muramidase and Periodontitis

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

Metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes (T2DM) resulting from sustained hyperglycemia are considered as risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) but the mechanism for their contribution to cardiopathogenesis is not well understood. Hyperglycemia induces nonenzymatic glycation of protein-yielding advanced glycation end products (AGE), which are postulated to stimulate interleukin-6 (IL-6) expression, triggering the liver to secrete tissue necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) and C-reactive protein (CRP) that contribute to CVD pathogenesis. Although the high prevalence of periodontitis among individuals with diabetes is well known by dental researchers, it is relatively unrecognized in the medical community. The expression of the same proinflammatory mediators implicated in hyperglycemia (i.e., IL-6, TNF-alpha, and CRP) have been reported to be associated with periodontal disease and increased risk for CVD. We will review published evidence related to these 2 pathways and offer a consensus.

Topics: Carbohydrate Metabolism; Cardiovascular Diseases; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Endothelium, Vascular; Focal Infection, Dental; Glycation End Products, Advanced; Humans; Hyperglycemia; Inflammation Mediators; Metabolic Syndrome; Muramidase; Periodontitis; Salivary Proteins and Peptides

Biomarkers of periodontal disease activity may be obtained from potential proteolytic and hydrolytic enzymes of inflammatory cell origin. Studies that have sought to correlate these enzymes with periodontal disease activity are reviewed with special consideration given to collagenases, cysteine, aspartate and serine proteinases, beta-glucuronidase, arylsulphate, alkaline and acid phosphatases, myeloperoxidase, lysozyme and lactoferrin.

Topics: Acid Phosphatase; Alkaline Phosphatase; Arylsulfatases; Aspartic Acid Endopeptidases; Biomarkers; Collagenases; Cysteine Endopeptidases; Glucuronidase; Humans; Hydrolases; Lactoferrin; Muramidase; Peptide Hydrolases; Periodontal Diseases; Periodontitis; Peroxidase; Serine Endopeptidases

The current knowledge on the cellular, host-response features in juvenile periodontitis (JP) has been reviewed. The chemotaxis of the polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs), known to be defective in JP, is modulated by serum factors and bacteria. The interactions of the putative etiologic pathogen Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans (A.a.) and the enzyme lysozyme with PMNs modify the host defense. Data on the phagocytic capacity of the peripheral blood and gingival crevice PMNs in JP are still controversial. The monocytes exhibit similar alterations as PMNs in interaction with A.a., but the reports on defective monocyte chemotaxis are conflicting. Both bacterial challenge and genetic factors may regulate the lymphocyte response in JP.

Topics: Actinobacillus; Aggressive Periodontitis; Animals; B-Lymphocytes; Bacteria; Chemotactic Factors; Chemotaxis, Leukocyte; Humans; Immunity, Cellular; Lymphocytes; Mice; Monocytes; Muramidase; Neutrophils; Periodontal Diseases; Periodontitis; Phagocytosis; T-Lymphocytes

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Age Factors; Aged; Bacteria; Bacterial Infections; Cells, Cultured; Female; Gingivitis; Humans; Male; Mastication; Middle Aged; Muramidase; Periodontal Diseases; Periodontitis; Phagocytosis; Polysaccharides, Bacterial; Saliva

Periodontal regeneration is extremely limited and unpredictable due to structural complications, as it requires the simultaneous restoration of different tissues, including cementum, gingiva, bone, and periodontal ligament. In this work, spray-dried microparticles based on green materials (polysaccharides - gums - and a protein - silk fibroin) are proposed to be implanted in the periodontal pocket as 3D scaffolds during non-surgical treatments, to prevent the progression of periodontal disease and to promote the healing in mild periodontitis. Arabic or xanthan gum have been associated to silk fibroin, extracted from Bombyx mori cocoons, and loaded with lysozyme due to its antibacterial properties. The microparticles were prepared by spray-drying and cross-linked by water vapor annealing, inducing the amorphous to semi-crystalline transition of the protein component. The microparticles were characterized in terms of their chemico-physical features (SEM, size distribution, structural characterization - FTIR and SAXS, hydration and degradation properties) and preclinical properties (lysozyme release, antibacterial properties, mucoadhesion, in vitro cells adhesion and proliferation and in vivo safety on a murine incisional wound model). The encouraging preclinical results highlighted that these three-dimensional (3D) microparticles could provide a biocompatible platform able to prevent periodontitis progression and to promote the healing of soft tissues in mild periodontitis.

