Cell-Based Assays in Cancer Research

Cell growth is referred to as cell proliferation, that is, the increase in cell numbers during repeated cell division. Cell growth can be defined as the enlargement of cell volume, which might take place in the absence of cell division. Growth and reproduction are features of cells in all living organisms. All cells reproduce by dividing into two, with each parental cell giving rise to two daughter cells each time they divide. Various genes are involved in the control of cell division and growth. Reproduction in unicellular organisms are referred to cell division and in multicellular organisms it is tissue growth and maintenance. Survival of the eukaryotes depends upon interactions between various cell types, that helps in the balanced distribution. This is achieved through the highly regulated process of cell proliferation. Knowledge in cell cycle is necessary to determine the best time to collect cells, to harvest cell products, or to move cells to a new growth environment. Cancer cells do not die at the natural point in a cell’s life cycle. Cancer cells occur as the results of cellular changes caused by the uncontrolled growth and division of cells. The chapter focuses on cancer cell maintenance, apoptosis, and its detection assays

Surgical management of gingival recession: A clinical update

AbstractGingival recession is defined as the apical migration of the junctional epithelium with exposure of root surfaces. It is a common condition seen in both dentally aware populations and those with limited access to dental care. The etiology of the condition is multifactorial but is commonly associated with underlying alveolar morphology, tooth brushing, mechanical trauma and periodontal disease. Given the high rate of gingival recession defects among the general population, it is imperative that dental practitioners have an understanding of the etiology, complications and the management of the condition. The following review describes the surgical techniques to treat gingival recession

Peri-Implantitis Revisited

Dental implants have become a well-accepted treatment option for patients with partial or complete edentulism. The long-term success of the endosseous dental implant depends not only on osseointegration, but on the healthy soft tissue interface that surrounds the implant. Peri-implantitis is defined as an inflammatory process affecting the supporting hard and soft tissue around an implant in function, leading to loss of supporting bone. Peri-implant mucositis has been defined as a reversible inflammatory reaction in the peri-implant mucosa surrounding an osseointegrated dental implant. Peri-implant mucositis is assumed to precede peri-implantitis. Data indicate that patients diagnosed with peri-implant mucositis may develop peri-implantitis, especially in the absence of regular maintenance care. However, the features or conditions characterizing the progression from peri-implant mucositis to peri-implantitis in susceptible patients have not been identified. The most common etiological factors associated with the development of peri-implantitis are the presence of bacterial plaque and host response. The risk factors associated with peri-implant bone loss include smoking combined with IL-1 genotype polymorphism, a history of periodontitis, poor compliance with treatment and oral hygiene practices, the presence of systemic diseases affecting healing, cement left behind following cementation of the crowns, lack of keratinized gingiva, and previous history of implant failure There is strong evidence that there is an increased risk of developing peri-implantitis in patients who have a history of severe periodontitis, poor plaque control, and no regular maintenance care after implant therapy. Management of peri-implantitis generally works on the assumption that there is a primary microbial etiology. Furthermore, it is assumed that micro-organisms and/or their by-products lead to infection of the surrounding tissues and subsequent destruction of the alveolar bone surrounding an implant. A combination of surgical, open debridement, and antimicrobial treatment has been advocated for the treatment of peri-implantitis. Surgical intervention is required once a patient has bleeding on probing, greater than 5 mm of probing depth, and severe bone loss beyond that expected with remodeling. Access flaps require full-thickness elevation of the mucoperiosteum, facilitating debridement and decontamination of the implant surface via hand instruments, ultrasonic tips, or lasers. When necessary, surgical procedures may be used in conjunction with detoxification of the implant surface by mechanical devices, such as high-pressure air powder abrasion or laser

Adverse Effects of Medications on Periodontal Tissues

Periodontal tissue is susceptible to a range of adverse effects of several medications used in daily medical practice. Phenytoin, cyclosporine, and calcium-channel blockers are the most commonly used drugs related to gingival disease. Several other medications can also have an adverse effect on the periodontium, especially in the presence of compromised oral hygiene. These medications act on periodontal tissues by triggering the inflammatory pathways involved in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease or by potentially compromising the management of patients with these conditions. Gingival overgrowth is probably the mostly widely recognized and investigated type of adverse drug reaction in the periodontal tissues. Since many patients are on such medications, dental practitioner should take a thorough medical history and be aware of medication-related problems and their potential effects on diagnosis and treatment planning. The chapter reviews the commonly prescribed medications that can affect the periodontium either in its healthy or inflamed condition

