Research Article
Ultrastructural Dynamics of Oral Mucosal Wound Healing: An in Vivo Transmission and Scanning Electron Microscopy Study
Zahraa Raheem Abed Alzamiliy
Middle East Research Journal of Dentistry; 46-53.
https://doi.org/10.36348/merjd.2025.v05i05.001
Background: The oral mucosa heals more quickly and with less scarring than skin, but time-resolved ultrastructural hallmarks in vivo have not been fully mapped. Objective: To establish the ultrastructural sequence of oral wound healing during hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation and remodeling, by transmission and scanning electron microscopy (TEM/SEM) with quantitative morphometrics. Methods: 2-mm full-thickness mucosal wounds were made standardized on rat buccal mucosa (n=48; 6/time-point). The samples were collected at 0 h, 6 h, 24 h, day 3, day 7, day 14, day 28. TEM determined the epithelial junctions, basement membrane (BM), the features of organelles, fibroblasts/myofibroblasts, the fibrillogenesis of collagen and angiogenesis; SEM recorded the surface topology and re-epithelialization. Quantitative measures were desmosome density (per µm), hemidesmosome (HD) length, BM thickness, keratinocyte tonofilament area fraction, endothelial lumen area, pericyte coverage and collagen fibril diameter distribution. Time trends were assessed in mixed-effects models (=0.05). Results (illustrative): Strong findings in early (624 h) plateau platelet aggregates with open canalicular systems, fibrin networks, neutrophil diapedesis and keratinocyte lamellipodia. BM was interrupted (BM thickness 38 -7 nm vs. 62 -9 nm intact, p=0.001) with fragmental lamina densa and sparse HDs. After 3 days, spinous-layer keratinocytes had excess of ribosomes, swollen rough ER, and improved desmosomes (1.9±0.3 vs. 1.1±0.2 per 1000 km at 24 h, p<0.01). Golgi and provisional-matrix interaction (fine collagen fibrils 3045 nm) was polarized in fibroblasts. The angiogenesis (endothelial lumen area increased +62% relative to day 3) and myofibroblast differentiation (alpha-SMA-like stress fibers, dense fibronexus contacts) were maximal on Day 7. The length and density of HDs by day 14 had reached baseline; collagen fibrils had matured (5570 nm; enhanced D-band regularity) and the pericyte coverage was normalized. The ultrastructural restitution was almost full on Day 28 but with only a few scar features. Conclusions: Oral mucosal healing demonstrates an accelerated junctional re-establishment, early organized fibrillogenesis, and transient and tightly regulated angiogenesis/remodeling -intermediates that probably mediate low-scar outcomes. Such quantitative ultrastructural standards can inform therapies to re-create oral-like healing elsewhere.
Research Article
Malonaldehyde Levels in Dental Disorders and Effect of Anti Oxidant Supplementation on it
Smita Sharma, Rami Abdullah Ali Al Daghreer, Hamad Aldaghreer
Middle East Research Journal of Dentistry; 54-56.
https://doi.org/10.36348/merjd.2025.v05i05.002
Free radical induced lipid peroxidation has been implicated in pathogenisis of several disorders. Lipid peroxidation product malonaldehyde (MDA) was analyzed before and after Vitamin c supplementation (500 mg single dose daily for 6 weeks) in 25 patients of leukoplakia, 47 patients of oral submucous fibrosis, 21 patients of candidiasis, 67 patients of dental caries, 62 patients of oral cancer and 50 healthy controls. Significantly elevated levels of MDA were observed in leukoplakia, oral submucous fibrosis, and cancer as compared to controls (p<0.05). After six weeks of vitamin C supplementation MDA levels decreased in patients of candidiasis and dental caries but in leukoplakia, oral submucous fibrosis and cancer not much change was observed. These findings indicate a role of free radicals in their pathogenesis and effect of Vitamin C supplementation on their levels.
Short Communication
Pulpotomy in Primary Teeth: Current Perspectives and Clinical Outcomes
Aymen Ben Hadj Khalifa, Hanen Boukhris, Marwa Chatti, Hana Moalla, Ghada Ayari, Ahlem Baaziz
Middle East Research Journal of Dentistry; 57-58.
https://doi.org/10.36348/merjd.2025.v05i05.003
Pulpotomy remains a cornerstone treatment for managing pulpitis in primary teeth, with recent advances in bioactive materials significantly improving clinical outcomes. This communication reviews current evidence regarding pulpotomy success rates and material selection in primary dentition.
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