Effect of Interleukin-1β on Transforming Growth Factor-Beta and Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2 Expression in Human Periodontal Ligament and Alveolar Bone Cells in Culture: Modulation by Avocado and Soybean Unsaponifiables

Uses of soybean isoflavonoids in dentistry: A literature review

Soybean isoflavones including genistein, daidzein and glycitein have excellent therapeutic and health properties. In this article, we reviewed soy isoflavones with a specific focus on the role they play in dentistry. In the present article, we reviewed English published articles up to December 2020 and summarized their effectiveness in inflammation, bone effects, disease prevention, and treatment of periodontal tissue and its related diseases, as well as their anti-microbial activity against oral bacteria, oral, head and neck cancers. This study shows that the anti-inflammatory effect of soy isoflavones in periodontal disease is through its inhibitory effect on the production of inflammatory cytokines and inhibition of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activity. It has been observed that isoflavones can stop cell division in Staphylococcus aureus and may be helpful to treat salivary gland disorders caused by estrogen deficiency. Genistein and daidzein increase mineral content in bones and protect against bone loss and genistein may be beneficial as preventive chemical agents for head and neck cancers.

Inhibitory effects of Colocasia antiquorum var. esculenta varnish on inflammation and alveolar bone loss in a rat ligature-induced periodontitis model

We aimed to evaluate whether Colocasia antiquorum var. esculenta (CA) mixed with experimental varnish inhibits inflammation and alveolar bone loss in a rat ligature-induced periodontitis model. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were tested and cell viability of CA were also evaluated. The varnish mixed with CA (CAV) was applied to ligature site of Sprague-Dawley rats and alveolar bone loss and cytokines were measured. CA exhibited a MIC of 31.3 μg/mL and an MBC of 62.5 μg/mL against Porphyromonas gingivalis, with no cytotoxicity. The CAV group exhibited significantly lower levels of alveolar bone loss than the PC group (p<0.05). The expression of IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6 was significantly decreased, while that of Runx2 was significantly increased in the CAV than in the PC group (p<0.05). In conclusion, CAV demonstrated the potential to improve the symptoms of periodontitis.

A Dopamine-Modified Hyaluronic Acid-Based Mucus Carrying Phytoestrogen and Urinary Exosome for Thin Endometrium Repair

Thin endometrium (TE) is closely associated with infertility in reproductive medicine. Estrogen therapy gains unsatisfactory outcomes. In this study, an artificial mucus based on dopamine (L-DOPA)-modified hyaluronic acid combining phytoestrogen cajaninstilbene acid and rat urinary exosomes (CUEHD) is constructed for TE treatment using a rat TE model. In the rat TE model, the dominant elastic behavior and adhesive properties of CUEHD guarantee adequate retention, rendering superior synergistic treatment efficacy and favorable biosafety characteristics. CUEHD treatment significantly increases endometrial thickness and promotes receptivity and fertility. Mechanistically, estrogen homeostasis, inflammation inhibition, and endometrial regeneration are achieved through the crosstalk between ER-NLRP3-IL1β and Wnt-β catenin-TGFβ-smad signaling pathways. Moreover, the therapeutic potential of exosomes from human urine and adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ADSCs) and rat ADSCs are also demonstrated, indicating extensive use of the artificial mucus system. Thus, this study illustrates a platform combining phytoestrogen and exosomes with promising implications for TE treatment.

Periodontal host-modulation therapy with avocado/soybean unsaponifiables in rats with arthritis

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the avocado/soybean unsaponifiables (ASU) in the treatment of induced periodontitis in rats with experimental arthritis.

METHODS

Sixty rats were randomly assigned to 4 groups according to the type of treatment and the systemic condition of the animals: CTR-S: healthy animals in which saline solution (SS) was administered; ASU-S: healthy animals in which ASU (0.6 mg/kg) was administered; AR/ASU-S: animals with induced arthritis in which ASU was administered; AR-S: animals with induced arthritis in which SS was administered. Periodontitis was induced by ligatures, maintained for 15 days. Subsequently, the treatment was performed by scaling with hand instruments. The SS and ASU were administered daily by gavage until euthanasia of the animals that occurred at 7, 15 or 30 days after the scaling procedure (N.=5 animals/group). Bone resorption, inflammatory infiltrate composition, and osteoclastogenesis were assessed.

RESULTS

The AR-S group had greater bone loss, smaller amounts of fibroblasts and larger amounts of inflammatory cells than all other groups. In addition, the AR-S group had greater osteoclastogenesis in relation to the healthy animal groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of ASU improved the healing pattern after treatment for experimental periodontitis in animals with arthritis reducing the periodontal bone loss.

