Biopharmaceutical Products and Biomaterials of the Amazon Region Used in Dentistry

In dentistry, biomaterials are used in restorative procedures, such as dental restorations; in dentures; dental implants; surgical procedures; and endodontic materials. Most dental biomaterials are classified as devices, including filling materials, diagnostic aids, cements, bonding agents, and implants, in addition to mouthwashes. In the field of health, the use of natural products for dental biomaterials and curing diseases has always emphasized, rather than depending on the conventional allopathic medicine. Brazil has an advantage in this market, because it has the greatest biodiversity in the world, especially in the Amazonian Region, and a genetic heritage of great potential for the development of new herbal products, especially in dentistry. Given the growth of products derived from medicinal plants in Brazil, it was necessary to implement a statute that covered the requirements for all medicines and biomaterials to ensure the quality, efficacy, and safety of these products. Thus, researches in dentistry have been developed with the aim of searching for new bioactive principles for the formulation of drugs with different types of applications, capable of acting in both preventive strategies and curative treatments. This has encouraged the use of phytotherapic agents such as Copaifera multijuga, Apis mellifera (propolis), and Libidibia ferrea

DNA damage and antioxidant status in medical residents occupationally exposed to waste anesthetic gases

PURPOSE:To investigate the effects of occupational exposure to waste anesthetic gases on genetic material and antioxidant status in professionals during their medical residency. METHODS:The study group consisted of 15 medical residents from Anesthesiology and Surgery areas, of both genders, mainly exposed to isoflurane and to a lesser degree to sevoflurane and nitrous oxide; the control group consisted of 15 young adults not exposed to anesthetics. Blood samples were drawn from professionals during medical residency (eight, 16 and 22 months of exposure to waste anesthetic gases). DNA damage was evaluated by comet assay, and antioxidant defense was assessed by total thiols and the enzymes glutathione peroxidase (GPX), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). RESULTS:When comparing the two groups, DNA damage was significantly increased at all time points evaluated in the exposed group; plasma thiols increased at 22 months of exposure and GPX was higher at 16 and 22 months of exposure. CONCLUSION:Young professionals exposed to waste anesthetic gases in operating rooms without adequate scavenging system have increased DNA damage and changes in redox status during medical residency. There is a need to minimize exposure to inhalation anesthetics and to provide better work conditions

Effect of a Copaiba Oil-Based Dental Biomodifier on the Inhibition of Metalloproteinase in Adhesive Restoration

Aim. This study sets out to evaluate the antiproteolytic activity of copaiba oil-based emulsion at the resin/dentin adhesive interface union formed with conventional and self-etching adhesives systems. Methods. At in situ zymography, 30 teeth were sectioned 2 mm below the enamel-dentin junction; a smear layer was standardized and subdivided into four groups. Gelatin conjugated with fluorescein was used and taken to the fluorescence microscope for evaluation. In cytotoxicity, the Trypan Blue method was used at four different time points. The tested groups were (G1) control with distilled water; (G2) 2% chlorhexidine (CLX); (G3) emulsion based on copaiba oil (EC) 10% + X; (G4) 10% EC + Y; and (G5) EC 10% alkaline. The zymographic assay used the same groups described, but in 30 seconds and 10 and 20 minutes. HT1080 cells were incubated and submitted to electrophoresis. The gel was analyzed using ImageJ software. Mann–Whitney and Kruskal–Wallis tests were used in the statistical analysis (p<0.05). Results. ECs showed higher cell viability in the cytotoxicity test and showed a significant difference in 10 and 20 minutes. In the zymographic assay, alkaline EC reduced 67% of MMP-2 activity and 44% of MMP-9 compared to 2% chlorhexidine. At in situ zymography in qualitative evaluation, all groups tested showed inhibition of activity in metalloproteinases. Conclusion. EC showed activity in the inhibition of metalloproteinases in vitro and in situ, especially the alkaline one. The survey shows the possibility of using ECs, a product from Amazonian biodiversity, as a biomodifier in dentistry