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Periodontal bio-repositories, which allow banking of clinically validated human data and biological samples, provide an opportunity to derive biomarkers for periodontal diagnosis, prognosis and therapeutic activities which are expected to improve patient management. This article presents the establishing of the Malaysian Periodontal Database and Biobank System ( MPDBS) which was initiated in 2011 with the aim to facilitate periodontal research. Partnerships were established with collaborating centres. Policies on specimen access, authorship and acknowledgement policies were agreed upon by all participating centres before the initiation of the periodontal biobank. Ethical approval for the collection of samples and data were obtained from institutional ethics review boards. A broad-based approach for informed consent was used, which covered areas related to quality of life impacts, genetics and molecular aspects of periodontal disease. Sample collection and processing was performed using a standardized protocol. Biobanking resources such as equipment and freezers were shared with the Malaysian Oral Cancer Database and Tissue Bank System ( MOCDTBS). In the development of the MPDBS, challenges that were previously faced by the MOCDTBS were considered. Future challenges in terms of ethical and legal issues will be faced when international collaborations necessitate the transportation of specimens across borders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this review is to discuss the clinical utility of stem cells in periodontal regeneration by reviewing relevant literature that assesses the periodontal-regenerative potential of stem cells. We consider and describe the main stem cell populations that have been utilized with regard to periodontal regeneration, including bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells and the main dental-derived mesenchymal stem cell populations: periodontal ligament stem cells, dental pulp stem cells, stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth, stem cells from apical papilla and dental follicle precursor cells. Research into the use of stem cells for tissue regeneration has the potential to significantly influence periodontal treatment strategies in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To compare the levels of the soluble receptor activator of nuclear factor [kappa] B ligand (sRANKL), osteoprotegerin (OPG) and their relative ratio in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) among periodontitis patients with varying smoking histories.Material and Methods: GCF samples were collected from 149 periodontitis patients who were never smokers ( n=58), former smokers ( n=39) and current smokers ( n=52). sRANKL and OPG concentrations in GCF were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.Results: sRANKL, OPG and their relative ratio were not statistically significant among the never smokers, former smokers and current smokers. However, OPG was significantly reduced and subsequently the sRANKL:OPG ratio was significantly increased in the high pack-years group as compared with never smokers. The positive correlation between pack-years and the sRANKL:OPG ratio remained statistically significant after adjusting for age and current smoking status.Conclusion: Increased lifetime exposure to cigarette smoking above a minimum threshold suppresses OPG production and leads to increased sRANKL:OPG. This may partially explain increased bone loss in smoking-related periodontitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dental caries and periodontal disease are the most common oral conditions experienced by adults today. The treatment of these diseases by the dental team can only be performed when patients attend dental practices. There is recognition that the preventive measures patients perform at home between dental visits is of vital importance in the control of these diseases. Water fluoridation and fluoridated toothpastes have made enormous progress into the prevention of dental caries worldwide. However, prevention of periodontal disease is yet to enjoy the same success. A number of toothpastes have been developed for the prevention and control of periodontal disease. One such toothpaste - containing triclosan/copolymer - has been thoroughly researched. The literature pertaining to the efficacy, mode of action and safety of triclosan/copolymer toothpaste has been reviewed. A MEDLINE search identified 198 articles dated from 1989 to 2008. The findings of this body of research are discussed and conclusions regarding the efficacy of triclosan/copolymer toothpaste in the home-care management of periodontal disease are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Live-animal micro-computed tomography is a new and promising technique that can be used to quantify changes in bone volume for periodontal disease models. The major aim of this study was to develop the methodology of live-animal micro-computed tomography and to determine the effect of a novel secretory phospholipase A2 inhibitor on alveolar bone loss. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Periodontitis was induced in mice by oral infection with Porphyromonas gingivalis over a period of 13 wk, and live-animal micro-computed tomography scans were taken at different time-points to determine bone volume changes with disease progression. This enabled conclusions to be made as to when treatment was most likely to be effective. In addition, the model was used to investigate a novel drug, the secretory phospholipase A2 inhibitor, KHO64, and its potential ability to inhibit osteoclast bone resorption and treat periodontitis. RESULTS: The results from live-animal micro-computed tomography scans revealed greater, statistically significant, bone volume loss in diseased mice compared with normal mice (p < 0.05). This corresponded to a larger area from the cemento-enamel junction to the alveolar bone crest, as assessed by stereo imaging (p < 0.001). These techniques can therefore detect and quantify alveolar bone loss. Both methods revealed that KHO64 had no significant effect on the volume of bone resorption. CONCLUSION: Live-animal micro-computed tomography is a robust, reproducible technique that clearly demonstrates significant time-dependent changes in alveolar bone volume in a small-animal model of periodontitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objective: Human postnatal stem cells have been identified in periodontal ligament, with the potential to regenerate the periodontium in vivo. However, it is unclear if periodontal ligament stem cells are present in regenerating periodontal tissues. The aim of this study was to identify and localize