Population-based study of salivary carriage of periodontal pathogens in adults

Effect of Probiotic Supplements on the Oral Microbiota-A Narrative Review

Data from systematic reviews and meta-analyses show that probiotics positively impact clinical parameters of oral diseases such as gingivitis, dental caries, and periodontitis. However, the working mechanism of probiotics is not fully understood, but is hypothesized to be mediated by direct and indirect interactions with the oral microbiota and the human host. In the present narrative review, we focused on the microbiological effect of probiotic supplements based on data retrieved from randomized clinical trials (RCTs). In addition, we assessed to what extent contemporary molecular methods have been employed in clinical trials in the field of oral probiotics. Multiple RCTs have been performed studying the potential effect of probiotics on gingivitis, dental caries, and periodontitis, as evaluated by microbial endpoints. In general, results are conflicting, with some studies reporting a positive effect, whereas others are not able to record any effect. Major differences in terms of study designs and sample size, as well as delivery route, frequency, and duration of probiotic consumption, hamper comparison across studies. In addition, most RCTs have been performed with a limited sample size using relatively simple methods for microbial identification, such as culturing, qPCR, and DNA-DNA checkerboard, while high-throughput methods such as 16S sequencing have only been employed in a few studies. Currently, state-of-the-art molecular methods such as metagenomics, metatranscriptomics, and metaproteomics have not yet been used in RCTs in the field of probiotics. The present narrative review revealed that the effect of probiotic supplements on the oral microbiota remains largely uncovered. One important reason is that most RCTs are performed without studying the microbiological effect. To facilitate future systematic reviews and meta-analyses, an internationally agreed core outcome set for the reporting of microbial endpoints in clinical trials would be desirable. Such a standardized collection of outcomes would most likely improve the quality of probiotic research in the oral context.

Ultrastructural localization of Porphyromonas gingivalis gingipains in the substantia nigra of Parkinson's disease brains

Gingipains are protease virulence factors produced by Porphyromonas gingivalis, a Gram-negative bacterium best known for its role in chronic periodontitis. Gingipains were recently identified in the middle temporal gyrus of postmortem Alzheimer's disease (AD) brains, where gingipain load correlated with AD diagnosis and tau and ubiquitin pathology. Since AD and Parkinson's disease (PD) share some overlapping pathologic features, including nigral pathology and Lewy bodies, the current study explored whether gingipains are present in the substantia nigra pars compacta of PD brains. In immunohistochemical techniques and multi-channel fluorescence studies, gingipain antigens were abundant in dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra of both PD and neurologically normal control brains. 3-dimensional reconstructions of Lewy body containing neurons revealed that gingipains associated with the periphery of alpha-synuclein aggregates but were occasionally observed inside aggregates. In vitro proteomic analysis demonstrated that recombinant alpha-synuclein is cleaved by lysine-gingipain, generating multiple alpha-synuclein fragments including the non-amyloid component fragments. Immunogold electron microscopy with co-labeling of gingipains and alpha-synuclein confirmed the occasional colocalization of gingipains with phosphorylated (pSER129) alpha-synuclein. In dopaminergic neurons, gingipains localized to the perinuclear cytoplasm, neuromelanin, mitochondria, and nucleus. These data suggest that gingipains localize in dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra and interact with alpha-synuclein.

Advances in periodontal biomarkers

Due to technologic advancements, periodontology has witnessed a boost in biomarker research over the past three decades. Indeed, with the aid of omics, our understanding of the healthy periodontium, pathogenesis of periodontal diseases, and healing after periodontal treatment has improved significantly. Yet, the traditional methods, periodontal probing and radiographies, remain the most common methods to diagnose periodontal disease and monitor treatment. Although these approaches can produce reliable diagnostic outcomes, they generally detect disease only after significant tissue degradation thus making treatment outcome highly uncertain. Accordingly, laboratories worldwide have collaborated with clinicians to design accurate, rapid and cost-effective biomarkers for periodontal disease diagnosis. Despite these efforts, biomarkers that can be widely used in early disease diagnosis and for treatment outcome prediction are far from daily use. The aim of this chapter is to give a general overview on periodontal health and diseases, and review recent advancements in periodontal biomarker research. A second aim will discuss the strengths and limitations of translating periodontal biomarker research to clinical practice. Genetic biomarkers of periodontitis are not discussed as the available confirmatory data is scarce.

Dietary inflammatory index in relation to salivary cytokine concentrations and periodontitis: A cross-sectional analysis

AIM

To examine the associations of dietary inflammatory index (DII) with salivary cytokine concentrations and periodontitis after controlling for body mass index (BMI), socio-demographic factors and lifestyle.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Subgroups from two Finnish surveys, DILGOM 2007 and Health 2000, were included (total n = 727). The DII scores were calculated based on a food frequency questionnaire. Periodontal status was assessed with a cumulative risk score in DILGOM 2007 and by pocket depth measurement in Health 2000. From saliva, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-1 receptor antagonist, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10 and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α concentrations were measured.

RESULTS

The DII scores did not differ between non-periodontitis and periodontitis participants in pairwise comparison. After adjusting for energy intake, periodontal status, BMI, age, education level, smoking habit and physical activity, DII was not associated with salivary cytokine concentrations. After adjusting for salivary cytokine levels and other confounding factors, DII was associated with periodontitis in the Health 2000 subgroup but not in the DILGOM 2007 subgroup.

CONCLUSIONS

The current data support the evidence that diet is not associated with salivary cytokine levels but may be associated with periodontitis. The association observed between diet and periodontitis is related to factors other than diet-dependent inflammatory tendency in the oral cavity.

Incidence of seropositive rheumatoid arthritis in population-based studies in Northern Savo, Finland, during 1980-2020

The objective is to evaluate the incidence of seropositive rheumatoid arthritis (RA) over 40-year period in Northern Savo, Finland. Data on new seropositive RA patients according to the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 1987 classification criteria were collected in 2020-2021. In 2020 data on tobacco exposure, patient-reported dental health and living in residences with fluoridated tap water were gathered. Incidence rates were estimated and age- and gender-adjusted to Northern Savo population. The results were compared with data acquired in studies from 1980, 1990, 2000, and 2010. In 2020, 46 seropositive RA patients (21 females and 25 males) were recorded. The crude incidence of seropositive RA fulfilling the ACR 87 criteria in 2020 was 22.3 (95% CI 16.3 to 29.8)/100 000 and age and gender-adjusted 22.3 (95% CI 15.9 to 28.8)/100 000. Tobacco exposure > 5 pack years occurred 18% of females and 56% of males. Only 16% of males were full dentate. A total of 242 incident seropositive RA (age ≥ 16 years, 55% females) were identified in all study years. No differences in the gender-specific incidence rates in each cohort or in incidence between the studies every 10 years were recorded. The incidence of seropositive RA decreased in the age group < 55 years, p = 0.003. There was no change in the incidence of seropositive RA between genders or the study years. A declining trend for occurrence of seropositive RA in the young and early middle-aged population may reflect change in risk factors.

