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The prevalence of insomnia, depression and anxiety have recently been increasing (Kessler et al., 2005) with approximately 18.4% of the Brazilian population having experienced depression at least once during their lifetimes. These data characterize Brazil as the developing country with the largest number of people suffering from this disease (WHO, 2018). Depression is commonly accompanied by anxiety disorders and chronic psychiatric conditions with an estimated prevalence of approximately 29% (Kessler et al., 2005), which results in functional impairment that is associated with significant social costs. Treatment of these conditions includes psychological therapy and antidepressants. These drugs, such as benzodiazepines (BZDs), have been widely studied since the 1960s (Llorente et al., 2000) (WHO, 2018). BZDs are used by 9–25% of the elderly population aged 65 years of age and over, mainly among women (15–21.7% in Brazil, 9.9% in the United States, 24% in Canada and 25% in Sweden) (Jorm et al., 2000, Alvarenga et al., 2008, Johnell and Fastbom, 2009, Leggett et al., 2015). BZDs can be divided into two categories, anxiolytics and hypnotics, and can be used as anticonvulsants due to their muscle relaxant effects (De Almeida et al., 2008). As with all central-acting drugs, BZDs have side effects, such as decreased psychomotor activity, memory loss, physical dependence on long-term treatments, (Longo et al., 2000, Uzun et al., 2010) and hyposalivation and/or xerostomia, which is one of the main adverse effects described in the literature (Guggenheimer and Moore, 2003, Lambrecht et al., 2013, Raghavan et al., 2014). BZDs are among the drugs with the highest rates of complaints by patients in dental offices (Smith and Burtner, 1994) where these drugs are prescribed to reduce anxiety related to dental treatments of non-cooperative patients (Zaclikevis et al., 2009). Among the licensed BZDs, Lorazepam is one of the most widely used drugs for both insomnia and anxiety (Amato et al., 2010), particularly among elderly individuals with anxiety disorders and related conditions (Pomara et al., 2015). Previous studies, by our research group, demonstrated the damage Lorazepam and midazolam, another BDZ commonly prescribed for anxiety, caused to the acinar cells of parotid glands (Rinaldi et al., 2015, Mattioli et al., 2016, Rinaldi et al., 2018). We observed that the chronic use of BZDs significantly decreased the number and proliferation of acinar cells, reduced salivary flow and increased cell volume. In light of this, we hypothesize that the reduction in the number of acinar cells caused by Lorazepam in the salivary glands is possibly due to an apoptotic effect on these cells of the parotid glands of rats caused by the chronic use of this drug. Apoptosis plays a fundamental role in the elimination of unwanted, damaged or infected cells in multicellular organisms and serves as an important biological process in cellular development, differentiation and proliferation (So et al., 2016). The terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate biotin nick end-labeling (TUNEL) (Tilly, 1996) technique is the gold standard test employed to detect apoptotic cells (Burattini et al., 2009, Heisler-Taylor et al., 2018). Because of the its wide-spread use of TUNEL, there is no need to use another technique to detect apoptotic cells. The literature lacks studies demonstrating Lorazepam-induced apoptosis in acinar cells. The aim of this study was to evaluate the apoptotic action of a BZD on the acinar cells of the parotid glands of rats by quantification of the number of apoptotic cell nuclei (NCA), the number of acinar cells (N) and the immunoexpression of nuclear proliferation cell proliferation (PCNA) protein.

Objective The objective of this study was to assess inflammatory cytologic alterations in the oral epithelium of patients on human immunodeficiency virus pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Material and Methods Epithelial cells from the buccal mucosa of 30 patients were collected by exfoliative cytology and were evaluated according to inflammatory cellular alterations: karyomegaly, bi- or multinucleation, karyopyknosis, karyorrhexis, perinuclear halo formation, metachromasia, cytoplasmic vacuolization, indistinct cytoplasmic border, keratinization, and atrophy. Epithelial cells were collected initially before PrEP onset (T1) and then after 30 days of PrEP use (T2). Two experienced cytopathologists independently analyzed the slides. Results The nonparametric Wilcoxon test showed that there was a statistically significant increase in the number of cells with karyomegaly at T2 compared to T1 (P = .033). The other cellular alterations did not present with statistically significant differences between the 2 moments of evaluation (P > .05). Conclusion The increased number of oral epithelial cells with karyomegaly after 30 days of using PrEP suggests the presence of inflammatory alterations at this site.

