Gender difference in tooth autotransplantation with complete root formation: a retrospective survey

Gender-related risk factors in the survival of transplanted teeth with complete root formation have not yet been identified. The purpose of this study was to investigate gender differences in tooth autotransplantation at dental clinics. We asked participating dentists to provide information on transplantations they had undertaken from 1 January 1990 to 1931 December 2010. The data were screened to exclude patients who underwent more than one transplantation, smokers or those whose smoking habits were unknown, patients under 30 or who were 70 years old and over, cases where the transplanted teeth had incomplete root formation or multiple roots and those with fewer than 20 present teeth post-operation. We analysed 73 teeth of 73 males (mean age, 47.2 years) and 106 teeth of 106 females (mean age, 45.3 years) in this study. The cumulative survival rate and mean survival time were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. The cumulative survival rate for males was 88.3% at the 5-year mark, 64.8% at 10 years and 48.6% at 15 years; for females, it was 97.2% at the 5-year mark, 85.9% at 10 years and 85.9% at 15 years. A log-rank test indicated the difference between males and females to be significant (P = 0.011). There was also a significant difference in the main causes for the loss of transplanted teeth: males lost more transplanted teeth due to attachment loss than females (P < 0.05). These results indicate that males require more attention during the autotransplantation process, particularly at the stage of pre-operation evaluation and that of follow-up maintenance.

Risk factors affecting third molar autotransplantation in males: a retrospective survey in dental clinics

The aim of this study was to investigate the risk factors affecting long-term prognosis of autotransplantation of third molars with complete root formation in males at dental clinics. Participating dentists were requested to provide information on transplantations they had undertaken from 1 January 1990 to 31 December 2010. Data on a total of 708 teeth from 637 patients were collected. After data screening and elimination, participants of this study consisted of 183 teeth of 171 males ranging from 20 to 72 years of age (mean age, 44·8 years). The cumulative survival rate was 86·0% at the 5-year mark, 59·1% at 10 years and 28·0% at 15 years. The mean survival time was 134·5 months, as calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method. Single factor analysis using the log-rank test showed that the following factors had significant influence (P < 0·05) on survival of transplanted teeth: periodontal disease as the reason for recipient site tooth extraction, fewer than 25 present teeth and Eichner index Groups B1 to C. Cox regression analysis examined five factors: age, smoking habit, recipient site extraction caused by periodontal disease, fewer than 25 present teeth and Eichner index. This analysis showed that two of these factors were significant: fewer than 25 present teeth was 2·63 (95% CI, 1·03-6·69) and recipient site extraction caused by periodontal disease was 3·80 (95% CI, 1·61-9·01). The results of this study suggest that long-term survival of transplanted teeth in males is influenced not only by oral bacterium but also by occlusal status.

Evaluation of histamine-induced conjunctival oedema in guinea pigs by means of image analysis

BACKGROUND

Conjunctival oedema is commonly observed in patients with allergic conjunctivitis and can be induced by histamine. In animal models of allergic conjunctivitis, conjunctival oedema is generally evaluated by measuring the extravasation of Evans blue dye into the conjunctiva. A limitation of this method is that it only allows evaluation at a single time point. The aim of the present study was to investigate kinetic changes in histamine-induced bulbar oedema.

METHODS

Evans blue dye was injected intravenously into male guinea pigs. Histamine eye-drops were administered 30 min later. One group of animals received levocabastine (an antihistamine) eye-drops 10 min before histamine challenge. A digital camera was used to obtain images of the bulbar conjunctiva at 1 min intervals until 30 min after histamine challenge. The conjunctivas were then harvested, and the concentration of Evans blue was measured. The ImageJ software was used to analyse the images by counting the number of absolute pixel values.

