INTRODUCTION:Considering the importance of prevention in periodontal diseases and the important role of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans in induction and progression of these diseases, the aim of the present in vitro study was to compare the antimicrobial effects of chlorhexidine digluconate (CHX), curcumin and light-emitting diode (LED) laser, on this bacterium.

METHODS:Antimicrobial activity of curcumin (5 mg/ml), CHX (2%), LED (120 J/cm(2)) and LED + curcumin (120 J/cm(2) + 2.5 mg/ml) against A. actinomycetemcomitans were tested in vitro, using micro-broth dilution test. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's HSD tests served for statistical analysis.

RESULTS:Regarding the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), CHX had a significantly lower MIC than curcumin (P<0.05). Sorted out by bacterial growth from lowest to highest, were CHX, LED + curcumin, curcumin, and LED groups. All the differences were found to be statistically significant (P<0.05) except for the LED group.

CONCLUSION:We conclude that curcumin is an effective substance in preventing the growth of A. actinomycetemcomitans, whose impact is reinforced when used simultaneously with photodynamic therapy (PDT).

INTRODUCTION:Considering the importance of prevention in periodontal diseases and the important role of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans in induction and progression of these diseases, the aim of the present in vitro study was to compare the antimicrobial effects of chlorhexidine digluconate (CHX), curcumin and light-emitting diode (LED) laser, on this bacterium.

METHODS:Antimicrobial activity of curcumin (5 mg/ml), CHX (2%), LED (120 J/cm(2)) and LED + curcumin (120 J/cm(2) + 2.5 mg/ml) against A. actinomycetemcomitans were tested in vitro, using micro-broth dilution test. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's HSD tests served for statistical analysis.

RESULTS:Regarding the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), CHX had a significantly lower MIC than curcumin (P<0.05). Sorted out by bacterial growth from lowest to highest, were CHX, LED + curcumin, curcumin, and LED groups. All the differences were found to be statistically significant (P<0.05) except for the LED group.

CONCLUSION:We conclude that curcumin is an effective substance in preventing the growth of A. actinomycetemcomitans, whose impact is reinforced when used simultaneously with photodynamic therapy (PDT).

This study assessed the effect of curcumin as a photosensitizer in antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) for the treatment of induced periodontitis in rats. Periodontitis was induced via a ligature around the mandibular first molar on the left side of 96 rats. The ligature was removed 7 days later, and the animals were randomized into four groups: NT, no local treatment; CUR, irrigation with curcumin solution (40 μM); LED, irradiation with a light-emitting diode (LED, InGaN, 465-485 nm, 200 mW/cm(2), 60 s); and aPDT, irrigation with curcumin solution (40 μM) followed by irradiation with LED. Eight animals from each group were euthanized at 7, 15, and 30 days post-treatment. Treatments were assessed using alveolar bone loss (ABL) in the furcation region using histological, histometric, and immunohistochemical analyses. Rats treated with aPDT exhibited less ABL at 7 days compared to the NT group, moderate pattern immunolabeling for osteoprotegerin at 30 days, and a pattern of immunolabeling for RANKL from moderate to low. Treatments resulted in smaller numbers of TRAP-positive cells compared to the NT group. aPDT as monotherapy using curcumin as a photosensitizer and LED as the light source was effective in the treatment of induced periodontitis in rats.

Periodontitis is a disease, which is associated with chronic inflammation and leads to significant destruction of periodontal tissues. Periodontal ligament cells (PDLCs) constitute the largest cell population in PDL tissues and a considerable body of evidence has demonstrated an association between oxidative stress and the progression of periodontitis. However, the effects on PDLCs exposed to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and the molecular mechanisms by which H2O2 affects periodontitis remain to be elucidated. In the present study, the potential cytotoxic effect of H2O2 and the antioxidative function of vitamin C (Vc) in PDLCs were investigated. The results demonstrated that H2O2 treatment decreased the viability of PDLCs. The decreased PDLC viability was primarily induced by apoptosis, which was evidenced by cleaved caspases-3, caspases-9 and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase. Following optimal Vc addition, the proapoptotic effects of H2O2 were partially antagonized. Taken together, the present study demonstrated that H2O2 primarily induced the apoptosis of PDLCs and that these adverse effects were partially rescued following treatment with Vc. These results revealed how H2O2 promotes the progression of periodontitis and provide an improved understanding of the reversal effect of antioxidant treatment. Therefore, optimal Vc administration may provide a potentially effective technique in periodontal therapy.

BACKGROUND:Acupuncture has shown the capability of modulating the immuno-inflammatory response of the host. This study aims to evaluate the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) on ligature-induced periodontitis in rats.

METHODS:Thirty-two animals were divided into four groups: 1) control; 2) experimental periodontitis (EP); 3) sham-treated (EP/EA-sham); and 4) treated with EA (EP/EA). For the EP groups, a ligature was placed around the right mandibular first molars at day 1. Sessions of EA or EA-sham were assigned every other day. For EA treatment, large intestine meridian points LI4 and LI11 and stomach meridian points ST36 and ST44 were used. EA-sham was performed in off-meridian points. Animals were euthanized at day 11. Histomorphometric and microtomographic analyses were performed. Immunolabeling patterns for the receptor activator of nuclear factorκB ligand (RANKL), osteoprotegerin (OPG), and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) were assessed. Expressions of interleukin (IL)-1β, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-8, IL-6, and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 messenger RNAs (mRNAs) were evaluated by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Data were analyzed statistically (P<0.05, analysis of variance).