Salivary Human β-Defensin 1-3 and Human α-Defensin-1 Levels in Relation to the Extent of Periodontal Disease and Tooth Loss in the Elderly

The oral innate immune response may diminish with aging. In the present study, the aim was to examine human β-defensin (hBD) 1-3 and human neutrophil peptide (HNP)-1 levels in the saliva of an elderly population to establish the extent of periodontal disease and tooth loss. A total of 175 individuals aged ≥ 65 years were divided into five groups based on the number of teeth with a pocket depth ≥ 4 mm as follows: 17 pocket-free individuals (Control), 55 individuals having 1-6 pocket teeth (PerioA), 33 individuals having 7-13 pocket teeth (PerioB), 29 individuals having at least 14 pocket teeth (PerioC), and 41 edentulous individuals. Their salivary defensin levels were measured with ELISA kits. The salivary HNP-1 levels were significantly higher in the Perio groups (PerioB: p < 0.001 and PerioC: p < 0.001) in comparison to the Control. The associations between salivary HNP-1 levels and the number of pocket teeth remained significant after adjustments for age, gender, level of education, and number of teeth. The salivary HNP and hBD levels differed in terms of their correlation to the extent of periodontal disease and tooth loss in the elderly.

Co-Infection of Oral Candida albicans and Porphyromonas gingivalis Is Associated with Active Periodontitis in Middle-Aged and Older Japanese People

Background and Objectives: Candida albicans can be detected in subgingival sites of patients with periodontitis. However, the association between oral Candida albicans and periodontitis has not been fully elucidated in Japanese adults. The aim of this study is to clarify the relationship between oral Candida albicans infection/co-infection of oral C. albicans and Porphyromonas gingivalis and periodontitis among middle-aged and older Japanese people. Materials and Methods: Eighty-six patients (mean age 70.4 years) who visited the Hiroshima University Hospital from April to September 2021 were investigated in this study. Oral swab samples were collected from the tongue surface. C. albicans and P. gingivalis DNA was detected by real-time PCR using specific DNA primer sets. C. albicans-positive participants were classified into two groups according to the presence or absence of intron insertion of C. albicans DNA by PCR analysis. Results: C. albicans was detected in 22 (25.6%) of the 86 patients. Patients in their 80s recorded a higher C. albicans-positive rate (35.3%) compared with other participants. However, there was no significant association between the C. albicans positivity rate and clinical parameters such as sex, age, systemic disease, denture use, or oral health status. Of the 22 C. albicans-positive participants, 10 participants (45.5%) had C. albicans with intron insertion; 70% of participants who had C. albicans with intron insertion exhibited ≥6 mm probing depth. C. albicans/P. gingivalis co-infection was found in 12 patients (14%). Importantly, binomial logistic regression analysis revealed that C. albicans/P. gingivalis co-infection was significantly associated with ≥6 mm periodontal pockets with bleeding on probing (p = 0.02). Conclusions: Co-infection of C. albicans and P. gingivalis is involved in active periodontitis in middle-aged and older people.

The Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Porphyromonas gingivalis: Genetic Repertoire, Global Phenotype, and Review of the Literature

The in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility of 29 strains of the major periodontal pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis and three P. gulae (as an ancestor) to nine antibiotics (amoxicillin, amoxicillin/clavulanate, clindamycin, metronidazole, moxifloxacin, doxycycline, azithromycin, imipenem, and cefoxitin) was evaluated by E-testing of minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) according to international standards. The results were compared with 16 international studies reporting MICs from 1993 until recently. In addition, 77 currently available P. gingivalis genomes were screened for antimicrobial resistance genes. E-testing revealed a 100% sensitivity of P. gingivalis and P. gulae to all antibiotics. This was independent of the isolation year (1970 until 2021) or region, including rural areas in Indonesia and Africa. Regarding studies worldwide (675 strains), several method varieties regarding medium, McFarland inoculation standards (0.5-2) and incubation time (48-168 h) were used for MIC-testing. Overall, no resistances have been reported for amoxicillin + clavulanate, cefoxitin, and imipenem. Few strains showed intermediate susceptibility or resistance to amoxicillin and metronidazole, with the latter needing both confirmation and attention. The only antibiotics which might fail in the treatment of P. gingivalis-associated mixed anaerobic infections are clindamycin, macrolides, and tetracyclines, corresponding to the resistance genes erm(B), erm(F), and tet(Q) detected in our study here, as well as fluoroquinolones. Periodical antibiotic susceptibility testing is necessary to determine the efficacy of antimicrobial agents and to optimize antibiotic stewardship.

Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and Aggregatibacter aphrophilus in a Kenyan Maasai Adolescent Population and Inhibition of Leukotoxic Activity by Herbal Plants Used as Part of Oral Hygiene Procedures

BACKGROUND

A virulent genotype (JP2) of the periodonto-pathogen, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa), is widespread in North and West Africa, while its presence in East Africa has not been thoroughly investigated. This JP2 genotype is associated with periodontitis in adolescents and has a high leukotoxicity. The aim of the study was to examine the prevalence of Aa and its JP2 genotype, the prevalence of the oral, commensal Aggregatibacter aphrophilus in a Maasai adolescent population, and the effect of herbal plants for inhibition of leukotoxicity.

METHODS

A total of 284 adolescents from Maasai Mara, Kenya, underwent an oral examination and microbial sampling. The presence of Aa and A. aphrophilus was analyzed by quantitative PCR and cultivation (the 58 samples collected at the last day of field study). The collected Aa strains were characterized and leukotoxin promoter typed. Additionally, herbal plants commonly used for oral hygiene were assessed for the inhibition of leukotoxicity.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of Aa in stimulated whole saliva was high (71.8%), with the JP2 genotype detected in one individual, and A. aphrophilus in 99% of the sampled individuals. The commonly used herbal plant, Warburgia ugandensis, inactivated Aa leukotoxicity. The Aa virulence might be reduced through use of W. ugandensis and the high levels of A. aphrophilus.

