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Epidermal growth factor in saliva and serum of patients with cyclosporin-induced gingival overgrowth.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the presence of epidermal growth factor (EGF) in patients receiving cyclosporin therapy who had gingival overgrowth and to determine whether there were any differences between these patients and normal healthy controls. Seventeen patients with cyclosporin-induced gingival overgrowth and seventeen age- and sex-matched controls who were taking cyclosporin but had healthy gingiva were used for this study. Unstimulated whole saliva was collected from all individuals by expectoration. Gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) was also collected from all individuals. Blood was additionally collected from all subjects and serum was separated by keeping the samples overnight at 4 degrees C. EGF levels in all cases were measured by an ELISA assay. EGF concentrations were found to be significantly higher in the saliva of patients with cyclosporin-induced gingival overgrowth compared to the control group (401.2 +/- 31.1 pg/ml and 144.3 +/- 31.4 pg/ml, respectively), whereas the results were reversed in the serum (67.0 +/- 15.6 pg/ml and 141.6 +/- 17.7 pg/ml, respectively). EGF was not detected in the samples of GCF in either group. This study thus demonstrated an increase in EGF levels in the saliva and a decrease of EGF in the serum of patients with cyclosporin-induced gingival overgrowth.

Case-Control Studies↗

The presence and origin of phosphopeptides in human saliva.

The presence of phosphopeptides in whole saliva (saliva expectorated from the mouth) was demonstrated and their origin was evaluated. Whole saliva contained much larger numbers of small phosphopeptides than are found in the glandular secretions. Most of these originated from the acidic proline-rich proteins (PRPs) in the major salivary glands and were formed, after secretion into the oral cavity, as a result of rapid degradation by proteolytic enzymes from extraglandular sources contained in sediment from whole saliva. Some peptides may have been formed by cleavage of basic PRPs, but other phosphoproteins apparently contributed little to the observed phosphopeptides. Most of the enzymes that produced phosphopeptides are serine proteinases. The gel-electrophoretic band patterns of the phosphopeptides obtained from 26 individuals of various acidic-PRP phenotypes were remarkably similar, demonstrating that the enzymes responsible were generally present in the population surveyed and that similar cleavages occur regardless of the nature of the acidic PRPs. Many of these peptides were N-terminal proteolytic cleavage products of acidic PRPs. The N-terminal phosphorylated region of acidic PRPs contains various biological activities, such as inhibition of hydroxyapatite formation, calcium binding and binding to hydroxyapatite, the major mineral of teeth. The demonstration of these phosphopeptides in the saliva that is in contact with the oral surface may therefore be of biological importance.

Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel↗

Phosphopeptides derived from human salivary acidic proline-rich proteins. Biological activities and concentration in saliva.

Human saliva contains a large number of phosphopeptides derived by cleavage of acidic proline-rich proteins (APRPs). These peptides were purified by column chromatography and they constituted 0.5% of APRPs in parotid saliva, but 11% of APRPs in saliva expectorated from the mouth (whole saliva), indicating that there is considerable cleavage of APRPs after secretion from the gland. Similarly to APRP, the phosphopeptides bind Ca2+, but they accounted for only 4% of protein-bound Ca2+ in whole saliva. APRPs as well as the phosphopeptides inhibited formation of hydroxyapatite, but, whereas 19-20 micrograms of APRP was needed for 50% inhibition, only 0.7-3.3 micrograms of purified peptides was needed for the same degree of activity, and the phosphopeptides accounted for 18% of total inhibitory activity in whole saliva. All phosphopeptides adsorbed on hydroxyapatite in vitro, and adsorption of phosphopeptides on tooth surfaces in vivo could also be demonstrated, indicating that they would be able to inhibit unwanted mineral formation on the tooth surface in vivo. Degradation of APRPs after secretion therefore does not lead to a loss of their biological activities.

Adsorption↗

Neutrophil chemotaxis in bronchiectasis: a study of peripheral cells and lung secretions.

1. Some bronchiectatic patients persistently expectorate purulent secretions containing many polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMN) and bacteria, suggesting ineffective microbial clearing from the lung. We have therefore studied several aspects of PMN recruitment to the lung by chemotaxis. 2. Circulating PMN from patients with bronchiectasis show a variable chemotactic response to the synthetic peptide N-formyl-L-methionyl-L-leucyl-L-phenylalanine. This is similar to the response of PMN from healthy controls and suggests that failure to clear microbial organisms is not due to defective chemotaxis as measured here. 3. Purulent sputum solphase demonstrates chemotactic activity against control PMN. This activity is greater (P less than 0.001) than that found with mucoid sputum solphase, which is consistent with the neutrophil content of the secretions in vivo. 4. Successful antibiotic therapy reduces the chemotactic activity of purulent sputum solphase from a median value of 183 (range 28-201) cells/high power field to 33.5 (range 0.7-64) cells/high power field (P less than 0.0025). This indicates that the chemotactic activity is largely associated with bacterial load.

