title: [Lymphocyte migration under exposure of homeopathic remedies for periodontal inflammation - a controlled pilot study].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Several homeopathic remedies are applied in the treatment of periodontal inflammation. However, little is known about their basic active principles. Therefore, we aimed at investigating the effects of homeopathic drugs in periodontal inflammation by observing lymphocyte migration activity in vitro.
  
  
  METHODS
  Lymphocytes from blood samples of 3 periodontitis patients and 3 matched healthy volunteers were extracted and embedded in collagen matrix migration assays together with highly diluted (D12 and C200) aqueous extracts from Mercurius solubilis, Silicea, Sulphur, Tuberculinum, or placebo. Lymphocyte migration and lymphocyte speed were observed in a 60-min time frame. Statistical analysis was performed using univariate statistics and SiZer time series analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  While C-dilutions did not reveal clear differences between placebo and substances, strong effects were observed in D-dilutions compared to placebo. The strongest effects were achieved in lymphocytes exposed to Sulfur D12. While most specific effects were observed in Sulphur D12 showing an activating effect on periodontitis patient lymphocytes (mean activity: 11,1% (placebo) vs. 23,8% (verum)), there was no effect in healthy volunteers (25,8% (placebo) vs. 25,6% (verum)). SiZer analysis confirmed this effect to be significant.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The basic active principles of highly diluted substances are still a matter of controversial debate. Although conclusions are limited due to low sample size, results from our pilot study might encourage further investigations on the role of highly diluted Sulphur in the treatment of periodontitis. Apart from a reproduction study with Sulphur, other immunological experiments, i.e. the investigation of cell limes via flow cytometry, should be performed to underpin these results.
authors.affiliation: Abteilung für Dentalhygiene und Präventionsmanagement, praxisHochschule, Köln, Deutschland.
authors.forename: Georg
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Gassmann
authors.forename: Christa
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Raak
authors.forename: Katharina
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Büchel
authors.forename: Franziska
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Schaupp
authors.forename: Frank
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Entschladen
authors.forename: Anton
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Friedmann
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Ostermann
mesh_terms: D002465:Cell Movement / Q000187:drug effects; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects*; D008419:Materia Medica / Q000494:pharmacology*; D010510:Periodontal Diseases / Q000628:therapy; D010865:Pilot Projects
chemical_list: D008419:Materia Medica