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Background. Available knowledge about disorders of temporomandibular joint structures and their association with orthodontic variables are still lacking. Objectives. This article is aimed at to identifying studies and presenting current information on the relationship between morphology diversity and the occurrence of degenerative changes in structures of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) assessed by cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in the context of craniofacial morphology and malocclusion. Search Methods. The review was conducted by analyzing the PubMed (including Medline), Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Scopus electronic databases up to November 2021 using two different comprehensive search strategies based on keywords as well as additional manual searches. Eligibility Criteria. Selection of the literature was carried out according to the PRISMA-ScR checklist. Methodological quality of the selected studies was evaluated using JBI Critical Appraisal Tool. Results. The electronic databases search revealed 3331 records. After applying the eligibility criteria and JBI assessment, a total of 33 studies were extracted and selected to the study. The review was divided into 4 parts, in which the following correlations were assessed in terms of orthodontic variables: TMJ degenerative changes, joint space and condylar position, condylar shape, TMJ articular eminence, and fossa. Conclusions. Skeletal and dental class II malocclusion with a retrognathic mandible, a hypodivergent skeletal pattern with a steep mandibular plane, and significant lateral mandibular displacement can be risk factors for developing radiographically detectable degenerative changes. Patients with skeletal and dental class III malocclusion as well as a hyperdivergent skeletal pattern may be at greater risk of TMD occurrence compared with other groups. Further studies are necessary to clarify the relationship between the position of the condylar processes and the presence of degenerative changes in the temporomandibular joints among orthodontic patients.

Purpose. This study is aimed at evaluating the impact of the craniofacial structure and occlusal conditions on the position of the articular heads of the mandibular condyles in the maximum intercuspal position (MIP) and comparing the centric relation (CR) and MIP of the mandibular condyles prior to orthodontic treatment. Methods. The studied group consisted of 33 women and 15 men (median age of 17.75 years). Contact points of opposing teeth in the MIP were assessed by hand-held casts. Condylar displacement (CD) in three spatial planes on both sides was measured on models mounted in an articulator using a mandibular position indicator (MPI). Patients were divided into groups according to craniofacial structures (vertical and horizontal growth directions). The Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis, post hoc Dwass-Steel-Critchlow-Fligner, and Pearson’sχ2independence tests as well as Spearman’s nonparametric correlations were used in the statistical analyses. Results. Within the limitations of this study, no statistically significant correlation of CD with certain cephalometric measurements from a lateral cephalometric radiograph (ANB, SN-ML, and SGo/NMe) was observed. Correlation, however, was found between condylar displacement in the transverse axis and the mandibular plane angle SN-ML (p=0.033) and also between condylar displacement in the anteroposterior axis and a midline shift of the mandible (p=0.041). The results revealed a relationship between Angle’s classification of molar position on the right side and anteroposterior CD values (p=0.006). Conclusions. Cephalometric measurements cannot be used to predict CD at the level of the condyles. Analysis of occlusal conditions of models mounted in an articulator is desirable for patients with Angle’s class I and lower jaw asymmetry.

