Om Prakash Gupta

Role of GSTM1 and GSTT1 Polymorphism: Susceptibility to Oral Submucous Fibrosis in the North Indian Population

Molecular epidemiological studies have provided evidence that individual susceptibility to cancer is mediated by both genetic and environmental factors. Several allelic variants of polymorphic glutathione s-transferases (GSTs) show impaired enzyme activity and are suspected to increase the host’s susceptibility to various cancers. To determine the association of GST variants with the risk of oral submucous fibrosis (OSF), the distribution of polymorphisms in GSTM1 and GSTT1 was studied in 90 OSF patients and 130 healthy controls. Genotypic analysis was performed by multiplex PCR. The relationship between the null genotypes and the risk of OSF was assessed by means of odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) calculated by logistic regression. The frequency of both the GSTM1 and GSTT1 null genotypes was higher in the OSF cases than in the controls. The prevalence of the GSTM1 null genotype in the OSF cases was 46.6% as compared to 29.2% in the controls (OR 2.12, 95% CI 1.2–3.9) and GSTT1 null was 24.4% in the OSF cases versus 10.7% in the controls (OR 2.68, 95% CI 1.22–5.96). There was evidence of an increased risk with the absence of both genotypes (7.5-fold; OR 7.5, 95% CI 2.3–24). Our findings suggest that the GSTM1 and GSTT1 null genotypes, separately or in combination, increase the risk of developing OSF in the North Indian population.

Association of CYP1A1, GSTM1, and GSTT1 gene polymorphism with risk of oral submucous fibrosis in a section of North Indian population

Genetic alterations in the genes expressing drug metabolizing enzymes can make an individual susceptible to various cancers. This study detects the polymorphisms at CYP1A1, GSTM1, and GSTT1 genes in a section of North Indian population and determines the susceptibility to oral submucous fibrosis (OSF). In this case–control study one hundred and two OSF patients were genotyped to detect the GSTM1, GSTT1, CYP1A1 polymorphism. Two hundred healthy controls were also included. Genotypes were determined using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR–RFLP) approach. The frequency of GSTM1 and GSTT1 genotype was higher in OSF patients, as compared to controls. A trend risk analysis showed 7.6 fold increase in risk, when both the genes were absent. The frequency of CYP1A1 (m1) and CYP1A1 (m2) genotypes was higher in controls. No polymorphic alleles were detected in the m4 site. CYP1A1 (m1) wild genotype in the absence of GSTM1 null genotype, falls under the highest risk group (OR 3.74). Our findings suggest that CYP1A1 (m1) genotype and (m2) genotype singly acts as a protective factor but in the absence of GSTM1 and/or GSTT1 gene significantly alters risk towards OSF.

Contemporary practice in forensic odontology

Forensic odontology plays a major role in the identification of those individuals who cannot be identified visually or by other means. The unique nature of dental anatomy and placement of custom restorations ensure accuracy when the techniques are correctly employed. It is evident that identification of victims in accidents and natural calamities is of utmost importance and is a challenging task. The teeth may also be used as weapons and under certain circumstances; they may provide information regarding the identity of the biter. Dental professionals play a major role in keeping accurate dental records and providing all necessary information so that legal authorities may recognize malpractices, negligence, fraud child abuse and also, identify an individual. In this article, we will discuss such evolvement of the subject.

Prevalence of oral cancer and pre-cancerous lesions and the association with numerous risk factors in North India: A hospital based study

Background: Oral cancer is one of the most common life-threatening diseases all over the world. Developing countries face several challenges to identify and remove potential risk factors. Chewing tobacco/pan masala is considered to be the most potent risk factor for oral precancerous lesions and oral cancer. Objectives: To investigate the relative occurrence of different oral pre-cancerous lesions and oral cancer in North India and to identify the associated risk factors. Materials and Methods: A hospital-based study was conducted and 471 subjects were recruited in the study. The subjects comprised patients with squamous cell carcinoma (n = 85), oral submucous fibrosis (n = 240), leukoplakia (n = 32), lichen planus (n = 15), and controls (n = 99). Statistical analysis of the data was done using Chi-square and regression analysis. Results: A strong correlation was observed between the presence of the chewing habit in all the oral precancerous lesions and oral cancer. Duration of the habit and intensity of habit ware also strongly correlated with the risk of oral precancerous lesions and oral cancer. Other factors such as alcohol and smoking were found to be less important in concern with oral cancer and precancerous lesions.

A study of morphological patterns of lip prints in relation to gender of North Indian population.

BACKGROUND Establishing a persons identity is a very important process in civil and criminal cases. Dental, fingerprint and DNA comparisons are probably the most common techniques allowing fast and secure identification processes. However, in certain circumstances related to the scene of the crime or due to lack of experienced personnel, these techniques might be unavailable; so there is still an increasing need for reliable alternative methods of establishing identity. OBJECTIVE The objective of the study was to check for any peculiar lip patterns in relation to the sex of the individual and determine the most common lip patterns in the given population. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study was conducted on 150 subjects, which included 75 males and 75 females, in the age group of 18-30 years. After applying lipstick evenly, the lip print of each subject was obtained on a simple bond paper by a researcher, and later the lip print was then analyzed and interpreted. RESULTS The intersected type was most commonly seen in females and branched in males. Reticular pattern was the least common type in both males and females. CONCLUSION This study shows that the lip prints are unique to an individual and behold the potential for recognition of the sex of an individual.

