Cardiovascular Disease Parameters in Periodontitis

Background: Recently, there has been an increasing in the impact of oral health on atherosclerosis and subsequent cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study is to investigate the association between chronic periodontitis and cardiovascular risk markers. Methods: Forty patients with periodontitis and 40 healthy gender-, body mass index-, and age-matched individuals were compared by measuring total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, triglycerides, levels of cytokines, antibodies against oxidized low-density lipoprotein, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, total and differential white blood cell counts, and the non-linear index of refraction. Results: The levels of triglycerides and high-density lipoprotein in periodontitis patients were significantly higher and lower, respectively (P=0.002 and P=0.0126), compared to controls. Total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, and lipid peroxide levels were the same in both groups (P = 0.2943, P = 0.1284, and P = 0.067, respectively). Interleukin (IL)-6 and -8, antibodies against oxidized low-density lipoprotein, and leukocyte and neutrophil counts were significantly higher in periodontitis patients (P<0.05). The value of the non-linear index of refraction of low-density lipoprotein solutions was higher in the controls (P = 0.015) compared to individuals with periodontitis. Conclusion: Our results confirmed and further strengthened the suggested association between coronary artery disease and periodontitis. J Periodontol 2009;80:378-388.

In Vivo Comparison of Hard Tissue Regeneration with Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells Processed with Either the FICOLL Method or the BMAC Method

Objective: To compare new bone formation in maxillary sinus augmentation procedures using biomaterial associated with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) separated by two different isolation methods. Background: In regenerative medicine open cell concentration systems are only allowed for clinical application under good manufacturing practice conditions. Methods: Mononuclear cells, including MSCs, were concentrated with either the synthetic poylsaccharid (FICOLL) method (classic open system-control group, n = 6 sinus) or the bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) method (closed system-test group, n = 12 sinus) and transplanted in combination with biomaterial. A sample of the cells was characterized by their ability to differentiate. After 4.1 months (SD +/- 1.0) bone biopsies were obtained and analyzed. Results: The new bone formation in the BMAC group was 19.9% (90% confidence interval [CI], 10.9-29), and in the FICOLL group was 15.5% (90% CI, 8.6-22.4). The 4.4% difference was not significant (90% CI, -4.6-13.5; p = 0.39). MSCs could be differentiated into osteogenic, chondrogenic, and adipogenic lineages. Conclusion: MSCs harvested from bone marrow aspirate in combination with bovine bone matrix particles can form lamellar bone and provide a reliable base for dental implants. The closed BMAC system is suited to substitute the open FICOLL system in bone regeneration procedures.

Antineoplasic activity of Copaifera multijuga oil and fractions against ascitic and solid Ehrlich tumor

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of chronic treatment with C. multijuga oil on Ehrlich tumor evolution. C multijuga was fractionated in a KOH impregnated silica gel column chromatography to give three distinct fractions, i.e., hexanic, chloroformic, and methanolic, mainly composed by hydrocarbon sesquiterpenes, oxygenated sesquiterpenes and acidic diterpenes, respectively. Results demonstrated that the C multijuga oil, the hexanic, and chloroformic fractions did not develop toxic effects. The oil, hexanic and chloroformic fractions (doses varying between 100 and 200 mg/kg) showed antineoplasic properties against Ehrlich ascitic tumor (EAT) and solid tumor during 10 consecutive days of treatment inhibiting ascitic tumor cell number, reverting medulla and blood cell counts to values similar to control group, and inhibiting the increase on several inflammatory mediators (total protein, PGE(2), nitric oxide, and TNF) on ascitic fluid. The treatment also inhibited the increase in paw volume on tumor-inoculated mice. In conclusion, C. multijugo as well as its fractions demonstrated antineoplasic effect even after oral administration confirming its use by traditional medicine. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.