Combined association of CCR2-V64I and MCP-1-2518A/G polymorphisms with generalised aggressive periodontitis in Chinese

OBJECTIVE

to examine the possible association of CCR2-V64I and MCP-1-2518A/G polymorphisms with generalised aggressive periodontitis (GAgP) in the Chinese population.

METHODS

one hundred and twenty-four GAgP patients and 94 healthy subjects were included in the study. A peripheral blood sample was obtained from each subject and genomic DNA was isolated. Gene polymorphisms of CCR2-V64I and MCP-1-2518A/G were analysed by standard polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) assay.

RESULTS

a possible combined effect of CCR2-V64I and MCP-1-2518A/G was observed in the female GAgP patients, as the odds ratio for VV genotype (CCR2) and G+ genotype ( MCP-1) was 0.2 (P = 0.023). Individuals carrying VV genotype and G+ genotype were at reduced risk for GAgP. A possible combined effect of genotype and smoking was observed in the male GAgP patients, as the odds ratio for VV genotype (CCR2) and smoking, or G+ genotype (MCP-1) and smoking were 7.4 (P = 0.022) and 4.9 (P = 0.030), respectively.

CONCLUSION

the combined association of CCR2-V64I and MCP-1-2518A/G polymorphisms may play an important role in determining GAgP susceptibility in Chinese females. A possible combined effect of genotype and smoking on GAgP susceptibility was suggested in males.

[Association of SNPs in N-formylpeptide receptor gene with susceptibility of aggressive periodontitis]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the association of the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in N-formylpeptide receptor (FPR) gene with the susceptibility of aggressive periodontitis (AgP).

METHODS

A total of 94 AgP patients and 73 healthy controls were entered into the study. Peripheral blood sample was obtained from each subject by venepuncture. Genomic DNA was isolated from each sample. The target fragment of FPR gene was amplified by PCR. The SNPs in FPR gene were detected by denature high performance liquid chromatography (DHPLC) combined with DNA sequencing.

RESULTS

There were two non-synonymous SNPs in the 370 bp FPR gene fragment: 289C/A and 301G/C. The 289C/A was a novel SNP. No variation in nucleotides 329 and 378 was detected. There were no statistically significant differences in distributions of the genotypes and alleles for FPR289 and FPR301 between AgP patients and healthy controls. Using multivariate logistic regression (adjusted for age and gender), it was showed that the adjusted ORs of AgP for the C(+) genotype and allele C of FPR301 combined with smoking were 5.74 and 5.20 respectively.

CONCLUSION

The presence of the C(+) genotype/allele C of FPR301 together with smoking conferred a higher risk for AgP. The result suggests that the SNPs in FPR gene may not be associated with the susceptibility of AgP in Chinese.

[Cooperative development and application of electronic periodontal examination chart]

OBJECTIVE

To develop an electronic system (software) for collecting and analyzing periodontal examination data, and preliminarily evaluate its clinical application.

METHODS

The contents and frame of electronic periodontal examination system were designed based on the aim and requirement of periodontal examination, and the software system was developed under the assistance from computer engineers. The electronic system was implemented for entry, storage, retrieval and output of clinical data and data conversion. A questionnaire survey was performed in 23 periodontists and 20 nurses to evaluate the clinical application of this software.

RESULTS

An electronic periodontal examination system was developed, which was used for entry, storage, retrieval and output of clinical data, and converting data into chart. Most nurses could handle this software after 15 minutes of training. Thirteen nurses and 17 periodontists recognized that clinical work efficiency could be improved by application of this software. Nineteen nurses and all periodontists agreed that this software could meet clinical requirements.

CONCLUSIONS

The electronic periodontal examination system can fulfill clinical requirements and is helpful for clinical treatment and research work.

Elevated plasma calcifediol is associated with aggressive periodontitis

BACKGROUND

Vitamin D is associated with a number of inflammatory diseases and plays a significant role in regulating bone metabolism. Serum calcifediol was demonstrated to be potentially associated with periodontal disease. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether an association exists between plasma calcifediol concentrations and aggressive periodontitis (AgP) and whether plasma levels of bone-related biomarkers (osteocalcin, alkaline phosphatase, calcium, and phosphorus) regulated by vitamin D are related to AgP.

