Lectins comprise a stracturally vary diverse class of proteins charecterized by their ability to selectively bind carbohydrate moieties of the glycoproteins of the cell surface. Lectins may be derived from plants, microbial or animal sources and may be soluble or membrane bound. Lectins is a tetramer made up of four nearly identical subunits. In human, lectins have been reported to cause food poisoning, hemolytic anemia, jaundice, digestive distress, protein and carbohydrate malabsorption and type I allergies. The present review focuses on the classification, structures, biological significance and application of lectins.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

The cell damage will cause the release of free radicals. These free radicals will play an important role in any bioactive process of the cells. Antioxidants are one of the important components which plays a critical role to maintain the cell functioning and integrity of the cells. Antioxidants play an important role against the reactive oxygen species and maintain the normal activity of the cell. Antioxidants are preventing the free radical configuration tissue damage by preventing the formation of radicals or promoting their breakdown of free radical species. The review article explains the role of antioxidants in normal healthy conditions as well as diseases.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

Cell death is one of the essential processes. Balance between cell division and cell death is of utmost importance for the development and maintenance of multi-cellular organism. Disorders of either process have pathologic consequences and can lead to disturbed embryogenesis, neurodegerative diseases, or the development of cancers. This article reviews the apoptotic as well as anti-apoptotic molecules along with molecular pathways, which may alter in many diseases.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

Saliva is the most valuable oral fluid is critical to the preservation and management of oral health. Saliva containing various organic and inorganic substances provides primary natural protection for teeth and soft tissues in the oral cavity assists in mastication, deglutition and digestion of food. The secretion of saliva can be affected due to various local and systemic causes. However if a patient is taking medication and has altered salivary secretion the differential diagnosis should include the possibility of an adverse drug reaction. The drugs may lead to alteration in the flow rate of saliva, which can be either increased or reduced, however certain drugs have been reported to cause change in the color of the saliva. Several drugs may lead to sialadenitis associated with altered salivary secretion. These symptoms may simulate systemic diseases, Hence oral physicians need to be vigilant in recognizing these adverse drug reactions in the patients and it is incumbent upon the practitioner to try to stay abreast of this ever evolving field especially as it relates to dental therapeutics.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

Objective: A preliminary study was conducted to investigate the feasibility of using an oral cancer chemopreventive agent (−)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), the most biologically active component in the green tea extract, in a form of "swish-and-spit" mouthwash. Such application of EGCG is beneficial as it maximizes exposure of the oral mucosa to the agent but minimizes systemic side effect. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on individuals suspected to have oral field cancerization who are at a high risk for developing recurrent oral precancerous and carcinomatous lesions. EGCG was used as a daily mouthwash for 7 days. EGCG's ability to modulate target molecules implicated in oral carcinogenesis was assessed by measuring the change in the expression levels of biomarkers. Results: Immunohistochemical expressions of phosphoactivated epidermal growth factor receptor (pEGFR), cyclooxygenase-2 (cox-2), and ki-67 were evaluated at baseline and at the endpoint (day 8). Although not statistically significant, overall decrease in expression levels of pEGFR (27.5%), cox-2 (15.9%), and ki-67 positive cells (51.8%) was observed following EGCG treatment. Moreover, a detectable level of EGCG was found in saliva but not in plasma after the 1-week treatment regime, demonstrating local availability of EGCG in oral mucosa without significant systemic absorption. Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to explore use of oral cancer chemopreventive agent in the form of mouthwash in patients with oral field cancerization. Although a definitive conclusion was not reached due to limited sample size, if proven effective, EGCG therapy may offer a non-invasive preventive modality for oral field cancerization.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

