J Orofac Pain
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To compare kinematic parameters (ie, amplitude, velocity, cycle frequency) of chewing and pain characteristics in a group of female myofascial temporomandibular disorder (TMD) patients with an age-matched control female group, and to study correlations between psychological variables and kinematic variables of chewing. ⋯ This exploratory study has provided data suggesting that psychological factors, manifesting in depression and stress, play a role in influencing the association between pain and motor activity.
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To examine the effect of decreased estrogen level and altered diet hardness on condylar cartilage morphology of the rat temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and on the expression of condylar cartilage estrogen receptor alpha (ERa) and matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8). ⋯ The rat TMJ condylar cartilage is sensitive to changes in estrogen levels and altered diet hardness.