Ovariectomy delays alveolar wound healing after molar extractions in rats

Purpose: This study was conducted to investigate the morphological effects of the absence of estrogen on alveolar wound healing of young female rats after tooth extraction. Materials and Methods: A total of 60 4- to 6-week-old female rats underwent bilateral ovariectomy (OVX) or sham operations. Three weeks later, the first mandibular molars were extracted. Subsequently, the animals were killed by cervical dislocation 3, 5, 7, 14, 21, or 28 days after tooth extraction. The mandibles were removed, and serial transversal sections of mesial alveolus of the first mandibular molars were obtained for histometric analysis. Results: OVX sockets showed significant increases in fibroblasts and collagen content 3 and 5 days after the extractions, followed by significant decreases in these parameters in the subsequent periods. In accordance with the decreased collagen content in the latest period of healing, new bone formation was significantly reduced in the OVX animals. Conclusion: These findings suggest that the initial molecular changes observed in the absence of estrogen lead to delayed alveolar wound healing. (C) 2007 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.65112248225

Rhinoliths causing palatal perforation: case report and literature review

Rhinoliths are calcified masses formed within the nasal cavity because of the solidification Of Mucus, debris, or foreign objects by gradual accretion of mineral salts. They are mostly asymptomatic and incidentally diagnosed, although some patients may complain of nasal discharge and obstruction. Ulceration of the nasal mucosa, facial swelling, and bone destruction are less frequently observed but bring about difficulties for differential diagnoses with several pathologic entities. This article presents a case of a 54-year-old woman with a rhinolith causing palatal perforation, focusing on the diagnostic process and histopathologic characteristics.1046E40E4

Effects of hormonal replacement therapy on plasma sex hormone-binding globulin, androgen and insulin-like growth factor-1 levels in postmenopausal women

Plasma sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) levels are important in the regulation of plasma free and albumin-bound androgens and estrogens. In postmenopausal women associated to the decrease of estrogen production, a decrease of plasma SHBG levels occurs. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in postmenopausal women modulates plasma SHBG levels, in relationship with the different regimens and routes of administration. The present study aimed to compare the effect of different HRT on plasma SHBG levels in relationship with the changes of plasma androgen [dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS), testosterone (T), androstenedione (A)] and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) levels. In a retrospective study 443 postmenopausal women were studied and divided into 2 groups, The group 1 (n=170) was subdivided in 4 groups of women as follows: A) treated with transdermal 17-beta estradiol + medroxyprogesterone acetate, B) treated with oral conjugated estrogens, C) treated with sequential HRT (estradiol valerate (EV) + norgestrel), and D) treated with a combined HRT (micronized estradiol (E(2)) + noretisterone acetate). Women of group 2 (n=273) did not receive HRT and served as controls. All groups of women treated with different HRT showed plasma estradiol levels significantly higher than controls (p<0.01), showing the highest values in women treated with oral HRT. Plasma SHBG levels were not significantly different between patients treated with transdermal 17-beta estradiol + medroxyprogesterone acetate and controls. On the other hand, all the groups of patients treated with oral conjugated estrogen with or without progestagens showed plasma SHBG levels significantly higher than controls (p<0.01). Plasma SHBG levels were higher in the group treated with estrogen alone than in groups of women treated with sequential or combined HRT. Plasma DHEAS, T and A levels in patients treated with different HRT regimens were in the same range of levels as control women. Plasma IGF-1 levels were not significantly affected by the various HRT regimens and remained in the same range as controls, In conclusion, plasma SHBG levels increase following oral HRT while are not affected by transdermal HRT, Plasma IGF-1 and androgen levels are not influenced from oral or transdermal HR