METHODS

Sixty-six patients with generalized AgP, 52 patients with chronic periodontitis, and 60 healthy controls were included in this study. Periodontal examination consisted of probing depth, attachment loss, and bleeding index measurements. Hematic calcifediol and bone-related biomarker levels were detected using radioimmunity assay kits or a biochemical analyzer.

RESULTS

Plasma calcifediol levels in patients with AgP were higher than those of healthy controls (29.28 versus 21.60 nmol/l; P <0.05) and were statistically significantly correlated with bleeding index (r = 0.321; P <0.05). Plasma osteocalcin concentrations in patients with AgP were higher than those of healthy controls (0.90 versus 0.70 ng/ml; P <0.05). Serum inorganic phosphorus values of both periodontitis groups were lower than those of healthy controls (1.06 +/- 0.18 mmol/l and 1.10 +/- 0.15 mmol/l versus 1.26 +/- 0.17 mmol/l; P <0.05).

CONCLUSION

Plasma calcifediol levels might be associated with periodontal inflammation.

[Preliminary study of relationship between aggressive periodontitis and obesity]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the relationship between obesity and aggressive periodontitis (AgP).

METHODS

A total of 151 AgP patients and 94 healthy controls were recruited. Body weight and height were measured, and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Periodontal clinical parameters were examined. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the association between obesity and AgP.

RESULTS

The mean value of probing depth and clinical attachment loss were (4.8 +/- 2.1) mm and (4.7 +/- 2.8) mm respectively in AgP patients. The numbers of obese and underweight patients in AgP group were 20 and 41 respectively. Five and eight subjects in control group were with BMI values lower and higher than normal range respectively. Both under weight and obesity were risk indicators for AgP, and the OR were 3.60 (P < 0.05) and 4.61 (P < 0.01) respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Underweight and obesity may be risk indicators for AgP.

Abnormal high expression of B-cell activating factor belonging to the TNF superfamily (BAFF) associated with long-term outcome in kidney transplant recipients

B-cell activating factor belonging to the tumor necrosis factor superfamily (BAFF) is a critical regulator of B-cell maturation and survival. We investigated the expression of BAFF in peripheral blood sample from kidney transplant recipients. Results of flow cytometry showed that at 5 years or more posttransplantation, cell-surface BAFF was significantly expressed on peripheral CD3+ T lymphocytes kidney transplant recipients in compared with other groups (P < .05). BAFF expression was noted on CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. The BAFF messenger RNA level in peripheral mononuclear cells was consistent with the protein level. However, the serum soluble BAFF level varied among individuals in each group. Stratified by renal function, the cell-surface BAFF level was significantly higher in recipients with abnormal renal function compared with those with normal renal function (P < .05). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay results showed that expression level of cell-surface BAFF significantly correlated with panel reactive antibody. These results indicate that BAFF may be involved in the development of graft loss.

Systemic inflammation markers in patients with aggressive periodontitis: a pilot study

BACKGROUND

The association between periodontitis and systemic health is evident; however, until recently, there was a lack of scientific evidence to define the relationship between aggressive periodontitis (AgP) and systemic conditions. The aim of this study was to explore the characteristics of peripheral blood cellular and serum protein parameters in patients with AgP.

METHODS

Patients with AgP (n = 150) and healthy controls (n = 94) were recruited. Clinical parameters, including probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), and percentage of severe sites, were examined. Blood cell variables, including leukocyte, neutrophil, and lymphocyte counts, as well as serum protein parameters, including total protein, albumin, globulin, and albumin/globulin ratio, were analyzed.

RESULTS

Elevated neutrophil numbers and serum globulin levels were observed in patients with AgP compared to controls (4.22 +/- 1.81 x 10(9)/l versus 3.20 +/- 0.91 x 10(9)/l and 29.20 +/- 3.75 g/l versus 27.17 +/- 3.32 g/l, respectively; P <0.01). Albumin level and albumin/globulin ratio were lower in the AgP group than in the control group (47.65 +/- 2.45 g/l versus 48.88 +/- 2.13 g/l and 1.66 +/- 0.24 versus 1.83 +/- 0.24, respectively; P <0.01). In the AgP group, neutrophil counts and serum globulin levels were positively correlated with clinical parameters, including mean values for PD, CAL, and percentage of severe sites (P <0.05); the albumin level and albumin/globulin ratio were inversely correlated with the clinical parameters as described above (P <0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with AgP may have elevated peripheral leukocyte numbers and serum globulin levels as well as decreased serum albumin levels and albumin/globulin ratios compared to controls. These changes might be associated with the severity of periodontal destruction.

