muramidase and Dental-Caries

The mechanisms of adhesion to solid surfaces enable S. mutans to colonize oral cavities and form biofilms, which play an important role in caries development. Additional properties enabling the survival of S. mutans in the oral cavity include its ability to survive in acidic environments and specific interactions with other microorganisms inhabiting this ecosystem.. The aim of this study was to determine the antibacterial activity of saliva histatin-5 (peptide) and lysozyme (protein) against S. mutans and L. rhamnosus, as representatives of physiological flora.. The study involved strains of physiological (L. rhamnosus) and cariogenic (S. mutans) flora isolated from one patient with diagnosed early caries of the deciduous teeth.. It was proved that the presence of probiotic L. rhamnosus bacteria in the environment had a negative impact on the ability of S. mutans to produce biofilm. Moreover, the antibacterial activity of histatin-5 was confirmed, and it inhibited S. mutans growth at concentrations of 27.2 μg/ml and 54.4 μg/ml, both individually and in a mixture with lysozyme (in a total concentration of 54.4 μg/ml).. The data obtained constitute a promising result due to their potential future application in the prevention and early diagnosis of caries.

Topics: Biofilms; Cell Adhesion; Dental Caries; Histatins; Humans; Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus; Mouth; Muramidase; Saliva; Streptococcus mutans

Dental care costs in the United States exceed $100 billion annually. Personalized medicine efforts in dentistry are driven by potentially compelling clinical utility and cost-effectiveness prospects in the major diseases of periodontitis, caries, and oral cancers. This review discusses progress and challenges identifying genetic markers and showing clinical utility in dentistry. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of chronic periodontitis (CP) identified no significant variants, but CDKN2BAS variants on chromosome 9 were significantly associated with aggressive periodontitis. Stratifying patients by interleukin (IL)-1 gene variants, smoking and diabetes differentiated CP prevention outcomes. Dental caries' GWAS identified significant signals in LYZL2, AJAp1, and KPNA4; and efforts are ongoing to identify genetic factors for multiple caries phenotypes. Trials of molecularly targeted therapies are in progress for oral, head, and neck squamous cell carcinomas (OHNSCC) and results have been promising but limited in their effectiveness. Current opportunities and challenges for molecular targeting for OHNSCC are discussed.

Topics: alpha Karyopherins; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Cell Adhesion Molecules; Dental Caries; Genetic Markers; Genetic Variation; Genome-Wide Association Study; Head and Neck Neoplasms; Humans; Interleukin-1; Mouth Neoplasms; Muramidase; Periodontitis; Precision Medicine; RNA, Long Noncoding

Many antimicrobial agents in human saliva are known to have bacteriostatic or bactericidal effects on cariogenic bacteria, in particular against Streptococcus mutans. Studies have usually been conducted with purified agents (proteins) in vitro. Very little proof exists to show that they also affect oral cariogenic flora in vivo. Recent studies have shown that some salivary systems can act synergistically against Streptococcus mutans. Such synergistic antibacterial activity is likely to exist in the human mouth. Attempts to enhance the anticariogenic properties of saliva have been made by adding antimicrobial proteins such as peroxidase, lactoferrin and lysozyme to oral health products. Although clinical evidence is still limited, the idea of using such antimicrobial agents--"natural antibiotics"--rather than synthetic agents against cariogenic bacteria seems promising.

Topics: Dental Caries; Lactoferrin; Muramidase; Peroxidases; Saliva; Salivary Proteins and Peptides; Streptococcus mutans

A variety of components provide salivary secretions with an array of potentially effective means of combating cariogenic challenges. These defense factors range from a laissez-faire mechanical cleansing to exquisitely controlled production of highly specific antibodies. In between the two extremes are antibacterial systems whose operating characteristics are only beginning to be understood. These systems are well worth our attention. They may be the key to our understanding of variations in individual susceptibility, and could provide valuable leads for development of anticaries agents.

Topics: Adsorption; Agglutination; Animals; Bacteria; Cell Adhesion; Cell Aggregation; Dental Caries; Dental Enamel Solubility; Dental Plaque; Humans; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Hydroxyapatites; Lactoferrin; Lactoperoxidase; Muramidase; Saliva; Secretory Rate

The potential usefulness of analysis of the salivary secretions in diagnosis and prognosis is beginning to be explored in depth. The preliminary work already undertaken indicates that modern methods applied to this secretion may provide information that is different from that obtained in other body fluids. Saliva is collected at the point of its manufacture and, therefore, is unaffected by collection or storage in the body. It is the product both of protein synthesis within the glands and of most of the known water and electrolyte exchange mechanisms. Salivary composition is affected by both autonomic and hormonal stimuli. As the specific influence of each of these factors is better understood, studies of this fluid will provide important clues to the understanding of disease and the evaluation of therapy. There are few places in the body where it is possible directly, utilizing a non-invasive technique, to examine the product of a large number of important biological processes. It is obvious that careful handling of collection and analytic techniques are essential if these secretions are to be utilized. Future investigations in clinical situations should take full advantage of the strong base of knowledge of the physiology of these glands. Development of this field depends on careful clinical investigations designed to make full use of our current knowledge.

Topics: Amylases; Blood Proteins; Cystic Fibrosis; Dental Caries; Digitalis Glycosides; Electrolytes; Glycoproteins; Humans; Hypertension; Immunoglobulin A, Secretory; Mouth Diseases; Muramidase; Parotid Gland; Physical Stimulation; Saliva; Salivary Gland Diseases; Salivary Proteins and Peptides; Secretory Rate; Specimen Handling; Submandibular Gland

Topics: Adult; Animals; Antibodies; Antibody Specificity; Complement System Proteins; Dental Caries; DMF Index; Humans; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Immunoglobulins; Lactobacillus; Muramidase; Phagocytosis; Rabbits; Saliva; Streptococcus

In this study, the abundance of the protective salivary proteins lysozyme, lactoferrin, and cystatin S was quantified in the in situ formed pellicle of caries-free and caries-active children to determine whether they may be possible biomarkers for caries.. Pellicle formation was performed in situ for 10 min on ceramic specimens from the oral cavity of children (5-8 years) with caries (n = 17) and without evidence of caries (n = 17). Additionally, unstimulated saliva was collected. Levels of lysozyme, lactoferrin, and cystatin S were measured in desorbed pellicle eluates and saliva using ELISA.. No statistically significant differences were found in the occurrence of cystatin S and lysozyme in saliva and pellicle between caries-active and caries-free children. However, significantly higher amounts of lactoferrin were detected in the pellicle of caries-active children.. The protective salivary protein lactoferrin may be a biomarker for caries susceptibility in children.

