The data indicate that IL-1β levels are raised in the saliva of patients with chronic periodontitis, which are reduced after phase I therapy, suggesting a close association between salivary IL-1β and periodontitis. Additional longitudinal studies are needed to validate salivary IL-1β as a marker for periodontal disease.

No abstract

Gingival hyperplasia is an unusual condition which interferes with speech, mastication, occlusion, lip continence, and facial appearance of the affected individual, causing aesthetic, functional, psychological, and masticatory disturbances. Drug-induced gingival enlargements are the commonest form. The inherited condition in which the gingival tissue spontaneously and progressively enlarges is identified as hereditary gingival fibromatosis (HGF).1 It is a rare condition, affecting only one in 750,000 people, with males and females being equally affected.2 HGF is characterised by a slowly progressive, non-haemmorhagic fibrous enlargement of gingival tissue, occurring peripheral to the alveolar bone, which does not involve the periodontal ligament. The hyperplastic gingival tissue usually presents with a normal colour and has a firm consistency with abundant stippling. 3,4 Furthermore, HGF usually develops as an isolated disorder but can be one feature of a syndrome or a chromosomal abnormality. Accordingly, it has been divided into two forms: non-syndromic and syndromic. 5The gingival enlargement usually begins with the eruption of the permanent or deciduous dentition. 1The growth may worsen throughout adolescence, suggesting an influence of growth hormones. 6 The clinical presentation of HGF is highly variable, both in the number of teeth involved and degree of Sultan Qaboos University Med J, November 2012, Vol. 12, Iss. 4, pp. 517-521, Epub. 20 th Nov 12 The condition may be found in an autosomal dominant or autosomal recessive mode of inheritance, the former being more common. It usually develops as an isolated disorder but can be one feature of a multisystem syndrome. Accordingly, HGF has been divided into two forms: non-syndromic and syndromic. The gingival enlargement can be localised or generalised, but usually involves both arches. The authors describe a case of non-syndromic generalised severe HGF, involving the maxillary and mandibular arches in two brothers. This report focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and control of the disease. The pattern of inheritance and histopathologic characteristics are also emphasised.

Aim:Transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in the oral cavity is a rare event, despite detectable virus in saliva and oropharyngeal tissues of infected persons, unlike other mucosal sites. Secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI) has been suggested as the main soluble factor responsible for the HIV inhibitory effect of saliva. The study was designed to estimate and compare the salivary SLPI levels in HIV patients and healthy controls. Furthermore, the relationship between salivary SLPI levels and disease severity was also investigated.Materials and Methods:Unstimulated whole saliva specimens were collected from 60 HIV-infected and 20 healthy subjects. Disease severity was determined by CD4 count in HIV subjects, who were divided into two groups: ≥200 cells/μL (n = 30) and < 200 cells/μL n = 30. Salivary SLPI levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Results:Numerically higher SLPI levels were observed in HIV subjects 193.342 ng/mL vs. 190.587 ng/mL; P = 0.517. A nonsignificant negative correlation was noted between CD4 counts and SLPI levels r = −0.037, P = 0.781.Conclusion:The salivary anti-HIV factor, SLPI, is not only preserved in HIV infection but its concentration may even get enhanced in the infection. However, the clinical significance of SLPI levels and disease severity should be investigated further with a larger sample of patients.

Orofacial amyloidosis is an extremely rare and generally a benign condition. In contrast to systemic amyloidosis, other organs are not involved; however, extensive investigations are recommended to intercept any systemic involvement. Diagnosis is confirmed by histological examination and Congo red staining. This condition does not have a known etiology, and hence no general consensus exists regarding its management. We are presenting a case of a 65-year-old female patient with orofacial amyloidosis having ocular and extensive oral involvement.