RESULTS

The degree of conjunctival oedema increased progressively until 20 min after histamine challenge and then stabilised. Correspondingly, the number of absolute pixel values increased significantly until 5 min after histamine challenge, then increased gradually until the 20 min time point and finally plateaued. Pixel values were significantly lower in animals treated with levocabastine than in control animals. A significant correlation was observed between the pixel values of the conjunctival images and the concentration of Evans blue in the conjunctiva.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first study to have quantitatively evaluated kinetic changes in histamine-induced bulbar oedema by means of image analysis.

[Successful treatment with end-to-end ureteral anastomosis for ureteral avulsion caused by abdominal blunt trauma: a case report]

Avulsion of ureter without renal injury is rarely caused by blunt trauma, only 28 cases having been reported in Japan. A 33-year-old male was admitted to our hospital 1 month after blunt abdominal trauma at work. He complained of left flank pain and macroscopic hematuria. Under the suspicion of renal or ureteral injury, drip infusion urography and abdominal computerized tomography revealed an extravasation from the left upper ureter and urinoma formation in the retroperitoneal cavity. In order to reduce the inflammation, the urinoma was drained. The retrograde pyelogram revealed complete obstruction at the left upper ureter, 20 cm from the left ureteral orifice. Urinary tract reconstruction, end-to-end ureteral anastomosis, was performed under the diagnosis of left ureteral avulsion. Drip infusion urography revealed normal ureteral healing without stricture formation at 2 years after reconstruction.

16 beta-Methyl-17 alpha,21-diesterified glucocorticoids as partial agonists of glucocorticoid in rat endotoxin-induced inflammation

OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN

We investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of 16 beta-methyl-17 alpha,21-diesterified glucocorticoids which are well known as potent topical glucocorticoids in man on endotoxin-induced uveitis (EIU) in rats.

MATERIAL

Female Lewis rats were used.

TREATMENT

Glucocorticoids were instilled (0.01%-1.0%) or subcutaneously injected (0.1-10 mg/kg) to rats.

METHODS

To elicit EIU, LPS (500 micrograms/kg) was injected into the footpad of rats. Twelve hours after LPS injection, cell number in aqueous humor was counted by flow cytometry. Endotoxin-induced in vivo tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) production was also examined.

RESULTS

16 beta-methyl-17 alpha,21-diesterified glucocorticoids showed no effects or some enhancement of cell infiltration into the aqueous humor in EIU by topical instillation. Systemic injection of these glucocorticoids showed only weak inhibition of cell infiltration and TNF-alpha production. On the other hand, betamethasone phosphate strongly inhibited the cell infiltration and TNF-alpha production. Combined systemic injection of 16 beta-methyl-17 alpha,21-diesterified glucocorticoids and betamethasone phosphate reduced the inhibitory effects of the latter.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that 16 beta-methyl-17 alpha,21-diesterified glucocorticoids might act as partial agonists of glucocorticoid in rats.

The effects of betamethasone derivatives on endotoxin-induced uveitis in rats

The anti-inflammatory effects of betamethasone and its derivatives (betamethasone 21-phosphate, betamethasone 21-acetate, betamethasone 17-valerate, clobetasol 17-propionate and betamethasone dipropionate) on endotoxin-induced uveitis (EIU) in rats was investigated. Among the compounds examined, betamethasone, betamethasone 21-phosphate, betamethasone 21-acetate and clobetasol 17-propionate strongly inhibited cell infiltration into the aqueous humor in the EIU by instillation into the eye in a dose-dependent manner (0.01-1.0%) and by systemic administration (1 mg kg-1). On the other hand, betamethasone 17-valerate and betamethasone dipropionate showed only weak inhibitory effects or enhancement of cell infiltration by instillation into the eye (0.01-1.0%) and by systemic administration (1 mg kg-1). Combined systemic administration of betamethasone dipropionate and betamethasone reduced the inhibitory effect of betamethasone on cell infiltration and gene expression of IL-1 beta. In an in vitro interleukin-8 (IL-8) release assay, betamethasone showed stronger inhibition of the IL-8 release from rat peritoneal exudate cells (PEC) than betamethasone dipropionate, and simultaneous addition of betamethasone dipropionate with betamethasone reduced the inhibitory effect of the latter. These results suggest that the betamethasone derivative betamethasone dipropionate might behave as an anti-glucocorticoid in rats.

