Characterization of a Novel Oral Glucocorticoid System and Its Possible Role in Disease

Synthetic corticosteroids are used widely for the treatment of a variety of diseases of the mouth. However, little is known as to whether the oral mucosa is able to modulate the local concentration of active corticosteroids or to produce steroids de novo. This has important clinical implications, because tissue-specific regulation of glucocorticoids is a key determinant of the clinical efficacy of these drugs. In the present study, we show that oral fibroblasts and keratinocytes expressed ACTH receptor (MC2R), glucocorticoid receptor (GR), and 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (11 beta-HSDs). Unlike keratinocytes, fibroblasts lacked 11 beta-HSD2 and could not effectively deactivate exogenously administered cortisol. However, both cell types were able not only to activate cortisone into the active form cortisol, but also to synthesize cortisol de novo following stimulation with ACTH. 11 beta-HSD2, the enzyme controlling cortisol deactivation, exhibited different patterns of expression in normal (squamous epithelium and salivary glands) and diseased oral mucosa (squamous cell carcinoma and mucoepidermoid carcinoma). Blocking of endogenous cortisol catabolism in keratinocytes with the 11 beta-HSD2 inhibitor 18 beta-glycyrrhetinic acid mimicked the effect of exogenous administration of hydrocortisone and partially prevented the detrimental effects induced by pemphigus vulgaris sera. Analysis of the data demonstrates that a novel, non-adrenal glucocorticoid system is present in the oral mucosa that may play an important role in disease.

Relationship Between Oral Health-Related Quality of Life and the Position of the Lower Third Molar: Postoperative Follow-Up

Purpose: The aim of this study was to verify possible associations between oral health-related quality of life (QoL) and the position of the lower third molar among patients undergoing lower third molar surgery during the first postoperative week. Materials and Methods: We performed an interventional prospective study of 86 patients for whom the preoperative treatment plan included the removal of 2 third molar teeth from the same side in a 1-time procedure. The patients were divided into 2 groups depending on the position of the lower third molar. QoL was evaluated before and after the surgical procedure (during the first 7 days) with the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP) 14 questionnaire. Data were treated according to Stata 10.0 (StataCorp, College Station, TX). Variables were evaluated by use of split-plot analysis of variance for the repeated-measures analysis to identify the association between QoL and the position of the lower third molar. Results: Patients can have deterioration in their QoL immediately after surgery, especially during the first and second postoperative days, and subsequently show rapid improvement. The variation in the total OHIP score during the days after surgery was significant, whereas a decrease in QoL was observed immediately after the procedure (P = .001), which returned to initial value (preoperative) levels after the sixth postoperative day. The OHIP domains with higher scores (ie, those that had an impact) were physical pain, psychological discomfort, and physical disability (domains 2, 3, and 4, respectively). Conclusions: Teeth considered to be associated with technical difficulties for extraction based on their position had a higher score on the OHIP-14 questionnaire and worse health-related QoL score. QoL outcomes may be as important as clinical signs in decisions regarding third molar extractions. (C) 2012 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons J Oral Maxillofac Surg 70:779-786, 2012

Effectiveness of Piezoelectric Surgery in Preparing the Lateral Window for Maxillary Sinus Augmentation in Patients with Sinus Anatomical Variations: A Case Series

Purpose: The present article sought to evaluate the effectiveness of a piezoelectric surgical unit for maxillary sinus augmentation surgeries in avoiding perforation of the sinus membrane and other possible procedural complications in patients with anatomical variations of the sinus. Materials and Methods: Twenty-five patients presenting sinus anatomical variations, who were indicated for a total of 40 sinus grafting procedures performed by the lateral window approach with a piezoelectric device, were analyzed. After 6 months of healing, implants were placed. Information collected included clinical and computed tomographic information on anatomical variations in the sinus bone walls, in the size of the sinus, and in the thickness of the sinus membrane. Occurrence of sinus membrane perforation and computed tomographic measurements of the amount of bone height gained with the grafting procedures were also recorded. Results: Only two patients presented a small perforation (less than 5 mm in diameter) of the sinus membrane, which occurred only after osteotomies of the lateral windows and did not compromise the surgical outcome. No implants were lost during a mean follow-up period of 19 months. Conclusion: The use of piezoelectric surgery allowed for the accomplishment of all rehabilitation treatments within the follow-up period of this study. INT J ORAL MAXILLOFAC IMPLANTS 2012;27:1211-1215

