Expression of tight junction proteins in smokers and non-smokers with generalized Stage III periodontitis

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to evaluate the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), occludin (Occ), and tricellulin (Tric) in periodontitis, as well as their alterations due to smoking.

BACKGROUND

Tight junctions (TJ), which consist of transmembrane and cytoplasmic scaffolding proteins, connect the epithelial cells of the periodontium. Occ, claudins, junctional adhesion molecules, and Tric are transmembrane TJ proteins found at the cell membrane. The transmembrane TJ proteins and the intracellular cytoskeleton are directly linked by cytoplasmic scaffolding proteins such as ZO-1. Although the functions and locations of these molecules have been defined, their behavior in periodontal inflammation is unknown.

METHODS

The study included four groups: individuals with periodontal health without smoking (C; n = 31), individuals with generalized Stage III periodontitis without smoking (P; n = 28), individuals with periodontal health while smoking (CS; n = 22), and individuals with generalized Stage III periodontitis while smoking (PS; n = 18). Clinical periodontal parameters were recorded, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to examine ZO-1, Occ, Tric, and TNF-α levels in GCF.

RESULTS

In the periodontitis groups, clinical parameters were significantly higher (p < .001). The site-specific levels of TNF-α, ZO-1, Tric, and Occ in the P group were statistically higher than those in the other groups (p < .05). TNF-α, probing pocket depth (PPD), and bleeding on probing (BOP) exhibited positive correlations with all TJ proteins (p < .005).

CONCLUSIONS

Smoking could potentially affect the levels of epithelial TJ proteins in the GCF, thereby potentially playing a significant role in the pathogenesis of the periodontal disease.

Wnt signaling in periodontitis

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway activity in gingival samples obtained from patients with periodontitis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifteen patients with stage III grade B (SIIIGB) and eleven with stage III grade C (SIIIGC) periodontitis were included and compared to 15 control subjects. β-Catenin, Wnt 3a, Wnt 5a, and Wnt 10b expressions were evaluated by Q-PCR. Topographic localization of tissue β-catenin, Wnt 5a, and Wnt 10b was measured by immunohistochemical analysis. TNF-α was used to assess the inflammatory state of the tissues, while Runx2 was used as a mediator of active destruction.

RESULTS

Wnt 3a, Wnt 5a, and Wnt 10b were significantly higher in gingival tissues in both grades of stage 3 periodontitis compared to the control group (p < 0.05). β-Catenin showed intranuclear staining in connective tissue in periodontitis, while it was confined to intracytoplasmic staining in epithelial tissue and the cell walls in the control group. Wnt5a protein expression was elevated in periodontitis, with the most intense staining observed in the connective tissue of SIIIGC samples. Wnt10b showed the highest density in the connective tissue of patients with periodontitis.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggested that periodontal inflammation disrupts the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Periodontitis disrupts Wnt signaling in periodontal tissues in parallel with tissue inflammation and changes in morphology. This change in Wnt-related signaling pathways that regulate tissue homeostasis in the immunoinflammatory response may shed light on host-induced tissue destruction in the pathogenesis of the periodontal disease.

Does smoking influence tryptophan metabolism in periodontal inflammation? A cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to identify the effects of smoking and periodontal inflammation on tryptophan-kynurenine metabolism as well as the correlation between these findings and clinical periodontal parameters.

BACKGROUND

It has been shown that the tryptophan amino acid's primary catabolic pathway, the kynurenine pathway (KP), may serve as a key biomarker for periodontal disease. Although there are studies investigating the effect of smoking on KYN-TRP metabolism, the effect of smoking on periodontal disease through KP has not been revealed so far.

METHODS

The salivary and serum samples were gathered from 24 nonsmoker (NS-P) stage III, grade B generalized periodontitis and 22 smoker (S-P) stage III, grade C generalized periodontitis patients, in addition to 24 nonsmoker (NS-C) and 24 smoker (S-C) periodontally healthy control individuals. Saliva and serum IL-6, kynurenine (KYN), and tryptophan (TRP) values, and KYN/TRP ratio were analyzed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Clinical periodontal measurements were recorded.