Topics: Child; Dental Caries; Dental Pellicle; Humans; Lactoferrin; Muramidase; Saliva; Salivary Proteins and Peptides

Dental caries is a chronic oral disease caused by microbial infections, which result in erosion of the dental enamel and cause irreversible damage. Therefore, proper disease management techniques and the creation of an environment that prevents intraoral growth and biofilm formation of Streptococcus mutans in the early stages, are crucial to prevent the potential progression of dental plaque to disease. Here, we aimed to investigate antimicrobial and antibiofilm effects of the Bacillus velezensis ID-A01 supernatant (ID23029) against S. mutans, and its inhibitory effects on acidogenesis.. A killing kinetics assay showed a peak lethality percentage of 94.5% after 6 h of exposure to ID23029. In sucrose-exposed conditions, ID23029 inhibited lactic acid formation, preventing the pH from falling below the threshold for enamel demineralization, and inhibited up to 96.6% of biofilm formation. This effect was maintained in the presence of lysozyme. Furthermore, ID23029 retained up to 92% lethality, even at an intraoral concentration at which lysozyme is ineffective against S. mutans.. This study demonstrates the potential of the B. velezensis ID-A01 supernatant for the prevention and treatment of dental caries. Its eventual use in dental practice is encouraged, although further studies are required to confirm its beneficial effects.

Topics: Anti-Infective Agents; Biofilms; Dental Caries; Humans; Muramidase; Streptococcus mutans

Streptococcus mutans, a major pathogen of dental caries, is also known as a causative agent of cardiovascular disease. A 120 kDa collagen-binding protein (Cnm) of S. mutans is an important contributor to the pathogenicity of cardiovascular disease. Although dead bacteria have been detected in cardiovascular specimens by molecular biological methods, the pathogenicity of the bacteria remains unknown. Here, we analyzed the pathogenicity of killed S. mutans by focusing on collagen-binding ability and the effects on silkworms. In live S. mutans, Cnm-positive S. mutans had high collagen-binding activity, while Cnm-negative S. mutans had no such activity. After treatment with killed Cnm-positive S. mutans, amoxicillin-treated bacteria still had collagen-binding ability, while lysozyme-treated bacteria lost this ability. When live and amoxicillin-treated S. mutans strains were administered to silkworms, the survival rates of the silkworms were reduced; this reduction was more pronounced in Cnm-positive S. mutans infection than in Cnm-negative S. mutans infection. However, the administration of any of the lysozyme-treated bacteria did not reduce the survival rate of the silkworms. These results suggest that amoxicillin-killed Cnm-positive S. mutans strains maintain collagen-binding properties and pathogenicity in the silkworm model, and are possibly associated with pathogenicity in cardiovascular diseases.

Topics: Adhesins, Bacterial; Amoxicillin; Animals; Bombyx; Cardiovascular Diseases; Carrier Proteins; Collagen; Dental Caries; Disease Models, Animal; Humans; Muramidase; Saliva; Streptococcal Infections; Streptococcus mutans; Virulence

In situ regeneration of the enamel-like structure of hydroxyapatite (HAp) crystals under oral conditions is significant for dental caries treatment. However, it is still a challenge for dentists to duplicate the elegant and well-aligned apatite structure bonding to the surface of demineralized enamel. A biocompatible amelogenin-inspired matrix, a phase-transited lysozyme (PTL) film mimicking an N-terminal amelogenin with central domain (N-Ame) combined with synthetic peptide (C-AMG) based on the functional domains of C-terminal telopeptide (C-Ame) is shown here, which is formed by amyloid-like lysozyme aggregation at the enamel interface through a rapid one-step aqueous coating process. In the PTL/C-AMG matrix, C-AMG facilitated the oriented arrangement of amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) nanoparticles and their transformation to ordered enamel-like HAp crystals, while PTL served as a strong interfacial anchor to immobilize the C-AMG peptide and PTL/C-AMG matrix on versatile substrate surfaces. PTL/C-AMG film-coated enamel induced both of the in vivo and in vitro synthesis of HAp crystals, facilitated epitaxial growth of HAp crystals and recovered the highly oriented structure and mechanical properties to levels nearly identical to those of natural enamel. This work underlines the importance of amyloid-like protein aggregates in the biomineralization of enamel, providing a promising strategy for treating dental caries.

Topics: Amelogenin; Animals; Calcium Phosphates; Coated Materials, Biocompatible; Dental Caries; Dental Enamel; Disease Models, Animal; Elastic Modulus; Mice; Microscopy, Atomic Force; Muramidase; Nanoparticles; Peptides; Tooth Remineralization

This study investigated, for the first time, pellicle enzymes with respect to their activity, distribution and fluorescence pattern in children with different caries experience.. In-situ pellicles were collected from 41 children (aged 4-6 years) with different caries status; 17 of them were caries-free (dmf = 0), 12 had dental restorations but no current caries (dmf ≥ 2) and 12 had at least two carious lesions (dmf ≥ 2). Bovine enamel samples were fixed on individual upper jaw braces for pellicle formation. After 30 min of intraoral exposure, the pellicle and saliva samples were analysed for the activities of amylase, lysozyme, peroxidase and glucosyltransferase (GTF). The distribution of these enzymes, including GTF-isoforms B, C and D, and the pellicle ultrastructure were examined by gold-immunolabelling and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Furthermore, interactions between pellicle enzymes and adherent bacteria were visualised using combined fluorescence and immunofluorescence labelling.. There were no significant differences in the pellicle enzyme activities between the study groups. TEM analysis revealed the absence of GTF C and D in the pellicle of caries-active children. Amylase, peroxidase and GTF-isoforms showed a random distribution within the pellicle layer; lysozyme was found in the form of clusters. A similar ultrastructural pattern was observed for all subjects. Fluorescence labelling technique enabled visualisation of all enzymes, except for GTF B.. Pellicle enzyme activities and ultrastructure are not associated with children's caries status. Further investigation is needed to assess the influence of individual GTF-isoforms on caries susceptibility in children.

