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Objectives: Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) include a series of signs and symptoms in the temporomandibular joints (TMJ) and muscles of mastication, which are associated with or caused by parafunctional habits. Many of these patients also suffer from lumbar pains. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of treating parafunctional habits in alleviating symptoms of TMD and lower back pain. Materials and Methods: This phase II clinical trial was conducted on 136 patients suffering from TMDs and lumbar pain, who consented to participate in this study. They were provided with instructions on how to discontinue their parafunctional habits including clenching and bruxism. The Helkimo and Rolland Morris questionnaires were used to assess TMD and lower back pain, respectively. Data were statistically analyzed using paired Student's t-test, Wilcoxon, Mann-Whitney, and Spearman correlation tests, with the significance level set at P

Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic non-infectious, inflammatory, immunological disease. In contrast to skin lesions, which are often self-limiting, oral lesions rarely heal on their own and can be resistant to local and systemic treatments. In this clinical trial, hyaluronic acid (HA) was mixed with triamcinolone for intralesional injection to reduce side effects in the treatment of OLP. This randomized clinical trial with a split-mouth design was performed on 28 patients with OLP. The mouth was divided randomly into two sides: a test side, which received HA combined with triamcinolone, and a control side, which received triamcinolone alone. The rate of symptom recurrence was 74.1% on the control side and 11.1% on the test side (significant difference, P

Background: Interleukin 10 (IL-10) is a powerful anti-inflammatory cytokine capable of preventing inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Oral lichen planus (OLP) is an autoimmune, chronic, inflammatory disease with relapsing nature involving oral mucous membranes. It was prevsiouly assumed that like other autoimmune diseases, IL-10 may have a role in OLP pathogenesis, and many studies focused on that. But there are obvious controversies among IL-10 levels in OLP patients. Objective: In this review with Meta-Analysis, we attempt to assess IL-10 expression in OLP patients. Methods: The search was conducted via Pubmed, Ovid, and Google Scholar, to identify articles published up to Jun 2020. A meta-Analysis by Revman 5.3 was conducted based on serum levels of IL-10 in 313 OLPs and 203 controls. Results: With Meta-Analysis in 313 OLPs and 203 controls, the Mean difference between IL-10 in OLPs and controls was obtained as 0.26 (95% CI: -0.51-1.03), demonstrating no statistically significant difference. Conclusion: IL-10, in concert with its receptors, has a crucial role in the pathogenesis of various diseases, including inflammatory, infectious, and autoimmune diseases. Both over-expression, as well as IL-10 deficiency, have been described in oral lichen planus. With Meta-Analysis on serum IL-10 levels, it is speculated that no significant relationship exists between IL-10 and OLP pathogenesis. With respect to the importance of cytokines in the autoimmunity process, performing additional studies is of necessity to understand the association of other cytokines with OLP predisposition and its underlying pathological processes.

Background Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a common, chronic immunological and inflammatory condition. Many of the OLP patients complain of xerostomia. The M3 muscarinic cholinergic receptors (MR3) are the main receptors in the salivary glands responsible for water secretion into the saliva. This study aimed to assess the level of M3 muscarinic cholinergic receptors in minor salivary glands of OLP patients. Methods This case-control cross-sectional study evaluated 40 OLP patients and 22 controls. All participants completed two questionnaires (xerostomia and xerostomia inventory). Stimulated and unstimulated saliva samples were collected. The saliva flow rate was calculated by dividing the saliva volume (in milliliters) by time (in minutes). Six minor salivary glands were also surgically removed from the lower lip of patients and controls, and weighed using a digital scale with 10-4 g accuracy. They were then frozen at -80°C, and the level of M3 receptors of the glands was determined using the ELISA kit. Results The unstimulated and stimulated saliva flow rate was significantly lower in OLP patients. The xerostomia inventory score was significantly higher in the OLP group. The level of M3 muscarinic receptors in minor salivary glands of OLP patients was significantly higher than that in controls. Conclusions It may be concluded that the reduction in saliva flow significantly increases the number of M3 receptors in an attempt to compensate for this shortage and prevent xerostomia (compensatory upregulation).

Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a relatively common chronic inflammatory disease. The tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) is considered as a major mediator in inflammation reactions. No review articles have been done on evaluating TNF-α levels before and after performing standard treatments of OLP so far. This study aimed to provide a complete review on the association between this cytokine and OLP as well as determining the role of therapeutic agents in improving the OLP lesions by measuring the level of this cytokine. Some databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Embase (Ovid) with keywords of oral lichen planus, Nuclear Factor Kappa B (NF-κB), OLP, TNF-α, and Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha without time limit (2017 - 1900) were searched to collect the needed data from the related articles. For this purpose, 14 completely related articles were included in this study. Of them, 3 studies that assessed the effect of the standard treatment of oral lichen planus, were included in this meta-analysis. As a result, a significant effect of standard treatment on TNF-α levels in OLP patients has been shown (P-value = 0.02). TNF-α level in OLP patients was higher than in normal subjects, so it can be suggested that the TNF-α levels may be useful in determining prognosis and effectiveness of the treatment performed.

Schwannoma can be included in the list of differential diagnoses of tongue masses but seems to be a rare finding in the Iranian population. The current case was presented as an exophytic nodular sessile mass which was growing fast.

Background and Aim: Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic, inflammatory, T-cell-mediated autoimmune oral mucosal disease. Oral lichenoid lesions develop as a type IV hypersensitivity reaction. Both of these entities are potential precancerous conditions; this adds to their clinical significance. The purpose of this literature review was to detect the similarities and the differences of these lesions to enhance the information of colleagues in managing these groups of patients. Materials and Methods: For this review, we searched Cochrane, Medline, and Embase databases from January 1990 to the end of October 2018. A total of 96 published pa-pers, including review papers, case reports, cohort studies, case-control studies, and meta-analysis studies, were included and analyzed. Results: OLP and oral lichenoid reactions are two distinct diseases. They can be clinically similar but they have different etiologic factors. A histopathological study is necessary to differentiate them. Conclusion: The definitive diagnosis of these conditions is extremely important given their potentially premalignant nature. A timely diagnosis probably results in proper management. Based on the present research, the final differentiation between OLP and oral Lichenoid reactions relies on both clinical and histopathological manifestations according to the modified World Health Organization (WHO) criteria.

Background and Aim: Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) can be associated with pain in other areas such as the neck. Multiple causes have been suggested for TMDs; parafunctional habits such as bruxism and clenching are among the most commonly suggested etiologies. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of the amendment of oral parafunctional habits in the improvement of TMDs and neck pain. Materials and Methods: This before-and-after interventional study was conducted on 136 patients with TMDs, parafunctional habits, and neck pain. The patients were instructed on how to quit their parafunctional habits and were followed up for two months. The neck pain disability index (NPDI), anamnestic dysfunction index (Ai), and clinical dysfunction index (Di) of TMD were evaluated before and after the modifica-tion of parafunctional habits. Data were analyzed using paired Student’s t-test, Wilcox-on, Mann-U-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis, and Spearman tests. P

Introduction: Oral focal mucinosis (OFM) is the soft tissue counterpart of cutaneous fo-cal mucinosis (CFM) and is often misdiagnosed as an oral myxoma. OFM occurs during the fourth and fifth decades of life, predominantly in women (two females per male). Case Report: A 22-year-old lactating female presented with a growing painless, sessile tumor with pale pink color and a lobulated surface with ulcers at the depths of interlobular fissures in the premolar-molar area of the left mandibular alveolar ridge, dating back one year. The tumor was completely excised. No recurrence was observed during the follow-ups over the next three years. Conclusion: The current case appears to be the only one with an OFM reported during the breastfeeding period; therefore, the role of hormonal factors in the pathogenesis of the lesion should be taken into consideration.