Background: Several of young people and adults make use of anabolic-androgenic steroid (ASS), during resistance training. The purposes of this study were to compare blood and salivary parameters in male resistance training practitioners using oxandrolone with reference values, compare these with a control group in triplicate, and correlate salivary and blood parameters. Methods: In this prospective analytical observational study, blood, saliva, and urine were collected from 22 individuals (oxandrolone group, OG, n = 11 and control group, CG, n = 11), and these samples were analyzed at three time points: before oxandrolone consumption, at cessation of oxandrolone use, and three months after cessation of oxandrolone use. Complete blood count, lipid profile, metabolites, and enzymes were analyzed from blood samples. Salivary flow, pH, triglycerides, urea, aspartate transaminase, alanine aminotransferase, phosphorus, and calcium were analyzed from saliva. Urinalysis was used for toxicological screening. Mann-Whitney U tests, chi-square analysis, Friedman's ANOVA, and Spearman’s correlation tests were performed, with significance p40 mg/dL), as soon as its use ceased, and a return to normal HDL levels three months later (49 mg/dL, >40 mg/dL). We also found higher triglyceride level (177 mg/dL) in this group compared with the reference value (

OBJECTIVE This study was conducted to correlate and compare the immunoexpression of sex-determining region Y-box 2 (SOX-2) in oral leukoplakia (OL) lesions with that in normal buccal mucosa (control). MATERIALS AND METHODS In this observational study, OL with low-risk (n = 34) and high-risk (n = 33) dysplasia and control samples (n = 25) were subjected to immunohistochemical analysis for SOX-2. In the epithelium, SOX-2 positive and negative cells, as well as semiautomatic segmentation of the immunopositive nuclear area were counted. Statistical tests included chi-square, one-way analysis of variance, Tukey, and Games-Howell. The level of significance was 5%. RESULTS Groups with OL lesions (low and high-risk) showed higher mean numbers of SOX-2 positive cells (63.47 ± 25.70 and 68.18 ± 21.17) compared to the control group (45.85 ± 27.38) (p = 0.00). Groups with OL lesions (low and high-risk) exhibited higher mean positive nuclear area (0.24 ± 0.47 and 1.09 ± 2.06) compared to the control group (0.00 ± 0.01) (p = 0.01). CONCLUSION Oral leukoplakia lesions showed a higher expression of SOX-2, suggesting its contribution to the pathogenesis of OL.

Aim To evaluate the sialometric and sialochemical changes in morbidly obese patients before and after bariatric surgery. Materials and methods A total of 74 participants were divided into three groups paired by sex and age: (a) Experimental 1 (E1)-morbid obesity (n = 40)-according to the Fobi-Capella technique, corresponding to the individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of greater than 40 kg/m2 prior to bariatric surgery; (b) Experimental 2 (E2)-the same individuals after surgery; and (c) control (C) (n = 34)-individuals with a BMI of nearly 23 kg/m2. The measure of salivary flow was carried out by collecting stimulated saliva. The pH was evaluated using the pocket pH meter, while the salivary buffer capacity (SBC) was determined by the titration method. Analyses of the salivary concentration of total proteins (TPs), amylase activity, urea, calcium (Ca++), and glucose were evaluated using the calorimetric method. Results Group E1, as compared with group C, presented the highest pH levels (p = 0.03), amylase activity (p = 0.00), and calcium (p = 0.00). The opposite was observed for glucose (p = 0.00), TP (p = 0.04), and urea (p = 0.04). Group E2, as compared with group C, revealed higher levels of amylase (p = 0.00) and calcium (p = 0.00). The opposite was observed for SBC (p = 0.01), PT (p = 0.00), and glucose (p = 0.00). Group E1, as compared with group E2, presented higher values of SBC (p = 0.00) and urea (p = 0.00). The lowest values were found for calcium and urea (p = 0.03). Conclusion Both weight gain and bariatric surgery are risk factors for the oral condition, causing change in some important salivary components, such as TP, amylase, calcium, and glucose. Clinical significance This article is a valuable addition to the scientific literature, due to its novelty. There are no papers that show salivary alterations related to bariatric surgeries.

• Our results showed significant differences in oral heath promotion amongst distinct Brazilian regions.

Background To verify the prevalence and profile of users and non-users of anabolic steroid (AS) among resistance training practitioners. Methods An observational, cross-sectional survey was performed in 100 gyms in Curitiba city, involving 5773 individuals and self-administered questionnaires. The chi-square and z-tests of proportions were used for comparison between the groups (p Results 83.2% did not use, 9.1% formerly used, 3.4% currently used, and 4.3% intended used AS. The prevalence of former or current AS users was 16.9 and 6.5% among men and women, respectively. The prevalence ratios were as follows: 1) 2.6 male users for each woman; 2) 3.3 individuals aged 30–44 years and 2.8 individuals aged 18–29 years for each individual aged over 45 years. Beginners were not interested in using AS, but individuals who had trained longer had higher prevalence of AS use. Conclusions The gym environment encouraged the use of AS owing to aesthetic appeal. Thus, suggesting the need for actions to prevent abusive use of AS considering the practitioners profile (practitioners were young, university and single).