Topics: Animals; Cattle; Child; Child, Preschool; Dental Caries; Dental Enamel; Dental Pellicle; Humans; Microscopy, Electron, Transmission; Muramidase; Saliva

In the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF), personnel periodically perform intensive training that mimics the conditions seen in battle and during natural disasters. Military training involves intensive, stressful conditions, and changes in immune responses have been found in personnel following training. Good oral condition is important for military personnel to fulfill their duties; however, they have difficulty performing daily oral care under training conditions. In this study, we investigated the impact of a 7-day field training on the oral health status of JGSDF personnel by comparing their oral condition before and just after training.. The participants were 59 male and 3 female JGSDF personnel undergoing a 7-day field training. All personnel provided informed written consent to participate, and this study was approved by the ethics committee of the Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences. Oral health behaviors before and during the training period were surveyed using a self-administered questionnaire. Dental caries was assessed before training in terms of decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT), and periodontal condition was examined before and immediately after training using the community periodontal index (CPI). The presence of eight species of bacteria in dental plaque, including commensal streptococci that are early colonizers on the tooth surface, cariogenic bacteria, and periodontopathic bacteria, was determined using real-time polymerase chain reaction. We also assessed antibacterial factors and a stress marker in saliva samples. Sample collection was performed before and just after training. In addition to difference analysis between groups, logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the association between each health behavior and periodontal deterioration.. The frequency of toothbrushing decreased, and snacking increased during the training period. Thirty-five personnel (56.5%) showed an increase in individual CPI code, and 57 personnel (91.9%) showed deterioration in the CPI code in 1 or more sextants after training (Figure 1). Toothbrushing frequency was significantly associated with CPI deterioration; the odds ratio in subjects who did not brush their teeth was 7.51 compared to those who brushed at least once during the training period. Severe periodontal deterioration was observed in the high-DMFT group (Figure 2), and toothbrushing frequency during the training period decreased more in this group compared to the low-DMFT group. The percentages of Streptococcus sanguinis and Streptococcus gordonii increased significantly after the training period suggesting dental plaque maturation, and an increase in S. sanguinis was associated with toothbrushing frequency. The lactoferrin concentration in saliva increased significantly after training.. We demonstrated periodontal deterioration in JGSDF personnel after a 7-day training. Behavioral changes, especially discontinuation of regular toothbrushing, fostered dental plaque maturation, resulting in inflammatory changes in participants' periodontal condition. The results indicate the importance of performing toothbrushing at least once over a 7-day training period for prevention of periodontal deterioration. The regimen could be applicable to evacuees from disasters because they are under conditions of stress that may limit oral hygiene activity.

Topics: Adult; alpha-Amylases; Dental Caries; Dental Plaque; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Female; Health Behavior; Humans; Japan; Logistic Models; Male; Middle Aged; Military Personnel; Muramidase; Oral Health; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction; Statistics, Nonparametric; Surveys and Questionnaires; Teaching; Workforce

The objective of this study was to analyze salivary lysozyme levels and activities in Thai preschoolers with different dental caries status.. Unstimulated saliva samples were collected from 64 preschoolers, divided into a caries free group (n = 32) and a severe early childhood caries (S-ECC) group (n = 32).. Both groups were similar regarding gender, age, dental caries status, salivary flow rate, and salivary protein concentrations. No differences were also in the caregivers' characteristics, oral health behaviors, and feeding habits. Only professional fluoride application was less frequently found in the S-ECC group (p < 0.03). Western blotting and lysoplate assays revealed that salivary lysozyme levels and activities were significantly increased in the S-ECC group compared with the caries free group (p< 0.001; p = 0.008, respectively).. The up-regulated expression of salivary lysozyme and the increased lysozyme activity in S-ECC preschoolers suggests a possible connection between salivary lysozyme and oral immunity in response to early childhood dental caries.

Topics: Caregivers; Cariostatic Agents; Child, Preschool; Dental Caries; DMF Index; Feeding Methods; Female; Fluorides, Topical; Health Behavior; Humans; Male; Muramidase; Oral Health; Saliva; Salivary Proteins and Peptides; Secretory Rate; Thailand; Tooth, Deciduous; Toothbrushing

Streptococcus mutans is a representative oral pathogen that causes dental caries and pulpal inflammation. Its lipoteichoic acid (Sm.LTA) is known to be an important cell-wall virulence factor involved in bacterial adhesion and induction of inflammation. Since Sm.LTA-binding proteins (Sm.LTA-BPs) might play an important role in pathogenesis and host immunity, we identified the Sm.LTA-BPs in the saliva of caries-free and caries-positive human subjects using Sm.LTA-conjugated beads and LTQ-Orbitrap hybrid Fourier transform mass spectrometry. Sm.LTA was conjugated to N-hydroxysuccinimidyl-Sepharose(®) 4 Fast Flow beads (Sm.LTA-beads). Sm.LTA retained its biological properties during conjugation, as determined by the expression of nitric oxide and interferon-γ-inducible protein 10 in a murine macrophage cell line and activation of Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) in CHO/CD14/TLR2 cells. Sm.LTA-BPs were isolated from pooled saliva prepared from 10 caries-free or caries-positive human subjects each, electrophoresed to see their differential expression in each group, and further identified by high-resolution mass spectrometry. A total of 8 and 12 Sm.LTA-BPs were identified with statistical significance in the pooled saliva from the caries-free and caries-positive human subjects, respectively. Unique Sm.LTA-BPs found in caries-free saliva included histone H4, profilin-1 and neutrophil defensin-1, and those in caries-positive saliva included cystatin-C, cystatin-SN, cystatin-S, cystatin-D, lysozyme C, calmodulin-like protein 3 and β-actin. The Sm.LTA-BPs found in both groups were hemoglobin subunits α and β, prolactin-inducible protein, protein S100-A9, and SPLUNC2. Collectively, we identified Sm.LTA-BPs in the saliva of caries-free and caries-positive subjects, which exhibit differential protein profiles.