putative stem cells in block biopsies and explant cultures of regenerating human periodontal tissues. Material and Methods: Guided tissue regeneration was carried out on the molars of three human volunteers. After 6 wk, the teeth with the surrounding regenerating tissues and bone were surgically removed and processed for immunohistochemistry. The mesenchymal stem cell-associated markers STRO-1, CD146 and CD44 were used to identify putative stem cells. Cell cultures established from regenerating tissue explants were analysed by flow cytometry to assess the expression of these markers. Mineralization, calcium concentration and adipogenic potential of regenerating tissue cells were assessed and compared with periodontal ligament stem cells, bone marrow stromal stem cells and gingival fibroblasts. Results: STRO-1+, CD44+ and CD146+ cells were identified in the regenerating tissues. They were found mainly in the paravascular and extravascular regions. Flow cytometry revealed that cultured regenerating tissue cells expressed all three mesenchymal stem cell associated markers. The regenerating tissue cells were able to form mineral deposits and lipid-containing adipocytes. However, the level of mineralization in these cells was lower than that of periodontal ligament stem cells and bone marrow stromal stem cells. Conclusion: Cells with characteristics of putative mesenchymal stem cells were found in regenerating periodontal tissues, implying their involvement in periodontal regeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article reviews general aspects about the epithelial cell rests of Malassez (ERM). The historical and general morphological features of the ERM are briefly described. The embryological derivation of the ERM is presented as an important consideration in understanding the events associated with their origin and possible functional roles within the periodontal ligament. The ultrastructural description of the ERM is also included to complement the morphological characteristics which distinguish these cells as the unique epithelial element of the periodontal ligament. The unique ability of these cells to synthesize and secrete a number of proteins usually associated with cells of mesenchymal origin, rather than ectodermal origin, is discussed in light of their role in cementum repair and regeneration. Such considerations lead to our hypothesis that one of the functional roles of the ERM may lie not only their role in maintaining and contributing to the normal periodontal cellular elements and function but also contributing, in a significant manner, to periodontal regeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Patient discomfort is one reason for poor compliance with supportive periodontal therapy (SPT). The aim of this study was to compare the levels of discomfort during SPT, using the Vector system and treatment with a conventional ultrasonic scaler. METHODS: Forty-six patients with an SPT programme were debrided using both the Vector system and a conventional piezo-electric scaler (Sirona) in a split mouth design. A visual analogue scale was used to evaluate of pain scores upon completion of treatment. A verbal response scale(VRS) was used to assess discomfort, vibration and noise associated with the scaling system, as well as the volume and taste of the coolant used by these systems. RESULTS: Patients instrumented with the Vector system experienced approximately half the amount of pain compared with the conventional ultrasonic scaling system. The VRS showed that the Vector system caused less discomfort than the conventional ultrasonic scaling system when assessed for pain, vibration, noise and volume of coolant. These findings were all statistically significant. There was, however, no statistically significant difference between the two systems when assessed for taste. CONCLUSION: During SPT the Vector system caused reduced discomforting sensations compared with conventional methods and may be useful in improving compliance with SPT programmes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review considers the considerable similarities between periodontal disease and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). While the etiology of these two diseases may differ, the underlying pathogenic mechanisms are remarkably similar and it is possible that individuals manifesting both periodontitis and RA may suffer from a unifying underlying systemic dysregulation of the inflammatory response. In light of these findings, the implications for the use of disease-modifying medications in the management of these two chronic inflammatory conditions is apparent. Further longitudinal studies and medication-based intervention studies are required to determine just how closely these two conditions are allied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An abstract of the article "Effect of Porphyromonas gingivalis inflammation on development of rheumatoid arthritis" by P. M. Bartold and D. R. Haynes is presented.

Background: Periodontal diseases that lead to the destruction of periodontal tissues--including periodontal ligament (PDL), cementum, and bone--are a major cause of tooth loss in adults and are a substantial public-health burden worldwide. PDL is a specialised connective tissue that connects cementum and alveolar bone to maintain and support teeth in situ and preserve tissue homoeostasis. We investigated the notion that human PDL contains stem cells that could be used to regenerate periodontal tissue.Methods: PDL tissue was obtained from 25 surgically extracted human third molars and used to isolate PDL stem cells (PDLSCs) by single-colony selection and magnetic activated cell sorting. Immunohistochemical staining, RT-PCR, and northern and western blot analyses were used to identify putative stem-cell markers. Human PDLSCs were transplanted into immunocompromised mice (n=12) and rats (n=6) to assess capacity for tissue regeneration and periodontal repair. Findings PDLSCs expressed the mesenchymal stem-cell markers STRO-1 and CD146/MUC18. Under defined culture conditions, PDLSCs differentiated into cementoblast-like cells, adipocytes, and collagen-forming cells. When transplanted into immunocompromised rodents, PDLSCs showed the capacity to generate a cementum/PDL-like structure and contribute to periodontal tissue repair.Interpretation: Our findings suggest that PDL contains stem cells that have the potential to generate cementum/PDL-like tissue in vivo. Transplantation of these cells, which can be obtained from an easily accessible tissue resource and expanded ex vivo, might hold promise as a therapeutic approach for reconstruction of tissues destroyed by periodontal diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]