The profiles of polytraumatized patients in intensive care units were characterized. Serum and salivary markers were compared with normality between Classes I and II of APACHE II and between periods of hospitalization; these results were correlated. This was a prospective study on saliva charts and collection (n = 70). Profile: male, 27 years old, blunt traumas and collisions. Serum parameters with normality: decrease in pH, creatinine at admission to Class I, and at 48 and 72 hours in both classes; K+ at 48 h in Class II; Ca+ on admission in both classes and at 72 h in Class I. Increase in urea at 72 h in Class II, glucose at all times and in all classes, and Ca+ at 48 h in both classes. Class II had high Na+ at 48 and 72 h compared to Class I. In Class I, creatinine reduction occurred in 48 h and 72 h compared to admission and an increase of Ca+ at 48 h with admission. In Class II, pH and Na+ increased at 48 h and 72 h compared to admission. K+ decreased from admission to 48 h and increased from 48 h to 72 h. Urea increased from 48 to 72 hours. Creatinine decreased from admission to 48 and 72 hours. Ca+ increased from admission to 48 hours and decreased from 48 to 72 hours. There was an increase in the saliva levels in both classes and times in relation to normality. There was an increase in urea at admission, glucose at 72 h, and Ca+ at 48 h in Class II compared with Class I. Class I urea increased from admission to 48 h and Ca+ decreased from admission to 48 h. Class II urea decreased from 48 h to 72 h. Strong or very strong positive correlation was identified between blood and creatinine saliva at all times and regular and negative Ca+ at 72 h. This study provides evidence that salivary and serum biomarkers can be used together to monitor the evolution of the clinical symptoms of ICU patients.

Objective To compare the use of anabolic steroids (AS), the motivation to use them, their side effects, the source of information and the form in which AS were obtained, the medical follow-up, and the periodic examinations in resistance training practitioners who are either current or former users of AS. Methods A prevalence survey was performed in the gyms of the city of Curitiba, including 719 current and former AS users who self-administered a questionnaire. The chi-square and z of proportions (p

The aim of this study is to compare the immunoexpression of metalloproteinases 1 and 8 in giant-cell fibroma, inflammatory fibrous hyperplasia and normal mucosa. Twenty-two cases of giant-cell fibroma, inflammatory fibrous hyperplasia and oral mucosa (control) each were subjected to immunohistochemistry using anti-metalloproteinase-1 and anti-metalloproteinase-8 antibodies. Eight images of each case were captured and analysed through the a) application of a count grid to count the number of positive neutrophils, macrophages, lymphocytes, plasma cells, fibroblasts and blood vessels to obtain the percentage of staining and b) semi-automated segmentation quantifying the stained area in square micrometres. Statistical tests included ANOVA Two-way, Kruskal Wallis and Games-Howell, with a significance level of 5%. An increased percentage of metalloproteinase-1-immunopositive blood vessels were observed in giant-cell fibroma (26.6±22.4; p=0.02) and inflammatory fibrous hyperplasia (34.3±31.5; p=0.01) compared with the control group (19.6±9.2). No significant differences in inflammatory cells, fibroblasts and total area of metalloproteinase-1 and -8 were noted among the three groups. Metalloproteinase-1 apparently acts within the pathogenesis of giant-cell fibroma and inflammatory fibrous hyperplasia.

Objective The aim was to investigate collagen fibers in giant cell fibroma, inflammatory fibrous hyperplasia, and oral normal mucosa. Materials and methods Sixty-six cases were stained with picrosirius red. The slides were observed under polarization, followed by the measurement of the area and the percentage of the type I and type III collagens. The age and gender were obtained from the clinical records. Results No differences could be observed in both the area and percentage of the type I and type III collagens within the categories of lesions and normal mucosa. In the giant cells fibroma, a greater area and percentage of type I collagen could be identified in individuals of less than 41.5 years (p Conclusion The distribution of type I and type III collagen fibers in the studied lesions followed a similar pattern to that observed in the normal mucosa, indicating a normal collagen maturation process of type III to I. The study supports that multinucleated and stellate cells of the giant cell fibroma appear to be functional within collagen types III and I turnover. The greater amount of type I collagen identified in giant cell fibroma in individuals of less than 41.5 years reinforce the neoplastic nature of lesion.

