Investigation of the Expression of Inflammatory Markers in Oral Biofilm Samples in Patients with Systemic Scleroderma and the Association with Clinical Periodontal Parameters—A Preliminary Study

Background: Systemic scleroderma (SSc) has multiple orofacial effects. The aim of this study was to analyze the expression of inflammatory mediators in biofilm samples. It was hypothesized that different expression levels and clinical associations might be drawn. Methods: A total of 39 biofilm samples from group 1 = SSc and group 2 = healthy control were examined for the expression levels of interleukin (IL)-2,-6, and -10; matrix metalloprotease (MMP)-9; and surface antigens CD90 and CD34 by quantitative real-time PCR and clinical parameters. Relative quantitative (RQ) gene expression was determined using the ∆∆CT method. Results: The mean bleeding on probing values (p = 0.006), clinical attachment loss (CAL) (p = 0.009), gingival recession (p = 0.020), limited mouth opening (p = 0.001) and cervical tooth defects (p = 0.011) were significantly higher in group 1. RQ expressions of IL-2 and CD34 were significantly lower, IL-6, MMP-9, and CD90 were significantly higher. There was a significant positive correlation of IL-6/MMP-9 and negative correlation of mouth opening/CAL and IL-6/CAL. Conclusion: Different expression levels of IL-2, IL-6, MMP-9, CD34 and CD90 were detected in biofilm samples from patients with SSc compared to control. An immunological correlation to the clinical parameters of mouth opening and CAL was shown; thus, we conclude that SSc might have an impact on periodontal tissues.

Gastrointestinal Involvement in Systemic Sclerosis

Introduction: The gastrointestinal tract (GI) is the second most affected organ system in systemic sclerosis or systemic/localized scleroderma (SSc) and is an important topic for research. Approximately 90% of patients with scleroderma exhibit pathology of the GI tract. The systemic scleroderma has the potential to impact any part of the gastrointestinal tract, between the oral cavity and anorectum. The pathological complications of scleroderma adversely impact the health-related quality of life of the affected patients and increase the treatment burden of patients and medical professionals. Study Aim: We summarized the epidemiology, commonly reported clinical manifestations, complications, and available therapies for treating the GI pathology in systemic scleroderma patients. Methodology: We performed a literature review using the keywords "systemic sclerosis," "scleroderma," "GI manifestations in scleroderma," and "GI complications of scleroderma" across databases, including Google Scholar, Medline, Embase, and PubMed. We also analyzed a range of case reports concerning scleroderma manifestations and treatment modalities. Results: Our research revealed the annual incidence of SSc attributing to19.3 cases per million adults in the United States. We found the highest incidence of systemic scleroderma in patients within the age range of 44-55 years. Our results affirmed 5:1 incidence of systemic scleroderma that confirmed the higher impact of this disease condition in females than male populations. We found that the gastrointestinal manifestations of systemic scleroderma predominantly elevate the morbidity and mortality incidence among the affected patients. Esophageal and intestinal manifestations impact 90% and 40-70% of patients with systemic scleroderma. The small bowel hypomotility and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) in systemic scleroderma cases trigger the episodes of malabsorption and malnutrition that eventually add to 50% of the mortality rate. Systemic sclerosis is associated with the high incidence of fecal incontinence that triggers depression and its deleterious mental health manifestations in many clinical scenarios. Conclusion: The gastrointestinal complications in systemic sclerosis potentially deteriorate the daily living activities of the affected patients. The systematic management of the gastrointestinal complications of systemic scleroderma warrants multidisciplinary approaches. Prospective studies should focus on developing targeted therapies for improving the recovery patterns and prognostic outcomes in systemic scleroderma cases.

Guided Bilateral Transcanine Implant Placement and Implant-Supported Oral Rehabilitation in a Patient with Progressive Systemic Scleroderma

When faced with a situation where an impacted tooth is in the way of a planned implant, one approach to avoid an invasive surgical procedure and potential associated complications is to place a transcanine implant. The aim of this report was to add a new case of a transimpacted tooth dental implant placement to the existing international literature and to share our experience of transcanine implantation in the maxilla followed by implant prosthodontic rehabilitation of a patient with progressive systemic scleroderma. A 55-year-old woman attended our office for oral cavity assessment and treatment planning for complete oral rehabilitation. Digital planning software was used, and implants were positioned according to a surgical template in regions 13, 16, 23, and 26 (Straumann, Basel, Switzerland) with screw-retained metal-ceramic bridges. Placement of the dental implants through impacted canines and the creation of interfaces other than implant-bone interfaces did not lead to postoperative pain or implant failure. Clinically, overall healing was observed, and the implants were successfully used for implant-supported prosthodontic rehabilitation of the jaw. Within the limitations of this case report, transcanine implantation could represent a valuable alternative to standard implant protocols.

Cutaneous manifestations in systemic scleroderma

Systemic scleroderma is a chronic disease, the etiology of which is not fully understood. In systemic scleroderma, there is a diffuse change in the skin with the development of fibrosis, as well as with damage to internal organs (in particular, the esophagus, lower gastrointestinal tract, heart, liver and kidneys). The disease can proceed in a generalized and focal form; it is also possible to develop a variant of scleroderma without affecting the skin. A typical clinical picture of the disease is characterized by damage to the skin, the occurrence of multiple joint damage, the development of dysphagia, and the appearance of heartburn, general swelling and the formation of digital contractures. In women, the disease occurs 4 times more often than in men, while it is very rare in children. The onset of the disease is usually observed between the ages of 30 and 50. The diagnosis is established on the basis of the clinical picture, taking into account laboratory data. There is no specific treatment; therapeutic measures are usually aimed at combating complications.

CHARACTERISTIC CHANGES IN THE MAXILLOFACIAL REGION IN PATIENTS WITH SYSTEMIC SCLERODERMIA

This article discusses the characteristic changes in the maxillofacial region in patients with systemic scleroderma.

COMPOSITION OF ORAL MICROFLORA IN PATIENTS WITH SYSTEMIC SCLERODERMIA

This article evaluates the composition of the oral microflora in patients with systemic scleroderma.