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Aim:The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between bone mineral density and periodontitis in premenopausal and postmenopausal women.Materials and Methods:Twenty women between the age group of 45-55 years were selected for this study. Ten premenopausal women with healthy periodontium constituted the control group and 10 postmenopausal women with ≥2mm of clinical attachment loss in >30% of sites constituted the study group. All patients were assessed for plaque index, probing depth and clinical attachment loss. Radiographs (six IOPA and two posterior bitewing) were taken and assessed for interproximal alveolar bone loss. The patients were scanned to assess the bone mineral density of lumbar spine (L2) and femur using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA).Results:The bone mineral densities of lumbar spine (L2) and femur were significantly lower in the study group than the control group. Osteopenia of the lumbar spine and femur was observed in 60% whereas osteoporosis of lumbar spine was observed in 30% of cases in study group.Conclusion:Increased proportion of osteopenia and osteoporosis cases of lumbar spine and femur in postmenopausal women with periodontitis suggests that there is association between bone mineral density and periodontitis.

Background:Periodontitis is a bacterial disease modified by multiple factors. Interleukin-1 (IL-1) is a key regulator of the host response and a major modulator of extracellular matrix catabolism and bone resorption. It has been reported that variations in IL-1 gene are associated with increased susceptibility to periodontitis. The aims of the study were 1) to analyze the distribution of single nucleotide polymorphism of IL-1 (IL-1A-+4845 and IL-1B-+3954) and 2) to correlate the association of the composite genotype with the severity of chronic periodontitis.Materials and Methods:Sixty patients aged above 35 years were selected. Following a periodontal examination, using the clinical parameters plaque index, gingival bleeding index, probing depth, and clinical attachment loss (CAL), the selected subjects were categorized into four groups of differing disease severity based on CAL. Five milliliters of venous blood was drawn. DNA was isolated by phenol chloroform method. Amplification of IL-1A+4845 and IL-1B+3954 was done by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Detection of genotype was done using restriction fragment length polymorphism using the enzymes FnU4HI for IL-1A and TaqI for IL-1B. The results obtained were analyzed statistically.Results:The frequencies of IL-1A-+4845 and IL-1B-+3954were significantly greater in severe periodontitis patients. The distribution of composite genotype (allele 2 of IL-1A+4845and allele 2 of IL-1B+3954) also correlated with the severity of periodontitis. Genotype-positive subjects had a higher mean bleeding index (%) when compared to genotype-negative patients. But no correlation was observed between mean plaque level among genotype-positive and -negative subjects.Conclusion:IL-1 gene polymorphism IL-1A+4845, IL-1B+3954 and composite genotype is an indicator of susceptibility to severe periodontitis in adults.

BackgroundFree gingival grafts have been used extensively for gingival augmentation procedures, but are associated with postoperative morbidity because of the open palatal wound. This study compares the clinical efficiency of two dressing materials, a non-eugenol-based dressing (Coe-Pak™) and a collagen dressing (Colla Cote®) on palatal wound healing.Materials and MethodsThirty-two patients in the age group of 25−50 years, who required gingival augmentation, were selected. Free gingival graft was harvested from the palatal mucosa and the wound was then protected using Coe-pak® in control group and Colla Cote® in test group. The subjective parameters pain and burning sensation were recorded on the 2nd and 7th day and the objective parameters colour and consistency were recorded on the 7th and 42nd day, using a visual analog scale. Thickness of the mucosa was measured using K file at baseline and 42nd day. Histological examination was done on 42nd day.ResultsThe subjective and objective parameters showed significant improvement in the test group when compared to control group. Histologically, there was a greater evidence of collagen formation and turn over in the test group than control group.ConclusionsCollagen-based dressing may thus offer significantly greater advantages over the traditional non-eugenol dressings.

Background:Cell interaction between dendritic cells (DC) and natural killer (NK) cells in the periodontal milieu is not yet fully known, although these cells are individually known to contribute to the pathogenesis of periodontal disease.Materials and Methods:Fifty subjects (25 males and 25 females) were included in the study. The subjects were divided into three groups: Group A comprised 16 subjects with clinically healthy gingiva; group B 17 subjects with gingivitis; and group C 17 subjects with gingivitis; and group C 17 subjects with moderate periodontitis (PPD ≥ 5 mm and CAL ≥ 3 mm in at least six sites). Gingival samples were collected and immunohistochemical study was done using CD57 and CD1a antibody. Statistical analysis was done using analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by Tukey-Kramer multiple comparison for CD1a and Tukey's highly significant difference (HSD) test for CD57.Results and Conclusion:The study showed an inverse relationship between the CD1a+ (langerhans) cells and CD57+ (natural killer) cells. There was a significant increase in CD57+ cells and reduction in CD1a levels as periodontal disease progressed. The significant reduction in CD1a levels in periodontal disease when compared to health could possibly be a result of NK cells down regulating it. Reduction in CD1a levels may result in a low inflammatory response subsequently resulting in tissue destruction.