[Detection of 3 anaerobic microorganisms in saliva and subgingival plaque of patients with periodontitis]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the prevalence of 3 anaerobic microorganisms including Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg), Tannerella forsythia (Tf) and Treponema denticola (Td) in saliva and pooled subgingival plaque of different types of periodontitis and compare the detections of three microorganisms between saliva and pooled subgingival plaque sample from the same patient, and analyze the relationship between prevalence of these pathogens in saliva and periodontal parameters.

METHODS

Non-stimulated saliva samples and pooled subgingival plaque samples were collected from 50 patients with aggressive periodontitis (AgP), 48 patients with chronic periodontitis (CP) and 25 subjects with no periodontitis, and three microorganisms including Pg, Tf and Td were detected in these samples by PCR method.

RESULTS

Prevalence of three microorganisms in pooled subgingival plaque and saliva samples of AgP patients and CP patients were significantly higher than subjects with no periodontitis (P<0.01). The prevalence of Pg in Subgingival plaque and saliva was as follows: AgP, 100% vs 100%; CP, 93.8% vs 93.8%; Subjects with no periodontitis, 32% vs 48%. The prevalence of Tf in Subgingival plaque and saliva was as follows: AgP, 96% vs 88%; CP, 97.9% vs 89.6%; Subjects with no periodontitis, 32% vs 24%. The prevalence of Td in Subgingival plaque and saliva was as follows: AgP, 94% vs 86%; CP, 89.6% vs 70.8%; Subjects with no periodontitis, 12% vs 16%. The agreement between saliva and pooled subgingival plaque samples of these three microorganisms from the same patient was high. The presence of three microorganisms in saliva was all associated with bleeding index of gingiva, and odds ratio of Pg was 13.5 (P<0.01).

CONCLUSION

Pg, Tf and Td were widely distributed in saliva and subgingival plaque of patients with AgP and CP. Presence of Pg, Tf and Td in saliva was related to periodontal parameters of gingiva, and saliva could be used as a promising sample for oral detection of these 3 microorganisms.

[Serum anti-Pg IgG antibody titers in patients with aggressive periodontitis]

OBJECTIVE

To measure the anti-Pg (porphyromonas gingivalis, Pg) IgG antibody titers in serum in patients with aggressive periodontitis (AgP); to study the association of IgG titers with periodontal status (alveolar bone loss); to analyze the age, gender or smoking status on IgG levels in patients with aggressive periodontitis.

METHODS

(1) Ninety-one AgP subjects with an average age of 27.6 years (females 56, males 35, and 14 male-smokers) were collected. Thirty-five healthy subjects with an average age of 29.4 years (males 10 and females 25) were also collected as control group. (2) Questionnaire, clinical evaluations and assessments of alveolar bone loss were made. (3) Patients were categorized into two groups: severe AgP group (58 subjects, with >14 teeth of moderate-severe alveolar bone loss); light-moderate group (33 subjects). (4) To collect serum sample of patients and determine the anti-Pg IgG antibody titers in serum using ELISA.

RESULTS

(1) The mean IgG antibody titers to Pg in AgP group (8.55 +/-3.24) were significantly higher than that in control group (4.78+/-2.58, P=0.0004). (2) No significant difference [(8.38+/-3.73) and (8.67+/-2.90), respectively] of mean anti-Pg IgG titers was found between male and female. (3) The mean of anti-Pg IgG titers (9.26+/-2.58) in elder group (aged>25) was significantly higher than that in younger patients (6.96+/-3.98, P=0.0014). (4) Smokers had significantly lower anti-Pg IgG titers (7.33+/- 3.72) than non-smokers (8.78+/-3.12, P=0.016). (5) Anti-Pg IgG titers in severe AgP group was significantly higher than that in light-moderate AgP group. (6)The results of multi-factor regression analysis showed that smoking, age and status of alveolar bone loss were the factors affecting anti-Pg IgG titers.

CONCLUSION

The titers of IgG antibody to Pg in serum were related to age, smoking and periodontal status in AgP patients.