Social Class Identity, Public Service Satisfaction, and Happiness of Residents: The Mediating Role of Social Trust

Happiness is the eternal pursuit of mankind and is also the ultimate goal of social governance and national development. Based on data from the Chinese General Social Survey, this study used a structural equation model to analyze the influence of social class identity and public service satisfaction on the happiness of residents. The effect of public service satisfaction and social trust between social class identity and residents’ happiness was tested using the Monte Carlo method. The empirical results show that social class identity, social trust, and public service satisfaction all had a significant positive impact on residents’ happiness. The influence coefficients of social class identity on the happiness of residents and on the satisfaction degree of public service for those born in the1970s group were greater than the 1980s and 1990s groups. The influence coefficients of social class identity on the happiness and public service satisfaction of non-agricultural household residents were greater than those of agricultural household residents. Therefore, to improve the happiness of residents, we should make new breakthroughs in the equality of quality and the quality of public services, promote the integration of urban and rural areas, highlight key areas of rural development, and increase the construction of basic public services for agricultural household residents.

Glycated hemoglobin influence on periodontal status, pathogens and salivary interleukins in type II diabetic Tunisian subjects with chronic periodontitis

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Studies have shown that there is a possible correlation between the amount of glycated hemoglobin and the periodontal status. The goal of this study was to investigate the relationship between glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and the prevalence of gingival pathogens and circulating interleukin levels in type II diabetic Tunisian subjects.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The research included four groups; 30 healthy subjects (H group), 30 non-diabetic subjects suffering from chronic periodontitis (CP group). Type-II diabetic patients were divided according to HbA1c level into 30 adequately-controlled type-II diabetes subjects (HbA1c ≤ 7 percent (ATIID&CP group)) and 30 inadequately-controlled type-II diabetes subjects and HbA1c > 7 percent (ITIID&CP group). Clinical periodontal condition parameters and assessment of salivary interleukin IL-1beta, IL-6 and IL-10 were assessed. Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction used for detection of Subgingival biofilm of periodontal pathogens.

RESULTS

Clinical parameters analyzed were positively associated with HbA1c levels (p < 0.05). A. Actinomycetemcomitans were found in 80 percent of ITIID&CP, 65 percent of CP and almost absent in H group. Porphyromonas gingivalis was present in 100 percent of CP, 85 percent of ITIID&CP, 50 percent of ATIID&CP and 3 percent of H group. T. Denticola had an equivalent occurrence. While Tannerella forsythia was scarce in ITIID&CP groups, but abundant in the H group. ITIID&CP had the highest IL-6 and IL-1beta/IL-10 ratios.

CONCLUSION

HBA1c levels affect periodontal status, pathogens and salivary interleukins in Type-II diabetic Tunisians with chronic periodontitis, compared with stable and chronic periodontitis groups and can interact with periodontal infections and increase the inflammatory state.

Oral findings and treatment of patients with face transplants in Helsinki

OBJECTIVES

Oral health and balanced occlusion are important aspects of a well-functioning face transplant. This study describes the oral and dental status, dental management, and sialoendoscopy of the first 2 patients in Helsinki who underwent face transplantations.

STUDY DESIGN

Two patients received near-full face transplantations in 2016 and 2018, respectively. The transplanted tissues included a Le Fort type II maxilla, angle-to-angle mandible, all oral mucosa, ventral tongue tissue, and the muscles of the floor of the mouth. Comprehensive oral examinations and all required dental treatment, including follow-up examinations, were performed for both patients after the transplantations.

RESULTS

Both patients rehabilitated well, and their quality of life improved. Stable, functioning dentition and occlusion were achieved for both patients. Hyposalivation and dental caries were issues for both patients. Patient 1 also experienced infections in the jaws. Implants were placed in the transplanted jaws of patient 2 with successful osseointegration.

CONCLUSIONS

We report successful tooth-bearing face transplantations in 2 patients. Patient selection, particularly regarding oral health, is crucial in avoiding posttransplantation complications. Moreover, the oral and dental status of the donor should be examined by a dentist before transplantation, and regular follow-up dental examinations should be performed after transplantation.

Prediction of Chronic Periodontitis Severity Using Machine Learning Models Based On Salivary Bacterial Copy Number

Periodontitis is a widespread chronic inflammatory disease caused by interactions between periodontal bacteria and homeostasis in the host. We aimed to investigate the performance and reliability of machine learning models in predicting the severity of chronic periodontitis. Mouthwash samples from 692 subjects (144 healthy controls and 548 generalized chronic periodontitis patients) were collected, the genomic DNA was isolated, and the copy numbers of nine pathogens were measured using multiplex qPCR. The nine pathogens are as follows: Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg), Tannerella forsythia (Tf), Treponema denticola (Td), Prevotella intermedia (Pi), Fusobacterium nucleatum (Fn), Campylobacter rectus (Cr), Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa), Peptostreptococcus anaerobius (Pa), and Eikenella corrodens (Ec). By adding the species one by one in order of high accuracy to find the optimal combination of input features, we developed an algorithm that predicts the severity of periodontitis using four machine learning techniques. The accuracy was the highest when the models classified “healthy” and “moderate or severe” periodontitis (H vs. M-S, average accuracy of four models: 0.93, AUC = 0.96, sensitivity of 0.96, specificity of 0.81, and diagnostic odds ratio = 112.75). One or two red complex pathogens were used in three models to distinguish slight chronic periodontitis patients from healthy controls (average accuracy of 0.78, AUC = 0.82, sensitivity of 0.71, and specificity of 0.84, diagnostic odds ratio = 12.85). Although the overall accuracy was slightly reduced, the models showed reliability in predicting the severity of chronic periodontitis from 45 newly obtained samples. Our results suggest that a well-designed combination of salivary bacteria can be used as a biomarker for classifying between a periodontally healthy group and a chronic periodontitis group.

Oral Microbiota and Cancer Development

Oral microbiota are among the most diverse in the human body. More than 700 species have been identified in the mouth, and new sequencing methods are allowing us to discover even more species. The anatomy of the oral cavity is different from that of other body sites. The oral cavity has mucosal surfaces (the tongue, the buccal mucosa, the gingiva, and the palate), hard tissues (the teeth), and exocrine gland tissue (major and minor salivary glands), all of which present unique features for microbiota composition. The connection between oral microbiota and diseases of the human body has been under intensive research in the past years. Furthermore, oral microbiota have been associated with cancer development. Patients suffering from periodontitis, a common advanced gingival disease caused by bacterial dysbiosis, have a 2-5 times higher risk of acquiring any cancer compared to healthy individuals. Some oral taxa, especially Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum, have been shown to have carcinogenic potential by several different mechanisms. They can inhibit apoptosis, activate cell proliferation, promote cellular invasion, induce chronic inflammation, and directly produce carcinogens. These microbiota changes can already be seen with potentially malignant lesions of the oral cavity. The causal relationship between microbiota and cancer is complex. It is difficult to accurately study the impact of specific bacteria on carcinoma development in humans. This review focuses on the elucidating the interactions between oral cavity bacterial microbiota and cancer. We gather literature on the current knowledge of the bacterial contribution to cancer development and the mechanisms behind it.