Controversy around the morphea

Morphea, also known as localized scleroderma, is a chronic, autoimmune disease of connective tissue. It is characterized by a typical clinical feature. In morphea, there is no Raynaud's phenomenon, no sclerodactyly or no ulcerations on the fingertips. Although morphea and systemic sclerosis have been perceived as separate disease entities for years, they are still confused both by patients (which is a source of unnecessary stress) and doctors. This may be due to, in part, misunderstood terminology. The controversy around morphea also concerns the division of this disease entity, including its less common subtypes, such as eosinophilic fasciitis. Discussions also revolve around the diagnostic aspects and possible treatment options. The paper attempts to present the debatable aspects regarding nomenclature, classification, diagnosis and treatment of morphea.

Physalis angulata reduces the progression of chronic experimental periodontitis by immunomodulatory mechanisms

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Physalis angulata is an herb found in tropical and subtropical regions of the world; it is widely applied in popular medicine due to the therapeutic properties of the whole plant and its parts. Extracts and infusions of this plant have been extensively applied in folk medicine worldwide to treat inflammatory and immune-mediated diseases, including oral inflammatory conditions such as sore throat and gingivitis.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The present study was designed to investigate the protective effects of the ethanolic extract of P. angulata (EEPA) in a murine model of chronic periodontitis, aiming to corroborate its traditional use as an anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory agent, and to point out possible mechanisms involved in these effects.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

EEPA was obtained from the stems of P. angulata collected in Belém (PA, Brazil). Chronic periodontitis was induced in male C57BL/6 mice by 12 administrations of lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 20 μg/1μL) into the gingival papilla in the course of 28 days. Starting from the 15^th day after the first LPS injection, mice were daily treated with EEPA (50 or 100 mg/kg), nimesulide (25 mg/kg, reference drug), or vehicle by oral route for 14 days. At the end of the experimental period, alveolar bone loss was evaluated along with the gingival expression of biomarkers of periodontitis and cytokines by RT-q-PCR and ELISA. Hematological and biochemical parameters suggestive of systemic toxicity were also evaluated. The transcriptional activity of NF-κB was investigated using the luciferase assay in macrophages.

RESULTS

Mice with chronic experimental periodontitis suffered alveolar bone loss that was prevented by the treatment with EEPA (50 or 100 mg/kg) or nimesulide (25 mg/kg). EEPA (50 and 100 mg/kg) and nimesulide (25 mg/kg) reduced mRNA levels of MMP-9 mRNA, but not of TIMP-1 in gingival tissue of periodontitis-induced mice. Both treatments also reduced the production of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-6. The treatment with EEPA (100 mg/kg) increased the production of the anti-inflammatory cytokine TGF-β. No hematological or biochemical alterations were caused by the daily treatment with EEPA. In vitro luciferase assay suggested that a putative mechanism of EEPA is reducing the transcriptional activity of NF-κB.

CONCLUSIONS

EEPA exhibited a disease-modifying effect in the chronic experimental periodontitis, along with unidentifiable systemic toxicity. This work corroborates the traditional use of P. angulata in oral inflammatory conditions and provides mechanistic hypotheses to explain its therapeutic effects.

Evaluation of ROCEN on Burn Wound Healing and Thermal Pain: Transforming Growth Factor-β1 Activation

The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of liposomal arthrocen 2% (ROCEN) on the healing of burn wound and pain alleviation of thermal stimuli in a rat model of the second-degree burn. The results showed that ROCEN formulation significantly improved the main parameters of burn wound healing in a short period of time (7 days). The percentage of wound surface was also reduced significantly compared with the control group following once daily application of ROCEN for 14 days. The level of TGF (transforming growth factor)-β1 cytokine was also elevated significantly in the burn tissue treated with ROCEN almost the same as zinc oxide cream. Also, ROCEN showed a significant analgesic effect evaluated by 2 models of acute thermal pain, tail-flick and hotplate tests, which suggested that the formulation may act as a pain reliever in burn injuries. In conclusion, the application of the topical formulation of ROCEN may have benefits in the acceleration of the wound healing process and alleviation of the pain due to burn injuries.