Topics: Actins; Animals; Bacterial Adhesion; Calmodulin; Cell Line; Chemokine CXCL10; CHO Cells; Cricetulus; Cystatin C; Cystatins; Defensins; Dental Caries; Histones; Humans; Lipopolysaccharide Receptors; Lipopolysaccharides; Macrophages; Mice; Muramidase; Nitric Oxide; Profilins; Salivary Cystatins; Salivary Proteins and Peptides; Streptococcus mutans; Teichoic Acids; Toll-Like Receptor 2; Virulence Factors

To detect the salivary factors related to caries and periodontal disease and to analyze the risk of caries and periodontal disease in children and adolescents with diabetes mellitus.. The study comprised 30 children with diabetic mellitus, aged 7-15 years old, and 60 healthy age-and gender-matched children. Caries and periodontal indexes were recorded and saliva related factors were analyzed.. Caries indexes of diabetes children [permanent teeth: decay missing filling tooth (DMFT) M (Q1,Q3) = 0(0, 4), deciduous teeth: decay missing filling tooth (dmft) M (Q1,Q3) = 0(0, 1)] were not significantly different with those of healthy children [DMFT M (Q1,Q3) = 1(0, 3), dmft M (Q1,Q3) = 0(0, 4)], but plaque index (PLI) (1.25 ± 0.33) and bleeding index (BI) (0.74 ± 0.45) of diabetes children were significantly higher than those of healthy children (PLI was 0.93 ± 0.31,BI was 0.34 ± 0.22) (P < 0.001). Salivary pH of diabetes children (7.68 ± 0.36) was significantly higher than that of healthy children (7.30 ± 0.32) (P < 0.05), and salivary acid buffering capacity had no significant difference between the two groups (P > 0.05). Salivary glucose, immunoglobulin sIgA and sIgG were not significantly different between the two groups (P > 0.05).Salivary lysozyme of diabetes children was significantly higher than that of healthy children (P < 0.05). Total protein was significantly lower in diabetes children than in healthy children (P < 0.05). Salivary lactate dehydrogenase had no significant difference between the two groups (P > 0.05).. Diabetes mellitus can lead to the changes of some salivary factors related to gingivitis in diabetes children. Children and adolescents with diabetes mellitus may have a higher risk of periodontal disease.

Topics: Adolescent; Case-Control Studies; Child; Dental Caries; Dental Plaque Index; Diabetes Complications; DMF Index; Female; Gingivitis; Glucose; Humans; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Immunoglobulin A, Secretory; Lactate Dehydrogenases; Male; Muramidase; Periodontal Diseases; Periodontal Index; Proteins; Saliva

The importance of susceptibility genes in the risk for dental caries has been clearly established. While many candidate caries genes have been proposed, to date, few of them have been rigorously validated through observational and experimental studies. Moreover, most genetic epidemiological studies have analyzed global caries phenotypes that ignore the possibility that genes may exert differential effects across tooth surfaces of the dentition. Therefore, we performed genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of 5 novel dental caries phenotypes (developed by clustering the permanent dentition into categories of tooth surfaces based on co-occurrence of caries) to nominate new candidate caries genes. GWAS was performed in 920 self-reported white participants, aged 18 to 75 years, with genotype data on 518,997 genetic variants. We identified a significant genetic association between dental caries of the anterior mandibular teeth and LYZL2 (p value = 9e-9), which codes a bacteriolytic agent thought to be involved in host defense. We also identified a significant genetic association between caries of the mid- dentition tooth surfaces and AJAP1 (p value = 2e-8), a gene possibly involved in tooth development. Suggestive genetic associations were also observed for ABCG2, PKD2, the dentin/bone SCPP sub-family, EDNRA, TJFBR1, NKX2-3, IFT88, TWSG1, IL17D, and SMAD7 (p values < 7e-6). We nominate these novel genes for future study.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily G, Member 2; ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters; Bicuspid; Calcium Channels; Cell Adhesion Molecules; Cuspid; Dental Caries; Dental Caries Susceptibility; DMF Index; Genetic Variation; Genome-Wide Association Study; Genotype; Homeodomain Proteins; Humans; Incisor; Interleukin-17; Mandible; Middle Aged; Muramidase; Neoplasm Proteins; Phenotype; Proteins; Smad7 Protein; Transcription Factors; TRPP Cation Channels; Tumor Suppressor Proteins; Young Adult

To explore the relationship between the concentrations of lactoferrin and lysozyme in saliva and dental caries in primary dentition among Chinese children.. Forty children with high dmft score (dmft > or = 5) and 40 caries-free children (dmft = 0) were sampled and assigned into two groups. Total salivary proteins was measured by means of bicinchoninic acid. Sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) was performed to analyze the images of target straps. Lactoferrin and lysozyme were detected using Western blotting method.. The total salivary protein in high dmft group [(852.02 +/- 206.14) mg/L] was lower than that of caries-free group [(1032.44 +/- 221.99) mg/L, P < 0.001]. The ratio of 77,000 protein in high dmft group [(12.50 +/- 7.73) IA/microg] was significantly higher than that of the caries-free children [(8.71 +/- 4.28) IA/microg, P = 0.009], while there was no significant difference for 14,500 protein between them (P = 0.137). The ratio of lactoferrin was higher in high dmft group [(229.04 +/- 197.14) IA/microg] than that in caries-free children [(144.07 +/- 99.91) IA/microg, P = 0.018], while no significant difference for lysozyme between the two groups (P = 0.091).. Saliva protein is closely related to caries in primary dentition. Lactoferrin may be one of the important components.