Buccal Bone Plate Remodeling After Immediate Implant Placement With and Without Synthetic Bone Grafting and Flapless Surgery: Radiographic Study in Dogs

Recent studies in animals have shown pronounced resorption of the buccal bone plate after immediate implantation. The use of flapless surgical procedures prior to the installation of immediate implants, as well as the use of synthetic bone graft in the gaps represent viable alternatives to minimize buccal bone resorption and to favor osseointegration. The aim of this study was to evaluate the healing of the buccal bone plate following immediate implantation using the flapless approach, and to compare this process with sites in which a synthetic bone graft was or was not inserted into the gap between the implant and the buccal bone plate. Lower bicuspids from 8 dogs were bilaterally extracted without the use of flaps, and 4 implants were installed in the alveoli in each side of the mandible and were positioned 2.0 mm from the buccal bone plate (gap). Four groups were devised: 2.0-mm subcrestal implants (3.3 x 8 mm) using bone grafts (SCTG), 2.0-mm subcrestal implants without bone grafts (SCCG), equicrestal implants (3.3 x 10 mm) with bone grafts (EGG), and equicrestal implants without bone grafts (ECCG). One week following the surgical procedures, metallic prostheses were installed, and within 12 weeks the dogs were sacrificed. The blocks containing the individual implants were turned sideways, and radiographic imaging was obtained to analyze the remodeling of the buccal bone plate. In the analysis of the resulting distance between the implant shoulder and the bone crest, statistically significant differences were found in the SCTG when compared to the ECTG (P = .02) and ECCG (P = .03). For mean value comparison of the resulting linear distance between the implant surface and the buccal plate, no statistically significant difference was found among all groups (P > .05). The same result was observed in the parameter for presence or absence of tissue formation between the implant surface and buccal plate. Equicrestally placed implants, in this methodology, presented little or no loss of the buccal bone. The subcrestally positioned implants presented loss of buccal bone, even though synthetic bone graft was used. The buccal bone, however, was always coronal to the implant shoulder.

Validation of the Brazilian versions of two inventories for measuring oral health-related quality of life of edentulous subjects

'Objectives: To analyse the validity of the Brazilian versions of OHIP-EDENT and GOHAI as assessment tools of edentulous subjects' OHRQoL. Background: Inventories for measuring oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) are important in clinical studies regarding oral rehabilitation. However, there is a need for comprehensive validation after translation into different cultural settings. Materials and methods: The sample comprised of 100 complete denture wearers (29 men, 71 women, mean age of 65.2 +/- 9.9 years). The associations between each OHRQoL inventory and other variables served as measurements of construct validity. Data analysis comprised the Spearman correlation test as well as multiple regression using the OHRQoL inventories as dependent variables and the other scales as determinants. Results: Both OHRQoL inventories showed good correlation with denture satisfaction, whereas lower correlation coefficients were found among the inventories and the HAD subscales. Denture satisfaction alone explained 48% and 39% of the variance found for the OHIP-EDENT and GOHAI, respectively, as assessed by multiple regression. A smaller effect was found for OHIP-EDENT. Conclusion: Both OHIP-EDENT and GOHAI showed good construct validity for measurement of OHRQoL of edentulous subjects.