Relationship of Salivary Microbiome with the Worsening of the Periodontal Health Status in Young Adults: A 3-Year Cohort Study

The purpose of this prospective cohort study was to investigate the influence of the salivary microbiome on the worsening of the periodontal health status among Japanese young adults. We assessed the data of systemically healthy and non-smoking young (18–22 years) university students (n = 457) from Okayama University at baseline (2013) and follow-up (2016). The worsening group was defined based on an increase in the percentage of bleeding on probing (%BOP) or an increase in probing pocket depth (PPD) from <4 mm to ≥4 mm. Unstimulated saliva samples were randomly collected from 69 students for microbiome analysis at follow-up. The salivary microbiome was assessed through 16S rRNA metagenomic sequencing. The type of community in the salivary microbiome clustered by statistical analysis and diversity was not significantly associated with the worsening of the periodontal health status in cases of increasing %BOP and PPD (p > 0.05). The prevalence of some species was significantly higher in the worsening group than in the non-worsening group (p < 0.05) in both cases. The worsening of the periodontal health status was associated with some species, but not the type of community and diversity in the salivary microbiome among Japanese young adults.

Sequencing of Porphyromonas gingivalis from saliva in patients with periodontitis and type 2 diabetes mellitus

Background

Porphyromonas gingivalis is a major periodontal pathogen. Saliva is the most easy, non-invasive microbiological sample for detection of periodontal pathogens.

Aim and Objectives

A prospective study on 37 diabetic patients was grouped into well-controlled diabetes with/without periodontitis and uncontrolled diabetic with periodontitis. PCR and sequencing of P. gingivalis was performed in saliva samples.

Materials and Methods

DNA was extracted from saliva using Triton X-100 and 16s rRNA gene (404 bp) was amplified by polymerase chain reaction. DNA sequencing was performed for two samples.

Results

P. gingivalis was detected in 27.03% (n = 10), of which 30% (n = 9) were diabetic with periodontal disease and 14.3% (n = 1) were diabetic without periodontal disease. The percentage of poor oral hygiene was 50% and 20% in uncontrolled and controlled glycaemic patients, respectively. DNA sequencing of two samples showed 100% identity with the sequences in the GenBank database (Gen Bank accession no: KX640913-KX640914).

Conclusion

Type 2 diabetes mellitus and periodontitis are interlinked. Early detection of P. gingivalis and appropriate treatment with doxycycline will also assist in controlling the glycaemic status.

A cross-sectional investigation into the association between Porphyromonas gingivalis and autoantibodies to citrullinated proteins in a German population

Background

Porphyromonas gingivalis (P.g) is unique among pathogens due to its ability to generate citrullinated proteins in an inflammatory milieu, potentially mediating the loss of immune tolerance, the production of anticitrullinated protein antibodies (ACPAs), and subsequently the development of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Based on this hypothesis, we set out to investigate whether P.g is linked to ACPAs in a well-characterized German population.

Participants and methods

A total of 600 participants (292 women and 308 men with a mean age of 67 years) of the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition-Potsdam study were selected in 2013, and paired saliva and serum samples were collected. Salivary P.g DNA and serum anticyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP2) levels were quantified by real-time polymerase chain reaction and anti-CCP2 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. In selected participants, additional ACPA fine-specificities were also analysed on a custom-made multiplex peptide array.

Results

Among participants with C-reactive protein greater than 3.0 mg/l, a one-unit increase in P.g DNA was associated with an almost twofold increase in anti-CCP2 levels. Moreover, participants with high P.g DNA had on average approximately 2.8-times higher anti-CCP2 levels when compared with participants with low P.g DNA, (Holm-adjusted p value = 0.01). Furthermore, citrullinated epitopes on α-enolase and vimentin were common ACPA reactivities among participants who also had high P.g DNA and elevated C-reactive protein.

Conclusions

Our study suggests that in specific subgroups of individuals with systemic inflammation, higher salivary P.g DNA is associated with elevated serum ACPA. These data support a role for P.g in the development of anticitrulline immunity.

Periodontitis: A Multifaceted Disease of Tooth-Supporting Tissues

Periodontitis is an infection-driven inflammatory disease in which the composition of biofilms plays a significant role. Dental plaque accumulation at the gingival margin initiates an inflammatory response that, in turn, causes microbial alterations and may lead to drastic consequences in the periodontium of susceptible individuals. Chronic inflammation affects the gingiva and can proceed to periodontitis, which characteristically results in irreversible loss of attachment and alveolar bone. Periodontitis appears typically in adult-aged populations, but young individuals can also experience it and its harmful outcome. Advanced disease is the major cause of tooth loss in adults. In addition, periodontitis is associated with many chronic diseases and conditions affecting general health.

Fretibacterium sp. human oral taxon 360 is a novel biomarker for periodontitis screening in the Japanese population

Background

Periodontitis is a common inflammatory disease, leading to bone destruction and tooth loss. Screening for periodontitis is important in preventing the progress of this disease. Various types of bacteria have been examined as potential screening targets, but only culturable pathogenic bacteria have been considered candidates. Recently, the various uncultivable bacteria have been identified in microbiome studies, but the value of these bacteria in periodontitis screening remains unknown.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic use of uncultivable bacteria Fretibacterium sp. HOT 360 and TM7 sp. HOT 356 for periodontitis screening in the Japanese population.

Material and methods

Stimulated saliva samples were collected from 217 participants (periodontitis group, n = 157; healthy group, n = 60). The two uncultivable bacterial species selected were: Fretibacterium sp. human oral taxon 360 (Fretibacterium sp. HOT 360) and TM7 sp. human oral taxon 356 (TM7 sp. HOT 356). The levels of these two bacterial species were compared with those of Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis), a keystone pathogen in periodontitis. These three species of bacteria were then quantified using qualitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) with specific primers and Taqman probes. Statistical analysis was performed by SPSS 20.0 software. P value was statistically significant at .05.

Results

The populations of uncultivable bacterial species TM7 sp. HOT 356 and Fretibacterium sp. HOT 360 were significantly higher in periodontitis group than in healthy group. Only Fretibacterium sp. HOT 360 showed a significantly positive correlation with such periodontal parameters as probing pocket depth (PPD) and bleeding on probing (BOP).

Conclusion

These findings indicate that uncultivable bacteria Fretibacterium sp. HOT 360 can be used as a saliva-based diagnostic bacterial biomarker for periodontitis screening.