Arachidonic acid stimulates corneal epithelial migration

We determined the concentration dependent effects of arachidonic acid between 0.3 and 30 x 10(-6) M on corneal epithelial migration, in an organ culture system of the rabbit cornea. With 3 x 10(-6) M arachidonic acid, corneal epithelial migration was maximally stimulated by 51%. The cyclooxygenase inhibitors, indomethacin, ketoprofen, flurbiprofen and diclofenac sodium also all had a tendency to stimulate corneal epithelial migration at low concentrations (0.1 or 1 x 10(-6) M). However, the inhibitory effect of epithelial migration was observed at higher concentration (100 x 10(-6) M) of these compounds. On the other hand, the selective 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor, AA-861 over a concentration range from 0.1 to 10 x 10(-6) M maximally inhibited corneal epithelial migration by 25%. These results suggest that during wound healing some of the increased release of arachidonic acid may be derived from a metabolite of the 5-lipoxygenase pathway which may in turn hasten wound closure.

Effect of ascorbic acid 2-O-alpha-glucoside on hydrocortisone-induced cataract formation in developing chick embryos: II. Influence on glutathione and lipid peroxide contents in the lens

In developing chick embryos, hydrocortisone induces cataract formation following a decrease in lens glutathione content but an increase in lipid peroxide content in lens, blood and liver. The preventive effects of ascorbic acid 2-O-alpha-glucoside (AA-2G) on these parameters were compared on cataract formation with those of ascorbic acid (AsA) and ascorbic acid 2-O-phosphate (AA-2P). In these tissues, AA-2G inhibited a decrease in glutathione content and an increase in lipid peroxide content more effectively than either AsA or AA-2P. Various tissues including lens and liver have alpha-glucosidase activity, strongly suggesting that AsA is enzymatically liberated from AA-2G in these tissues. In summary, these results suggest that AA-2G exerts a potent anti-cataract activity via a reduction in oxidative damage through AsA release.

A study on lipid peroxide-induced lens damage in vitro

The effects of linolenic acid hydroperoxide (LAPO) on isolated rat lenses were investigated, because they are believed to be cataractogenic in vivo. They were also compared with the effect of linolenic acid (LA), source of LAPO. Rat lenses, which were exposed for 5 hr to either 210 microM or 420 microM LAPO, became cloudy and this change was associated with increases in the level of malondialdehyde (MDA), a breakdown product of lipid peroxide, and decreases in non-protein thiol (NP-SH) content. Concomitantly, there were changes in cation contents: Na+ and Ca2+ were increased whereas K+ and Mg2+ were decreased. The changes in the levels of the above parameters, correlated with the concentration and the treatment time of LAPO to which the lenses were exposed. The increase of MDA was 2-4-fold over normal level and was consistent with those in cataractous lenses of the human and experimental animal models. On the other hand, if the lenses were exposed to LA, the only change observed was a small alteration of cationic content. If the lenses were cultured for an additional 24 hr in the absence of either LA or LAPO, the cation content continued to change only in those lenses which were previously exposed to LAPO. These results show that at concentrations of lipid peroxides, which are associated with the development of cataract in the human and animal models, there are changes in vitro in cation content, MDA and NP-SH levels, which accompany the development of a lens opacity.

Effect of ascorbic acid 2-0-alpha-glucoside on hydrocortisone-induced cataract formation in developing chick embryos: I. Comparison of the preventive effect of ascorbic acid derivatives

The effect of ascorbic acid 2-O-alpha-glucoside (AA-2G) on hydrocortisone (HC)-induced lens opacity in developing chick embryo was examined and compared with those of ascorbic acid (AsA) and ascorbic acid 2-phosphate (AA-2P). The opacity was dose-dependently inhibited by a single administration of 10 or 20 mumol/egg of AA-2G and by three repeated administrations of 1, 3 or 10 mumol/egg of AA-2G. AA-2G was the most effective among the three compounds. Glucose did not enhance the preventive effect of AsA against HC-induced opacity, and neither dehydro ascorbic acid nor glucose also prevented HC-induced cataract. In the histological study, we observed many small vacuoles in the nuclear region of the opaque lens treated with HC. AA-2G inhibited the formation of such vacuoles, an effect closely correlated with the prevention of cataract formation.