Objectives Headache is the most common complaint of patients suffering from temporomandibular joint disorders (TMDs). Thus, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) examinations maybe necessary in patients with headache. Considering the high prevalence of bruxism and TMDs in patients with headache the effects of conservative TMD treatment on headache should be assessed. Materials and methods Patients were questioned about headaches in the past three months. Those responding affirmatively to this question were examined for TMD and bruxism. After the examinations, 219 patients remained in the study and received self-management instructions. Patients were requested to modify oral habits except when eating or sleeping. The degree of pain (visual analogue scale), headache disability index (HDI), frequency of headaches (FH) per month and TMD intensity were evaluated. Results The median levels of pain, HDI, FH, and TMD intensity were 8, 44, 8, and 7, respectively, before modifying oral habits and decreased to 4, 24, 2, and 3, respectively, after intervention. These decreases were statistically significant. Conclusion Having patients maintain free space between the teeth and relax muscles can be an efficient method to treat headache and TMD, especially when repeated frequently.

Zinc, as the second most abundant trace element present in the living organisms after iron, plays a key role in the structural, catalytic, and signaling felds. Beyond the numerous systemic symptoms of zinc defciency, it may also contribute to different processes of oral diseases. The articles were collected from three search engines including PUBMED, GOOGLE SCHOLAR, and SCOPUS. The search keywords are as follows: Zinc, trace elements, zinc defciency, oral diseases, oral lesions, recurrent aphthous stomatitis, oral lichen planus, oral squamous cell carcinoma, burning mouth syndrome, xerostomia, neuropathy. Many diverse articles including original article, case report/case series, and review articles were collected. Several studies have investigated the role of zinc and its defciency in the development of various types of noncommunicable oral lesions including recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS), oral lichen planus (OLP), precancerous lesions of the oral cavity (leukoplakia and submucosal fbrosis), oral cancer, xerostomia and burning mouth syndrome, periodontal disease, and Caries. Therefore, the present research was conducted to review the previous studies performed in this feld. [GMJ.2021;10:e2071]

Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a relatively common, chronic, and inflammatory mucocutaneous disease. Xerostomia is also a common complaint of most OLP patients. Considering the significant role of M3 muscarinic receptors (M3R) in secretion of saliva, this study sought to compare the level of this receptor in saliva between OLP patients and healthy controls. Forty OLP patients and 40 healthy controls filled out two questionnaires regarding xerostomia to assess its degree of severity. Unstimulated and stimulated salivary samples were obtained of both groups and the stimulated and unstimulated salivary flow rates were calculated. Salivary level of M3 muscarinic receptors was measured using the ELISA kit. Data were analyzed and compared using unpaired student's t test. P

Background and Aim: Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic inflammatory lesion. Psychological stress occurs when someone senses that environmental demands exceed his/her adaptive capability. Stress, anxiety, and depression have frequently been mentioned as possible factors related to the development of OLP, although this association remains controversial. In most studies, a positive correlation was found between psychological stress and OLP, although some found no significant association. In this review, we assess the possible role of psychological stress in the etiopathogenesis of OLP. Materials and Methods: The methodological approach of this study was to search major databases from 1985-2014, using "oral lichen planus"," stress", "anxiety", "depression" and "psychological disorder” as search terms. Results: A total of 45 scientific papers and abstracts in English were reviewed, and 10 articles met the necessary requirements. Stress evaluation methods of these articles were questionnaire, genetic polymorphisms at DNA level, measurement of body substances like hormones, and effect of drug therapy of psychiatric disorders on OLP patients. In order to include a study, OLP in patients must have been proven by clinical and histopathological criteria. Exclusion criteria were not explicit stating the OLP diagnosis, an inadequate number of the test subject in experimental and control groups, discrepancy (inconsistency) in sex and age between the case and control groups, and unreliable method of stress measurements. Conclusion: Higher levels of stress in patients with OLP were confirmed. Reducing psychological stress and well-being of patients is an important factor that should be considered in the treatment of OLP.