RESULTS

Salivary TRP values were significantly higher in both periodontitis groups than control groups (p < .05). Salivary KYN values were highest in NS-P group (p < .05). Salivary KYN values did not differ significantly between periodontitis groups (p = .84). Salivary KYN/TRP ratio was significantly lower in NS-P group compared to other groups (p < .001). Serum TRP value is higher in S-P group than other groups; however, significant difference was found in S-C group (p < .05). Serum KYN values were significantly lower in smokers than nonsmokers. Serum KYN/TRP ratio is higher in NS-P group. NS-P group has the highest salivary IL-6 levels, NS-C group has the lowest values (p < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results point out that smoking exacerbates inflammation in the periodontium and increases TRP destruction and decreases IDO activity by suppressing KP in serum. As a result, kynurenine and its metabolites may be significant biomarkers in the link between smoking and periodontal disease.

Asymmetric and symmetric dimethylarginine gingival crevicular fluid levels in periodontitis

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the level of ADMA (asymmetric dimethylarginine), SDMA (symmetric dimethylarginine), and IL-1β (Interleukin-1β) in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) from periodontitis patients and control subjects.

BACKGROUND

ADMA and SDMA are potentially hazardous non-proteinogenic amino acids that limit nitric oxide (NO) synthesis and have many functions in various human disorders. ADMA causes a structural change in nitric oxide synthase, while SDMA blocks arginine cell uptake. Increased plasma ADMA has been widely recognized as a "trigger" initiating impaired NO bioavailability and vascular dysfunction, which ultimately leads to oxidative stress.

METHODS

Twenty-five patients with periodontitis (P) (Stage III, Grade C, n = 25) and 20 control (C) subjects were included in the study. The IL-1β level of GCF was measured by enzyme immunoassay (ELISA) and ADMA and SDMA by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).

RESULTS

Periodontitis patients had higher clinical parameters than controls (p < .001). Levels of IL-1β, ADMA and SDMA GCF were statistically significantly higher in group P than in group C (respectively; p = .003, p < .0001, p < .0001). There was no difference in the ADMA/SDMA ratio (p = .312) between the groups. There were significant positive correlations between clinical periodontal parameters and IL-1β, ADMA, and SDMA levels (p < .05). ADMA and SDMA levels were significantly correlated with IL-1β (p < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that ADMA and SDMA may be involved in the pathogenesis of the periodontal disease.

Evaluation of salivary and serum methylated arginine metabolites and nitric oxide synthase in advanced periodontitis patients

OBJECTIVES

Methylated arginine metabolites and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) play a critical role in regulating endothelial function. The aim of this study was to determine levels of NOS, and methylated arginine metabolites (ADMA, SDMA, homoarginine, arginine, and L-NMMA) and IL-6 in serum and saliva in patients with advanced periodontal diseases and identify their association with clinical parameters.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study consisted of two groups: healthy individuals (control: n = 24), and generalized Stage III Grade B periodontitis (P: n = 21). Clinical periodontal parameters (probing pocket depth, bleeding on probing, clinical attachment level) were recorded. IL 6 and NOS levels in saliva and serum were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). ADMA, SDMA, homoArg, arginine, and L-NMMA in saliva and serum were analyzed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC MS/MS).

RESULTS

Clinical parameters were significantly higher in the periodontitis group (p < 0.001). In periodontitis group, NOS, ADMA, and arginine levels in saliva were statistically significantly higher than control group (p < 0.05). Serum levels of SDMA were statistically significantly lower, and IL-6 was statistically significantly higher in P group than C group (p < 0.05). ADMA, NOS, and arginine levels were significantly positive correlated with all clinical periodontal parameters (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that there is a relationship between severity of periodontal disease and endothelial dysfunction by means of ADMA. Salivary ADMA may be related with periodontal inflammation.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

ADMA levels in periodontal inflammation are associated with endothelial dysfunction. According to the results of our study, periodontal inflammation is effective on both local and systemic methylated arginine metabolites and nitric oxide synthase levels. This may shed light on the relationship between periodontal disease and systemic status.