Topics: Animals; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Biocompatible Materials; Bombyx; Fibroins; Mice; Muramidase; Periodontitis; Polysaccharides; Scattering, Small Angle; Tissue Engineering; Tissue Scaffolds; X-Ray Diffraction

The presence of lysozyme in human gingiva has not previously been demonstrated. In this study, we looked for evidence for the potential role of lysozyme as a protector of gingival elastic fibres. The objective of this study was also to determine the ex vivo susceptibility to hydrolysis of gingival elastic fibres from patients with or without periodontal disease by human leukocyte elastase and by human cathepsin G.. Using gingival tissue sections from eight control, 10 gingivitis and 10 periodontitis patients, we evaluated the area fraction occupied by gingival elastic fibres (after selective staining) by the use of automated image analysis. In the ex vivo experiments, serial tissue sections from four control, four gingivitis, four young periodontitis and four aged periodontitis patients were submitted to the action of human leukocyte elastase and cathepsin G, after which enzymatic activities were determined by image analysis. Indirect immunodetection of lysozyme was also done on tissue sections for all patients included in this study.. Large variations of the area fraction occupied by elastic fibres were observed in human gingiva from young and aged patients with and without periodontal disease. In control and gingivitis patients, leukocyte elastase and cathepsin G had high comparable elastin solubilizing activities. With young and aged periodontitis patients, the two serine proteinases had weak elastin solubilizing activities. Lysozyme appeared to be present at the periphery of gingival elastic fibres in periodontitis patients.. Lysozyme can be considered an important natural protector of elastic fibres in pathological gingiva.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Age Factors; Aged; Cathepsin G; Cathepsins; Contractile Proteins; Elastic Tissue; Elastin; Enzyme Inhibitors; Extracellular Matrix Proteins; Female; Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Indirect; Gingiva; Gingival Hemorrhage; Gingivitis; Humans; Hydrolysis; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; Leukocyte Elastase; Male; Middle Aged; Muramidase; Periodontal Attachment Loss; Periodontal Pocket; Periodontitis; Serine Endopeptidases; Young Adult

The aim of this study was to investigate associations between the immune component of the oral cavity, lysozyme, in gingival crevicular fluid and unstimulated saliva, and colonization dynamics of periodontopathogenic bacteria from supra- and subgingival plaque samples in patients with gingivitis or periodontitis.. Lysozyme in crevicular fluid and unstimulated saliva, and bacteria in supra- and subgingival plaque samples were assessed in 84 samples from 28 patients with gingivitis, 96 samples from 32 patients with periodontitis, and 72 samples from 24 donors with intact periodontium and free of internal disease. Lysozyme activity was determined spectrophotometrically. The micro-IDent plus assay was used to detect 6 periodontopathogenic bacteria plaque samples.. Lysozyme activity in crevicular fluid in the gingivitis and periodontitis groups was significantly greater than that in the donor group, but lysozyme activity in unstimulated saliva was less than that in the donor group. Peptostreptococcus micros, Fusobacterium periodontium and Campylobacter rectus were predominant in subgingival plaque samples in the periodontitis group compared to the donor group (P<0.001), and Eubacterium nodatum and Eikenella corrodens were predominant in the gingivitis group compared to the donor group (P<0.001).. Lysozyme activity in crevicular fluid and in unstimulated saliva correlated with periodontal pocket depth in donors and in patients with gingivitis or periodontitis (specificity and sensitivity were both 100%). These findings indicate that infection with P. micros, F. periodontium, E. nodatum, E. corrodens, and C. rectus may be an important indicator of inflammatory periodontal disease development.

Topics: Adult; Bacteria; Female; Gingivitis; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Muramidase; Periodontitis; Prognosis; Regression Analysis

Antimicrobial proteins are abundant in saliva. The purpose of this study was to determine and compare the amounts of two types of antibacterial protein, cystatin and lysozyme, in saliva between healthy persons and subjects with periodontitis.. Forty subjects with periodontitis visiting Tokyo Dental College Chiba Hospital, Chiba, Japan, and 27 healthy persons were evaluated. Whole saliva was collected by requiring all subjects to expectorate into a sterile tube. Salivary levels of cystatin SA, cystatin C, and lysozyme were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay or immunoblot assay.. Cystatin SA levels in saliva from the periodontally diseased group showed a mean value of 0.063 +/- 0.026 mg/ml, statistically lower than that in the healthy group (P <0.05). The average cystatin C level in the periodontally diseased group was 2.27 +/- 1.20 ng/ml, markedly lower than that in the healthy group (3.79 +/- 1.28 ng/ml; P <0.05). Average lysozyme levels in the periodontitis and healthy groups were 16.75 +/- 15.31 microg/ml and 30.03 +/- 15.03 microg/ml, respectively. The lysozyme level in the periodontitis group was significantly lower than in the healthy group (P <0.05).. Specific monoclonal antibodies are useful for the detection of family 2 cystatins in saliva samples, and the amount of antibacterial protein in saliva offers a potential indicator of the risk for periodontitis.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Case-Control Studies; Cystatin C; Cystatins; Cysteine Endopeptidases; Female; Humans; Immunoblotting; Male; Middle Aged; Muramidase; Periodontitis; Protease Inhibitors; Salivary Cystatins; Salivary Proteins and Peptides