Subversion of host immune responses by otopathogens during otitis media

Otitis media (OM) is one of the most common ear diseases affecting humans. Children are at greater risk and suffer most frequently from OM, which can cause serious deterioration in the quality of life. OM is generally classified into two main types: acute and chronic OM (AOM and COM). AOM is characterized by tympanic membrane swelling or otorrhea and is accompanied by signs or symptoms of ear infection. In COM, there is a tympanic membrane perforation and purulent discharge. The most common pathogens that cause AOM are Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis whereas Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus are commonly associated with COM. Innate and adaptive immune responses provide protection against OM. However, pathogens employ a wide arsenal of weapons to evade potent immune responses and these mechanisms likely contribute to AOM and COM. Immunologic evasion is multifactorial, and involves damage to host mucociliary tract, genetic polymorphisms within otopathogens, the number and variety of different otopathogens in the nasopharynx as well as the interaction between the host's innate and adaptive immune responses. Otopathogens utilize host mucin production, phase variation, biofilm production, glycans, as well as neutrophil and eosinophilic extracellular traps to induce OM. The objective of this review article is to discuss our current understanding about the mechanisms through which otopathogens escape host immunity to induce OM. A better knowledge about the molecular mechanisms leading to subversion of host immune responses will provide novel clues to develop effective treatment modalities for OM.

A cross-sectional study on the periodontal status and prevalence of red complex periodontal pathogens in a Japanese population

This large-scale study cross-sectionally examined the periodontal status and prevalence of "red complex" bacteria (Porphyromonas gingivalis, Treponema denticola, and Tannerella forsythia) in Japanese adults. A total of 977 participants were enrolled in the study. Probing depth (PD), bleeding on probing (BOP), and bone crest level (BCL) were recorded, and the presence of red complex bacteria in the saliva was examined using polymerase chain reaction. The mean BCL value and the percentage of sites with a PD ≥4 mm or the presence of BOP were significantly higher in older participants. The detection rates of P. gingivalis, T. denticola, and T. forsythia were 46.3%, 76.4%, and 61.1%, respectively. The P. gingivalis detection rate significantly increased with age, while those of T. denticola and T. forsythia were comparably high for all age groups. A close correlation between P. gingivalis and the percentage of sites with PD ≥4 mm was indicated by nonlinear canonical correlation analysis. Current smokers exhibited a more advanced disease condition and a significantly higher P. gingivalis detection rate than non-smokers. In conclusion, periodontal condition worsens with age, and P. gingivalis appears to be the red complex bacterium most closely associated with periodontitis.

Grading system for periodontitis by analyzing levels of periodontal pathogens in saliva

Periodontitis is an infectious disease that is associated with microorganisms that colonize the tooth surface. Clinically, periodontal condition stability reflects dynamic equilibrium between bacterial challenge and host response. Therefore, periodontal pathogen assessment can assist in the early detection of periodontitis. Here we developed a grading system called the periodontal pathogen index (PPI) by analyzing the copy numbers of multiple pathogens both in healthy and chronic periodontitis patients. We collected 170 mouthwash samples (64 periodontally healthy controls and 106 chronic periodontitis patients) and analyzed the salivary 16S rRNA levels of nine pathogens using multiplex, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Except for Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, copy numbers of all pathogens were significantly higher in chronic periodontitis patients. We classified the samples based on optimal cut-off values with maximum sensitivity and specificity from receiver operating characteristic curve analyses (AUC = 0.91, 95% CI: 0.87-0.96) into four categories of PPI: Healthy (1-40), Moderate (41-60), At Risk (61-80), and Severe (81-100). PPI scores were significantly higher in all chronic periodontitis patients than in the controls (odds ratio: 31.7, 95% CI: 13.41-61.61) and were associated with age, scaling as well as clinical characteristics including clinical attachment level and plaque index. Our PPI grading system can be clinically useful for the early assessment of pathogenic bacterial burden and follow-up monitoring after periodontitis treatment.

Modulation of salivary cytokines in response to alcohol, tobacco and caffeine consumption: a pilot study

It has been shown that long-term stimulant consumption alters the biological and microbiological status of the oral cavity. We present a pilot study describing stimulant-specific oral immunomodulation in the oral cavity. Changes in salivary cytokine levels in response to long-term alcohol, tobacco and caffeine were identified. Volunteers were recruited from amongst the patients visiting University Dental Clinic of CEU Cardenal Herrera University (Alfara del Patriarca, Spain). Participants were grouped according to their self-reported levels of consumption of either caffeine, alcohol or tobacco (control group volunteers were non-consumers of all three). Informed consent was provided and stimulated saliva samples were obtained and assayed for interleukin-1α IL-1α), Tumor Necrosis Factor α (TNF-α) and Interferon γ IFN-γ). Long-term, high-level consumers of alcohol or tobacco exhibited elevated salivary concentrations of the three inflammatory cytokines with respect to control values. Specifically, IL-1α was found to be elevated in alcohol users whilst IFN-γ concentration higher in tobacco users versus controls. Long-term caffeine consumers displayed elevated levels of IFN-γ and TNF-α, whereas IL-1α levels were reduced with respect to control volunteers. This pilot study demonstrates that salivary cytokines can be modulated in response to quantity and duration of alcohol, caffeine or tobacco consumption.

The Clinical Importance of Campylobacter concisus and Other Human Hosted Campylobacter Species

Historically, Campylobacteriosis has been considered to be zoonotic; the Campylobacter species that cause human acute intestinal disease such as Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli originate from animals. Over the past decade, studies on human hosted Campylobacter species strongly suggest that Campylobacter concisus plays a role in the development of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). C. concisus primarily colonizes the human oral cavity and some strains can be translocated to the intestinal tract. Genome analysis of C. concisus strains isolated from saliva samples has identified a bacterial marker that is associated with active Crohn's disease (one major form of IBD). In addition to C. concisus, humans are also colonized by a number of other Campylobacter species, most of which are in the oral cavity. Here we review the most recent advancements on C. concisus and other human hosted Campylobacter species including their clinical relevance, transmission, virulence factors, disease associated genes, interactions with the human immune system and pathogenic mechanisms.

Alterations in oral microbial flora induced by waterpipe tobacco smoking

Background

Waterpipe smoking is a global health problem and a serious public concern. Little is known about the effects of waterpipe smoking on oral health. In the current study, we examined the alterations of oral microbial flora by waterpipe smoking.

Methods

One hundred adult healthy subjects (59 waterpipe smokers and 41 non-smokers) were recruited into the study. Swabs were taken from the oral cavity and subgingival regions. Standard culturing techniques were used to identify types, frequency, and mean number of microorganisms in cultures obtained from the subjects.

