Syphilitic aortitis: chronic left coronary ostial occlusion and aortic regurgitation with aortitis

Before the discovery of penicillin, tertiary syphilis was the most common cause of thoracic aneurysms, but now cardiovascular syphilis is a clinical rarity in developed countries. We report a case of 69-year-old man who presented with sudden onset breathlessness that worsened insidiously for 2 months. Diagnosis of syphilitic aortitis was confirmed by laboratory findings, contrast computed tomography, echocardiography and coronary angiography. The patient underwent successful coronary artery bypass graft, aortic valve replacement and ascending aortic replacement. A high level of suspicion and awareness is needed for the diagnosis of the now rare disease.

Porphyromonas gulae lipopolysaccharide elicits inflammatory responses through toll-like receptor 2 and 4 in human gingivalis epithelial cells

Porphyromonas gulae, a Gram-negative black-pigmented anaerobe, has been associated with periodontal disease in companion animals and its virulence has been attributed to various factors, including lipopolysaccharide (LPS), protease and fimbriae. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) recognise pathogen-associated molecular patterns, such as peptidoglycan, lipids, lipoproteins, nucleic acid and LPS. Following P. gulae infection, some inflammatory responses are dependent on both TLR2 and TLR4. In addition, a recent clinical study revealed that acute and persistent inflammatory responses enhance the expressions of TLR2 and TLR4 in the oral cavity. In this study, we investigated the interaction between P. gulae LPS and human gingivalis epithelial cells (Ca9-22 cells). P. gulae LPS was found to increase TLR2 and TLR4 mRNA expressions and protein productions, and enhanced inflammatory responses, such as COX₂ , TNF-ɑ, IL-6 and IL-8. Stimulated Ca9-22 cells exhibited phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and p38, and their inhibitors diminished inflammatory responses, while knockdown of the TLR2 and/or TLR4 genes with small interfering RNA (siRNA) prevented inflammatory responses. Moreover, p38 and ERK1/2 phosphorylation was decreased in TLR2 and TLR4 gene knockdown cells. These findings suggest that P. gulae LPS activates p38 and ERK1/2 via TLR2 and TLR4, leading to inflammatory responses in human gingival epithelial cells.

Intravenous administration of Streptococcus mutans induces IgA nephropathy-like lesions

Background

IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is one of the most frequently occurring types of chronic glomerulonephritis. Previous analyses have revealed that a major pathogen of dental caries, Streptococcus mutans [which expresses collagen-binding protein (Cnm) on its surface], is involved in the pathogenesis of IgAN.

Methods

Cnm-positive S. mutans isolated from a patient with IgAN was intravenously administered to specific pathogen-free Sprague–Dawley rats to evaluate their kidney conditions.

Results

The urinary protein level of the S. mutans group reached a plateau at 30 days, with increased numbers of mesangial cells and an increased mesangial matrix. The numbers of rats with IgA-positive and/or C3-positive glomeruli were significantly greater in the S. mutans group than in the control group at 45 days (P < 0.05). Electron microscopy analyses revealed electron-dense depositions in the mesangial area among rats in the S. mutans group. There were significantly more CD68-positive cells (macrophages) in the glomeruli of the S. mutans group than in the glomeruli of the control group during the late phase (P < 0.05), similar to the findings in patients with IgAN.

Conclusion

Our results suggested that intravenous administration of Cnm-positive S. mutans caused transient induction of IgAN-like lesions in rats.

P0398PREVALENCE OF RED COMPLEX OF PERIODONTAL DISEASE BACTERIA IN TONSILS OF IGA NEPHROPATHY PATIENTS

Background and Aims

IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is one of most common primary glomerulonephritis, whose pathogenesis had remained unclear. We had reported that C.rectus and T.denticola, kinds of major periodontal disease bacteria, in tonsils with IgA nephropathy patients were specific to IgAN patients compared with chronic tonsillitis (Nagasawa-Y et al, Plos One, 2014). We also reported C.rectus and S.mutans increased proteinuria synergistically (Misaki-T et al, Nephron, 2018). Red complex of bacteria related with periodontal disease consists of P.gingivalis, T.denticola, and Tannerella forsythia, which has strongest pathogenicity of periodontal disease (Figure 1). But, in this point there were no report of prevalence of red complex of periodontal bacteria in IgA nephropathy. In this study, we evaluated the periodontal disease bacteria including P.gingivalis, T.denticola, and Tannerella forsythia in tonsils of IgAN patients, and the relationship between these periodontal bacteria clinical features in IgAN patients.