Topics: Case-Control Studies; Child, Preschool; Dental Caries; Female; Humans; Lactoferrin; Male; Muramidase; Prevalence; Saliva; Salivary Proteins and Peptides; Tooth, Deciduous

There was studied the dependence of hard dental tissues resistance upon general and ionized calcium concentration, activity of alkaline phosphatase responsible for inorganic compounds phosphate removal. Hard dental tissues resistance depended upon lysozyme content in saliva. According to the results received the general and ionized calcium content in all species of mixed saliva raised to the normal values during the study execution. The alkaline phosphatase activity was reduced and lysozyme content was raised. Oral hygiene index in tested subjects was equal to 1.2+/-0.03 and DMF=12.0+/-0.3 before the study beginning; after the study DMF index did not change as well as its component D (3%) that could be interpreted that during 1 year test period carious activity in vegetarians did not change. During examination at the site of active caries pigmented substitutive dentin was detected that testified to the process development stoppage.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Alkaline Phosphatase; Calcium; Dental Caries; Diet, Vegetarian; DMF Index; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Muramidase; Oral Hygiene Index; Saliva

Mutans streptococci and Lactobacilli on impressions of teeth and caries tests were used to identify caries prone subjects.. Twenty-seven dental students were examined for caries initially and after 4 years. At the initial examination plaque index; saliva flow, buffering capacity and lysozyme; sucrose and fibre consumption; Lactobacilli and mutans streptococci in saliva and on alginate impressions were measured. Data was analysed using Kruskal-Wallis, Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney and Spearman's Rank correlation tests and linear discriminant analysis.. The best predictor of caries increment was decay. Nine subjects had no caries or restored teeth with caries (Group A); 9 had restored teeth with no caries but developed an average of 8 new decayed surfaces (Group B); 9 had an average of 4.4 decayed surfaces and developed a further 9.6 (Group C). Group A had fewer filled surfaces than Group B (p=0.02) and Group C (p=0.024) a higher flow rate of stimulated saliva than Group B (p=0.02) and Group C (p=0.012). Microorganisms were cultured from all decayed teeth, 98% that developed decay, 89% filled and 69% sound teeth. Fibre intake, saliva flow and the percentage of teeth or sound teeth with Lactobacilli and mutans streptococci gave a specificity of 89%, a sensitivity of 100% and predicted an increase in decay in all Group B subjects while one subject from Group A was misclassified. When teeth with microorganisms were excluded four subjects were misclassified.. Growth of cariogenic microorganisms on alginate impressions, saliva flow and dietary fibre predicted caries activity in most subjects.

Topics: Colony Count, Microbial; Dental Caries; Dental Impression Materials; Dental Impression Technique; Dental Plaque Index; Dietary Fiber; DMF Index; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Lactobacillus; Male; Muramidase; Predictive Value of Tests; Reference Values; Risk Factors; Saliva; Statistics, Nonparametric; Streptococcus mutans; Tooth; Young Adult

To compare the concentrations of IgA, lactate dehydrogenase, lysozyme and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in unstimulated (UWS) and stimulated (SWS) whole saliva between children with severe early childhood caries (S-ECC) and children without caries.. One hundred and ninety-two children aged from 42 to 54 months were recruited from 11 urban kindergartens in Beijing. The S-ECC group contained 98 children with more than 5 decayed teeth, and the control group contained 94 caries-free children. The age and sex were matched in the two groups. Two milliliter UWS and 2 ml SWS was collected between 9 and 11 a.m. The salivary IgA was measured by immunoturbidimetric technique. The concentrations of lactate dehydrogenase and ALP were measured by continuous monitoring method, while lysozyme was detected by turbidimetric technique. All results for paired observations between unstimulated and stimulated whole saliva were analysed by paired-samples t test.. In both UWS and SWS, the concentrations of IgA, lactate dehydrogenase and lysozyme in S-ECC children were higher than those in caries-free children (P < 0.01), but the concentration of ALP showed no significant difference in SWS between S-ECC children and caries-free children (P > 0.05).. The presence of early childhood caries may be associated with an increase of IgA, lactate dehydrogenase and lysozyme in unstimulated and stimulated whole saliva.

Topics: Alkaline Phosphatase; Child, Preschool; Dental Caries; Female; Humans; Immunoglobulin A; L-Lactate Dehydrogenase; Male; Muramidase; Saliva

Salivary gland agenesis is a rare condition. It can be associated with some equally rare syndromes so that diagnosis can be delayed.. The authors describe a case report. A 3-year-old girl, presented with dry mouth, carious teeth, recurrent herpes labialis and tonsillitis to Newcastle Dental Hospital. This case highlights the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges posed by 'salivary gland agenesis'.. Primary and secondary paediatric healthcare professionals should be aware of the possibility of salivary gland agenesis in the setting of the 'non drooling baby'. Early detection of 'salivary gland agenesis' would do much to prevent the deleterious oral affects which follow the absence of salivary protection in the oral cavity.

Topics: Child, Preschool; Dental Caries; Drug Combinations; Female; Glucose Oxidase; Herpes Labialis; Humans; Lactoperoxidase; Muramidase; Recurrence; Saliva, Artificial; Salivary Glands; Tonsillitis; Xerostomia

Caries as a multifactorial process is influenced by salivary defense. Cluster analyses should give additional information on the role of salivary variables in relation to caries increment.. Samples of unstimulated and stimulated whole saliva from 28 young adults (mean age 23.5+/-2.1 years) were analyzed for flow rate, pH and buffer variables, lysozyme, lactoferrin, peroxidase, thiocyanate, secretory immunoglobulin A, and total protein. The decayed, missing, and filled surfaces (DMFS) were recorded at baseline and after 4 years. Cluster analyses were executed on the basis of salivary data.. The mean caries increment (DeltaDMFS) over 4 years was 6.7+/-4.0 (range 1-16). In two-cluster processing, three out of four volunteers with low caries increments were grouped into one cluster. Only a few variables proved to be important for cluster characteristics.. The results suggest that over 4 years (1) the volunteers with very low caries increment (DeltaDMFS=1) are classified always together, (2) these volunteers do not form a separate cluster by themselves, (3) low caries increment was related to higher salivary flow rate and lower levels of lysozyme and lactoferrin for unstimulated saliva and (4) the partial pressure of CO(2) was of importance in stimulated saliva.

