Vanessa Eid da Silva Cardoso

Pharmacokinetics of ingested fluoride: Lack of effect of chemical compound

UNLABELLED Fluoride in drinking water may be present from natural sources or added as sodium fluoride (NaF), sodium silicofluoride (Na(2)SiF(6)) or fluorosilicic acid (H(2)SiF(6)). Results from an early study with rats suggested that, when ingested as Na(2)SiF(6), the absorption and excretion of fluoride were greater than when ingested as NaF. OBJECTIVE The present single-blind, crossover study with 10 adults was done to determine three key pharmacokinetic parameters: the maximum plasma fluoride concentrations (C(max)), the elapsed time to reach the maximum concentrations (T(max)) and the 6-h areas under the time-plasma concentration curves (AUCs) after ingestion of 500 mL of water containing 0.67 or 5.45 mg F/L present naturally or added as NaF or H(2)SiF(6). DESIGN Blood was collected prior to and at nine time points during 6h after ingestion of the test solutions. Plasma was analysed by electrode after HMDS-facilitated diffusion and the data were analysed for statistically significant differences using repeated measures ANOVA. RESULTS The C(max), T(max) and AUC values after ingestion of the solutions containing natural fluoride, NaF or H(2)SiF(6) did not differ significantly at either dose level. Further, the T(max) values associated with the 0.67 and 5.45 mg/L solutions did not differ significantly indicating that the absorption, distribution and elimination rates were not affected by the dose size. CONCLUSIONS Considered together with published reports, the present findings support the conclusion that the major features of fluoride metabolism are not affected differently by the chemical compounds commonly used to fluoridate water nor are they affected by whether the fluoride is present naturally or added artificially.

Fluorine content of several brands of chocolate bars and chocolate cookies found in Brazil

Chocolate bars and chocolate cookies are foodstuffs highly appreciated by children. The possibility of having fluorine (F) among their components, associated with an excessive consumption, may make them decisive contributors to the total daily F intake. Thus, they could participate in the establishment of dental fluorosis. The aim of this study was to analyze the fluorine concentration [F] of the chocolates bars (CB) Baton, Confeti, Garoto Ball, Kinder Ovo, M&M s, Milkybar, Nescau, Nescau Ball, Surpresa, Surpresa Bichos, Tortuguita; and of the chocolate cookies (CC) Danyt s, Hipop , Nescau, Passatempo, Pokémon, S tio do Pica-Pau Amarelo and Trakinas. Samples were purchased in Bauru, São Paulo, Brazil. Three grams of each product were previously ashed at 525 C (CB and cookies fillings) and at 550 C (cookies dough), during 4 hours. Fluorine was separated from the ash by hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDS)-facilitated diffusion. Fluorine analysis was carried out with the specific electrode. Mean [F]s SD and amplitude (unit mg/g) were: CB = 0.30 0.45 (0.07 - 1.60, n = 12) and CC = 1.08 2.64 (0.04 - 7.10, n = 7). It was concluded that some of the analyzed foods may be important contributors to the total daily F intake. As for the product that had the highest [F] (Danyt s), when only 3 units are consumed just once a day, they may supply up to 40% of the maximum recommended daily F intake (0.07 mg/kg body weight) for a 2-year-old child (12 kg). The [F] in these products should be informed on their labels.

Urinary fluoride output in children following the use of a dual-fluoride varnish formulation

Objective: This study evaluated the bioavailability of fluoride after topical application of a dual-fluoride varnish commercially available in Brazil, when compared to Duraphat™. Material and methods: The urinary fluoride output was evaluated in seven 5-year-old children after application of the fluoride varnishes, in two different phases. In the first phase (I), children received topical application of the fluoride varnish Duofluorid XII (2.92% fluorine, calcium fluoride + 2.71% fluorine, sodium fluoride, FGM™). After 1-month interval (phase II), the same amount (0.2 mL) of the fluoride varnish Duraphat (2.26% fluorine, sodium fluoride, Colgate™) was applied. Before each application all the volunteers brushed their teeth with placebo dentifrice for 7 days. Urinary collections were carried out 24 h prior up to 48 h after the applications. Fluoride intake from the diet was also estimated. Fluoride concentration in diet samples and urine was analyzed with the fluoride ion-specific electrode and a miniature calomel reference electrode coupled to a potentiometer. Data were tested by ANOVA and Tukeys post hoc test (p<0.05). Results: There were significant differences in the urinary fluoride output between phases I and II. The use of Duofluorid XII did not significantly increase the urinary fluoride output, when compared to baseline levels. The application of Duraphat caused a transitory increase in the urinary fluoride output, returning to baseline levels 48 h after its use. Conclusions: The tested varnish formulation, which has been shown to be effective in in vitro studies, also can be considered safe.