Currently, Hashimoto Thyroiditis (HT) is the most common autoimmune disease and its prevalence is reported to be about twice that of Type 1 diabetes. Any disturbances in the immune tolerance system may cause autoimmune diseases. Discovering the underlying immune disturbances in HT not only improves our knowledge of its aetiopathology, but may also provide opportunities for appropriate management and preventing further immunological biases.Forty women diagnosed with HT were enrolled in this study. After the subjects had sat quietly for 30-40 min, blood samples were taken between 08:00 and 09:00 am. Cortisol, autoantibodies and TSH were measured by ELISA test.There were no significant differences in terms of age, BMI or number of menopause women between HT patients and normal group. Cortisol was significantly higher in the HT group. The adjusted odds ratio for increased probability of HT for 1 ng increase in cortisol value was 19%.After matching age and menopause status, cortisol was higher in the HT group. The Th2 immune response due to cortisol may have a protective role in certain types of autoimmunity. The presence of immunoreactive corticotropin-releasing hormone in thyroid lesions, predominantly in those related to autoimmune disorders may support hyperproduction of cortisol in HT.Glucocorticoids downregulate the immune system and are known as one of the major immunosuppressant factors. In this study, there was increased cortisol level in HT patients.

Lichen Planus is an autoimmune disease of skin and mucous membranes, including oral mucosa and genital organs, with the potential to undergo a malignant transformation. Xerostomia and the salivary gland hypofunction are common manifestations and complications in oral lichen planus (OLP), whose exact cause has not been well defined yet. Aquaporins (AQP) are a family of membrane channel cell proteins which play an important role in the intercellular water permeability. This study for the first time compares the expression of the aquaporin-3 (AQP3) gene in oral tissues of a group of OLP patients and a control group. In this study, 30 OLP patients and 30 healthy individuals were selected. The expression of AQP3 gene was measured using Real-Time PCR method. The expression of the gene in the OLP patients was more than the control group. It could be argued that decreased salivation increases the level of expression of the AQP3 gene in an effort to compensate for this deficiency and prevent the onset of xerostomia (compensatory up-regulation).

AimMany studies have suggested that a lesion originally diagnosed as oral lichen planus (OLP) has different possibilities of undergoing malignant transformation in time, although these findings remain a controversial issue; for example, some studies reported different values of potential malignancy of OLP.IntroductionWorld Health Organization (WHO) classifies OLP as a “potentially malignant disorder” with unspecified malignant transformation risk, and suggests that OLP patients should be closely monitored. Numerous studies have attempted to confirm the malignant transformation potential of OLP.Review resultsThe Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, Medline and EMBASE databases, PubMed, Google Scholar, Ovid, Up To Date, BMJ Clinical Evidence, MD Consult, and Science Direct were searched for papers published between 1997 and 2015. The medical subject heading search terms were “lichen planus,” “oral lichen planus,” “erosive oral lichen planus,” “dysplasia,” “oral precancerous condition,” “oral premalignant condition,” oral cancer, oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), and atrophic lichen planus. A total of 120 English language abstracts were reviewed, and 50 relevant articles identified. Because of the extensive literature on the association between OLP and SCC, we have divided the data into genetic and nongenetic factors for more accurate assessment.ConclusionIn this evidence base, malignant transformation ranges from 0 to 37% with a mean of 4.59%. The highest rate of malignancy was noted in erythematosus and erosive lesions. In this way, follow-up of OLP patients could be carried out more efficiently and appropriately.Clinical significanceOral lichen planus is a premalignant lesion. All types of OLP in any site of oral mucosa must be monitored regularly.How to cite this articleAgha-Hosseini F, Sheykhbahaei N, SadrZadeh-Afshar M-S. Evaluation of Potential Risk Factors that contribute to Malignant Transformation of Oral Lichen Planus: A Literature Review. J Contemp Dent Pract 2016;17(8):692-701.

