Periodontal alteration of the microcirculation and hypercholesterolemia: a possible correlation?

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the morphological and parametric characteristics of the periodontal microcirculation in patients diagnosed as having hypercholesterolemia and high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL). METHODS: Forty patients were recruited, 20 of whom were affected by hypercholesterolemia and 20 of whom were considered healthy. A videocapillaroscopic examination was carried out on the periodontal mucosa in the proximity of the frenulum (II, V sextant). RESULTS: The difference between the parameters of the hypercholesterolemia group and the control group was evaluated with the Mann-Whitney U-test for non-parametric ordinal data; the level of significance being P<0.05. The videocapillaroscopy documented extremely significant differences between the two groups, regarding the following parameters: total diameter of the loop (P=0.0017), diameter of the afferent loops (P=0.0004), diameter of the efferent loops (P=0.00008) and periodontal density (P=0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The capillaroscopic examination revealed a morphological alteration of the periodontal microcirculation in patients with hypercholesterolemia, which is an expression of peripheral vascular phlogosis.

Oral mucositis. Review of literature.

The standard treatment for malignant neoplasia of the cervicofacial area is surgery in association with radio- and/or chemotherapy. These therapies can cause local and systemic complications. Mucositis is the most common dose-correlated complication to the oral cavity. It is particularly difficult to treat in patients who are already physically and psychologically exhausted by the tumoral pathology. This study illustrates, through a review of the literature, the attack rate, the pathogenesis and the clinical course of the mucositis, as well as the correct dental approach and clinical-therapeutic management of these patients, with the aim of improving the quality of their lives.

[Oral and cervical lesions associated with human papillomavirus]. / Lesioni orali e cervicali associate a papilloma virus umano.

The aim of this review is to carry out a quick excursus on the epidemiological and clinical aspect of oral and cervical lesions induced by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and on the way this virus is transmitted. HPV infection is transmitted above all through vaginal or anal sexual relations with partners carrying the virus. Also other types of sexual relations, such as oral sex, can be a vehicle of transmission, though much more rarely. In literature there is not enough data proving that oral-genital contact can really be a vehicle of transmission for human papillomavirus. It can be concluded, therefore, that evidences in further studies with a large sample group of patients who practise oral sex on HPV-positive subjects are necessaries.

Burning mouth syndrome: an evaluation of in vivo microcirculation.

BACKGROUND: Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is an atypical orofacial algesic syndrome. The aim of the authors' research was to investigate the morphological characteristics of peripheral blood circulation in patients with BMS in comparison with those of the peripheral blood circulation in healthy people. METHODS: The authors examined 28 subjects, of whom 14 (10 women and four men) had BMS and 14 (nine women and five men) were healthy control subjects. They performed videocapillaroscopic examination with a capillaroscope with a fiber-optic probe at a magnification of x200, which allowed them to examine the morphological characteristics within the capillaroscopic area accurately. RESULTS: The capillaroscopic examination provided important diagnostic results regarding alterations of the local microcirculation in subjects with BMS when compared with healthy subjects. The results also showed a statistically significant increase in the diameter of the capillary ansae, afferent ansae and efferent ansae in subjects with BMS compared with subjects in the control group (P = .05). CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: The results revealed a vascular involvement in BMS. This information could improve the understanding of etiopathogenetic factors and aid in the development of therapeutic strategies for treating this disorder.

[Burning mouth syndrome]. / La sindrome della bocca che brucia.

Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is characterized by burning sensations of the oral cavity in the absence of abnormalities of the oral mucosa. BMS predominantly affects middle-aged women. This condition has a multifactorial etiology. Multiple approaches to treatment have been described. This article examines BMS, its related factors, and treatment options.