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Dexamethasone sodium phosphate (DSP) is a widely used corticosteroid in the treatment of brain oedema associated with brain tumours. DSP has many side effects that limit its usage at an effective concentration. The objective of this study was to minimize these side effects by encapsulating DSP using biodegradable synthetic polymers, to extend the release time from microspheres and to evaluate the effectiveness in the treatment of brain oedema. Microspheres containing 5% DSP were formulated by the solvent evaporation method by using a 1:1 mixture of two synthetic polymers, poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) and L-polylactic acid (PLGA and L-PLA). The surface morphologies and particle size distribution of the microspheres were investigated. The in-vitro release studies were performed in pH 7.4 phosphate buffer solution. For determining the effectiveness of microspheres in the treatment of brain oedema, Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 200-250 g were used as an animal model. Brain oedema was generated by the cold lesion method, and the effectiveness of the microspheres in treatment of oedema was investigated by the wet-dry weight method, lipid peroxidation ratios and histological evaluations. The average particle size of the microspheres was 13.04 ± 2.05 μm, and the in-vitro release time of the microspheres was 8 h for 100/release. The degree of oedema was significantly different from the control group for the wet-dry weight method and lipid peroxidation ratio (p < 0.05). Similarly, histological evaluation of the tissues showed that degree of oedema was significantly decreased with respect to the control group. All these results showed that implantation of microspheres was significantly more effective with respect to the systemic administration of DSP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spinal cord injuries are the most devastating of all trauma-related injuries. Penetrating cervical spinal cord injuries are seen rarely. Due to the damage to neural structures, these injuries are associated with significant morbidity. The majority of penetrating injuries are caused by gunshot wounds. Stabbing injuries caused by knives, screwdrivers, glass fragments and nails are much less common. The primary concern in managing penetrating neck injuries is control of bleeding and airway management. In this case report we described an unusual case of accidental nail injury occuring in a man who sustained a penetrating neck injury with a nail lodged between the os occipitale and the first cervical vertebra which caused incomplete spinal injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Psoriasis is a multi-systemic chronic inflammatory skin disease. Previous data suggests that women with some chronic inflammatory diseases have diminished ovarian reserve. This study explores ovarian reserve in patients with psoriasis., Materials and Methods: We prospectively analyzed 14 female patients with psoriasis and 35 healthy age and body mass index matched controls. An interview explored demographic characteristics, obstetrical history and menstrual characteristics. Psoriatic area severity index (PASI) in patients was assessed. Estrogen, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), thyroid stimulating hormone and with gynecologic ultrasonography, ovarian volume and antral follicular count (AFC) were measured in both study and control groups. These values were analyzed with changes of the PASI in the patient group., Results: Patients with psoriasis had significantly higher levels of FSH and FSH/LH ratio than healthy controls (p = 0.039, p = 0.005 respectively). AFC of psoriasis patients were significantly lower than healthy controls (p = 0.002).There were no significant difference among other hormone levels and ovarian volumes (p > 0.05). The hormone levels, ovarian volume and AFC were not correlated with PASI of the patients., Conclusion: The results of the study suggest that patients with psoriasis may have diminished ovarian reserve., (Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Objective: Cyclophilin A (CypA) is able to regulate inflammatory responses and matrix metalloproteinase production via its interaction with extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (EMMPRIN). EMMPRIN is the cell surface receptor of CypA. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) CypA and EMMPRIN levels in patients with chronic periodontitis (CP), generalized aggressive periodontitis (G-AgP) and periodontally healthy controls., Methods: Twenty CP patients, 19 G-AgP patients and 20 healthy control subjects were included in the present study. All study participants were non-smokers. Full mouth clinical periodontal parameters including probing depth, clinical attachment level, plaque index, and papilla bleeding index were recorded. GCF CypA and EMMPRIN levels were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Data were analyzed statistically with parametric and non-parametric tests., Results: GCF CypA total amount was higher in the G-AgP group compared to healthy controls (p<0.05), whereas CypA total amounts were similar in CP and healthy controls (p>0.05). No significant difference in GCF CypA total amount between CP and G-AgP was