Salivary and serum oxidative stress biomarkers and advanced glycation end products in periodontitis patients with or without diabetes: A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Non-invasive methods for periodontitis diagnosis would be a clinically important tool. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the association between oxidative stress, glycation, and inflammation markers and periodontal clinical parameters in periodontitis and periodontally healthy patients with type 2 diabetes and corresponding systemically healthy controls.

METHODS

Sixty-seven periodontally healthy (DM-H, n = 32) and periodontitis (DM-P, n = 35) patients with type 2 diabetes, and 54 systemically healthy periodontitis (H-P, n = 26) and periodontally healthy (H-H, n = 28) controls were included. Clinical periodontal parameters, body mass index, fasting glucose, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), along with saliva and serum 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), malondialdehyde (MDA), 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (4-HNE), advanced glycation end products (AGE), AGE receptor (RAGE) and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels were recorded and analyzed.

RESULTS

Salivary 8-OHdG levels were significantly higher in periodontitis compared to periodontally healthy patients, regardless of systemic status (P < 0.001). Salivary MDA levels were significantly higher in all disease groups compared to H-H group (P ≤ 0.004). Serum AGE levels were significantly higher in diabetic groups than systemically healthy groups (P < 0.001) and in H-P compared to H-H (P < 0.001). Bleeding on probing (BOP) and clinical attachment level (CAL) strongly correlated with salivary 8-OHdG and serum hsCRP (P < 0.001). In systemically healthy patients, salivary 8-OHdG was the most accurate marker to differentiate periodontitis from controls (AUC = 0.84). In diabetics salivary 4-HNE and RAGE were the most accurate (AUC = 0.85 for both).

CONCLUSION

Salivary 8-OHdG alone or in combination with 4-HNE, AGE and RAGE for diabetics, and salivary 8-OHdG alone or in combination with MDA and hsCRP for systemically healthy persons, could potentially serve as non-invasive screening marker(s) of periodontitis.

A disintegrin-like and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin-1 (ADAMTS-1) levels in gingival crevicular fluid correlate with vascular endothelial growth factor-A, hypoxia-inducible factor-1α, and clinical parameters in patients with advanced periodontitis

BACKGROUND

ADAMTS (a disintegrin-like and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin) are a family of proteinases that are structurally similar to the family of matrix metalloproteinases with critical roles in damage and repair of the extracellular matrix. Their functions are closely related to inflammation, hypoxia, and vascularization. Our aim was to determine levels of ADAMTS-1 in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) in patients with advanced periodontal diseases and identify their association with hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha (HIF-1α), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-A), and clinical parameters of periodontitis.

METHODS

The study consisted of three groups: healthy individuals (control; n = 20), generalized chronic periodontitis (CP; n = 21), and generalized aggressive periodontitis (GAgP; n = 20). Clinical parameters were measured. Levels of ADAMTS-1, VEGF-A, and HIF-1α in GCF and serum were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and reported as total amounts and concentration.

RESULTS

ADAMTS-1 total amount in GCF were significantly higher in patients with CP and GAgP compared with healthy individuals (P < 0.05). HIF-1α total amount in GCF were also higher in periodontitis groups compared with the control group (P < 0.05). GCF total VEGF-A content was significantly higher in the GAgP group compared with the CP and the controls (respectively; P = 0.023, P = 0.003). There was a significant correlation between ADAMTS-1, VEGF-A, and HIF-1α levels in the GCF and clinical periodontal parameters (probing depth [PD], bleeding on probing [BOP], and clinical attachment loss (CAL); P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

ADAMTS-1 may play a role in advanced periodontal disease pathogenesis in correlation with tissue hypoxia and vascularization.