Objectives: Present study was undertaken to estimate and compare erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (E-SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) levels in oral submucous fibrosis, oral leukoplakia, oral cancer patients, and healthy subjects. Materials and Methods: E-SOD and GPx levels were estimated in OSF, oral leukoplakia, and oral cancer patients with 25 subjects in each group. The results obtained were compared with the corresponding age-/sex- matched control groups. Results: Statistically significant ( P < 0.001) decrease in E-SOD and GPx levels were observed in OSF, oral leukoplakia, and oral cancer groups as compared to the control group. Oral leukoplakia group showed lower levels in comparison with OSF ( P > 0.05). Oral cancer group had the lowest levels amongst the study groups. Conclusion: Imbalance in antioxidant enzyme status may be considered as one of the factors responsible for the pathogenesis of cancer and may serve as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target to reduce the malignant transformation in oral premalignant lesions/conditions.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical performance of class II composite resin restorations placed by two different bulk-fill techniques according to the United States Public Health Service (USPHS) criteria. Materials and Methods: Sixty class II restorations were placed in 60 patients in the age range of 20-50 years. The patients were divided into three groups according to the technique of the restoration were applied. Group 1: Tetric Evo Ceram (Ivoclar Vivadent) was placed in 2 mm increments. Group 2: Tertic N Ceram Bulk Fill (Ivoclar Vivadent) was placed in single increment. Group 3: Sonic Fill (Kerr, Kavo) was placed in single increment by sonic vibration. The restorations were evaluated using modified USPHS criteria at baseline and then after 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, and 12 months. Results: After 12 months, 58 Class II restorations could be observed. Two cases were dropped out. All the restorations of the three groups showed acceptable clinical performance according to the modified USPHS criteria, and statistically there were no significant differences between the two bulk-fill techniques. Conclusion: Both the bulk-fill techniques performed satisfactorily over the 12-month observation period. Due to the low viscosity of Sonic Fill, it may preponderance Tertic N Ceram Bulk Fill in the regard to depth of cure and marginal integrity and marginal discoloration.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

Background: Benefits of remineralizing agents in a wide variety of formulations have been proved beneficial in caries management. Casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP–ACP) nanocomplex has been recommended and used as remineralizing agent. Nano-hydroxyapatite (n-HAp) is one of the most biocompatible and bioactive material having wide range of application in dentistry, but does it excel better compared to CPP-ACP. Aims: To evaluate and compare the remineralizing efficiency of the paste containing hydroxyapatite and casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate. Settings and Design: The study was an in vitro single blinded study with lottery method of randomization approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee. Materials and methods: 30 non carious premolar teeth. The teeth were demineralized and divided into 2 groups and subjected to remineralization. The samples were analysed for surface hardness and mineral content. Statistical Analysis: Student t’ test and repeated measures of ANOVA was applied. Results: Average hardness in Nano-hydroxyapatite group increased to 340 ± 31.70 SD and 426 ± 50.62 SD for 15 and 30 days respectively and that of (CPP–ACP), 355.83 ± 38.55 SD and 372.67 ± 53.63 SD. The change in the hardness values was not statistically significant with P value of 0.39 (P > 0.05). Calcium and Phosphorous levels increased in both the groups but was not significant. Conclusion: Both the agents used are effective in causing remineralization of enamel. Nano-hydroxyapatite is more effective as compared to Casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate, in increasing the Calcium and Phosphorus content of enamel, and this effect is more evident over a longer treatment period. Key Message: Remineralizing agents are a boon for caries management. With the advent of many formulations it is difficult to clinically select the agent. This study compares the remineralizing potential of Casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate nanocomplex and Nano-hydroxyapatite and found that both are effective as remineralizing agents.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

Sialolithiasis is the most common salivary gland disease accounting for more than 50% of the cases. Majority of salivary calculi occur in the submandibular gland and its duct. It has male predilection and is often seen in adults. Majority of the calculi are less than 10 mm in size. Calculi > 15 mm in size are considered giant. Giant sialoliths within the parenchyma of the salivary glands are frequently reported in the literature, but they are uncommon in the salivary ducts. The purpose of this article is to report a case of giant sialolith in the Wharton's duct of a 65-year-old male, which had caused sialo-oral fistula. Literature in English language on "giant sialolith in Wharton's duct" is reviewed since 1990. Also etiology, pathogenesis, clinical features, diagnosis and management aspects are discussed.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

