Oxidative stress underlies the pathomechanisms of toxic action of cadmium (Cd), including its damaging impact on the oral cavity. This study investigated whether the administration of an extract from Aronia melanocarpa L. berries (AME), characterized by their strong antioxidative potential, may have a beneficial impact on the oxidative-reductive status of the submandibular gland in an experimental model of low-level and moderate human environmental exposure to cadmium. The main markers of the antioxidative status (glutathione reductase, superoxide dismutase, catalase, reduced glutathione, total antioxidative status (TAS)), total oxidative status (TOS), oxidative stress index (OSI = TOS/TAS), and lipid peroxides, as well as cadmium concentration, were evaluated in the submandibular gland tissue of female Wistar rats who received a 0.1% aqueous AME and/or a diet containing 0, 1, and 5 mg Cd/kg for 3 and 10 months. The treatment with cadmium decreased the activities of antioxidative enzymes (29%–74%), reduced glutathione concentration (45%–52%), and TAS and increased TOS, resulting in the development of oxidative stress and enhanced concentration of lipid peroxides in the submandibular gland. The administration of AME at both levels of exposure to cadmium offered significant protection against these actions of this xenobiotic. After the 10 month exposure to the 1 and 5 mg Cd/kg diet, TAS was decreased by 77% and 83%, respectively, TOS, OSI, and lipid peroxides concentration were increased by 50% and 52%, respectively, 11.8-fold and 14.4-fold, respectively, and 2.3-fold and 4.3-fold, respectively, whereas, in the case of the extract co-administration, the values of these parameters did not differ compared to the control group. The results indicate that the consumption of aronia products under exposure to cadmium may have a beneficial impact on the oxidative-reductive status of the submandibular gland and prevent oxidative stress development and enhanced lipid peroxidation in this salivary gland.

Cadmium (Cd) is a strongly toxic heavy metal with prooxidative properties. Since the exposure of the general population to this metal is predicted to increase, effective methods are being sought to prevent its negative actions. One of them involves the use of the antioxidant potential of polyphenol compounds contained in black chokeberry fruit extract and their capability of complex formation with Cd2+. The study objective was to investigate whether the administration of A. melanocarpa fruit extract rich in polyphenol compounds during low and moderate exposures to cadmium can protect the parotid gland against oxidative damage. The study was conducted using the experimental model on female Wistar rats which were given 0.1% aqueous extract of Aronia melanocarpa fruit (AE) and/or cadmium at a concentration of 1 (Cd1) or 5 (Cd5) mg Cd/kg feed for 3 and 10 months, and on control animals. The exposure to Cd attenuated the enzymatic antioxidant barrier (catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx)) and increased the concentration of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), protein carbonyl (PC) groups, and oxidized lipids (LPO) in parotid gland. These disorders led to a reduction in the total antioxidative status (TAS), an increase in the total oxidative state (TOS), and development of stress. The administration of AE at both levels of exposure to cadmium substantially improved the enzymatic antioxidant barrier (CAT, SOD, GPx) and prevented oxidative damage to cellular macromolecules (PC, LPO) and the increase in the level of H2O2, MPO, TOS, and stress indicator (OSI = TOS/TAS) in the parotid gland. Concluding, it should be stated that the consumption of aronia products may prevent oxidative/antioxidative imbalance induced by Cd and oxidative stress development in the parotid gland, thus protecting the gland from damage.

Oxidative stress takes part in the pathomechanisms of many diseases, including oral disorders. The imbalance between oxidative and antioxidative processes may lead to periodontitis, osteitis, or oral cancers. Furthermore, many chemotherapeutics, e.g., metronidazole (MTZ), may also cause toxic reactions and affect oxidative reactions. The research focused on MTZ influence on oxidative destruction in the parotid and submandibular gland tissue in animal experimental model. Therefore, the concentrations of enzymatic and nonenzymatic markers of oxidative stress were measured in these two rat glands in the control and experimental MTZ-treated groups. The material for analysis included parotid and submandibular glands of male Wistar rats, which were treated with metronidazole for 7 days by gastric tube in a dose of 100 mg/kg b.w. On day 8, the material was obtained and frozen in temp. −80°C. Then, the following seven enzymatic and nonenzymatic parameters were measured: GPx, TOS, TAS, SOD, LPO, CAT, and GSH. The data were analysed using Statistica 10.0. Metronidazole treatment in the experimental model showed an increase in LPO, TOS, and TOS/TAS and a decrease in CAT, SOD, GPx, and TAS. The conclusions of this research were made. Metronidazole treatment in a dose of 100 mg/kg b.w. caused imbalance between oxidative and antioxidative reactions in the rat parotid and submandibular glands. An increase was observed in LPO, TOS, and TOS/TAS in both glands exposed to metronidazole. Decreased activity of CAT, SOD, GPx, and TAS was noted, which indicates attenuation of the gland antioxidative protective barrier.

