Evaluation of matrix metalloproteinase-1, -2, -3, -7, and -13 gene polymorphisms in patients with chronic periodontitis and healthy controls

OBJECTIVES

The current study aimed to investigate the association of matrix metalloproteinase- (MMP-) 1, -2, -3, -7, and -13 gene polymorphisms with chronic periodontitis (CP) in an Iranian population.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this case-control study, 87 subjects with CP and 89 periodontally healthy subjects were allocated to case and control groups, respectively. Subjects' venous blood samples (5 cc) were collected, and DNA extraction was performed. A spectrophotometer was utilized to assess the concentration of extracted DNAs. The desired gene polymorphisms were examined using restriction fragment length polymorphism polymerase chain reaction (RFLP-PCR) followed by electrophoresis. Statistical analyses were done using the Pearson Chi-Square test, odds ratio, and t-Test using SPSS Version 28.

RESULTS

The MMP-1 (-1607 1G/2G) rs1799750, MMP-3 (-1171 5A/6A) rs3025058, and MMP-7 (-181 A/G) rs11568818 gene polymorphisms significantly differed between case and control groups (PV = 0.019, 0.007, and 0.028, respectively). In contrast, the gene polymorphisms of MMP-2 (-1306 C/T) rs243865 and MMP-13 (-77 A/G) rs2252070 did not make a significant difference. Regarding allele frequencies, the presence of the 2G allele in the MMP-1 (-1607) rs1799750 genotype increased the CP susceptibility significantly, while subjects with the 6A allele in their MMP-3 (-1171) rs3025058 genotype showed significantly lower susceptibility to CP (PV = 0.008 and < 0.001, respectively).

CONCLUSION

In the studied population, gene polymorphisms in the DNA sequences of MMP-1 (-1607 1G/2G) rs1799750, MMP-3 (-1171 5A/6A) rs3025058, and MMP-7 (-181 A/G) rs11568818 may have impacts on CP incidence.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Clinicians should be cautious about the association between MMP-1, MMP-3, and MMP-7 gene polymorphisms and the incidence of chronic periodontitis during periodontal treatment planning.

Evaluation of facial profile characteristics of aesthetically pleasing Iranian faces

BACKGROUND

The objective of this study was to assess the soft and hard tissue cephalometric indexes of facial profiles perceived as attractive.

METHODS

A total of 360 individuals (180 females and 180 males) with well-balanced faces and no history of orthodontic or cosmetic procedures were selected. Twenty-six raters (13 females and 13 males) rated the attractiveness of profile view photographs of the enrolled individuals. According to the total score, the rated top 10% of photographs were selected as attractive. Overall, 81 (40 soft tissue and 41 hard tissue) cephalometric measurements were made on traced cephalograms of the attractive faces. The obtained values were compared with orthodontic norms and attractive Whites using Bonferroni-corrected t tests. They were also analyzed regarding age and sex effects using a two-way ANOVA test.

RESULTS

Significant differences were found between the cephalometric measurements of attractive profiles and orthodontic norms. Among the most important parameters were greater H angle and basic upper lip thickness in attractive males, and greater facial convexity and smaller nose prominence in attractive females. Also, attractive male participants had greater soft tissue chin thickness and subnasale perpendicular to the upper lip compared with attractive females.

CONCLUSIONS

According to the results, males with a normal profile and thicker protruded upper lips were perceived as more attractive. Also, females with a slightly convex profile, deeper mentolabial sulcus, less prominent nose, and shorter maxilla and mandible were perceived as more attractive.

Molecular detection of Brucella abortus and Brucella melitensis in domestic ruminants and their ticks in selected areas of western Iran

Background

Brucellosis is one of the most important zoonotic diseases caused by Gram-negative bacteria belonging to the genus Brucella. Detection of Brucella species in different countries is of utmost importance.

Aims

This study aimed to detect Brucella abortus and Brucella melitensis in domestic ruminant blood samples and their ticks in western Iran.

Methods

Sampling was conducted on ruminants from August to September 2020 in four different counties of Kurdistan Province, including Divandareh, Marivan, Baneh, and Sanandaj. Totally, 250 blood samples were collected from 250 small ruminants. There were no ticks on the skin of six (2.4%) ruminants, and 244 ticks were isolated from 244 animals. After genomic DNA extraction from all the collected samples, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was performed to detect IS711 gene.

