Anggun Rafisa

Introduction: This study aims to compare the cytotoxic effects of ethyl acetate and n-hexane extracts of Capsicum annuum L. on Cal27 oral cancer cell lines by examining caspase-3 expression. Materials and Methods: This study used an in vitro experimental design with a post-test-only control group. Capsaicin in the ethyl acetate extract of Capsicum annuum was identified using Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) with detection at UV 254 nm. Cytotoxicity was evaluated using the MTT assay, morphological assessment, and caspase-3 expression. Caspase-3 expression was quantified using qPCR with GAPDH, and relative expression was calculated by the 2^–ΔΔCt method. Statistical Analysis: Differences in caspase-3 expression between selected treatment groups were examined using paired two-sample t -tests, whereas overall variation among all groups was analyzed with one-way ANOVA. Bonferroni post hoc tests were applied in multiple comparisons. Statistical significance was defined as p < 0.05 and adjusted to p < 0.005 for multiple testing. Results: Phytochemical testing confirmed the presence of capsaicin in the extract. TLC analysis on silica gel GF 254 using a toluene–ethyl acetate–formic acid (5:4:1 v/v/v) mobile phase showed a single blue-violet spot (Rf = 0.71) under UV 254 nm, consistent with the capsaicin standard. Both fractions reduced the viability of Cal 27 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. The n-hexane fraction showed stronger cytotoxic activity, with an IC ₅₀ of 218.10 µg/mL, compared with 317.10 µg/mL for the ethyl acetate fraction. Morphological examination revealed features consistent with apoptosis, such as apoptotic body formation. Under certain conditions (medium-only, 2% DMSO, and 1 × IC ₅₀ ), caspase-3 expression appeared slightly higher in the ethyl acetate fraction; however, these differences were not statistically significant ( p > 0.05). Although ANOVA indicated overall significance within the hexane-treated group ( p = 0.005), Bonferroni-corrected post hoc analysis did not find any significant pairwise differences. Discussion: The stronger cytotoxic effect observed with the n-hexane fraction suggests that non-polar constituents may play a major role in suppressing Cal 27 cell proliferation. While both extracts produced morphological evidence of apoptosis, the lack of significant variation in caspase-3 expression shows that additional mechanisms may be involved. Variations in solvent polarity likely influenced the phytochemical profiles of the extracts and their biological activity. Conclusion: Both n-hexane and ethyl acetate fractions of C. annuum exhibited cytotoxic effects on Cal 27 oral cancer cells and produced morphological changes consistent with apoptotic features; however, further studies are required to confirm the involvement of apoptotic pathways.

Background: Saliva, an easily collectible organic fluid, offers a noninvasive means for multiple samplings to determine salivary glucose levels, comparable to blood and potentially helpful in diagnosing and monitoring type 2 diabetes mellitus. Purpose: This research was carried out to determine the value of salivary glucose levels and food intake in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods: This research utilized a descriptive quantitative method with a cross-sectional approach. The study population comprised type 2 diabetes mellitus patients in Bandung and Jatinangor. The samples, consisting of 27 individuals from each group—type 2 diabetes mellitus patients and healthy participants—were collected through purposive sampling. Saliva was collected using the spitting method and measured to determine salivary glucose levels (mg/dL). Food intake per day (in grams) was assessed using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire and converted using NutriSurvey 2007. Results: Among the 27 participants with type 2 diabetes mellitus, salivary glucose levels were found to be ≥2 mg/dL (mean 23.47 mg/dL), whereas in the healthy group, 5 participants (18.5%) exhibited salivary glucose levels Conclusion: In our limited sample, salivary glucose levels in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients were higher compared to healthy participants. Energy intake in both groups showed similar results. Salivary glucose levels and BMI exhibited a correlation, though notably weak in this study.

The human oral microbiome consists of approximately five hundred to seven hundred microbial species, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses that coexist within a finely tuned ecosystem. his microbial equilibrium is essential for maintaining both oral and systemic health. Recent studies have increasingly linked oral dysbiosis to the development of various systemic conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, respiratory infections, adverse pregnancy outcomes, and neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. This study aims to review the current literature on the role of the oral microbiome in systemic health and to explore the mechanisms by which oral microbial imbalance may contribute to systemic diseases. A literature search was performed using PubMed and Google Scholar databases, covering the period from January 2020 to May 2025. The keywords “role,” “oral microbiome,” and “systemic health” were combined using the Boolean operator AND. Fourteen articles were initially identified, of which six full-text papers met the inclusion criteria for detailed review. This review underscores the critical role of the oral microbiome in maintaining homeostasis within the oral cavity and its significant implications for systemic health. The oral cavity hosts a highly diverse microbial ecosystem composed of bacteria, fungi, and viruses that interact closely with host tissues and immune responses. While these microorganisms contribute to oral health under balanced conditions, dysbiosis can lead to both local oral diseases and systemic pathologies.