observed (p>0.05). Also, there was no significant difference in GCF EMMPRIN total amounts among the study groups (p>0.05)., Conclusion: Higher levels of GCF CypA in patients with G-AgP might demonstrate that CypA is associated with the inflammatory infiltrate and alveolar bone destruction of G-AgP. However, GCF CypA level does not seem to be affected by CP. Similar GCF EMMPRIN levels in diseased and healthy groups might suggest that EMMPRIN has role in the turn over of connective tissues in physiological conditions as well as pathological state., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Objective: LL-37 contributes to maintaining the balance between health and disease. Smoking is a risk factor for periodontitis that impairs neutrophil functions. The aim of the present study was to comparatively evaluate gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) LL-37 levels in smoker and non-smoker chronic periodontitis (CP) patients and controls, as well as the effect of non-surgical periodontal treatment on GCF LL-37 levels., Design: Thirty-one CP patients (16 smokers, 15 non-smokers) and thirty-one controls (16 smokers, 15 non-smokers) were included in the study. CP patients received non-surgical treatment. GCF LL-37 levels and periodontal parameters were assessed at baseline, 1 and 3 months after completion of non-surgical periodontal treatment. GCF LL-37 levels were analyzed by ELISA., Results: No significant difference was observed in GCF LL-37 levels between smoker and non-smoker controls (p>0.05). Smoker CP group had significantly lower GCF LL-37 level than non-smoker CP group at baseline (p<0.05). GCF LL-37 levels significantly decreased in non-smoker CP group at first week, 1 and 3 months after completion of non-surgical periodontal treatment (p<0.05) although no significant decrease in GCF LL-37 levels was observed in smoker CP group (p>0.05). Periodontal parameters were correlated with GCF LL-37 levels in non-smoker CP group (p<0.05), but not in smoker CP group (p>0.05)., Conclusions: GCF LL-37 levels do not seem to be affected from smoking in periodontal health. However, smoking might have a suppressive effect on GCF LL-37 levels in CP. Non-surgical treatment is effective in decreasing GCF LL-37 levels in non-smoker CP patients but not in smokers with CP., (Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of cyclosporine-A (CsA) medication on gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) LL-37, human neutrophil peptide (HNP)1-3 and adrenomedullin (ADM) levels., Design: CsA-treated renal transplant recipients with GO (CsA GO+) and without GO (CsA GO-), tacrolimus-medicated renal transplant recipients (n = 20/group), systemically healthy subjects with gingivitis (n = 21) and individuals free of periodontal and systemic diseases (n = 20) were included in the present study. Periodontal parameters were recorded and GCF samples were obtained from the study participants. GCF LL-37, HNP1-3 and ADM levels were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay., Results: GCF LL-37 total amount was higher at GO+ sites than the other study sites (p < 0.05). Total amount of GCF HNP1-3 was higher in immunosuppressive treatment groups than healthy and gingivitis groups, regardless of GO presence (p < 0.05). GCF ADM total amount was similar in all study groups. GCF volume, papillary bleeding index and hyperplastic index (p < 0.05) were significantly correlated with GCF LL-37 total amounts (p < 0.05), but not with GCF HNP1-3 and ADM total amount at GO+ sites (p > 0.05)., Conclusion: Neutrophil infiltration due to extended inflammation might have increased GCF LL-37 levels at GO+ sites and contributed to the pathogenesis of CsA-induced GO., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background/aims: The aim of this study was to measure the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values detected by diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in acute pancreatitis and compare them with computerized tomography (CT) findings in acute pancreatitis subgrouped by the Balthazar classification., Materials and Methods: The study population included 50 patients diagnosed with clinical pancreatitis who were evaluated with both multidetector CT and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) within 24 h of clinical presentation. We calculated pancreatic ADC values obtained from DWI (b=0 and b=1000 mm2/sn). These values were compared with their normal counterparts (n=24). The patients with acute pancreatitis were subgrouped according to the Balthazar classification. The mean ADC values were calculated in each subgroup, and they were compared with control ADC values., Results: The mean pancreatic ADC values in acute pancreatitis (1.19×10(-3) mm2/sn ±0.32) was significantly lower than in the normal group (1.78×10(-3) mm2/sn ±0.29) (p<0.001). In the subgroup analysis, ADC values in each group were significantly lower than in the control group (p<0.001). In addition, as severity of pancreatitis increased according to the Balthazar classification, lower ADC values were noted., Conclusion: DWI with MRI and ADC values are helpful in the diagnosis of all subgroups of acute pancreatitis. Due to the lack of CT findings in grade A patients, DWI may be helpful in the diagnosis in this group as well.