To investigate bacterial populations in subgingival and supragingival plaque samples of patients with inflammatory periodontal diseases and activities of the lysosomal enzymes--lysozyme, alkaline phosphatase, and beta-glucuronidase--in peripheral venous blood, in gingival crevicular fluid, and mixed nonstimulated saliva.. The study included 60 patients with inflammatory periodontal diseases without any internal pathology and 24 periodontally healthy subjects. Molecular genetic assay (Micro-IDent plus, Germany) for complex identification of additional six periodontopathic bacteria was applied. The activity of lysozyme was determined turbidimetrically, the activity of alkaline phosphatase--spectrophotometrically with a "Monarch" biochemical analyzer, the activity beta-glucuronidase--according to the method described by Mead et al. and modified by Strachunskii.. A statistically significant association between clinical and bacteriological data was found in the following cases: gingival bleeding in the presence of Eubacterium nodatum, Eikenella corrodens, Capnocytophaga spp. (P<0.01); pathological periodontal pockets in the presence of Peptostreptococcus micros (alpha< or =0.05 and beta< or =0.2), Fusobacterium nucleatum (alpha< or =0.05 and beta< or =0.2), Campylobacter rectus (alpha< or =0.05 and beta< or =0.2), and Capnocytophaga spp. (P<0.05); and satisfactory oral hygiene in the presence of all microorganisms investigated (P<0.05). The activity of lysozyme in gingival crevicular fluid and mixed nonstimulated saliva indicates the severity of periodontal inflammation. Based on clinical data, in assessing the amount of lysozyme in mixed nonstimulated saliva, sensitivity and specificity of 100% was found. Increased activities of lysozyme, alkaline phosphatase, and beta-glucuronidase were found in peripheral venous blood of patients with inflammatory periodontal disease as compared to control group.. The main principles of the treatment of periodontal inflammatory diseases should be based on microorganism elimination, creation of individual treatment means affecting microflora in the mouth and immune system of macroorganisms.

Topics: Adult; Alkaline Phosphatase; Campylobacter rectus; Capnocytophaga; Chi-Square Distribution; Dental Plaque; Eikenella corrodens; Eubacterium; Fusobacterium nucleatum; Gingival Hemorrhage; Glucuronidase; Humans; Muramidase; Nephelometry and Turbidimetry; Peptostreptococcus; Periodontal Index; Periodontitis; Risk Factors; Saliva; Sensitivity and Specificity; Spectrophotometry

Aim of study was to examine periodontal status among 20 44 year old patients and to study the secretory function of peripheral venous blood neutrophilic leukocytes (NL) exposed to various antigens and alkaline phosphatase (AP) activity in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) in patients suffering from gingivitis and periodontitis. Clinically were determined Russell's periodontal index (PI). Secretory function of NL affected by opsonized zymosane, non-opsonized E. coli was examined in 77 patients with gingivitis and periodontitis, and in 35 donors, free of internal diseases, by means of beta-glucuronidase (beta-GD), lysozyme (LZ). NL secreted higher levels of beta-GD in incubation medium in patients with periodontitis (p < or = 0.001) subject to degree of periodontal lesion. NL affected by various antigens secreted higher levels of LZ into non-cellular matrix in patients with gingivitis and periodontitis comparing to control environment in analogous groups. Data obtained from this study suggest that in patients with periodontitis response of NL to bacterial stimuli is specific and subject to the degree of periodontal lesion. Our study showed a significant difference of AP activity in GCF subject to pocket depth and degree of periodontal lesion. Once NL are exposed to corpuscules prone to phagocytosis, an increase in secretion of beta-GD and LZ can be explained by overall increase in secretion of NL lysosomic enzymes, thus disclosing the mechanism of inflammatory periodontal tissue damage.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Alkaline Phosphatase; Antigens, Bacterial; Gingival Crevicular Fluid; Gingivitis; Glucuronidase; Humans; Muramidase; Neutrophils; Periodontitis

