Nd:YAG water mist laser treatment for giant gestational gingival tumor: A case report

BACKGROUND This case of gestational gingival tumor is huge and extremely rare in clinical practice.As the growth location of this gingival tumor is in the upper anterior tooth area,it seriously affects the pregnant woman's speech and food,causing great pain to the patient.The use of Nd:YGA water mist laser to remove the gingival tumor resulted in minimal intraoperative bleeding,minimal adverse reactions,and good postoperative healing,which is worthy of clinical promotion and application.CASE SUMMARY The patient,a pregnant woman,reported a large lump in her mouth on the first day of postpartum treatment.Based on medical history and clinical examination,the diagnosis was diagnosed as gestational gingival tumor.Postoperative pathological biopsy also confirmed this diagnosis.The use of Nd:YAG water mist laser to remove the tumor resulted in minimal intraoperative bleeding,clear surgical field of view,short surgical time,and good postoperative healing.CONCLUSION In comparison to traditional surgery,Nd:YAG water mist laser surgery is minimally invasive,minimizes cell damage,reduces bleeding,ensures a clear field of vision,and virtually eliminates postoperative edema,carbonization,and the risk of cross infection.It has unique advantages in oral soft tissue surgery for pregnant patients.Therefore,the clinical application of Nd:YAG water mist laser for the treatment of gestational gingival tumors is an ideal choice.

Using Flowable Composite as Gingival Retraction Cord in Prosthodontics Dentistry: Two Case Reports: A Dental Technique

One of the most challenging factors affecting impression quality and good marginal fit is the gingival retraction method, which aims to separate the gingiva from the tooth to expose the finishing line of the prepared tooth. Bleeding and contamination from the crevicular fluid may compete for space with the impression material within the sulcus, leading to indistinct preparations and a lack of detail at the margin. In addition, such procedures might damage the PDL and cause permanent recession. Flowable composite cable, as opposed to traditional retraction cords, offers the proper marginal seal and visibility during the impression record because of its lower viscosity, improved adaptability, and elastic properties. The aim of this report is to present a brand-new, innovative method for controlling gingival hemorrhage in addition to the gingival retraction in restorative and prosthodontic treatment by utilizing a flowable composite during the final impression record procedure. In these case reports, the flowable composite cord technique is used instead of traditional gingival cords to modify and refine the gingival tissue before taking the traditional final impression or digital scan. Two cases were done for patients undergoing fixed prosthodontics and veneer treatment within a 2-year follow-up period. In addition, the flowable composite cord was used as temporary restoration before the final prosthetic cementation or under the provisional crowns. As a result, clean and healthy gingival tissues render cementation of the final prosthesis quicker and easier to perform. The patients in both cases claimed that their prosthodontic treatments, which involved the application of a flowable composite cord to temporarily retraction the gingiva, had produced good outcomes at the yearlong follow-up. In conclusion, the flowable composite cord technique is found to be a useful tool to improve the quality of impressions in fixed prosthodontics by providing excellent access for impression material to record fine details of the finish line of the prepared tooth structure, and to alter the inflamed tissue into a healthy tissue.

Double heterozygous pathogenic mutations in KIF3C and ZNF513 cause hereditary gingival fibromatosis

