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Biomedical subjects

G Dolci

Publications and source records attributed to G Dolci.

45 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMedDate not supplied

Anti-HCV antibodies are detectable in the gingival crevicular fluid of HCV positive subjects.

AIMS: To verify the possible of identifying HCV-positive subjects by assaying hepatitis C immunological markers in the gingival crevicular fluid. METHODS: Ten HCV-EIA-positive subjects and ten HCV-EIA negative subjects were enrolled. One specimen each of blood, saliva and gingival crevicular fluid were collected from each subjects, and anti-HCV antibodies determined using a rapid test described elsewhere. RESULTS: The test was highly sensitive and specific (100%) on whole blood, but unable to detect anti-HCV antibodies in any specimen on whole saliva; anti-HCV antibodies were detected in about 80% of gingival crevicular fluid specimens from HCV-positive subjects, suggesting that the HCV virus and anti-HCV antibodies may enter the pounth in the gingival crevicular fluid and then spread outside the mouth via the saliva. CONCLUSIONS: The gingival crevicular fluid could be a valid alternative to blood for detection of HCV-positive subjects; in association with the HCV rapid test this may be a useful procedure for use in routine dental practice.

Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Bio-metabolic changes produced by 2 commercial fluoride-containing compounds on human keratinocytes].

BACKGROUND: Although fluoride has been used for decades either systemically or topically to prevent dental caries, the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying its action are poorly understood. METHODS: An in vitro study of the human keratinocyte cell line NCTC 2544 was conducted in the presence of two different fluoride-containing commercial compounds (Zymafluor and Elmex) to investigate their toxicity threshold and the sequence of events involved in fluoride ion toxicity in this cell population. The toxicity threshold was determined by incubating cells with rising concentrations of Zymafluor and Elmex for 20 h. The study of the sequence of events involved in ion toxicity was performed through a time-effect study by exposing cells to 4 mM fluoride ions and testing them at 2, 6, and 20 h. Cell viability and ultrastructural parameters were assessed: degree of confluence, semiquantitative assessment of dead cells and debris in the supernatant, and morphology. RESULTS: Ultrastructural morphological analysis showed different cell behaviours with the two compounds; moreover, their toxic effect appeared to be both concentration- and time-dependent. CONCLUSIONS: These data underline the susceptibility of the intracellular communication system to fluoride and show that exceeding the therapeutic dose of fluoride involves substantial risk of toxicity.

Amines↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The challenge of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in dentistry.

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) is caused by a newly identified coronavirus, called SARS-associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV) that appears to be transmitted primarily through droplets of saliva. This is the reason why the most important international organizations recommend that the dentists adopt a unique preventive approach to the problem: SARS patients should not be treated in the dental office. This is possible only if a suspected case of SARS is correctly and promptly identified. But a correct identification is made difficult by several factors, such as the incubation period, a possibly asymptomatic onset of the illness, the still low specificity and sensitivity of laboratory and instrumental tests. A case or suspected case of SARS may thus unwillingly be treated at the dental office. It is therefore necessary to adopt protective measures for the dental personnel and to implement and enforce infection control measures in order to eliminate the risk of viral contamination. Nonetheless, these procedures do not ensure a complete elimination of SARS-CoV contamination risk since a major risk is represented by blood-borne infection, which is originated by the mouth of patients, and the contamination of dental units water lines (DUWLs) is most difficult to control. Blood-borne contamination may be achieved only by adopting a high level, between-patients disinfection protocol of the DUWLs based on the use of chemical agents with biocidal activity against spores, viruses, bacteria and fungi (Autosteril method). In conclusion a fully effective control of the cross-infection risk will be obtained only by adopting a correct, integrated use of different infection control procedures.

Dentistry↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Immunohistochemical evaluation of CD31 in human cystic radicular lesions and in keratocysts.

Platelet-endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 protein (PECAM-1/CD31) is expressed in numerous physiological and pathological processes characterized by an increase of vascular permeability, and in normal and tumour tissues. CD31, member of the immunoglobulin super-family that mediates cell-to-cell adhesion, is a transmembrane glycoprotein, 130-140 kDa, also know as platelet-endothelium cell adhesion molecule (PECAM-1). CD31 is a ligand for CD38 and plays a role in thrombosis and angiogenesis. CD31 is strongly expressed in endothelial cells and weakly expressed in megakaryocytes, platelets, occasional plasma cells, lymphocytes (marginal zone B-cells, peripheral T-cells) and neutrophils. The present study evaluates the angiogenetic processes which are accompanied by an expansion of cystic radicular and keratocystic lesions of the jaw bone. Twelve subjects with maxillary cysts (8 males and 4 females) with an average age of 43 years were selected by the Chieti University Oral Surgery Department. The surgical samples taken were subjected to histological and immunohistochemical analysis. The histological evaluation confirmed the diagnosis of radicular cystisis and keratocystisis. The immunohistochemical analyses were positive for CD31 protein in all the lesions analysed, even though they had different intensities. Using a semiquantive analysis it was possible to highlight, in the radicular cyst samples, an intense expression of the vascular component both in the inflamed area and the adjacent stroma. The lesions with cheratin content showed newly-formed, rather modest, vascularity both in the area showing slight inflammation, where the cellular component is prevalent, and in the adjacent areas showing no sign of inflammation. Therefore, in our observations, angiogenesis could take on a primary role in the development of cystic lesions of the jaw bones. The differences of CD31 expression, in all samples, would advise for a wider monitoring able to evaluate the possible use of such a protein as a diagnostic marker.

Adult↗