Background: Available knowledge about malocclusion and cephalometric variables and their connection with an increased risk of condylar displacement (CD) is scarce. This article aims to present current information on the relationship between centric relation-maximum intercuspal position discrepancies and maxillofacial morphology and malocclusion in patients seeking orthodontic treatment as well as to identify those who require expanded diagnostic evaluation for this disorder. Methods: This review analyzed the PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Scopus electronic databases up to February 2022. Keywords and additional manual searches were performed. Literature selection was based the PRISMA-ScR checklist. The JBI Critical Appraisal Tool assessed the methodological quality of included studies. Results: The databases search provided 2321 studies. A total of 10 studies were included in this review after eligibility criteria and JBI assessment. This review was separated into five parts that evaluated CD correlations depending on the following: maxillofacial structure in different vertical and sagittal skeletal patterns, vertical, horizontal, and transverse malocclusions. Conclusions: A hyperdivergent facial skeletal structure is a risk factor for increased CD, particularly in the vertical dimension. The condylar processes are usually displaced in a posteroinferior direction. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the relationship among remaining skeletal and dental malocclusions and the occurrence of CD.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is associated with the deposition of β-amyloid in the brain. AD accounts for over 50% of cases of dementia which results from disturbances in redox homeostasis. Indeed, increased intensity of protein oxidation and nitration as well as lipid peroxidation is observed in brain areas with considerable amounts of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. However, little is known about the oxidoreductive balance of salivary glands in AD patients. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant barrier and oxidative/nitrosative stress biomarkers in stimulated saliva and blood of AD patients. The study was participated by 25 AD patients and 25 non-demented controls without neurological diseases or cognitive impairment, matched by age and gender to the study group. The number of patients was determined based on a previous pilot study (test power = 0.9). We found a significant decrease in the activity of erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), increased activity of catalase (CAT) and reduced concentration of plasma non-enzymatic antioxidants (uric acid, UA and reduced glutathione, GSH). In contrast, in the stimulated saliva of AD patients we observed significantly decreased activity of all antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT and GPx) as well as concentration of GSH compared to the control group. The content of lipid (malondialdehyde, MDA) and protein (advanced oxidation protein products, AOPP; advanced glycation end-products, AGE) oxidation products as well as biomarkers of nitrosative stress (peroxynitrite, nitrotyrosine) was significantly higher in both saliva and plasma of AD patients compared to the controls. In AD patients, we also observed a considerable decrease in stimulated saliva secretion and salivary total protein content, and an increase in salivary β-amyloid concentration.In conclusion, AD results in redox imbalance towards oxidative reactions, both at the level of the oral cavity and the entire body. General redox balance disturbances do not coincide with salivary redox balance disturbances. Reduction in stimulated saliva secretion in AD patients reflects secretory dysfunction of the parotid glands.

The most common kind of oral cancer is known to be the epithelial cells cancer. The disease develops under the influence of many factors. Extensive studies confirms relationship of the occurrence of cancer in the mouth area and infection with oncogenic virus. Papilloma virus (HPV) and Ebstein-Barr (EBV) are considerate to be the most potent oncogenic viruses. Aim. The aim of the studies was to present the role of the oncogenic virus in the development of squamous cell of oral cancer. Materials and methods. Literature was carried out from November 2014 to January 2018 period using „Pub-Med”, MEDLINE, SCOPUS with keywords: squamous cell carcinoma of the Oral Cavity, oncogenic factors in squamous cell in oral carcinoma, oncogenic virus, role of Ebstein-Barr virus in the development of squamous cell of oral carcinoma, role of human papillomavirus in the development of squamous cell carcinoma. Results. To the review 16 publications were qualified that meet certain criteria for good literature. Identification of comparative characteristics was aimed at finding a common denominator of research results. Discussion. In the review the focus point was on the role of factors which is oncogenic virus. Analysis of the available data has confirmed that more and more frequent cause of commonly known factors such as tobacco smoke, alcohol, neglect hygiene, and genetic factor became undoubtedly the role of virus factor. Summary. High incidence of cancers has led to the search for relevant etiological factors in the development carcinoma process, especially in and around oral cavity. Knowledge of the most cancerogenic factors is important in order to prevent, and the search of effective treatments. In addition, the cited publications, draws attention to the fact the use of saliva as research material. This throws a new light on the work of dentists and the possibility of their involvement in the process of tumor detection and the initiating factor of oncogenesis.

