Although specific bacteria, dental plaque, and age are associated with periodontal disease, there are currently no reliable predictors of periodontitis severity. Studies in twins have suggested a genetic contribution to the pathogenesis of periodontitis, but previous attempts to identify genetic markers have been unsuccessful. The pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1 (IL-1) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha) are key regulators of the host responses to microbial infection. IL-1 is also a major modulator of extracellular matrix catabolism and bone resorption. We report a specific genotype of the polymorphic IL-1 gene cluster that was associated with severity of periodontitis in non-smokers, and distinguished individuals with severe periodontitis from those with mild disease (odds ratio 18.9 for ages 40-60 years). Functionally, the specific periodontitis-associated IL-1 genotype comprises a variant in the IL-1B gene that is associated with high levels of IL-1 production. In smokers severe disease was not correlated with genotype. In this study, 86.0% of the severe periodontitis patients were accounted for by either smoking or the IL-1 genotype. This study demonstrates that specific genetic markers, that have been associated with increased IL-1 production, are a strong indicator of susceptibility to severe periodontitis in adults.

The response of the digestive tract after ingestion of milk in lactase insufficiencies was investigated by X-ray. In subjects with lactose intolerance after milk the gastric evacuation is retarded, while there is a considerable simultaneous increase in the transit time through the small intestine. There is also an increased secretion in the small intestine. In the colon, pneumatosis starts from the moment the contrast substance reaches the caecum. These changes are not found after administration of lactose-free milk, where the findings are similar as in controls.

The effect of two anabolic hormones on wound healing was studied. Following the extraction of a lower first molar, ten normal hamsters received intraperitoneal injections of Durabolin, ten received Synthroid, and ten were given Durabolin and Synthroid. Ten controls received saline injections. Two animals from each group were sacrificed at 4, 8, 12, 16, and 20 days post extraction. Histological sections revealed the following changes: Animals treated with Durabolin exhibited fewer inflammatory cells, significant earlier bone fill and more accelerated reepithelization than the controls. The group receiving Synthroid produced bone replacement earlier than the controls. Epithelization occurred at essentially the same rate. When Durabolin and Synthroid were administered simultaneously, the animals demonstrated fewer inflammatory cells and less bone fill than the controls.

The effect of a mixture containing MCT was compared with that containing four kinds of LCT (oliveoil, sunflower oil, lard and butter), by means of X-ray examination. MCT test meal evacuates the stomach of animals at a slower rate than the other test meals containing LCT. Accordingly, the MCT-test meal slows down the process of filling of the caecum and retards the evacuation of the small intestine. In man gastric evacuation of the MCT-test meal is also slower as compared with the olive oil test meal. It is probable that better utilization of MCT in malabsorption states can be partly explained also by slower gastric evacuation.