Hereditary gingival fibromatosis(HGF)is a rare inherited condition with fibromatoid hyperplasia of the gingival tissue that exhibits great genetic heterogeneity.Five distinct loci related to non-syndromic HGF have been identified;however,only two diseasecausing genes,SOS1 and REST,inducing HGF have been identified at two loci,GINGF1 and GINGF5,respectively.Here,based on a family pedigree with 26 members,including nine patients with HGF,we identified double heterozygous pathogenic mutations in the ZNF513(c.C748T,p.R250W)and KIF3C(c.G1229A,p.R410H)genes within the GINGF3 locus related to HGF.Functional studies demonstrated that the ZNF513 p.R250W and KIF3C p.R410H variants significantly increased the expression of ZNF513 and KIF3C in vitro and in vivo.ZNF513,a transcription factor,binds to KIF3C exon 1 and participates in the positive regulation of KIF3C expression in gingival fibroblasts.Furthermore,a knock-in mouse model confirmed that heterozygous or homozygous mutations within Zfp513(p.R250W)or Kif3c(p.R412H)alone do not led to clear phenotypes with gingival fibromatosis,whereas the double mutations led to gingival hyperplasia phenotypes.In addition,we found that ZNF513 binds to the SOS1 promoter and plays an important positive role in regulating the expression of SOS1.Moreover,the KIF3C p.R410H mutation could activate the PI3K and KCNQ1 potassium channels.ZNF513 combined with KIF3C regulates gingival fibroblast proliferation,migration,and fibrosis response via the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK pathways.In summary,these results demonstrate ZNF513+KIF3C as an important genetic combination in HGF manifestation and suggest that ZNF513 mutation may be a major risk factor for HGF.

In Vitro Evaluation of Two Tissue Substitutes for Gingival Augmentation

Three-dimensional collagen matrices of porcine origin are being used as substitutes for soft tissue grafts in periodontal plastic surgery in search of aesthetic and natural results. This in vitro study aimed to compare Fibro-Gide® (GeistlichBiomaterials) and Mucoderm® (BotissBiomaterials) matrices during the initial phase of soft tissue formation. For this purpose, samples of 5 × 5 mm were obtained, and then human fibroblasts were plated on them. After 24, 48 and 72 h, cell viability was assessed using an MTT assay, and the secretion of type I collagen, MMP-2, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 was analyzed by ELISA immunoassay. The control group (C) consisted of cells plated on polystyrene without the matrices. The morphology of the surfaces was also examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), as was the average roughness (Ra) of the samples by a profilometer. Topographic analysis revealed that roughness was significantly higher on Mucoderm® than on Fibro-Gide® (p 0.05). The synthesis of type I collagen, MMP-2 and TIMP-1 were significantly higher from cells plated on Fibro-Gide® than on Mucoderm®, in all time points (p ® than on Mucoderm® (p ® induced an increase in type I collagen, MMP-2 and TIMP-1 and TIMP-2.

Gingival Hyperplasia during Pregnancy: Frequency and Clinical Presentation in a Tertiary Level Hospital in Yaoundé-Cameroon

Gingival hyperplasia or gingival overgrowth, which is a common trait of gingival disease, is characterized by an increase in the size of the gingiva. Gingival hyperplasia according to past reports has numerous etiological factors one of which is pregnancy due to increased hormone levels. Although pregnancy does not directly cause gingival hyperplasia, it may catalyze local etiological factors. Objectives: To determine the frequency and clinical aspects of gingival hyperplasia during pregnancy. Methodology: We conducted a cross sectional descriptive study from November 2021 to June 2022 at the Yaoundé Gyneco-Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital. Data were collected using a pretested questionnaire and clinical assessments done using dental consultation kits. Data were analyzed with the International Business Machine Statistical Package for Social Sciences (IBM SPSS) version 21.0 software. Results: We recruited 231 eligible participants for our study. Of 231, 101 (43.7%) had gingival hyperplasia. Most of our study population were between 20 - 40 years old and gingival hyperplasia was most commonly found in the 3rd trimester (60.7%). We reported that 31.3% of our population had a plaque score 2 and only 7.8% had consulted a dentist during pregnancy. We also observed that 93.3% of our population manifested a mild/moderate form of the disease while 6.9% had a severe form. Our study showed that 72.3% and 27.3% had a localized and generalized form of the disease, respectively. Conclusion: We concluded that gingival hyperplasia is a common pathology in pregnant women. It is most found in the third trimester. It presents more commonly as a localized form, and degree of severity is mostly moderate.