Cho W, Martins N. Avocado-Soybean Unsaponifiables: A Panoply of Potentialities to Be Exploited

Avocado and soybean unsaponifiables (ASU) constitute vegetable extracts made from fruits and seeds of avocado and soybean oil. Characterized by its potent anti-inflammatory effects, this ASU mixture is recommended to act as an adjuvant treatment for osteoarthritic pain and slow-acting symptomatic treatment of hip and knee osteoarthritis; autoimmune diseases; diffuse scleroderma and scleroderma-like states (e.g., morphea, sclerodactyly, scleroderma in bands). Besides, it was reported that it can improve the mood and quality of life of postmenopausal women in reducing menopause-related symptoms. This article aims to summarize the studies on biological effects of the avocado-soybean unsaponifiable, its chemical composition, pharmacotherapy as well as applications in auto-immune, osteoarticular and menopausal disorders. Finally, we will also discuss on its safety, toxicological and regulatory practices.

Activated Human Lung Fibroblasts Produce Extracellular Vesicles with Antifibrotic Prostaglandins

The differentiation of interstitial lung fibroblasts into contractile myofibroblasts that proliferate and secrete excessive extracellular matrix is critical for the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis. Certain lipid signaling molecules, such as prostaglandins (PGs), can inhibit myofibroblast differentiation. However, the sources and delivery mechanisms of endogenous PGs are undefined. Activated primary human lung fibroblasts (HLFs) produce PGs such as PGE₂. We report that activation of primary HLFs with IL-1β inhibited transforming growth factor β-induced myofibroblast differentiation in both the IL-1β-treated cells themselves (autocrine signal) and adjacent naive HLFs in cocultures (paracrine signal). Additionally, we demonstrate for the first time that at least some of the antifibrotic effect of activated fibroblasts on nearby naive fibroblasts is carried by exosomes and other extracellular vesicles that contain several PGs, including high levels of the antifibrotic PGE₂. Thus, activated fibroblasts communicate with surrounding cells to limit myofibroblast differentiation and maintain homeostasis. This work opens the way for future research into extracellular vesicle-mediated intercellular signaling in the lung and may inform the development of novel therapies for fibrotic lung diseases.

Different effects of soybean isoflavone genistein on transforming growth factor levels during orthodontic tooth movement among young and old rabbits

Background: Orthodontic treatment to improve aesthetics and for health reasons is performed in children and adults. Elderly individuals have low levels of estrogen, this results in alveolar bone resorption being greater than alveolar bone apposition. Isoflavones present in soybeans may be able to improve the remodeling process through the induction of osteoblastogenesis by increasing transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) levels. This study aimed to assess the comparative effect of soybean genistein isoflavone to TGF-β1 during orthodontic tooth movement among juvenile and adult rabbits. Methods: In this study, 12 healthy female rabbits were used. Subjects were divided into four groups (n=3); YG group (young rabbits), YGI group (young rabbits + isoflavones genistein), OG group (old rabbits), and OGI group (old rabbits + isoflavones genistein). Two lower incisors of the rabbit were moved distally using an orthodontic force (50 grams force) delivered by an open coil spring, which was inserted between two brackets. During active movements, the genistein isoflavones were given from the initial installation of the device until days 21, at a dose of 1.2 mg/kg BW once a day. Measurement of TGF-β levels were performed on days 1, 7, 14, 21 after appliance installation. TGF-β1 expression was analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and the optical density (OD) of the sample quantifed using a standard curve. The data obtained were analyzed using one-way Anova followed by Tukey HSD test. Results: The TGF-β1 levels were found to highest in the YGI group, and the TGF-β levels were significantly lower in the OG group ( p<0.05). ELISA analysis also revealed that TGF-β1 levels of the OGI group were significantly higher when compared with the OG group ( p<0.05). Conclusion: The administration of soybean genistein isoflavones could improve TGF-β1 levels in old rabbit's during active orthodontic tooth movement.

Different effects of soybean isoflavone genistein on transforming growth factor levels during orthodontic tooth movement among young and old rabbits

Background: Orthodontic treatment to improve aesthetics and for health reasons is performed in children and adults. Elderly individuals have low levels of estrogen, this results in alveolar bone resorption being greater than alveolar bone apposition. Isoflavones present in soybeans may be able to improve the remodeling process through the induction of osteoblastogenesis by increasing transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) levels. This study aimed to assess the comparative effect of soybean genistein isoflavone to TGF-β1 during orthodontic tooth movement among juvenile and adult rabbits. Methods: In this study, 12 healthy female rabbits were used. Subjects were divided into four groups (n=3); YG group (young rabbits), YGI group (young rabbits + isoflavones genistein), OG group (old rabbits), and OGI group (old rabbits + isoflavones genistein). Two lower incisors of the rabbit were moved distally using an orthodontic force (50 grams force) delivered by an open coil spring, which was inserted between two brackets. During active movements, the genistein isoflavones were given from the initial installation of the device until days 21, at a dose of 1.2 mg/kg BW once a day. Measurement of TGF-β levels were performed on days 1, 7, 14, 21 after appliance installation. TGF-β1 expression was analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and the optical density (OD) of the sample quantifed using a standard curve. The data obtained were analyzed using one-way Anova followed by Tukey HSD test. Results: The TGF-β1 levels were found to highest in the YGI group, and the TGF-β levels were significantly lower in the OG group ( p<0.05). ELISA analysis also revealed that TGF-β1 levels of the OGI group were significantly higher when compared with the OG group ( p<0.05). Conclusion: The administration of soybean genistein isoflavones could improve TGF-β1 levels in old rabbit's during active orthodontic tooth movement.

