Suchetha Kumari

The challenge of antioxidants to free radicals in periodontitis.

Periodontal disease is a chronic adult condition. Bacteria implicated in the etiology of this disease causes destruction of connective tissue and bone. As a result of stimulation by bacterial antigen PMN produces free radicals via respiratory burst as a part of host response to infection. Patients with periodontal disease display increased PMN number and activity. This proliferation results in high degree of free radical release culminating in heightened oxidative damage to gingival tissues, periodontal ligament and alveolar bone. Damage mediated by free radicals can be mitigated by “ANTIOXIDANT DEFENSE SYSTEM “. Physiological alteration and pathological states produced by free radicals depend on disequilibrium between free radical production and antioxidant levels leading to oxidative stress. Hence this study has been designed to estimate the TOTAL ANTIOXIDANT CAPACITY in patients with PERIODONTITIS and healthy control subjects

Estimation of Levels of Salivary Mucin, Amylase and Total Protein in Gingivitis and Chronic Periodontitis Patients

BACKGROUNDnPeriodontal diseases are a group of inflammatory conditions resulting from interaction between a pathogenic bacterial biofilm and susceptible hosts inflammatory response eventually leading to the destruction of periodontal structures and subsequent tooth loss. Hence, investigation of salivary proteins in individuals with periodontal diseases may be useful to enhance the knowledge of their roles in these diseases.nnnMATERIALS AND METHODSnThis case-control study was conducted at A.B. Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences, Mangalore. The study comprised of 90 patients of age between 25-60 years who were clinically examined and divided into three groups of 30 each: namely clinically healthy, gingivitis and chronic periodontitis. These were classified according to the values of gingival index score, clinical attachment loss and probing pocket depth. Unstimulated saliva was collected and salivary mucin, amylase and total protein levels were determined.nnnSTATISTICAL ANALYSISnRESULTS obtained were tabulated and statistically analyzed using ANOVA test and Karl pearsons correlation test.nnnRESULTSnThe results of the study showed an increased concentration of salivary mucin, amylase and total protein in gingivitis patients and increased levels of amylase and total protein in saliva of chronic periodontitis patients compared to healthy individuals which were statistically significant. A decrease in mucin concentration was observed in the periodontitis group compared to gingivitis group. A positive correlation was present between salivary mucin, amylase and total protein levels in the three groups.nnnCONCLUSIONnSalivary mucin, amylase and total protein may serve as an important biochemical parameter of inflammation of the periodontium. Also, it can be hypothesized that various enzyme inhibitors might be useful as a part of host modulation therapy in the treatment of periodontal diseases.

Comparative evaluation of micronutrient status in the serum of diabetes mellitus patients and healthy individuals with periodontitis

Background: Periodontal diseases are microbial induced chronic inflammatory conditions characterized by infiltration of leukocytes, loss of connective tissue, alveolar bone resorption, and formation of periodontal pockets. In response to periodontal pathogens, the leukocytes (PMN) elaborate destructive oxidants, proteinases and other factors. The balance between these factors, the antioxidants and endogenously synthesized antiproteinases determine the extent of periodontal damage. Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder. Most of the complications of diabetes are due to hyperglycemia. Persons with diabetes are at a greater risk for periodontal disease Malnutrition is characterized by marked tissue depletion of antioxidant nutrients and impaired acute phase protein response to infections resulting in impaired healing. Diabetes mellitus also alters the micronutrient levels. Malnutrition is characterized by marked tissue depletion of antioxidant nutrients and impaired acute phase protein response to infections resulting in impaired healing. Malnutrition, which usually involves concomitant deficiencies of several essential macro and micro nutrients, therefore, has the potential to adversely influence the prognosis of periodontal infections. Objectives:This study has been conducted to evaluate and compare the serum levels of vitamin C, zinc and copper in diabetic and healthy individuals with periodontitis. Materials and Methods: In this case control study 60 subjects inclusive of both sexes were selected and divided into 3 groups of 20 each. Group 1 comprised of 20 subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus and periodontal disease, Group 2 comprised of 20 healthy subjects with periodontal disease. And Group 3 comprised of 20 healthy subjects without periodontal disease. Venous blood samples were collected and centrifuged at 3000rpm for 15 minutes and the superanatant serum is collected to measure the vitamin C, zinc and copper levels. The vitamin C levels of clinical samples were measured using spectrophotometric quantitation (dinitrophenyl hydrazine method) and zinc and copper levels were measured using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Results: The results showed that the levels of vitamin C and zinc decreased and copper levels increased in diabetic patients with periodontits compared to healthy individuals with periodontitis. Conclusion: It may be reasonable to suggest vitamin and/or mineral supplements for patients whose nutrition might be inadequate. Future research should focus on an evaluation of which nutrients may help to prevent the onset and progression of periodontal disease

Serum levels of antioxidants and superoxide dismutase in periodontitis patients with diabetes type 2

