Renu Tanwar

Prevalence of glutathione S-transferase M1 null polymorphism in tobacco users, oral leukoplakia and oral squamous cell carcinoma patients in South Indian population: A polymerase chain reaction study.

Context: Tobacco abuse is a well-known risk factor for potentially malignant disorders as well as oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Factors that influence tobacco-exposed individuals developing a malignancy may include a combination of total tobacco exposure and genetic susceptibility. Aim: This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of the glutathione S-transferase M1 (GSTM1) null polymorphism in oral leukoplakia and oral SCC patients in South Indian population. Settings and Design: This case-control study was conducted in hospital setting on South Indian population. Materials and Methods: Totally, 280 subjects with a history of tobacco use, oral leukoplakia, oral SCC were included in this study. Three milliliter of blood was collected and transported under cold cycle and taken for evaluation of GSTM1 null polymorphism using Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction. Results and Discussion: On comparing the prevalence of GSTM1 null polymorphism among the group with subjects with habits and no oral lesions, oral leukoplakia and oral SCC, it was observed that there was a statistically significant association between GSTM1 null polymorphism and the different groups (P < 0.01). Conclusion: The lack of GSTM1 activity would make the oral tissues more susceptible to action of tobacco carcinogens and to the development of a high-grade level of dysplasia in oral leukoplakia and thereby increases the susceptibility of lesion to undergo malignant changes.

Ethnomedicine: Applications of Neem (Azadirachta indica) in dentistry

Ethnomedicine is the study of traditional medicines having relevant written sources (Ayurveda, traditional Chinese Medicine) as well as those whose knowledge and practices have been orally transmitted over the centuries. The Neem tree ( Azadirachta indica ) has been known as the wonder tree for centuries in the Indian subcontinent. It has become important in the global context today because it offers solutions to the multiple concerns faced by mankind. Each part of the Neem tree has some medicinal property and the broad range of biologic activities and pharmacologic actions of Neem tree are very well established. Although literature search reveals that Neem tree has multiple potential uses in dentistry, its application is limited in routine dental practice. The following manuscript is an attempt to throw light on the potential and immense uses of Neem tree products for oral care, which forms a critical issue in both developing countries where professional dental care is limited and in developed nations where populations are aging.

Orofacial manifestations of achondroplasia.

Achondroplasia (Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man [OMIM] 100800), is considered as a form of skeletal dysplasia dwarfism that manifests with stunted stature and disproportionate limb shortening. Achondroplasia is of special interest in the field of dentistry because of its characteristic craniofacial features which include relative macrocephaly, depressed nasal bridge and maxillary hypoplasia. Presence of large head, implanted shunt, airway obstruction and difficulty in head control requires special precautions during dental management. The current case report highlights the orofacial manifestations of Achondroplasia in a young pediatric patient, along with the multidisciplinary treatment (including the dental treatment) done for the patient which also might help the general practitioners in better understanding of the condition.

Observations of trace gases and aerosols over the Indian Ocean during the monsoon transition period

Characteristics of trace gases (O3, CO, CO2, CH4 and N2O) and aerosols (particle size of 2.5 micron) were studied over the Arabian Sea, equatorial Indian Ocean and southwest part of the Bay of Bengal during the monsoon transition period (October–November, 2004). Flow of pollutants is expected from south and southeast Asia during the monsoonal transition period due to the patterns of wind flow which are different from the monsoon period. This is the first detailed report on aerosols and trace gases during the sampled period as the earlier Bay of Bengal Experiment (BOBMEX), Arabian Sea Monsoon Experiment (ARMEX) and Indian Ocean Experiments (INDOEX) were during monsoon seasons. The significant observations during the transition period include: (i) low ozone concentration of the order of 5 ppbv around the equator, (ii) high concentrations of CO2, CH4 and N2O and (iii) variations in PM2.5 of 5–20μg/m3.

Calcified stylohyoid ligaments: A diagnostic dilemma

Calcification or ossification of elongated stylohyoid ligaments is often an incidental finding on radiographs. Abnormal elongation of the styloid process may cause compression of a number of vital nerves and vessels related to it and these symptoms may be confused with other causes of head and neck pain. The diagnosis is often difficult as a result of the vague symptomatology. This paper discusses the pain patterns, clinical presentation, radiologic findings and treatment of elongated calcified stylohyoid ligaments.

Extensive Type III unicystic ameloblastoma: A case report with conservative management

Unicystic ameloblastoma is a distinct type of ameloblastoma that clinically and radiographically resembles a dentigerous cyst; however, on three-dimensional evaluation, it shows tumorous behavior and histopathologically shows ameloblastic epithelium. Compared to conventional ameloblastoma, it has a low recurrence rate after conservative treatment. We report a case of extensive unicystic ameloblastoma of mandible in a young male patient that showed tumorous characteristics on computed tomography (CT) and was treated conservatively by decompression. CT follow-up after 3 months showed significant bone formation. The lesion was then enucleated. Follow up at 8 months showed tremendous bone healing.

GSTM1 null polymorphism prevalence in tobacco users, oral leukoplakia and oral squamous cell carcinoma patients in South Indian population: A polymerase chain reaction study

Context: Tobacco abuse is a well-known risk factor for potentially malignant disorders as well as oral squamous cell carcinoma. Factors that influence tobacco-exposed individuals developing a malignancy may include the combination of total tobacco exposure and genetic susceptibility. Aim: This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of the glutathione S-transferase M1 (GSTM1) null polymorphism in oral leukoplakia and oral squamous cell carcinoma patients in South Indian population. Settings and Design: This case-control study was conducted in hospital setting on South Indian population. Materials and Methods: About 280 subjects with history of tobacco use, oral leukoplakia, oral squamous cell carcinoma were included in this study. Three milliliter of blood was collected and transported under cold cycle and taken for evaluation of GSTM1 null polymorphism using multiplex polymerase chain reaction. Results and Discussion: On comparing the prevalence of GSTM1 null polymorphism among the group with subjects with habits and no oral lesions, oral leukoplakia, and oral squamous cell carcinoma, it was observed that there was a statistically significant association between GSTM1 null polymorphism and the different groups (P < 0.01). Conclusion: The lack of GSTM1 activity would make the oral tissues more susceptible to action of tobacco carcinogens and to the development of a high-grade level of dysplasia in oral leukoplakia and thereby increases the susceptibility of lesion to undergo malignant changes.

Current scenario of biomarkers in head and neck cancer

The diagnosis and management of tumors commences with histopathology using routine staining procedures followed by immunohistochemical techniques in which certain biochemical indicators -the tumor markers are utilized. Each subcellular component can produce markers in the form of glycoproteins, antigens, receptors, hormones, enzymes, proteomic elements and genomic factors. The ongoing research has introduced numerous new markers to the extensive existing data; thereby necessitating the urgent need to categorize these biomarkers. This review presents a classification of currently and commonly used novel markers in various head and neck malignancies. Relevant indexed articles were referred for each clinically significant marker being considered for evaluation. The markers demonstrating potential impact on diagnosis, prognosis or treatment of the tumor, pertaining to head and neck region have been included for the review and segregated as per consensus of all the authors for the under mentioned.