Distinguishing patients with glossopyrosis from those with oropyrosis based upon clinical differences and differences in saliva and erythrocyte magnesium

Nutrient insufficiencies and deficiencies involved in the pathogenesis of bruxism (Review)

Stress has been well-documented to have a significant role in the etiopathogenesis of bruxism. Activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) and subsequent release of corticosteroids lead to increased muscle activity. Neurological studies have demonstrated that chronic stress exposure induces neurodegeneration of important neuronal structures and destabilization of the mesocortical dopaminergic pathway. These disruptions impair the abilities to counteract the overactivity of the HPA axis and disinhibit involuntary muscle activity, while at the same time, there is activation of the amygdala. Recent evidence shows that overactivation of the amygdala under stressful stimuli causes rhythmic jaw muscle activity by over activating the mesencephalic and motor trigeminal nuclei. The present review aimed to discuss the negative effects of certain vitamin and mineral deficiencies, such as vitamin D, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids, on the central nervous system. It provides evidence on how such insufficiencies may increase stress sensitivity and neuromuscular excitability and thereby reduce the ability to effectively respond to the overactivation of the sympathetic nervous system, and also how stress can in turn lead to these insufficiencies. Finally, the positive effects of individualized supplementation are discussed in the context of diminishing anxiety and oxidative stress, neuroprotection and in the reversal of neurodegeneration, and also in alleviating/reducing neuromuscular symptoms.

Salivary characteristics in burning mouth syndrome: a systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Compare through case-control studies, the salivary characteristics of patients with and without BMS.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

Searches in Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane, and BIREME were conducted for the identification of case-controls studies reported.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Thirty-three studies were included, of which 26 articles evaluated OSB, 17 SRF, and 7 SE. Nineteen organic biomarkers showed higher levels in BMS patients, the two most indicated being α-amylase and cortisol. Ten organic biomarkers, including Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α) and IL-6, showed lower levels in BMS patients. Regarding salivary flow rate (SFR), five articles indicated that BMS patients have less unstimulated SFR (uSRF)Two articles indicate that stimulated SFR (sSRF) is lower in BMS patients nevertheless, but eight did not show differences. Sialochemical analysis revealed that sodium (Na), chloride (Cl), potassium (K), sodium (Na), and calcium (Ca), showed higher levels in BMS patients according to three studies, but two studies did not establish any differences. Two study established that BMS patients have lower Mg salivary levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Qualitative salivary characteristics suggest that BMS has neuropathic, inflammatory, emotional, immune, and hormonal involvements. BMS can be associated with changes in salivary biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress, is related to anxiety and degree of pain.

Nitric-Oxide-Inducing Factors on Vitamin D Changes in Older People Susceptible to Suffer from Sarcopenia

Calcium and magnesium, together with vitamin D and the hormones testosterone and cortisol, are key elements in muscle function, to maintain physical fitness. This study aims to analyze if supplementation with NO precursors (L-arginine, L-citrulline and beetroot extract) modulates the circulating levels of calcium, magnesium, vitamin D and steroid hormones in elders. Sixty-one volunteers (65.1 years old, 164.6 cm of height and 71.2 kg of weight) susceptible to develop sarcopenia participated in a physical activity program for 6 weeks. Participants were divided into four groups: one placebo and three taking one of the indicated supplements. Physical capacity was assessed through the following tests: (a) distance covered in 6 min by walking (endurance indicator); (b) hand grip (upper-body strength indicator); (c) time to cover 4 m by walking (speed indicator); and (d) time to perform five full squats (lower-body strength indicator). We concluded that there is a disparity in the association of steroid hormones, vitamin D levels and physical fitness. However, a significant inverse correlation between speed and endurance indicators was observed. Higher circulating vitamin D levels were observed in the L-arginine- and beetroot-supplemented groups. In conclusion, vasodilators increase vitamin D circulating levels that, in the long term, could maintain mineral homeostasis, improving muscular function.