Context (Background): Stem cells are a unique subpopulation of cells in the human body with a capacity to initiate differentiation into various cell lines. Tumor stem cells (TSCs) are a unique subpopulation of cells that possess the ability to initiate a neoplasm and sustain self-renewal. Epithelial stem cell (ESC) markers such as octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (OCT4) and sex-determining region Y (SRY)-box 2 (SOX2) are capable of identifying these stem cells expressed during the early stages of tooth development. Aims: To detect the expression of the stem cell markers OCT4 and SOX2 in the normal odontogenic tissues and the odontogenic cysts and tumors. Materials and Methods: Paraffin sections of follicular tissue, radicular cyst, dentigerous cyst, odontogenic keratocyst, ameloblastoma, adenomatoid odontogenic tumor, and ameloblastic carcinoma were obtained from the archives. The sections were subjected to immunohistochemical assay by the use of mouse monoclonal antibodies to OCT4 and SOX2. Statistical Analysis: The results were evaluated by descriptive analysis. Results: The results show the presence of stem cells in the normal and lesional tissues with these stem cell identifying markers. SOX2 was found to be more consistent and reliable in the detection of stem cells. Conclusion: The stem cell expressions are maintained in the tumor transformation of tissue and probably suggest that there is no phenotypic change of stem cells in progression from normal embryonic state to its tumor component. The quantification and localization reveals interesting trends that indicate the probable role of the cells in the pathogenesis of the lesions.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

Aims: Liquid dish washing solution (DWS) was used as a substitute for xylene to dewax tissue sections during hematoxylin and eosin (H and E) staining. The aim was to test and compare the hypothesis that xylene-ethanol free (XEF) sections deparaffinized with diluted DWS are better than or at par with the conventional H and E sections. Materials and Methods: Fifty paraffin-embedded tissue blocks was included. One section was stained with conventional HandE (group A) and the other with XEF HandE (group B) staining method. Slides were scored for parameters: nuclear, cytoplasmic, clarity, uniformity, and crispness of staining. Z test was used for statistical analysis. For accuracy of diagnosis, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were tested. Results: Adequate nuclear staining was noted in 94% in group A and 96% in group B, ­adequate cytoplasmic staining in 92% in group A and 86% in group B, clarity in 94% of group A and 96% of group B sections, uniform staining in 92% of group A and 80% of group B sections, crisp stain in 96% of group A and 88% of group B sections, and 94% of group A sections stained adequately for diagnosis as compared with 90% in group B sections. Conclusion: Liquid DWS can be used as an alternative and effective substitute to xylene and ethanol in routine HandE staining procedure.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

According to Sir William Osler, Mouth is the mirror of the body which reflects systemic ­diseases. The oral mucosa may be affected by a variety of mucocutaneous diseases and oral lesions may occur first or very early in several mucocutaneous disorders. The erosive gingival lesions associated with vesiculobullous diseases such as lichen planus, cicatricial pemphigoid, and pemphigus vulgaris have been collectively referred to as "Desquamative gingivitis" (DG). Gingival desquamation is a clinical sign in which the gingiva appears reddish, painful, glazed and friable with destruction of the epithelium. This gingival desquamation is due to various disease processes in gingiva. The disease process may be a localized disease of gingiva or a systemic disease which manifests in the gingiva. It is important to be aware of this rare clinical entity so as to distinguish DG from plaque induced gingivitis which is an extremely common condition, easily recognized and treated daily by the dental surgeon. Accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of these lesions may greatly diminish or reverse disease progression. Here by, we present a case of mucous membrane pemphigoid presenting as gingival desquamation in a 45 year old female. Our patient presented with generalized erythematous gingiva and gingival desquamation involving the free, attached and marginal gingiva of left maxillary and mandibular dentition. However, other mucosal and skin involvement was not appreciated in the present case. Thorough history, clinical examination, histopathology and immunofluorescence studies helped us to arrive at the diagnosis of this rare sub-epithelial blistering disorder.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

Osteomas are relatively rare benign osteogenic neoplasm's characterized by the proliferation of compact or cancellous bone. Osteomas can develop as peripheral (periosteal) masses attached to the cortical plates or as central lesions arising from endosteal bone surfaces. Although multiple osteomas of the jaws are a hallmark of Gardner's syndrome (familial adenomatous polyposis), non-syndromic cases are typically solitary. The purpose of this paper is to present a large peripheral osteoma originating from the buccal surface of the mandible and causing asymmetry in a 35-year-old woman.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