To describe the estimated prevalence of noncommunicable diseases and their common risk factors among the adult population of Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil, based on results of the EPIdemiology of CURitiba: EvaluAtion of Noncommunicable diseases (EPICUREAN) study.This was a cross-sectional, population-based survey of 1 103 residents of Curitiba, grouped by age (18 - 39 years of age, 40 - 59, and ≥ 60 years), conducted in August 2013 - August 2014. Household interviews, anthropometry, blood pressure measurements, and fasting capillary glycemia were performed during two visits to each participant. The analyses included frequency distribution and prevalence estimates of main outcomes. Prevalence estimates, weighted by age and sex, were presented as absolute numbers and percentages.Prevalence estimates for self-reported depression were 21.2%; hypertension, 31.2%; diabetes, 9.1%; self-reported dyslipidemia, 21.7%; obesity, 21.2%; current smoking, 16.1%; binge drinking, 23.4%; and insufficient physical activity, 35.1%. Prevalences of diabetes and hypertension were higher among individuals with less schooling and the elderly. Binge drinking and leisure-time physical activity were more prevalent in young adults. Men presented higher prevalences of overweight, current smoking, and harmful use of alcohol. Obesity and moderate- to-severe risk of depression were more frequent among women and those with lower income.The prevalence of NCDs and common risk factors among the adult population of Curitiba are high and reveal a gradient of vulnerabilities by age, sex, education level, and income. To address health inequities and meet the needs of different population groups, the health system should monitor NCDs and risk factors and implement equitable public health policies.Describir la prevalencia estimada de las enfermedades no transmisibles (ENT) y sus factores de riesgo comunes en los habitantes adultos de Curitiba (Paraná, Brasil), con base en los resultados del estudio sobre las características epidemiológicas de Curitiba en el que se evaluaron las ENT (conocido como EPICUREAN por su acrónimo en inglés).Encuesta transversal, basada en la población, de 1 103 habitantes de Curitiba, agrupados por edades (de 18 a 39 años, de 40 a 59 años y de 60 años en adelante), efectuada entre agosto del 2013 y agosto del 2014. Se realizaron entrevistas domiciliarias, antropometría y mediciones de presión arterial y glucemia capilar en ayunas en dos visitas a cada participante. Los análisis incluyeron distribución de frecuencias y cálculos de prevalencia de los principales resultados. Los cálculos de prevalencia, ponderados por edad y sexo, se presentaron como números absolutos y porcentajes.Las cifras de prevalencia de la depresión autonotificada fueron de 21,2%; hipertensión, 31,2%; diabetes, 9,1%; dislipidemia autonotificada, 21,7%; obesidad, 21,2%; consumo actual de tabaco, 16,1%; consumo compulsivo de bebidas alcohólicas, 23,4%; y actividad física insuficiente, 35,1%. La prevalencia de la diabetes y la hipertensión fue mayor en las personas con menor escolaridad y las de edad avanzada. El consumo compulsivo de bebidas alcohólicas y la actividad física en el tiempo libre fueron más prevalentes en los adultos jóvenes. Los hombres presentaron prevalencias más altas de consumo de tabaco, sobrepeso y consumo nocivo de alcohol. La obesidad y el riesgo de moderado a grave de depresión fueron más frecuentes en las mujeres y las personas de menores ingresos.La prevalencia de las ENT y los factores de riesgo comunes entre los habitantes adultos de Curitiba es alta y muestra un gradiente de vulnerabilidad por edad, sexo, nivel educativo e ingresos. Para abordar las inequidades en materia de salud y satisfacer las necesidades de diferentes grupos de población, el sistema de salud debe vigilar las ENT y sus factores de riesgo, y ejecutar políticas de salud pública equitativas.Descrever a prevalência estimada de doenças não transmissíveis e principais fatores de risco associados na população adulta da cidade de Curitiba (PR), Brasil, de acordo com os resultados do estudo EPIdemiology of CURitiba: EvaluAtion of Noncommunicable diseases (EPICUREAN).Foi realizado estudo transversal de base populacional com 1.103 residentes da cidade de Curitiba, por faixas etárias (18–39, 40–59 e ≥60 anos), em agosto de 2013 a agosto 2014. Foram conduzidas entrevistas domiciliares com medidas antropométricas e de pressão arterial e teste da glicemia capilar de jejum em duas visitas a cada participante. Foi analisada a distribuição da frequência e estimada a prevalência dos principais desfechos. As estimativas de prevalência, ponderadas por idade e sexo, foram apresentadas como números absolutos e porcentagens.Foram obtidas as seguintes estimativas de prevalência: 21,2% para depressão autorreferida, 31,2% para hipertensão, 9,1% para diabetes, 21,7% para dislipidemia autorreferida, 21,2% para obesidade, 16,1% para tabagismo atual, 23,4% para uso excessivo de álcool e 35,1% para nível insuficiente de atividade física. A prevalência de diabetes e hipertensão foi maior nos indivíduos com menor escolaridade e idosos. O uso excessivo de álcool e atividade física no lazer foram mais prevalentes em jovens adultos. Os indivíduos do sexo masculino apresentaram prevalência mais elevada de sobrepeso, tabagismo atual e uso prejudicial de álcool. Obesidade e risco moderado a grave de depressão foram mais frequentes no sexo feminino e em indivíduos de baixa renda.Existe alta prevalência de doenças não transmissíveis e dos principais fatores de risco na população adulta de Curitiba, demonstrando um gradiente de vulnerabilidade por idade, sexo, nível de escolaridade e renda. Para abordar as iniquidades em saúde e suprir as necessidades dos diferentes grupos populacionais, o sistema de saúde deve monitorar as doenças não transmissíveis e os fatores de risco e implementar políticas de saúde pública equitativas.