Method

Tonsils were obtained from 23 IgAN patients and 63 chronic tonsillitis patients when the tonsillectomy was operated. mRNAs were extracted from tonsils and the prevalences of P.gingivalis, T.denticola, and Tannerella forsythia were evaluated by RT-PCR using bacteria specific primers. All patients gave the written informed consent which was approved by Hyogo College of medicine.

Results

Average age was 33+-14 in IgAN patients, and the age in control patients was 27+-7. The average proteinuria in IgAN patietns was 0.9+-1.1g/gcre, and average hematuria was (2+). The prevalence of T.denticola was very low in both groups (0%, 1.6% respectively). The prevalence of P.gingivalis in IgA patients was significantly higher than that in control patients (33% vs 3.2%, respectively, P&lt;0.0001), and the prevalence of Tannerella forsythia in IgAN patients was also significantly higher than that in control (28% vs 6.4%, respectively, P&lt;0.05) which had not been reported (Figure 2). The types of cilia of P.gingivalis (fim A types) were also evaluated. Obviously untypeable of fim A, which is usually minor type, was dominant in IgAN patients.

Conclusion

Prevalence of red complex of periodontal disease bacteria, especially P.gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia in IgAN patient was higher than that in control. Red complex of periodontal disease bacteria might have some relationship with pathogenesis of IgAN

P0371DENTAL CARIES INDUCED BY CNM-POSITIVE STREPTOCOCCUS MUTANS DERIVED FROM IGA NEPHROPATHY PATIETNS IN RATS INDUCED GLOPERULONEPHRITIS LIKE IGA NEPHROPATHY

Background and Aims

IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is one of most common primary glomerulonephritis, whose pathogenesis had remained unclear. We had reported that Cnm-(+)Streptococcus mutans, a kinds of major dental caries bacteria. Cnm-(+)S. mutans had strong collagen binding ability, resulting in high pathogenicity. We reported that the prevalence of Cnm-(+)S. mutans in IgA nephropathy is significantly higher than that in control (Misaki-T et al, Clin Exp Nephrol 2015; 19:844-50), and that Cnm-(+)S. mutans in IgA nephropathy was associated with proteinuria (Misaki-T et al, Sci Rep 2016). We also reported C.rectus and S. mutans increased proteinuria synergistically (Misaki-T et al, Nephron, 2018). In this point, there is no direct evidence that Cnm-(+)S. mutans could induce IgA nephropathy. In this study, we evaluated the renal lesions in rats which had dental caries induced by Cnm-(+)S. mutans derived from IgA nephropathy patient to confirm the pathogenesis of IgA nephropathy like lesions induced by Cnm-(+)S mutans.

Method

Cmn-(+)S. mutans from saliva of IgA nephropathy patients was orally administrated into 4 weeks old male Sprague-Dawley rats. Addition of sugar to water had been kept during study period to develop dental carits. At week 34 after the infection, blood, urine, and kidney samples were evaluated. Kidney samples were stained by Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS), IgA, C3. Historical evaluation by electron microscope analysis was also performed.

Results

At week 34, plaque score and dental caries score in infectious rats significantly elevated, compared with control rats (P&lt;0.001) (Figure 1). These findings suggested Cmn-(+)S. mutans from IgA nephropathy patients induced dental caries in rats. PAS staining revealed the significant mesangial proliferation. At week 34, the prevalence of IgA deposition in infections rats was higher than that in control rats (52.4% vs 4%), and the prevalence of C3 deposition in infectious rats was also higher than that in control rats (42% vs 11%) (Figure 2). Incidence of hematuria was also significantly higher in dental caries group than control. Electron microscopy analysis revealed high dense deposit in mesangial areas.

Conclusion

Cmn-(+)S. mutans from saliva of IgA nephropathy patients could induce IgA-dominant infection-associated glomerulonephritis, or IgA nephropathy.