RESULTS:Histomorphometric and microtomographic analyses demonstrated that group EP/EA presented reduced alveolar bone loss when compared to group EP (P<0.05). Reduced RANKL immunolabeling and fewer TRAP-positive multinucleated cells were observed in the EA-treated group in relation to group EP. No differences were observed in OPG expression among groups. EA treatment decreased the genic expression of IL-1β and MMP-8 (P<0.05), increased the mRNA expression of IL-6 (P<0.05), and did not modify the genic expression of COX-2 in animals with EP (P>0.05).

CONCLUSION:It can be concluded that EA reduced periodontal tissue breakdown and the expression of some proinflammatory mediators and a proresorptive factor in EP in rats.

BACKGROUND:Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease and a significant risk factor for tooth loss. Although a link between diet and periodontal health exists, the relation between diet and healing after periodontal therapy has yet to be investigated.

OBJECTIVE:The objective was to determine whether higher intakes of fruits and vegetables or nutrients with antioxidant or anti-inflammatory activity are associated with greater healing, measured as reduced probing depth (PD), after scaling and root planing (SRP), a cost-effective treatment to manage periodontal disease and prevent tooth loss.

METHODS:Patients (63 nonsmokers, 23 smokers) with chronic generalized periodontitis who were undergoing SRP participated. Healing was evaluated based on PD, assessed at baseline and 8-16 wk after SRP. Intakes of fruits, vegetables,β-carotene, vitamin C, α-tocopherol, α-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) were estimated using the Block 2005 food frequency questionnaire and a supplement questionnaire. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations were also measured. PD (% sites>3 mm) was modeled in multiple linear regression and analysis of covariance by tertile of intake and adjusted for age, sex, body mass index (BMI), baseline PD, examiner, gingival bleeding, and study duration.

RESULTS:In nonsmokers, PD was associated with fruit and vegetable,β-carotene, vitamin C, α-tocopherol, EPA, and DHA intake (P<0.05). PD was not significantly associated with ALA intake or serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations. Significant associations that included supplements (β-carotene, vitamin C, α-tocopherol) were attenuated or lost, depending on the statistical model used. There were no significant associations within the group of smokers.

CONCLUSIONS:Dietary intakes of fruits, vegetables,β-carotene, vitamin C, α-tocopherol, EPA, and DHA are associated with reduced PD after SRP in nonsmokers, but not smokers, with chronic generalized periodontitis. These findings may lead to the development of dietary strategies to optimize healing after periodontal procedures. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02291835.

:Playing various musical instruments is the cause of an additional load that affects the condition of dentition and of all organs and body systems at large. Each group of instruments is known to exert a specific impact on the health of the musicians including the undesirable influence on the state of thir oral cavity, such as a change of occlusion and irritation of oral mucosa. Taken together, these effects contribute to the development of periodontal disease, one of the most common dental disorders.

AIM:The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of ozone therapy conducted with the use of the generator producing ozone under effect of ultraviolet radiation for the treatment of periodontitis in musicians-instrumentalists.

MATERIAL AND METHODS:The study included 42 musicians presenting with the diagnosis of periodontitis who were divided into two groups depending on the severity of the disease. Group 1 was comprised of the subjects with mild periodontitis while group 2 consisted of the musicians having periodontitis of moderate severity. All the participants in the study remained under observation over 6 months during which they were treated by ozone therapy. The results of the treatment were estimated immediately after the onset of therapy as well as within the next 3 and 6 months. The variance analysis with the use of Student's t-test was employed for the statistical treatment of the data obtained.

RESULTS:The study has demonstrate that ozone therapy resulted in the reduction of inflammation and normalization of local blood circulation in the periodontal tissues; moreover, it extended and lengthened the periods of remission and stabilization of the process of recovery.

CONCLUSION:The results of the study are of primary importance for the maintenance of oral cavity health in musicians-instrumentalists which is indispensable for the maintenance of their successful professional activity.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to assess the oral microbiota and clinical data in subjects without access to traditional oral hygiene methods and who ate a diet available in the Stone Age.

METHODS: Ten subjects living in an environment replicating the Stone Age for 4 weeks were enrolled in this study. Bleeding on probing (BOP), gingival and plaque indices, and probing depth (PD) were assessed at baseline and at 4 weeks. Microbiologic samples were collected at the mesio-buccal subgingival aspects of all teeth and from the dorsum of the tongue and were processed by checkerboard DNA-DNA hybridization methods.

RESULTS: No subject had periodontitis. Mean BOP decreased from 34.8% to 12.6% (P <0.001). Mean gingival index scores changed from 0.38 to 0.43 (not statistically significant) and mean plaque scores increased from 0.68 to 1.47 (P <0.001). PD at sites of subgingival sampling decreased (mean difference: 0.2 mm; P <0.001). At week 4, the total bacterial count was higher (P <0.001) for 24 of 74 species, including Bacteroides ureolyticus, Eikenella corrodens, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Capnocytophaga ochracea, Escherichia coli, Fusobacterium nucleatum naviforme, Haemophilus influenzae, Helicobacter pylori, Porphyromonas endodontalis, Staphylococcus aureus (two strains), Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcus anginosis, and Streptococcus mitis. Bacterial counts from tongue samples were higher at baseline (P <0.001) for 20 species, including Tannerella forsythia (previously T. forsythensis), Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (previously Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans; serotype a), and Streptococcus spp.

CONCLUSIONS: The experimental gingivitis protocol is not applicable if the diet (e.g., Stone Age) does not include refined sugars. Although plaque levels increased, BOP and PD decreased. Subgingival bacterial counts increased for several species not linked to periodontitis, whereas tongue bacterial samples decreased during the study period.