodontitis. The aim of this manuscript was to systematically review studies from 2006 to 2021 on IL-8 polymorphisms and their association with periodontitis. Literature analysis was done following the PRISMA protocol guidance using articles not older than 15 years (2006-2021). The search was carried out using PubMed (MEDLINE), ScienceDirect and Wiley Online Library databases. For the focus question, the PICO (population (P), intervention (I), control (C), and outcome (O)) study design protocol was used, and the following question was formulated: are IL-8 gene polymorphisms associated with periodontitis? A total of 2422 articles were found at the beginning of the search. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, screening, and full-text article exclusion with reasons, 31 studies were included in the analysis. In conclusion, IL-8 and its gene polymorphisms are associated with an increased risk of periodontal diseases.

Inhibition of peripheral blood neutrophil oxidative burst in periodontitis patients with a homeopathic medication Traumeel S.

BACKGROUND: The anti-inflammatory effects of a homeopathic remedy, Traumeel S, have been observed in experimental and clinical studies; however, its antioxidant properties have not been elucidated. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the antioxidant effects of Traumeel S on peripheral blood neutrophils in patients with periodontitis. MATERIAL/METHODS: The study was performed using venous blood of 22 individuals with chronic periodontitis and 21 healthy subjects. The antioxidant effects of Traumeel S on the production of reactive oxygen species by unstimulated and stimulated with unopsonized E. coli neutrophils were investigated using luminol- and lucigenin-dependent chemiluminescence (CL). RESULTS: Polymorphonuclear leukocytes of periodontitis patients produced higher levels (p<0.01) of light output of lucigenin-dependent chemiluminescence and significantly reduced (p<0.01) light output of luminol-dependent chemiluminescence than analogous cells of healthy subjects. Highly diluted (10⁻4 of the stem solution) Traumeel S significantly (by approximately 50%) reduced superoxide-induced oxidation of lucigenin by unstimulated and stimulated with unopsonized E. coli polymorphonuclear leukocytes of periodontitis patients and had a tendency to intensify luminol-dependent chemiluminescence. Preincubation of the unstimulated and stimulated with unopsonized E. coli polymorphonuclear leukocytes of healthy subjects with Traumeel S exerts no inhibitory action on the luminol- and lucigenin-dependent chemiluminescence of the above-mentioned cells. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that Traumeel S may significantly reduce production of superoxide anion by unstimulated and stimulated peripheral blood polymorphonuclear neutrophils of periodontitis patients.

Total antioxidant capacity of venous blood, blood plasma, and serum of patients with periodontitis, and the effect of Traumeel S on these characteristics.

INTRODUCTION: Periodontal diseases are among the most common chronic infections in humans. Chronic low-level bacteremia and a septicemic inflammatory response have been suggested as a pathogenetic link between periodontal disease and atherosclerosis, diabetes and other systemic diseases. All this significantly increases the relevance of the search for the means for treatment and prevention of periodontal diseases. The aim of the present study was to evaluate blood count and the antioxidant capacity of venous blood, blood plasma, and serum in patients with periodontitis and control subjects with healthy periodontal tissues, and to investigate the effect of the homeopathic medication Traumeel S on the antioxidant capacity of venous blood, plasma, and serum. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was performed using venous blood of 21 individuals with chronic periodontitis and 22 healthy subjects. Reduction properties of venous blood, blood plasma, and serum were investigated using the method of reduction of nitroblue tetrazolium, proposed by Demehin et al. RESULTS: The data showed that there was no significant difference in venous blood hemoglobin levels or erythrocyte counts between the groups, while significantly higher leukocyte counts were observed in the periodontitis group (P<0.05). The antioxidant capacity of blood plasma was significantly higher in the periodontitis group than it was in the controls (P<0.05). Meanwhile, the antioxidant capacity of serum was significantly lower in the periodontitis group as compared with controls (P<0.05). The preparation Traumeel S had no effect on the antioxidant capacity of venous blood or blood plasma in the studied groups. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to healthy individuals, the antioxidant capacity of blood plasma in patients with periodontitis was higher, while the antioxidant capacity of serum was lower. The homeopathic medication Traumeel S had no effect on the antioxidant capacity of venous blood, blood plasma, or serum. Our findings concerning the elevated leukocyte counts in venous blood of patients with periodontitis confirm the presumption that periodontal diseases cause low-grade systemic inflammation induced by the host response to periodontal bacteria.