The Odyssey of Bioactive Compounds in Avocado (Persea americana) and Their Health Benefits

Persea americana, commonly known as avocado, has recently gained substantial popularity and is often marketed as a "superfood" because of its unique nutritional composition, antioxidant content, and biochemical profile. However, the term "superfood" can be vague and misleading, as it is often associated with unrealistic health claims. This review draws a comprehensive summary and assessment of research performed in the last few decades to understand the nutritional and therapeutic properties of avocado and its bioactive compounds. In particular, studies reporting the major metabolites of avocado, their antioxidant as well as bioavailability and pharmacokinetic properties, are summarized and assessed. Furthermore, the potential of avocado in novel drug discovery for the prevention and treatment of cancer, microbial, inflammatory, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases is highlighted. This review also proposes several interesting future directions for avocado research.

Effect of avocado/soybean unsaponifiables on periodontal repair in rats with arthritis and induced periodontitis

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of avocado/soybean unsaponifiables (ASU) on periodontal repair in rats with induced periodontitis and arthritis.

METHODOLOGY

Forty-five rats were submitted to periodontitis induction by insertion of ligatures into the upper second molars, maintained for 15 days. These animals were randomly allocated to 3 groups according to the presence of induced arthritis (ART) and the application of the ASU: Control (CTR) group-healthy animals, where saline solution was administered; ART-animals with induced arthritis, where saline solution was administered; ART/ASU-animals with induced arthritis, where ASU (0.6 mg/ kg) was administered. The drugs were administered daily by gavage and the animals were euthanized after 7, 15 and 30 days of the ligature removal. Bone resorption, inflammatory infiltrate composition and marker proteins expression of the differentiation and formation of osteoclasts (RANKL and TRAP) were assessed.

RESULTS

The ART/ASU group presented higher bone volume than the ART group at 7 and 30 days after the ligature removal. Furthermore, the ART group presented higher quantity of inflammatory cells and expression of TRAP and RANKL than the other groups.

CONCLUSION

ASU administration improves the repair of periodontal tissues in an experimental periodontitis model in rats with induced arthritis.

Estimation of Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic Effects of Topical NANOCEN (Nanoliposomal Arthrocen) on Mice

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of topical application of nanoliposomal avocado/soybean unsaponifiables (NANOCEN) on inflammation inhibition and pain relief in mice. NANOCEN was prepared by the injection method and characterized for vesicle size, charge, entrapment efficiency, in vitro release, and 1-month vesicle stability. The analysis of ASU formulation showed that liposomes had an average size of around 146 nm with a surface charge of - 43 mV. SEM and TEM imaging confirmed the spherical shape of the nanovesicles in ASU formulation. Moreover, ASU nanoliposomes had a high entrapment efficiency (96%) and exhibited significantly (p < 0.0001) sustained release of the drug in vitro model. The topical NANOCEN (ASU 2%) showed robust anti-inflammatory (p < 0.01) and analgesic effect (p < 0.01) superior to ibuprofen 5%. The histopathology of the inflamed tissues confirmed that the topical ASU formulation potentially (p < 0.001) inhibited infiltration of inflammatory cells. Our findings suggest that the topical formulation of NANOCEN may have local applications for pain relief in medicine.

Use of traditional herbal medicine as an alternative in dental treatment in Mexican dentistry: a review

CONTEXT

Herbal therapies are used worldwide to treat health conditions. In Mexico, generations have used them to treat gingivitis, periodontitis, mouth infections, and discoloured teeth. However, few studies have collected scientific evidence on their effects.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed at searching and compiling scientific evidence of alternative oral and dental treatments using medicinal herbs from Mexico.

METHODS

We collected various Mexican medicinal plants used in the dental treatment from the database of the Institute of Biology at the National Autonomous University of Mexico. To correlate with existing scientific evidence, we used the PubMed database with the key term '(scientific name) and (oral or dental)'.