Results

Based on qPCR results, Brucella genus was detected in two blood samples (0.8%) from female sheep and four ticks (1.6%) from male sheep, including three Dermacentor marginatus (1.22%) and one Rhipicephalus turanicus (0.4%). Although B. melitensis was not detected in any tick or blood sample, one tick sample (D. marginatus) was positive for B. abortus.

Conclusion

Considering the positivity of ticks for brucellosis in this study, there is a possibility of Brucella transmission from infected ticks to humans and animals through tick bites, nevertheless, in order to identify the Brucella transmission relationship between ticks and animals, serological tests should be used in future studies.

Gingival Melanin Depigmentation Using a Diode 808-nm Laser: A Case Series

Introduction: Gingival hyperpigmentation is caused by an increase in the amount of melanin production or the number of melanocytes in the epithelium, which can impair smile esthetics. The current study aimed to report the experience of using a diode laser for gingival depigmentation of three different patients. Case Presentation: Three adult patients are presented with hyperpigmentation in labial gingivae of both jaws. The depigmentation was done using a diode laser at a wavelength of 808 nm, fiber diameter of 300 μm, and power of 1 W and in continuous mode. All three patients showed proper resolution of hyperpigmented areas in short- and long-term follow-up sessions. However, degrees of recurrence were noticeable in two cases. Conclusion: The 808-nm diode laser can be utilized safely and efficiently in gingival depigmentation, resulting in an acceptable cosmetic outcome.

Photodynamic Therapy in Root Canal Disinfection: A Case Series and Mini-Review

Introduction: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is now a widely used treatment modality in many fields of dentistry, including endodontics. The most common application of PDT in endodontics is to disinfect root canals. The purpose of this study was to present the experience of using PDT in root canal disinfection of three patients. Case Presentation: Three patients referred to the Endodontics Department of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences were treated using 0.1 mg/mL Toluidine Blue (FotoSan® agent; CMS Dental, Denmark) irradiated with a light-emitting diode (LED) lamp (FotoSan®; CMS Dental, Denmark) with a mean wavelength of 630 nm and a mean power density of 3 W/cm2 over two 30-second periods. Conclusion: PDT using LED lighting can be used in conjunction with conventional root canal treatment (RCT) to achieve great results.

The safety of continued low dose aspirin therapy during Complete Supine Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (csPCNL)

OBJECTIVE

Using anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs in patients with cardiovascular and medical comorbidities is prevalent. Because of hyper vascular nature of kidney, physicians tend to stop using aspirin before percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). We have shown the effects of remaining on low dose aspirin in complete supine PCNL (csPCNL).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The records of 643 patients who underwent csPCNL between 2012 and 2018 were analyzed. Surgical outcomes and complications of patients who were on aspirin therapy and continued it daily (group A) were compared with those not taking aspirin (group B).

RESULTS

Of the 643 csPCNLs, 40 (6%) were performed in patients of group A and the rest of 603 (94%) cases were in group B. The differences between the mean age of groups were statistically significant (60.08±9.45, group A and 48.66±12.32, group B) (P<0.001). Thirty-nine (97.5%) of patients in group A and 548 (90.9%) of group B were stone free by the end of the study which was not statistically significant (P=0.118). The mean operative time between groups A and B (43.20±21.37 and 44.83±16.83, respectively) was not considered significant (P=0.561). There was also no significant difference between 2 groups in any types of complications. Multivariate analysis showed that, perioperative aspirin use was not a significant predictor of transfusion, Hb drop, operative time and other complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Remaining on aspirin does not increase the risk of bleeding, transfusionand other complications. Consequently, continuing aspirin prioperatively in csPCNL appears safe. There is no fear for continuing aspirin in csPCNL.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3.

Functional Hepatocyte-Like Cells Derived from Human Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells on a Novel 3-Dimensional Biocompatible Nanofibrous Scaffold

Aim

To supporting growth and functional differentiation of adult stem cells into hepatocytes in a well-controlled manner, we performed differentiation of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs) to hepatocytes-like cells on a constructed 3-dimensional (3D) nanofibrous biocompatible scaffold.

Methods

After characterization of the hBMSCs isolated from human bone marrow, the performance of the cells seeded and their proliferation on the scaffold was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazole-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Different approaches such as immunocytochemistry, reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and biochemical assays were used to estimate the ability of hBMSC-derived cells to express hepatocyte-specific markers.

