News and Publications
Journal of Clinical Periodontology. The relationship between neutrophil numbers, Human Neutrophil Peptides 1-3 and Matrix Metalloproteinase 8 in Periodontal Disease. Wan-Chien Cheng , Fahd Saleh , Belkais Abuaisha Karim, Francis J. Hughes. (SUBMITTED AND AWAITING REVIEW)
Abstract
Aim: to assess whether polymorphonuclear leucocyte (PMN) numbers are directly correlated with human neutrophil peptide 1,2,3 (HNP) concentrations or matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP8) in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and to investigate the relationship between salivary and GCF HNP and MMP8 concentrations.
Materials and Methods: A total of 35 saliva samples were collected from 35 participants (5 with aggressive periodontitis (AgP), 18 with chronic periodontitis (CP) and 12 with gingivitis or healthy (H/G)). GCF samples were collected using Durapore® filter strips from 3 sites with probing depth >5mm (DS) from each AgP and CP participant and 3 sites with probing depth ≤3mm (NS) from all participants. PMN numbers were determined using an automated cell counter and HNP and MMP8 concentrations were assessed by ELISA.
Results: PMN numbers significantly correlate with GCF HNP (R2=0.21) and MMP8 (R2=0.67) concentrations when analysed by site. Intra and inter- group analysis revealed no correlation between salivary and GCF HNP or MMP8 concentrations. Salivary HNP concentration ≥ 3.65µg/ml was diagnostic of periodontitis with 100% sensitivity and 65% specificity. Salivary MMP8 concentration ≥ 264ng/ml was diagnostic of chronic periodontitis with 94% sensitivity and 100% specificity.
Conclusion: GCF HNP concentrations are not a surrogate marker for PMN numbers. Other complex factors may control their levels in GCF. GCF MMP8 concentrations moderately correlate with GCF PMN numbers possibly due to effect of the gingival environment on MMP8 production in the PMNs. Salivary HNP and MMP8 concentrations are lower in health or gingivitis when compared to periodontitis and the difference cannot be attributed solely to GCF content.
Abstract
Aim: to assess whether polymorphonuclear leucocyte (PMN) numbers are directly correlated with human neutrophil peptide 1,2,3 (HNP) concentrations or matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP8) in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and to investigate the relationship between salivary and GCF HNP and MMP8 concentrations.
Materials and Methods: A total of 35 saliva samples were collected from 35 participants (5 with aggressive periodontitis (AgP), 18 with chronic periodontitis (CP) and 12 with gingivitis or healthy (H/G)). GCF samples were collected using Durapore® filter strips from 3 sites with probing depth >5mm (DS) from each AgP and CP participant and 3 sites with probing depth ≤3mm (NS) from all participants. PMN numbers were determined using an automated cell counter and HNP and MMP8 concentrations were assessed by ELISA.
Results: PMN numbers significantly correlate with GCF HNP (R2=0.21) and MMP8 (R2=0.67) concentrations when analysed by site. Intra and inter- group analysis revealed no correlation between salivary and GCF HNP or MMP8 concentrations. Salivary HNP concentration ≥ 3.65µg/ml was diagnostic of periodontitis with 100% sensitivity and 65% specificity. Salivary MMP8 concentration ≥ 264ng/ml was diagnostic of chronic periodontitis with 94% sensitivity and 100% specificity.
Conclusion: GCF HNP concentrations are not a surrogate marker for PMN numbers. Other complex factors may control their levels in GCF. GCF MMP8 concentrations moderately correlate with GCF PMN numbers possibly due to effect of the gingival environment on MMP8 production in the PMNs. Salivary HNP and MMP8 concentrations are lower in health or gingivitis when compared to periodontitis and the difference cannot be attributed solely to GCF content.
Journal of Clinical Periodontology. Comparative analysis of immune cell subsets in peripheral blood from patients with periodontal disease and healthy controls. Wan-Chien Cheng , Fahd Saleh , Belkais Abuaisha Karim, Francis J. Hughes, Leonie S. Taams (SUBMITTED AND AWAITING PUBLICATION)
CPE-12-16-6787 (Journal reference)
Abstract
Aim: To perform a systematic analysis of immune cell subsets in peripheral blood from patients with gingivitis, chronic or aggressive periodontitis vs. periodontally healthy control subjects.