RESULTS

Mexico has various medical herbs with antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, according to ancestral medicinal books and healers. Despite a paucity of experimental research demonstrating the antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antiplaque effects of these Mexican plants, they could still be useful as an alternative treatment of several periodontal diseases or as anticariogenic agents. However, the number of studies supporting their uses and effects remains insufficient.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

It is important for the health of consumers to scientifically demonstrate the real effects of natural medicine, as well as clarify and establish their possible therapeutic applications. Through this bibliographical revision, we found papers that testify or refute their ancestral uses, and conclude that the use of plants to treat oral conditions or to add to the dental pharmacological arsenal should be based on experimental studies verifying their suitability for dental treatments.

Effects of avocado/soybean unsaponifiables (ASU) on the treatment of ligature-induced periodontitis in rats

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of the avocado/soybean unsaponifiables (ASU) on the treatment of induced periodontitis in rats. Periodontitis was induced in 84 rats via ligature placement around the second upper molar, which was removed after 7 days, and scaling and root planning (SRP) was performed at this time. Subsequently, the rats were randomly allocated to four groups with 21 animals each: One SRP group in which saline solution was administered (SS), and three groups in which ASU was administered (0.6 g/kg/day), beginning either 7 days before the induction of periodontitis (SRP/ASU-7), on the day of periodontitis induction (SRP/ASU0), or on the day of treatment (SRP/ASU+7). ASU and SS were administered daily by gavage until the sacrifice of the animals (7, 15, and 30 days after SRP). The % bone in the furcation area was evaluated by histomorphometry and micro-CT. The expression of proteins (TRAP, RANKL, and alkaline phosphatase) and mRNA (IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, RANKL, and alkaline phosphatase) were evaluated by immunohistochemistry and qPCR. The SRP/ASU+7 group presented a higher percentage of bone fill in the furcation area and higher expression of alkaline phosphatase than in the SRP group (at 7 and 30 days, respectively). The SRP/ASU0 and SRP/ASU+7 groups presented lower expression levels of RANKL mRNA than the SRP and SRP/ASU-7 groups at 15 days. ASU administration on the day of the SRP treatment of the ligature-induced periodontitis promoted subtle beneficial effects on periodontal repair following the treatment of induced periodontitis within the experimental period of 7 days.

Effect of avocado/soybean unsaponifiables on ligature-induced bone loss and bone repair after ligature removal in rats

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of administration of avocado/soybean unsaponifiable (ASU), a drug that is commonly used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, on ligature-induced bone loss and bone repair after ligature removal in rats.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Eighty-four rats were randomly assigned to four groups of equal size and received a daily gavage of either sterile saline [control (CTR)] or ASU (0.6 mg/kg), starting 7 d before (ASU/-7), on the day of (ASU/0) or 7 d after (ASU/+7) periodontitis induction. Periodontitis was induced by placing silk ligatures into the gingival sulcus of the second maxillary molars for 7 d; after 7 d, the ligatures were removed. Seven rats from each group were sacrificed, 7, 15 or 30 d after ligature removal. Bone resorption was evaluated by histomorphometry and micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). Immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate the expression of TRAP, RANKL and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and quantitative PCR (qPCR) was used to evaluate the levels of interleukin-1beta (Il1β), tumor necrosis factor alpha (Tnfα), interleukin-6 (Il-6), Rankl and Alp. Statistical analysis was performed using the Shapiro-Wilk test, ANOVA and Tukey's test for normal data, and using the Kruskall-Wallis and Dunnet's tests for non-normal data (p < 0.05).

RESULTS

Histomorphometry and micro-CT analysis showed greater bone resorption in the CTR group than in the ASU/0 (15 d) and ASU/+7 (7 and 15 d) groups. The CTR group also presented with a higher expression of TRAP (15 and 30 d) and RANKL (7 and 15 d) compared with ASU/0 and ASU/+7 groups. Similarly, qPCR analysis showed higher levels of Rankl and Il1β mRNAs, and lower levels of Alp mRNA, in the CTR group compared with all other groups (for all periods).

CONCLUSION

ASU exhibited a positive effect on bone repair following ligature-induced periodontitis in rats.