Presence of Porphyromonas gingivalis in gingival squamous cell carcinoma

Periodontal disease has been recently linked to a variety of systemic conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, preterm delivery, and oral cancer. The most common bacteria associated with periodontal disease, Porphyromonas gingivalis （P. gingivalis） has not yet been studied in the malignant gingival tissues. The objective of this study was to investigate the presence of R gingivalis in specimens from squamous cell carcinoma patients. We have performed immunohistochemical staining to investigate the presence of R gingivafis and Streptococcus gordonii （S. gordonii）, a non invasive oral bacteria, in paraffin embedded samples of gingival squamous cell carcinoma （n=10） and normal gingiva （n=5）. Staining for R gingivalis revealed the presence of the bacteria in normal gingival tissues and gingival carcinoma, with higher levels （more than 33%, P〈0.05） detected in the carcinoma samples. The staining intensity was also significantly enhanced in the malignant tissue by 2 folds （P〈0.023） compared to specimens stained for the non-invasive S. gordonii. R gingivalis is abundantly present in malignant oral epithelium suggesting a potential association of the bacteria with gingival squamous cell carcinoma.

Changes in Biomarkers after Initial Periodontal Treatment in Gingival Crevicular Fluid from Patients with Chronic Periodontitis Presenting with Drug-Induced Gingival Overgrowth

Calcium channel blocker-induced gingival overgrowth (CCB-GO) is increasing in elderly patients who have been prescribed medication for hypertension for years. The purpose of the present study was to analyze the comprehensive protein expression levels of candidate biomarkers in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) from CCB-GO patients. Eleven GO patients (10 males and one female, mean ± SD: age: 64.4 ± 14.0 years) who had been systemically prescribed CCBs, either amlodipine or nifedipine, for hypertension for at least 12 months were recruited. Before (baseline) and 4 weeks after initial periodontal treatments, subgingival plaque and GCF samples were taken from two sites per patient: sites affected by CCB-GO and chronic periodontitis. Measurement of clinical parameters and quantitative analysis of periodontopathic bacteria using real-time PCR were performed. Biomarkers/cytokines in GCF were examined using multiplex bead immunoassays. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the collected data between groups. The correlations between pairs of biomarkers were assessed using the Spearman correlation relationship. Levels of two of the 14 biomarkers, interleukin (IL)-1β and transforming growth factor (TGF)- β, were significantly decreased in CCB-GO sites after initial periodontal therapy. The intragroup comparison at baseline showed that counts of Treponema denticola in the GO group were significantly higher than those in the chronic periodontitis group (P β and TGF-β in CCB-GO patients. These factors are involved in initiation and progression of GO as well as periodontitis.

Measurement and Clinical Significance of Gingival Biotype in Anterior Teeth

The morphological characteristics of periodontal tissue and tooth tissue in gingival biotype are one of the indicators reflecting the individual differences of periodontal tissue in patients.Gingival biotypes of anterior teeth are often related to the prognosis of smile aesthetic treatment,which is one of the reference indexes for predicting the success rate of aesthetic treatment such as restoration,implant,periodontal,orthodontic and so on.Gingival biotypes have individual differences,so different gingival biotypes have different responses to different external stimuli.In the current clinical work,the correct evaluation of gingival biotype,especially the accurate measurement of gingival thickness,is the basis of reasonable choice of treatment and prognosis evaluation.

Comparison of microRNA profiles of human periodontal diseased and healthy gingival tissues

