Abstract Objective Many genes and signaling molecules are involved in orthodontic tooth movement, with mechanically and hypoxically stabilized HIF-1α having been shown to play a decisive role in periodontal ligament signaling during orthodontic tooth movement. Thus, this in vitro study aimed to investigate if genetic polymorphisms in HIF1A (Hypoxia-inducible factor α-subunits) influence the expression pattern of HIF-1α protein during simulated orthodontic compressive pressure. Methodology Samples from human periodontal ligament fibroblasts were used and their DNA was genotyped using real time Polymerase chain reaction for the genetic polymorphisms rs2301113 and rs2057482 in HIF1A . For cell culture and protein expression experiments, six human periodontal ligament fibroblast cell lines were selected based on the patients’ genotype. To simulate orthodontic compressive pressure in fibroblasts, a 2 g/cm2 force was applied under cell culture conditions for 48 hours. Protein expression was evaluated by Western Blot. Paired t-tests were used to compare HIF-1α expression with and without compressive pressure application and unpaired t-tests were used to compare expression between the genotypes in rs2057482 and rs2301113 (p<0.05). Results The expression of HIF-1α protein was significantly enhanced by compressive pressure application regardless of the genotype (p<0.0001). The genotypes in the genetic polymorphisms rs2301113 and rs2057482 were not associated with HIF-1α protein expression (p>0.05). Conclusions Our study confirms that compressive pressure application enhances HIF-1α protein expression. We could not prove that the genetic polymorphisms in HIF1A affect HIF-1α protein expression by periodontal ligament fibroblasts during simulated orthodontic compressive force.

ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms in the COX2 gene (rs689466 and rs5275) and local and systemic signs and symptoms of teething. Material and Methods: Forty-four pairs of mothers-babies/toddlers were included. Erupted primary teeth were evaluated during clinical examination. Local and systemic signs and symptoms of teething were obtained from mothers' reporting via anamnesis. Samples of buccal cells were retrieved for DNA genotyping using real-time PCR. The T-test, Chi-square test, logistic regression, and haplotype analyses were applied. Results: Almost all mothers (95.5%) reported at least one local or systemic sign and symptom of teething. The most common was increased salivation (79.5%), diarrhea (72.3 %), and fever (70.5 %). The mean number of signs and symptoms per child was higher in boys than girls (mean = 5.1; SD= 1.5; p=0.008). Sleep disturbance (p=0.03) and loss of appetite (p=0.05) were more reported in boys. The rs689466 and rs5275 were not associated with signs and symptoms of teething (p>0.05). Conclusion: The single nucleotide polymorphisms in the COX2 gene (rs689466 and rs5275) were not associated with local and systemic signs and symptoms of teething.

Abstract An increasing number of systematic reviews (SR) has investigated the association between dental caries and nutritional status in children and adolescents, thus requiring an overview to compile the information in a single piece of evidence. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate and summarize evidence from published SR on the association between dental caries and nutritional status in children and adolescents. A wide search was conducted on May 29, 2023, in six databases (Medline via PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane library, Embase, and the Virtual Health Library – VHL). An additional search was performed in the gray literature (Open grey and Google Scholar), SR registration databases, and the list of references of the included SR. Our inclusion criteria were based on acronym PECOS. Overall, two reviewers independently extracted the data, evaluated the risk of bias (ROBIS), and assessed the quality of the chosen studies (AMSTAR-2). Data from the included meta-analysis were summarized and certainty of evidence using the GRADE approach was performed. After removing duplicates and applying our eligibility criteria, 19 SR from 2006-2022 were included. We found that 17 SR showed high risk of bias and critically low methodological quality. We observed an association between dental caries experiences and nutritional status since seven SR found an association between obesity/overweight and dental caries; one, an association between underweight and dental caries; and eleven, no associations. The meta-analysis showed divergent results according to the study designs, used indices, and participants’ age group, and were scored as having a very low certainty of evidence. Therefore, based on the high risk of bias, low methodological quality, and very low certainty of evidence of the chosen SR, most studies found no association between children and adolescents’ nutritional status and dental caries experience.

Abstract: Genetics is an emerging topic in endodontic research focusing on the host response regarding the pathogenesis of apical periodontitis (AP). A number of genetic epidemiological studies carried out by many investigators worldwide have shown evidence of an association between certain candidate genes and AP. Some studies have been conducted on knockout mice with a deficiency in certain proteins, leading to more or less severe AP, and thus suggesting a pivotal role of these genes in AP pathogenesis. Other research has evaluated the association between genetic polymorphisms in humans with different AP aspects; these studies pointed out that genetic polymorphisms in some candidate genes are involved in inter-individual variations in their response to AP. Therefore, the objective of this report was to provide an updated overview of the genes involved in AP pathogenesis, with a focus on the most relevant candidate genes.