Background: Inflammation stimulates neutrophils to release their enzymes into the extracellular matrix. The aim of the present study is to investigate the serum levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-8, MMP-9, tissue inhibitor of MMP (TIMP)-1, myeloperoxidase (MPO), and neutrophil elastase (NE) in patients with hypertension and chronic periodontitis (CP)., Methods: A total of 95 patients were included in the study. Patients were categorized into three groups: healthy control (n = 29), hypertensive control (n = 32), and hypertensive CP (n = 34). Periodontal parameters were recorded, and serum samples were collected from each participant. Serum MMP-8, MMP-9, TIMP-1, MPO, and NE levels in circulation were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay., Results: The hypertensive CP group had significantly higher serum MMP-8, MMP-9, and NE levels than the healthy control group (P <0.05). All study groups had similar serum TIMP-1 levels (P >0.05). Significantly higher serum MPO levels were detected in patients with hypertension and CP than healthy controls and hypertensive controls (P <0.05); however, the difference in serum MPO levels was not significant between the healthy controls and hypertensive controls (P >0.05). There was no significant difference in MMP-8/TIMP-1 ratio among the study groups (P >0.05). MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio was significantly higher in patients with hypertension and CP than healthy controls (P <0.05)., Conclusions: The presence of hypertension along with CP has a considerable effect on serum neutrophilic enzyme levels, except TIMP-1. However, the levels of these enzymes do not seem to be affected by the presence of hypertension only. Further studies including patients who have only CP might help illuminate the effect of CP on these enzymes in patients with hypertension.

Background: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of adjunctive chlorhexidine (CHX) mouthrinse on gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) MMP-8 and TIMP-1 levels in plaque-associated gingivitis., Methods: A total of 50 gingivitis patients were included in the present study. In addition to daily plaque control, CHX group rinsed with CHX, while placebo group rinsed with placebo mouthrinse for 4 weeks. GCF samples were collected, and clinical parameters including plaque index, papillary bleeding index, calculus index and pocket depth were recorded at baseline and 4 weeks. GCF MMP-8 and TIMP-1 levels were determined by immunofluorometric assay (IFMA) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively., Results: In both groups, GCF MMP-8 levels of anterior and posterior sites at four weeks were not different from baseline (p > 0.05). There were no significant differences in GCF MMP-8 levels between the study groups at four weeks (p > 0.05). GCF TIMP-1 levels of anterior and posterior sites at four weeks were higher compared to baseline in both groups (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in GCF TIMP level between the study groups at four weeks (p > 0.05)., Conclusions: CHX usage had no significant effects on the GCF MMP-8 and TIMP-1 levels in plaque-associate gingivitis. However, daily plaque control resulted in the increase of GCF TIMP-1 levels regardless of CHX usage.

Aim: Cathepsin C is the activator of the polymorphonuclear leukocyte-derived proteinase 3, which contributes to inflammatory processes. The aim of the present study was to investigate gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) proteinase 3 and cathepsin C levels in periodontal diseases., Design: Eighteen patients with chronic periodontitis (CP), 20 patients with generalized aggressive periodontitis (G-AgP), 20 patients with gingivitis, and 18 healthy subjects were included in the study. Periodontal parameters including probing depth, clinical attachment level, papilla bleeding index, and plaque index were assessed in all study subjects. GCF proteinase 3 and cathepsin C levels were analyzed by ELISA., Results: GCF proteinase 3 total amount was significantly higher in diseased groups compared to control group, after adjusting age (P < 0.05). No differences were found in GCF cathepsin C levels among the study groups (P > 0.05). Periodontal parameters of sampling sites were positively correlated with GCF proteinase 3 total amounts (P < 0.01) but not with cathepsin C total amounts (P > 0.05)., Conclusions: Elevated levels of GCF proteinase 3 in CP, G-AgP, and gingivitis might suggest that proteinase 3 plays a role during inflammatory periodontal events in host response. However, cathepsin C in GCF does not seem to have an effect on the pathogenesis of periodontal diseases.