Benzodiazepines (BZDs), the most commonly prescribed psychotropic drugs with anxiolytic action, may cause hyposalivation. Therefore, this study sought to quantify the acini (N) in parotid glands of Wistar rats treated chronically with two BZDs (Lorazepam and Midazolan) and to verify the action of the pilocarpine when administered with these drugs. Ninety male Wistar rats were distributed in 9 groups according to the administration of: a) S30 - saline solution for 30 days; b) S60 - saline solution for 60 days; c) P60 – pilocarpine for 60 days; d) L30 - Lorazepam for 30 days; e) M30 - Midozolam for 30 days; f) LS60 - Lorazepam for 60 days and, after this period, 30 more days of saline solution; g) MS60 - Midazolam for 30 days and, after this period, 30 more days of saline solution; h) LP60 - Lorazepam and Pilocarpine for 60 days; i) MP60 - Midazolam and Pilocarpine for 60 days. A surgery was performed on the animals to remove the glands. After this, histological cuts were stained by hematoxylin and eosin, from which the N was quantified. The ANOVA and Games-Howell tests were used for statisitical analysis. The L30 and M30 groups presented less N than did the S30 group (p

The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of a progressive load of physical activity on a musculoskeletal injury in rats. Sixty-four rates were divided into two groups: experimental group (EG), which underwent physical activity (swimming) with a progressive load, and the control group (CG), which was not submitted to this program. The training was carried out according to an adapted version of the Goncalves (1999) swimming system. Injuries were caused to the gastrocnemic muscle by inducing 40% NaOH. On days 2, 7, 14, and 21 after inducing muscle injury, the animals from both EC and CG were sacrificed. The injured area was removed and processed. The neutrophils, macrophages, lymphocytes, and plasmocytes were quantified by hematoxylin and eosin (HE GC=2.48±1.00; p=0.006) and lymphocytes (GE=2.12±0.82; GC=0.06±0.82; p=0.037) after 2 days, and of macrophages (GE=15.74±3.00; GC=6.02±1.95; p=0.007) and lymphocytes (GE=2.01±0.78; GC=0.14±0.09; p=0.044) after 7 days, could be observed in the EG when compared to the CG; however, the opposite was true for neutrophils (GE=48.12±17.04; GC=105.54±12.25; p=0.005). After 14 days, a smaller quantity of neutrophils (GE= 32.70±10.26; GC= 90.96±17.62; p= 0.044) and a larger quantity of plasmocytes (GE=9.06±3.84; GC=0.68±0.53; p=0.028) could be observed in the EG as compared to the CG. A greater area of type III collagen could be observed in the EG when compared to the CG over a 14-day period (GE=44.90±16.15; GC=0.74±0.40; p=0.000) and a 21-day period (GE=13.19±9.09; GC=1.02±0.94; p=0.029), whereas the opposite could be observed for type I collagen. The physical activity promoted an increase in the deposition of type III collagen in the muscle injury. This activity accelerated the repair process after 14 days, possibly moderated by the larger number of inflammatory cells, while after 21 days, the lesion presented a lesser resistance.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0223384.].