Aims and Objectives: The present study was designed to estimate and compare the superoxide dismutase and total antioxidant capacity levels in the serum of diabetes mellitus - Type 2 patients and healthy individuals with and without periodontal disease. Materials and Methods: The study was designed as a case-control study comprising of 150 subjects, inclusive of both genders in the age group of 35-65 years. They were divided into three groups of 50 patients each. Patients were categorized into diabetic with chronic periodontitis (DM-CP) and systemically healthy groups with and without periodontitis. Serum samples were collected and sent for biochemical analysis to estimate the total antioxidant capacity (TAOC) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels. Results obtained were then statistically analysed using ANOVA test. Results: The results showed a higher level of serum TAOC in the systemically healthy group without periodontitis (PH) compared to the other groups. The P value was found to be <0.05. The SOD levels were found to be highest in the DM-CP group. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that serum TAOC were found to be highest in the PH group and lowest in the systemically healthy with chronic periodontitis (CP). The serum SOD levels were found to be highest in the DM-CP group. The increased levels of SOD seen in DM patients may be a result of a protective and adaptive mechanism against the oxidative stress developing in the tissue.

Evaluation of micronutrient (zinc, copper and iron) levels in periodontitis patients with and without diabetes mellitus type 2: a biochemical study.

CONTEXTnPeriodontal tissue destruction is caused by an inappropriate host response to microorganisms. Diabetes is a metabolic disease and most of its complications are due to hyperglycemia. Periodontitis is considered as its sixth complication. Micronutrients such as zinc, copper and iron are essential for human health. There is accumulating evidence that the metabolism of several trace elements is altered in diabetes mellitus and that these nutrients might have specific roles in the pathogenesis and progress of this disease and its complication. An association between micronutrients and periodontitis has also been suggested by preliminary studies. However, till date there is a lack of relevant clinical data.nnnAIMnThis study was designed to estimate and compare the serum levels of zinc, copper and iron in diabetes mellitus type 2 patients and healthy individuals with and without periodontitis.nnnSETTING AND DESIGNnSingle centre case-control study.nnnSUBJECTS AND MATERIALSnThis study included 150 subjects, 50 in each group. Group 1 comprised of 50 subject with diabetes mellitus type 2 and periodontitis. Group 2 comprised of 50 subjects with chronic periodontitis and Group 3 comprised of 50 control subjects. Atomic absorption spectrophotometry method was used to measure clinical level of zinc and copper in serum. Estimation of serum iron levels was done by bathophenanthroline method.nnnSTATISTICAL ANALYSISnThe results obtained were tabulated and subjected to statistical analysis by analysis of variance and Tukey multiple comparison tests using statistical software SPSS version 17.nnnRESULTSnThe results showed that the serum levels of zinc decreased and serum levels of iron and copper increased in diabetes patients with periodontitis compared to healthy individuals with and without periodontitis.nnnCONCLUSIONnImbalance of Zinc, copper and iron levels in the serum can predispose an individual to the risk of developing periodontitis.

Synthesis and characterization of new N-(4-(4-chloro-1H-imidazol-1-yl)-3-methoxyphenyl)amide/sulfonamide derivatives as possible antimicrobial and antitubercular agents

In this paper we report the SAR studies of a series of N-(4-(4-chloro-1H-imidazol-1-yl)-3-methoxyphenyl)amide and N-(4-(4-chloro-1H-imidazol-1-yl)-3-methoxyphenyl)sulfonamide derivatives 6(a-o) and 7(a-o), were synthesized in good yields and characterized by (1)H NMR, (13)C NMR and mass spectral analyses. The preparation of the key intermediate highlights an optimized palladium catalyzed (Pd₂(dba)₃/RuPhos) Buchwald cross-coupling of intermediate 2 and 3. The newly synthesized compounds were evaluated for their in vitro antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, (Gram-positive), Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae (Gram-negative), antifungal activity against Candida albicans, Aspergillus flavus and Rhizopus sp. and antitubercular activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv, Mycobacterium smegmatis, Mycobacterium fortuitum and MDR-TB strains. The synthesized compounds displayed interesting antimicrobial activity. The compounds 7d, 7f, 7h and 7n displayed significant activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv strain.

Malondialdehyde levels in oral sub mucous fibrosis: a clinicopathological and biochemical study.

Background: Oral submucous fibrosis is one of the most commonly occurring potentially malignant disorders in the South-East Asia. Levels of lipid peroxidation product malondialdehyde have been recently correlated with clinical grades of oral Submucous fibrosis. Aims: The aims of this study were to estimate the levels of malondialdehyde in serum, saliva and tissue in patients with oral submucous fibrosis, to correlate change in levels of malodialdehyde with the histopathological grading. Materials and Methods: The study group comprised of 65 clinically diagnosed and histopathologically confirmed cases of oral submucous fibrosis, 21 age and sex matched controls were also enrolled into the study. The serum saliva and tissue samples in the study groups were evaluated by the thiobarbutric acid reactive substances. Results: There was a significant difference between the serum and salivary malondialdehyde among the histopathological grades of oral submucous fibrosis. Tissue malonaldehyde levels were significantly higher as the grading progressed but tissue levels in grade 3 oral submucous fibrosis were lower than the controls. Conclusion: This decrease in tissue malonaldehyde could possibly be associated to collagen cross linking occurring during the advanced stages of oral submucous fibrosis.