THE EFFECT OF FRESH GARLIC ON THE LIPID PROFILE AND ATHEROSCLEROSIS DEVELOPMENT IN MALE RATS FED WITH A HIGH GHEE DIET

Objective: Garlic has a protective effect against hyperlipidemia and ghee in diet is considered as a risk factor for hyperlipidemia. We examined the effects of fresh garlic administration on body weight, lipid profiles and plaque formation in the male rats fed with a high ghee diet.Methods: Twenty-four male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 3 groups of 8. The control group consumed an ordinary diet, Group 2 received the 31% ghee pellets (high ghee diet) and group 3 received the 8% garlic+31% ghee pellets. After 9 mo, serum levels of triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and atherosclerotic index (AI) were examined. Changes in body weight, daily food intake and plaque formation also were assayed in this survey.Results: The high ghee diet induced the significant increase (P<0.05) in serum concentrations of TC, TG and HDL-C, and a decrease in LDL-C concentration (group 2). While fresh garlic increased TG (P<0.05) and HDL-C levels and declined TC and LDL-C in treated rats (group 3). Meanwhile, ghee and garlic showed a favorable effect in reducing AI (P<0.05). No histopathological changes were observed in the Aorta of the rats.Conclusion: Evidence obtained from this study indicates that ghee and fresh garlic has potential effects in the prevention and control of hyperlipidemia complications and are beneficial when taken as a dietary supplement.  Â

Demineralization and Remineralization Dynamics and Dental Caries

Dental caries is a multifactorial disease caused by the interaction of dietary sugars, dental biofilm, and the dental tissue of the host. It results from repeated cycles of demineralization and remineralization at the interface of the biofilm and the tooth surface. Demineralization is the process of removing mineral ions from hydroxyapatite crystals in hard tissues, such as enamel, which can lead to dental caries if left unchecked. The remineralization process can reverse the lost mineral ions that occur during demineralization. The degree of demineralization and remineralization depends on several variables, including the amount of available calcium and phosphate and salivary pH levels. Over the past several decades, remineralizing or calcifying fluids with variable calcium, phosphate, and fluoride formulations have been developed. The management of early caries by remineralization has the potential to significantly advance the noninvasive clinical management of the disease. The chapter outlines the mechanisms by which the demineralization-remineralization process occurs and the use of remineralizing agents that reverse demineralization or enhance remineralization

Revolutionizing Dental Caries Diagnosis through Artificial Intelligence

The diagnosis and management of dental caries, a prevalent global oral health issue, have traditionally depended on clinical examination and the interpretation of radiographic images. However, with the rapid advancements in technology, the landscape of dental diagnostics is transforming. This chapter delves into the revolutionary impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on detecting and managing dental caries. Dental professionals can now achieve enhanced diagnostic accuracy by harnessing the power of machine learning algorithms and image recognition technologies, even identifying early-stage caries that conventional methods might overlook. The integration of AI into dentistry not only promises improved patient outcomes by facilitating timely interventions and streamlining clinical workflows, potentially redefining the future of oral healthcare. While the prospects are promising, it is imperative to concurrently address the challenges and ethical considerations accompanying AI-driven diagnostics to ensure that the technology augments, rather than supplants, the expertise of dental professionals. The chapter serves as a comprehensive overview of the current state of AI in dental caries diagnosis, its potential benefits, and the road ahead

Cytotoxicity and Cell Viability Assessment of Biomaterials

Biocompatibility testing is essential for medical devices and pharmaceutical agents, regardless of their mechanical, physical, and chemical properties. These tests assess cytotoxic effects and acute systemic toxicity to ensure safety and effectiveness before clinical use. Cell viability, indicating the number of healthy cells in a sample, is determined through various assays that measure live-to-dead cell ratios. Cytotoxicity measures a substance’s potential for cell damage or death, and is evaluated through numerous assay methods based on different cell functions. Ensuring biocompatibility is crucial for the successful integration of medical devices and pharmaceuticals into clinical practice. As part of the evaluation process, researchers utilize a range of cell viability assays and cytotoxicity tests to assess the potential impact of these products on living cells. The results of these tests inform the optimization of cell culture conditions and drug candidates, as well as guide the development of safer, more effective medical devices. By thoroughly examining the interactions between devices, drugs, and biological systems, researchers aim to minimize the risk of adverse reactions and improve patient outcomes

Osseointegration of Dental Implants and Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by low bone mass and microarchitectural deterioration of bone tissue, leading to enhanced bone fragility and susceptibility to fractures. Osteoporosis also results in loss of bone mineral density throughout the body, including the maxilla and mandible. Successful osseointegration of dental implants is attributed to their ability to integrate well with bone. The influence of bone quality on dental implant osseointegration has been discussed in several studies, and higher rates of dental implant failure have been reported in patients with low bone quality and an inadequate bone volume. Osteoporosis represents a risk factor for osseointegration, and this relationship may be derived from the association of the disease with a deficiency in bone formation. This condition would compromise the healing capacity and the apposition of bone at the implant interface. Currently, there is no clear consensus regarding dental implant treatment in osteoporotic individuals. Studies have revealed contradictory reports regarding the success and failure of dental implants in patients with osteoporosis. Antiresorptive agents have been widely used to treat osteoporosis. Dental implant placement in patients on bisphosphonate therapy may trigger osteonecrosis of the bone. Hence, it is important to analyze factors that have to be taken into consideration prior to implant therapy in patients with osteoporosis and those undergoing treatment. This chapter outlines dental implant osseointegration under osteoporotic conditions. The possible effect of bisphosphonate therapy on dental implant survival will also be discussed based on the current literature