Results

Scanning electron micrographs and MTT analysis revealed the cells were able to expand and remained biologically and metabolically active for 21 days. Immunocytochemical analysis of albumin and α-fetoprotein showing the accumulation of these markers in differentiated cells was confirmed by RT-PCR. Additional markers such as cytochrome P450 3A4, cytokeratin-18, and cytokeratin-19 detected by RT-PCR showed progressive expression during 3 weeks of differentiation on 3D scaffold. The hepatocyte-like cells displayed several characteristics of metabolic functions as judged by production of albumin, urea, transferrin, serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT), and serum oxaloacetate aminotransferase (SGOT). Levels of above-mentioned markers, except SGOT in differentiated cells on scaffold, were found to be significantly greater than in the 2D culture system (p<0.05).

Conclusion

Overall data suggest that the engineered nanofibrous scaffold is a conductive matrix for functional hBMSC-derived hepatocyte-like cells and is promising for maintenance of hepatocytes suitable for implantation.

SiRNA/DOX lodeded chitosan based nanoparticles: Development, Characterization and in vitro evaluation on A549 lung cancer cell line

High-mobility group AT-hook2 (HMGA2), involved in epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) process, has a pivotal role in lung cancer metastasis. Lung cancer therapy with HMGA2 suppressing small interfering RNA (siRNA) has been introduced recently while doxorubicin (DOX) has been used as a frequent cancer chemotherapy agent. Both reagents have been faced with obstacles in clinic which make them ineffective. NanoParticles (NPs) provided a platform for efficient co delivery of the anticancer drugs. The aim of this study was production and in vitro characterization of different pharmacological groups (siRNA, DOX or siRNA-DOX) of carboxymethyl dextran thrimethyl chitosan nanoparticles (CMDTMChiNPs) on cytotoxicity, gene expression, apoptosis and migration of metastatic lung cancer cell line (A-549). CMDTMChiNPs were synthesized and encapsulated with siRNA, DOX or siRNA-DOX. Then the effects of HMGA2 siRNA and DOX co delivery was assessed in A549 viability and target genes (HMGA2, Ecadherin, vimentin and MMP9) by MTT and real time PCR, respectively. In addition capability of apoptosis induction and anti-migratory features of formulated NPs were analyzed by flowcytometry and wound healing assays. SiRNA-DOX-CMDTM ChiNPs approximate size were 207±5 with poly dispersity index (PDI) and zeta potential of 0.4 and 16.3±0.3, respectively. NPs loaded with DOX and siRNA were the most efficient drug formulations in A549 cell cytotoxicity, altering of EMT markers, apoptosis induction and migration inhibition. Generally our results showed that co delivery of HMGA2 siRNA and DOX by novel designed CMDTMChiNPs is a new therapeutic approach with great potential efficiency for lung cancer treatment.

Investigation of some biologic activities of Swertia longifolia Boiss

Swertia species are widespread in Eastern and Southern Asian countries and used in traditional medicine as anti-pyretic, analgesic, gastro and liver tonic. Among different species, only Swertia longifolia grows in Iran. In this investigation, antioxidant, cytotoxic and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activities of S. longifolia have been studied. Aerial parts and roots of the plant were collected, dried and extracted with methanol 80% (total extract). Different extracts of the plant were obtained using hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, methanol, methanol:water (1:1) and water, respectively. Cytotoxic activity was determined by MTT assay on MDBK, HepG2, MCF7, HT29 and A549 cell lines. Antioxidant activity was measured by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) free radicals and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory (AChEI) effect was evaluated based on Ellman's method in 96-well microplates.The results showed no cytotoxicity of the plant extracts on MDBK, HepG2, MCF7, HT29 and A549 cell lines up to 100 μg/ml. All samples showed radical scavenging activity but methanol extract of aerial parts and ethyl acetate extract of the roots showed the highest effects.Total extract of the roots showed higher AChEI activity than the aerial parts. Among different extracts, chloroform and ethyl acetate extracts of the roots and chloroform and methanol:water extracts of the aerial parts were more potent in AChEI assay. It is concluded that aerial parts and roots of the plant are rich in antioxidant agents with no cytotoxicity on selected cell lines up to 100 μg/ml. Moreover, since antioxidant and AChEI activity of compounds play an important role in the treatment of Alzheimer's disorder, this plant might be a potential candidate for isolation of antioxidant and AChEI compounds which could be used as supportive treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