Clinicopathologic and immunohistochemical features of oral neurofibroma

Objective. The purposes of this study were to assess clinical, histopathological and immunohistochemical features of 22 oral neurofibromas (NFs) and discuss with previously described literature, addressing the main aspects regarding the differential diagnosis. Materials and methods. Immunohistochemical reactions included S-100, CD34, GLUT-1, EMA, Ki-67, p53 and Collagen IV and histochemical reactions for Alcian blue. Results. Clinically, the preferential location was the maxillary bones, tongue and buccal mucosa. Microscopically, widely spread spindle-shaped cells with scant cytoplasm and elongated nuclei were observed. Immunostaining revealed that the tumor cells weakly expressed GLUT-1, Collagen IV, Ki-67 and p53. They were variably positive for CD34, S-100 protein and membrane epithelial antigen (EMA). Conclusions. The different types of nerve sheath cells observed in the present series reinforce the presence of heterogeneous population in NFs. The strong positivity for S-100 suggests that the lesions were more composed by S-100-positive Schwann cells than other cells. Besides, the high number of CD34-positive cells suggests that this marker can be useful for the differential diagnosis of NFs against PEN, traumatic neuromas and Schwannomas. Finally, the low immunostaining for p53 and Ki-67 may indicate that NFs massively composed by S-100-positive Schwann cells present low potential of aggressiveness and malignant transformation.

Cytotoxicity evaluation of Curcuma zedoaria (Christm.) Roscoe fluid extract used in oral hygiene products

Objective. This in vitro study evaluated the cytotoxic effects of the Curcuma zedoaria (Christm.) Roscoe (popular name: zedoary) fluid extract, as used in preparations for oral hygiene, mostly for anti-septic purposes. Materials and methods. The cell viability and cell growth were assessed by Trypan blue dye exclusion assay using the LMF cell line derived from oral mucosa. Cell viability (short-term assay) was measured 0, 6, 12 and 24 h after contact with the fluid extract. Cell growth (long-term assay) was analyzed in 1, 3, 5 and 7 days. The experimental groups were those testing the fluid extract obtained from the zedoary rhizome and the extractor liquid (ethanol 70 degrees GL) in the concentrations of 0.01-0.0001% v/v. Fresh DMEM were used in the control cultures. Results. Short-term assay-all studied cultures maintained stable cell viability; Long-term assay-there was progressive cell growth in all studied cultures. Conclusion. According to the results, the zedoary fluid extract presents low cytotoxicity and probably can be used in the oral hygiene products.

TWIST and p-Akt immunoexpression in normal oral epithelium, oral dysplasia and in oral squamous cell carcinoma

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the immunoexpression of TWIST and p-Akt proteins in oral leukoplakia (OL) and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), correlating their expressions with the histological features of the lesions. Study design: Immunohistochemical studies were carried out on 10 normal oral epithelium, 30 OL and 20 OSCC formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue samples. Immunoperoxidase reactions for TWIST and p-Akt proteins were applied on the specimens and the positivity of the reactions was calculated for 1000 epithelial cells. Results: Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn's post tests revealed a significant difference in TWIST and p-Akt immunoexpression among normal oral mucosa, OL and OSCC. In addition, a significant positive correlation was found between TWIST and p-Akt expressions according to the Pearson's correlation test. Conclusions: The results obtained in the current study suggest that TWIST and p-Akt may participate of the multi-step process of oral carcinogenesis since its early stages.

