Luciana Reis de Azevedo

Effects of antidepressants and benzodiazepines on stimulated salivary flow rate and biochemistry composition of the saliva

OBJECTIVES To evaluate the effect of psychotropics on stimulated salivary flow rate (SSFR), total proteins, urea and calcium concentration, alpha-amylase activity, pH, saliva buffer capacity (SBC), and the prevalence of xerostomia in psychotropic users and its relationship with low SSFR and/or hyposalivation. STUDY DESIGN Thirty-three subjects were allocated to 4 groups: I (control): II (psychotropic users); III (subjects of group II using only selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors [SSRIs]); and IV (subjects of group II using SSRIs at recommended initial dose). The SBC was obtained by titrimetry and salivary composition by colorimetric method. RESULTS Group II presented a significant decrease (P = .0203), of 33.85% in SSFR compared with group I. Mean SSFR values in groups III and IV showed no significant difference compared with control group (P > .05). Xerostomia was observed in 37.50%, 38.46%, and 50% of subjects in groups II, III, and IV, respectively. Biochemical composition, pH, and SBC were not significantly affected (P > .05) by the use of psychotropics. CONCLUSIONS Xerostomia was associated with a decrease in SSFR and not with alterations in biochemical composition. Even when using the latest-generation drugs, there were complaints of xerostomia associated with decrease in SSFR.

Analysis of the association between lactotransferrin (LTF) gene polymorphism and dental caries

Objective The present study evaluated the association between lactotransferrin (LTF) gene polymorphism (exon 2, A/G, Lys/Arg) and dental caries. Material and Methods A convenience sample of 110 individuals, 12 years old, was divided into: group 1, 48 individuals without caries experience (DMFT=0), and group 2, 62 subjects with caries experience (DMFT≥1). DNA was obtained from a mouthwash with 3% glucose solution, followed by a scrapping of the oral mucosa. After DNA purification, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), single strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) was performed to access the study polymorphism. The LTF A/G (Lys/Arg) polymorphism had been previously reported as located in exon 1. Results Allele 1 of the study polymorphism was associated with low DMFT index and showed a protective effect against caries experience (OR=0.16, IC=0.030.76, p=0.01). Conclusion Lactotransferrin A/G (exon 2, Lys/Arg) polymorphism was associated with susceptibility to dental caries in 12-year-old students.

Cytomorphometric analysis of crack cocaine effects on the oral mucosa

OBJECTIVE This study assessed the effect of smoking crack cocaine on the nuclear area (NA), the cytoplasmic area (CA), and the nucleus-to-cytoplasm area ratio (NA/CA) of oral squamous epithelial cells. STUDY DESIGN Oral smears were collected from clinically normal-appearing mucosa by liquid-based exfoliative cytology of 40 individuals (20 crack users and 20 nonusers) and analyzed for quantitative techniques using an image analysis system. RESULTS Mean values of NA for experimental and control groups were, respectively, 49.85 microm(2) and 62.68 microm(2) (P < .01). CA showed the following mean values: 1820.9 microm(2) (experimental) and 1780.8 microm(2) (control). NA/CA for the experimental group was 0.03; the control group was 0.04 (P < .01). CONCLUSION This study revealed that crack cocaine was able to induce significant changes on the oral epithelial cells. Since this illicit drug is normally used in association with other risk factors for oral cancer (tobacco and alcohol), crack cocaine abusers should have frequent preventive oral exams.

Effects of Fluoxetine and Venlafaxine and Pilocarpine on Rat Parotid Glands

This study assessed the effect of the antidepressants, Fluoxetine and Venlafaxine, on the size (GS), mass (M), cellular volume (CV), of rat parotid salivary glands and salivary flow rate (SFR), as well as the secretagogue action of pilocarpine on this flow. Ninety animals were divided into 9 treatment groups with the antidepressants, antidepressants associated with the application of pilocarpine, antidepressants and physiologic serum, physiologic serum (control) and pilocarpine (positive control). Thirty hours after the end of treatment, saliva collection began, to determine the SFR. Next, the salivary glands were removed, GS and M measured, and the specimens processes for histomorphometric analysis and CV determination. The variable GS presented statistically significant increase among the groups that were treated for 30 days with Fluoxetine (p=0.0002) and Venlafaxine (p=0.0112) when compared with the group treated with physiologic serum (control). The group treated with Fluoxetine for 30 days revealed increase in M (p=0.0190) and diminished SFR (p=0.0031), statistically significant, when compared with the control group. CV revealed increase in acinic cells between the Fluoxetine (30 days) (p=0.0005) and Venlafaxine (30 days) (p=0.0004) groups as well, when compared with the control group. The group treated with Venlafaxine for 60 days in association with pilocarpine presented SFR similar to the control group treated for 60 days. Both Fluoxetine and Venlafaxine reduced the SFR and caused increase in CV, resulting in hypertrophy of the glands, with Fluoxetine having a more pronounced anticholinergic action. The pilocarpine increased the SFR in the group that received Venlafaxine.

Effects of Fluoxetine and Venlafaxine on the Salivary Gland - Experimental Study

Depression is the most common form of affective disorders and may range from discrete to severe. Various studies have worked with the hypothesis that depression arises from the deficiency of monoamines (noradrenaline, serotonin and dopamine), the most adequate treatment being to raise the supply of these neurotransmitters in the central nervous system (CNS). Statistical data have shown that depression has increased as a result of the longer life expectancy and is common among the elderly population (Glassman et al., 1984).