Finger and partial finger amputations are some of the most frequently encountered forms of partial hand loss. A high quality esthetic prosthesis with passive function can be helpful to the patient since loss or congenital absence or malformation have both a social and psychological impact on the patient. Prosthetics is an art and science, which provides lifelike appearance to the lost structures of the patient. This case report presents the fabrication of a silicone finger prosthesis, which had good suspension, adequate function, was comfortable to use and esthetically acceptable to the patient.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

[FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

[FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

Introduction: Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease manifested as the destruction of tooth supporting tissues, which may progress to tooth loss. The chemical antimicrobial agents are often applied locally into the periodontal pocket as adjuncts to conventional mechanical periodontal therapy, but these have various adverse effects. Root extract of Saussurea lappa has shown anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. Hence, the present study was aimed to assess and compare the effect of root extract of S. lappa to chlorhexidine gluconate as subgingival irrigant as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP). Materials and Methods: Thirty chronic periodontitis patients in the age group of 25-45 years were selected for the study. Five hundred and forty periodontal pockets were treated by three different procedures: Group1: Subjects treated by SRP only, Group 2: In addition to SRP, irrigation with S. lappa extract was done and Group 3: Chlorhexidine was used as irrigant along with SRP. Periodontal clinical recordings (modified sulcular bleeding index, probing pocket depth, clinical attachment level, and the presence of pus discharge) were done at 0, 7, 14, 28, and 42 days. Results: The periodontal parameters studied improved in all the three groups over the time period. In 4-5 mm pockets, S. lappa treated group showed significant improvement than chlorhexidine treated group. Furthermore, a dramatic decrease in periodontal pockets with pus discharge was seen in this group. Conclusion: Subgingival irrigation with S. lappa might be a promising adjunct to conventional treatment options in the management of periodontal infections.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

Purpose: This study was conducted to find the epidemiological characteristics of maxillofacial trauma in the Western region of Nepal. Materials and Methods: All the trauma patients attending the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial surgery in 4 years period at a tertiary center in Western Nepal were included in the study. The incidence, prevalence, age and sex distribution, etiologies and types as well as seasonal and daily variation of maxillofacial trauma were studied. Results: Maxillofacial trauma with male (71.55%) predominance was seen. Road traffic accidents (RTA, 46.5%) were the most common cause, and 41.65% of fracture cases due to RTA were under the influence of alcohol. Accidents were more common on the rural roads (38.9%), and majorities (43.3%) were due to motorcycle accidents. They were more common on Friday (36.7%) and in winter seasons (51.2%). The mandible fractures (65.85%) were more common than midface fractures (53.58%) and 19.44% of the fractures were combined fractures. Parasymphysis in mandible (32.16%) and zygoma (39.09%) in midface were the most common type of fracture. Conclusion: The increased incidence of maxillofacial trauma following RTA under the influence of alcohol noted in this study reveals the need for formulating preventive measures in the Western region of Nepal. Need to aware people to avoid drink and drive proper traffic management, prevention of carrying excessive passengers, especially on the rooftop of vehicles on the highway and disposal of out of date vehicles and timely maintenance of faulty roads is a must.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

Aim: Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a high risk premalignant condition predominantly seen in the Indian subcontinent. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of newer drug pentoxifylline in the management of OSMF. Materials and Methods: A total of 106 subjects with clinic-pathologically diagnosed OSMF were included in the study and divided equally in two groups, Group A (pentoxifylline group) and Group B (placebo group). Group A was administered 400 mg pentoxifylline twice daily and Group B was given multivitamins for 3 months. Evaluation for different clinical parameters was done at regular intervals and data were analyzed using the Chi-square test. P < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results: The patients in Group A showed significant improvement (P < 0.05) in all the parameters measured, mouth opening, tongue protrusion, pain associated with the condition, burning sensation and difficulty in speech and swallowing. However, few patients from Group A complained of bloating, nausea, anxiety and dyspepsia. Conclusion: Pentoxifylline can bring about significant clinical improvements in the symptoms like mouth opening and tongue protrusion, thereby improving the quality of life of the affected individuals.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