A Novel Systemic Indicator of Periodontal Tissue Damage: Ischemia Modified Albumin

BACKGROUND

Ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) is a systemic indicator of inflammatory diseases and is suggested as an oxidative stress marker.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the IMA and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) serum levels for patients with chronic periodontitis (CP) and to evaluate the impact of non-surgical periodontal therapy on serum IMA and hsCRP levels.

METHODS

Twenty one systemically healthy patients with CP and 15 systemically and periodontally healthy controls (C) were enrolled in the study. Periodontal pocket depth (PPD), bleeding on probing (BOP) and attachment loss (AL) were recorded at the time of diagnosis and 6 weeks after the nonsurgical periodontal therapy. Blood samples were obtained before and after treatment from all groups, and serum IMA and hsCRP levels were evaluated by ELISA method.

RESULTS

All of the clinical findings were found to be elevated in the CP group in comparison to C group (p<0.05). Levels of IMA and hsCRP were higher in the CP group (p<0.05) and decreased after non-surgical periodontal therapy (p<0.05). Positive correlations were determined between PPD, BOP and hsCRP (p<0.05) as well as between PPD, AL, BOP and IMA levels (p<0.01) before treatment. A significant positive correlation was also observed between hsCRP and IMA (p<0.01) before and after treatment.

CONCLUSION

IMA is a marker indicating systemic inflammation during periodontal disease, and is significantly reduced as a result of non-surgical periodontal therapy. Therefore, IMA might be suggested as a useful indicator of periodontal disease.

Impact of non-surgical periodontal therapy on saliva and serum levels of markers of oxidative stress

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of non-surgical periodontal treatment on markers of oxidative stress in saliva and serum in patients with chronic periodontitis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In total, 25 patients, who were diagnosed with generalized chronic periodontitis (11 females and 14 males), and 26 systemically and periodontally healthy individuals (15 females and 11 males) were included. The plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), probing pocket depth (PPD), attachment loss (AL), gingival recession (GR), and bleeding on probing (BOP) were recorded at baseline and 6 weeks later. Malondialdehyde (MDA), 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), and 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (4-HNE) were assessed in saliva and serum samples before and after the non-surgical treatment by enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay (ELISA).

RESULTS

In the group with chronic periodontitis, all clinical parameters were significantly higher compared to the control group at baseline (p < 0.001). Periodontal treatment reduced plaque, gingival inflammation, and pocket depth significantly (p < 0.001). At baseline, salivary 8-OHdG was significantly higher in chronic periodontitis (p < 0.001) and reduced significantly subsequent to the periodontal treatment (p < 0.001). Salivary MDA and serum 4-HNE were significantly higher in the patients with periodontitis compared to the control group (p < 0.001). Periodontal treatment did not significantly change the levels of 4-HNE and salivary MDA (p = 0.503, p = 0.093).

CONCLUSIONS

Salivary 8-OHdG and MDA may be associated with local impact of periodontal disease, while 4-HNE may be associated with systemic impact of chronic periodontitis.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Clinical intervention in periodontitis may be beneficial for periodontitis patients' systemic oxidative stress control, and using lipidic agents for the use of anti-inflammatory/pro-resolving processes for blocking the actions of arachidonic acid cascade can enable some late therapeutic strategies in order to lead oxidative stress-induced inflammation.

The effects of periodontal therapy on gingival crevicular fluid matrix metalloproteinase-8, interleukin-6 and prostaglandin E2 levels in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of non-surgical periodontal therapy on gingival crevicular fluid levels of matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2 ) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with periodontal disease.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Twenty-seven patients with gingivitis and periodontitis with RA, 26 patients with gingivitis and periodontitis that were systemically healthy and 13 periodontally and systemically healthy volunteers (control group) were included in this study. RA activity was assessed by disease activity score test. The clinical periodontal parameters, fasting venous blood and gingival crevicular fluid samples were obtained and gingival crevicular fluid MMP-8, IL-6 and PGE2 levels were evaluated at baseline and at 3 mo follow-up after non-surgical periodontal treatment.