Transverse maxillary hypoplasia may negatively affect respiration. Maxillary narrowing has to be treated early. An appliance for Rapid Maxillary Expansion (RME) is the most common method, and it aims to expand the skeletal base and maintain this width until a new bone has been formed to fill in the fissure. Aim. Comparison of the results of measurements of bone structures and of the upper airways on lateral teleroentgenograms of the head in patients with transverse maxillary hypoplasia and in patients with normal dimensions of the maxilla. Material and methods. The study was carried out in a group of 20 people with maxillary narrowing (10 girls and 10 boys) aged 7 to 10 years. The control group consisted of 20 lateral teleroentgenograms of patients (9 girls and 11 boys) of similar age treated for other malocclusions. The structures of the facial skeleton and the upper respiratory tract were assessed in teleroentgenograms after earlier determination of measurement points and planes according to selected parameters of the McNamara and Preston et al. methodology. The obtained results were analysed statistically using the Mann-Whitney's test. Results. Angular measurements showed statistically significantly smaller SNA and SNB angles in the study group compared to the control group. The analysis of linear measurements indicated a statistically significant larger dimension of the actual length of the midfacial segment (Co-A) and distance between the Sella point and the posterior nasal spine (PNS-S), and a smaller dimension of the posterior facial height (PFH) in the study group compared to the control group. The highest differences in upper respiratory tract measurements were noted in the Ba-ho-PNS angle, which was lower in the study group. The result was not statistically significant. Conclusions. No significant differences in cephalometric measurements of the upper airways were observed. There is a need to extend studies to include groups of patients with features of night apnoea and maxillary narrowing. (Dargiewicz E, Szarmach IJ, Sawczuk M. Assessment of the upper respiratory tract in patients eligible for treatment with transverse maxillary expansion. Orthod Forum 2018; 14: 97-105)

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a multifactorial disease characterized by necroinflammatory changes of the pancreas. Our study is the first study which evaluated the relationship between the free radical production, enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants, oxidative damage, and secretory function of the salivary glands of AP rats. Male Wistar rats were divided equally into 2 groups: control (n=9) and AP (n=9). AP was induced by intraperitoneal injection with cerulein and confirmed by higher serum amylase and lipase. We have demonstrated that the superoxide dismutase and glutathione reductase activities, as well as reduced glutathione concentration, were significantly decreased in both the parotid and submandibular glands of AP rats as compared to the control rats. The production of free radicals evidenced as dichlorodihydrofluorescein assay and the activity of NADPH oxidase and xanthine oxidase and IL-1β concentration were significantly higher in the parotid and submandibular glands of AP rats compared to the controls. In AP rats, we also showed a statistical increase in oxidation modification products (advanced glycation end products and advanced oxidation protein products), salivary amylase activity, and significant decrease in the total protein content. However, we did not show apoptosis and any morphological changes in the histological examination of the salivary glands of AP rats. To sum up, cerulein-induced AP intensifies production of oxygen free radicals, impairs the redox balance of the salivary glands, and is responsible for higher oxidative damage to these glands. Interestingly, oxidative modification of proteins and dysfunction of the antioxidant barrier are more pronounced in the submandibular glands of AP rats.

This is the first study to assess the effect of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on the mitochondrial respiratory system, as well as free radical production, glutathione metabolism, nitrosative stress, and apoptosis in the salivary gland mitochondria of rats with high-fat diet (HFD)-induced insulin resistance (IR). The study was conducted on male Wistar rats divided into four groups of 10 animals each: C (control, rats fed a standard diet containing 10.3% fat), C + NAC (rats fed a standard diet, receiving NAC intragastrically), HFD (rats fed a high-fat diet containing 59.8% fat), and HFD + NAC (rats fed HFD diet, receiving NAC intragastrically). We confirmed that 8 weeks of HFD induces systemic IR as well as disturbances in mitochondrial complexes of the parotid and submandibular glands of rats. NAC supplementation leads to a significant increase in the activity of complex I, II + III and cytochrome c oxidase (COX), and also reduces the ADP/ATP ratio compared to HFD rats. Furthermore, NAC reduces the hydrogen peroxide production/activity of pro-oxidant enzymes, increases the pool of mitochondrial glutathione, and prevents cytokine formation, apoptosis, and nitrosative damage to the mitochondria in both aforementioned salivary glands of HFD rats. To sum up, NAC supplementation enhances energy metabolism in the salivary glands of IR rats, and prevents inflammation, apoptosis, and nitrosative stress.

