European Journal of Dental and Oral Health

The PKR-T2DM-Apoptosis-Inflammation Axis: An Insightful Review Supporting the Role of the Axis in Periodontal Disease

Suresh Rao — 2024-09-23

Protein kinase R (PKR) has emerged as a critical regulator in the pathogenesis of both diabetes and periodontal diseases. PKR, a serine/threonine protein kinase, is activated in response to various stress signals, including viral infections, metabolic disturbances, and inflammatory cytokines. Understanding the role of PKR in the context of type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), apoptosis, and inflammation in periodontal diseases can provide insights into periodontal disease pathophysiology and help formulate novel therapeutic strategies. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the PKR-T2DMapoptosis-inflammation axis in periodontal diseases, detailing the structure and function of PKR, the impact of diabetes on periodontal health, the mechanisms of apoptosis and inflammation in periodontal tissues, and the potential therapeutic implications.

Cathepsin K Expression is Upregulated Following Micropulse Vibration Stimulation of Osteoclasts Cultured in Vitro

Luis Humberto Villasis-Sarmiento — 2024-08-30

Aim: To evaluate osteoclast inhibition following micropulse vibration and the effects of micropulse vibration on the expression of IL-1β, TNF-α, and RANKL in osteoblasts and osteoclasts and that of cathepsin K (CatK) in osteoclasts cultivated in vitro.

Materials and methods: Primary murine osteoblasts and osteoclasts were cultured in vitro and stimulated with an AcceleDent Aura device for 20 min per day for 0 to 96 hours, with microvibrations of 0.25 N/30 Hz. Subsequently, the levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, and RANKL in the supernatants of the culture medium of both types of cells were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). In addition, the level of CatK in osteoclasts was evaluated by flow cytometry.

Results: Microvibrations significantly upregulated IL-1β and TNF-α expression and downregulated RANKL expression in osteoblasts compared with the corresponding expression in the control group. Compared to those in the control group, osteoclasts treated with microvibrations showed significant downregulation of IL-1β, TNF-α, and RANKL expression. CatK levels in stimulated osteoclasts were increased compared to those in the control group.

Conclusion: The type of microvibration applied in this study inhibits osteoclastogenesis and upregulates the expression of CatK, an enzyme that induces bone matrix degradation in osteoclasts cultured in vitro, which stimulates bone formation by osteoblasts and accelerates bone mineralization.

Antibacterial Activity of Ethanolic Extract of Torch Ginger (Etlingera elatior) Towards Enterococcus faecalis: A Preliminary Research to the Alternative of Root Canal Irrigant of Primary Teeth

Zulfi Amalia Bachtiar — 2024-07-22

Enterococcus faecalis is a notable pathogen found in the root canals of primary teeth with endodontic infections, often resistant to conventional root canal irrigation solutions, leading to treatment failure. Torch ginger or kecombrang (Etlingera elatior), a spice plant, is reported to contain bioactive compounds with antibacterial properties. This study investigates the antibacterial efficacy of ethanolic extract of torch ginger against Enterococcus faecalis, evaluating its potential as an alternative irrigant based on minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), and effective concentration. Samples included Enterococcus faecalis ATCC® 29212™ and 70% ethanol extract of torch ginger, tested in eight concentrations (80%, 75%, 65%, 50%, 25%, 12.5%, 6.25%, and 3.125%) obtained through maceration, alongside two control groups (NaOCl and saline). The Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method was employed to determine MIC, while the streaking method from MIC testing identified MBC. Data analysis for MIC and MBC values was conducted using the One-Way ANOVA parametric test (p < 0.05). Torch ginger extract demonstrated antibacterial activity against Enterococcus faecalis, with inhibition observed at a minimum concentration of 3.125% with average inhibition zone diameter of 9.63 ± 0.25 mm and reaching up to 80% concentration with average inhibition zone diameter of 15.03 ± 0.21 mm. The MIC was established at 3.125%, and the MBC among the tested concentrations was 80%. The study concludes that the ethanolic extract of torch ginger shows significant antibacterial activity against Enterococcus faecalis. An 80% concentration is identified as the most effective for inhibiting and killing the pathogen, suggesting its potential as an alternative root canal irrigant of primary teeth.

Orthodontic and Surgical Management of Meir-Gorlin Syndrome: 7 Years of Follow-Up

Lydia Virginia Valdés Burnes — 2024-07-18

Introduction: Meier-Gorlin syndrome (MGS) has three characteristics: short stature, a small or absent patella, and microtia.

Objective: This case report aimed to evaluate orthodontic surgical treatment in a patient with MGS during a 7-year follow-up.

Methods: A multidisciplinary approach was performed involving orthodontics and maxillofacial surgery. In the initial phase, orthodontic procedures were performed using rapid expansion of the mid-palatal suture. Orthodontic appliances (Roth prescription) were used and orthodontic decompensation was performed, followed by orthodontic surgery to make aesthetic and functional changes.

Results: Surgical orthodontic treatment reduced proclination and protrusion and improved overbite. An adequate correlation of the upper and lower arches was achieved. Aesthetic and functional changes were observed, as well as the opening of the airways.

Conclusion: This case report highlights the importance of orthodontic surgical correction to achieve symmetry and functionality, given the facial and physical characteristics present in this syndrome.

Atraumatic Restorative Treatment: An Overview and Update

Lana Hodali — 2024-06-12

Atraumatic Restorative Treatment (ART) has emerged as an essential strategy in dentistry, particularly in regions with limited resources and for patient populations facing barriers to conventional treatments. This minimally invasive approach involves gently removing caries using hand instruments and restoring cavities with materials like high-viscosity glass ionomer cement (HVGIC). This article provides a comprehensive overview of the ART technique, covering its historical development, indications, contraindications, and clinical efficacy. It highlights its versatility and potential to improve access to quality dental care worldwide.