RESULTS

Gingival crevicular fluid MMP-8, PGE2 and IL-6 levels were higher in all groups than the control group. Following periodontal therapy, there were significant decreases in gingival crevicular fluid MMP-8, PGE2 and IL-6 levels from patients with RA with periodontitis (p < 0.05). Plaque index, gingival index and bleeding on probing were significantly correlated with IL-6 and PGE2 at baseline and at 3 mo follow-up after non-surgical periodontal treatment.

CONCLUSION

Non-surgical periodontal therapy of patients with RA with periodontitis may provide beneficial effects on local inflammatory control via decreases in gingival crevicular fluid MMP-8, PGE2 and IL-6 levels.

Serum Lp-PLA2: as a novel viewpoint in periodontal treatment of hyperlipidaemics

BACKGROUND/AIM

To evaluate the effects of periodontal treatment on serum lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in hyperlipidaemic patients with periodontitis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study included 52 hyperlipidaemics and 28 systemically healthy controls (C) with periodontitis. Of the 52 hyperlipidaemics, 29 received a suggested diet (HD), and 23 of them were prescribed statin (HS). Clinical periodontal parameters, serum lipids, Lp-PLA2, and CRP levels were assessed at the baseline and 2 months after the completion of the nonsurgical periodontal treatment (2MPT). Serum parameters were also evaluated 1 week following the periodontal treatment (1WPT).

RESULTS

At the baseline, patients in the HS group had a higher percentage of bleeding on probing than those in the C and HD groups. Hyperlipidaemics had higher serum triglyceride levels than the control group at 2MPT compared to the baseline. At 2MPT, the levels of Lp-PLA2 in the HS group were significantly higher compared to the baseline and 1WPT. There were no statistically significant differences in CRP levels between study periods for all groups.

CONCLUSION

The periodontal treatment may affect the inflammatory control of hyperlipidaemic patients with periodontitis via increased Lp-PLA2 levels and severity of the impaired lipid metabolism. These findings may be important regarding the therapeutic strategies for hyperlipidaemics with periodontitis.

Evaluation of lipid peroxidation and oxidative DNA damage in patients with periodontitis and hyperlipidemia

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study is to determine the serum levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), as a lipid peroxidation marker, and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), as an oxidative DNA damage marker, in patients with chronic periodontitis (CP) and hyperlipidemia.

METHODS

A total of 74 individuals were divided into four age- and sex-matched groups: 18 patients with hyperlipidemia and CP (HLp), 18 periodontally healthy patients with hyperlipidemia (HLh), 19 systemically healthy individuals with CP (Cp), and 19 systemically and periodontally healthy controls (Ch). Clinical periodontal parameters were measured, and serum lipids, MDA, and 8-OHdG levels were assessed in blood samples.

RESULTS

8-OHdG, MDA, probing depth, clinical attachment level, and percentage of sites bleeding on probing (BOP) were significantly higher in the HLp group than the Cp group. In the hyperlipidemic group, BOP was significantly correlated with total cholesterol, the ratio of total cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and 8-OHdG levels. A significant correlation between 8-OHdG and MDA was also observed in the hyperlipidemia group.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, serum MDA and 8-OHdG were found to be highest in the HLp group. The increased levels of MDA and 8-OHdG in HLp patients may be a result of a harmful oxidative status in association with hyperlipidemia and periodontitis.

A Histopathologic Investigation on the Effects of Electrical Stimulation on Periodontal Tissue Regeneration in Experimental Bony Defects in Dogs

BACKGROUND

One endpoint of periodontal therapy is to regenerate the structure lost due to periodontal disease. In the periodontium, gingival epithelium is regenerated by oral epithelium. Underlying connective tissue, periodontal ligament, bone, and cementum are derived from connective tissue. Primitive connective tissue cells may develop into osteoblasts and cementoblasts, which form bone and cementum. Several procedural advances may support these regenerations; however, the regeneration of alveolar bone does not always occur. Therefore, bone stimulating factors are a main topic for periodontal reconstructive research. The present study was designed to examine histopathologically whether the application of an electrical field could demonstrate enhanced alveolar and cementum regeneration and modify tissue factors.