Therapeutic diminution of Interleukin-10 with intranasal theophylline administration in hyposmic patients

OBJECTIVE

To determine changes in nasal mucus Interleukin-10 (IL-10) before and after intranasal theophylline treatment in hyposmic patients, and the relationship of these changes to orally administered theophylline treatment.

DESIGN

IL-10 was measured in nasal mucus samples of 17 normal subjects and 39 patients with hyposmia of multiple etiologies by use of a sensitive spectrophotometric ELISA assay. Hyposmia is defined clinically by standardized evaluation of impaired olfactometry, as well as subjectively self reported by the patient.

RESULTS

Prior to treatment, IL-10 levels in nasal mucus were increased in hyposmic patients compared to controls. Following intranasal theophylline administration, over half of treated patients experienced a decrease of nasal mucus IL-10 toward control levels, correlated with a significant improvement in taste and smell function. Patients who increased with intranasal administration, similar to previously reported oral administration, showed no significant improvement in taste or smell function.

CONCLUSIONS

Nasal mucus IL-10 decreased in patients treated with intranasal theophylline. Mechanisms of action include phosphodiesterase and nuclear factor kappa-B inhibition, correlated with an improvement in both olfaction and gustation. IL-10 is induced by therapeutic and systemic administration of theophylline as with oral dosage, but reduced by lower and localized treatment.

Improved smell function with increased nasal mucus sonic hedgehog in hyposmic patients after treatment with oral theophylline

PURPOSE

We previously demonstrated the presence of sonic hedgehog (Shh) in nasal mucus in normal subjects and in patients with smell loss (hyposmia). Nasal mucus Shh levels were found significantly diminished in untreated hyposmic patients of multiple etiologies. Since treatment with oral theophylline has been previously associated with improvement in smell function we wished to study if such treatment increased nasal mucus Shh as well as improved smell function in patients with hyposmia.

METHODS

Forty-four patients with hyposmia of several etiologies were evaluated for changes in hyposmia by subjective measurements of smell, taste and flavor perception and by olfactometry. Measurements of nasal mucus Shh were made in relationship to each set of sensory measurements. Patients were treated with oral theophylline at doses of 200-800mg for periods of 2-10months with sensory function, nasal mucus Shh and serum theophylline levels evaluated at these time intervals. Nasal mucus Shh measurements were made with a sensitive spectrophotometric ELISA assay and theophylline with a fluorometric assay.

RESULTS

There was consistent, significant improvement in subjective responses in smell, taste and flavor perception and in olfactometry associated with increased nasal mucus Shh and serum theophylline after theophylline treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Improvement in smell function and in nasal mucus Shh was positively correlated in a dose-response relationship after treatment with oral theophylline. Results are consistent with a successful role for theophylline in improvement of smell function in hyposmic patients of multiple etiologies associated with increased nasal mucus Shh which can act as a biochemical marker for smell function.

The psychosomatic disorders pertaining to dental practice with revised working type classification

Psychosomatic disorders are defined as disorders characterized by physiological changes that originate partially from emotional factors. This article aims to discuss the psychosomatic disorders of the oral cavity with a revised working type classification. The author has added one more subset to the existing classification, i.e., disorders caused by altered perception of dentofacial form and function, which include body dysmorphic disorder. The author has also inserted delusional halitosis under the miscellaneous disorders classification of psychosomatic disorders and revised the already existing classification proposed for the psychosomatic disorders pertaining to dental practice. After the inclusion of the subset (disorders caused by altered perception of dentofacial form and function), the terminology "psychosomatic disorders of the oral cavity" is modified to "psychosomatic disorders pertaining to dental practice".

Burning mouth syndrome

Pain in the tongue or oral tissues described as "burning" has been referred to by many terms including burning mouth syndrome. When a burning sensation in the mouth is caused by local or systemic factors, it is called secondary burning mouth syndrome and when these factors are treated the pain will resolve. When burning mouth syndrome occurs in the absence of identified risk indicators, the term primary burning mouth syndrome is utilized. This article focuses on descriptions, etiologic theories, and management of primary burning mouth syndrome, a condition for which underlying causative agents have been ruled out.