Oral Lactobacilli Related to Caries Status of Children with Primary Dentition

Oral lactobacilli are members of a group of bacteria implicated in caries progression, although information regarding their transmission, colonization, and caries-associated species is not well established. This study isolated oral lactobacilli from a group of children with primary dentition for determination of Lactobacillus prevalence, detection of Streptococcus mutans, a major pathogen of caries initiation, and dental caries status of the children. Species of Lactobacillus isolates were determined from examination of 16S rDNA sequences. Subsequently, the most prevalent species was evaluated for involvement in caries status, and binding ability to type I collagen of all Lactobacillus isolates was determined in association with caries status. Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) of eleven loci was carried out to study strains of the predominant Lactobacillus sp. The detection of oral lactobacilli together with S. mutans was significantly associated with the highest dental caries indices, but there was no involvement of collagen-binding properties of Lactobacillus isolates in caries status. Lactobacillus fermentum was the most prevalent, and its presence was related to high scores of caries indices. MLST analysis of L. fermentum population could not specify a particular clone associated with caries status, but revealed sharing of identical L. fermentum strains among children in the same classrooms. Taken together, the data contributed useful information on the role of oral lactobacilli, in particular L. fermentum in dental caries.

Inhibitory effect of a mouth rinse formulated with chlorhexidine gluconate, ethanol, and green tea extract against major oral bacterial species

Mouth rinses are a useful supplementary tool for the prevention of oral infectious diseases. Although the antimicrobial effects of mouth rinses have been investigated, there are few studies focusing on the comparison of the effects among various oral bacterial species. In the present study, the inhibitory effect of a commercial mouth rinse, "ConCoolF," and each of its major components, chlorhexidine gluconate, ethanol, and green tea extract, on multiple species of oral bacteria were investigated. Inhibition of bacterial growth was observed in all cariogenic streptococcal species with different genera, serotypes, and strains isolated from different countries when either the complete mouth rinse or chlorhexidine gluconate were used. However, no growth inhibition was observed when the bacteria were exposed to ethanol or green tea extract. Interestingly, growth inhibition was greatly reduced in non-cariogenic streptococci compared with cariogenic streptococci. In addition, both the mouth rinse and chlorhexidine gluconate inhibited the biofilms formed by both Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) and Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis), among which the inhibitory effect against S. mutans was higher than that against P. gingivalis. These results suggest that a mouth rinse containing chlorhexidine gluconate, ethanol, and green tea extract, or chlorhexidine gluconate alone, exhibits antimicrobial activity against several oral bacteria species, having greater activity against pathogenic bacteria.

Inhibition of Porphyromonas gulae and periodontal disease in dogs by a combination of clindamycin and interferon alpha

Porphyromonas gulae is a major periodontal pathogen in dogs, which can be transmitted to their owners. A major virulence factor of P. gulae consists of a 41-kDa filamentous appendage (FimA) on the cell surface, which is classified into three genotypes: A, B, and C. Thus far, inhibition of periodontal disease in dogs remains difficult. The present study assessed the inhibitory effects of a combination of clindamycin and interferon alpha (IFN-α) formulation against P. gulae and periodontal disease. Growth of P. gulae was significantly inhibited by clindamycin; this inhibition had a greater effect on type C P. gulae than on type A and B isolates. In contrast, the IFN-α formulation inhibited the expression of IL-1β and COX-2 elicited by type A and B isolates, but not that elicited by type C isolates. Furthermore, periodontal recovery was promoted by the administration of both clindamycin and IFN-α formulation to dogs undergoing periodontal treatment; moreover, this combined treatment reduced the number of FimA genotypes in oral specimens from treated dogs. These results suggest that a combination of clindamycin and IFN-α formulation inhibit P. gulae virulence and thus may be effective for the prevention of periodontal disease induced by P. gulae.

