Somayyeh Azimi

Effect of Cigarette Smoke on Salivary Total Antioxidant Capacity

Background and aims. Cigarette smoke can induce oral cancer by its free radicals and oxidative damage. Salivary anti-oxidants system is believed to have an important role in defense mechanisms against oxidative stress. This study was compared total antioxidant capacity (TAoC) of saliva in smokers and nonsmokers. Materials and methods. In this cross-sectional study, 30 male smokers with mean age of 45.23 years and 30 nonsmokers with mean age of 45.30 years participated. Unstimulated whole saliva samples were collected in the morning in two groups by spitting method. TAoC of saliva was measured with the special kit in two groups at the same time. Statistical analysis was performed by covariance test. Results. The mean salivary TAoC in nonsmokers (0.741±0.123 U/ml) was higher than that in smokers (0.529±0.167 U/ml). This difference was statistically significant (P<0.001). Conclusion. Smoking can alter salivary antioxidant capacity.

Does green tea consumption improve the salivary antioxidant status of smokers

OBJECTIVE 
Considering the higher rate of oral cancer, and reduction in salivary antioxidants in smokers as indicated in previous studies, antioxidant- containing nutrients such as green tea, seem to be beneficial in counteracting against oxidative stress in this group. This study assessed the salivary total antioxidant alteration in smokers compared to nonsmokers, after short-tem (7days) and long-term (3 weeks), green tea drinking. DESIGN In this experimental study, 20 volunteer moderate-to-heavy male smokers, and 20 matched healthy non-smokers were selected to participate, according to the inclusion criteria. Participants were instructed to drink two cups of green tea per day, by dissolving 2g of green tea in 150ml of hot water for each cup. After saliva collection, antioxidant capacity of saliva was measured at baseline, after 7days, and after 21days. Statistical evaluation was done by SPSS 21, using paired samplet tests, one-way ANOVA and Bonferroni tests. RESULTS 
 At day zero nonsmokers had a higher antioxidant capacity than smokers (686.6±62.22 vs. 338.8±59.9) mM/50μl, P<0.001. There was also a significant difference between two groups in salivary total antioxidant capacity after one week and three weeks of green tea consumption (P<0.001). However, there was an upward trend in both smokers and non-smokers over the study period (after tea drinking). In addition, a significant difference was found in total antioxidant capacity alteration in smokers compared to non-smokers from baseline to day 21. CONCLUSIONS Results support the effectiveness of green tea consumption in salivary antioxidants enhancement in smokers, in both the short- and long term.

Iranian traditional medicine: Comparison of the antibacterial effect of ANNAS 0.2% and chlorhexidine 0.2%

Anbarnesa smoke have a long history of antimicrobial effects in Iranian traditional medicine. The present study compared the effect of ANNAS (extract of Anbarnesara smoke) mouth wash 0.2% and Chlorhexidine 0.2% against some bacterial species. In this experimental study, the specific culture mediums were used for each species and the antibacterial efficacies of the mouth rinses were determined by means of agar diffusion test (for measurement of inhibitory zone diameter (IZD)) and dilution method (for measurement minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC)). IZD and MIC were statistically analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-whitney U tests. Both mouth rinses of ANNAS 0.2% and Chlorhexidine 0.2% had similar inhibitory growth zone for different bacterial species which was significantly better than control specimens. Chlorhexidine 0.2% induced higher MIC values than ANNAS 0.2% for the streptococcus sanguis and Enterococcus faecalis species, while no significant differences were found between two agents regarding MIC values against the other bacteria. Chlorhexidine 0.2% and ANNAS 0.2% showed higher growth inhibitory effect than control specimens against all bacteria except for E. faecalis. ANNAS mouth rinse 0.2% has some antibacterial properties, but it is not as efficacious as Chlorhexidine 0.2% on some selected species, with no significant effect on the E. faecalis species.

Knowledge of Oral Precancerous Lesions Considering Years Since Graduation Among Dentists in the Capital City of Iran: a Pathway to Early Oral Cancer Diagnosis and Referral?

Background: Late diagnosis and improper treatment lead to many avoidable deaths in patients suffering from oral cancer. This study evaluated the knowledge and perceptions of general dentists regarding oral precancerous lesions and oral cancer risk factors with reference to early diagnosis and referral. Materials and Methods: In this descriptive study, 200 private general dental practitioners were randomly selected in Tehran, Iran. Demographic information and years since graduation were recorded; knowledge levels were evaluated with a standardized questionnaire consisting of 15 closed-response item questions about precancerous lesions and oral cavity cancer. Each correct answer got one point. Results: Out of 200 selected dentists, 153 returned completed questionnaires. The average age of participants was 36 and the average achieved score was 7.96 out of 15 (Min 3, Max 13). Most (64.7%) of participants were in the group that graduated within the previous 10 years, 23.5% between 10 and 20 years since graduation, and 11.8% more than 20 years previously. There was a statistically significant difference between the most recently graduated group (< 10 years) and the other two groups. The dentists’ awareness was also significantly dependent on age. There was no statistically significant difference in awareness between male and female dentists. Conclusion: As professional oral health care providers, dentists should be aware of all aspects regarding precancerous lesions in order to optimize early diagnosis and referral of oral cancer patients. Training courses and continuing education seem to be an essential strategy to increase and maintain knowledge of this group.