Background: One of the most common causes of hypothyroidism is Hashimoto´s Thyroiditis (HT). Early detection of dry mouth is critical in preserving and promoting systemic and oral health. In this study we have assessed, for the first time, salivary function and xerostomia in HT patients who have not been involved with Sjögren´s syndrome. Material and Methods: HT was diagnosed in 40 patients based on clinical findings and positive anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies (anti-TPO). Controls, matched by sex, age and body mass index (BMI), and with no history of thyroid disease, were selected. A questionnaire was used for diagnosis of xerostomia. Saliva samples were taken between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m., and at least 2 hours after the last intake of food or drink. The flow rate was calculated in milliliters per minute. Results: Xerostomia was significantly higher in patients with HT. Unstimulated salivary flow rate was significantly lower in the HT group. Stimulated salivary flow rate was lower in HT group, but the difference was not significant. Conclusions: The patients with HT experienced xerostomia, and their salivary flow rate was diminished. Spitting the saliva then assessing salivary flow rate based on milliliter per minute is non-invasive, fast, and simple for chair-side diagnosis of dry mouth. Autoimmune diseases can be accompanied by salivary gland dysfunction. This may be due to the effect of cytokines in the autoimmune process or because of thyroid hormone dysfunctions

A caliber-persistent labial artery (CPLA) is an incipient arterial branch that penetrates near the submucosal tissue of the lip without dividing or reducing in diameter and often appears as a palpable lesion on the lip. It occurs at an incidence of approximately 3%. This study investigated the causes of swelling of the lips, focusing on CPLA, and reviewed the literature for past cases in order to inform the treatment of a 32-year-old man presenting with an asymptomatic, solitary, elevated lesion on the vermilion of the upper lip of seven months duration. Biopsy resulted in abundant bleeding. Histopathology showed fragments of connective tissue composed of spindle-shaped cells, fibroblasts, collagen fibers and sections of small blood vessels with lymphocytic infiltration of chronic inflammatory cells around the small vessels. A thick-walled section reminiscent of a major artery was apparent. In view of the size of the lesion and concern over the functional and esthetic impairment that might result from surgery, the patient was treated with triamcinolone (40 mg/ml) injected at low pressure into the lesion, which caused the formation of deposits of colloidal particles within the lesion. The procedure was repeated twice at 2-week intervals. Subsequently, the lesion was found to have completely regressed. The favorable therapeutic results achieved, and the findings of the present review, support the intralesional injection of triamcinolone as a first-line conservative treatment in CPLA rather than a surgical approach that can result in inordinate hemorrhaging.

Objective To determine whether dental implants impress oral lesions, and to evaluate the nature of their effect on the lesions. Materials and methods A comprehensive search was done via Google and PubMed for articles (including case reports and literature reviews) containing the keywords ‘oral squamous cell carcinoma’ (OSCC), ‘oral lichen planus’ (OLP), ‘lichenoid contact reaction’ (LCR), ‘osseointegrated implants’, and ‘dental implants’, in the last 10 years (2002-2012). Results The study included 24 articles involving patients with dental implants, and some oral lesions (e.g. oral lichen planus and oral squamous cell carcinoma) or with a history of lesions. In these publications, there is evidence suggesting the possibility of emergence, exacerbation, recurrence, or even malignant transformation of the oral lesions after implant placement in some cases. Conclusion Based on our review of the literature, implant treatment does not seem to be completely safe under any circumstances, but may have some complications in subjects with certain diseases (e.g. oral lesions, autoimmune diseases, malignancies, allergic reactions, etc.). Therefore prior to treatment, patients should be fully informed of the risks. Clinical significance Implant treatment is best done with caution in patients with cancer or mucocutaneous disorders. How to cite this article Agha-Hosseini F, Rohani B. Evaluation of the Effects of Dental Implants on Oral Lesions. J Contemp Dent Pract 2015;16(5):400-406.

Oral lichen planus (OLP) is among the most common oral diseases. Its etiopathogenesis has yet to be clearly identified. OLP patients complain of mouth dryness. This study aimed to assess the level of Mucin 5B in OLP patients with xerostomia. This study was conducted on 30 OLP patients and 30 healthy individuals. In addition to patient complaint of mouth dryness, xerostomia was assessed by tongue blade and lipstick tests. Stimulated and unstimulated saliva were collected in plastic vials by spitting method. Level of Mucin 5B was measured by ELISA. Unstimulated saliva flow was significantly lower in OLP patients (P = 0.0001). Stimulated saliva flow was not significantly different between the two groups (P > 0.05). Level of Mucin 5B in unstimulated saliva was significantly lower in OLP group (P = 0.0001) while it was not significantly different in stimulated saliva of the two groups (P > 0.05). Level of Mucin 5B was significantly higher in serum of OLP patients (P = 0.016). Both saliva flow and level of Mucin 5B decrease in OLP patients. Since Mucin 5B is effective for wetting and lubrication of the oral cavity, this result can suggest a possible reason for mouth dryness in OLP patients.