Dopaminergic unique affinity of tetrahydroberberine and l-tetrahydroberberine-d-camphor sulfonate

l-Tetrahydroberberine-d-camphor sulfonate (THB-CS) possessed an inhibitory effect on apomorphine-induced chewing movement in a similar manner to that of tetrahydroberberine (THB). Both compounds enhanced barbiturate-induced hypnosis. They did not have an anticonvulsant effect on convulsive seizures induced by bicuculline, pentetrazole or strychnine. THB and THB-CS blocked dopamine-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity. These compounds showed almost equipotent affinities to dopamine D1 (3H-SCH-23390) and D2 (3H-spiperone) receptors but did not have significant affinity to mu-opioid, muscarinic and alpha 2-adrenergic receptors, and benzodiazepine binding sites. Furthermore, both compounds did not elicit cataleptogenic behavior, even at very high doses. These data suggest that THB and THB-CS have a central depressant effect through both D1 and D2 dopaminergic receptors and may have different modes of action from that of standard neuroleptics.

Inflammatory mediators in postoperative aphakic and pseudophakic baboon eyes

We measured prostaglandin E2 and leukotriene B4 in the aqueous humor of baboon eyes, 1 or 8 days after phacoemulsification, with or without posterior chamber lens implantation. We also evaluated the effects of steroid eye drops and cyclooxygenase inhibitor eye drops on the synthesis of these mediators of inflammation. Eyes that had undergone phacoemulsification showed significant elevation of prostaglandin E2 at both postoperative periods compared with normal, phakic control eyes. The level of prostaglandin E2 was significantly (P less than .05) higher in eyes with posterior chamber lens implantation than in those without it, and was significantly (P less than .05) higher on the eighth than on the first postoperative day. The amount of leukotriene B4 was below the detection limit, except in the few eyes in which complications developed. Cyclooxygenase inhibitor eye drops significantly reduced the amount of prostaglandin E2 on both postoperative days, while steroid eye drops had no such effect.

Pharmacological investigations of the new antiinflammatory agent 2-(10,11-dihydro-10-oxodibenzo[b,f]thiepin-2-yl)propionic acid. 3rd communication: inhibitory effects on leucocyte emigration and proliferation of granulation

The effects of 2-(10,11-dihydro-10-oxodibenzo [b,f]thiepin-2-yl)propionic acid (CN-100), which has a significant inhibitory effect on acute inflammatory reactions, on leucocyte emigration and proliferation of granulation were examined in this study. The compound obviously inhibited the protein exudation and polymorph emigration 6 h after application of carboxymethylcellulose pouch method. It also definitely inhibited the monocyte emigration occurring 24 h after carrageenin pleurisy, and the inhibitory activity of the compound was nearly equal to that of pranoprofen and weaker than that of indometacin. CN-100 inhibited the proliferation of granulation in the test by paper disk method, i.e., the compound inhibited wound healing. The antigranulation activity of CN-100 was also nearly equal to that of pranoprofen and weaker than that of indometacin. These results proved that CN-100 should definitely inhibit the reactions of the second and third inflammatory phases of the whole reactions from the exudative phase throughout proliferative phase, suggesting that the compound is a useful antiinflammatory drug.