Influence of combined oral contraceptives on the periodontal condition

Most studies investigating the impact of oral contraceptives have been performed some years ago, when the level of sexual hormones was greater than the actual formulations. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of current combined oral contraceptives (COC) on periodontal tissues, correlating the clinical parameters examined with the total duration of continuous oral contraceptive intake. Material and methods: Twenty-five women (19-35 years old) taking combined oral contraceptives for at least 1 year were included in the test group. The control group was composed by 25 patients at the same age range reporting no use of hormone-based contraceptive methods. Clinical parameters investigated included pocket probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), sulcular bleeding index (SBI) and plaque index (PI.I). Data were statistically evaluated by unpaired t test, Pearson's correlation test and Spearman's correlation test. Results: The test group showed increased PD (2.228+/-0.011 x 2.154+/-0.012; p<0.0001) and SBI (0.229+/-0.006 x 0.148+/-0.005, p<0.0001) than controls. No significant differences between groups were found in CAL (0.435+/-0.01 x 0.412+/-0.01; p=0.11). The control group showed greater PI.I than the test group (0.206+/-0.007 x 0.303+/-0.008; p<0.0001). No correlation between the duration of oral contraceptive intake, age and periodontal parameters was observed. Conclusions: These findings suggest that the use of currently available combined oral contraceptives can influence the periodontal conditions of the patients, independently of the level of plaque accumulation or total duration of medication intake, resulting in increased gingival inflammation.

Topoisomerase expression in oral squamous cell carcinoma: relationship with cancer stem cells profiles and lymph node metastasis

BACKGROUND: The relationship between predictive proteins and tumors presenting cancer stem cells (CSCs) profiles in oral tumors is still poorly understood. This study aims to identify the relationship between topoisomerases I, II alpha, and III alpha and putative CSCs immunophenotype in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and determine its influence on prognosis. METHODS: The following data were retrieved from 127 patients: age, gender, primary anatomic site, smoking and alcohol intake, recurrence, metastases, histologic classification, treatment, and survival. An immunohistochemical study for topoisomerases I, II alpha, and III alpha was performed in a tissue microarray containing 127 paraffin blocks of OSCCs. RESULTS: In univariate analysis, topoisomerases expression showed significant differences according to CSCs profiles and p53 immunoexpression, but not with survival. Topoisomerases II alpha and III alpha also showed significant relationship with lymph node metastasis. The multivariate test confirmed these associations. CONCLUSIONS: The results that all topoisomerases correlates with OSCC CSCs may indicate a role for topoisomerases in head and neck carcinogenesis. Notwithstanding, it is plausible that other members of topoisomerases family could represent novel therapeutical targets in oral squamous cell carcinoma. J Oral Pathol Med (2012) 41: 762-768

Oral health related quality of life of edentulous patients after denture relining with a silicone-based soft liner

Background: Knowledge of benefits caused by a treatment on quality of life is very relevant. Despite the wide use and acceptance of soft denture liners, it is necessary to evaluate the patient's response about the use of these materials with regard to improvement in oral health related quality of life (OHRQoL). Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of denture relining in the OHRQoL of edentulous patients. Materials and methods: Thirty-two complete denture wearers had their lower dentures relined with a silicone-based material (Mucopren soft, Kettenbach, Germany) according to chairside procedures. OHRQoL was assessed before and after 3 months of relining by means of OHIP-EDENT, and the median scores were compared by Wilcoxon test (p <= 0.05). Results: After 3 months of relining, participants reported significant improvement of their OHRQoL (p <= 0.01). Conclusion: Denture relining with a soft liner may have a positive impact on the perceived oral health of edentulous patients.

Oral myiasis in an elderly patient

Background: Myiasis is the invasion of living tissue of humans and other mammals by eggs or maggots of flies of the order of Diptera. It occurs mainly in the Tropics and is associated with inadequate public and personal hygiene. Oral myiases in an older man appears to be rare. Objective: To relate a case of oral myiases in a debilitated older man treated by mechanical removal of the maggots, identifying the adult insect that caused the infestation. Methods: The diagnosis of oral myiasis was established by the clinical examination and it was detected that the infestation involved only soft tissue and the sinus cavity. The patient was submitted to two mechanical removal of the visible maggots. Results: Total of 110 maggots was removed from the oral cavity of the patient and adult insects was identified as belonging to the Calliphoridae Family, Cochliomyia hominivorax species. The patient died two days after the second procedure by severe systemic complications. Conclusions: The mechanic removal and the identification of the maggots must be adopted as soon as possible to prevent further tissue damage and bacterial infection in cases of oral myiasis. Special attention should be given to the debilitated old patients that are particularly susceptible to oral myiasis infestation.