Introduction: Saliva is a complex biological fluid secreted by the body and has components that act as biomarkers indicating various health conditions. Recent studies have shown inconsistencies between the glycemic index (GI) and components in saliva, especially insulin and cortisol. This study aims to map the relationship between glycemic index diets (high and low) and salivary insulin and cortisol levels. Method: This scoping review followed the Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines, with searches conducted in PubMed, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, and Scopus databases from 2012 to 2023. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Review (PRISMA-ScR) framework was used for study identification and article writing. Results: Nine articles met the inclusion criteria, and data were extracted from each article. This scoping review involved 282 healthy individuals (141 males and 141 females) aged 9–55 years, with only one study focused on the pediatric population. One study examined cortisol and insulin levels together; while the remaining eight studies investigated them separately. Conclusions: This review highlights a complex interplay between GI diets and salivary biomarkers, particularly insulin and cortisol. While high-GI diets may influence salivary insulin, their impact on cortisol appears less consistent. These findings suggest that salivary biomarkers could serve as non-invasive tools for monitoring dietary impacts on metabolic and stress-related health. Further research is needed to address limitations such as population diversity, dietary standardization, and confounding factors to enhance clinical and dietary applications.

Salivary amylase, an enzyme primarily involved in starch digestion, has gained attention as a potential biomarker for periodontal diseases due to its role in modulating bacterial growth within the oral cavity. This review examines the role of salivary amylase in periodontal diseases, focusing on its diagnostic potential and clinical relevance. The study utilized online databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Medline, alongside manual searches to ensure comprehensive coverage. Studies investigating salivary amylase levels in individuals with periodontal diseases over the past decade were included. Exclusion criteria encompassed non-English articles, non-peer-reviewed studies, review articles, animal studies, and research involving children (<17 years old), individuals with systemic diseases, or smokers. A total of 289 articles were identified through database and manual searches, with eight studies meeting the inclusion criteria for final analysis. Among the included studies, several reported significant differences in salivary amylase levels between individuals with gingivitis, chronic periodontitis, and healthy periodontium. Some studies failed to find significant differences in salivary amylase levels between periodontal disease groups and healthy controls. Certain studies emphasized the influence of periodontal treatment on salivary amylase levels. Salivary amylase shows promise as a biomarker for assessing periodontal health and monitoring treatment outcomes. Salivary amylase demonstrates potential as a biomarker for periodontal health and post-treatment outcomes, though inconsistencies in findings highlight the need for standardized methodologies.

Oral ulcers are a prevalent clinical condition with multifactorial etiologies, including trauma, infections, systemic diseases, and immune dysregulation. Sirtuins, particularly SIRT1, play an important role in regulating oxidative stress, inflammation, and cellular repair pathways. This rapid review, conducted using the PRISMA protocol, synthesizes current evidence on the role of sirtuins in oral ulcer pathophysiology and their potential as therapeutic targets. A comprehensive search identified 140 articles in PubMed, 41 in ScienceDirect, and 4 in the Cochrane Library, of which 1 study met the eligibility criteria. The findings indicate that SIRT1 expression in the oral ulcer rats model is significantly lower than in normal controls, whereas NF-κB and TNF-α levels are markedly elevated in the control group. Pharmacological activation of SIRT1 attenuates inflammation, highlighting its therapeutic potential. However, the limited sample sizes and the lack of clinical trials specifically addressing oral ulcers restrict the generalizability of these findings. Additional study is needed to validate these findings and investigate SIRT1-targeted treatments.

Objectives This study aimed to provide valuable insights into the variability of third molar positions and factors influencing their surgical time and technique. Materials and Methods This cross-sectional study included a total of 48 eligible participants, aged 18 to 45 years, diagnosed with impacted teeth, and who had undergone surgery. Exclusion criteria comprised the absence of the second molar, the presence of systemic diseases, a history of radiation therapy, and pregnancy or lactation. Participants completed a questionnaire covering demographic data, physical metrics, and information on systemic conditions and disorders. Preoperative assessments included vital sign measurements. Panoramic imaging was employed to evaluate the third molar distance to the occlusal plane, degrees of angulation, eruption space, and distance to the alveolar inferior canal. Surgical difficulty in this study was measured by two outcomes: surgical time and technique. Statistical Analysis To assess differences in impacted third molar positions among groups, Independent samples t-test and One-way analysis of variance were used for normally distributed data without outliers; otherwise, the Mann–Whitney U test and Kruskal–Wallis H test were utilized. The Spearman's rank correlation was utilized to explore relationships between vital signs, impacted third molar positions, surgical time, and surgical technique. Results There were no significant differences in third molar positions between age and body mass index groups. Significant differences in distance to the occlusal plane were observed between third molars in quadrants 2 and 3 (p = 0.002) and quadrants 2 and 4 (p = 0.005). A significant difference in eruption space was found between sexes (p = 0.016). A significant negative correlation was discovered between surgical time and respiration rate per minute (p = 0.028). Conclusion This study found that males have greater third molar eruption space than females, and maxillary third molars have a greater distance to the occlusal plane compared with mandibular third molars. The importance of vital signs as contributing factors to surgical difficulty is highlighted, emphasizing their relevance in clinical practice.