Rapid serial blinks: An index of temporally increased cognitive load

In recent years, natural viewing settings with video presentation have been used in neurological and psychological experiments. However, the experienced cognitive load may differ among participants. In this study, we show that rapid serial blinks (RSB) can indicate temporally increased cognitive load with high temporal resolution. We proposed a method to create a personal criterion for respective participants by using empirical blink intervals. When we focused on more than four serial blinks (i.e., three inter-blink intervals), an increased number of RSB detect participants who felt hard to understanding, indicating a poor understanding of the subject matter. By contrast, a constant criterion across participants used in previous study could not detect participant's understanding. These results suggest that individual differences in cognitive trait of each participant may skew the results of experiments. To avoid biases, we recommend researchers to perform an operational check on individually different temporally increased cognitive loads among experimental groups.

Association between Helicobacter pylori infection and dental pulp reservoirs in Japanese adults

Background

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) colonize the stomach and are considered an etiological agent of gastric cancer. The oral cavity is a transmission route to the stomach, but the exact site of colonization has not yet been explicated. Our study investigated the association between H. pylori infection and presence in oral samples.

Methods

Dental pulp, supragingival plaque, and saliva from 192 patients visiting the Dentistry’s outpatient clinic were collected for testing. The H. pylori ureA gene was identified via Nested PCR. Urine anti-H. pylori antibody test was utilized to detect infection.

Results

Twenty-five subjects were found to be antibody-positive. PCR analysis of dental pulp revealed that 23 subjects possessed the ureA gene. Twenty-one subjects were positive for both antibodies and genes in dental pulp. PCR testing revealed that 2 subjects were positive in dental plaque but negative for saliva. The subjects positive for H. pylori in dental pulp expressed clinical signs of severe dental caries.

Conclusions

H. pylori infected subjects expressed H. pylori in samples from the oral cavity. The main reservoir for infection within the oral cavity was determined to be dental pulp. Moreover, H. pylori are likely transmitted from dental caries to the root canal.

Relationship between Streptococcus mutans expressing Cnm in the oral cavity and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis: a pilot study

Background

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a severe state of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which is pathologically characterised by steatosis, hepatocyte ballooning, and lobular inflammation. Host–microbial interaction has gained attention as one of the risk factors for NASH. Recently, cnm-gene positive Streptococcus mutans expressing cell surface collagen-binding protein, Cnm (cnm-positive S. mutans), was shown to aggravate NASH in model mice. Here, we assessed the detection rate of cnm-positive S. mutans in oral samples from patients with NASH among NAFLD.

Methods

This single hospital cohort study included 41 patients with NAFLD. NASH was diagnosed histologically or by clinical score. The prevalence of cnm-positive S. mutans, oral hygiene and blood tests, including liver enzymes, adipocytokines and inflammatory and fibrosis markers, were assessed in biopsy-proven or clinically suspected NASH among NAFLD.

Results

Prevalence of cnm-positive S. mutans was significantly higher in patients with NASH than patients without NASH (OR 3.8; 95% CI 1.02 to 15.5). The cnm-positive S. mutans was related to decreased numbers of naturally remaining teeth and increased type IV collagen 7S level (median (IQR) 10.0 (5.0–17.5) vs 20.0 (5.0–25.0), p=0.06; 5.1 (4.0–7.9) vs 4.4 (3.7–5.3), p=0.13, respectively).

Conclusions

Prevalence of cnm-positive S. mutans in the oral cavity could be related to fibrosis of NASH among NAFLD.

Potential involvement of Helicobacter pylori from oral specimens in overweight body-mass index

The bacterium Helicobacter pylori was originally classified in the Campylobacter genus, which contains major periodontopathic bacterial species, and H. pylori DNA has been found in the oral cavity. Although many studies show an association between the presence of periodontal bacteria and an overweight body-mass index (BMI; >25 kg/m²), the relationship between body weight and the presence of H. pylori in the oral cavity has not been demonstrated. Herein, we analysed the relationship between H. pylori in the oral cavity and systemic conditions, including the overweight BMI. Saliva specimens and extracted teeth were obtained from 87 subjects; the distribution of H. pylori among these specimens was analysed with the polymerase chain reaction. Subjects with an overweight BMI exhibited significantly higher detection rates of H. pylori in saliva, compared with non-overweight subjects (BMI <25 kg/m²) (P < 0.05). A clinical history of digestive diseases was not associated with the presence of H. pylori in overweight subjects, whereas subjects with both severe dental caries and an overweight BMI showed a higher detection rate of H. pylori in saliva specimens, compared with other groups. These results suggest that the detection of H. pylori in the oral cavity could be associated with the overweight BMI, which was predominant among subjects with severe dental caries.