Role of periodontal ligament fibroblasts in osteoclastogenesis: a review

During the last decade it has become clear that periodontal ligament fibroblasts may contribute to the in vitro differentiation of osteoclasts. We surveyed the current findings regarding their osteoclastogenesis potential. Periodontal ligament fibroblasts have the capacity to select and attract osteoclast precursors and subsequently to retract and enable migration of osteoclast precursors to the bone surface. There, fusion of precursors takes place, giving rise to osteoclasts. The RANKL-RANK-osteoprotegerin (OPG) axis is considered crucial in this process. Periodontal ligament fibroblasts produce primarily OPG, an osteoclastogenesis-inhibitory molecule. However, they may be influenced in vivo by direct or indirect interactions with bacteria or by mechanical loading. Incubation of periodontal ligament fibroblasts with bacteria or bacterial components causes an increased expression of RANKL and other osteoclastogenesis-stimulating molecules, such as tumor necrosis factor-α and macrophage-colony stimulating factor. Similar results are observed after the application of mechanical loading to these fibroblasts. Periodontal ligament fibroblasts may be considered to play an important role in the remodelling of alveolar bone. In vitro experiments have demonstrated that periodontal ligament fibroblasts adapt to bacterial and mechanical stimuli by synthesizing higher levels of osteoclastogenesis-stimulating molecules. Therefore, they probably contribute to the enhanced osteoclast formation observed during periodontitis and to orthodontic tooth movement.

Evaluation of gingival crevicular fluid levels of tissue plasminogen activator, plasminogen activator inhibitor 2, matrix metalloproteinase-3 and interleukin 1-β in patients with different periodontal diseases

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the gingival crevicular fluid levels of interleukin-1beta (IL-1β), matrix metalloproteinases-3 (MMP-3), tissue type plasminogen activator (t-PA) and plasminogen activator inhibitor 2 (PAI-2) in patients with chronic periodontitis, aggressive periodontitis (AgP) and healthy individuals (controls).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Systemically healthy (21 chronic periodontitis, 23 AgP and 20 controls) subjects were included in this study. Plaque index, gingival index, probing pocket depth and clinical attachment level were recorded and gingival crevicular fluid samples were collected. Assays for IL-1β, MMP-3, t-PA and PAI-2 levels in gingival crevicular fluid were carried out by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The one-sample Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, Mann-Whitney U test and Spearman correlation coefficient were used for data analyses.

RESULTS

Gingival crevicular fluid levels of t-PA and IL-1β were significantly higher in chronic periodontitis and AgP groups than in the control group (p < 0.001). MMP-3 levels in gingival crevicular fluid were detected as significantly higher in the chronic periodontitis and AgP groups compared with the control group (p < 0.05). The t-PA/PAI-2 rate of patients with chronic periodontitis and AgP were significantly higher than the control group (p < 0.05). The positive correlations were found among the PAI-2, t-PA, IL-1β and MMP-3 levels in gingival crevicular fluid. The volume of the gingival crevicular fluid correlated with all of the clinical parameters (p < 0.001). There were positive correlations between the gingival crevicular fluid levels of PAI-2 and the probing pocket depth and between gingival crevicular fluid levels of PAI-2 and the clinical attachment level (p < 0.01). Similarly, significant correlations were found between t-PA levels and probing pocket depth and between t-PA levels and clinical attachment level measurements (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The present data showed that gingival crevicular fluid levels of IL-1 β, MMP-3 and t-PA increased in periodontal disease regardless of the periodontitis type and played a part in tissue destruction.

The effect of α-tocopherol and selenium on human gingival fibroblasts and periodontal ligament fibroblasts in vitro

BACKGROUND

The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effect of α-tocopherol and selenium on gingival fibroblasts (GFs) and periodontal ligament fibroblasts (PDLFs) in terms of proliferation, basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) release, collagen type I synthesis, and wound healing.

METHODS

Primary cultures of human GFs and PDLFs were isolated. Four test groups and a control group free of medication was formed. In group E, 60 μM α-tocopherol was used, and in groups ES1, ES2, and ES3, the combination of 60 μM α-tocopherol with 5 × 10(-9) M, 10 × 10(-9) M, and 50 × 10(-9) M selenium was used, respectively. Viability, proliferation, bFGF, and collagen type I synthesis from both cell types were evaluated at 24, 48, and 72 hours, and healing was compared on a new wound-healing model at 12, 24, 36, 48, and 72 hours.

RESULTS

α-Tocopherol alone significantly increased the healing rate of PDLFs at 12 hours and increased bFGF and collagen type I release from GFs and PDLFs at 24, 48, and 72 hours. The α-tocopherol/selenium combination significantly enhanced the proliferation rate of both cells at 48 hours, decreased the proliferation of PDLFs at 72 hours, and increased the healing rate of GFs at 12 hours and PDLFs at 12 and 48 hours. bFGF and collagen type I synthesis was also increased in both cell types at 24, 48, and 72 hours by α-tocopherol/selenium combination.