Effects of Nepeta menthoides aqueous extract on retention and retrieval of memory in mice

There are several evidences that plants and vegetables with antioxidant activity can reduce oxidative damages in brain and improve cognitive functions. The aim of this study was evaluation of Nepeta menthoides aqueous extract on memory retention and retrieval of mice by using passive avoidance apparatus. For this purpose, mice were classified, coded, weighted and grouped (n = 8) as follow as: control group (Only electric shock), blank group (electric shock plus normal saline) and test groups (electric shock plus Nepeta menthoides extract by doses: 100, 200, 400 and 800 mg kg(-1), i.p.). Delay time of leaving the platform was measured for retention and retrieval test of memory in all mentioned groups. In retention test, plant extract was administered immediately after receiving electric shock while it was administered 24 h after receiving electric shock in retrieval. The results revealed that Nepeta menthoides aqueous extract significantly (p<0.05) increased memory retention and retrieval. The best response for memory retention and retrieval was achieved with 800 mg kg(-1) of Nepeta extract. In conclusion, enhancement of memory retention and retrieval by Nepeta menthoides could be cause of antioxidant activity of its components such as rosmarinic acid, caffeic acid and phenolic acids.

Halothane: how should it be used in a developing country?

The anaesthetic agent halothane is still widely used in developing countries including the Islamic Republic of Iran because of its low price. Because of halothane-induced hepatitis, a rare complication, it has been replaced by other inhalation anaesthetics in Western countries; it has been suggested by some Iranian professionals that the Islamic Republic of Iran should do the same. We evaluated various dimensions of this replacement through a literature review to assess the incidence of halothane-induced hepatitis and costs of anaesthetics in the country. We also conducted a questionnaire survey of 30 anaesthesiology/gastroenterology experts about their views on the subject. The results indicate that the incidence of halothane hepatitis in the Islamic Republic of Iran is very low and could mostly be avoided by strict adherence to guidelines. Complete withdrawal of halothane in the Islamic Republic of Iran might not be appropriate at present. Comprehensive cost-effectiveness studies are needed before a decision is made on complete replacement of halothane with other anaesthetics.

Cytotoxic activities of selected medicinal plants from Iran and phytochemical evaluation of the most potent extract

Methanolic extract of 15 Iranian medicinal plants were prepared and tested for their cytotoxic activities against three cancer cell lines (MCF7, HepG2, WEHI164) and one normal cell line (MDBK). Some plants showed cytotoxic activities. The extract of Ferula szowitsiana root, which proved to be the most active, was chosen for further phytochemical studies. The major compounds of the most potent acetone extract were isolated. They were identified as chimgin and chimganin, two known monoterpenoids, by spectroscopic means. Their cytotoxic activity was evaluated in three cell lines. The results show that these compounds are responsible, at least in part, for the cytotoxic activity of this plant.

The porphyrin-fullerene nanoparticles to promote the ATP overproduction in myocardium: 25Mg2+-magnetic isotope effect

This is a first case ever reported on the fullerene-based low toxic nanocationite particles (porphyrin adducts of cyclohexyl fullerene-C(60)) designed for targeted delivery of the paramagnetic magnesium stable isotope to the heart muscle providing a sharp clinical effect close to about 80% recovery of the tissue hypoxia symptoms in less than 24 h after a single injection (0.03-0.1 LD(50)). A whole principle of this therapy is novel: (25)Mg(2+)-magnetic isotope effect selectively stimulates the ATP overproduction in the oxygen-depleted cells due to (25)Mg(2+) released by the nanoparticles. Being membranotropic cationites, these "smart nanoparticles" release the overactivating paramagnetic cations only in response to the metabolic acidic shift. The resulting positive changes in the heart cell energy metabolism may help to prevent and/or treat the local myocardial hypoxic disorders and, hence, protect the heart muscle from a serious damage in a vast variety of the hypoxia-caused clinical situations including both doxorubicin and 1-methylnicotineamide cardiotoxic side effects. Both pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the drug proposed make it suitable for safe and efficient administration in either single or multi-injection (acute or chronic) therapeutic schemes.