Evaluation of micronutrient status in serum and saliva of oral submucous fibrosis patients: A clinicopathological study.

Background: Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is one of the most commonly occurring potentially malignant disorders in India and south East Asian countries where betel chewing is common practice. Iron and ascorbic acid are important agents for collagen synthesis. Aims: The aims of this study were to estimate the levels of iron and ascorbic acid in serum and saliva in patients with OSMF and to correlate change in levels of iron and ascorbic acid with the histopathological grading of OSMF. Materials and Methods: The study group comprised of 65 clinically diagnosed and histopathologically confirmed cases of OSMF; 21 age- and sex-matched controls were also enrolled in the study. Serum and salivary ascorbic acid were analyzed by the dintrophenyl hydrazine method whereas serum and salivary iron were analyzed by the dipyridyl method. Results: The serum and salivary ascorbic acid levels consistently decreased with the progression of histopathologiocal grading of OSMF. Serum and salivary iron levels were also decreased in OSMF patients, but this was not significant. Conclusion: Ascorbic acid and iron may have been used for the excessive collagen synthesis occurring during progression of OSMF. Hence, serum and salivary monitoring may play a crucial role in the early diagnosis and prognosis of OSMF.

Malaria prevalence in Mangaluru city area in the southwestern coastal region of India

BackgroundMalaria is highly prevalent in many parts of India and the Indian subcontinent. Mangaluru, a city in the southwest coastal region of Karnataka state in India, and surrounding areas are malaria endemic with 10–12 annual parasite index. Despite high endemicity, to-date, very little has been reported on the epidemiology and burden of malaria in this area.MethodsA cross-sectional surveillance of malaria cases was performed among 900 febrile symptomatic native people (long-time residents) and immigrant labourers (temporary residents) living in Mangaluru city area. During each of dry, rainy, and end of rainy season, blood samples from a group of 300 randomly selected symptomatic people were screened for malaria infection. Data on socio-demographic, literacy, knowledge of malaria, and treatment-seeking behaviour were collected to understand the socio-demographic contributions to malaria menace in this region.ResultsMalaria is prevalent in Mangaluru region throughout the year and Plasmodium vivax is predominant species compared to Plasmodium falciparum. The infection frequency was found to be high during rainy season. Infections were markedly higher in males than females, and in adults aged 16–45xa0years than both younger and older age groups. Also, malaria incidence was high among immigrants compared to native population. In both groups, infection rate was directly correlated with their literacy level, knowledge on malaria, dwelling environment, and protective measures used. There was also a significant difference in treatment-seeking behaviour between these two groups.ConclusionsMalaria incidences in Mangaluru region are predominantly localized to certain hotspot areas within the city, where socioeconomically underprivileged and immigrant labourers are densely populated. These areas have inadequate sanitation and constant water stagnation, harbouring high vector density and contributing to high infection incidences. Additionally, people in these areas seldom practice preventive measures such as using bed nets. The high incidences of malaria in adults are due to minimal cloth wearing, and long working hours stretching to late evenings in places with high vector density. Instituting heightened preventive public measures by governments and creating awareness on using preventive protective and environmental hygienic measures through educational programmes may substantially reduce the risk of contracting infections in these areas and spreading to other areas.

Estimation of salivary nitric oxide and uric acid levels in oral squamous cell carcinoma and healthy controls

Background: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) being the most common head and neck cancer, involves the interplay of several free radicals and antioxidant molecules. The potential role of salivary nitric oxide (NO) and uric acid in cancer development needs to be explored as there are a few studies highlighting their association with each other and with oral cancer. Aims: The present study was designed to measure the NO and uric acid levels in the saliva of patients with OSCC as compared with healthy controls and to highlight any possible correlations between them. Materials and Methods: The present study involved 50 subjects, 25 with OSCC (study) and 25 healthy individuals (controls). Saliva samples collected from patients were subjected to NO and uric acid analysis by griess method and uricase method, respectively. Statistical Analysis: The results were analyzed using Student′s t-test and Pearson′s Chi-square test. Results: A significant increase in the salivary levels of NO was seen in study subjects as compared to healthy controls. On the contrary, a significant decrease in salivary uric acid level was observed in the study group as compared to healthy controls. In addition, there exists an inverse correlation between NO and uric acid levels in study and control groups. Conclusion: Salivary levels of NO and uric acid may act as key bimolecular markers in the detection of oral cancer, which could be further confirmed by larger sample size and future studies.