OBJECTIVE: The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of tetracycline fibers against minocycline gel when used as local drug delivery in conjunction with SRP for treating periodontitis.
METHODS AND MATERIALS: This is a pilot randomized open single, blinded trial study comparing three treatment modalities: SRP with topical tetracycline fibers (SRP+T), SRP with topical minocycline HCL 2% gel (SRP+M), and SRP only as a control group. Probing pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment loss (CAL), and bleeding on probing (BOP) percentages were recorded at baseline, one month, and at the end of three months. The data were subjected to analysis using IBM Corp. Released 2019. IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 26.0. Armonk, NY: IBM Corp. Repeated measures ANOVA was used to compare the clinical outcomes between the three treatment groups, accounting for the repeated measurements at baseline, one month, and three months. A p-value less than 0.05 at a 95% confidence interval was deemed statistically significant.
RESULTS: There were statistically significant changes within the groups in all the clinical parameters, including pocket depth, clinical attachment loss, and bleeding on probing score, at different time intervals, with the greatest mean pocket depth changes seen in the tetracycline group after one month (mean changes = 1.4 mm, P < 0.001) and over three months (mean changes = 1.79 mm, p < 0.001). For clinical attachment loss, after one month, the highest improvement in clinical level was seen in the minocycline group (mean changes = 0.7mm, p < 0.05), and the overall improvement was seen in the control group (mean changes = 1.1mm, p < 0.05). The minocycline group showed greater mean changes in bleeding on probing percentage, with the greatest changes after one month (mean changes = 19.34%, p < 0.001) and over three months (mean changes = 26.42%, p <0.001). However, there was no significant difference between the groups.
CONCLUSION: Locally delivered tetracycline and minocycline gel are effective as adjuncts to SRP and may improve the healing outcome in the management of periodontitis.
METHODS: Electronic databases were searched for studies investigating IL-37 and SLE. Data on IL-37 levels, SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) score, genetic polymorphisms, and its therapeutic effects from pre-clinical studies were extracted.
RESULTS: Previous studies presented conflicting findings on IL-37 levels in SLE patients. Some reported positive correlations with disease activity, while others observed associations between lower IL-37 and increased activity. Genetic variations in the IL-37 gene linked to SLE susceptibility have been reported. Pre-clinical studies using engineered mesenchymal stem cells or direct IL-37 treatment showed promise in reducing disease severity in mouse models and cell cultures of SLE. The analysis of multiple studies reveals that IL-37 expression varies significantly across different SLE subtypes.
CONCLUSIONS: While a potential link exists between IL and 37 and disease activity, genetic predisposition, and therapeutic benefit, further research is needed. Future studies with standardized designs, larger and more diverse populations, and mechanistic investigations are crucial to determine the therapeutic potential of IL-37 for SLE. This review highlights the need for well-designed clinical trials to evaluate the safety and efficacy of IL-37 therapy in patients with SLE.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A comparative cross-sectional study involving 98 RA patients was conducted at Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Malaysia. Clinical oral examination was carried out to determine the CP status of RA patients. RF, ACPA and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) were measured, and the 28-joint Disease Activity Score (DAS-28) was assessed.
RESULTS: Forty-five patients (45.9%) were found to have CP (95% CI: 0.36-0.56). No significant difference was observed in the prevalence of positive RF (p=0.989) or ACPA (p=0.431) in CP and non-CP RA patients. There was also no significant association between active RA disease (DAS-28 score ≥3.2) and RF positivity in CP (p=0.927) and non-CP (p=0.431) RA patients as well as ACPA positivity in CP (p=0.780) and non-CP (p=0.611) RA patients.
CONCLUSION: In our cohort of RA patients, we did not find significant associations between elevated RF, ACPA, or active RA disease with the presence of CP. There were also no significant associations between elevated RF or ACPA with active RA disease.