Synergic Action of Systemic Risedronate and Local Rutherpy in Peri-implantar Repair of Ovariectomized Rats: Biomechanical and Molecular Analysis

Smart Delivery of Biomolecules Interfering with Peri-Implant Repair in Osteoporotic Rats

Bisphosphonates are widely used for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis; however, they cause several long-term side effects, necessitating the investigation of local ways to improve osseointegration in compromised bone tissue. The purpose of this study was to evaluate peri-implant bone repair using implants functionalized with zoledronic acid alone (OVX ZOL group, n = 11), zoledronic acid + teriparatide (OVX ZOL + TERI group, n = 11), and zoledronic acid + ruterpy (OVX ZOL + TERPY group, n = 11) compared to the control group (OVX CONV, n = 11). Analyses included computer-assisted microtomography, qualitative histologic analysis, and real-time PCR analysis. Histologically, all functionalized surfaces improved peri-implant repair, with the OVX ZOL + TERI group standing out. Similar results were found in computerized microtomography analysis. In real-time PCR analysis, however, the OVX ZOL and OVX ZOL + TERPY groups showed better results for bone formation, with the OVX ZOL + TERPY group standing out, while there were no statistical differences between the OVX CONV and OVX ZOL + TERI groups for the genes studied at 28 postoperative days. Nevertheless, all functionalized groups showed a reduced rate of bone resorption. In short, all surface functionalization groups outperformed the control group, with overall better results for the OVX ZOL + TERI group.

Are salivary NO2- / NO2- and NO3- levels biomarkers for dental caries in children? Systematic review and meta-analysis

The literature is conflicting regarding salivary nitrite (NO2-)/nitrite and nitrate (NO2- and NO3-) levels in children affected by dental caries. For this reason, a systematic review to provide a consensus on the subject was propose, whose objective is to verify whether these molecules could be used as biomarkers in children with caries. A comprehensive search was performed on online database and eleven articles were included in the meta-analysis. The methodological quality of studies was assessed by Newcastle-Ottawa Scale recommended for case-control studies and by AXIS tool for cross-sectional studies. Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation was used for the assessment of the certainty of the evidence for each outcome. The results showed lower NO2- levels in the group of children affected by dental caries (SMD = -2.18 [-3.24, -1.13], p < 0.01). Age, saliva collection and methods of evaluation can impact the results. When evaluating the severity of the condition, an important variation was detected in relation to the different evaluation methods NO2-/NO2- and NO3-. In conclusion, based on the evidence presented, the results suggest that NO2- levels in saliva are a possible biomarker of dental caries. Results should be evaluated with caution due to the very low evidence from primary studies. Longitudinal studies are necessary to strengthen this hypothesis.