[Correlation analysis between plasma levels of 25-hydroxy vitamin D3 and osteocalcin in patients with aggressive periodontitis]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the relationship between plasmatic 25-hydroxy vitamin D3 (25OHD3) level and plasmatic osteocalcin level in patients with aggressive periodontitis (AgP).

METHODS

Thirty four AgP patients and 29 healthy controls were included in this study. 25OHD3 and osteocalcin levels in plasma were measured using commercially available radioimmunoassay kits. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels were measured using a standard hospital analytical technique.

RESULTS

Plasmatic 25OHD3 level was significantly higher in AgP patients than that in healthy controls (8.65 microg/L vs 3.10 microg/L; P<0.01). Osteocalcin level was also significantly higher in AgP patients than that in healthy subjects (1.0 microg/L vs 0.8 microg/L; P=0.028). AST level was significantly lower in AgP patients than that in healthy controls(20.0 U/L vs 23.0 U/L). No correlations between the plasmatic levels of 25OHD3 and osteocalcin were detected in AgP patients or in healthy controls (r=0.271, P=0.12; r=-0.356, P=0.58).

CONCLUSION

Plasmatic 25OHD3 and osteocalcin concentrations were not correlated but might be influenced by AgP.

Family-based association analysis of S100A8 genetic polymorphisms with aggressive periodontitis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

It is known that S100A8, a member of the S100 calcium-binding protein family, is associated with inflammatory diseases, including periodontitis. Our previous population-based study found an association between two polymorphisms, rs3795391 (A > G) and rs3806232 (A > G), in the upstream region of the S100A8 gene and aggressive periodontitis (AgP) in Chinese people. Based on those results, this investigation set out to analyze and corroborate whether the association also exists within families.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Two hundred and four subjects from 73 nuclear families were recruited. All probands and their relatives were diagnosed according to the 1999 classification of periodontal diseases. Anticoagulated peripheral blood samples were collected from all the subjects, and DNA was extracted. The two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs; rs3795391 and rs3806232) were detected and analyzed by standard polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) assay. Analysis of genotype/allele was performed by Family-Based Association Test (FBAT) software ( http://www.biostat.harvard.edu/~fbat/default.html).

RESULTS

There was a statistically significant association of the SNP rs3795391 with AgP in the additive genetic model (chi(2) = 3.9836, d.f. = 1, p = 0.0459). Allele A showed significantly preferential transmission to the AgP affected individuals (Z = 1.996, p = 0.0459). The other SNP, rs3806232, showed no significant results in all models.

CONCLUSIONS

This family-based association study supports the previous findings that SNP rs3795391 (A > G) of the S100A8 gene might contribute to AgP susceptibility. This is, to our knowledge, the first investigation about AgP using FBAT in genetic analysis.

In vitro culture and differentiation of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) spermatogonia

The objective of this study was to develop a culture system which could support buffalo spermatogonia differentiation into spermatids in vitro. Testes from 3- to 5-month-old buffaloes were decapsulated and seminiferous tubules were enzymatically dissociated to recover spermatogonia and sertoli cells. The cells were cultured in modified Dulbecco modified Eagle medium supplemented with different concentrations of foetal bovine serum, retinol, testosterone for 2 months at 37 degrees C. Spermatogonia and sertoli cells were identified with an antibody against c-kit or GATA4, respectively. The viability of spermatogonia in the media supplemented with different concentrations of serum was all significantly higher (p < 0.05) compared with that in the medium without serum. A-paired or A-aligned spermatogonia and spermatogonial colonies (AP-positive) were observed after 7-10 days of culture and spermatid-like cells with a flagellum (6-8 microm) appeared after 30 days of culture. For cultured conditions, retinol could not significantly promote the formation of spermatid-like cells (p > 0.05), whereas supplementation of testosterone could significantly promote (p < 0.05) the formation of spermatid-like cells after 41 days of culture. The expression of the spermatid-specific marker gene (PRM2) was identified after 30 days of culture by RT-PCR. Yet, the transition protein 1 (TP1, a haploid makers) was not detected. Meanwhile, spermatids developed in vitro were also confirmed by Raman spectroscopy. These results suggest that buffalo spermatogonia could differentiate into spermatids in vitro based on the analysis of their morphology, PRM2 expression and Raman spectroscopy. Yet, the normality of the spermatid-like cells was not supported by TP1 expression.

