Diabetes modulates gene expression in the gingival tissues of patients with chronic periodontitis

AIM

This study evaluated whether diabetes modulates gene expression [interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-1ra, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10; tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha; interferon (IFN)-gamma, receptor activator of NF-kappaB ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG)] in sites with periodontitis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Gingival biopsies were harvested and divided into three groups--Control group: systemically and periodontally healthy subjects (n = 10); Periodontitis group: systemically healthy subjects diagnosed with chronic periodontitis (n = 20); Diabetes group: type 1 diabetic subjects, diagnosed with chronic periodontitis (n = 20). Total RNA was obtained and analyzed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

Data analysis demonstrated that, except for OPG, mRNA levels for all factors were increased by inflammation (P < 0.001). Interleukin-1beta, IL-1ra, IL-6, IL-8, IFN-gamma, and RANKL mRNA levels were higher in the diabetic group when compared with the control non-periodontitis group (P < 0.05), whereas IL-10 and OPG were lower (P < 0.05). No difference was observed for TNF-alpha between diabetic and control groups (P > 0.05). Diabetes lowered IL-1beta, IL-8, IL-10, TNF-alpha, RANKL, and OPG mRNA levels in sites with comparable type of periodontitis (P < 0.001). Moreover, increased RANKL:OPG and IL-6:IL-10 ratios were found.

CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Taken together, these data suggest that decreased levels of IL-10 and OPG may play an important role in the periodontal breakdown in diabetic patients.

Brazilian aquatic animal health policy

The potential for the development of aquaculture in Brazil is huge. Marine shrimp cultivation in Brazil began in the 1970s and grew rapidly to produce 90,190 tons in 2003. In 2004, several factors including disease, trade disputes, and devaluation of the Real caused the industry to collapse. The appearance of white spot disease demonstrated a lack of structure and organisation for responding to the problems involved in managing disease outbreaks. Interaction between the stakeholders involved needs to be organised and facilitated. Dissemination of information and economical stability are necessary for maintaining good practices and the sanitary security of production.

Periodontal healing may be affected by aging: a histologic study in rats

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Although wound healing has been reported to be impaired with aging, very little is known about its effect on periodontal tissues. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate, histologically in rats, the influence of aging on a spontaneous periodontal healing model.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Twenty-four male Wistar rats were used and assigned to the following groups: control (n = 12; 2 mo old) and aged (n = 12; 18 mo old). Fenestration defects (4 x 3 x 1 mm) were created bilaterally at the buccal aspect of the distal root of the first mandibular molars, and the mandibulae were retrieved 3 and 6 wk postoperatively. The percentage of bone fill and density of newly formed bone, new cementum formation (NC), and the extension of the remaining defect (ERD) were histometrically obtained.

RESULTS

Intragroup analysis demonstrated that, except for cementum, all histological parameters significantly improved over time (p < 0.05). Intergroup analysis additionally showed that the defects were initially similar in size, and that at 3 wk aging negatively influenced newly formed bone (86.38 +/- 2.99% and 73.06 +/- 3.21%, p < 0.001, for groups control and aged, respectively), BF (75.84 +/- 16.53% and 57.70 +/- 22.28%, p = 0.014) and ERD (0.41 +/- 0.20 mm and 1.17 +/- 0.37 mm, p < 0.001). At 6 wk, aging negatively influenced newly formed bone (88.12 +/- 2.90% and 78.19 +/- 5.35%, p < 0.001, for groups control and aged, respectively) and ERD (0.01 +/- 0.006 mm and 0.34 +/- 0.18 mm, p = 0.003), but not BF (98.15 +/- 2.43% and 87.87 +/- 11.63%, p > 0.05). No new cementum was formed along the root surface in the above groups.

CONCLUSION

Within the limits of the present study, data analysis suggests that aging may impair, but not prevent, periodontal healing.