Topics: Adult; Buffers; Carbon Dioxide; Cluster Analysis; Dental Caries; DMF Index; Female; Humans; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Immunoglobulin A, Secretory; Incidence; Lactoferrin; Longitudinal Studies; Male; Muramidase; Partial Pressure; Saliva; Salivary Proteins and Peptides; Secretory Rate; Thiocyanates

Previous studies of the possible associations of salivary antimicrobial agents with dental caries have given controversial results, obviously mainly because almost all studies have been cross-sectional. Our aim was to find out, in a two-year longitudinal follow-up study, the associations among selected salivary non-immune and immune antimicrobial variables, cariogenic bacteria, and caries increment. The study population was comprised of 63 subjects, all of whom had their 13th birthday during the first study year. In addition to a comprehensive dental examination at baseline and after 2 yrs, paraffin-stimulated whole saliva samples were collected in a standardized way at six-month intervals. Saliva samples were analyzed for flow rate, buffer effect, lysozyme, lactoferrin, total peroxidase activity, hypothiocyanite, thiocyanate, agglutination rate, and total and specific anti-S. mutans IgA and IgG, as well as for numbers of total and mutans streptococci, lactobacilli, and total anaerobic bacteria. Cluster analysis and Spearman-Rank correlation coefficients were used to explore possible associations between and among the studied variables. During the two-year period, a statistically significant increase was observed in flow rate, thiocyanate, agglutination rate, anti-S. mutans IgA antibodies, lactobacilli, and total anaerobes, whereas lysozyme, lactoferrin, and total and anti-S. mutans IgG antibodies declined significantly. Based on various analyses, it can be concluded that, at baseline, total IgG and hypothiocyanite had an inverse relationship with subsequent two-year caries increment, anti-S. mutans IgG antibodies increased with caries development, and mutans streptococci and lactobacilli correlated positively with both baseline caries and caries increment. Total anaerobic microflora was consistently more abundant among caries-free individuals. In spite of the above associations, we conclude that none of the single antimicrobial agents as such has sufficiently strong power to have diagnostic significance in vivo with respect to future caries.

Topics: Adolescent; Agglutination; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Antibodies, Bacterial; Bacteria, Anaerobic; Buffers; Child; Cluster Analysis; Cohort Studies; Colony Count, Microbial; Cross-Sectional Studies; Dental Caries; DMF Index; Female; Finland; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Immunoglobulin A, Secretory; Immunoglobulin G; Lactobacillus; Lactoferrin; Longitudinal Studies; Male; Muramidase; Peroxidases; Saliva; Secretory Rate; Streptococcus mutans; Thiocyanates

Samples of whole saliva and dental plaque were collected from initially 10-year old subjects who participated in a 40-month cohort study investigating the effect of chewing gum usage on caries rates. The subjects represented nine cohorts of which one did not receive gum, while in eight cohorts the subjects received gum containing either xylitol, sorbitol, their mixtures, or sucrose as bulk sweeteners, the maximum sweetener consumption in the form of gums being up to 10.7 g/day, used in 3-5 daily chewing episodes. Gum usage had no significant effect on the levels of salivary protein, IgA, alpha-amylase, peroxidase, lysozyme, SCN and buffer capacity. At the endpoint, the group that received 100% xylitol pellet-shaped gum five times/day, had significantly lower levels of sucrase (p <0.05) and free sialic acid (p < 0.001) in whole saliva than at baseline. This group showed significantly (p <0.05) smaller plaque index scores at two cross-sectional measurements, and exhibited the lowest log(10) counts of salivary lactobacilli at endpoint than most other groups. The salivary levels of peptidase(s) (oligopeptidase B-like enzymes) hydrolyzing N-alpha-benzoyl-DL-arginyl-p-nitroaniline were significantly (p<0.05) or almost significantly lower in groups which received 100% xylitol pellet gums. All groups exhibited obviously an aging-related increase of salivary mutans streptococcus scores, except the above xylitol group in which the mean scores did not change.

Topics: alpha-Amylases; Aniline Compounds; Buffers; Cariostatic Agents; Chewing Gum; Child; Cohort Studies; Colony Count, Microbial; Cross-Sectional Studies; Dental Caries; Dental Plaque; Dental Plaque Index; Humans; Immunoglobulin A, Secretory; Lactobacillus; Muramidase; Peptide Hydrolases; Peroxidases; Saliva; Salivary Proteins and Peptides; Sialic Acids; Sorbitol; Streptococcus mutans; Sucrase; Sucrose; Sweetening Agents; Thiocyanates; Xylitol

A series of rat caries experiments was carried out to test the relative cariogenic potential and to identify the major carcinogenic elements of 22 popular snack foods. Parameters that were measured included rat caries, number of cariogenic bacteria in plaque, salivary parameters including flow rate, buffering capacity, total protein, lysozyme and amylase content, and composition of test foods including protein, fat, phosphorus, calcium, fluoride, galactose, glucose, total reducing sugar, sucrose, and starch. Many interesting relationships were observed between food components, numbers of plaque bacteria, salivary components, and specific types of carious lesions. Protein, fat, and phosphorus in foods were all associated with inhibition of both sulcal and buccolingual (smooth-surface) caries. Food fluoride was associated with inhibition of buccolingual caries, whereas calcium was related to inhibition of sulcal caries. Glucose, reducing sugar, and sucrose in foods were all related to promotion of both sulcal and smooth-surface caries. The numbers of Streptococcus sobrinus in plaque were associated with promotion of smooth-surface caries only, whereas lactobacilli, non-mutans bacteria, and total viable flora were related to promotion of both smooth-surface and sulcal caries. The salivary flow rate was associated with inhibition of both buccolingual and sulcal caries. Salivary buffering capacity (at pH 7) and salivary lysozyme delivery were associated with inhibition of number and severity of sulcal caries, while the salivary amylase content was related to the promotion of the number of sulcal lesions.