METHODS

Seven beagle dogs were used for this experiment. Mandibular left and right sides served as control and experimental sides, respectively, and 4-walled intrabony defects were created bilaterally between the third and fourth premolars. The experimental side was treated with a capacitively coupled electrical field (CCEF) (sinusoidal wave, 60 kHz, and 5 V peak-to-peak), applied for 14 hours per day. The following measurements were performed on the microphotographs: 1) the distance from the cemento-enamel junction to the apical notch (CEJ-AN) and from the crest of newly formed bone (alveolar ridge) to the apical notch (AR-AN); 2) the thickness of new cementum in the apical notch region; and 3) the length of junctional epithelium. The following histopathologic parameters were assessed by a semiquantitative subjective method: 1) inflammatory cell infiltration (ICI); 2) cellular activity of the periodontal ligament; 3) number and morphology of osteoclasts; 4) resorption lacunae; and 5) osteoblastic activity.

RESULTS

The results showed that the quantity of new bone fill and the mean value of the thickness of the cementum were significantly higher for the experimental side (P < 0.01). The location of the base of the pocket was positioned more coronally with respect to the apical point of the coronal notch in the experimental side (statistically significant P < 0.01). The length of the junctional epithelium and the number of osteoclasts were higher in the stimulated side than the coronal side; these findings were also statistically significant (P < 0.01). The comparison of the electrically stimulated versus non-stimulated mandibles with the semiquantitative subjective method demonstrated statistically significant differences in defined histopathologic parameters, except for osteoclast morphologies (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated that the CCEF method has the potential to produce reconstructive effects and bone deposits. Further investigations with respect to the theoretical determination of local field parameters of the periodontal tissue complex, such as permittivity, conductivity, strength of the field electrical stimulation applied to the periodontal field current density, wavelength, and signal frequency appropriate for this field, should be undertaken. Using different electromotive forces alone or in combination with bone graft materials, guided tissue regeneration techniques, and dental implants may achieve a new dimension in periodontal therapy in the near future.

A histopathological investigation on the effects of the bisphosphonate alendronate on resorptive phase following mucoperiosteal flap surgery in the mandible of rats

BACKGROUND

The present study was designed to examine histopathologically whether local delivery of aminobisphosphonate (alendronate) could be effective in preventing the alveolar bone resorption associated with mucoperiosteal flaps.

METHODS

Following mucoperiosteal flap elevation in the molar region of the rat mandible, a surgical pellet soaked with aminobisphosphonate was locally applied on the exposed bone surface and covered by flap. The determined parameters with a semi-quantitative subjective method for the histopathological evaluation were as follows: existing inflammatory cell infiltration of the related periodontal tissue; fibrotic component content and bundles of collagen fibers; the number and morphology of osteoclasts of the alveolar bone and interdental septum; existing resorption lacunae (osteoclast surfaces); and existing osteoblastic activity (forming surfaces).

RESULTS

The results showed that while there were no detectable statistically significant differences between the saline and alendronate-treated groups on the existing inflammatory cell infiltration (ICI), number of osteoclasts, and osteoblastic activity, the results for the fibrotic and collagen component, osteoclast morphologies, and existing resorption lacunae were statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that local application of the aminobisphosphonate alendronate can be used as an adjunct in therapy for reducing bone resorption following surgery. It can also be suggested for consideration that, even for the surgical approaches in dentistry where bone graft materials and/or dental implants are needed, using bisphosphonate may achieve a new dimension in periodontal therapy in the near future.