Adult↗

Effects of periodontitis and smoking on the microbiota of oral mucous membranes and saliva in systemically healthy subjects.

BACKGROUND/AIM: To examine the differences in the proportions of 40 bacterial species in samples from eight oral soft-tissue surfaces and saliva in systemically healthy adult subjects with and without periodontitis and in smokers and nonsmokers. METHODS: Saliva and microbial samples were taken from eight oral soft-tissue surfaces in 229 systemically healthy subjects stratified by periodontal and smoking status. Subjects included 84 periodontally healthy and 145 periodontitis individuals. Of these, there were 182 nonsmokers and 47 smokers. Soft-tissue samples were taken using a "buccal brush" and saliva was taken by expectoration. All samples were individually evaluated for their content of 40 bacterial species using checkerboard DNA-DNA hybridization. The percentage of total DNA probe count was determined for each species at each sample location and averaged across subjects. The significance of differences among the proportions of the 40 test species at different sample locations was sought in these populations using the Kruskall-Wallis test and adjusted for multiple comparisons. RESULTS: When stratified for periodontal status or smoking status, microbial profiles at most sites did not differ significantly. Generally, periodontal pathogens were found at higher levels on the soft tissues of periodontitis subjects than in periodontally healthy subjects, and at higher levels in smokers than nonsmokers. Few significant differences were found, although trends in the populations were noted. CONCLUSIONS: Small differences in the proportions of bacterial species were observed on soft tissues and in saliva comparing periodontally healthy and periodontitis subjects. Somewhat greater differences between smokers and nonsmokers were found; however, these were not statistically significant.

Actinomyces↗

Nitric oxide metabolites in induced sputum: a marker of airway inflammation in asthmatic subjects.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The role of nitric oxide (NO) needs to be further clarified in allergic inflammation. This study was designed to investigate the relationships between NO metabolites and eosinophil count, eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), interleukin (IL)-5 in induced sputum from asthmatics. METHODS: Hypertonic saline-induced sputum was obtained in 25 asthmatic subjects, among which 13 patients were examined before and after anti-asthmatic medications including steroid preparations. Ten normal subjects were enrolled as controls. Fresh expectorated sputum separated from saliva was treated with equal volume of dithiothreitol 0.1%, cytospinned for cell count, and the supernatant was collected for biochemical assay. NO metabolites were assayed by using modified Griess reaction. ECP was measured by fluoroimmunoassay, and detected IL-5 by a sandwich ELISA. RESULTS: Asthmatic subjects, compared with controls, had significantly higher concentration of NO metabolites (1035.4 +/- 125.3 vs 557.2 +/- 101.5 micromol/L, P < 0.01), higher percentage of eosinophils (25.6 +/- 4.6 vs 1.7 +/- 0.2%, P < 0.01), and higher levels of ECP (1117.8 +/- 213.9 vs 154.6 +/- 47.4 microg/L, P < 0.01) in the induced sputum. IL-5 was detected more frequently in asthmatic subjects than in control subjects (11/25 [44%] vs 1/10 [10%], P < 0.05). According to asthma severity, moderate to severe asthmatic subjects (n = 18) had higher level of NO metabolites (1143.8 +/- 156.3 vs 575.5 +/- 89.5 micromol/L, P < 0. 01), higher levels of ECP and IL-5 (P < 0.01, respectively) in the induced sputum than in those of mild asthmatic subjects (n = 7). NO metabolites, the percentage of eosinophils, the levels of ECP, and IL-5 were reduced following treatment with anti-asthmatic drugs (P < 0.01, respectively). There were significant positive correlations between NO metabolites and percentage of eosinophils or ECP (r = 0. 34, P < 0.05; r = 0.28, P < 0.05). Negative correlations were noted between FEV1, FEV1/FVC and proportion of eosinophils, ECP, or IL-5 levels. CONCLUSION: These findings confirmed that the level of NO metabolites was increased in the tracheobronchial secretion of asthmatic subjects and was paralleled with severity of asthma. Measurement of NO metabolites in induced sputum may be used for monitoring the degree of airway inflammation in asthmatics.