Pattern of the head and the neck cancer in two geographically and socioeconomically different countries

Context: The differences in frequency of cancer among the less developed and the more developed regions continue to remain as an important problem for service planning and international action against cancers of the head and the neck. Aim: This study compares distribution of cancers of the head and the neck between two similar-sized populations from the west of Iran and Western Australia. Setting and Design: In this retrospective study, de-identified data were collected for a 10-year period from patients diagnosed with head and the neck cancers. Materials and Methods: Data were obtained from the Western Australia Cancer Registries and from major hospitals in the west of Iran. Age at diagnosis, sex, and site code were included in the data sheet. Descriptive analysis was used to describe the basic features, means (±standard deviation) were reported, and tests of significance were used as appropriate. Results: In Iran, cancer of the lip, followed by cancer of the major salivary gland, and cancer of the tongue were the three most frequent types of cancers, whereas in Australia, the most frequent types of cancer were cancer of the lip followed by cancers of the tongue and the tonsil. Distribution of malignancy by site among the patients belonging to different ages indicated that cancer of the lip was the most frequent cancer in both Iran and Australia, except among the patients belonging to the age group of 60–74 years in Iran, where cancer of the major salivary gland had the highest frequency. Both men and women were susceptible for cancers of the head and the neck in the age range of 60–74 years in Iran, whereas in Australia, it was more frequent among men belonging to the age range of 45–59 years and in women above the age of 75 years. Conclusion: This preliminary study defined differences in orofacial malignancy between Iran and Australia. Further studies in countries with different socioeconomic status are recommended.

Orofacial cancers in the West of Iran: A 10-year study

Background: Orofacial cancer remains a substantial life-threatening disease in developing countries. Late diagnosis and treatment still lead to many avoidable deaths. The differences in incidence and prevalence between different geographical and ethnic groups remain an important issue for service planning and international action against cancer. Methods: In this retrospective study, cancer of the orofacial region for the 10-year period (April 2002–March 2012) was evaluated. Age, sex, histopathological type, and the primary site of tumor were recorded according to the International Classification of disease for Oncology. Descriptive analyses were used to describe basic features, means (±standard deviation) were reported, and appropriate tests of significance were used. Results: Squamous cell carcinoma was the most common malignancy (55.8%) followed by mucoepidermoid carcinoma (9.4%). The male to female ratio was 5:4 and the average age was 63 years. The most common site was lower lip (22%), followed by tongue (15%) and parotid salivary gland (13%). Conclusion: This 10-year retrospective study analyzed frequency of orofacial malignancies. Considering the difference in incidence and mortality of head and neck cancer in less developed versus more developed regions, this kind of research in various population provides better understanding of cancer for global programming in terms of prevention, detection, and treatment.

Is There a Relation between ABO Blood Groups and Clinical Outcome in Patients with Pemphigoid? A Case-Control Study.

Background. Relationship between blood groups and dermatologic diseases remains controversial and was not yet fully elucidated nor explained clearly. The aim of this study was to examine if any relation exists between different types of pemphigoid diseases and ABO blood group. Methods. In this case-control study, 159 pemphigoid patients and 152 healthy matched-controls were evaluated. All blood group (including Rh status) data for the study was obtained from the hospital medical records. Statistical comparisons were completed with chi-square test and logistic regression. Results. Blood group “O” was found in 32.9% of patients and 38.2% of control group. Blood group “A” was found among 30.8% of patients and 34.2% of control group, while group “B” was reported in 27.4% of cases and 21.1% of controls and “AB” was identified among 8.9% of patients and 6.6% of control group. 84.9% of patients were Rh positive, while in the control group 86.2% of patients were Rh positive. No significant differences were found regarding ABO blood groups (P = 0.46) or Rh (P = 0.76) between pemphigoid patients and control group. Also, older females had the higher risk of developing bullous pemphigoid. Conclusion. We found no relationship between ABO blood groups and pemphigoid disease.

Antifungal Effect of Surface Quick (HELVEMED) Solution on Candida Strains Isolated From Patients with Denture-Related Candidiasis

Aim: Surface Quick, an alcohol-based solution has been prepared by HELVEMED Company and various advantages have been mentioned for it; however all these claims have not been assessed scientifically. This study evaluated the antifungal efficacy of Surface Quick solution on candida albicans species obtained from the patients with denture-induced candidiasis. Study Design: This is an experimental study for evaluation of antifungal effect of surface quick solution. Place and Duration of Study: This study was done in Oral medicine and microbiology department of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran in 2012. Methodology: In this experimental in vitro trial, standard Candida albicans species (PTCC 5027) were obtained and the samples were prepared from 30 patients with denture