BACKGROUND The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) may be affected unilaterally or bilaterally in the course of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Permanent complications involve joint damage or stiffness and disorders in the development of the mandible, such as micrognathia, posterior rotation of the mandible, crowding and protrusion of the front teeth and malocclusion. OBJECTIVES The aim of the study was the clinical and radiological assessment of TMJ dysfunctions and disorders in the development of the mandible in patients suffering from JIA, depending on the duration of the disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS The research involved 46 patients with JIA, recognized according to the criteria established by the International League of Associations for Rheumatology (ILAR). Among the patients, 20 suffered from polyarticular JIA and 26 from pauciarticular JIA. The clinical assessment included determination of the facial profile according to Ricketts, intraoral assessment according to Angle's classification and canine class. There were 15 patients (9 with polyarticular and 6 with pauciarticular JIA) qualified for radiological examination. The location of the mandible was determined with the use of a lateral cephalometric image on the basis of a compilation of various analyses. RESULTS Out of the 46 patients, 15 individuals (32.6%) displayed clinical features of TMJ dysfunction (pain, clicking, crepitus). Of these, 6 patients (40.0%) reported disorders in mandibular development typical of JIA in the form of retrognathia and posterior rotation of the mandible. According to the grading system developed by Rohlin and Petersson, articular surface damage was considerably higher in the patients with a longer history of the disease (p

Introduction. The effect of fixed orthodontic appliances on biochemical changes in saliva and pathophysiological status of the oral cavity is not clear. Recent data showed that nickel (Ni) released from orthodontic appliances can decrease cellular viability, induce DNA damage and apoptosis in oral mucosa cells. Since the mechanism of these Ni effects is unknown, the aim of our study was to analyze the expression of caspase-3 in epithelial cells of oral mucosa in healthy individuals treated orthodontically. Material and methods. Twenty-eight volunteers participated in the study. Epithelial cells were collected from oral mucosa directly before appliance insertion, one week after the insertion, and 24 four weeks after the insertion of fixed appliances. Cellular identification and measurements were conducted by light microscopy. Caspase-3 expression was evaluated immunochemically. Nickel concentration in saliva was also determined. Results. A significantly higher number of oral epithelial cells with caspase-3 immunoreactivity in was found one week, but not 24 weeks, after orthodontic treatment. The enhanced expression of caspase-3 was accompanied by increased nickel concentration in saliva. Conclusions. Our data suggests that nickel released from orthodontic appliances can activate caspase-3 and this mechanism may be partially responsible for the cytotoxic action of nickel in the oral cavity of orthodontically-treated individuals.

Purpose This is the first report of a rare genetic tooth and nail syndrome (TNS) diagnosed in a 14-year-old Caucasian girl with a complete absence of the permanent dentition and, additionally, reduced total and lumbar spine bone mineral density (BMD). This coincidence suggests a new clinical manifestation of the disorder in which genetic factors and/or shared mechanisms may be responsible for the deterioration of the stomatognathic system, anodontia, nail phenotype and osteopenia. Low bone mass appears to be a new component of the syndrome. There is a rationale for bone densitometry scans assuming that patients with TNS may have an increased risk of osteopenia. Reduced BMD and, possibly, impaired bone quality and strength may produce difficulties or even exclude such patients from future treatment with dental implants.

The irregularity or ”roughness” of medical images is quantified by means of fractal dimension D. For medical images diagnostically important information often lies in the texture. In this paper we describe the application of the intensity difference scaling method for assessment of the fractal dimension D in the irregular regions of interest (irregular ROI-s). Near boundary between different tissues or structures the values of fractal dimensions changed significantly. It is difficult to fit entire regular region of interest within the examined organ with simultaneous inclusion of the relevant fragment, and at the same time to avoid the influence of boundaries.