CONCLUSION

α-Tocopherol and α-tocopherol/selenium combination is able to accelerate the proliferation rate and wound-healing process and increase the synthesis of bFGF and collagen type I from both GFs and PDLFs.

Intraarticular and Systemic Inflammatory Profiles May Identify Patients with Osteoarthritis

Objective.

To determine whether cytokine/chemokine profiles from synovial fluid and sera discriminate mild/moderate osteoarthritis (OA) from normal and severe OA cohorts.

Methods.

Multiplex technology was used to quantify expression levels for 42 cytokines in the synovial fluid of patients diagnosed with severe OA (n = 20) and mild/moderate OA (n = 12), as well as normal controls (n = 34). The same 42 cytokines were examined in serum samples of patients with severe OA (n = 26) and mild/moderate OA (n = 74) and normal individuals (n = 100). Treatment group comparisons followed by principal component analysis (PCA) and K-means clustering of the significantly different cytokines/chemokines revealed groupings of patients by physician diagnosis.

Results.

Differences in cytokine/chemokine levels were found between control, mild/moderate OA, and severe OA synovial fluid samples, as well as between normal and mild/moderate OA serum samples, and between control and severe OA serum samples. No differences were observed between mild/moderate and severe OA serum samples. Visual groupings based on PCA were validated by K-means analysis, with the best results obtained from the comparison of normal and mild/moderate OA serum samples with 96% of normal and 93% of mild/moderate OA samples accurately identified.

Conclusion.

Our study suggests that comparing the expression levels of cytokines/chemokines in synovial fluid and/or serum of patients with OA may have promise as a diagnostic platform to identify patients early in their disease course. This high-throughput low-cost assay may be able to provide clinicians with a diagnostic test to complement existing clinical and imaging modalities currently used to diagnose OA.

Prospective potency of TGF-β1 on maintenance and regeneration of periodontal tissue

Periodontal ligament (PDL) tissue, central in the periodontium, plays crucial roles in sustaining tooth in the bone socket. Irreparable damages of this tissue provoke tooth loss, causing a decreased quality of life. The question arises as to how PDL tissue is maintained or how the lost PDL tissue can be regenerated. Stem cells included in PDL tissue (PDLSCs) are widely accepted to have the potential to maintain or regenerate the periodontium, but PDLSCs are very few in number. In recent studies, undifferentiated clonal human PDL cell lines were developed to elucidate the applicable potentials of PDLSCs for the periodontal regenerative medicine based on cell-based tissue engineering. In addition, it has been suggested that transforming growth factor-beta 1 is an eligible factor for the maintenance and regeneration of PDL tissue.

Interactions of regenerative, inflammatory and biomechanical signals on bone morphogenetic protein-2 in periodontal ligament cells

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Regeneration of periodontal tissues by EMD remains a major challenge because a number of modifying factors are as yet unknown. The effects of EMD seem to be mediated, at least in part, by bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2). This in vitro study was performed to examine whether the effects of EMD on BMP-2 activity are modulated by inflammatory and/or biomechanical signals.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

  Periodontal ligament cells were seeded on BioFlex(®) plates and exposed to EMD under normal, inflammatory or biomechanical loading conditions for 1 and 6 d. In order to mimic proinflammatory or biomechanical loading conditions in vitro, cells were stimulated with interleukin-1β (IL-1β), which is increased at inflamed periodontal sites, and cyclic tensile strain of various magnitudes, respectively. The synthesis of BMP-2, its receptors (BMPR-1A, BMPR-1B and BMPR-2) and its inhibitors (follistatin, matrix gla protein and noggin) were analyzed using real-time RT-PCR and ELISA.

RESULTS

In EMD-treated cells, BMP-2 synthesis was increased significantly at 1 d. EMD also induced the expression of all BMP receptors, and of the BMP inhibitors follistatin and noggin. In general, IL-1β and biomechanical loading neither down-regulated BMP-2 nor up-regulated BMP inhibitors in EMD-stimulated cells. However, IL-1β and biomechanical loading, when applied for a longer time period, caused a down-regulation of EMD-induced BMP receptors.

CONCLUSION

EMD induces not only BMP-2, but also its receptors and inhibitors, in PDL cells. IL-1β and biomechanical forces may counteract the beneficial effects of EMD on BMP-2 activity via the down-regulation of BMP receptors.

