The effect of propolis collected in Brazil on the adsorption ofStreptococcus sanguisto saliva-coated hydroxyapatite and on the coaggregation reaction betweenS. sanguisandFusobacterium nucleatumwas studied using radio-labeled bacterial cells. The antibacterial activity of a propolis-containing toothpaste against cariogenic and plaque-forming bacteria was also investigated. An ethanolic solution of propolis (10 and 20 mg/mL) significantly reduced bacterial adherence to saliva-coated hydroxyapatite (25.3% and 29.6%, p<0.05) . Coaggregation reaction was also significantly inhibited by 42.9% (10 mg/mL, p<0.01) and 56.2% (20 mg/mL, p<0.01) . The toothpaste completely inhibited the growth of 20 bacterial strains, including Streptococcus, Actinomyces and Lactobacillus at a concentration range of 3-7 mg/mL. In addition to previously reported effects of propolis on mutans streptococci, propolis used in the present study was shown to possess remarkable potency to inhibit plaque formation and development. Propolis and propolis-containing toothpaste might represent potent inhibitory agents against dental plaque formation.

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Dental drugs and dental materials induce several allergic reactions, but our knowledge about the causal substances and the mechanism of allergic reactions is still limited. In this study, we conducted pharmacological and immunopharmacological examinations of rosin, which is included in many preparations, such as pulp capping agents and root canal filling agents. First, we used the adjuvant and patch test in guinea pigs. Twenty-four hours after challenge, erythema was noted in all 3 animals to which we applied 25, 12.5, and 5 % rosin and edema was also noted in one of the animals to which we applied 25% rosin, second, to examine places where rosin causes type IV allergic reactions, the ear swelling test in mice was conducted. At 5 % rosin, the difference was significant; at 25% rosin, the swelling rate was as high as 55%. From the above two examinations, the results indicated that contact dermatitis, which is type IV allergy, may be induced by dental drugs and dental materials containing rosin, and the induction of allergy depended on the concentration of rosin. Third, the kinetics of immunocytes was examined in mice to which we applied 25% rosin in the ear swelling test. The distribution of immunocytes in the ears and lymph nodes was immunohistochemically examined by the indirect enzyme-labeled antibody method. Thy-1.2, CD4, interleukin-2 receptor (IL-2R), IL-4R and CD8-positive cells were detected by light microscopy. The number of IL-4R and CD8-positive cells was increased in the effector phase. It is suggested that Th-2 rather than Th-1 was involved in allergy induced by rosin, and clarified that CD8 positive cells were involved.

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While dentifrices containing triclosan at 0.02% have conventionally been used in Japan, we experimentally prepared a dentifrice (SBJ-PRO2) containing triclosan at 0.3%. Thus, we planned and conducted a general clinical trial to investigate its effects in eliminating plaque and in reducing gingival inflammation. Efficacy and safety of a long-term use of dentifrices with a triclosan content of 0.3% have been reported abroad. In this study, we investigated its efficacy and safety during short-term use.
A 4-week clinical trial was conducted an 70 patients between 20 and 65 years of age. As a result, the plaque index improved by 84.1%, and the gingivitis index improved by 89.9%. Concerning safety, there were no adverse events or adverse drug reactions.
These results suggested that a dentifrice with a triclosan content of 0.3% is safe, usetul, and effective in eliminating plaque, and it provides a tool for self-prophylaxis against periodontal diseases.

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Radiotherapy is one of several treatments for oral cancer. To complete a one-month course of treatment, it is essential to manage radiation-induced complications effectively and help patients understand the treatment.
To this end, clinical pathways can be useful. We have developed a pathway for patients receiving radiotherapy, which consists of such components as tests, treatments, consultations, teaching, medications, and assessment of patient progress.
“An Assessment Sheet”and“A List For Drug Selection”were also formatted as companion documents for the pathway, to record patient progress and to help physicians make effective drug choices.
To evaluate the pathway, we implemented it for several patients. Two major improvements were observed : the patients came to understand more clearly the course of treatment in advance by using the pathway, and“the Assessment Sheet”facilitated follow-up by the multidisciplinary staff.

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At present, development work for new drugs is demanded on accompanying pressing needs in the medical world. Clinical trials for new drugs as the latest products may increase gradually in medical facilities based on new GCP, and we must correspond to them with flexibility, though probably influenced by different quantity and quality in clinical trials. In our University Dental Hospital, the office-work division and pharmaceutical services play roles with different duties as to treatment fees and management of drug storage, respectively. This must be surely based between contract workers and corresponding clients for clinical trials. For the execution of practical use, a committee composed of members of the institutional review board (IRB), who must be practically working, including two members chosen from outside, and moreover its office, were established also in our Hospital in 1999. In addition, a cooperation system organized by clinical research coordinators (CRC) was set up to maintain safe and suitable responsibility of clinician's activity, and we also made up a guideline for standard procedures concerning clinical trials of new drugs.
Our aim is to build up a system for clinical trials of new drugs and medical management based on new GCP. Furthermore, we aim continually to improve clinical trials in the future.

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