Oral candidiasis mimicking an oral squamous cell carcinoma: report of a case

Oral candidiasis is a significant problem in immune-compromised patients. The most common forms of mucosal candidiasis are oropharyngeal, oesophageal and vaginal, and more than 90% of HIV positive persons will manifest at least one episode of oropharyngeal candidiasis. Local and systemic factors such as uninterrupted daily use of a prosthesis by patients, smoking habit, as well as high glucose intake may contribute to the development of the lesion. The aim of this article is to report an uncommon case of oral candidiasis presenting an aggressive clinical behaviour in a 64-year-old male patient, with a significant smoking habit and a medical history of non-controlled diabetes. The lesion affected the hard and soft palate of the right side, revealing erythematous and ulcerated areas, elevated borders and central portions resembling necrosis, mimicking the clinical features of oral squamous cell carcinoma. However, the correct diagnosis of oral candidiasis was obtained after histopathological and cytological examinations and the patient was easily treated with traditional antifungal drugs and correction of his glucose levels.

Eosinophils may predict occult lymph node metastasis in early oral cancer

Objective The aim of this study was to investigate whether tumor-associated tissue eosinophilia (TATE) in early oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) would aid in predicting occult lymph node metastasis. Patients and methods Seventy-one patients undergoing elective neck dissection for T1 and T2 OSCC were evaluated for clinical features, prognosis, and TATE. The degree of TATE in OSCC was statistically analyzed in relation to the clinicopathological features, tumor invasion, occult lymph node metastasis, and survival using chi (2) test and Kaplan-Meier method. Results Statistical analysis revealed that intense TATE was a significant feature (p = 0.004) to predict occult lymph node metastasis in patients with early OSCC. All regional recurrences of the OSCC occurred in patients showing intense TATE. Conclusions These results suggest that intense TATE can be clinically used as a predictive factor for occult lymph node metastasis. Clinical relevance The presence of intense TATE is an adjunctive histopathological marker to reinforce the indication of elective neck dissection of the patients with early OSCC.

ORAOV1 is amplified in oral squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND: Oral cancer overexpressed 1 (ORAOV1) was found as a candidate oncogene in the 11q13 chromosomal region, based on its amplification and overexpression in oral cancer cell lines. Because gene amplification often leads to increased levels of gene expression, we aimed to verify the relationship between ORAOV1 gene status and mRNA expression primarily in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) by quantitative assay, correlating with clinical and pathological characteristics in patients. METHODS: Levels of ORAOV1 amplification and expression were evaluated by qPCR and RT-qPCR in OSCC cell lines and in tumor and non-tumoral surgical margins from 33 patients with OSCC. All subjects were smokers and habitual alcohol drinkers, mostly men above 40 years of age and with a single primary tumor. RESULTS: ORAOV1 exhibited increased gene expression levels as well as higher copy number in three OSCC cell lines with 11q13 amplified chromosomal region when compared with the OSCC cell line without the amplification (one-way ANOVA, P < 0.05). Weak correlation between ORAOV1 mRNA levels and DNA copy number was seen in tumor samples (Spearman, P = 0.07). Although ORAOV1 was amplified in tumor (Wilcoxon, P < 0.01), high levels of transcripts in margin did not reveal differences in comparison with tumor (Wilcoxon, P = 0.85). Aggressiveness and survival rate did not demonstrate statistical difference for both events in OSCC. CONCLUSION: The overexpression of ORAOV1 in non-tumoral margin samples can occur in the absence of amplification. The weak correlation between ORAOV1 amplification and expression in OSSC suggests that ORAOV1 expression can be regulated by mechanisms other than gene amplification. J Oral Pathol Med (2012) 41: 5460