Fluoridation of the public water supply and prevalence of dental fluorosis in a peripheral district of the municipality of Bauru, SP

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to assess the fluoride concentration in the public water supply and the prevalence of dental fluorosis in schoolchildren between 7 and 15 years old, living in a peripheral district of the municipality of Bauru. Material and Methods: For this, fifty two water samples were collected on three different days of one week. These samples were analyzed for fluoride by means of the ion-sensitive electrode method (Orion 9609) coupled to a potentiometer (Procyon, model 720). In this method, 1.0 mL of TISABII (Orion) was added to 1.0 mL of the sample. For the epidemiological survey of fluorosis, 52 schoolchildren of both genders, aged between 7 and 15 were assessed, with prior authorization from their caretakers. Only one person examined the children, after supervised toothbrushing and drying with cotton wool rolls. The TF index was used. Results: The fluoride concentrations in the water samples ranged from 0.62 to 1.20 mg/L, with a mean of 0.9 mg/L. The prevalence of dental fluorosis was 33%, with severity ranging from TF1 to TF4 (Kappa of 0.73 and concordance of 83.33%). Conclusions: The results from the analysis of water samples indicated a fluoride concentration greater than recommended for Bauru. The fluorosis levels found were higher than expected for a peripheral district, in which water is one of the few sources of fluoride.

Fluoride uptake in dental enamel after using fluoridated dentifrice, preceded or not by a CaCl2 solution rinse

INTRODUCTION The use of a calcium solution previously to brushing could favor the remineralization and the fluoride (F) uptake in dental enamel. OBJECTIVE This study evaluated the F in dental enamel after using a F dentifrice, preceded or not by a rinse with a CaCl(2) solution. METHODS Ten subjects (18-30 years) participated in a double-blind, cross-over protocol. Enamel biopsy and 3 min saliva samples were obtained at baseline and after brushing (1.5 g Crest®, 1,000 ppm F as NaF), preceded by a rinse with 10 mL of 20 mM CaCl(2) 50 mM acetate pH 7.2 or deionized water, for 1 min, followed by a 15 mL water rinse for 5 sec. Biopsies were made before the rinses and after 8-15 and 120 min. Saliva samples were collected before the rinses and after 4, 15, 30, 60 and 120 min. F concentration in enamel biopsies was analyzed with the F electrode (Orion 9409) and a miniature calomel reference electrode, while phosphorus concentration was analyzed by spectrophotometry. Saliva samples were analyzed for F with the electrode (Orion 9609) by the direct method. The data were analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey test (p<0.05). RESULTS Mean F concentration ± SD (µg/mL) at baseline up to 120 min for saliva samples were: 0.02±0.01; 9.06±4.26; 2.01±1.76; 0.47±0.33; 0.24±0.17; 0.08±0.08; 0.07±0.04 for the deionized water rinse, and 0.02±0.02; 10.96±14.21; 2.76±3.04; 0.87±1.29; 0.40±0.66; 0.16±0.23; 0.09±0.09 for the CaCl(2) rinse. The data for enamel biopsies were (µg/g): 1861.7±1011.0; 1790.5±953.2; 1117.6±585.2 for the deionized water rinse, and 1586.4±776.8; 1536.3±546.4; 1520.5±1340.7 for the CaCl2 rinse. CONCLUSION According to this protocol, there was not a significant variation in enamel F uptake after using a F dentifrice preceded or not by a rinse with a CaCl(2) solution.

Liver Damage Induced by Succinylacetone: A Shared Redox Imbalance Mechanism between Tyrosinemia and Hepatic Porphyrias

To show liver failure mediated by 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA), a heme precursor accumulated in inborn and acquired porphyrias, rats were treated with succinylacetone methyl ester (SAME). Treated rats underwent the expected ALA accumulation in plasma, liver and urine as a result from inhibition of ALA dehydratase (ALAD) activity. The enzyme activity decreased concomitantly with diminished urinary coproporphyrin levels. Additionally, liver protein carbonyls, iron and ferritin were higher in groups treated with a lower concentration of SAME whereas malondialdehyde was higher in the group treated with a higher ester dose. Consistent with these biochemical data, chronic treatment SAME was associated with induced oxidative subcellular and tissue damage revealed by cytosolic and mitochondrial changes within the liver cells. Altogether, these data expand the understanding of the direct biochemical mechanism for liver cell death in hepatic inborn disorders by generating excess ALA and may foster future therapeutic-driven strategies to preserve liver function.

Nail and bone surface as indicators of acute exposure to fluoride in rats

This study evaluated the use of nails and bone surfaces as indicators of acute exposure to fluoride in rats. Six groups (n=10/grp), aged 70 days, received, by gastrogavage, single doses of sodium fluoride containing 10, 35, 45, 60, 75 and 90 mg fluoride/kg body weight. The control group received deionized water. Two hours after fluoride administration, the rats were killed and their plasma, nails (halves near to the growth end) and femur were collected. Nail and plasma fluoride concentrations were analyzed with the electrode following HMDS-facilitated diffusion. Femur surface fluoride was removed from a circular area (4.52 mm²) by immersion in 0.5M HCl for 15 seconds, buffered with TISAB and analyzed with the electrode. Data were analyzed by ANOVA and Tukeys test (p<0.05) and by linear regression (p<0.001). Average fluoride concentrations ranged from 55.4 to 91.5 mg/g for nails; from 0.019 to 6.937 mg/mL for plasma and from 617 to 2,394 mg/g for femur surface. Fluoride concentrations in nails from experimental groups were not different from control. Regarding plasma fluoride, all experimental groups differed from control, except the group that received the lowest dose. In respect to femur surface fluoride, only the group that received the highest dose differed from control. A strong correlation was found between plasma fluoride and the dose administered (r=0.736) and a medium correlation was found between femur surface and the dose administered (r=0.510). Data suggest that two hours after an acute fluoride administration, nails and femur surface are not good indicators of fluoride exposure.