Results

It was notable that waterpipe smokers were significantly associated with a history of oral infections. In subgingiva, Acinetobacter and Moraxella species were present only in waterpipe smokers. In addition, the frequency of Candida albicans was higher in the subgingiva of waterpipe smokers (p = 0.023) while the frequency of Fusobacterium nucleatum was significantly lower in the subgingiva of waterpipe smokers (p = 0.036). However, no change was observed in other tested bacteria, such as Campylobacter species; Viridans group streptococci, Enterobacteriaceae, and Staphylococcus aureus. In oral cavity and when colony-forming units were considered, the only bacterial species that showed significant difference were the black-pigmented bacteria (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

This study provides evidence indicating that some of the oral microflora is significantly altered by waterpipe smoking.

Microbial profile comparisons of saliva, pooled and site-specific subgingival samples in periodontitis patients

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to compare microbial profiles of saliva, pooled and site-specific subgingival samples in patients with periodontitis. We tested the hypotheses that saliva can be an alternative to pooled subgingival samples, when screening for presence of periopathogens.

Design

Site specific subgingival plaque samples (n = 54), pooled subgingival plaque samples (n = 18) and stimulated saliva samples (n = 18) were collected from 18 patients with generalized chronic periodontitis. Subgingival and salivary microbiotas were characterized by means of HOMINGS (Human Oral Microbe Identification using Next Generation Sequencing) and microbial community profiles were compared using Spearman rank correlation coefficient.

Results

Pronounced intraindividual differences were recorded in site-specific microbial profiles, and site-specific information was in general not reflected by pooled subgingival samples. Presence of Porphyromonas gingivalis, Treponema denticola, Prevotella intermedia, Filifactor alocis, Tannerella forsythia and Parvimona micra in site-specific subgingival samples were detected in saliva with an AUC of 0.79 (sensitivity: 0.61, specificity: 0.94), compared to an AUC of 0.76 (sensitivity: 0.56, specificity: 0.94) in pooled subgingival samples.

Conclusions

Site-specific presence of periodontal pathogens was detected with comparable accuracy in stimulated saliva samples and pooled subgingival plaque samples. Consequently, saliva may be a reasonable surrogate for pooled subgingival samples when screening for presence of periopathogens. Future large-scale studies are needed to confirm findings from this study.

Porphyromonas gingivalis may interfere with conception in women

In this observational and prospective study, we investigated if microbiological and serological markers of periodontitis associated with conception in 256 non-pregnant women (Mage = 29.2 years; range 19-42 years). Clinical oral and gynecological examinations were performed, major periodontal pathogens in the saliva were detected, and serum and saliva antibodies against major periodontal pathogens were analyzed. The follow-up period for becoming pregnant was 12 months. Porphyromonas gingivalis was significantly (p = 0.032) more frequently detected in the saliva among those who did not become pregnant (8.3%) than among those who became pregnant (2.1%). The median levels of salivary P. gingivalis immunoglobulin A (IgA; p = 0.006) and IgG (p = 0.007) antibodies were higher among those who did not become pregnant compared to those who became pregnant. Hazard ratios (HR) for not becoming pregnant were HR = 3.75 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01-13.9; p = 0.048) if the subject was polymerase chain reaction-positive for P. gingivalis with high salivary antibodies against it, and HR = 1.62 (95% CI 1.03-2.54; p = 0.035) if she had high levels of serum P. gingivalis IgA and signs of periodontal infection. P. gingivalis associated with no success in getting pregnant.

In Vitro Antimicrobial Activity of Thymus vulgaris Essential Oil Against Major Oral Pathogens

The objective of present investigation was to determine antimicrobial activity of Thymus vulgaris oil on some oral pathogens. Thymus vulgaris oil was prepared by hydrodistillation and tested against 30 clinical isolates of each of Streptococcus pyogenes, Streptococcus mutans, Candida albicans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, prepared from related oral infections using agar disk diffusion and broth microdilution methods. Thymus vulgaris oil at concentrations of 16 to 256 μg/mL exhibited strong inhibitory activity on all clinical isolates producing inhibition zones of 7.5 to 42 mm as measured by agar disk diffusion method. Streptococcus pyogenes and Streptococcus mutans were the most sensitive isolates with minimum inhibitory concentrations of 1.9 and 3.6 μg/mL, respectively. The minimum inhibitory concentration values for C albicans, A actinomycetemcomitans, and P gingivalis were 16.3, 32, and 32 μg/mL, respectively.

Relative abundance of total subgingival plaque-specific bacteria in salivary microbiota reflects the overall periodontal condition in patients with periodontitis

Increasing attention is being focused on evaluating the salivary microbiota as a promising method for monitoring oral health; however, its bacterial composition greatly differs from that of dental plaque microbiota, which is a dominant etiologic factor of oral diseases. This study evaluated the relative abundance of subgingival plaque-specific bacteria in the salivary microbiota and examined a relationship between the abundance and severity of periodontal condition in patients with periodontitis. Four samples (subgingival and supragingival plaques, saliva, and tongue coating) per each subject were collected from 14 patients with a broad range of severity of periodontitis before periodontal therapy. The bacterial composition was analyzed by 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing using Ion PGM. Of the 66 species-level operational taxonomic units (OTUs) representing the mean relative abundance of ≥ 1% in any of the four niches, 12 OTUs corresponding to known periodontal pathogens, including Porphyromonas gingivalis, were characteristically predominant in the subgingival plaque and constituted 37.3 ± 22.9% of the microbiota. The total relative abundance of these OTUs occupied only 1.6 ± 1.2% of the salivary microbiota, but significantly correlated with the percentage of diseased sites (periodontal pocket depth ≥ 4 mm; r = 0.78, P < 0.001), in addition to the abundance of subgingival plaque microbiota (r = 0.61, P = 0.02). After periodontal therapy, the total relative abundance of these 12 OTUs was evaluated as well as before periodontal therapy and reductions of the abundance through periodontal therapy were strongly correlated in saliva and subgingival plaque (r = 0.81, P < 0.001). Based on these results, salivary microbiota might be a promising target for the evaluation of subgingival plaque-derived bacteria representing the present condition of periodontal health.

Oral Bacterial Infections: Diagnosis and Management

The human oral cavity contains more than 500 different bacterial species. These organisms belong to several phyla including Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, Tenericutes, Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, Euryarchaeota, Chlamydiae, and Spirochaetes. Many of these have the ability to colonize the gingival crevices and the outer surface of the tooth forming biofilms often leading to dental plaque formation. These bacteria produce acid that erode teeth causing cavities or infections. The diagnosis of these infections is often clinical and antibiotics are used empirically to treat some infections or as prophylaxis. The characterization, definitive diagnosis, and susceptibility testing of oral bacterial infections are valuable in guiding appropriate therapy and in prevention of disease.

Thoracic empyema caused by Campylobacter rectus

We report a case of thoracic empyema caused by Campylobacter rectus, an organism considered as a periodontal pathogen but rarely recovered from extraoral specimens. The patient fully recovered through drainage of purulent pleural fluid and administration of antibiotics. The present case illustrates that C. rectus can be a cause of not only periodontal disease but also pulmonary infection.

