Andrea Ballini

Low air levels of benzene: Correlation between biomarkers of exposure and genotoxic effects

This study was aimed to identify useful biomarkers of exposure and effect in workers exposed to low levels of benzene, and to evaluate any correlations existing between these parameters. Benzene exposure was measured in 33 petrochemical industry operators (PIO), 28 service station attendants (SSA), 21 gasoline pump maintenance workers (GPMW) and 51 non-exposed controls by GC-FID analysis. Samples were collected with personal passive samplers (Radiello). End-shift urine samples were collected for t,t-muconic acid (t,t-MA) determination by HPLC and for S-phenylmercapturic acid (S-PMA) measurement by HPLC-MS/MS. The alkaline version of the comet assay and, in a subgroup of 19 SSA and 16 control subjects, chromosomal aberrations (CA) and glutathione (GSH) levels were measured in peripheral blood lymphocytes. Personal benzene exposure was significantly higher in PIO, SSA and GPMW as compared to controls. The urinary excretion of the two metabolites showed a significant increase in SSA (p=0.0258 and p=0.0001, for t,t-MA and S-PMA, respectively) and in PIO (p=0.0013 and p=0.0001, for t,t-MA and S-PMA, respectively) as compared with the control group, while no such increase was observed for GPMW, for whom occupational exposure was not continuous and occurred on specific working days only. Significant increases of DNA damage were found by the comet assay for tail moment (TM) and tail length (TL) in SSA (p<0.0001 and p=0.008, for TM and TL, respectively) and PIO (p<0.0001 and p<0.0001, for TM and TL, respectively) when compared with controls. The PIO group also displayed a significant increase in the number of cells with comet (p<0.0001). Smoking habits did not appear to interfere with these results in any of the groups. No difference was found in percentage of CA between exposed workers and controls. Significant correlations were found, in all groups, between benzene exposure and the more representative comet parameter TM (r=0.509, p=0.007; r=0.525, p=0.017 and r=0.420, p=0.046 in SSA, GPMW, and PIO, respectively). A trend of negative correlation was observed between DNA damage and either GSH or urine S-PMA for exposed workers. In summary, in present study urinary S-PMA and DNA damage by the comet assay were both sensitive to exposure to low levels of benzene, and GSH seems to play an important defence role against benzene-dependent DNA damage.

Dental pulp stem cells: osteogenic differentiation and gene expression.

Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) are an adult stem cell population with high proliferative potential and the ability to differentiate in many cell types, and this has led scientists to consider these cells to be an alternative source of postnatal stem cells comparable to mesenchymal stem cells from bone marrow. In this work, we studied the osteoblastic phenotype developed by DPSCs cultured in osteogenic medium. In particular, we analyzed the expression of the typical osteoblast markers such as alkaline phosphatase, collagen type I, osteocalcin, osteopontin, as well as mineralized matrix production. Furthermore, the gene expression during DPSC differentiation into osteoblastic cells was studied by microarray technology. Using microarray and reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) analysis, we found that IGFBP‐5, JunB, and NURR1 genes are upregulated during the differentiation of DPSCs. These data indicate that opportunely differentiated DPSCs show a correct osteoblastic phenotype. Therefore, during the osteoblastic differentiation process, IGFBP‐5, JunB, and NURR1 gene expression is significantly increased.

In Vitro Stem Cell Cultures from Human Dental Pulp and Periodontal Ligament: New Prospects in Dentistry:

In spite of the vast knowledge of tooth development and of the various kinds of specialized bone/tooth-associated cells, the characteristics and properties of their precursor cell populations present in the postnatal organism are little known, as is their possible therapeutic use. Taken together dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) and periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) possess stem-cell-like qualities, including self-renewal capability and multi-lineage differentiation. Regenerative medicine is based on stem cells, signals and scaffolds. Transplantation of those cells, which can be obtained from an easily accessible tissue resource and expanded in vitro, holds promise as a therapeutic approach for reconstruction of tissues and bone in vivo.

Osteogenic differentiation of dental follicle stem cells.