MicroRNAs （miRNAs） have been clemonstrated to play an important role in regulation of the immunoinflammatory response; however, the function of miRNAs in periodontal inflammation has not been investigated. The objective of this study was to explore the properties of miRNAs in periodontal inflammation by comparing miRNA profiles of inflamed and healthy gingival tissues. Gingival tissues were obtained from 10 periodontitis patients and 10 healthy subjects. After RNA extraction, miRNA profiles were analyzed by microarray, and expression levels of selected miRNAs were confirmed by real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction （RT-PCR）. Analyses using two computational methods, Targetscan and MicroRNA.org, were combined to identify common targets of these miRNAs. Finally, the individual miRNA expression levels of three toll-like receptor （TLR）-related miRNAs from inflamed and healthy gingival tissues were evaluated by RT-PCR. Ninety-one miRNAs were found to be upregulated and thirty-four downregulated over two-fold in inflamed gingival tissue compared with those in healthy gingival tissue. Twelve selected inflammatory-related miRNAs, hsa-miR-126＊, hsa-miR-20a, hsa-miR-142-3p, hsa-miR-19a, hsa-let-7f, hsa-miR-203, hsa-miR-17, hsa-miR-223, hsa-miR-146b, hsa-miR-146a, hsa-miR-155, and hsa-miR-205 showed comparable expression levels by microarray and real-time quantitative RT-PCR analyses. In addition, the putative inflammation targets of these miRNAs were predicted, and three that were tested （hsa-miRNA-146a, hsa-miRNA-146b, and hsa-miRNA-155）, showed significant differences between inflamed and healthy gingiva. This remarkable difference in miRNA profiles between periodontal diseased and healthy gingiva implicates a probable close relationship between miRNAs and periodontal inflammation. The data also suggest that the regulation of TLRs in periodontal inflammation may involve miRNA pathways.

Gingival enlargements: Differential diagnosis and review of literature

Gingival enlargement is one of the frequent features of gingival diseases. However due to their varied presentations, the diagnosis of these entities becomes challenging for the clinician. They can be categorized based on their etiopathogenesis, location, size, extent, etc. Based on the existing knowledge and clinical experience, a differential diagnosis can be formulated. Subsequently, after detailed investigation, clinician makes a final diagnosis or diagnosis of exclusion. A perfect diagnosis is critically important, since the management of these lesions and prevention of their recurrence is completely dependent on it. Furthermore, in some cases where gingival enlargement could be the primary sign of potentially lethal systemic diseases, a correct diagnosis of these enlargements could prove life saving for the patient or at least initiate early treatment and improve the quality of life. The purpose of this review article is to highlight significant findings of different types of gingival enlargement which would help clinician to differentiate between them. A detailed decision tree is also designed for the practitioners, which will help them arrive at a diagnosis in a systematic manner. There still could be some lesions which may present in an unusual manner and make the diagnosis challenging. By knowing the existence of common and rare presentations of gingival enlargement, one can keep a broad view when formulating a differential diagnosis of localized(isolated, discrete, regional) or generalized gingival enlargement.

Loss of epithelial FAM20A in mice causes amelogenesis imperfecta, tooth eruption delay and gingival overgrowth

FAM20A has been studied to a very limited extent. Mutations in human FAM20A cause amelogenesis imperfecta, gingival fibromatosis and kidney problems. It would be desirable to systemically analyse the expression of FAM20A in dental tissues and to assess the pathological changes when this molecule is specifically nullified in individual tissues. Recently, we generated mice with a Fam2OA-floxed allele containing the beta-galactosidase reporter gene. We analysed FAM20A expression in dental tissues using X-Gal staining, immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization, which showed that the ameloblasts in the mouse mandibular first molar began to express FAM20A at 1 day after birth, and the reduced enamel epithelium in erupting molars expressed a significant level of FAM2OA. By breeding K14-Cre mice with Fam20An^x/fl^x mice, we created K14-Cre;Fam20Af/flox/flox （conditional knock out, cKO） mice, in which Fam20A was inactivated in the epithelium. We analysed the dental tissues of cKO mice using X-ray radiography： histology and immunohistochemistry. The molar enamel matrix in cKO mice was much thinner than normal and was often separated from the dentinoenamel junction. The Fam2OA-deficient ameloblasts were non-polarized and disorganized and were detached from the enamel matrix. The enamel abnormality in cKO mice was consistent with the diagnosis of amelogenesis imperfecta. The levels of enamelin and matrix metalloproteinase 20 were lower in the ameloblasts and enamel of cKO mice than the normal mice, The cKO mice had remarkable delays in the eruption of molars and hyperplasia of the gingival epithelium. The findings emphasize the essential roles of FAM20A in the development of dental and oral tissues.