The aim of this paper was to evaluate a possible correlation between obturation limits and leakage. Thirty-six extracted human mandibular incisors were used, characterized by straight and single canals, non-anatomical complexities, absence of previous endodontic treatment, complete root formation and patent foramen. For standardization of the specimens for the leakage analysis, foraminal instrumentation was performed up to a Flexofile #25 (Dentsply-Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland). All specimens were instrumented and filled following the same protocol, and the obturation limits were measured using Axiovision 4.5 Software (Carl Zeiss Vision, Hallbergmoos, Germany). The specimens were then separated into three groups (n = 12) according to the following variables: Group I - obturation limits ranging from 0 mm to 0.76 mm of the main apical foramen. Group II - obturation limits ranging from 0.77 mm to 0.98 mm of the main apical foramen. Group III - obturation limits ranging from 0.99 mm to 1.68 mm of the main apical foramen. Apical leakage was quantified by fluid filtration. The analyses were confronted using Pearson's test (p > 0.05). Groups I, II and III showed Pearson correlation values (r2) of -0.152, -0.186 and 0.058, respectively. No correlation was found between the obturation limits and apical leakage

Objective To evaluate the impact of xerostomia on the quality of life (QOL) of adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM1). Study design The sample was comprised of 51 adolescents with DM1. Diabetic status was determined by glycosylated hemoglobin (HbG) and capillary glucose (CG) tests. Poor metabolic control was defined as HbG >8.0% and CG 130 mg/dL. Measurement of salivary flow was performed by means of stimulated saliva collection. Xerostomia was detected by asking a question about the sensation of having “dry mouth,” and OHIP-14 was used to measure the impact of xerostomia on QOL. Results A total of 52.9% of subjects presented with xerostomia and 40.8% with hyposalivation. Significant differences between the subjects with and without xerostomia regarding metabolic control levels were not observed ( P > .05). However, OHIP-14 scores were significantly different between the subjects with and without xerostomia ( P Conclusions Xerostomia is frequent and has a negative impact on QOL of adolescents with DM1.

Objectives To evaluate the effect of psychotropics on stimulated salivary flow rate (SSFR), total proteins, urea and calcium concentration, α-amylase activity, pH, saliva buffer capacity (SBC), and the prevalence of xerostomia in psychotropic users and its relationship with low SSFR and/or hyposalivation. Study design Thirty-three subjects were allocated to 4 groups: I (control): II (psychotropic users); III (subjects of group II using only selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors [SSRIs]); and IV (subjects of group II using SSRIs at recommended initial dose). The SBC was obtained by titrimetry and salivary composition by colorimetric method. Results Group II presented a significant decrease (P = .0203), of 33.85% in SSFR compared with group I. Mean SSFR values in groups III and IV showed no significant difference compared with control group (P > .05). Xerostomia was observed in 37.50%, 38.46%, and 50% of subjects in groups II, III, and IV, respectively. Biochemical composition, pH, and SBC were not significantly affected (P > .05) by the use of psychotropics. Conclusions Xerostomia was associated with a decrease in SSFR and not with alterations in biochemical composition. Even when using the latest-generation drugs, there were complaints of xerostomia associated with decrease in SSFR.

Background:The objective of the study was to analyze salivary flow rate, urea concentration, and buffer capacity in adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus (type 1 DM) in two different stages.Methods:This study was performed on adolescents (14–19 years), allocated between two groups: type 1 DM group comprised 32 adolescents with type 1 DM, and non-type 1 DM group comprised 32 nondiabetics. The adolescents in type 1 DM group were evaluated at a baseline (T0) and after 15 months (T1), and those in non-type 1 DM group were only evaluated at T0. Diabetic status was determined by glycosylated hemoglobin (GHb) and capillary glucose tests. Measurement of salivary flow was performed by means of stimulated saliva (SSFR) collection. The buffer capacity (BC) was determined, and analysis of urea salivary concentration was performed using the colorimetric method.Results:At T0, there were significant differences between diabetics and nondiabetics for SSFR and BC (p0.05). BC at T0 was 4.8, and at T1, it was 3.9 (p=0.000). Urea concentration mean value had a significant decrease at T1 (28.13) compared with T0 (34.88) (p=0.013). There was a negative correlation between SSFR and urea salivary concentration at both T0 (r=−0.426, p≤0.05) and T1 (r=−0.601, p≤0.01).Conclusions:In adolescents with type 1 DM, hyposalivation at T0 was associated with an increase in urea salivary concentration. At T1, hyposalivation was associated with a reduction in BC, and an increase in salivary urea.