The aim of the study was to verify (i) if crevicular fluid defence variables reflect the changes after surgical periodontal treatment and (ii) if they are in correspondence with changes of these variables in the unstimulated and stimulated whole saliva.. For 12 male and 13 female volunteers with chronic periodontitis lactoferrin concentration as well as the lysozyme and peroxidase activities were determined in crevicular fluid as well as in unstimulated and stimulated saliva before and 14 days after surgical periodontal treatment by a minimal invasive flap technique.. The lactoferrin concentrations decreased significantly in the crevicular fluid eluting solution from 1.63 to 1.23 mg/l reflecting a decrease in the total amount collected, in unstimulated saliva from 10.54 to 8.96 mg/l, and in stimulated saliva from 9.00 to 7.11 mg/l after treatment. No significant change could be found for lysozyme. Peroxidase activity was significantly reduced from 269.06 to 186.15 U/l only in the crevicular fluid.. The results of this study suggest that (i) the defence factor lactoferrin is suitable for monitoring of periodontal treatment results and (ii) changes of the lactoferrin concentration in crevicular fluid are related with significant changes in unstimulated and stimulated saliva.

Topics: Biomarkers; Chronic Disease; Female; Gingival Crevicular Fluid; Humans; Immunoenzyme Techniques; Lactoferrin; Male; Middle Aged; Muramidase; Periodontitis; Peroxidase; Saliva; Statistics, Nonparametric

This investigation was designed to determine and compare the distribution pattern of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in the presence or absence of periodontal disease.. Sera of 30 patients with SLE and 30 with RA were tested for ANCA utilizing an indirect enzyme immunosorbent assay (ELISA) directed to a neutrophil granular extract and 6 neutrophil granule proteins. A control group of 20 healthy individuals showing neither evidence of periodontal disease nor systemic compromise was also included in this study.. For RA, the number of ANCA-positive sera was very low but was evenly distributed among patients with and without periodontitis. Conversely, a high number of ANCA-positive sera in SLE was found mostly in individuals presenting periodontal compromise. A statistically significant association between ANCA and periodontitis in SLE patients was found (P <0.005, chi square test).. A marked difference in the number and distribution of ANCA with respect to periodontitis between RA and SLE was found. Hyperresponsiveness of B cells and polyclonal B activation to periodontopathic bacteria in SLE might be accountable for the high numbers of ANCA and the close association observed between those autoantibodies and periodontitis in SLE.

Topics: Adult; Antibodies, Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic; Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Autoantigens; B-Lymphocytes; Bacteria; Cathepsin G; Cathepsins; Chi-Square Distribution; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Female; Humans; Lactoferrin; Leukocyte Elastase; Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic; Lymphocyte Activation; Male; Middle Aged; Muramidase; Myeloblastin; Neutrophils; Periodontitis; Peroxidase; Serine Endopeptidases

In recent studies the existence of a chitinase in various mammals, like man, was described. The aim of the present study was to find out whether salivas of periodontally healthy and inflamed humans also contain chitinase activity. Chitinase activity, assayed with the substrate 4-methylumbelliferyl-beta-D-N,N',N"-triacetylchitotrioside, was shown to be present in human whole saliva, with an activity level and apparent molecular mass (35 kDa) that were comparable with those of the human serum enzyme. Both lysozyme and beta-N-acetylhexosaminidase could be separated from chitinase by means of Bio-Gel P-100 gel filtration chromatography. The enzyme was also present in glandular saliva of parotid, palatine, submandibular and sublingual glands. The chitinase activity was not of oral epithelial, bacterial or plaque bacterial origin and was not correlated with the activity of salivary amylase. A comparative study of whole salivas of periodontally healthy controls and gingivitis and periodontitis subjects showed that only in the case of periodontitis there was a significant increase of the specific chitinase activity. The latter enzyme showed a gel filtration pattern that was comparable with that of the enzyme from controls. The measured albumin levels in saliva and the absence of correlation between the chitinase activity levels in plasma and saliva from periodontitis patients indicated that the (increased) chitinase activities did not originate from blood leakage to the oral cavity.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Amylases; beta-N-Acetylhexosaminidases; Chitinases; Chromatography, Gel; Female; Gels; Gingivitis; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Muramidase; Parotid Gland; Periodontitis; Saliva; Salivary Glands, Minor; Salivary Proteins and Peptides; Sublingual Gland; Submandibular Gland