Clinical and Microbiological Effects of Weekly Supragingival Irrigation with Aerosolized 0.5% Hydrogen Peroxide and Formation of Cavitation Bubbles in Gingival Tissues after This Irrigation: A Six-Month Randomized Clinical Trial.

INTRODUCTION: The study investigated the effect of weekly supragingival irrigation with aerosolized 0.5% hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) solution as a maintenance periodontal therapy on clinical and microbiological parameters in patients with chronic periodontitis. The other purpose was to investigate whether cavitation bubbles can penetrate not only into periodontitis-damaged tissues but also into ex vivo porcine healthy periodontal tissues. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 35 systemically healthy patients with chronic periodontitis (CP). After nonsurgical periodontal debridement (NSPD), all patients were randomized into two groups: the Control group (NSDP alone, n = 18) and the Test group (NSDP plus supragingival irrigation, n = 17). Clinical (Approximal Plaque Index (API), Bleeding Index (BI), and Modified Gingival Index (MGI)) and microbiological (Polymerase Chain Reaction technology (using a micro-IDent® kit)) measurements were performed at the initial time point, 3 months, and 6 months after NSPD. The impact of supragingival irrigation on diseased gingival tissues of CP patients (n = 5) and on ex vivo porcine healthy gingival tissue samples (n = 3) was evaluated to estimate morphological changes in healthy and diseased gingival tissues. RESULTS: Morphological data revealed that supragingival irrigation caused the formation of cavitation bubbles in diseased gingival tissue of CP patients and in healthy porcine gingival tissues. The decrease in API, BI, and MGI scores after 6 months in the Test group significantly (p ≤ 0.01, p ≤ 0.05, and p ≤ 0.01, respectively) exceeded that in the Control group. Test group patients demonstrated a decrease in periodontal sites showing Pocket Probing Depth > 4 mm and, after 6 months, a statistically significant decrease in the proportion of periopathogenic bacteria. CONCLUSION: The effectiveness of mechanical periodontal treatment combined with weekly supragingival irrigation with aerosolized 0.5% H2O2 solution on clinical and microbiological parameters of periodontal tissues of periodontitis patients is reliably higher than that of mechanical periodontal debridement alone. It has been found that cavitation bubbles as a result of irrigation with the aerosolized 0.5% hydrogen peroxide solution can form not only in periodontal tissues of periodontitis patients but also in ex vivo porcine healthy gingival tissues.

Interrelationships between distinct circadian manifestations of possible bruxism, perceived stress, chronotype and social jetlag in a population of undergraduate students.

This study investigates the recently hypothesized association between distinct circadian manifestations of possible bruxism in subjects with different chronotype profiles, social jetlag and levels of perceived stress. A cross-sectional study was performed by surveying dental students' of Lithuanian University of Health Sciences. A survey instrument was designed and pilot tested for reliability and validity prior to full-scale administration. The instrument consisted of four sections: socio-demographic questions, bruxism-related items, the Perceived Stress Scale and the Munich ChronoType Questionnaire. The study included 228 students (82.5% females; mean age 22.67 ± 2.27). Awake grinding was significantly associated with later chronotype values (p = 0,039). Despite the lack of significance, binary regression models demonstrated that students with later chronotypes report higher rates of possible bruxism, especially as far as awake grinding (p = .170; OR = 1.89) and sleep grinding (p = .140; OR = 1.60) are concerned. There were no significant associations between perceived stress, social jetlag and bruxism. The scores of perceived stress did not correlate with chronotype values, although a high positive correlation was found between chronotype and social jetlag (r = 0.516, p = .000). It can be concluded that later chronotypes increase the odds for self-reported bruxism, and are significantly associated with higher rates of awake grinding and social jetlag. No interrelationships were found between perceived stress, possible bruxism and social jetlag.