Background: Benzodiazepines (BZDs), the most commonly prescribed psychotropic drugs with anxiolytic action, may cause hyposalivation. It has been previously shown that BZDs can cause hypertrophy and decrease the acini cell number. In this study, we investigated the effects of BZDs and pilocarpine on rat parotid glands, specifically on acinar, ductal, and myoepithelial cells. Methods: Ninety male Wistar rats were divided into nine groups. Control groups received a saline solution for 30 days (C30) and 60 days (C60), and pilocarpine (PILO) for 60 days. Experimental groups received lorazepam (L30) and midazolam (M30) for 30 days. Another group (LS60 or MS60) received lorazepam or midazolam for 30 days, respectively, and saline for additional 30 days. Finally, other groups (LP60 or MP60) received either lorazepam or midazolam for 30 days, respectively, and pilocarpine for additional 30 days. The expression of calponin in myoepithelial cells and the proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in acinar and ductal cells were evaluated. Results: Animals treated with lorazepam showed an increase in the number of positive staining cells for calponin as compared to control animals (p < 0.05). Midazolam administered with pilocarpine (MP60) induced an increase in the proliferation of acinar and ductal cells and a decrease in the positive staining cells for calponin as compared to midazolam administered with saline (MS60). Conclusion: We found that myoepithelial cells might be more sensitive to the effects of BZD than acinar and ductal cells in rat parotid glands.

Oral lesions that manifest as ulcer lesions are quite common and can cause discomfort to the patient. Searching for drugs to accelerate the healing of these lesions is nonstop process. Bixin is a molecule found in annatto (urucum) seeds and is considered a viable therapeutic option to treat such lesions due to its anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and healing properties. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the effect of the bixin solution in the ulcer healing process in the oral mucosa of rats. Ulcers were induced with punches of 0.5 cm in the middle of the dorsum of the tongue of 64 Wistar rats. The animals were randomly divided into 8 groups, in which 4 groups were treated with saline solution, while the other 4 were treated with the bixin solution. The animals were sacrificed in the periods 2, 7, 14, and 21 days after the beginning of the treatment. The species were histologically processed and stained with hematoxylin/eosin and picrosirius. Fibroblasts, reepithelialization, and wound contraction could be observed, as could the quantification of neutrophils, macrophages, plasma cells, lymphocytes, and mature and immature collagen. On the seventh day, the experimental group, when compared to the control group, presented a higher proliferation of fibroblasts, more advanced reepithelialization, and a higher contraction in the wounds. A reduction in the average number of neutrophils in the experimental group, when compared to the control group, could be observed in all periods (p=0.000). Up to two days, the total collagen area was higher (p=0.044) in the experimental group (4139.60±3047.51t han in the control group (1564.81±918.47). The deposition of mature collagen, on the 14(th) day, was higher (p=0.048) in the experimental group (5802.40±3578.18) than in the control group (1737.26±1439.97). The results found in the present study indicate that the bixin solution inhibits the acute inflammatory response with a minor average number of neutrophils and accelerates reepithelialization, wound contraction and collagen maturation, thus illustrating that this solution does in fact represent an important adjuvant in the treatment of ulcers.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of clinical criteria for the diagnosis of hyposalivation in hospitalized patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A clinical study was carried out on 145 subjects (48 males; 97 females; aged 20 to 90 years). Each subject was clinically examined, in the morning and in the afternoon, along 1 day. A focused anamnesis allowed identifying symptoms of hyposalivation, like xerostomia complaints (considered as a reference symptom), chewing difficulty, dysphagia and increased frequency of liquid intake. Afterwards, dryness of the mucosa of the cheecks and floor of the mouth, as well as salivary secretion during parotid gland stimulation were assessed during oral examination. RESULTS: Results obtained with Chi-square tests showed that 71 patients (48.9%) presented xerostomia complaints, with a significant correlation with all hyposalivation symptoms (p

This study assessed the effect of the antidepressants, Fluoxetine and Venlafaxine, on the size (GS), mass (M), cellular volume (CV), of rat parotid salivary glands and salivary flow rate (SFR), as well as the secretagogue action of pilocarpine on this flow. Ninety animals were divided into 9 treatment groups with the antidepressants, antidepressants associated with the application of pilocarpine, antidepressants and physiologic serum, physiologic serum (control) and pilocarpine (positive control). Thirty hours after the end of treatment, saliva collection began, to determine the SFR. Next, the salivary glands were removed, GS and M measured, and the specimens processes for histomorphometric analysis and CV determination. The variable GS presented statistically significant increase among the groups that were treated for 30 days with Fluoxetine (p=0.0002) and Venlafaxine (p=0.0112) when compared with the group treated with physiologic serum (control). The group treated with Fluoxetine for 30 days revealed increase in M (p=0.0190) and diminished SFR (p=0.0031), statistically significant, when compared with the control group. CV revealed increase in acinic cells between the Fluoxetine (30 days) (p=0.0005) and Venlafaxine (30 days) (p=0.0004) groups as well, when compared with the control group. The group treated with Venlafaxine for 60 days in association with pilocarpine presented SFR similar to the control group treated for 60 days. Both Fluoxetine and Venlafaxine reduced the SFR and caused increase in CV, resulting in hypertrophy of the glands, with Fluoxetine having a more pronounced anticholinergic action. The pilocarpine increased the SFR in the group that received Venlafaxina.

