Salivary and serum anti-desmoglein 1 and 3 ELISA and indirect immunofluorescence in pemphigus vulgaris: Correlations with serum ELISA, indirect immunofluorescence and disease severity

Anti-desmoglein (anti-Dsg) ELISA and indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) are used for the diagnosis of pemphigus vulgaris (PV). The value of salivary ELISA, serum ELISA, and IIF in the diagnosis of PV, and the correlation of salivary anti-Dsg1 and anti-Dsg3 ELISA with serum ELISA, serum and salivary IIF titers, and disease severity in patients with PV were evaluated. Fifty newly diagnosed patients with PV were enrolled in the study. Demographic data and disease-severity scores were recorded for each patient. Anti-Dsg1 and anti-Dsg3 ELISA and IIF were performed on both serum and salivary samples. Given the cut-off value of 20 RU/mL for Dsg1 and Dsg3, serum Dsg1 and Dsg3 ELISA were positive in 41 (82%) and 40 (80%) patients, and saliva Dsg1 and the Dsg3 ELISA were positive in 2 (4%) and 3 (6%) patients, respectively. Using the cut-off value of 13.4 RU/mL and 7.7 RU/mL for Dsg3 and Dsg1 salivary ELISA, 25 (50%) and 23 (46%) patients tested positive for Dsg3 and Dsg1, respectively. Serum IIF results were positive in 35 (70%) patients, and salivary IIF results were positive in 16 (32%) patients. Salivary anti-Dsg1 and anti-Dsg3 showed moderate correlations with the total pemphigus disease area index (PDAI) score (r=0.466, P&lt;0.001), (r=0.459, P&lt;0.001), respectively. A moderate correlation between serum IIF and salivary IIF was also detected (r=0.413, P&lt;0.001). Salivary anti-Dsg1 and anti-Dsg3 ELISA could be used as a safe and noninvasive method for the diagnosis of PV under certain circumstances, especially in children or elderly patients. Salivary ELISA is superior to salivary IIF. </p

Lichen Planus Pemphigoides (LPP) Limited to the Oral Cavity: A Rare Case Report and Literature Review

Lichen planus pemphigoides (LPP) is a rare autoimmune vesiculobullous disorder and its exclusive presentation in the oral cavity is an even more remote occurrence. We describe an 85 year old woman with a symptomatic soft palatal erosion, which compromised her ability to wear a maxillary prosthesis. She had been diagnosed with and treated for lichen planus affecting her buccal mucosa three years prior to the onset of the lesion on palate. Persistence of the palatal lesion and its lack of response to local steroid therapy prompted a repeat biopsy for histopathological and direct immunofluorescence examination both of which confirmed LPP diagnosis. In oral lichen planus pemphigoides (OLPP) treatment is empirical. In this patient, a combination of systemic and topical steroids was effective in resolving the palatal ulceration. This case report highlights the importance of monitoring patient's response to therapy and appropriate diagnostic work up when signs and symptoms persist or change character

Exploring the use of mobile learning amongst the dental students of Tehran University of medical sciences

Introduction: Covid-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of e-learning. This study endeavors to determine the extent and the way of using mobile learning amongst dental students. Methods: This descriptive study is cross-sectional. The data were collected through conducting a valid and reliable questionnaire. The population were 220 dental students from Tehran University of medical science who were randomly assigned and agreed to participate and complete the questionnaire. Results: 216 copies of questionnaire were collected. Of these, 108 students (50%) used their phones to use educational software. 168 students (77.8%) used social networks to learn dental courses. 214 students (98.2%) stated that smartphones have increased their access to educational data. 206 students (95.4%) were of the opinion that smartphones help them learn more independently. 189 students (87.5%) stated that it is necessary to employ more smartphones in higher education. Conclusion: Mobile learning is common amongst dental students of Tehran University of medical sciences. Different features of mobile are used in dental education, Mobile learning in dental education is can be optimized

Cytotoxic, anti-proliferative, and apoptotic evaluation of Ramalina sinensis (Ascomycota, Lecanoromycetes), lichenized fungus on oral squamous cell carcinoma cell line; in-vitro study