Lithuanian dentists' knowledge, attitudes, and clinical practices regarding obstructive sleep apnea: A nationwide cross-sectional study.

Objective: To investigate the knowledge, attitudes toward, and aspects of clinical practice regarding obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) among Lithuanian dentists. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out during the period from December 2016 to March 2017. A survey instrument was designed and pilot tested prior to full-scale administration. Self-administered questionnaires, including a cover letter, were distributed to 550 dentists during continuing dental education programs. Results: A total of 353 participants (64.2%) completed and returned the questionnaire. Increased years of experience were significantly associated with lesser knowledge about OSA (p < 0.05). However, there were no significant differences between general practitioners and specialists (p = 0.243). Most respondents indicated strong positive attitudes regarding OSA. The majority did not have any clinical experience regarding the management of OSA patients. Discussion: Development of additional education and practical implementation strategies should be considered in order to overcome the examined barriers.

[Effect of smoking on neutrophil oxidative metabolism]. / Rukymo poveikis neutrofilu oksidaciniam metabolizmui.

UNLABELLED: Alterations in neutrophil function by tobacco products may play a central role in the pathogenesis of periodontal diseases and several smoking-related systemic diseases. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of smoking on neutrophil oxidative metabolism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 17 smoking men free of systemic diseases who were referred for treatment of various odontological diseases to outpatient department of Kaunas University of Medicine Hospital. The age of subjects varied from 22 to 43 years. All subjects answered the questions about smoking habits. Clinical examination included assessment of oral hygiene status according to the OHI-s index and periodontal status according to Russell and Ramfjord indices. To evaluate the oxidative metabolism of neutrophils, luminol- and liucigenin-dependent chemiluminescence and nitroblue tetrazolium test were used. RESULTS: After smoking, extracellular liucigenin-dependent chemiluminescence response was higher as compared to the response before smoking, but total (intra- and extracellular) luminol-dependent chemiluminescence response was the same both before and after smoking. Exposure of neutrophils to smoking caused a significant increase in nitroblue tetrazolium reduction. CONCLUSION: The release of reactive oxygen species in neutrophils exposed to smoking may alter the pathogenic processes in periodontal diseases.

Effect of Perilla frutescens aqueous extract on free radical production by human neutrophil leukocytes.

OBJECTIVE: The present study was intended to evaluate the antioxidant properties of aqueous extract of the Perilla frutescens (L.) Britton. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The antioxidant properties of Perilla frutescens were analyzed employing neutrophil leukocytes stimulated by the nonopsonized Escherichia coli. The neutrophil leukocytes were affected by adding an aqueous extract of Perilla. The generation of the reactive oxygen species by neutrophil leukocytes was investigated using assessment of luminol- and lucigenin-dependent chemiluminescence. RESULTS: We found out that the treatment of neutrophil leukocytes with the Perilla aqueous extract inhibited the release of reactive oxygen species, measured as luminol- and lucigenin-dependent chemiluminescence, by about 30% and more than 90%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The results of this study show that the aqueous extract of the Perilla frutescens inhibits significantly free radical production by neutrophil leukocytes, which was especially obvious when the lucigenin-dependent chemiluminescence assessment method was applied.

Antibacterial potential of contemporary dental luting cements.

The aims of this investigation were to evaluate the antibacterial activities of different types of dental luting cements and to compare antibacterial action during and after setting. Agar diffusion testing was used to evaluate the antibacterial properties of seven types of dental luting cements (glass ionomer cements (GICs), resin modified GICs, resin composite, zinc oxide eugenol, zinc oxide non-eugenol, zinc phosphate, zinc polycarboxylate cements) on Streptococcus mutans bacteria. Instantly mixed zinc phosphate cements showed the strongest antibacterial activity in contrast to the non-eugenol, eugenol and resin cements that did not show any antibacterial effects. Non-hardened glass ionomer, resin modified and zinc polycarboxylate cements exhibited moderate antibacterial action. Hardened cements showed weaker antibacterial activities, than those ones applied right after mixing.