Materials and Methods: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from patients with gingivitis (n=3), chronic periodontitis (n=15) or aggressive periodontitis (n=15) and periodontally healthy controls (n=13) were analysed by 8-10 colour flow cytometry for the frequencies of immune cell subsets, the phenotype of monocytes as well as the frequencies of IL-17, IFNγ, TNFα and IL-10 producing cells within different cell populations. The levels of cytokines in serum from the different groups were determined by Luminex assay. Results: We found no significant differences in the frequencies of major immune cell populations (CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, γδ T cells, CD4+CD45RO+CD25+CD127low regulatory T cells (Tregs), CD19+ B cells, CD14+ monocytes) or of cytokine producing T cells, or in the phenotype of CD14+ monocytes in peripheral blood from these well-defined patient cohorts. Additionally, no significant differences were observed in serum levels of prototypical inflammatory cytokines.
Conclusions: These results suggest that the local gingival inflammatory response does not significantly affect the systemic immune response in patients with periodontitis.
CPE-12-16-6787 (Journal reference)
Abstract
Aim: To perform a systematic analysis of immune cell subsets in peripheral blood from patients with gingivitis, chronic or aggressive periodontitis vs. periodontally healthy control subjects.
Materials and Methods: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from patients with gingivitis (n=3), chronic periodontitis (n=15) or aggressive periodontitis (n=15) and periodontally healthy controls (n=13) were analysed by 8-10 colour flow cytometry for the frequencies of immune cell subsets, the phenotype of monocytes as well as the frequencies of IL-17, IFNγ, TNFα and IL-10 producing cells within different cell populations. The levels of cytokines in serum from the different groups were determined by Luminex assay. Results: We found no significant differences in the frequencies of major immune cell populations (CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, γδ T cells, CD4+CD45RO+CD25+CD127low regulatory T cells (Tregs), CD19+ B cells, CD14+ monocytes) or of cytokine producing T cells, or in the phenotype of CD14+ monocytes in peripheral blood from these well-defined patient cohorts. Additionally, no significant differences were observed in serum levels of prototypical inflammatory cytokines.
Conclusions: These results suggest that the local gingival inflammatory response does not significantly affect the systemic immune response in patients with periodontitis.
Prim Dent Care. 2011 Apr;18(2):53-8.A questionnaire-based survey of patient satisfaction with dental care at two general dental practice locations. Saleh F, Dyer PV.
Abstract
Aim: The aim of this study was to survey patient satisfaction with dental care delivered in general practice and to compare the results with those obtained five years earlier using the same questionnaire.
Methodology: A previously piloted patient satisfaction question- naire was distributed to consecutive adult patients of one dentist at two general dental practices on completion of restorative or surgical treatment. The results were compared with those achieved by the same dentist using the same questionnaire five years previously during vocational training (VT).
Results: Thirty-nine questionnaires were distributed at one practice and 31 at the second. Thirty (77%) were returned at the first practice and 23 (74%) at the second. There were no statistically significant differences in answers to the questions between the two practices. The two sets of results were combined and compared with results from the previous survey. There was a statistically significant improvement (P<0.05) since the first survey for attributes relating to conveying cost information. There was a moderate correlation between patient perception of professionalism, oral hygiene advice and empathy and the patient's intent on returning for further services and recommending the dentist to others.
Conclusion: It appeared that patient satisfaction with dental care marginally increased with postgraduate experience gained over five years since VT by the dentist concerned. Patients' perception of the quality of dental care provision and their intent on re-accessing a dental service may be associated with a practitioner's professionalism, empathy and delivery of oral hygiene advice.
Abstract
Aim: The aim of this study was to survey patient satisfaction with dental care delivered in general practice and to compare the results with those obtained five years earlier using the same questionnaire.
Methodology: A previously piloted patient satisfaction question- naire was distributed to consecutive adult patients of one dentist at two general dental practices on completion of restorative or surgical treatment. The results were compared with those achieved by the same dentist using the same questionnaire five years previously during vocational training (VT).
Results: Thirty-nine questionnaires were distributed at one practice and 31 at the second. Thirty (77%) were returned at the first practice and 23 (74%) at the second. There were no statistically significant differences in answers to the questions between the two practices. The two sets of results were combined and compared with results from the previous survey. There was a statistically significant improvement (P<0.05) since the first survey for attributes relating to conveying cost information. There was a moderate correlation between patient perception of professionalism, oral hygiene advice and empathy and the patient's intent on returning for further services and recommending the dentist to others.
Conclusion: It appeared that patient satisfaction with dental care marginally increased with postgraduate experience gained over five years since VT by the dentist concerned. Patients' perception of the quality of dental care provision and their intent on re-accessing a dental service may be associated with a practitioner's professionalism, empathy and delivery of oral hygiene advice.