Adolescent↗

A new heat and moisture exchanger with speech valve (Provox stomafilter).

In previous studies investigating the influence of a heat and moisture exchanger on the respiratory and psychosocial problems of laryngectomized patients, the value of regular use of such a device could clearly be established. However, the compliance with the use of these devices was not optimal, mainly due to problems related to the plaster and to the often troublesome combination of these HMEs with a voice prosthesis. Therefore, a prospective, clinical trial was undertaken to investigate whether the use of a newly developed heat and moisture exchanger (HME, Provox stomafilter) could improve the acceptibility of such a device. In total, 19 patients participated in this study, 13 men and six women. Vocal rehabilitation was achieved with a Provox voice prosthesis in all patients. Each of the patients was provided with a supply of HMEs for a 3-week trial period. The results showed that all patients were clearly positive about the valve used for digital occlusion of the stoma. Voicing was considerably facilitated and the intelligibility improved. Problems experienced in previous studies related to the adhesive tape, such as skin irritation, inadequate adherence and loosening of the plaster by coughing or forced expectoration, could be solved by the availability of the different adhesives included in this system.

Adhesives↗

Salivary pH changes during soft drinks consumption in children.

UNLABELLED: Dental erosion seems to have increased, perhaps partly as a result of an increase in the consumption of soft drinks. AIM: The aim of this study was to measure salivary pH, flow rate and buffering capacity before and after soft drinks intake in children with erosive lesions and to compare these to equivalent values for healthy caries-free individuals. DESIGN: The study was conducted as a case-control study using standard salivary tests. Thirty children with erosion and 30 age and sex-matched children free from erosion and active caries were included in this study. METHODS: Salivary flow rate was measured through expectoration into a graduated tube, salivary buffering capacity through colourimetric procedures and salivary pH using a digital pH meter. RESULTS: Results showed significant differences between cases and controls for salivary pH, flow rate, buffering capacity, maximum pH drop and minimum pH reached after soft drinks intake. CONCLUSIONS: It is concluded that all the factors studied are involved in dental erosion and that preventive care is mandatory for children who frequently drink these kinds of beverages.

Analysis of Variance↗

Association between masticatory performance and maximal occlusal force in young men.

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between masticatory performance and maximal occlusal force in dentate subjects, using test foods of varying hardness. Subjects were 20 young males with natural dentitions. Gummy jellies with two different degrees of hardness have been used as test foods to evaluate masticatory performance. Masticatory performance was evaluated by the increase of the surface area of expectorated pieces of comminuted gummy jelly that was calculated from the concentration of gelatin. Maximal occlusal force was measured with pressure sensitive sheets (DENTAL PRESCALE 50H R type). The results suggested that maximal occlusal force had a significant positive correlation to the masticatory performance both with soft gummy jelly and hard gummy jelly. The correlation coefficient (r) with hand gummy jelly tended to be larger than with soft gummy jelly.

Adult↗

Eight-year study of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis in an Indian teaching hospital.

A total of 651 patients with clinically suspected allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) were evaluated during the 8-year period from January 1991 to December 1998. Overall, 338 cases (51.9%) were positive either by sputum microscopy/culture (66 of 203 patients), by skin reactivity (150 of 309 cases), or by precipitating antibodies (122 of 338 patients) against Aspergillus species. However, in 89 patients, diagnosis of ABPA was confirmed on the basis of Rosenberg's criteria. Clinical profile and laboratory findings of those patients were analysed. The disease was found to be more common among males. Poor control of asthma, constitutional symptoms, mucopurulent expectoration, increased dyspnoea and wheezing and rhonchi were the main presenting features. Skin reactivity against aspergillin was seen in 73 (82%), precipitating antibodies against Aspergillus species were positive in 64 (72%) and sputum microscopy/culture was positive in 56 (63%) of those 89 patients. Central bronchiectasis and fleeting shadows were the most common radiological findings. This study highlights the importance of ABPA in north India and draws attention to the need for further analysis of criteria to use in the diagnosis of patients with ABPA.

Adolescent↗

Addition of a 2-month low-dose course of levofloxacin to long-term erythromycin therapy in sinobronchial syndrome.