The number of decayed, missed and filled permanent teeth (DMFT), the degree of periodontal inflammation (Periodontal Status Index, PSI), stimulated salivary flow rate and the concentrations of total protein, lactoferrin, lysozyme, myeloperoxidase, salivary peroxidase, calcium, potassium, sodium and thiocyanate in whole saliva of 26 adult asthma patients were compared with those of 33 non-asthmatic controls. The saliva was also analysed for mutans streptococci, lactobacilli, total anaerobic flora and Candida spp. The mean PSI (p < 0.05; 95% confidence interval for the difference between means (95% CI) 2.47-25.30) was higher and the mean stimulated salivary flow rate (p < or = 0.05; 95% CI 0.57-0.55) was lower in the asthmatic group than in the control group. No differences were found between the groups in non-immune defense factors, except for myeloperoxidase. The myeloperoxidase concentrations were higher in asthmatics than in non-asthmatics (p < 0.05; 95% CI 4.4-134.0 ng/ml). No differences in microbial counts were found. It was concluded that stimulated salivary flow rates decrease while myeloperoxidase concentrations increase in adult asthmatic patients compared with non-asthmatic adults. The higher concentrations of myeloperoxidase are explained by a higher PSI in asthmatics.

Topics: Adult; Asthma; Bacteria, Anaerobic; Calcium; Candida; Colony Count, Microbial; Confidence Intervals; DMF Index; Female; Humans; Lactobacillus; Lactoferrin; Male; Middle Aged; Muramidase; Periodontal Index; Periodontitis; Peroxidase; Peroxidases; Potassium; Saliva; Salivary Proteins and Peptides; Secretory Rate; Sodium; Streptococcus mutans; Thiocyanates

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the salivary secretion rate and composition in a group of 16 children and young adults (6-27 years) with Papillon-Lefèvre Syndrome (PLS), and to compare the findings with a group (n = 16) of healthy controls. Unstimulated and stimulated whole saliva was collected at least 2 h after meals and the secretion rate determined. The stimulated saliva was assessed for buffer capacity, total protein, peroxidase and hexosamine, while the unstimulated samples were evaluated for total protein, lysozyme, thiocyanate, lactoferrin and salivary IgA. Both the unstimulated (p < 0.01) and stimulated (p < 0.05) saliva secretion rates were significantly lower among the PLS patients compared with the controls. Furthermore salivary buffer capacity was significantly (p < 0.01) lower in the PLS patients. The total protein content in saliva was comparatively high in the study group, while the concentrations of immunoglobulins and non-immunoglobulins were within normal ranges. When calculating the output of the assessed antimicrobial factors, the mean peroxidase level in stimulated whole saliva was found to be significantly (p < 0.01) lower in the PLS patients than in the healthy controls. In conclusion, the present study indicates an impaired water secretion and a somewhat altered saliva gland function in children and young adults with PLS.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Case-Control Studies; Child; Child, Preschool; Female; Hexosamines; Humans; Immunoglobulin A, Secretory; Lactoferrin; Male; Muramidase; Papillon-Lefevre Disease; Periodontitis; Peroxidase; Saliva; Salivary Glands; Salivary Proteins and Peptides; Secretory Rate; Statistics, Nonparametric; Thiocyanates; Water-Electrolyte Balance

The heritability of saliva protein concentrations was investigated in stored samples of clarified stimulated whole saliva from adult twins participating in a study of periodontal disease genetics. Saliva was obtained from 29 monozygous and 20 dizygous twin pairs. Visits were scheduled so that both twins in a pair donated saliva at the same time of day. Flow rate was determined, and frozen samples later assayed for lactoferrin, lysozyme, secretory IgA, total peroxidase, myeloperoxidase and total protein. Pairs were always assayed together. Within- and between-pair variances were used to estimate twin intraclass correlations. Pearson correlations were used to estimate associations between saliva variables and clinical indices of gingivitis, dental plaque, periodontal attachment loss, and probing depth. Significant genetic contributions to variance were seen for total protein, lactoferrin, and total peroxidase. Total protein showed a significant positive correlation with gingivitis. There were no other correlations with clinical indices, and intraclass correlations for saliva variables did not change after adjustment for gingivitis. Dizygous twin correlations were higher than monozygous twin correlations for flow rate, lysozyme, and secretory IgA. That may be an artefact due to small numbers of pairs. It seems unlikely that a common environmental factor would strongly affect saliva in twins living apart as adults. Present findings, taken as sib correlations, support a genetic contribution to saliva protein concentrations. Problems with the twin model in saliva might be resolved by longitudinal studies of large numbers of twins.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Diseases in Twins; Female; Gingivitis; Humans; Immunoglobulin A, Secretory; Lactoferrin; Male; Middle Aged; Muramidase; Periodontitis; Peroxidase; Peroxidases; Saliva; Salivary Proteins and Peptides; Secretory Rate; Twins; Twins, Dizygotic; Twins, Monozygotic