Objectives We compared salivary flow, serum and saliva testosterone, and femur bone mineral density (BMD) of menopausal women with or without xerostomia. Study Design A case/control study was performed on 60 selected menopausal women with or without xerostomia. BMD and testosterone concentration were measured by a dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry system and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method, respectively. Results Multinomial logistic regression demonstrated that low saliva flow rate (odds ratio [OR] = 22.8, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 5.4, 96.8), low femur BMD (OR = 6.0, CI: 1.8, 20.0), high stimulated saliva testosterone (OR = 5.2, CI: 2.0, 18.9), high unstimulated saliva testosterone (OR = 3.8, 95% CI: 1.6, 12.3), and high serum testosterone (OR = 2.7, CI: 1.1, 7.2) were associated with an increased risk of xerostomia in menopausal women. Conclusions High serum and salivary testosterone and low femur BMD and saliva flow were associated with xerostomia. Of these factors, low salivary flow seems to be the most important element in the perception of dry mouth.

The aim of this study was to compare unstimulated whole saliva 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25(OH)D) in menopausal women with and without oral dryness (OD) feeling, and evaluate the relationship between saliva 25(OH)D and severity of OD feeling. A case–control study was carried out on 70 selected menopausal women aged 41–77 years with or without OD feeling (35 as case and 35 as control) conducted at the Clinic of Oral Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences. Unstimulated saliva samples were obtained by expectoration. Xerostomia inventory (XI) score was used as an index of OD feeling severity. The saliva 25(OH)D concentration was measured by ELISA. Statistical analysis of Student’s t test and Spearman correlation was used. The mean saliva 25(OH)D level was significantly higher in the case group (897.1 ± 128.9 pg/ml), compared with control (156.7 ± 43.4 pg/ml; P

A comparative evaluation of low-level laser and CO2 laser therapies was performed, for the treatment of oral lichen planus (OLP). In a randomized open clinical trial, 28 patients with 57 lesions were randomly assigned to two groups. One group received CO2 laser therapy, the other received low-level laser therapy (LLLT) for 5 sessions every other day. Participants were examined before the treatment, after 2 weeks, and at 1, 2 and 3 months, to assess the changes in sign and symptom scores. Improvements in size of lesions, in pain and clinical response scores were achieved in both groups. After 3 months, clinical response showed 100% and 85% partial to complete improvement in LLLT and CO2 laser surgery, respectively. This demonstrates a quick and pronounced beneficial effect in controlling symptoms related to OLP. Both methods may be effective in the treatment of OLP, and can be used as alternative therapy alongside standard treatment modalities. The present study showed that LLLT displayed better results than CO2 laser therapy as alternative or additional therapy, but further investigations in comparison with standard treatment modalities with a prolonged follow-up period will be necessary to confirm the efficacy of laser therapy in the treatment of OLP.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate oxidative stress status in the saliva of patients with oral lichen planus (OLP) and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). METHODS: Thirty-two patients with OLP, 26 patients with OSCC, and 30 non-involved subjects were enrolled in this study. The study was conducted at the Cancer Department, Clinic of Oral Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences. The unstimulated whole saliva malondialdehyde (MDA), as an indicator of lipid peroxidation, the total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) were assayed by thiobarbituric acid, ferric reducing antioxidant potential (FRAP), and ELISA method, respectively. The TAC/MDA ratio was used as an index of oxidative stress status. Data were analyzed by ANOVA followed by the Tukeys post hoc test. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: There were no significant differences in saliva TAC and MDA levels between OLP and control, and also between OLP and OSCC patients. MDA and 8-OHdG were significantly higher but TAC was lower in OSCC patients than control. TAC/MDA ratio was significantly lower in patients with OSCC than both OLP patients and control. TAC/MDA ratio was significantly lower but 8-OHdG was higher in patients with OLP compared to control. This suggests that patients with OLP and OSCC are more susceptible to an imbalance of antioxidant-oxidative stress status. J Oral Pathol Med (2012) 41: 736-740

Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare serum and saliva calcium, phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase of menopausal women with/without dry mouth (DM) feeling. Background: The composition of saliva in menopause women with/without DM feeling is different. Some of these differences are in hormones that are related to bone turnover. Methods: A case-control study was carried out on 60 selected menopausal women aged 45-79 years with or without DM feeling (30 as case, 30 as control), conducted at the Clinic of Oral Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences. The phosphorus concentration was measured by photometrical measurement of the blue colour formed after the addition of ammonium molybdate and stannous chloride; calcium was measured by Arsenazo reaction; and alkaline phosphatase by the pNPP-AMP method. Statistical analysis of Student's t-test was used. Results: The mean serum phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase, stimulated and unstimulated saliva calcium and alkaline phosphatase levels were significantly higher in the menopausal women suffering from DM. There were no significant differences between groups regarding saliva phosphorus and serum calcium concentration. Conclusion: Calcium, phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase appear associated with DM feeling in menopause.

One of the most common oral manifestations of menopause is xerostomia. As gingival tissue is sensitive to changes in the female sex steroids; the aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between saliva 17β-estradiol and severity of xerostomia. A case-control study was carried out in 64 selected menopausal women aged 42-75 years with or without xerostomia (32 as case and 32 as control) conducted at the Clinic of Oral Medicine, Tehran university of medical sciences. Xerostomia inventory (XI) score was used as an index of xerostomia severity. The saliva 17β-estradiol was measured by an enzyme immunoassay kit. The mean unstimulated saliva flow rate and concentration of 17β-estradiol were significantly lower in case than control. There were significant negative correlation between XI score and unstimulated whole saliva flow rate and also concentration of 17β-estradiol in menopausal women. It seems that there is a negative correlation between xerostomia severity and saliva 17β-estradiol in menopausal women.

Objective: The aims of this study were to compare lumbar spine bone mineral density (BMD) of postmenopausal women with or without oral dryness (OD) feeling and to evaluate the relationship between BMD and severity of OD feeling. Methods: A cross-sectional study conducted at the Clinic of Oral Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences was carried out on 60 selected postmenopausal women aged 45 to 79 years with or without OD feeling (30 as case, 30 as control). Xerostomia inventory score was used as an index of OD feeling severity. The BMD was measured by a dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry system. Statistical analysis using the Student's t test and Spearman correlation coefficient was performed. Results: The mean lumbar spine BMD was significantly lower in case than in control women. There was a significant negative correlation between xerostomia inventory score and BMD in postmenopausal women (r = −0.334, P Conclusion: It seems that postmenopausal women who lose BMD may experience OD feeling.

Background: Menopause may be associated with some adverse changes, such as oral dryness (OD) feeling. The exact mechanisms that mediate sensation of OD in menopausal women have not been firmly established. The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship of unstimulated whole saliva cortisol level with severity of OD feeling in menopausal women. Methods: A case control study was carried out on 70 selected menopausal women with/without OD feeling, conducted at the Clinic of Oral Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran. The xerostomia inventory (XI) score was used as an index of OD feeling severity. Unstimulated whole saliva cortisol concentration was measured by ELISA. Statistical analysis of student’s t-test and Spearman correlation was used. Results: The mean cortisol concentration of saliva was significantly higher in women with OD feeling than the control. There was significant positive correlation between the XI score and the concentration of unstimulated whole saliva cortisol (r = 0.559, p = 0.025). Conclusions: Unstimulated whole saliva cortisol is higher in menopausal women with OD feeling than in controls and this correlates with the severity of OD.