miR-4651 inhibits cell proliferation of gingival mesenchymal stem cells by inhibiting HMGA2 under nifedipine treatment

Drug-induced gingival overgrowth(DIGO) is recognized as a side effect of nifedipine(NIF);however, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unknown. In this study, we found that overexpressed mi R-4651 inhibits cell proliferation and induces G0/G1-phase arrest in gingival mesenchymal stem cells(GMSCs) with or without NIF treatment. Furthermore, sequential window acquisition of all theoretical mass spectra(SWATH-MS) analysis, bioinformatics analysis, and dual-luciferase report assay results confirmed that high-mobility group AT-hook 2(HMGA2) is the downstream target gene of mi R-4651. Overexpression of HMGA2 enhanced GMSC proliferation and accelerated the cell cycle with or without NIF treatment. The present study demonstrates that mi R-4651 inhibits the proliferation of GMSCs and arrests the cell cycle at the G0/G1 phase by upregulating cyclin D and CDK2 while downregulating cyclin E through inhibition of HMGA2 under NIF stimulation. These findings reveal a novel mechanism regulating DIGO progression and suggest the potential of mi R-4651 and HMGA2 as therapeutic targets.

Isolation and characterisation of human gingival margin-derived STRO-1/MACS^+ and MACS^-cell populations

Recently,gingival margin-derived stem/progenitor cells isolated via STRO-1/magnetic activated cell sorting（MACS） showed remarkable periodontal regenerative potential in vivo.As a second-stage investigation,the present study＇s aim was to perform in vitro characterisation and comparison of the stem/progenitor cell characteristics of sorted STRO-1-positive（MACS~＋） and STRO-1-negative（MACS^-） cell populations from the human free gingival margin.Cells were isolated from the free gingiva using a minimally invasive technique and were magnetically sorted using anti-STRO-1 antibodies.Subsequently,the MACS~＋ and MACS^- cell fractions were characterized by flow cytometry for expression of CD14,CD34,CD45,CD73,CD90,CD105,CD146/MUC18 and STRO-1.Colony-forming unit（CFU） and multilineage differentiation potential were assayed for both cell fractions.Mineralisation marker expression was examined using real-time polymerase chain reaction（PCR）.MACS~＋ and MACS- cell fractions showed plastic adherence.MACS~＋ cells,in contrast to MACS- cells,showed all of the predefined mesenchymal stem/progenitor cell characteristics and a significantly higher number of CFUs（P〈0.01）.More than 95%of MACS~＋ cells expressed CD105,CD90 and CD73;lacked the haematopoietic markers CD45,CD34 and CD14,and expressed STRO-1 and CD146/MUC18.MACS- cells showed a different surface marker expression profile,with almost no expression of CD14 or STRO-1,and more than 95%of these cells expressed CD73,CD90 and CD146/MUC18,as well as the haematopoietic markers CD34 and CD45 and CD105.MACS~＋ cells could be differentiated along osteoblastic,adipocytic and chondroblastic lineages.In contrast,MACS- cells demonstrated slight osteogenic potential.Unstimulated MACS~＋ cells showed significantly higher expression of collagen I（P〈0.05） and collagen III（P〈0.01）,whereas MACS^- cells demonstrated higher expression of osteonectin（P〈0.05;MannWhitney）.The present study is the first to compare gingival MACS~＋ and MACS- cell populations demonstrating that MACS~＋ cells,in contrast to MACS- cells,harbour stem/progenitor cell characteristics.This study also validates the effectiveness of the STRO-l/MACS~＋technique for the isolation of gingival stem/progenitor cells.Human free gingival margin-derived STRO-1/MACS~＋ cells are a unique renewable source of multipotent stem/progenitor cells.