BACKGROUND: We previously reported that a 6-month low-dose course of ofloxacin combined with long-term low-dose erythromycin therapy (EM therapy) was superior to EM therapy alone for sinobronchial syndrome (SBS), especially during the initial 2 months of treatment. However, there was no data as to whether discontinuation of low-dose ofloxacin after 2 months results in symptom relapse. This study was designed to clarify this issue. METHODOLOGY: Twenty-three patients with SBS received a 2-month course of levofloxacin (LVFX) therapy (100 mg once a day) concurrent with a 6-month course of EM therapy (200 mg three times a day) (group A). Eighteen other patients were given the EM therapy alone (group B). Clinical parameters, including quantity of morning sputum, were recorded in a daily symptom diary, and reviewed by each doctor in charge at 2-4 week intervals. RESULTS: The quantity of morning sputum decreased more rapidly in group A than in group B. No relapse of symptoms was recognized after discontinuation of LVFX in group A. CONCLUSIONS: A 2-month low-dose course of LVFX in conjunction with long-term EM therapy may be efficacious for the treatment of SBS, as evidenced by rapid improvement of expectoration without any relapse after LVFX discontinuation.

Aged↗

Effect of the proteolytic enzyme serrapeptase in patients with chronic airway disease.

OBJECTIVES: The proteolytic enzyme serrapeptase (SER) is widely used in clinical practice in Japan. We investigated the effect of SER on sputum properties and symptoms in patients with chronic airway diseases. METHODS: This study was an open-labelled trial with a non-treatment control group. Patients were randomly assigned to oral treatment with (n = 15) and without (n = 14) SER 30 mg/day for 4 weeks. Patients collected sputum samples for about 4 h in the morning on the day the trial began and 4 weeks later. We measured the amount of sputum by weighing. Part of each sputum sample was weighed and then completely dried and reweighed. The percentage solid component, viscosity and elasticity of the sputum were measured. Mucociliary transportability index was measured using ciliated bovine trachea ex vivo. Sputum smears were also prepared to count sputum neutrophils. Patients' symptoms were assessed by a questionnaire that used a visual analogue scale. RESULTS: After 4 weeks of SER treatment, sputum weight in the morning, percentage solid component, viscosity and elasticity of sputum, sputum neutrophil count, frequency of coughing and frequency of expectoration significantly decreased. The mean mucociliary transportability index increased from 13.3 +/- 1.8 to 24.4 +/- 2.5 (P = 0.0103). CONCLUSIONS: SER may exert a beneficial effect on mucus clearance by reducing neutrophil numbers and altering the viscoelasticity of sputum in patients with chronic airway diseases.

Adult↗

Preservative properties of Calamintha officinalis essential oil with and without EDTA.

AIMS: This study was focused on the preserving properties of Calamintha officinalis essential oil, a plant known for its diaphoretic, expectorant and aromatic properties. METHODS AND RESULTS: The commercial aerial parts of C. officinalis Moench were hydrodistilled and the essential oil analysed by Gas chromatography/Electron impact mass spectrometry (GC/EIMS). The inhibition efficacy of this essence, alone (0.5 and 1.0% v/v) and in combination with 2.0 mM EDTA, was assayed, in culture medium and in cetomacrogol cream, using preservative efficacy testing against standard microrganisms (E. coli ATCC 25922, Ps. aeruginosa ATCC 9027, Staph. aureus ATCC 6538P, C. albicans ATCC 10231 and A. niger ATCC 16404). C. officinalis essential oil in cetomacrogol cream with EDTA showed long-lasting antimicrobial activity, satisfying the European Pharmacopoeia Commission (E. P.) criteria. CONCLUSION: C. officinalis essential oil could have a potential for a future use as a cosmetic preservative. IMPACT OF THE STUDY: To find natural compounds with antimicrobial activity which could be alternatives to the synthetic chemical preservatives.

Aspergillus niger↗

[Oslerosis of the dog: diagnostic and therapeutic status].

Oslerus osleri is a metastrongle whose first-stage larvae are expectorated by the bitch, and which are infecting for pups; few cases are described from France. The biological features of this parasite, diagnosis and therapy are described in a first bibliographic part. 29 of 66 dogs examined were infected with Oslerus osleri. We investigated the cause of their chronic coughing, which was not cured by routine therapies. Several diagnostic methods were used, of which endoscopy was the best. The following drugs were used to treat infection with Oslerus osleri: ivermectin, levamisole, oxfendazole and fenbendazole. The last-mentioned two drugs are safe for dogs and very effective against this parasite.

Animals↗

Dystonia as acute adverse reaction to cough suppressant in a 3-year-old girl.

