👤 Marcelo Bonifácio da Silva Sampieri

The objective of this research was to evaluate the effectiveness of using LPL (Low power laser) to reduce pain, edema, and trismus after impacted lower third molar extraction. A split-mouth randomized triple-blind clinical trial was conducted at the Federal University of Ceará. For inclusion criteria, it was necessary that the patient presented a clear indication for removal of both lower third molars, in addition to both molars being in similar positions. The third molars (38 and 48) were randomly allocated to the test group that received the LPL application protocol, and to the placebo group that received a simulation of the protocol, making a total sample of 44 surgeries. Patients in the test group used an average of 50% of the amount of analgesics that was used by the placebo group, however, there was a statistically significant difference only on days four and five. Regarding trismus, the test group presented wide mouth openings, both at 48 hours and at 7 days after surgery compared to the placebo group, but without a statistically significant difference. For edema, we noted an equilibrium between the test group and the placebo group, but no measurement obtained a statistically significant difference. The use of LPL presented better pain and trismus indicators after complex extractions. The use of LPL is thus indicated as a complementary therapy to reduce postoperative discomfort caused by complex tooth extractions. Show less

Low HDL-C (high-density lipoprotein cholesterol) is the most frequent dyslipidemia in Mexicans, but few studies have examined the underlying genetic basis. Our purpose was to identify genetic variants associated with HDL-C levels and cardiovascular risk in the Mexican population. A genome-wide association studies for HDL-C levels in 2335 Mexicans, identified four loci associated with genome-wide significance: CETP, ABCA1, LIPC, and SIDT2. The SIDT2 missense Val636Ile variant was associated with HDL-C levels and was replicated in 3 independent cohorts (P=5.9×10−18 in the conjoint analysis). The SIDT2/Val636Ile variant is more frequent in Native American and derived populations than in other ethnic groups. This variant was also associated with increased ApoA1 and glycerophospholipid serum levels, decreased LDL-C (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol) and ApoB levels, and a lower risk of premature CAD. Because SIDT2 was previously identified as a protein involved in sterol transport, we tested whether the SIDT2/Ile636 protein affected this function using an in vitro site-directed mutagenesis approach. The SIDT2/Ile636 protein showed increased uptake of the cholesterol analog dehydroergosterol, suggesting this variant affects function. Finally, liver transcriptome data from humans and the Hybrid Mouse Diversity Panel are consistent with the involvement of SIDT2 in lipid and lipoprotein metabolism. This is the first genome-wide association study for HDL-C levels seeking associations with coronary artery disease in the Mexican population. Our findings provide new insight into the genetic architecture of HDL-C and highlight SIDT2 as a new player in cholesterol and lipoprotein metabolism in humans. Show less