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Background: Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is a common oral condition with a major impact on the quality of life. The condition is thought to be due to the overexpression of T helper-1(Th1)-related cytokines. Since interleukin-4 (IL-4) and its receptor (IL-4Rα) are antagonistic to Th-1 pathways, polymorphisms in their genes may also be involved in the pathogenesis of aphthous stomatitis. Methods: Sixty-four patients diagnosed with minor RAS and 141 (age- and sex-matched) healthy controls were assessed for 3 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the promoter region of the IL-4 gene (−1098G/T, −590C/T, and −33C/T), and 1 SNP in IL-4Rα gene (+1902 A/G). Results: No significant differences were detected between the patient and the control group regarding IL-4 allele frequencies. However, the patient group demonstrated a higher frequency of IL-4 −590 CC genotype and a lower rate of IL-4 −590 TC genotype. The TCT, GTT, GCT, and GTC haplotypes of the IL-4 gene (−1098, −590, −33) were significantly more frequent in the patients and the GCC, and TTT haplotypes were more common in healthy controls. No significant differences were found in IL-4Rα gene polymorphism between the 2 groups. Conclusions: Certain polymorphisms of IL4 gene could predispose individuals to RAS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Florid cemento-osseus dysplasia (FCOD) has been described as a reactive process in which normal bone is replaced by fibrous connective tissues and cementum-like materials. Radiographically it appears as dense, lobulated masses, often occurring bilaterally with symmetric involvement. In this case report, a successful implant placement has been reported in a 62-year-old Caucasian woman with a chief complaint of mandibular partial edentulous. Radiographic images showed the bilateral radiopaque lesions in edentulous regions of mandible, and mandibular anterior teeth alike. All mandibular teeth were vital and no root resorption was detected. The findings of X-ray images were attributable to FCOD. A highly conservative step-by-step 2-stage implant surgery was performed. After 6 months the implants loaded with fixed prosthesis. 2, 4, 6, 12, and 18 months after the surgery radiographic images were taken, which revealed an optimal functional rehabilitation and complete integration of implants. This report confirms that treating the edentulous area near the FCOD lesions could be planned, if conservative step- by-step implant placement been considered. To the best of our knowledge, a case of FCOD with successful implant placement has not been reported previously. More studies in more patients are needed to confirm results of such a therapeutic modality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study has been conducted to evaluate the allele, genotype and haplotype frequencies of the polymorphic gene coding TGF-β in recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS). TGF-β gene typing was done by polymerase chain reaction with sequence-specific primers (PCR-SSP) assay. Allele frequencies were estimated by direct gene counting. C allele at codon 25 was significantly increased, while G allele at this position was significantly decreased in patients compared to the controls. A significantly higher frequency of CG genotype at codon 25 was found in control group. CC genotype and TT genotype at codon 10 of the gene was significantly decreased, while CT genotype at the same position was significantly increased in patients, indicating that CT heterozygosity at codon 10 TGF-β is associated with greater risk of RAS. CG and TG haplotypes were significantly decreased while CC and TC haplotypes were significantly increased in patients compared with controls. This study indicates the TGF-β single nucleotide polymorphisms could play a role in RAS pathogenesis. Thereby certain SNPs of TGF-β gene have an association with RAS pathogenesis. © 2017 Tehran University of Medical Sciences. All rights reserved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Cancer immunotherapy has evolved and is aimed at generating the efficacious therapeutic modality to enhance the specificity and power of the immune system to combat tumors. Areas covered: Current efforts in cancer immunotherapy fall into three main approaches. One approach is through the blockade of immune checkpoints, another approach is through adoptive cellular therapy, and the last approach is through vaccination. The goal of this review is to summarize the current understanding and status of cancer immunotherapy in these three categories. Expert commentary: We foresee the development of therapeutic protocols combining these approaches with each other or conventional therapies to achieve the most appropriate guideline for management of cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is a common oral inflammatory disease with unknown etiology in which the immune system seems to have a role in oral tolerance. Interleukin (IL)-10 is a cytokine synthesis inhibitory factor. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of IL10 gene could alter this cytokine production. The aim of this study was to investigate frequencies of IL10 alleles and genotypes in a group of individuals with RAS. Genomic DNA of 60 Iranian patients with RAS were typed for IL10 gene (C/A −1082, C/T −819, and C/A −592), using PCR-SSP method. Frequency of each allele and genotype was compared to control group. A significantly higher frequencies of the T allele at position −819 ( p = 0.006) and the A allele at position of −592 ( p < 0.001) were found in the patients with RAS group, when compared to the controls. IL10 GA genotype at position −1082 ( p = 0.007), CA genotype at position −592 ( p = 0.001), and CT genotype at position −819 ( p = 0.001) were significantly higher in the RAS patients. The results of this study suggest that certain SNPs of IL10 gene have association with predisposition of individuals to RAS. However, further multicenter studies should be conducted to confirm the results of this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors discusses several recommendations to hinder the progression of dental caries and/or oral ulcers in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients with primary antibody deficiencies (PADs). These include informing patients of an elevated risk for dental caries and tooth, the need for them to visit the dentist at least very 6 months to receive professional oral health care and for them to wash their mouth with water after having any sweet food or drink.

A letter to the editor in response to the article "Lack of Association between Interleukin-12 Gene Polymorphisms and Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis," that was published in a previous issue of the journal is presented.