Background: Stem cells are defined as clonogenic cells capable of self-renewal and multi-lineage differentiation. A population of these cells has been identified in human Dental Follicle (DF). Dental Follicle Stem Cells (DFSCs) were found in pediatric unerupted wisdom teeth and have been shown to differentiate, under particular conditions, into various cell types of the mesenchymal tissues. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate if cells isolated from DF show stem features, differentiate toward osteoblastic phenotype and express osteoblastic markers. Methods: We studied the immunophenotype of DFSCs by flow cytometric analysis, the osteoblastic markers of differentiated DFSCs were assayed by histochemical methods and real-time PCR. Results: We demonstrated that DFSCs expressed a heterogeneous assortment of makers associated with stemness. Moreover DFSCs differentiated into osteoblast-like cells, producing mineralized matrix nodules and expressed the typical osteoblastic markers, Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) and Collagen I (Coll I). Conclusion: This study suggests that DFSCs may provide a cell source for tissue engineering of bone.

Osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells from dental bud: Role of integrins and cadherins

Several studies have reported the beneficial effects of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in tissue repair and regeneration. New sources of stem cells in adult organisms are continuously emerging; dental tissues have been identified as a source of postnatal MSCs. Dental bud is the immature precursor of the tooth, is easy to access and we show in this study that it can yield a high number of cells with ≥95% expression of mesenchymal stemness makers and osteogenic capacity. Thus, these cells can be defined as Dental Bud Stem Cells (DBSCs) representing a promising source for bone regeneration of stomatognathic as well as other systems. Cell interactions with the extracellular matrix (ECM) and neighboring cells are critical for tissue morphogenesis and architecture; such interactions are mediated by integrins and cadherins respectively. We characterized DBSCs for the expression of these adhesion receptors and examined their pattern during osteogenic differentiation. Our data indicate that N-cadherin and cadherin-11 were expressed in undifferentiated DBSCs and their expression underwent changes during the osteogenic process (decreasing and increasing respectively), while expression of E-cadherin and P-cadherin was very low in DBSCs and did not change during the differentiation steps. Such expression pattern reflected the mesenchymal origin of DBSCs and confirmed their osteoblast-like features. On the other hand, osteogenic stimulation induced the upregulation of single subunits, αV, β3, α5, and the formation of integrin receptors α5β1 and αVβ3. DBSCs differentiation toward osteoblastic lineage was enhanced when cells were grown on fibronectin (FN), vitronectin (VTN), and osteopontin (OPN), ECM glycoproteins which contain an integrin-binding sequence, the RGD motif. In addition we established that integrin αVβ3 plays a crucial role during the commitment of MSCs to osteoblast lineage, whereas integrin α5β1 seems to be dispensable. These data suggest that functionalization of biomaterials with such ECM proteins would improve bone reconstruction therapies starting from dental stem cells.

Transmission of Nonviral Sexually Transmitted Infections and Oral Sex

INTRODUCTION Oral sex is usually considered a lower-risk sexual activity when compared with sex, but it is frequently the cause of sexually transmitted infections (STI). In particular, STI transferred through oral sex might have no visible symptoms, depending on the type of infection. AIMS The aim of this study is to review the literature about the role of oral sex in the transmission of nonviral STI. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES State-of-the-art information in the area of STI in relation to sexual function and self-care, this last important for development of STI prevention products such as vaginal microbicides. Sexual behaviors assessed focusing on receiving oral sex and giving oral sex. METHODS A search of the main electronic databases including registers of clinical controlled trials was performed in addition to a hand search of the most relevant Journals. The following electronic databases were searched: PubMed, Embase, Google Scholar, literature review of research articles, and public health department Internet Web sites, for the period of 1945-2011. In addition to searching the Clinical Trials Registry at the US National Institutes of Health, we also used the meta Register of Controlled Trials and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. RESULTS STI affect the mucous membranes both directly and indirectly producing characteristic diagnostic signs and lesions. Daily dental clinical activity needs an appropriate knowledge of any kind of oral lesions-related STI. The reader is offered a practical approach with clinically relevant recommendations that may prove useful in his/her daily practice when dealing with STI. CONCLUSIONS These data provide a foundation for understanding diverse STI. We advise physicians to be receptive to discuss sexuality issues and provide patients with adequate therapy.

Microbiological findings in endometrial specimen: our experience.