Elevation of C-reactive protein and interleukin-6 in plasma of patients with aggressive periodontitis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Systemic levels of C-reactive protein and interleukin-6 have been reported to be elevated in patients with periodontitis compared with periodontally healthy individuals. Most studies included patients with chronic periodontitis and comprised predominantly Caucasians. The aim of this study was to determine the relative levels of C-reactive protein and interleukin-6 in plasma of patients with aggressive periodontitis in China and to examine the relationships between these two inflammatory mediators and clinical parameters, peripheral blood cells and protein variables.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Plasma samples were collected from 84 patients with aggressive periodontitis and from 65 control subjects. Periodontal examination consisted of taking probing depth and attachment loss measurements. The levels of plasma C-reactive protein and interleukin-6 were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.

RESULTS

The levels of plasma C-reactive protein in patients with aggressive periodontitis were significantly higher than those in control subjects (1.87 vs. 0.52 mg/L). The level of plasma interleukin-6 in patients with aggressive periodontitis was 1.20 pg/mL, higher than that in control subjects (0.08 pg/mL). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that log C-reactive protein was significantly related to severe sites percentage and albumin following correction for age, gender, body mass index and smoking (p = 0.000, p = 0.008, respectively). Log interleukin-6 was found to be significantly correlated with periodontal diagnosis, leukocyte count and level of fasting blood glucose after adjusting for the confounders (p = 0.000, p = 0.009 and p = 0.013, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Patients with aggressive periodontitis have significantly elevated levels of plasma C-reactive protein and interleukin-6. These elevated inflammatory factors might potentially increase the risk for cardiovascular events and glucose dysregulation in relatively young individuals.

Testing the druggable endothelial differentiation gene 2 knee osteoarthritis genetic factor for replication in a wide range of sample collections

OBJECTIVES

To replicate a previously reported association with osteoarthritis (OA) of the promoter single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs10980705 in the endothelial differentiation gene 2 (EDG2).

METHODS

Five collections of samples, four from Europe and one from China, were studied. They included patients with 3 OA phenotypes: 1501 with knee OA, 1497 with hip OA and 376 with generalised OA. A total of 2521 controls were also studied. Allele and genotype frequencies of the rs10980705 SNP were analysed in each individual sample collection and in pooled data. In addition, a meta-analysis to incorporate results from the original Japanese report was performed.

RESULTS

The association of the rs10980705 SNP with knee OA was not replicated in any of the five sample collections studied or in their combined analysis (odds ratio (OR) 1.10, 95% CI 0.98 to 1.22; p = 0.10). Meta-analysis of all data, including the original Japanese study, did show association with knee OA (OR 1.15, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.26; p = 0.002) but the effect was accounted for by the Japanese data and was less significant than the original report. No association was found with hip OA or with generalised OA.

CONCLUSIONS

The original report of a promising genetic association between a druggable G-protein coupled receptor, EDG2, and knee OA has not been replicated. This lack of replication could be due to a modest effect of the promoter polymorphism that will require even larger studies (the winners curse) although a more pronounced effect in the Asian population vs Europeans cannot be excluded.

[Prevalence of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans in saliva of different types of periodontitis]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the prevalence of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans (Aa) in whole saliva of different types of periodontitis and compare the detections of Aa between saliva and pooled subgingival plaque sample, and analyze the relationship between Aa and clinical conditions.

METHODS

Unstimulated whole saliva samples and pooled subgingival samples were collected from 50 aggressive periodontitis (AgP) patients, 48 chronic periodontitis (CP) patients and 25 subjects with no periodontitis, and Aa was detected in these samples by PCR method.

RESULTS

The prevalence of Aa in whole saliva of AgP patients was significantly higher than in subjects with no periodontitis (32% vs. 4%, P<0.01) and CP patients (32% vs. 15%, P<0.05). Aa was also more frequently detected in whole saliva sample than in pooled subgingival sample of AgP patients (32% vs. 16%, P<0.05). Subjects younger than 30 years old were more likely to present Aa in whole saliva ( OR = 3.23, P<0.05) and percentage of sites with bleeding index (BI) > or = 3 over 70% was a risk indicator for the presence of Aa in whole saliva

CONCLUSIONS

The detection of Aa in whole saliva sample of AgP patients was more frequent than in pooled subgingival plaque samples, and also more frequent than in CP patients and subjects with no periodontitis, which suggest that Aa may participate in the initiation and progression of aggressive periodontitis.