Adhesion and invasion of gingival epithelial cells by Porphyromonas gulae

Porphyromonas gulae, an animal periodontal pathogen, possess fimbriae classified into three genotypes (A-C) based on the diversity of fimA genes encoding FimA. Accumulating evidence suggests that P. gulae strains with type C fimbriae are more virulent as compared to those with other types. The ability of these organisms to adhere to and invade gingival epithelial cells has yet to be examined. P. gulae showed the greatest levels of adhesion and invasion at a multiplicity of infection of 100 for 90 min. P. gulae type C and some type B strains invaded gingival epithelial cells at significantly greater levels than the other strains, at the same level of efficiency as P. gingivalis with type II fimbriae. Adhesion and invasion of gingival epithelial cells by P. gulae were inhibited by cytochalasin D and sodium azide, indicating the requirements of actin polymerization and energy metabolism for those activities. Invasion within gingival epithelial cells was blocked by staurosporine, whereas those inhibitors showed little effects on adhesion, while nocodazole and cycloheximide had negligible effects on either adhesion or invasion. P. gulae proteases were found to be essential for adhesion and invasion of gingival epithelial cells, while its DNA and RNA, and protein synthesis were unnecessary for those activities. Additionally, α5β1 integrin antibodies significantly inhibited adhesion and invasion by P. gulae. This is the first report to characterize P. gulae adhesion and invasion of human gingival epithelial cells.

Abstract WMP108: Brain-Oral Axis: Cnm -Positive S. mutans Infection is a Novel Risk Factor for Cerebral Bleeding

Introduction: We previously reported that oral Streptococcus mutans expressing a collagen binding protein Cnm was associated with deep cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) and intracranial hemorrhage (ICH). Approximately 20% of S. mutans strains have the cnm gene, raising the risk of cerebral bleeding. However, the positive correlation between cnm -positive S. mutans and CMBs has been shown only in cross-sectional studies and long-term effects of cnm -positive S. mutans still remain unknown.

Purpose: To determine whether cnm -positive S. mutans facilitates cerebral bleeding.

Methods: In our retrospective longitudinal study, 92 stroke survivors who underwent serial 3.0 T-MRI scans at intervals of more than 6 months and received analysis of oral bacteria were consecutively enrolled. Patients without oral harboring S. mutans were excluded. The cnm gene in S. mutans isolated from dental plaque was screened using PCR techniques. CMBs were illustrated by MRI T2*-weighted GRE method (TR 550 ms, TE 12 ms, flip angle 20°, slice thickness 4.0 mm). CMBs were classified into the deep, lobar, and subtentorial CMBs. After evaluation of serial MRI scans, the number of newly evoked CMBs per 6 months was compared between cnm -positive S. mutans group ( cnm+ group) and cnm -negative S. mutans group ( cnm - group).

Results: Twenty-two patients were enrolled in the cnm+ group and 70 in the cnm - group (mean age±SE 69.7±2.8 vs. 69.2±1.5 p=0.56). The two groups were not different in the mean observational period (1.37±0.13 vs. 1.46±0.08 years p=0.84) or in the prevalence of vascular risk factors, including hypertension. Total and deep CMBs significantly increased in number in the cnm + group compared to the cnm - group (mean±SD per 6 months, 0.88±1.30 vs. 0.16±0.45 for total CMBs, p=0.01; 0.47±0.80 vs. 0.03±0.15 for deep CMBs, p=0.003), while lobar and subtentorial CMBs did not increase significantly (0.22±0.50 vs. 0.07±0.32 for lobar CMBs, p=0.10; 0.19±0.61 vs. 0.06±0.17 for subtentorial CMBs, p=0.24). Two (9.1%) in the cnm + group but only one (1.6%) in the cnm - group had symptomatic cerebral hemorrhage during the observational period.

Conclusions: Oral cnm -positive S. mutans facilitated formation of CMBs. Brain-oral axis may be a novel therapeutic target for cerebral bleeding.

