Does smoking influence tryptophan metabolism in periodontal inflammation? A cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to identify the effects of smoking and periodontal inflammation on tryptophan-kynurenine metabolism as well as the correlation between these findings and clinical periodontal parameters.

BACKGROUND

It has been shown that the tryptophan amino acid's primary catabolic pathway, the kynurenine pathway (KP), may serve as a key biomarker for periodontal disease. Although there are studies investigating the effect of smoking on KYN-TRP metabolism, the effect of smoking on periodontal disease through KP has not been revealed so far.

METHODS

The salivary and serum samples were gathered from 24 nonsmoker (NS-P) stage III, grade B generalized periodontitis and 22 smoker (S-P) stage III, grade C generalized periodontitis patients, in addition to 24 nonsmoker (NS-C) and 24 smoker (S-C) periodontally healthy control individuals. Saliva and serum IL-6, kynurenine (KYN), and tryptophan (TRP) values, and KYN/TRP ratio were analyzed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Clinical periodontal measurements were recorded.

RESULTS

Salivary TRP values were significantly higher in both periodontitis groups than control groups (p < .05). Salivary KYN values were highest in NS-P group (p < .05). Salivary KYN values did not differ significantly between periodontitis groups (p = .84). Salivary KYN/TRP ratio was significantly lower in NS-P group compared to other groups (p < .001). Serum TRP value is higher in S-P group than other groups; however, significant difference was found in S-C group (p < .05). Serum KYN values were significantly lower in smokers than nonsmokers. Serum KYN/TRP ratio is higher in NS-P group. NS-P group has the highest salivary IL-6 levels, NS-C group has the lowest values (p < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results point out that smoking exacerbates inflammation in the periodontium and increases TRP destruction and decreases IDO activity by suppressing KP in serum. As a result, kynurenine and its metabolites may be significant biomarkers in the link between smoking and periodontal disease.

The effect of game-based learning on basic life support skills training for undergraduate dental students

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of serious game training on the performance of undergraduate dental students during basic life support (BLS) training.

METHODS

Students at the Ankara University Faculty of Dentistry were divided into two groups at random: Serious Game (SG) (n = 46) and Traditional (Tr) (n = 45). Students completed the BLS pre-test following their lecture-based training. The SG set of students practiced until they achieved an 85 on the BLS Platform, after which they completed the BLS post-test. All students practiced cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on a manikin with the instructor's guidance, and then they independently applied CPR by using the model training component. The module evaluation scale was then used to determine each student's grade. Finally, the students provided input on surveys regarding technology perceptions of SG training, serious gaming, and hands-on training.

RESULTS

In the SG group, the BLS post-test scores were significantly higher than the pre-test results (p = 0.00). In the SG and Tr groups, there was no statistically significant difference in the overall hands-on training scores (p = 0.11). Students in both groups evaluated the hands-on training on the manikin favorably and with high levels of participation.

CONCLUSIONS

The SG-based training platform for BLS training has enhanced the BLS performance of undergraduate dental students in terms of knowledge and skill. It has been shown that digital learners have a beneficial impact on game-based learning outcomes; it is advised to use SGs and develop new games for various learning objectives.