PurposeCollection of an endometrial specimen for investigating infectious agents in the endometrial cavity is an invasive technique that is at times difficult and painful. In order to avoid the need for endometrial sampling in the cases of suspected or evident endometrial pathology, the aim of this study is to investigate the reliability of cervical cultures for detecting infectious agents present at the endometrial level, comparing the results between cervical cultures and endometrial cultures in women with clinical signs of endometrial inflammation.MethodsIn a prospective diagnostic study, in the period from January 2009 to October 2010, we enrolled 404 women referred to the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology for diagnostic hysteroscopy. All the patients underwent cervical and endometrial sampling. Cultures for common bacteria, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, yeast, and Ureaplasma urealyticum were performed.ResultsThe most frequent infectious agents detected at the endometrial level were common bacteria, which accounted for 69% of all cases. In particular, streptococci were found in 27% of cases, and bacteria from intestinal flora (Enterococcus faecalis and Escherichia coli) was recovered in 31% of cases. U. urealyticum was detected in 10% and Mycoplasma in only one patient (0.2% of cases). No cases of N. gonorrhoeae were found.ConclusionsCervical culture has a low concordance with endometrial culture. In fact in only 33% of cases was the microorganism found in the cervix the same as that found in the endometrium. These results infer that an endometrial culture is a useful investigative tool for determining the microorganisms in endometrial pathology.

Oral lichen planus and dental hygiene: a case report.

UNLABELLED BACKGROUND The presence of atrophic-erosive lesions among gingival tissues makes oral hygiene procedures difficult for several reasons. Plaque control and rigorous oral hygiene are a fundamental requisite for the treatment of any oromucosal disease. CASE REPORT A patient suffering from a mixed atrophic-erosive form of oral lichen planus (OLP), with serious gingival involvement, was also treated with the topical application of clobetasol propionate 0.05% using gingival trays. The highest hygiene standards of both patient and trays were of fundamental importance. DISCUSSION The management of the patient suffering from gingival atrophic-erosive OLP requires the synergic treatment of both dentist and dental hygienist, whose contribution supports the corticosteroid and/or immunosuppressive treatment.

The role of anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody in periodontal disease

The anti-Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide Antibodies (anti-CCP) are produced locally in the inflamed synovium of Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, suggesting that citrullinated proteins are located in the inflamed synovium. In scientific literature were find periodontal bacterial DNA in serum and synovial fluid of RA with PD patients. RA and adult periodontitis share common pathogenetic mechanisms and immunologic and pathological findings RA. One oral pathogen strongly implicated in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease (PD), Porphyromonas. gingivalis, possesses a unique microbial enzyme, peptidylarginine deiminase (PAD), the human equivalent of which has been identified as a susceptibility factor for RA. Under this point of view, we speculate about the presence of anti-CCP antibodies in sera of PD with RA patients. We conducted this study to evaluate and compare the diagnostic and predictive utility of anti-CCP antibodies in patients with PD and patients with PD and RA. Anti-CCP antibody was not found in 21 sera (U/ml<10), included RA controls, while only 1 patient with chronic PD and probing depth of 7,1 mm was identified positive for anti-CCP (22.2 U/ml). Our data do not support a role for anti-CCP in diagnoses of periodontal disease.

Cutaneous manifestations of Mycobacterium gordonae infection described for the first time in Italy: a case report

IntroductionMycobacterium gordonae is one of the least pathogenic of the mycobacteria. This pathogen may produce caseating or non-caseating granulomas, and skin lesions showing acute or chronic inflammation with scattered histiocytes and giant cells have been seen. The mortality rate is less than 0.1%. Mycobacterium gordonae may be a marker of severe immunosuppression in patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus.Case presentationWe report a case of Mycobacterium gordonae infection in an 86-year-old woman and discuss the problems inherent to the identification and treatment of this emerging pathogen. Mycobacterium gordonae strain we isolated was resistant to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole but sensitive to ciprofloxacin, and long term administration (six months) induced complete healing of the cutaneous abscesses.ConclusionAdvanced laboratory diagnostic techniques have improved the isolation and identification of nontuberculous mycobacteria. The diagnosis requires a high index of clinical suspicion, as detection by conventional methods is difficult. To our knowledge, this patient is the first documented case of cutaneous infection from this pathogen in Italy.