Aim
To investigate the effects of liver fibrosis (LF) on the pro‐inflammatory mediators and periapical bone resorption of apical periodontitis (AP) in rats.
Methodology
Forty male Wistar rats were ...distributed into four groups: C – control, AP – rats with AP, LF – rats with LF, AP + LF – rats with AP and LF. LF was induced by carbon tetrachloride administration for 8 weeks and surgical bile duct ligation for 4 weeks; AP was induced in the teeth of rats by dental pulp exposure to the oral environment for 30 days. Jaws and livers were removed after euthanasia. Haematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) and Picrosirius Red (PSR) staining were used to confirm fibrosis in the livers. The jaws were analysed using H&E staining, immunohistochemical assays of interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6 and tumour necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α). Student’s t‐test and Mann–Whitney’s U‐test were used for statistical analysis (P < 0.05).
Results
Inflammatory infiltrate was moderate in the AP group and severe in the AP + LF group (P < 0.05). Periapical bone resorption was significantly larger in the AP + LF group compared with the AP group (P < 0.05). IL‐1β, IL‐6 and TNF‐α levels were significantly higher in AP + LF group when compared to the AP group (P < 0.05).
Conclusion
More intense inflammatory infiltrate, greater amounts of pro‐inflammatory cytokines and increased periapical bone resorption were observed in the presence of liver fibrosis in rats with exposed pulps.
The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to analyze the scientific evidence about the association between osteoporosis in postmenopausal women and the prevalence of apical ...periodontitis, assessed radiographically.BACKGROUNDThe aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to analyze the scientific evidence about the association between osteoporosis in postmenopausal women and the prevalence of apical periodontitis, assessed radiographically.PRISMA Guidelines have been followed. The research question was: In adult women, does the presence or absence of osteoporosis affect the prevalence of AP, radiographically diagnosed? A systematic search was performed in PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus and EMBASE. The meta-analyses were calculated with the Open Meta Analyst software. Risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle Ottawa Scale. The certainty of evidence was assessed by GRADE.MATERIAL AND METHODSPRISMA Guidelines have been followed. The research question was: In adult women, does the presence or absence of osteoporosis affect the prevalence of AP, radiographically diagnosed? A systematic search was performed in PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus and EMBASE. The meta-analyses were calculated with the Open Meta Analyst software. Risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle Ottawa Scale. The certainty of evidence was assessed by GRADE.Four studies were selected. Meta-analysis showed an overall OR = 2.2 (95% CI = 0.94 - 4.97; p = 0.07), indicating that osteoporotic women had approximately twice the probability of having periapical lesions, compared to control women, although the difference was only marginally significant. The overall risk of bias of the included studies was moderate, and the certainty of evidence was low.RESULTSFour studies were selected. Meta-analysis showed an overall OR = 2.2 (95% CI = 0.94 - 4.97; p = 0.07), indicating that osteoporotic women had approximately twice the probability of having periapical lesions, compared to control women, although the difference was only marginally significant. The overall risk of bias of the included studies was moderate, and the certainty of evidence was low.Apical periodontitis, assessed as periapical lesion, is more frequently diagnosed in osteoporotic women, who are twice as likely to have periapical radiolucent lesions.CONCLUSIONSApical periodontitis, assessed as periapical lesion, is more frequently diagnosed in osteoporotic women, who are twice as likely to have periapical radiolucent lesions.
Background
Several studies have suggested a relationship between AP, as well as the loss of root‐filled teeth (RFT), and hypertension (HTN).
Objectives
The aims of this systematic review and ...meta‐analysis were to investigate the prevalence of AP, and non‐retention of RFT, in hypertensive patients.
Methods
A search was performed in PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus and EMBASE. The inclusion criteria established were studies published until February 2023, comparing hypertensive subjects with controls, assessing the prevalence of AP and/or providing data on the prevalence of non‐retained RFT. Meta‐analysis was performed using the RevMan (analyst) tool to determine the pooled prevalence of AP and loss of RFT. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk‐of‐Bias tool. The quality of evidence was assessed by GRADE.
Results
The search strategy identified 454 articles, and only eight met the inclusion criteria. Six studies had analysed the association between AP and HTN and two studies had analysed the association between non‐retention of RFT and HTN. Meta‐analysis showed and overall OR = 1.71 (95% CI = 0.92–3.16; p = .09) for the prevalence of AP among patients with HTN. The prevalence of non‐retention of RFT among patients with HTN has an overall OR = 1.78 (95% CI = 1.60–1.98; p = .000001). The risk of bias in the individual studies was low or moderate, and the quality of the overall evidence has shown a level of certainty very low.
Discussion
There is no association between the prevalence of AP and HTN. In addition, hypertensive patients have significantly increased odds of losing RFT. Given the high prevalence of hypertension, it is very common to perform root canal treatments on hypertensive patients. It is imperative to communicate this heightened risk to patients and recommend periodic monitoring of oral health and hypertension, paying special attention to this subset of patients.
Registration
PROSPERO CRD42022302385.