Introduction. Oxidation-reduction processes are an element of the majority of biological processes. An excess of free radicals (FR) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) leading to the development of oxidative stress are the cause of many general and local diseases, such as: diabetes, rheumatiod arthritis, atherosclerosis, periodontal diseases and diseases of other elements of the masticatory organ. The sources of free radical to which the oral cavity is exposed are the air, water, food, stimulants, drugs, and other xenobiotics. Constant exposure to FR has led to the development in the oral cavity of antioxidative defence mechanisms. Simultaneously, the provision to the oral cavity environment of anti-oxidants, such as: vitamins C and E, carotenoids, flavonoids, reduces oxidative stress in the oral cavity environment. Objective. The aim of the study is presentation of the current state of knowledge concerning the effect of oxidants and anti-oxidants on the oral cavity environment. Materials and method. Based on scientific literature in the past few years, the results of studies concerning oxidationreduction processes in the oral cavity environment were analyzed, and endogenous and exogenous factors for oxidation, as well as anti-oxidation discussed. Etiologic factors of the pathogenic processes were indicated in the course of oxidative stress, and the possibilities of its reduction due to antioxidants. Conclusions. Oxidative stress as an etiologic factor of pathological processes in the oral cavity may be balanced or weakened as a result of the action of antioxidation mechanisms of endogenous origin (salivary protective components), and exogenous contained in food and medicinal products. This creates the possibility for development of prophylactic programmes in oral diseases.

Cadmium (Cd) is one of the most harmful xenobiotics to which humans are exposed, mainly by the oral route, throughout life. Preventive strategies are searched as low intoxication with this element, among others due to its prooxidative properties, can be deleterious to health and the exposure to it is continuously increasing. Recently, interest has been paid to plant raw materials with a high antioxidative potential to oppose the prooxidative properties of cadmium, such as black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa L. fruit), which is rich in polyphenolic compounds. The study was aimed at assessing whether the chokeberry extract may counteract the prooxidative impact of low-level and moderate repeated intoxication with cadmium on the sublingual salivary gland. The investigation was performed on 96 Wistar rats (females), which were treated with a 0.1% aqueous extract from chokeberries or/and a diet containing 1 or 5 mg Cd/kg for 3 and 10 months, and control animals. The intoxication with cadmium, in a dose- and time-dependent manner, attenuated the enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidative potential and increased the concentration of hydrogen peroxide and total oxidative status of the sublingual salivary gland resulting in an occurrence of oxidative stress, enhancement of lipid peroxidation, and oxidative injuries of proteins in this salivary gland. The treatment with the black chokeberry extract during the intoxication with cadmium prevented this xenobiotic-caused oxidative/reductive imbalance and oxidative modifications of proteins and lipids in the salivary gland. The above results allow the conclusion that the consumption of black chokeberry products during intoxication with cadmium can prevent oxidative stress and its consequences in the sublingual salivary gland and thus counteract the unfavourable impact of this xenobiotic on the oral cavity.

Introduction. Demographic forecasts for the Polish population indicate that in 2030 in Poland, that the elderly will constitute approximately 24% of the population. Functional dentition and providing physiological and social benefis are part of the physical and mental well-being of an elderly patient with missing dentition and general diseases. Objective. The aim of the study is to discusses the most common ailments encountered in geriatric patients treated by dentists. Etiology, characteristics and treatment options for the described ailments are taken into account. In dental treated patients age over 60, the most common problems encountered are: stomatopathies, xerostomia and burning mouth syndrome (BMS). Stomatopathies werethe most common in diabetic patients, and in patients using removable or fixed prosthetic restorations. Materials and method. Analysis of the assumed aims of the paper was carried out based on the available literature. Particular attention was paid to the most common complaints in elderly patients. Conclusions. All the above-listed oral cavity health conditions affect the well-being, i.e. physical and mental health of a patient. Local pathological states, such as prosthetic stomatopathies, pass mainly by eliminating the cause of contact inflammation. Other ailments: periodontitis, BMS or xerostomia, are closely related to the general condition of the patient. Changes in the oral cavity depend on the intensity and stabilization of the general disease. His is the reason that a very important role is played by the attending physicians: diabetologists, neurologists or psychiatrists. The cooperation of a dentist with a general practitioner can significantly improve the health of geriatric patients.

Introduction: Stem cells are often hailed as the medicine of the 21st century. They provide us with potential tools to effectively counteract not only diseases, but even aging. For stomatology, stem cells are the technology of the future in the regeneration of the periodontium and pulp, and dental replantation and transplantation. Materials and methods: On the basis of a literature review, the previous achievements and potential capabilities of stem cell therapy were discussed, focusing on dental applications. Conclusions: The paper discusses the modulation of stem cells and their therapeutic potential and capabilities. The presence and properties of stem cells in the pulp of human deciduous and permanent teeth, the periodontal membrane and the dental sac are also discussed. The results of the studies conducted by the cited researchers are promising and give hope for the development of regenerative and restorative processes of the dental and periodontal tissues. Summary: In the future, stem cells obtained from primary and permanent teeth deposited in special dental banks will be able to prevent the degradation of periodontal tissue, or even heal the teeth.

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