Chapters authored
Cell-Based Assays in Cancer Research By Biba Vikas and Sukumaran Anil
Cell growth is referred to as cell proliferation, that is, the increase in cell numbers during repeated cell division. Cell growth can be defined as the enlargement of cell volume, which might take place in the absence of cell division. Growth and reproduction are features of cells in all living organisms. All cells reproduce by dividing into two, with each parental cell giving rise to two daughter cells each time they divide. Various genes are involved in the control of cell division and growth. Reproduction in unicellular organisms are referred to cell division and in multicellular organisms it is tissue growth and maintenance. Survival of the eukaryotes depends upon interactions between various cell types, that helps in the balanced distribution. This is achieved through the highly regulated process of cell proliferation. Knowledge in cell cycle is necessary to determine the best time to collect cells, to harvest cell products, or to move cells to a new growth environment. Cancer cells do not die at the natural point in a cell’s life cycle. Cancer cells occur as the results of cellular changes caused by the uncontrolled growth and division of cells. The chapter focuses on cancer cell maintenance, apoptosis, and its detection assays.
Part of the book: Cell Growth
Adverse Effects of Medications on Periodontal Tissues By Sukumaran Anil, Seham H.S.A. Alyafei, Annie Kitty George and Elna Paul Chalisserry
Periodontal tissue is susceptible to a range of adverse effects of several medications used in daily medical practice. Phenytoin, cyclosporine, and calcium-channel blockers are the most commonly used drugs related to gingival disease. Several other medications can also have an adverse effect on the periodontium, especially in the presence of compromised oral hygiene. These medications act on periodontal tissues by triggering the inflammatory pathways involved in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease or by potentially compromising the management of patients with these conditions. Gingival overgrowth is probably the mostly widely recognized and investigated type of adverse drug reaction in the periodontal tissues. Since many patients are on such medications, dental practitioner should take a thorough medical history and be aware of medication-related problems and their potential effects on diagnosis and treatment planning. The chapter reviews the commonly prescribed medications that can affect the periodontium either in its healthy or inflamed condition.
Part of the book: Oral Diseases
Osseointegration of Dental Implants and Osteoporosis By Sara Gibreel, Hasaan Gassim Mohamed, Amartya Raj Suraj and Sukumaran Anil
Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by low bone mass and microarchitectural deterioration of bone tissue, leading to enhanced bone fragility and susceptibility to fractures. Osteoporosis also results in loss of bone mineral density throughout the body, including the maxilla and mandible. Successful osseointegration of dental implants is attributed to their ability to integrate well with bone. The influence of bone quality on dental implant osseointegration has been discussed in several studies, and higher rates of dental implant failure have been reported in patients with low bone quality and an inadequate bone volume. Osteoporosis represents a risk factor for osseointegration, and this relationship may be derived from the association of the disease with a deficiency in bone formation. This condition would compromise the healing capacity and the apposition of bone at the implant interface. Currently, there is no clear consensus regarding dental implant treatment in osteoporotic individuals. Studies have revealed contradictory reports regarding the success and failure of dental implants in patients with osteoporosis. Antiresorptive agents have been widely used to treat osteoporosis. Dental implant placement in patients on bisphosphonate therapy may trigger osteonecrosis of the bone. Hence, it is important to analyze factors that have to be taken into consideration prior to implant therapy in patients with osteoporosis and those undergoing treatment. This chapter outlines dental implant osseointegration under osteoporotic conditions. The possible effect of bisphosphonate therapy on dental implant survival will also be discussed based on the current literature.
Part of the book: Current Concepts in Dental Implantology
Demineralization and Remineralization Dynamics and Dental Caries By Aiswarya Anil, Wael I. Ibraheem, Abdullah A. Meshni, Reghunathan Preethanath and Sukumaran Anil
Dental caries is a multifactorial disease caused by the interaction of dietary sugars, dental biofilm, and the dental tissue of the host. It results from repeated cycles of demineralization and remineralization at the interface of the biofilm and the tooth surface. Demineralization is the process of removing mineral ions from hydroxyapatite crystals in hard tissues, such as enamel, which can lead to dental caries if left unchecked. The remineralization process can reverse the lost mineral ions that occur during demineralization. The degree of demineralization and remineralization depends on several variables, including the amount of available calcium and phosphate and salivary pH levels. Over the past several decades, remineralizing or calcifying fluids with variable calcium, phosphate, and fluoride formulations have been developed. The management of early caries by remineralization has the potential to significantly advance the noninvasive clinical management of the disease. The chapter outlines the mechanisms by which the demineralization-remineralization process occurs and the use of remineralizing agents that reverse demineralization or enhance remineralization.
Part of the book: Dental Caries
Cytotoxicity and Cell Viability Assessment of Biomaterials By Anil Sukumaran, Vishnupriya K. Sweety, Biba Vikas and Betsy Joseph
Biocompatibility testing is essential for medical devices and pharmaceutical agents, regardless of their mechanical, physical, and chemical properties. These tests assess cytotoxic effects and acute systemic toxicity to ensure safety and effectiveness before clinical use. Cell viability, indicating the number of healthy cells in a sample, is determined through various assays that measure live-to-dead cell ratios. Cytotoxicity measures a substance’s potential for cell damage or death, and is evaluated through numerous assay methods based on different cell functions. Ensuring biocompatibility is crucial for the successful integration of medical devices and pharmaceuticals into clinical practice. As part of the evaluation process, researchers utilize a range of cell viability assays and cytotoxicity tests to assess the potential impact of these products on living cells. The results of these tests inform the optimization of cell culture conditions and drug candidates, as well as guide the development of safer, more effective medical devices. By thoroughly examining the interactions between devices, drugs, and biological systems, researchers aim to minimize the risk of adverse reactions and improve patient outcomes.
Part of the book: Cytotoxicity
Revolutionizing Dental Caries Diagnosis through Artificial Intelligence By Sukumaran Anil, Krishnaa Sudeep, Sudeep Saratchandran and Vishnupriya K. Sweety
The diagnosis and management of dental caries, a prevalent global oral health issue, have traditionally depended on clinical examination and the interpretation of radiographic images. However, with the rapid advancements in technology, the landscape of dental diagnostics is transforming. This chapter delves into the revolutionary impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on detecting and managing dental caries. Dental professionals can now achieve enhanced diagnostic accuracy by harnessing the power of machine learning algorithms and image recognition technologies, even identifying early-stage caries that conventional methods might overlook. The integration of AI into dentistry not only promises improved patient outcomes by facilitating timely interventions and streamlining clinical workflows, potentially redefining the future of oral healthcare. While the prospects are promising, it is imperative to concurrently address the challenges and ethical considerations accompanying AI-driven diagnostics to ensure that the technology augments, rather than supplants, the expertise of dental professionals. The chapter serves as a comprehensive overview of the current state of AI in dental caries diagnosis, its potential benefits, and the road ahead.
Part of the book: Dental Caries Perspectives
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