Abstract Background Scientists and medical professionals are actively striving to improve the efficacy of treatment methods for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), the most frequently occurring cancer within the oral cavity, by exploring the potential of natural products. The active pharmacological compounds found in lichenized fungi have shown potential for aiding in cancer treatment. Recent research aims to evaluate the impact of the lichenized fungus Ramalina sinensis (R. sinensis) on the cell viability and apoptosis of OSCC cell lines, considering the anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer capabilities of lichens. Methods Ramalina sinensis (Ascomycota, Lecanoromycetes) was selected for investigation of its effects on a human oral squamous cell carcinoma cell line. Acetone and methanol extracts of R. sinensis on an OSCC cell line (KB cell line, NCBI Code: C152) were investigated. Viability was assessed by MTT assay analysis, and apoptotic cells were measured using flow cytometry analysis. Scratch assay was used to assess cell migration. The chemical composition and metabolic profiling of R. sinensis were investigated. Results The growth and multiplication of KB cells were observed to undergo a gradual but remarkable inhibition when exposed to various concentrations. Specifically, concentrations of 6.25, 12.5, 25, 50, 100, and 200 μg/mL exhibited a significant suppressive effect on the proliferation of KB cells. The inhibition of cell proliferation exhibited a statistically significant difference between the extracts obtained from acetone and methanol. Flow cytometry results show an increase in apoptosis of OSCC cells by acetone extract. R. sinensis exerted a concentration-dependent inhibitory effect on the migration of OSCC cells. The chemical composition of R. sinensis was investigated using liquid chromatography positive ion electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC–ESI–MS/MS), and 33 compounds in the acetone and methanol extracts of R. sinensis were detected. Conclusion The findings provide evidence supporting the beneficial effects of R. sinensis extract on inducing apoptosis in OSCC cells and exerting anti-cancer properties

Assessment of the methylene blue mediated photodynamic therapy on BCL2 and BAX genes expression at mRNA level and apoptosis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cell line

Aim: This study aimed to assess the effect of photodynamic therapy (PDT) on apoptosis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cells by flow cytometry and evaluating BAX and BCL2 genes expression. Materials and methods: In this in vitro study, human HNSCC cell line (HN5; NCBI. C196) was used and after cell culture, they were divided into four groups: controls (group C), cells irradiated by a diode laser with a wavelength of 660 nm, 150 mW power, and 45 J/cm2 energy density (group L), cells treated by methylene blue (group MB), and cells treated using PDT (group MB plus L). The RNA was then extracted and subjected to quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) to assess BCL2 and BAX genes expression. Flow cytometry analysis was performed to assess apoptosis. Data were analysed using ANOVA. Results: PDT caused significant down-regulation of BCL2 (p0.05). Conclusions: Considering the down-regulation of BCL2 and overexpression of BAX after PDT using a 660-nm diode laser and MB with 3.2 µg/mL concentration and flow cytometry results, it is suggested that this modality can be introduced for induction of apoptosis in the HNSCC cell line

Effect of short-term fasting on the cisplatin activity in human oral squamous cell carcinoma cell line HN5 and chemotherapy side effects

Abstract Background Ketogenic interventions like short-term fasting show potential as complementary therapies to enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy for cancer. However, the specific effects of fasting on head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cells and healthy oral mucosa cells during these treatments are not well understood. This study investigates whether short-term fasting can differentially impact HNSCC cell survival and viability compared to healthy keratinocytes while undergoing standard chemotherapy regimens. Methods This study investigated the effects of fasting on cell viability in HN5 cell line and healthy oral keratinocyte cells. The HN5 cell line, derived from human tongue squamous cell carcinoma, and primary human keratinocytes isolated from the basal layer of gingival epithelium were divided into three groups: (1) control, (2) treated with the standard chemotherapeutic agent cisplatin, and (3) treated with cisplatin under fasting conditions achieved through 48-hour glucose restriction mimicking the blood glucose levels of fasted individuals. Cell proliferation was assessed at 48 and 72 h using the MTT assay, a colorimetric method based on mitochondrial dehydrogenase activity. Flow cytometry analysis with specific apoptosis and necrosis markers distinguished between early and late apoptotic, necrotic, and viable cells. Results Cell viability in HN5 and healthy keratinocyte cells decreased in cisplatin with low glucose groups compared to cisplatin and control groups. The same results were observed for healthy keratinocyte cells; only a decrease in cell viability in cisplatin groups compared to control groups was observed, which was not statistically significant. Cell apoptosis in HN5 and healthy keratinocyte cells increased in cisplatin with low glucose groups compared to cisplatin and control groups. In healthy keratinocyte cells, the cisplatin with low glucose group showed an impressive increase in necrosis, late apoptosis, and early apoptosis and a significant decrease in live cells compared with other groups. Conclusion This study revealed that short-term fasting chemotherapy significantly improved HNSCC cell line apoptosis and necrosis