The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of chlorhexidine mouthrinse (CHX) in addition to daily plaque control on subgingival microbiota in patients with untreated gingivitis. Fifty gingivitis patients were randomized to CHX or placebo groups. CHX group rinsed with 0.2% CHX, while placebo group rinsed with placebo mouthrinse for 4 weeks. Subgingival plaque samples were collected and plaque index (PI), papilla bleeding index (PBI), calculus index, and probing pocket depth (PPD) were recorded at baseline and at 4 weeks. The amounts of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia, Tannerella forsythia, Fusobacterium nucleatum, and total bacteria were detected by quantitative real-time PCR method. In the CHX group the total bacteria count was significantly reduced in posterior teeth at 4 weeks (p < 0.05), while no significant decrease was observed in the placebo group (p > 0.05). CHX mouthrinse as an adjunct to daily plaque control could be useful in the management of plaque-associated gingivitis and in reducing the subgingival total bacteria count especially in posterior teeth., (© 2011 The Authors. APMIS © 2011 APMIS.)

Objective: Recent studies have showed that genetic factors involved in the host responses might determine the severity of periodontitis. hCAP-18/LL-37 is a part of the innate immune response in the oral cavity. The aim of the present study was to investigate the mutation of CAMP gene encoding hCAP-18/LL-37 in the patients with different periodontal diseases., Design: Seventy-eight chronic periodontitis, 72 generalized aggressive periodontitis, and 149 controls were analysed for mutation of CAMP gene using direct DNA sequencing method. Frequencies of p.S34N mutation were compared by Pearson chi-square test. Logistic regression analysis was used to analyse the association between periodontitis and p.S34N mutation adjusting for bleeding on probing, age and gender., Results: Twenty-five subjects had a novel missense mutation of CAMP gene. Single base substitution (c.101G>A) in exon 1 led to p.S34N mutation. All amino acid substitutions were heterozygous mutation. The patients with generalized aggressive periodontitis had significantly higher p.S34N mutation prevalence compared to the others, whilst there was no significant difference in prevalence of p.S34N mutation between the patients with chronic periodontitis and the control subjects. Logistic regression analysis adjusted for BOP, age and gender revealed that the patients with generalized aggressive periodontitis were 5.32 times more likely to have p.S34N mutation compared to the controls (OR=5.32, 95% CI: 1.3-22.1)., Conclusion: We report a novel missense mutation of CAMP gene. p.S34N mutation in CAMP gene seems to be contributing factor for generalized aggressive periodontitis, but not for chronic periodontitis., (Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: Antimicrobial peptides participating in the innate host response are important contributors for maintaining the balance between health and disease. The aim of the present study is to investigate the levels of gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) adrenomedullin and human neutrophil peptides 1 through 3 (HNP1-3) in patients with different periodontal diseases., Methods: A total of 77 subjects, including 20 patients with chronic periodontitis, 18 patients with generalized aggressive periodontitis, 20 patients with gingivitis, and 19 healthy subjects, were included in the present study. The probing depth, clinical attachment level, plaque index, and papilla bleeding index were assessed in all study subjects. GCF samples were analyzed for evaluating adrenomedullin and HNP1-3 levels by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay., Results: The present study demonstrated that the periodontitis groups had a significantly higher total amount of GCF adrenomedullin compared to the gingivitis and healthy control groups after adjusting for age and gender (P <0.05). Additionally, GCF adrenomedullin levels were positively correlated with clinical periodontal parameters of sampling sites (P <0.05). The total amount of GCF HNP1-3 was not different among the study groups, and there was no correlation between the total amount of GCF HNP1-3 and clinical periodontal parameters (P >0.05)., Conclusions: Our results suggest a defensive role for adrenomedullin during the host response in periodontal disease. Additionally, the lack of the HNP1-3 antimicrobial peptide might point to the deficiency of one of the protective mechanisms for periodontal tissues.