Mannose-binding lectin gene polymorphism in relation to periodontal infection

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) plays an important role in innate immunity. MBL deficiency is usually caused by mutations in exon 1 of the MBL structural gene (MBL2). Our aim was to investigate MBL2 polymorphisms and their relation to salivary levels of periodontal inflammatory/tissue destruction markers and two major periodontitis-associated bacteria.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Salivary samples from 222 subjects were available for genotyping by pyrosequencing. The subjects between 40 and 60 years of age and having a minimum of 20 teeth were divided into three periodontal groups: 80 had generalized periodontitis, 65 had localized periodontitis and 77 were periodontitis-free. A comparison between their MBL2 genotypes and salivary detection rates and levels of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and Porphyromonas gingivalis as well as interleukin -1β, matrix metalloproteinase -8, and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1 was performed.

RESULTS

The frequencies of the MBL2 wild-type (A/A), heterozygote variants (A/O) and homozygote variants (O/O) were 69.4%, 26.6% and 4%, respectively. In A. actinomycetemcomitans-positive subjects having homozygote or heterozygote MBL2 variants, the salivary concentrations of IL-1β (p = 0.010) were elevated and those of TIMP-1 (p = 0.001) were decreased. In addition their matrix metalloproteinase -8/TIMP-1 ratio was higher (p < 0.001) and they had more pocket teeth (p = 0.012) than subjects negative for A. actinomycetemcomitans.

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicate that the carriage of A. actinomycetemcomitans may facilitate extended periodontal inflammation and destruction in subjects with a variant form of human MBL2.

Alcohol and tobacco consumption affect the oral carriage of Candida albicans and mutans streptococci

This study sought to determine if there is a relationship between the consumption of alcohol and tobacco and oral colonization by mutans streptococci and Candida species. Subjects were recruited from the University Dental Clinic of CEU Cardenal Herrera University (Moncada, Valencia). Information on alcohol and tobacco consumption was obtained by questionnaire. Individual stimulated saliva samples from 105 patients were obtained and selective media was used to isolate and quantify mutans streptococci and Candida spp. colony forming units per millilitre of saliva (CFU ml(-1) ). Samples were stratified by duration and quantity of alcohol and tobacco consumption. Alcohol consumption statistically significantly decreased oral carriage of mutans streptococci, whereas there was no effect on Candida albicans colonization levels. Tobacco users were found to harbour elevated levels of C. albicans; however, there was no observed effect on bacterial colonization by mutans streptococci. The carriage of other species investigated, such as Candida krusei, Candida tropicalis and lactobacilli, do not show a response to the consumption of the stimulants analysed. Microbial colonization of the oral cavity changes in a species-specific manner in response to dietary and social habits such as drinking alcohol and smoking.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

In this paper, we evaluate the effect of alcohol and tobacco consumption on key species of the oral microflora. Our results show species-specific changes in two major opportunistic pathogens, such as Candida albicans and mutans streptococci, whereas other members of oral microflora are not affected by the consumption of the stimulants studied. We believe this original paper will contribute to raise awareness among the dental community towards a more personalized oral health assessment, taking in consideration alcohol and tobacco consumption in the prevention of specific oral and systemic pathologies.

Salivary bacterial fingerprints of established oral disease revealed by the Human Oral Microbe Identification using Next Generation Sequencing (HOMINGS) technique

Background and objective

The composition of the salivary microbiota, as determined using various molecular methods, has been reported to differentiate oral health from diseases. Thus, the purpose of this study was to utilize the newly developed molecular technique HOMINGS (Human Oral Microbe Identification using Next Generation Sequencing) for comparison of the salivary microbiota in patients with periodontitis, patients with dental caries, and orally healthy individuals. The hypothesis was that this method could add on to the existing knowledge on salivary bacterial profiles in oral health and disease.

Design

Stimulated saliva samples (n=30) were collected from 10 patients with untreated periodontitis, 10 patients with untreated dental caries, and 10 orally healthy individuals. Salivary microbiota was analyzed using HOMINGS and statistical analysis was performed using Kruskal–Wallis test with Benjamini–Hochberg's correction.

Results

From a total of 30 saliva samples, a mean number of probe targets of 205 (range 120–353) were identified, and a statistically significant higher mean number of targets was registered in samples from patients with periodontitis (mean 220, range 143–306) and dental caries (mean 221, range 165–353) as compared to orally healthy individuals (mean 174, range 120–260) (p=0.04 and p=0.04). Nine probe targets were identified with a different relative abundance between groups (p<0.05).

Conclusions

Cross-sectional comparison of salivary bacterial profiles by means of HOMINGS analysis showed that different salivary bacterial profiles were associated with oral health and disease. Future large-scale prospective studies are needed to evaluate if saliva-based screening for disease-associated oral bacterial profiles may be used for identification of patients at risk of acquiring periodontitis and dental caries.

Associations Between Salivary Bone Metabolism Markers and Periodontal Breakdown

BACKGROUND

A dual relationship between glycemic status and bone remodeling was suggested recently. The present study aimed to 1) analyze salivary levels of receptor activator for nuclear factor κ-B ligand (RANKL), osteoprotegerin, osteocalcin, and osteopontin as potential biomarkers of alveolar bone loss and 2) determine whether the glycemic status affects the relationship between bone remodeling markers and periodontal status.

METHODS

Salivary levels of RANKL, osteoprotegerin, osteocalcin, osteopontin, and serum glycosylated hemoglobin A1c, insulin, and glucose were analyzed in 220 participants divided into four groups according to their periodontal health status: 1) 79 participants had at least 14 teeth with probing depth (PD) ≥4 mm (generalized periodontitis [GP]); 2) 65 participants had either two or seven teeth with PD ≥4 mm (two groups of localized periodontitis [LP1 and LP2, respectively]); and 3) 76 participants had no teeth with PD ≥4 mm (non-periodontitis control group).

RESULTS

Salivary concentrations of RANKL, osteocalcin, and osteopontin were higher, and osteoprotegerin was lower in females than in males. Salivary osteoprotegerin concentrations were higher in the GP and LP2 groups than in the control group, whereas RANKL, osteocalcin, and osteopontin were not related with periodontal status. Salivary osteopontin correlated positively with serum and salivary insulin. The association observed between increased osteoprotegerin concentrations and periodontitis was lost after salivary insulin was included into the analyses as a confounding factor.

CONCLUSIONS

Salivary concentrations of bone markers are either affected by glycemic status or detected at very low levels. These factors hinder their use as salivary biomarkers of periodontitis.