beta 2-microglobulin (beta 2-m), lysozyme and protein concentrations in gingival fluid were analyzed in 19 patients with severe periodontitis and in 19 controls devoid of any clinical signs of inflammation. A significant increase of the total protein and beta 2-m levels was found in periodontal subjects. In contrast, lysozyme concentration did not reflect the inflammatory status of the periodontium. Statistical analyses showed significant correlations between beta 2-m and protein concentrations in both groups. Furthermore, the values obtained by Periotron 600 closely correlated with the protein and beta 2-m contents, indicating that this method is a reliable aid in assessment of the quantity and quality of crevicular exudate and thus the severity of periodontal disease.

Topics: Adult; beta 2-Microglobulin; Diagnosis, Oral; Gingival Crevicular Fluid; Gingivitis; Humans; Middle Aged; Muramidase; Periodontitis; Proteins

Topics: Adult; Chemotaxis, Leukocyte; Humans; Monocytes; Muramidase; Neutrophils; Periodontitis

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Female; Gingivitis; Humans; Immunity, Innate; Male; Middle Aged; Muramidase; Periodontal Diseases; Periodontitis; Saliva

Topics: Adult; Female; Halitosis; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Muramidase; Periodontitis; Toothpastes

The concentrations of IgA, lysozyme and beta 2-microglobulin (beta 2-m) were quantitated in wax-stimulated mixed saliva from 28 patients with severe periodontitis and from 28 healthy controls. The mutual correlations between IgA, lysozyme and beta 2-m were determined. In patients with periodontitis decreased lysozyme concentrations were detected when compared with controls (P less than 0.05). The correlation between IgA and beta 2-m concentrations was highly significant in both groups studied (P less than 0.0001, and P less than 0.002), whereas beta 2-m and lysozyme concentrations were positively correlated in patients but not in controls. In addition, a significant correlation between IgA and lysozyme was found only in periodontal patients (P less than 0.001).

Topics: Adult; beta 2-Microglobulin; Humans; Immunoglobulin A, Secretory; Middle Aged; Muramidase; Periodontitis; Saliva; Secretory Rate

Topics: Animals; Epithelial Attachment; Male; Muramidase; Periodontitis; Rats; Rats, Inbred Strains

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Muramidase; Periodontal Abscess; Periodontitis

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Muramidase; Periodontal Abscess; Periodontitis; Tablets

The effect of leukocyte hydrolytic enzymes on periodontopathic bacteria was examined in vitro. A frozen and thawed extract of human peripheral blood leukocytes (LE) and human gingival crevicular exudate (GE) were shown to be able to cause the release of 50% of the radioactivity from a leukotoxic strain of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans (Aa Y4), labeled by 14C. A nonleukotoxic strain (Aa 653) was shown to be more susceptible to both LE and GE, up to 68% of the total radioactivity was solubilized by LE at pH 7.4. Both bacterial strains were found to be resistant to the activity of lysozyme, but highly susceptible to lysolecithin and mixtures of lysolecithin and lysozyme or LE. Capnocytophaga sputigena strain 4 was also found to be partially susceptible to the effect of LE and GE. The possible role of leukocyte hydrolytic enzymes in bacteriolysis and release of bacterial products in relation to periodontal disease is discussed.

Topics: Actinobacillus; Adult; Bacteriolysis; Capnocytophaga; Cells, Cultured; Cytophagaceae; Gingival Crevicular Fluid; Gingivitis; Humans; Leukocytes; Muramidase; Periodontitis

This study was designed to determine if quantitation of lysosomal products in crevicular fluid may be useful as a diagnostic test to evaluate clinical status in periodontal disease. Levels of lysozyme and lactoferrin were quantitated in crevicular fluid from patients with gingivitis, generalized adult periodontitis, localized juvenile periodontitis and normals. Crevicular fluid (CF) was collected from each patient by standardized filter paper strips and evaluated for lysozyme and lactoferrin by rocket immunoelectrophoresis. Levels of lysozyme (micrograms of protein per microliter of CF) were significantly higher in localized juvenile periodontitis patients as compared to gingivitis and adult periodontitis. On the other hand, levels of lactoferrin (micrograms of protein per microliter of CF) did not show significant differences between gingivitis, adult periodontitis and localized juvenile periodontitis. These results indicate that a lysozyme to lactoferrin ratio could be of value as a diagnostic test for localized juvenile periodontitis patients.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Child; Gingival Crevicular Fluid; Gingivitis; Humans; Immunoelectrophoresis; Lactoferrin; Lactoglobulins; Middle Aged; Muramidase; Periodontal Diseases; Periodontitis