Topics: Amylases; Animals; Bacteria; Bacterial Physiological Phenomena; Buffers; Calcium; Cariogenic Agents; Colony Count, Microbial; Dental Caries; Dental Plaque; Dietary Carbohydrates; Dietary Fats; Dietary Proteins; Food; Food Analysis; Lactobacillus; Muramidase; Phosphorus; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Saliva; Salivary Proteins and Peptides; Secretory Rate; Streptococcus sobrinus

Topics: Alkaline Phosphatase; Child; Dental Caries; Female; Humans; Immunoglobulin A, Secretory; Immunoglobulin G; Immunohistochemistry; Male; Muramidase; Regression Analysis; Saliva

The aim was to study the level of salivary proteins with antimicrobial properties in persons with Crohn's disease. Twenty-five patients were recruited, 13 with ongoing symptoms (acute group) and 12 free of clinical signs of the disease at the time of the investigation (nonacute group). A control group matched to the nonacute group was also included in the study. Unstimulated and stimulated whole saliva samples were collected, and the secretion rates estimated. Unstimulated saliva was analyzed for concentrations of total protein, peroxidase, thiocyanate, slgA, lactoferrin, lysozyme, and for specific bacteria aggregation ability. Numbers of mutans streptococci and lactobacilli in saliva were determined, and dental caries status was examined. No differences were found among the groups regarding salivary flow rate, total protein, or any of the antimicrobial proteins. However, three patients with Crohn's disease had no detectable slgA in saliva compared with none in the control group. The lactobacillus count and the number of decayed tooth surfaces were higher in the nonacute group than in the control group.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Case-Control Studies; Colony Count, Microbial; Crohn Disease; Dental Caries; Dental Caries Susceptibility; DMF Index; Female; Humans; Immunity, Innate; Immunoglobulin A, Secretory; Lactobacillus; Lactoferrin; Male; Middle Aged; Muramidase; Peroxidases; Prevalence; Risk Factors; Saliva; Salivary Proteins and Peptides; Salivation; Secretory Rate; Streptococcus mutans

The association of salivary antibody (total IgA, IgG, and IgM and antibodies reactive with Streptococcus mutans) and non-antibody (lysozyme, lactoferrin, salivary peroxidase, myeloperoxidase, hypothiocyanite, thiocyanate) defense factors with oral health (past and present dental caries, gingival bleeding, the number of salivary S. mutans and lactobacilli) were studied in 50 naval recruits. Dental caries was significantly associated with large amounts of S. mutans, lactobacilli, and total salivary immunoglobulins and with low salivary flow rate and buffer capacity. Salivary anti-S. mutans antibodies did not correlate with dental caries or S. mutans levels. Moreover, none of the salivary non-antibody factors alone had any strong relationship to dental caries or S. mutans levels. Gingival inflammation was associated with elevated levels of lysozyme in whole saliva. It is concluded that in adults the associations between single-point measurements of most salivary antimicrobial constituents and the factors describing oral health are weak.

Topics: Adult; Dental Caries; DMF Index; Gingivitis; Humans; Immunoglobulin A, Secretory; Lactobacillus; Male; Muramidase; Periodontal Index; Saliva; Salivary Proteins and Peptides; Secretory Rate; Streptococcus mutans

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Dental Caries; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Mouth Diseases; Mouth Mucosa; Muramidase; Occupational Dentistry; Periodontal Diseases; Saliva

Topics: Adult; Dental Caries; Dental Caries Susceptibility; Humans; Muramidase; Saliva

Topics: Adult; Bacterial Physiological Phenomena; Dental Caries; Dental Caries Activity Tests; Dietary Carbohydrates; Forecasting; Humans; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Muramidase

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Dental Caries; Dental Plaque; Female; Gingivitis; Humans; Immunoglobulin A, Secretory; Immunoglobulin G; Male; Muramidase; Saliva

The specificity of lysozyme determinations in human parotid and submandibular-sublingual salivas of two subjects was assessed by comparison of lysozyme concentrations in native acidified salivas with purified enzyme obtained by immunoadsorbent fractionation of the salivas. Lysozyme concentrations were measured by the turbidimetric catalytic method and by a newly developed enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The validity of the assays was established by comparing assay results with enzyme concentration values determined from optical density-extinction coefficient calculations of the purified lysozyme peak. Values for purified enzyme were found to be similar, irrespective of the assay used to determine lysozyme concentrations, and were in agreement with extinction coefficient calculations. Based on the ELISA technique, recoveries of lysozyme from both parotid and submandibular-sublingual salivas were greater than 75 and 90%, respectively. Similar recoveries were noted for parotid saliva when determinations were based on the turbidimetric assay. However, the ELISA and turbidimetric assays differed with respect to lysozyme levels in submandibular-sublingual saliva because of the apparent presence of an enhancement factor which gave rise to higher lysozyme values in the catalytic assay and therefore resulted in low recoveries of purified enzyme. This catalytic enhancement factor was present in the nonadsorbed fraction of both subjects, as higher lysozyme activities were noted when nonadsorbed fractions were added to affinity-purified lysozymes. Lysozyme levels were also determined in the parotid and submandibular-sublingual salivas of caries-resistant and -susceptible adults. In general, levels of lysozyme in parotid saliva were lower in comparison to submandibular -sublingual saliva; however, significant differences in enzyme concentration were not evident between the caries-resistant and caries-susceptible subjects.

Topics: Dental Caries; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Humans; Immunity, Innate; Muramidase; Parotid Gland; Saliva; Sublingual Gland; Submandibular Gland

Lysozyme concentration was quantitated immunochemically in parotid and submandibular-sublingual saliva of 46 caries-resistant and 17 caries-susceptible adults. There was essentially no difference between the two groups. The concentration of lysozyme was three times higher in the submandibular-sublingual than in the parotid secretion, and was significantly higher in unstimulated submandibular saliva than in secretions stimulated with 1, 2, or 4% citric acid. There were no significant differences in flow rate between caries-resistant and -susceptible subjects. Salivary lysozyme concentration is not a critical determinant of resistance or susceptibility to caries.