The Effects of Buckwheat Leaf and Flower Extracts on Antioxidant Status in Mouse Organs.

This study was undertaken to investigate the effects of the extracts of buckwheat leaf and flower on the antioxidant status of the brain and liver tissue. The administration of buckwheat extracts (both concentrations were 10%) to mice (at the dose 10 mL/kg of body weight) for 21 days significantly decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and reduced the amount of glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the mouse brain, while catalase (CAT) activity significantly increased. In the mouse liver, the amount of GSH and activity of SOD increased, while the CAT activity after administering buckwheat leaf and flower extracts was lower in experimental mice than in the control group. However, the administration of 10% ethanol (for 21 days) to control animals also had a significant effect on the antioxidant system in brain and liver cells. Experimental animals demonstrated rather marked changes in the activities of the antioxidant enzymes SOD and CAT in their liver and brain cells, and changes in the levels of GSH and MDA were observed when compared with the control group.

The prevalence of facial and dentolabial parameters among students of the Faculty of Dentistry of Lithuanian University of Health Sciences.

OBJECTIVE: Nowadays esthetic checklist is an indispensable assistance for the dental clinics. Processing the information recorded on it and integrating the esthetic evaluation with biologic and functional parameters will really allow dentist to formulate a correct diagnosis and to choose most suitable treatment plan for the patient. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of facial and dentolabial parameters among students of the Faculty of Dentistry of Lithuanian University of Health Sciences and to identify relationship of all facial and dentolabial parameters results. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study is carried out at the Department of Dental and Maxillofacial Orthopedics of Lithuanian University of Health Sciences. The facial and dentolabial parameters of students are examined by visual examination using medical gloves and rulers. Participants were sitting on a chair at a distance of 150 cm in front of the researchers. RESULTS: The thick type of lips was the most popular for normal profile face, of thin lips - concave, of medium lips type - convex. The most popular of profile face types were normal and convex. The most popular tooth exposure among all smile line types was less than half teeth. Type when more than half of teeth was diagnosed in the most of high "Gummy smile". CONCLUSIONS: Was found relationship between: the profile of face and type of lips; the tooth exposure at rest and type of smile line; the commisural line vs horizon and interpupillary line vs horizon; the facial midline and occlusal plane vs commisural line/horizon; the type of smile line and type of lips; the labial corridor and 10 teeth number of smile width type.

The reduction of nitroblue tetrazolium by total blood in periodontitis patients and the aged.

UNLABELLED: Experimental data have demonstrated that impaired antioxidant capacity is associated with increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. ROS can cause inactivation of critical enzymes and induce denaturation that renders proteins nonfunctional. Total blood is continuously exposed to oxidative stress. The aim of the current study was to investigate the reduction of nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) by the total blood in persons with periodontitis and aged subjects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The reduction of NBT in the total blood was measured according to a previously described procedure (Demehin et al., 2001), with modifications. Eight mL of venous blood were taken by venipuncture in the morning before meals and in portions of 2 mL placed into 4 plastic test tubes. Blood clotting was controlled with heparin (20 units/mL). Then the test tubes with blood were placed in the thermostat at the temperature of 37 degrees C and kept for 5 min. Next, NBT, the final concentration of which ranged to 1 x 10(-4), was added to the blood in the test tubes, which were kept for 20 min at the temperature of 37 degrees C. On completion of incubation, the tubes were centrifuged for 5 min at 2000 x g to sediment any cells. The supernatant was decanted into fresh test tubes, and the absorbance of NBT in the samples was measured spectrophotometrically at wave length of 570 nm at 25 degrees C. RESULTS: Total blood antioxidant capacity in the patients with periodontitis and aged subjects was significantly lower (p<0.01 and p<0.05, respectively) than in the control subjects. In conclusion, the present study raise the necessity to search for causative agents of enhanced oxidative stress in patients with periodontitis and aged subjects and thus find the methods to diminish them.