The ability of both human and hen egg white lysozymes to lyse Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans Y4 was investigated. Lysis was followed optically at 540 nm by measuring the percent reduction in turbidity of freshly harvested log-phase cells suspended in Tris-maleate buffers within a wide range of pH (5.2 to 8.5) and molarity (0.01 to 0.2 M) and containing various amounts of enzyme and EDTA. In several instances, treated microorganisms were subsequently examined in thin sections by electron microscopy. Reductions in turbidity and clearing of suspensions occurred with small amounts of lysozyme (less than 1 microgram) under relatively alkaline conditions and at low ionic strength and in the presence of small amounts of EDTA (greater than 0.01 mM). Under the most alkaline conditions, EDTA alone effected turbidity reductions similar to those observed in the presence of lysozyme, which suggested that EDTA not only increased outer membrane permeability but also caused cell lysis. Ultrastructural analysis did not always correspond to turbidimetric observations. Cell lysis was virtually complete in suspensions containing both lysozyme and EDTA. However, in contrast to turbidimetric findings, a significant percentage of cells (greater than 25%) was lysed in the presence of lysozyme alone. Furthermore, significant damage occurred in the presence of EDTA alone. Spheroplast-like cell ghosts were present which surrounded condensed cytoplasm or relatively clear spaces. These findings further support the concept of the requirement for electron microscopy to assess lytic damage in addition to turbidimetric and biochemical methods. Our results are the first to demonstrate the remarkable sensitivity of A. actinomycetemcomitans Y4 to lysozyme and to show that EDTA not only affects outer membrane permeability but effects cell lysis, possibly through activation of autolytic enzymes at the cytoplasmic membrane. The exquisite sensitivity of A. actinomycetemcomitans Y4 to lysis could be an important mechanism by which lysozyme participates in the regulation of this suspected periodontal pathogen.

Topics: Actinobacillus; Animals; Buffers; Chickens; Edetic Acid; Humans; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Microscopy, Electron; Muramidase; Osmolar Concentration; Periodontitis

Topics: Gingivitis; Humans; Muramidase; Periodontal Diseases; Periodontitis; Tablets

Topics: Adult; Aged; Female; Gingivitis; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Muramidase; Periodontal Diseases; Periodontitis; Toothbrushing; Toothpastes

To study the salivary response in asthma and periodontitis, calcium and phosphorus concentrations were determined from parotid and whole saliva. The IgE and histamine concentrations and the activities of lysozyme and arginine aminopeptidases were assayed from whole saliva. The values were compared with those obtained from matched healthy controls (n = 20 in each group). In whole saliva the phosphorus concentrations were elevated in the asthma group and the calcium concentrations in the periodontitis group. Regarding parotid saliva no significant differences between the groups were observed. The results indicate that in patients with asthma the IgE concentrations in whole saliva were elevated, while in patients with periodontitis and in healthy controls no detectable values were obtained. Both histamine and lysozyme concentrations seemed to increase in the asthma and periodontitis groups. A slight increase was also observed in the arginine aminopeptidase activities in the saliva of patients with asthma and patients with periodontitis.

Topics: Adult; Aminopeptidases; Asthma; Calcium; Female; Histamine; Humans; Immunoglobulin E; Male; Middle Aged; Muramidase; Periodontitis; Phosphorus; Saliva

In the present study we identified a gram-negative anaerobic rod referred to as Y4 which was cytotoxic for human polymorphonuclear leukocytes. Y4 was isolated from dental plaque of a patient with juvenile periodontitis and presented most of the taxonomic characteristics of Actinobacillus species. Under experimental conditions, viable Y4 were cytotoxic for human peripheral blood polymorphonuclear leukocytes in serum-free cultures. Cytotoxicity was dependent on bacterial concentrations and was enhanced in the presence of a fresh or heat-inactivated (56 degrees C, 30 min) autologous serum. Leukotoxicity was independent of phagocytosis. Y4 leukotoxic effect was abolished when bacteria were heat treated (56 degrees C, 30 min) or when incubations were carried out at 4 degrees C instead of at 37 degrees C. The leukotoxicity was monitored by electron microscopy and biochemically by measuring lactate dehydrogenase indicator of cell viability. No cytotoxic effects of Y4 on human mononuclear cells, chicken fibroblasts, or mouse macrophages were detected under the conditions studied. Polymorphonuclear leukocytes may play an important role in the host defense against bacteria in periodontal disease. The cytotoxic effect of Y4 for polymorphonuclear leukocytes presented in this study is the first report of a direct offensive microbial vector in a plaque-derived microorganism and may prove to be relevant in the pathogenesis of juvenile periodontitis.