Aesthetic gingival management: Preservation of the anatomical structures and the gingival aesthetics by immediate implant-insertion after loss of anterior teeth and premolars—Results of a 5-year prospective study with 348 inserted one-phase implants

Implant insertion is an alternative to classical treatment with bridges after tooth extraction or traumatic tooth loss in the anterior and premolar region of the upper and lower jaw. Nevertheless both types of prosthetic treatment inhere major gingival aesthetic pitfalls by physiological vertical and horizontal resorption. Aim of the study was to investigate if the immediate insertion of root analogue single-stage implants and prosthetic treatment could prevent gingival recessions and bone resorption thus keeping the natural gingival aesthetics untouched. Between 2003 and 2006, 348 root analogue Q1-Implants (TRINON Karlsruhe GmbH/Germany) were inserted in 342 patients’s premolar and molar regions immediately after tooth extraction or traumatic tooth loss and treated with provisional resin crowns. The observation period with recurring 6-month clinical and radiographic check-ups was a minimum of 5 years. Of 348 inserted implants 4 (1.15%) were lost resulting in an overall success rate of 98.85%. In the first 12 weeks after surgery a mean recession of the buccal gingival margin of 0.2 mm (SD 0.34) could be detected, after final prosthetic treatment an overall mean recession of 0.2 mm (SD 0.13) within the survey period. Immediate implant insertion of root analogue single stage implants and immediate prosthetic treatment with provisional resin crowns after minimal invasive tooth extraction seems to be appropriate to prevent bone resorptions of the buccal alveolar crest and the recessions of the gingiva and papillae and thus suggests to be the preferable treatment to keep the natural gingival and papillary aesthetics untouched preventing further traumatic surgical gingival reconstructions.

Gingival fibromatosis with multiple unusual findings:report of a rare case

Gingival fibromatosis is a rare disease, especially its syndromic form. Here, we review the literatures on gingival fibromatosis and briefly summarize some characters on clinical, etiological, genetic and histopathological aspects. We also present a rare case of gingival fibromatosis with multiple unusual findings in a 21-year-old man. And we differentiate it from some well-known syndromes including gingival fibromatosis. Maybe it implies a new syndrome within the spectrum of those including gingival fibromatosis.

Gingival unit transfer using in the Miller Ⅲ recession defect treatment

The most significant factor for the success in soft tissue grafts is the synergistic relation between vascular configuration and involved tissues. In the soft tissue graft procedures, site specific donor tissue is assumed to have improved potential for function and aesthetic survive at recipient sites. On a clinical level, using site specific gingival unit graft that placed on traditionally prepared recipient site, results in predictable root coverage. In this case report the clinical effectiveness of gingival unit transfer(GUT) technique performed on Miller Ⅲ recession was presented and a similar recession case treated with free gingival graft(FGG) technique for comparison. Probing depth, recession depth, keratinized tissue width and clinical attachment level clinical parameters were measured at baseline and postoperative 8 mo. Percentage of defect coverage was evaluated at postoperative 8 mo. Creeping attachment was assessed at postoperative 1, 3, 6 and 8 mo. The GUT revealed better defect coverage and creeping attachment results than the FGG in the treatment of Miller Ⅲ defects.

Drug-induced gingival overgrowth in cardiovascular patients

Drug-induced gingival overgrowth(DIGO)is a pathological growth of gingival tissue,primarily associated with calcium channel blockers and immunosuppressants.Consequently,it is mainly seen in cardiovascular and transplanted patients.Nifedipine remains the main calcium channel blocker related to the development of this unpleasant side-effect.As for immunosuppress-ants,cyclosporin is the leading causative agent,whereas other drugs from this druggroup,including tacrolimus,have better safety profiles.Accumulated collagen with inflammatory infiltrates is the histological hallmark of this condition.Several factors are involved in the pathogenesis and can increase the risk,such as male gender,younger age,pre-existing periodontal inflammation,and concomitant use of other DIGO-inducing medications.Patients with DIGO may experience severe discomfort,trouble with speech and mastication,pain,and teeth loss,aside from cosmetic implications.Furthermore,these patients also have an increased risk for cardiovascular diseases.The interdisciplinary approach and cooperation with dental care experts are necessary for patient management.Treatment includes discontinuing the drug and switching to one with a better profile,improving oral hygiene,and surgical removal of enlarged tissue.Recognizing the potential of commonly used medications to cause DIGO and its effect on patients'health is necessary for early detection and adequate management of this complication.