Topics: Adult; Dental Caries; Dental Caries Susceptibility; Humans; Muramidase; Saliva; Secretory Rate

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Dental Caries; DMF Index; Female; Humans; Male; Muramidase; Saliva; Salivary Proteins and Peptides

Topics: Child; Child, Preschool; Dental Caries; Female; Humans; Immunoglobulin A; Immunoglobulin A, Secretory; Lactobacillus; Male; Muramidase; Saliva

Topics: Antibodies, Bacterial; Child; Complement C3; Dental Caries; Dental Plaque; Glucosyltransferases; Humans; Immunoglobulin A; Immunoglobulin G; Immunoglobulin M; Muramidase; Saliva; Streptococcus mutans; Teichoic Acids

1) Certain selective IgA-deficient subjects are capable of synthesizing functional secretory antibodies (s-IgM or s-IgA class) to indigenous oral microorganisms. 2) The presence or absence of these secretory antibodies in saliva can be correlated with the extent of caries involvement. 3) Lysozyme activity is significantly increased in saliva from immune deficient subjects though no correlation can be made with caries experience.

Topics: Agammaglobulinemia; Dental Caries; Humans; Immunoglobulin A; Immunoglobulin A, Secretory; Immunoglobulin M; Lactoferrin; Muramidase; Parotid Gland; Saliva; Submandibular Gland

Topics: Amylases; Calcium; Dental Caries; Fluorides; Kallikreins; Lactoferrin; Macromolecular Substances; Muramidase; Peroxidases; Phosphorus; Proteins; Saliva; Salivary Glands; Salivation; Secretory Component; Secretory Rate

Human supragingival dental plaque was collected from patients with various degrees of caries and periodontal disease. Plaque extracts, prepared in five different solutions (four varied from pH 1.8 to 12.7; one contained urea), were analyzed by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and tested for amylase and lysozyme enzyme activity. Because no qualitative or quantitative advantages of using the extremes of pH or urea were observed, all subsequent extracts were prepared in phosphate buffered saline at pH 7.3. Concentrated extracts were fractionated by gel filtration and characterized by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, peptide mapping, molecular weight estimation, determination of enzymatic activities and amino acid and carbohydrate analyses. Regions of similarity among the gels were revealed by comparing the electrophoretic patterns of pooled plaque extract, normal serum and whole saliva. The elution pattern of pooled plaque extract from a standardized Sephadex G-200 column indicated the presence of both high and low molecular weight proteins that might have correlated with the components of normal serum and saliva. A predominant and dialyzable third fraction had no correlate in either serum or saliva. The small peptides in this fraction were subjected to amino acid, carbohydrate and peptide map analyses. The most abundant amino acids were alanine, glutamic acid, glycine, valine, leucine, lysine and serine. These small components contained no neutral or amino sugars. Pooled plaque extract and the small peptides exhibited similar peptide maps.

Topics: Alanine; Amylases; Betaine; Dental Caries; Dental Plaque; Glutamates; Glycine; Humans; Leucine; Muramidase; Periodontal Diseases; Saliva; Serine; Valine

Separate plaque samples (collected from 13 patients who had experienced caries and various degrees of periodontal disease) were each dispersed in 1 ml of distilled water, homogenized and lyophilized. Each lyophilisate was extracted in 1 ml of buffered saline, concentrated and analyzed. Enzyme activity studies revealed amylase in all plaque samples. Lysozyme was present occasionally. By radial immunodiffusion, IgG and IgA were shown to be in plaque extracts of some patients. Immunofluorescence examination of the sediments of individual plaque samples revealed that IgG and IgA occurred frequently. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis patterns of the extracts of plaque from different individuals exhibited marked variability despite some zones of similarity. Peptide maps of the dialysable material of the individual plaque extracts were remarkably similar.

Topics: Amylases; Dental Caries; Dental Plaque; Humans; Immunoglobulin A; Immunoglobulin G; Muramidase; Periodontal Diseases; Proteins

The mouth harbors organisms in great abundance; yet their variety is limited and it is noteworthy that some species present in the mouth are not found elsewhere. There are many antibacterial substances in the mouth, some of which may contribute to the control of the microbial flora in the mouth. The activity of some is enhanced in the presence of specific antibody, e.g. lactoferrin, although others appear unaffected, e.g. lactoperoxidase. Opinions differ as to whether the level of immunoglobulins in human saliva can be related to caries. Although it has been established in principle that caries can be prevented in animals by means of vaccination, substantial work remains to be done before a vaccine will be available for testing in humans.

Topics: Animals; Antibodies; Bacteriolysis; Cricetinae; Dental Caries; Dental Caries Susceptibility; Haplorhini; Humans; Immunoglobulins; Infant, Newborn; Lactoferrin; Mouth Mucosa; Muramidase; Peroxidases; Rats; Saliva; Vaccination

Topics: Dental Caries; Immunochemistry; Muramidase; Periodontal Diseases; Saliva

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Child; Dental Caries; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Muramidase; Periodontal Diseases; Saliva

Topics: Antiviral Agents; Cell Wall; Dental Caries; Dentifrices; Drinking; Fluoridation; Fluorides, Topical; Humans; Methods; Mouth; Muramidase; Oral Hygiene

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aging; Amyloidosis; Animals; Antibody Formation; Arteritis; Autoantibodies; Blood Group Antigens; Cattle; Cell Nucleus; Child; Child, Preschool; Cricetinae; Dental Caries; Dogs; Erythrocytes; Fishes; Haplorhini; Humans; Immunity; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Isoantibodies; Kidney; Lymphatic System; Lymphoma; Mice; Middle Aged; Muramidase; Rheumatoid Factor; Serum Globulins; Stomach; Temperature; Thyroid Gland

Topics: Dental Caries; Fluoridation; Humans; Muramidase