Cough suppressant preparations containing mixtures of dextromethorphan or codeine with antihistamines, decongestants (sympathomimetic), expectorants and antipyretics with either sedative or anticholinergic activity have been associated with dystonic reactions in children. We report on a 3-year-old girl who presented with episodic stiffness and abnormal posturing with rigidity after arbitrary maternal administration of a mixture of methylcodeine and extract from Hedera plant.

Antitussive Agents↗

A case of lower respiratory tract infection caused by Neisseria weaveri and review of the literature.

Neisseria weaveri (formerly CDC [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] group M-5 is part of the normal canine oral flora. Infections in humans are usually associated with dog bite wounds. Very rarely the organism has been isolated from sites other than wounds, or from deep seated infections. A 60-year-old man was admitted to our hospital because of an acute exacerbation of his bronchiectasis. Gram stain of bronchial washings and expectorated sputum showed numerous polymorphs and Gram-negative bacilli. Routine bacterial culture yielded a heavy pure growth of a Gram-negative rod-shaped organism that was strongly oxidase and catalase positive, indole negative, non-motile and did not ferment carbohydrates. The organism was identified as N. weaveri by using 16S rRNA sequencing. The patient was treated with a 3 weeks course of ofloxacin and had a good response. Sputum culture after treatment yielded normal respiratory flora only. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of lower respiratory tract infection caused by N. weaveri.

Animals↗

Local mucociliary defence mechanisms.

The lung is continually at risk of exposure to noxious environmental agents and respiratory pathogens. An elaborate series of defence mechanisms have been developed to protect the airways from these insults. The lower respiratory tract is protected by local mucociliary mechanisms that involve the integration of the ciliated epithelium, periciliary fluid and mucus. Mucus acts as a physical and chemical barrier onto which particles and organisms adhere. Cilia lining the respiratory tract propel the overlying mucus to the oropharynx where it is either swallowed or expectorated. Regulation of periciliary fluid is thought essential to maintenance of both mucociliary clearance and to produce an environment in which airway antimicrobial peptides and defensins are effective. Disruption of mucociliary clearance may be caused by diseases such as cystic fibrosis, primary ciliary dyskinesia and asthma or may be secondary to pollutant exposure and viral or bacterial infections.

Cilia↗

Bronchial reactivity to cigarette smoke; relation to lung function, respiratory symptoms, serum-immunoglobulin E and blood eosinophil and leukocyte counts.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between the immediate bronchial response to inhaled cigarette smoke [cigarette smoke bronchial reactivity (CBR)] and lung function, respiratory symptoms and markers of allergy and inflammation. DESIGN, PARTICIPANTS AND MEASUREMENTS: This cross-sectional study included 98 smokers. Their lung function and reversibility to inhaled terbutaline was measured. Their clinical history was obtained, an allergological examination was done, and bronchial reactivity to methacholine and inhaled cigarette smoke was measured. Questionnaires about respiratory symptoms, smoking history and drug usage were completed and a blood sample was obtained. Participants were divided into three groups: with asthma, chronic bronchitis and persons without asthma or chronic bronchitis (the respiratory healthy). RESULTS: Forced expiratory volume in 1sec (FEV1) residuals were independently related to the % fall in FEV1 after 12 cigarette smoke inhalations (DFEV%) in all participants (P<001), in asthmatic smokers (P<0.01) and in smokers with chronic bronchitis (P<0.05). In smokers with asthma and chronic bronchitis FEV1 residuals explained 51% and 13% of the variation in DFEV%, respectively, but only 8% (P<0.05) and 1% (N.S.) of the variation in the methacholine bronchial reactivity. In the total population the presence of wheeze (P<0.01), attacks of breathlessness (P<0.05) and daily expectoration (P<0.001) were related to higher DFEV% readings. Serum immunonoglobulin (ES-IgE) was independently related to DFEV% in all participants (P<0.01), in smokers with chronic bronchitis (P<0.01) and in the respiratory healthy (0.05<P<0.1). The eosinophil blood count was, in similar analyses, related to DFEV% in all participants (P<0.05) and in persons with chronic bronchitis (0.05<P<0.1). CONCLUSION: Cigarette smoke bronchial reactivity was strongly associated to actual FEV1 in smokers with asthma and bronchitis, overall to most respiratory symptoms and in smokers without asthma to S-IgE. Cigarette smoke bronchial reactivity might be suitable to test further how cigarette smoke influences the pathophysiology of the bronchial wall, especially in smokers with asthma.

Adult↗