Background: Cathelicidin LL-37, an antimicrobial peptide, is part of the host innate immune response in the oral cavity. Interleukin (IL)-18, a proinflammatory cytokine, could play a role in the progression of the inflammatory response. The aim of the present study was to determine the levels of cathelicidin LL-37 and IL-18 in the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of patients with gingivitis and chronic periodontitis., Methods: Fifty-nine subjects were included in the present study. Probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), plaque index (PI), bleeding on probing, and papilla bleeding index (PBI) were assessed in patients with chronic periodontitis or gingivitis and in healthy controls. GCF levels of cathelicidin LL-37 and IL-18 were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay., Results: GCF levels of cathelicidin LL-37 were significantly elevated in patients with chronic periodontitis compared to the other groups (P <0.05). No significant difference was found in the total amount of GCF IL-18 among the study groups (P >0.05). Spearman correlation analysis revealed a positive relationship between levels of GCF cathelicidin LL-37 and PD, CAL, PI, and PBI at the sampled sites (P <0.01), whereas no correlation was found between the total amount of GCF IL-18 and clinical periodontal parameters at the sampled sites (P >0.05)., Conclusion: Elevated levels of GCF cathelicidin LL-37 in chronic periodontitis suggest that it may play a role in the host innate immune response during periodontal inflammation.

Background: The aim of the present study was to investigate whether chronic periodontitis caused the elevated levels of anti-cardiolipin antibodies (anti-CL) and oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) in subjects with essential hypertension., Methods: Seventy-two subjects were categorized as healthy controls, subjects with essential hypertension and periodontal health (healthy-hypertension group), subjects with essential hypertension and gingivitis (gingivitis-hypertension group), or subjects with essential hypertension and chronic periodontitis (periodontitis-hypertension group). Individuals with essential hypertension who had been taking antihypertensive medication > or =2 years were included in the present study. The presence of supragingival plaque, bleeding on probing (BOP), probing depth (PD), and clinical attachment level were recorded, and blood samples were collected. Serum immunoglobulin M (IgM) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) anti-CL and oxLDL levels were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. For IgM and IgG anti-CL assays, positive tests were defined as > or =15 IgM phospholipid units and > or =10 IgG phospholipid units, respectively., Results: The mean IgM anti-CL level and the prevalence of subjects positive for IgM anti-CL were significantly higher in the periodontitis-hypertension group compared to the other groups (P = 0.001). No significant differences were observed in the mean IgG anti-CL and oxLDL levels or in the number of subjects positive for IgG anti-CL and positive for IgM or IgG anti-CL among the study groups. The Pearson correlation analysis revealed positive correlations between IgM anti-CL levels and supragingival plaque, BOP, and PD scores., Conclusions: Chronic periodontitis might play a causal role in the elevated serum levels of anti-CL antibodies in individuals with essential hypertension. These elevated anti-CL levels that are due to chronic periodontitis might contribute to an increased risk for atherosclerosis in individuals with essential hypertension.