Oral malignant melanoma: Report of three cases with literature review.

Primary oral melanoma is known to be an extremely rare and aggressive neoplasm arising from the mucosal epithelium of the oral cavity especially upper jaw (palate or alveolar gingivae). Malignant melanoma that does not originate in the skin is a very rare disease and is considered one of the most deadly of all human neoplasms. Oral malignant melanoma (OMM) represents about 1% of all melanomas and approximately 0.5% of all oral malignancies. OMM has been reported in patients aged 20 to 80 years and has a male predilection. Because most mucosal melanotic lesions are painless in their early stages, so delayed recognition and subsequent treatment result in worst prognosis. Here, we report three cases with significant heterogeneity in morphological features and biologic behavior.

Establishment of sexual dimorphism in north indian population by odontometric study of permanent maxillary canine teeth

Aim: To investigate whether sexual dimorphism can be established by odontometric study of permanent maxillary canine teeth as well as inter-canine width in north Indian population. Study Design: The study was carried out at department of oral and maxillofacial pathology, King Georges Medical University, Lucknow, India on students and patients reporting at OPD. Out of total 180 subjects examined 90 subjects were female and 90 were male. Impressions of the upper arch were made using alginate and casts poured in dental stone. The mesiodistal diameter (MD) of the crown of permanent maxillary canine both on right and left sides and inter-canine width were measured. From these measurements, maxillary canine index was calculated. The percentage of sexual dimorphism (SD) was assessed for all the parameters. Results: In the present study, the MD of maxillary canine for both right (P = 0.001) and left side (P = 0.005) was significantly higher among male subjects than females, Similar observation was found for inter-canine width too (P = 0.0001). However, the maxillary canine index for right and left was almost similar (P > 0.05) for both male and female subjects. The SD in right and left MDs of maxillary canine was 4.2% and 3.6% respectively. For, inter-canine width it was maximum (13.7%). However, SD in right and left canine index showed negative values (−2.1% and -0.9% respectively). Conclusion: There was SD in MD and inter-canine width of permanent maxillary canine teeth. SD was more on right permanent maxillary canine teeth than left permanent maxillary canine.

Syndontia with talon cusp

Teeth are specialized structural components of the craniofacial skeleton. Developmental defects occur either alone or in combination with other birth defects. Macrodontia of anterior teeth may occur as an isolated condition or as a result of fusion or gemination and can occur in the primary or permanent dentition. Fusion is more commonly seen in the anterior maxillary region. This case presentation reports a case of fusion of a supplemental tooth to one in the normal series in conjunction with a talon cusp. This condition is extremely rare and has been reported at fourth occasion in the literature. The etiology, prevalence, clinical features, and management of the aforementioned anomalies have been reviewed in detail. Early diagnosis of this condition is important because it may cause clinical problems, such as esthetic concerns and tooth crowding.

Age estimation by dentin translucency measurement using digital method: An institutional study

Aims: The aims of the present study were to measure translucency on sectioned teeth using available computer hardware and software, to correlate dimensions of root dentin translucency with age, and to assess whether translucency is reliable for age estimation. Materials and Methods: A pilot study was done on 62 freshly extracted single-rooted permanent teeth from 62 different individuals (35 males and 27 females) and their 250 μm thick sections were prepared by micromotor, carborundum disks, and Arkansas stone. Each tooth section was scanned and the images were opened in the Adobe Photoshop software. Measurement of root dentin translucency (TD length) was done on the scanned image by placing two guides (A and B) along the x-axis of ABFO NO. 2 scale. Unpaired t-test, regression analysis, and Pearson correlation coefficient were used as statistical tools. Results: A linear relationship was observed between TD length and age in the regression analysis. The Pearson correlation analysis showed that there was positive correlation (r = 0.52, P= 0.0001) between TD length and age. However, no significant (P > 0.05) difference was observed in the TD length between male (8.44 ± 2.92 mm) and female (7.80 ± 2.79 mm) samples. Conclusion: Translucency of the root dentin increases with age and it can be used as a reliable parameter for the age estimation. The method used here to digitally select and measure translucent root dentin is more refined, better correlated to age, and produce superior age estimation.

Role of curcumin in oral cancer prevention

Oral cancer accounts for 2-4% of diagnosed cancers, annually in the United States. Oral cancer is a common neoplasm in Asia and the Pacific Islands, particularly in India. It is believed that oral mucosal carcinomas are predominantly caused by chemical carcinogens, although viral, fungal, and physical stimuli in the genesis of some oral neoplasms are also implicated. Curcumin, (diferuloyl methane), a hydrophobic polyphenol derived from the dietary spice turmeric, is a free radical scavenger and hydrogen donor, that exhibits both pro- and antioxidant activities. It binds metals, particularly iron and copper, and is an iron chelator. Curcumin is remarkably a non-toxic substance and exhibits limited bioavailability. In the plethora of phytochemicals derived from dietary components, natural substances traditionally used in ancient medicines for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions, curcumin is studied in order to combat human diseases, especially in cancer. It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and appears able to reduce the risk of cancer. The reported activity of curcumin against leukemia and lymphoma, gastrointestinal cancers, genitourinary cancers, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, lung cancer, melanoma, neurological cancers, sarcoma and oral cancer, reflects its ability to affect multiple targets in a nonlinear manner. The present review summarizes the most recent advances in the field, providing also new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the promising anticarcinogenic activity of the dietary polyphenol curcumin.