Baioni CS, de Souza CM, Ribeiro Braosi AP, Luczyszyn SM, Dias da Silva MA,Igna´cio SA, Naval Machado MAˆ, Benato Martins WD, Riella MC, Pecoits-Filho R,Trevilatto PC. Analysis of the association of polymorphism in the osteoprotegeringene with susceptibility to chronic kidney disease and periodontitis. J Periodont Res2008; 43: 578–584. 2008 The Authors. Journal compilation 2008 BlackwellMunksgaardBackground and Objective: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a complex disorder,which results in several complications involving disturbance of mineral metabo-lism. Periodontal disease is an infectious disease that appears to be an importantcause of systemic inflammation in CKD patients. Periodontal disease is charac-terized by clinical attachment loss (CAL) caused by alveolar bone resorptionaround teeth, which may lead to tooth loss. Osteoprotegerin (OPG) is a keyregulator of osteoclastogenesis. Polymorphisms are the main source of geneticvariation, and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been reported asmajor modulators of disease susceptibility. The aim of this study was to investigatethe association of a polymorphism located at position –223 in the untranslatedregion of the OPG gene, previously known as –950, with susceptibility to CKDand periodontal disease.Material and Methods: A sample of 224 subjects without and with CKD (inhemodialysis) was divided into groups with and without periodontal disease. TheOPG polymorphism was analyzed by polymerase chain reaction and restrictionfragment length polymorphism.Results: No association was found between the studied OPG polymorphism andsusceptibility to CKD or periodontal disease.Conclusion: It was concluded that polymorphism OPG–223 (C/T) was not asso-ciated with CKD and periodontal disease in a Brazilian population. Studies onother polymorphisms in this and other genes of the host response could help toclarify the involvement of bone metabolism mediators in the susceptibility to CKDand periodontal disease.

. Background: Poor oral health status may have an impact on the health status of patients with chronic renal failure. Aim: To describe the oral health status of a group of Brazilian patients with chronic renal failure. Material and methods: Retrospective review of the medical records of patients with chronic renal failure, of whom 13 (4.5%) were in a pre dialysis stage, 158 (55%) were on hemodialysis, 23 (8.4%) were on peritoneal dialysis and 92 (32.1%) were transplanted. General oral health, presence of dental calculus, and halitosis were recorded. The number of decayed, missed and filled teeth was analyzed by means of DMF-T (Decayed, Missed and Filled Teeth) index. Results: The sample was composed of 152 men (53%) and 134 women (47%), aged 42±13 years. Oral health status was considered defective in most patients (83%). Eighty-seven percent had dental calculus and 55% had halitosis. Transplant patients reported significantly less halitosis (40.2%) than the rest of the groups. The DMF-T for the whole population was 20.6 and had a positive correlation with age. Conclusions: This group of patients with chronic renal failure presented a poor oral health status. Dental treatment programs for these patients should be implemented to avoid the exposure to dental pathogens (Rev Med Chile 2008; 136: 741-6). (Key words: Dental health surveys; Kidney failure, chronic; Oral health)

Background/Aims: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and periodontitis (PD) are serious public-health concerns. Vitamin D is a fat-soluble steroid hormone that interacts with its nuclear receptor (VDR) to regulate a variety of biological processes, such as bone metabolism, immune response modulation and transcription of several genes involved in CKD and PD disease mechanisms. The aim of this work was to investigate the association between polymorphisms in the VDR gene and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and PD. Methods: 222 subjects with and without ESRD (in hemodialysis) were divided into groups with and without PD. Polymorphisms TaqI and BsmI in the VDR gene were analyzed by PCR restriction fragment length polymorphism. The significance of differences in allele, genotype and haplotype frequencies between groups was assessed by the χ2 test (p value Results: Allele G was associated with protection against ESRD: groups without versus with ESRD (GG) × (GA+AA): OR = 2.5, 95% CI = 1.4–4.6, p = 0.00; (G × A): OR = 1.5, 95% CI = 1.0–2.3, p = 0.02; (TG + CG) × (TA + CA): OR = 1.5, 95% CI = 1.0–2.3, p = 0.02. No association was observed between the study polymorphisms and susceptibility to or protection against PD. Conclusion: Allele G of the VDR BsmI polymorphism was associated with protection against ESRD.