Xerostomia, characterized by reduced salivary flow, leads to significant health issues that compromise oral health-related quality of life (OHRQOL). Current therapeutic approaches for xerostomia include artificial saliva and saliva stimulants, which aim to restore moisture and lubrication to oral surfaces. Natural products have been utilized in medical applications for centuries due to their bioactive compounds that exhibit a wide range of pharmacological activities. However, their efficacy in treating xerostomia remains unclear. This review aims to assess the efficacy of natural artificial saliva and natural saliva stimulants in treating xerostomia. Methods, the data synthesis followed a rapid review protocol by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P). Electronic databases were searched for articles published from 2004 to 2024 that evaluated the efficacy of natural artificial saliva and natural saliva stimulants for xerostomia Results obtained from PubMed and ScienceDirect databases identified 37 scientific articles, of which 7 met the inclusion criteria. This review study found that a combination of Malva sylvestris and Alcea digitata, lycopene-enriched virgin olive oil, a combination of Matricaria chamomilla and Linum usitatissimum, Althaea officinalis, and licorice improved xerostomia-related symptoms enhanced patient quality of life. Conclusion, natural compounds exhibit pharmacological activity in reducing xerostomia symptoms and improving quality of life (QoL). They show potential as constituents of artificial saliva and saliva stimulants.

The eruption of deciduous teeth, typically beginning around the first year of life, is a critical milestone in early childhood development. Adequate nutrition during infancy and early childhood is pivotal for the proper development of deciduous teeth. This review aims to examine existing literature on the relationship between weight, height, and the eruption of deciduous teeth. The search strategy was conducted across databases, such as PubMed and Scopus. A total of 142 articles were initially identified from the databases and after screened for duplicates, eligibility and relevance, six articles were included in this review. The timing of the first deciduous tooth eruption ranges from 7.9-10.1 months for underweight children, 7.8-8.7 months for normal weight children, and 6.3-8.2 months for overweight children. Children with short stature experienced their first deciduous tooth eruption between 8.8-9 months, which is considered late compared to children with normal stature (7.4-8.9 months) and tall stature (6.7-8.1 months). Despite variations in methodologies, classifications, and timings of weight and height measurement, the studies reviewed consistently demonstrate that children with underweight or short stature experience delayed deciduous tooth eruption compared to their normal-weight and normal-height peers. Further research is needed to explore the underlying mechanisms linking birth weight, height, and tooth eruption, as well as to develop effective interventions that can mitigate the adverse effects of poor nutrition on dental and overall health.

The oral microbiome contains over seven hundred bacterial species as well as fungi, viruses, archaea, and protozoa. The complex equilibrium between resident species in the oral cavity is responsible for the maintenance of a healthy state or a state associated with disease. Mouthwash has also been shown to reduce plaque and gingivitis. The purpose of this article is to update our current knowledge of the effect of mouthwash in oral microbiome and to discuss the impact of mouthwash on changes in the oral microbiome. The article was conducted of two databases and were limited to period January 2019 to May 2024 with combination of the following keywords: “oral microbiome” associated by the Boolean operator AND. The results obtained were 11 articles found at the beginning of the search in both databases, and the 6 full text articles were selected for further review and discussion. Commensal, gingivitis and halitosis associated species were significantly reduced by twice daily use of LCM (Listerine Cool Mint) or ACPM (alcohol-containing prototype mouthrinse). The AFPM (alcohol-free prototype mouthrinse) group showed no statistically significant reductions. Its microbiological action is not due to selective killing of pathogenic bacteria but rather via a reset mechanism, in which the plaque microbiome composition is shifted to a healthier state after repeated use. CHX (Chlorhexidine) led to an increase in the abundance of some genera such as Neisseria, Streptococcus and Granulicatella, and lowered the abundance of Actinomyces, but did not affect the abundance of Veillonella. The effect of mouthwash in oral microbiome are short-term and long-term impacts on supragingival plaque microbiome, return from dysbiosis to healthier levels, increasing abundance of common oral opportunistic bacteria, reduce the oral pathogenic microbial load in healthy subjects.