Context: Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) is a potentially malignant oral disorder leading to increased fibrosis in the sub-epithelial layer. The collagen in the condition has been a subject of intense scrutiny in an attempt to understand the pathogenesis of the disease. Aim: The present study aims to quantify and qualify the collagen fibers in different histological grades of OSF using picrosirius red stain under the polarizing microscope. The quantification of the fibrosis was carried out using image analysis software and the fibers were graded according to staining hue and intensity into their respective subtypes. Comparison was done with normal mucosa, scar/keloid tissue samples. Materials and Methods: The present study included OSF (n = 50) of differing histological grades, keloid/scar (n = 4) and normal mucosa (n = 6) as control cases. Histological assessment was performed on hematoxylin and eosin stained sections. Picrosirius red stained slides were observed under a polarizing microscope for assessment of collagen subtypes. Quantification of collagen was done under polarizing microscope and image parameters were analyzed using ProReg^® Capture Pro 2.8.8 (Lawrence and Mayo India Pvt Ltd, 2011) image analysis software. Results: The epithelial thickness in OSF, scar and keloid is less than that of normal mucosa and progressive decrease in the epithelial thickness is seen in the successive stages of OSF. The fibrosis increases with increasing grades of OSF, was higher in scar and keloid and was highly statistically significant. Type I collagen was more predominant in all stages of OSF, in normal oral mucosa and scar/keloid tissue samples as compared with type III. Though quantitative analysis of the collagen types I and III is possible, with picrosirius red qualitative analysis is an arduous task. The specificity of detection of collagen subtypes was acceptable with the picrosirius red stain, but the sensitivity left a lot to be desired.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

Objectives: This study was carried out to correlate the relationship between early childhood caries and maternal education level and socio-economic status (SES). Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on 500 pairs of children of ≤6 years age and their mothers, who reported to the private dental clinic in Gurgaon, Haryana, India. The association between mother's educational level and SES of the family were estimated through a self-structured questionnaire. Caries status of the children was estimated using deft index (World Health Organization criteria). Results: Collected data was statistically analyzed. There was an inverse relationship between the education level of mothers and caries status of their children. There was no relationship between the SES of mothers and caries status of their children. Conclusion: It was concluded that, mothers are responsible for their children primary oral health.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

The application of medical ultrasound was mainly centered on the soft tissue diagnostic imaging until now. Recently, its use has been widened and adopted for various therapeutic purposes. It has been reported to facilitate the healing of bone fractures, wounds, apthous ulcers and temporomandibular disorders. In addition, ultrasound has also been shown to facilitate delivery of chemotherapeutic drugs into tumors, promote gene therapy to targeted tissues, and deliver thrombolytic drugs into blood clots. This article reviews the principles and current status of ultrasound-based treatments.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

Tumor markers are substances, usually proteins that are produced by the body in response to cancer growth or by the cancer tissue itself. Measurement or identification of these markers is useful in patient diagnosis and clinical management. An ideal tumor marker should be highly sensitive, specific, accurate, reliable and easily assayable. But none of the tumor markers have all these characteristics. Apart from their limitations, tumor markers are precious tools for screening a healthy and a high risk population for the presence of cancer, making a diagnosis of a specific type of cancer, along with determining the prognosis and monitoring the course of the disease in the patient, at the time of remission or during the course of treatment. This overview discusses and emphasizes currently available tumor markers, their role in cancer and their recent development in cancer diagnosis and prognosis.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

The opening and closing mandibular axis is not a purely theoretical postulation, but an absolutely demonstrable biomechanical entity. It is very crucial to accurately record and transfer to articulators for the purpose of maxillofacial rehabilitation. Following the Face bow record and transfer of the mandibular axis to an anatomic articulator, we can then mount the casts so that they open and close on the articulator in the same fashion as the patient's jaws. For this reason one of the fixed factors presented by the patient is taken into the consideration, which if properly considered, can be of inestimable value in all phases of dental treatment. This paper has sought to review the current concepts and practical implications regarding anterior point of reference in prosthodontics.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

The use of fluorescence probes the field of cell and molecular biology. Immunofluorescence is a molecular method for detection of antigen or antibody in a tissue section/serum sample. Although histopathology remains gold standard for most of auto immune, immune mediated and vesiculo - bullous diseases. Immunofluorescence is an ancillary investigation, which are used to support clinical diagnosis more evidently. This method provides additional diagnostic, prognostic information and remains more specific diagnostic aid for vesiculo - bullous diseases of skin. This review article discusses about immunofluorescence techniques and its application in dermatopathology with oral manifestations.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]