Threshold-varying integrate-and-fire model reproduces distributions of spontaneous blink intervals

Spontaneous blinking is one of the most frequent human behaviours. While attentionally guided blinking may benefit human survival, the function of spontaneous frequent blinking in cognitive processes is poorly understood. To model human spontaneous blinking, we proposed a leaky integrate-and-fire model with a variable threshold which is assumed to represent physiological fluctuations during cognitive tasks. The proposed model is capable of reproducing bimodal, normal, and widespread peak-less distributions of inter-blink intervals as well as the more common popular positively skewed distributions. For bimodal distributions, the temporal positions of the two peaks depend on the baseline and the amplitude of the fluctuating threshold function. Parameters that reproduce experimentally derived bimodal distributions suggest that relatively slow oscillations (0.11–0.25 Hz) govern blink elicitations. The results also suggest that changes in blink rates would reflect fluctuations of threshold regulated by human internal states.

Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting in Diabetic Patients: Complete Arterial versus Internal Thoracic Artery and Sequential Vein Grafts-A Propensity-Score Matched Analysis

BACKGROUND

 The optimal choice of conduit and configuration for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in diabetic patients remains somewhat controversial, even though arterial grafts have been proposed as superior. We attempted to clarify the role of complete arterial revascularization using the left internal thoracic artery (LITA) and the radial artery (RA) alone in "T-Graft" configuration on long-term outcome.

METHODS AND RESULTS

 From 1994 to 2001, 104 diabetic patients with triple vessel disease underwent CABG using LITA/RA "T-Grafts" (Group-A). Using propensity-score matching, 104 patients with comparable preoperative characteristics who underwent CABG using LITA and one sequential vein graft were identified (Group-V). Freedom from all causes of death, cardiac death, major adverse cardiac event (MACE), major adverse cardiac (and cerebral) event (MACCE), and repeat revascularization at 10 years of Group-A was 60 ± 5%, 67 ± 5%, 48 ± 5%, 37 ± 5%, and 81 ± 4%, respectively, compared with 58 ± 5%, 70 ± 5%, 49 ± 5%, 39 ± 5%, and 93 ± 3% in Group-V. There were no significant differences in these end points between groups regardless of insulin-dependency. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards model identified age, left ventricular ejection fraction, renal failure, and hyperlipidemia as independent predictors for all death, age and left ventricular ejection fraction for cardiac death, sinus rhythm for both MACE and MACCE, and prior percutaneous coronary intervention for re-revascularization.

CONCLUSIONS

 In our experience, complete arterial revascularization using LITA/RA "T-Grafts" does not provide superior long-term clinical benefits for diabetic patients compared with a combination of LITA and sequential vein graft.

Stabilization of symptomatic carotid atherosclerotic plaques by statins: a clinico-pathological analysis

Human and animal studies have revealed a stabilization of atherosclerotic plaques by statins. However, the stabilization of human carotid plaques has not been thoroughly described pathologically. This analysis explored the relationship between statin therapy and plaque stability in carotid endarterectomy (CEA) specimens. We analyzed specimens harvested between May 2015 and February 2017, from 79 consecutive patients presenting with > 70% carotid artery stenoses, of whom 66 were untreated (group 1) and 13 treated (group 2) with a statin. Immunohistochemistry was performed, using an endothelial specific antibody to CD31, CD34 and platelet derived growth factor receptor-β. The prevalence of plaque ruptures (P = 0.009), lumen thrombi (P = 0.009), inflammatory cells (P = 0.008), intraplaque hemorrhages (P = 0.030) and intraplaque microvessels (P < 0.001) was significantly lower in group 2 than in group 1. Among 66 patients presenting with strokes and infarct sizes > 1.0 cm³ on magnetic resonance imaging, the mean infarct volume was significantly smaller (P = 0.031) in group 2 (4.2 ± 2.5 cm³) than in group 1 (8.2 ± 7.1 cm³). The difference in mean concentration of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol between group 1 (121 ± 32 mg/dl) and group 2 (105 ± 37 mg/dl) was non-significant (P = 0.118). This analysis of plaques harvested from patients undergoing CEA suggests that statin therapy mitigates the plaque instability, which, in patients presenting with strokes, might decrease infarct volume.