Destructive membranous periodontal disease (Ligneous periodontitis)

Generalized membranous gingival enlargement due to accumulation of amyloid or fibrin-like material is a rare, destructive and poorly defined disease entity. Some patients also show extraoral manifestations. The lesion is an involvement of periodontal tissues caused by the same process as ligneous conjunctivitis. In this report, 3 new cases, two of whom are siblings, are presented. Defective fibrinolysis and abnormal wound healing seem to be the main pathogenetic mechanism of this unusual disease, which should be evaluated systemically considering other mucosal involvement.

Estrogen and progesterone receptors in the peripheral giant cell granulomas of the oral cavity

Peripheral giant cell granulomas are common proliferative lesions of the oral cavity with a predilection for females. In this study, the presence of estrogen and progesterone receptors in 26 peripheral giant cell granuloma cases were studied utilizing the immunoperoxidase technique. In fourteen cases, estrogen receptor positivity was found in stromal cells. In ten of these, osteoclast-type giant cells also exhibited estrogen receptor immunostaining. Progesterone receptor expression was not detected. It was concluded that the cells forming peripheral giant cell granuloma are potential targets for estrogens and that these lesions might be conditioned by sex hormones.

Examination of periodontal tissues by a cutting-grinding technique

The decalcification process removes the mineralized part of the dental hard tissues, making the histologic examination of enamel-associated tissues less than optimal. The cutting-grinding technique allows preparation of histologic slides with well preserved dental hard tissues together with their surrounding soft tissue components. In this paper, the histologic appearances of undecalcified teeth and their associated periodontal tissues prepared using the cutting-grinding technique are described.

Gingival Langerhans' cells in type I diabetes mellitus

Langerhans' cells (LCs) are intraepithelial immunocompetent cells. Changes in the number of LCs occur in inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. In this study, the number of gingival LCs in patients with type I diabetes mellitus was compared with those of normal individuals using immunohistochemical methods. Gingival biopsies were obtained from 20 type I diabetics and 10 healthy individuals. Anti-CD1 positive LCs formed an intraepithelial network and showed a marked increase in type I diabetics. This increase was not related to diabetic age. The number of LCs was proportional to the density of subepithelial inflammatory cells. Our findings suggest that LCs may play a role in the development of diabetic gingivitis.

Familial gingival fibromatosis with unusual histologic findings

This article describes the occurrence of numerous calcifications, amyloid deposits, and islands of odontogenic epithelium in the gingiva of 3 siblings with familial gingival fibromatosis. These microscopic features have not been reported previously in patients with this condition.

Congenital gingival granular cell tumor. A case report

Congenital gingival granular cell tumor is a rare benign lesion of uncertain origin, which has been found only in newborn infants. This article describes one such case. Our immunohistochemical study employing antibodies against S-100 protein, epithelial membrane antigen, carcinoembryonic antigen, wide-spectrum keratin, desmin and vimentin yielded data supporting the theory of a mesenchymal cell origin for this lesion.

[Mast cells in gingival inflammations]

Mast cells are the normal components of the connective tissues. They are found in different densities and different regions of the inflamed and healthy gingival tissues. The role of mast cell mediators in periodontal disease progression were not studied in detail. Since the roles of mast cells in periodontal tissues are not clear, this study aimed to count the number of mast cells in gingival tissues of healthy volunteers and patients with gingival inflammation. Numbers of mast cells were found increased on inflamed tissues comparing to healthy tissues. This increase is closely related with the degree of inflammation on the fields which counting made on.

[Mast cell counting in fibrous gingival hyperplasias and giant cell granuloma]

Mast cells are the normal components of the connective tissues and they are found particularly in perivascular areas. They have a primary role in hypersensitivity reactions and inflamatuar process. They are found in whole healthy and inflamed periodontal tissues. Number of mast cells increase in some connective tissue tumors. However the roles of mast cells in fibrous gingival hyperplasias and giant cell granulomas of gingiva, is not clear. In this study, the number of mast cells were counted in both lesion groups. Numbers of mast cells were found increased on gingival fibrous hyperplasias, comparing to normal connective tissues and giant cell granulomas.