Evaluation of Glutathione-S-transferase and ceruloplasmin levels in gingival crevicular fluid and gingival tissue as diagnostic markers for chronic periodontitis

Periodontitis, is an infectious ailment of multifactorial origin, that brings about destruction of bone and surrounding tissues. There are various oral pathogens that may be responsible for the destruction. The host encounters these microbial invasions and their products by the production and release of inflammatory mediators from the cells within the body. Glutathione-S-transferase (GST) are a group of enzymes that utilize glutathione in conditions resulting in oxidative stress. These enzymes play a key role in the detoxifycation of such substance. It aids in preventing damage to important cellular components caused by release of free reactive oxygen species. Ceruloplasmin is a ferroxidase enzyme. It plays a role as an anti-inflammatory agent, by its ability to scavenge free radicals within the body. The present study was targeted at evaluating the levels of Glutathione-S-Transferase (GST) and Ceruloplasmin as diagnostic markers for patients with chronic periodontitis in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and the gingival tissues. Thirty patients were divided into two groups. Experimental group comprising of 15 subjects with chronic perio- dontitis and the control group was composed of 15 healthy individuals. Highly significant changes in GST between the diseased and normal patients (P = 0.001) were detected. There was a decrease in GST level in both gingival tissue & GCF in diseased patients when compared to the control patients. The ceruloplasmin levels in GCF and gingival tissues showed no difference between the control and diseased group. Hence,these results indicate a relationship suggesting that GST produced during chronic inflammation could be used as biomarker that indicate periodontal disease .

Pattern of Gingival Overgrowth among Patients on Antihypertensive Pharmacotherapy at a Nairobi Hospital in Kenya

The objective of the study was to describe the prevalence and severity of gingival overgrowth (GO) among patients on anti-hypertensive pharmacotherapy at a Nairobi hospital in Kenya and to evaluate the relationship between GO and associated risk factors among these patients. The study design was a cross-sectional survey using a consecutive convenient sampling method. All the patients were examined for gingival enlargement by the method described by Seymour, et al. and modified by the authors to allow for measurement in millimetres. Gingival inflammatory status and plaque scores were also evaluated. The results showed that of the 164 hypertensive patients recruited, 20.7% had gingival overgrowth. Slightly over half (56.1%) of these patients were on calcium channel blockers (CCB). Patients on CCB had a higher prevalence (31.5%) of GO compared to those on non-CCB (7%). This difference was statistically significant (Yates χ2 = 13.39: 1 df: P = 0.000) with an odds ratio of 6.17 (95% CI 0.21 - 19.45). There was no statistically significant association between gender, drug dosage, plaque levels and gingivitis with GO. In conclusion, usage of CCB pharmacotherapy showed a significant association with GO.

Inhibition of elastin and collagen networks degradation in human skin by gingival fibroblast. In vitro, ex vivo and in vivo studies.

Skin aging shows an imbalance between synthesis and degradation of the extracellular matrix. The overproduction of degradative enzymes (MMPs) during the chronology- and photo-induced aging leads to a degradation of the elastic and collagen networks. In a model of collagen and elastin destruction, we showed that the gingival fibroblast was able to preserve these macromolecules by inhibiting the overproduction of metalloproteinases by overproduction of TIMP-1 and modulation of the inflammatory cytokines activity. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of the gingival fibroblasts on human skin. The results in vitro and ex vivo show that the gingival fibroblast protects the skin collagen and elastic network by the inhibition of MMPs which leads to an overproduction of the TIMP-1. Moreover, the gingival fibroblast modulates the activity of some enzymes responsible for the inflammation;they inhibit the IL-1β and stimulate the production of TGF-β1. In vivo studies with a duration of six months and 50 women with pronounced wrinkles show that the culture supernatant of gingival fibroblasts diluted to 5% leads to a statistically significant decrease in the number and length of wrinkles.