Topics: Dental Plaque; Fibroblasts; Humans; L-Lactate Dehydrogenase; Lysosomes; Macrophages; Muramidase; Neutrophils; Periodontitis; Peroxidase; Phagocytosis; Species Specificity

Intradermal injection of cell walls or cell wall constituents (Peptidoglycane) of Streptococcus sanguis II in experimental animals caused a similarly severe inflammatory reaction as with Streptococcus A. The three "viridans" species of streptococci proved to be resistant to complement (active serum) as well as to lysozyme and were superior to Streptococcus A in their capacity for resistance to another type of muralytic enzyme isolated from Streptomyces albus. The new acylureido penicillins (Mezlocillin, Azlocillin) had an almost equally inhibitory effect on the growth of the various species of bacteria. The "viridans" and beta-haemolytic types of streptococci which induce a chemotactic reaction in vitro were about equally rapidly and effectively killed in the phagocytes (granulocytes, monocytes) isolated from a patient.

Topics: Cell Wall; Complement System Proteins; Humans; Muramidase; Periodontal Pocket; Periodontitis; Phagocytosis; Streptococcus; Streptococcus mutans; Streptococcus pyogenes; Streptococcus sanguis

Topics: Gingiva; Gingival Crevicular Fluid; Gingivitis; Humans; Immunodiffusion; Muramidase; Periodontitis

The deposition of bacterial plaques on tooth surfaces appears to be responsible for the initiation and progression of periodontal disease. In this study, human peripheral blood polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) actively released lysosomal constituents upon in vitro exposure to either viable or irradiated, supragingival or subgingival dental plaque. Plaques were obtained from the PMN donors (autologous plaque) or from pooled samples (homologous plaque) secured from patients with periodontal lesions. Fresh sera from PMN donors amplified the release reactions to supragingival and subgingival plaques. Heated (56 degrees C, 30 min) sera also enhanced release reactions, but not as consistently as fresh serum. It was postulated that modulation of PMN release by serum is mediated by complement components and/or antibodies to plaque bacteria. Electron microscopic observations indicated that degranulation and discharge of PMN lysosomal enzymes may be associated with phagocytosis of gram-positive and gram-negative plaque bacteria and with reverse endocytosis of lysosomes from cells contacting relatively large masses of aggregated plaque bacteria. These data suggest that PMN lysosome release in response to plaque may serve as a potential mechanism of tissue injury in the pathogenesis of gingival and periodontal inflammation.

Topics: Bacteria; Dental Plaque; Endocytosis; Gingivitis; Glucuronidase; Hot Temperature; Humans; Immune Sera; In Vitro Techniques; Lysosomes; Muramidase; Neutrophils; Periodontitis; Peroxidase; Peroxidases; Phagocytosis

Topics: Chewing Gum; Dental Plaque; Humans; Middle Aged; Muramidase; Periodontal Pocket; Periodontitis

Rabbit polymorphonuclear leukocytes were incubated with a sonically treated suspension of pooled dental plaque to determine if the plaque would induce release of lysosomal enzymes from the polymorphonuclear leukocytes. Cells incubated with plaque at 37 degrees C released significantly greater amounts of the lysosomal enzymes, beta-glucuronidase and lysozyme, than did cells incubated with plaque at 0 degrees C or without plaque at 37 degrees C. This response was both dose and time dependent. Release of the cytoplasmic enzyme lactate dehydrogenase was minimal, and there were no significant differences in lactate dehydrogenase release between cells at 0 and 37 degrees C, or without plaque. These results indicate that dental plaque can induce the selective release of lysosomal enzymes, which could be involved in the periodontal injury produced by dental plaque.

Topics: Animals; Cells, Cultured; Cytoplasm; Dental Plaque; Exocytosis; Gingivitis; Glucuronidase; Humans; L-Lactate Dehydrogenase; Lysosomes; Muramidase; Neutrophils; Periodontitis; Rabbits; Temperature

Topics: Gingivitis; Muramidase; Periodontitis

Topics: Blood; Chemical Phenomena; Chemistry; Gingival Pocket; Gingivitis; Humans; Micrococcus; Muramidase; Periodontitis; Saliva