Objective: Pre-term delivery of low-birth-weight infants [pre-term low birth weight (PLBW)] remains a significant public health issue and a major cause of neonatal death and long-term health problems. There is a growing consensus that infections remote from fetal-placental unit may influence PLBW infants. Recent studies have suggested that maternal periodontal disease may be an independent risk factor for PLBW. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the possible link between periodontal infections and PLBW by means of clinical and microbiological data in post-partum women with low socioeconomic level., Methods: Clinical periodontal recordings comprising dental plaque, bleeding on probing, probing pocket depth and gingival recession were performed (six sites/tooth) in a total number of 181 women (53 cases and 128 controls) within 3 days post-partum. Subgingival plaque samples from mesio-or disto-buccal aspect of randomly selected one first molar and one incisor tooth have been obtained by paperpoints and were analysed by checkerboard DNA-DNA hybridization with respect to 12 bacterial species. In all analyses, the individual subject was the computational unit. Thus, mean values for all clinical parameters were calculated and bacterial scores from each individual sample were averaged. Statistical methods included Student's t-test, Fisher's exact test/chi(2) test, and multiple logistic regression analysis., Results: The cases have gained significantly less weight during the pregnancy than did the controls (p<0.05). There were no statistically significant differences between the cases and controls with regard to the dental and periodontal parameters and the values of clinical periodontal recordings were found to be very similar (p>0.05). Mean and median scores (bacterial loads) of Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia, Prevotella nigrescens, Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, and Streptococcus intermedius in the subgingival plaque sampling sites were significantly higher in the controls than in the cases (p<0.05). The occurrence rates of P. intermedia, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Peptostreptococcus micros, Campylobacter rectus, Eikenella corrodens, Selenomonas noxia and S. intermedius were higher in the cases compared with the controls, but the differences were not statistically significant (p>0.05). According to the model created by the multiple logistic regression analysis, P. micros and C. rectus were found to significantly increase the risk of PLBW (p<0.01 and p<0.05 respectively), while P. nigrescens and A. actinomycetemcomitans decreased this risk (p<0.01)., Conclusion: The present findings indicated that when subgingival bacteria were evaluated together, P. micros and C. rectus may have a role in increasing the risk for PLBW, although no single bacteria exhibited any relation with the risk of PLBW. Further studies are required to better clarify the possible relationship between periodontal diseases and PLBW., ((c) Blackwell Munksgaard, 2005.)

Background: Numerous studies have shown that smoking negatively affects periodontal health. Hormonal changes, which occur during pregnancy have also been reported to have adverse effects on the periodontal tissues or indirectly through alterations in the subgingival bacterial flora. At present, no knowledge exists concerning possible effects of smoking on the composition of subgingival plaque in pregnancy. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effects of smoking during pregnancy on the subgingival plaque bacteria most commonly associated with periodontal disease., Methods: A total number of 181 women were examined within 72 h post-partum. Smoking status was recorded by means of a self-reported questionnaire and the study population was divided into three groups; non-smokers, light smokers, and heavy smokers. In each woman, two subgingival plaque samples were obtained from mesio- or disto-buccal aspect of randomly selected one molar and one incisor tooth by sterile paperpoints. Clinical periodontal recordings comprising presence of dental plaque, bleeding on probing (BOP), and probing pocket depth (PPD) were performed at six sites per each tooth at all teeth. Plaque samples were analysed by checkerboard DNA-DNA hybridization with respect to 12 bacterial species. In all analyses, the individual subject was the computational unit. Thus, mean values for all clinical parameters were calculated and bacterial scores from each individual sample were averaged. Statistical methods included chi2 test, Kruskal-Wallis test and Mann-Whitney U-test., Results: Mean ages were similar in the study groups. Plaque, BOP and PPD recordings were lower in the heavy-smoker group, but the differences were not statistically significant (p>0.05). The detection rates and bacterial loads of the specific subgingival bacteria exhibited no significant differences between the groups. No correlation could be found between smoking status and detection rates and bacterial loads of various bacterial species., Conclusion: The present findings suggest that smoking during pregnancy does not have a significant effect on the composition of subgingival plaque bacteria., (Copyright Blackwell Munksgaard, 2004.)