Pharmacological investigations of the new antiinflammatory agent 2-(10,11-dihydro-10-oxodibenzo[b,f]thiepin-2-yl)propionic acid. 2nd communication: inhibitory effects on acute inflammation and prostaglandin-related reactions

Since a newly synthesized nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) having weaker effects on gastrointestinal tract, 2-(10,11-dihydro-10-oxodibenzo[b,f]thiepin-2-yl)propionic acid (CN-100), was found to markedly inhibit rat paw edema induced by carrageenin and other phlogists, the effects of the drug on other acute inflammatory reactions and prostaglandins (PGs)-related reactions were compared with those of known NSAID in this study. At even a large dose of CN-100, 20 mg/kg, the drug did not significantly inhibit the increased vascular permeability induced by histamine in rat skin, but CN-100 could dose-dependently inhibit the increased vascular permeability induced by acetic acid in mouse peritoneum. The inhibitory activity of CN-100 in the latter was equivalent to that of pranoprofen and indometacin. CN-100 exerted a potent inhibitory action on erythema induced by UV irradiation, which was equal to and 3 times stronger than pranoprofen and indometacin in activity, respectively. Since PGs participate in these acute inflammatory reactions, the effects of CN-100 on reactions relevant to PGs were examined. The drug at dose levels lower than antiinflammatory doses could prevent acute death and diarrhea induced by i.v. injection of arachidonic acid in rabbits and endotoxin in mice, respectively, suggesting that the drug had a potent inhibitory action on biosynthesis of PGs. The adverse effects of CN-100 on gastric and small intestinal mucosa was very weak, the activity being about one-tenth of that of pranoprofen and indometacin.

[Pharmacological studies of N-(2-mercapto-2-methylpropanoyl)-L-cysteine (SA96). V. Effects of SA96 in combination with indomethacin or prednisolone on adjuvant arthritis in rats]

SA96 in combination with indomethacin or prednisolone was investigated for their effects on the adjuvant arthritis in Lewis rats. SA96 given orally at a dose of 10 mg/kg inhibited the inflammation of adjuvant treated foot and untreated foot and the increase of serum Cu concentration which followed the development of adjuvant arthritis, but 2 mg/kg had no effect. Indomethacin given orally at a dose of 0.1 mg/kg or prednisolone given orally at a dose of 0.4 mg/kg also inhibited the adjuvant arthritis. Prednisolone suppressed the decrease of A/G ratio. Indomethacin and prednisolone, however, had no effects on the increase of serum Cu concentration. SA96 at a dose of 10 mg/kg in combination with indomethacin was more effective than the treatment of each drug alone on inflammation of adjuvant treated and untreated foot, serum Cu concentration, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and A/G ratio. The combination of SA96 at a dose of 2 mg/kg or 10 mg/kg with prednisolone had similar synergistic effects towards the adjuvant arthritis in rats.

[Active oxygen and anti-inflammatory drug: measurement by luminol dependent chemiluminescence]

The active oxygen produced from stimulated phagocytic cells emits luminol-dependent chemiluminescence (CL) upon reaction with luminol. So the active oxygen was measured by using the CL and the results of this were compared with those by the LDH-NADH method. Moreover, effects of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) on the generation of active oxygen were studied by both methods. Rat peritoneal and pleural exudated cells (PEEC and PLEC) emitted strong CL on incubation with zymosan, but that from rat whole blood cells was very weak. The effects of superoxide dismutase, catalase, NaN3 and L-ascorbic acid on the generation of active oxygen from rat phagocytic cells were different between CL and LDH-NADH methods. These discrepancies seem to be due to the different kinds of active oxygen that can be measured by both methods. Except for BW-755C, most of the NSAID had only a slight inhibitory effect on the generation of active oxygen measured by both methods, and the ex vivo effect was the same as that observed in vitro. It may be considered that NSAID decrease the phagocytic function of cells by non-specifically stabilizing the biological membrane and inhibit slightly the generation of active oxygen from phagocytes. On the other hand, the CL method could be performed not only in PEEC and PLEC, but also in whole blood cells. From these results, it was suggested that CL measurement can be used as a simple and valuable method for the detection of all types of active oxygen including superoxide anion radical and its metabolites and for testing cellular functions and drug actions on them.