Analysis of collagen fibers in human gingival tissues using picrosirius red stain under polarized microscope

Abstract

Background: Collagen fibers are the main element of gingival connective tissue and contribute a leading role in the preservation of structural integrity and tissue function. Hence, its degradation is regarded as the main marker of periodontal disease progression. Aim: The aim of this study is to analyze and compare collagen fibers, their birefringence pattern in healthy and in diseased gingival tissues stained using picrosirius red stain (PRS) and the polarizing microscope. Materials and Methods: A total of 90 participants screened were divided into the control group (healthy gingiva) and experimental group (moderate periodontitis and severe periodontitis) based on the clinical parameters. Gingival tissue sections were stained with PRS and observed under the polarized microscope to assess the type of collagen fibers in healthy and diseased gingival tissue. Statistical analysis was performed using the one-way ANOVA and Tukey multiple comparison test. Results: The healthy group revealed well-packed collagen in a parallel pattern with a strong birefringence, whereas in severe periodontitis group showed loosely packed collagen fibers in a haphazard pattern suggestive of severe destruction of the extracellular matrix. The moderate periodontitis group had a blended mixture of thick and thin fibers. Conclusions: Collagen fibers showed birefringence property when stained with PRS that helps in a better understanding of normal and pathological conditions.

Main Pathological Changes of Benign Ureteral Strictures

“…Specimens were fixed with 4% paraformaldehyde, trimmed, dehydrated, embedded, sliced, dyed, and sealed. The sections were observed under polarized light to evaluate the type, and polarization color of collagen fiber bundles ( 12 ) by an Eclipse CI-L microscope (Nikon, Japan), the birefringent collagens were clearly showed up. With a black background, the stained collagen fibers are represented as bright green to red ( Figures 1D–F ) ( 13 ).…”

UBI29-41-targeted, NIR-triggered nanoparticles for enhanced PDT against periodontal plaque biofilm formation and immunomodulation

“…As expected, when aPDT and UBI29-41 were combined, the ICG@Uio-66-UBI + NIR group exhibited a substantial decrease in collagen degradation. Type I collagen serves as the predominant collagen ber within periodontal ligaments, and its degradation is widely recognized as a primary indicator of the progression of periodontal disease [53,54]. When PAMPs induce an in ammatory response in periodontal tissues, in ammatory cells, broblasts, and epithelial cells upregulate the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), leading to a substantial reduction in the amount of type I collagen bers [55].…”

Point-of-care diagnostic devices for periodontitis – current trends and urgent need

“…For example, matrix metalloproteinases, namely MMP-8 and MMP-9, are significantly elevated in the GCF of periodontitis patients. [35][36][37] They are markers of collagen degradation, a classic symptom of periodontal disease. 35 However, it has been shown that it is the active form of MMP-8 (aMMP-8) that is a relevant biomarker for periodontitis and periimplantitis rather than the total or latent proMMP-8.…”

“…[35][36][37] They are markers of collagen degradation, a classic symptom of periodontal disease. 35 However, it has been shown that it is the active form of MMP-8 (aMMP-8) that is a relevant biomarker for periodontitis and periimplantitis rather than the total or latent proMMP-8. 37 The active form of MMP-9, or aMMP-9, is also a useful biomarker for the identification of periodontitis in addition to the latent MMP-9 (IMMP-9).…”