Background: The aim of the present study was 1) to evaluate the possible effects of therapeutic usage of omega-3 fatty acid on the gingival tissue levels of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF2alpha), platelet activating factor (PAF), and leukotriene B4 (LTB4) in endotoxin-induced periodontitis in rats and 2) to investigate whether prophylactic usage provides any additional benefits to therapeutic doses of omega-3 fatty acid., Methods: Experimental periodontitis was induced by repeated injection of Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Thirty-six adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four study groups: 1) saline controls; 2) LPS; 3) therapeutic omega-3 fatty acid (TO3); and 4) prophylactic plus therapeutic omega-3 fatty acid (P + TO3) groups. In TO3 group, omega-3 fatty acid was given for 15 days following induction of experimental periodontitis. In P + TO3 group, omega-3 fatty acid was started 15 days before baseline, and then periodontitis was induced at baseline and omega-3 fatty acid was continued for 15 days after baseline. On day 15 after baseline, all rats were anesthetized and sacrificed. PGE2, PGF2alpha, and LTB4 levels in gingival tissue samples were analyzed by enzyme immunoassay and PAF levels were analyzed by radioimmonoassay. Data were evaluated statistically by using parametric tests., Results: LPS injection resulted in significant amount of bone loss (P<0.05). Neither therapeutic nor prophylactic plus therapeutic administration of omega-3 fatty acid with the doses and duration of therapy used in the present study was effective in preventing endotoxin-induced alveolar bone loss. TO3 group exhibited significant decreases in the gingival tissue levels of PGE2, PGF2alpha, LTB4, and PAF compared to the LPS group (P<0.05). PGE2 and PGF2alpha levels in TO3 group were similar to those of the saline group (P>0.05), while LTB4 and PAF levels were statistically higher than the saline group (P<0.05). Prophylactic plus therapeutic usage of omega-3 fatty acid provided similar levels of all these mediators to those of the saline controls (P>0.05)., Conclusions: Therapeutic omega-3 fatty acid significantly reduced the gingival tissue levels of PGE2, PGF2alpha, LTB4, and PAF in experimental periodontitis. Furthermore, prophylactic usage of omega-3 fatty acid provided additional beneficial effects to the therapeutic administration by decreasing the gingival tissue levels of these mediators to levels of healthy tissue. These findings should be verified by longitudinal clinical trials investigating clinical and biochemical periodontal parameters to better define the possible role of omega-3 fatty acids in periodontal treatment.

Background: Doxycycline has been widely used in periodontal treatment for its antimicrobial and anti-enzymatic effects. Recently, bisphosphonates have been shown to inhibit alveolar bone resorption. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of doxycycline and the bisphosphonate alendronate on the gingival tissue levels of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF2alpha), leukotriene B4 (LTB4), and platelet-activating factor (PAF) in endotoxin-induced periodontal breakdown in rats., Methods: Experimental periodontitis was induced by repeated injection of Escherichia coli endotoxin (LPS) and 44 adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into five study groups as follows: LPS, doxycycline + LPS, alendronate + LPS, doxycycline + alendronate + LPS, and saline control. Doxycycline and alendronate were given either as a single agent or as a combination therapy during the 7-day study period. At the end of the 1-week protocol, the rats were sacrificed, the gingival tissues were dissected and extracted, and the extracts were analyzed for PGE2, PGF2alpha, LTB4, and PAF levels. The defleshed jaws were analyzed morphometrically for alveolar bone loss. Data were evaluated statistically by using parametric tests., Results: Alveolar bone loss measurements revealed significantly higher values in LPS, doxycycline + LPS, alendronate + LPS, and doxycycline + alendronate + LPS groups in comparison to the saline control group (P <0.05). Combined administration of doxycycline and alendronate exhibited the most prominent inhibition on gingival tissue levels of PGE2 and PGF2alpha (P<0.05). Doxycycline + alendronate + LPS group also significantly reduced LTB4 and PAF levels, although doxycycline provided the most reduction in the levels of these mediators (P <0.05)., Conclusions: Alendronate and/or doxycycline may provide significant inhibition of the major inflammatory mediators of periodontal tissue destruction, and combined administration of these agents may provide beneficial effects in periodontal treatment. However, this hypothesis must be further verified by clinical human trials before introducing its use in dental practice.

A sensitive, simple method for the determination of trace amounts of samarium by spectrophotometry is described based on the formation of the samarium-chrome azurol S (CAS) complex in micellar medium. The molar absorptivities of the complexes at pH 7.5 at 505 nm were 3.6x10(4) and 1.4x10(5) l mol(-1) cm(-1) for water media and cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC), respectively. Beer's law is obeyed from 0.05-2 mg l(-1) of samarium at 505 nm as Sm-CAS-CPC complex. Optimal conditions such as reagent amounts, and pH for the samarium determination were reported. The effects of foreign ions were also investigated. The proposed method was successfully applied to the determination of samarium contents in synthetic samples.