In vitro evaluation of genotoxicity of avocado (Persea americana) fruit and leaf extracts in human peripheral lymphocytes

Persea americana is much sought after both for the nutritional value of its fruit and the medicinal values of its various plant parts. A chromosomal aberration assay was undertaken to evaluate the potential genotoxicity of crude extracts from avocado fruits and leaves. Chromosomal aberrations were observed in cultured human peripheral lymphocytes exposed to separately increasing concentrations of 50% methanolic extracts of Persea americana fruit and leaves. The groups exposed to leaf and fruit extracts, respectively, showed a concentration-dependent increase in chromosomal aberrations as compared to that in a control group. The mean percentage total aberrant metaphases at 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, and 300 mg/kg concentrations of leaf extract were found respectively to be 58 ± 7.05, 72 ± 6.41, and 78 ± 5.98, which were significantly higher (p < 0.0001 each) than that in the control group (6 ± 3.39). The mean percentage total aberrant metaphases at 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, and 300 mg/kg concentrations of fruit extract were found to be 18 ± 5.49, 40 ± 10.00, and 52 ± 10.20, respectively, which were significantly higher (p = 0.033, p < 0.0001, and p < 0.0001, respectively) than that for control (6 ± 3.39). Acrocentric associations and premature centromeric separation were the two most common abnormalities observed in both the exposed groups. The group exposed to leaf extracts also showed a significant number of a variety of other structural aberrations, including breaks, fragments, dicentrics, terminal deletion, minutes, and Robertsonian translocations. The group exposed to leaf extract showed higher frequency of all types of aberrations at equal concentrations as compared to the group exposed to fruit extract.

Evidence of effectiveness of herbal medicinal products in the treatment of arthritis. Part I: Osteoarthritis

Herbal medicinal products (HMPs) are used in a variety of oral and topical forms for the treatment of osteoarthritis. The aim of this study was to update a previous systematic review published in 2000. We searched electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CISCOM, AMED, CINAHL, Cochrane registers) to June 2007, unrestricted by date or language, and included randomized controlled trials that compared HMPs with inert (placebo) or active controls in patients with osteoarthritis. Five reviewers contributed to data extraction. Disagreements were discussed and resolved by consensus with reference to Cochrane guidelines and advice from the Cochrane Collaboration.Thirty-five studies (30 studies identified for this review update, and 5 studies included in the original review) evaluating the effectiveness of 22 HMPs were included. However, due to differing HMPs, interventions, comparators, and outcome measures, meta-analysis was restricted to data from studies of three HMPs: topical capsaicin, avocado-soybean unsaponifiables, and the Chinese herbal mixture SKI306X showed benefit in the alleviation of osteoarthritic pain.Several studies investigating products from devil's claw, and a powder from rose hip and seed, reported favorable effects on osteoarthritic pain, whereas two studies of a willow bark extract returned disparate results. Three studies of Phytodolor N(R) were of limited use because doses and measures were inconsistent among trials. The remaining single studies for each HMP provided moderate evidence of effectiveness. No serious side effects were reported with any herbal intervention.Despite some evidence, the effectiveness of none of the HMPs is proven beyond doubt. The obvious potential benefits of HMPs in the treatment of osteoarthritis are reduced reliance on synthetic medications with the associated risks of harmful adverse events, but further clinical trials are necessary before HMPs can be adopted in osteoarthritis treatment guidelines.

Evidence of effectiveness of herbal antiinflammatory drugs in the treatment of painful osteoarthritis and chronic low back pain

Treatment with herbal medicines is very popular in Europe. In order to get information on the evidence of effectiveness of oral herbal medicines in the treatment of pain in the joints or lower back, OVID(MEDLINE), PUBMED and COCHRANE COLLABORATION LIBRARY were searched back to 1985 for systematic reviews. The level of evidence of effectiveness was defined as strong - at least two confirmatory studies demonstrating a clinical relevant effect, moderate - one confirmatory study with a clinical relevant effect and/or multiple exploratory studies of good quality; otherwise the evidence was insufficient or conflicting in the case of inconsistent findings. Fifteen systematic reviews were identified. The evidence of effectiveness was strong for a proprietary unsaponifiable avocado soybean fraction and Harpagophytum preparations containing > 50 mg harpagoside in the daily dosage, moderate for ginger and a proprietary rose hip and seed powder, insufficient for Boswellia serrata gum resin and other herbal preparations and inconsistent for a proprietary willow bark extract. Further rigorous studies are required to confirm the usefulness of herbal medicines in the treatment of osteoarthritic complaints and chronic low back pain in order to enable acceptance of the herbal medicines into the treatment guidelines.