Microbiology of aggressive periodontitis

For decades, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans has been considered the most likely etiologic agent in aggressive periodontitis. Implementation of DNA-based microbiologic methodologies has considerably improved our understanding of the composition of subgingival biofilms, and advanced open-ended molecular techniques even allow for genome mapping of the whole bacterial spectrum in a sample and characterization of both the cultivable and not-yet-cultivable microbiota associated with periodontal health and disease. Currently, A. actinomycetemcomitans is regarded as a minor component of the resident oral microbiota and as an opportunistic pathogen in some individuals. Its specific JP2 clone, however, shows properties of a true exogenous pathogen and has an important role in the development of aggressive periodontitis in certain populations. Still, limited data exist on the impact of other microbes specifically in aggressive periodontitis. Despite a wide heterogeneity of bacteria, especially in subgingival samples collected from patients, bacteria of the red complex in particular, and those of the orange complex, are considered as potential pathogens in generalized aggressive periodontitis. These types of bacterial findings closely resemble those found for chronic periodontitis, representing a mixed polymicrobial infection without a clear association with any specific microorganism. In aggressive periodontitis, the role of novel and not-yet-cultivable bacteria has not yet been elucidated. There are geographic and ethnic differences in the carriage of periodontitis-associated microorganisms, and they need to be taken into account when comparing study reports on periodontal microbiology in different study populations. In the present review, we provide an overview on the colonization of potential periodontal pathogens in childhood and adolescence, and on specific microorganisms that have been suspected for their role in the initiation and progression of aggressive forms of periodontal disease.

Salivary IL-1β and red complex bacteria as predictors of the inflammatory status in sub-peri-implant niches of subjects with peri-implant mucositis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Salivary biomarkers may enhance diagnostic sensitivity for peri-implant disease assessment. This study aimed to investigate the association of salivary periodontopathogen count and salivary interleukin-1beta (IL-1β) level with the peri-implant crevicular fluid IL-1β response at peri-implant mucositis (PM) sites among subjects with differing periodontal disease susceptibility.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Eighty-seven partially edentulous subjects having at least one implant with peri-implant mucositis were included: 40 with history of chronic periodontitis (P) and 47 with no history of periodontitis (NP). Salivary IL-1β, peri-implant crevicular fluid (PICF) IL-1β, and salivary red complex pathogen counts were recorded. Subjects were scored according to a threshold salivary pathogen level of more than 5log (10) counts and assigned a "red complex score." Quartiles of salivary and PICF IL-1β levels were also scored. Area under receiver operating curve (AUC) was computed to predict the highest PICF IL-1β score using salivary biomarker as predictors and age-adjusted logistic regression performed for the significant predictors.

RESULTS

In the NP group, red complex score (AUC = 0.758 P = 0.010) (odds ratio = 1.377) and salivary IL-1β (AUC = 0.708 P = 0.038) (odds ratio = 2.506) were significant predictors of highest PICF IL-1β quartile score. In the P group, no significant associations were noted.

CONCLUSIONS

Salivary biomarkers could distinguish the "high" pro-inflammatory responders at PM sites only in subjects without inherent periodontal disease susceptibility. Periodontal susceptibility may impact the immuno-inflammatory response in sub-peri-implant niches of those with peri-implant mucositis.

Quantitative PCR analysis of salivary pathogen burden in periodontitis

Our aim was to investigate the value of salivary concentrations of four major periodontal pathogens and their combination in diagnostics of periodontitis. The Parogene study included 462 dentate subjects (mean age 62.9 ± 9.2 years) with coronary artery disease (CAD) diagnosis who underwent an extensive clinical and radiographic oral examination. Salivary levels of four major periodontal bacteria were measured by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). Median salivary concentrations of Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia, and Prevotella intermedia, as well as the sum of the concentrations of the four bacteria, were higher in subjects with moderate to severe periodontitis compared to subjects with no to mild periodontitis. Median salivary Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans concentrations did not differ significantly between the subjects with no to mild periodontitis and subjects with moderate to severe periodontitis. In logistic regression analysis adjusted for age, gender, diabetes, and the number of teeth and implants, high salivary concentrations of P. gingivalis, T. forsythia, and P. intermedia were significantly associated with moderate to severe periodontitis. When looking at different clinical and radiographic parameters of periodontitis, high concentrations of P. gingivalis and T. forsythia were significantly associated with the number of 4-5 mm periodontal pockets, ≥6 mm pockets, and alveolar bone loss (ABL). High level of T. forsythia was associated also with bleeding on probing (BOP). The combination of the four bacteria, i.e., the bacterial burden index, was associated with moderate to severe periodontitis with an odds ratio (OR) of 2.40 (95% CI 1.39-4.13). When A. actinomycetemcomitans was excluded from the combination of the bacteria, the OR was improved to 2.61 (95% CI 1.51-4.52). The highest OR 3.59 (95% CI 1.94-6.63) was achieved when P. intermedia was further excluded from the combination and only the levels of P. gingivalis and T. forsythia were used. Salivary diagnostics of periodontitis has potential especially in large-scale population studies and health promotion. The cumulative strategy appears to be useful in the analysis of salivary bacteria as markers of periodontitis.

A clinicomicrobiological study to evaluate the efficacy of manual and powered toothbrushes among autistic patients

AIM

To compare the efficacy of powered toothbrushes in improving gingival health and reducing salivary red complex counts as compared to manual toothbrushes, among autistic individuals.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty autistics was selected. Test group received powered toothbrushes, and control group received manual toothbrushes. Plaque index and gingival index were recorded. Unstimulated saliva was collected for analysis of red complex organisms using polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

A statistically significant reduction in the plaque scores was seen over a period of 12 weeks in both the groups (P < 0.001 for tests and P = 0.002 for controls). This reduction was statistically more significant in the test group (P = 0.024). A statistically significant reduction in the gingival scores was seen over a period of 12 weeks in both the groups (P < 0.001 for tests and P = 0.001 for controls). This reduction was statistically more significant in the test group (P = 0.042). No statistically significant reduction in the detection rate of red complex organisms were seen at 4 weeks in both the groups.

CONCLUSION

Powered toothbrushes result in a significant overall improvement in gingival health when constant reinforcement of oral hygiene instructions is given.

Effect of Camphylobacter rectus on Serum Iron and Transferrin- In-Vivo Findings

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Periodontopathogens require iron constituents for their growth and metabolism in subgingival crevice. In this study, C.rectus was detected and quantified by using 16s rDNA based PCR in chronic periodontitis and compared with the levels of serum iron, total iron binding capacity and transferrin in chronic periodontitis and healthy sites.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred twenty subjects divided into chronic periodontitis and healthy controls. Deep subgingival plaque was collected and genomic DNA was extracted from each sample analysed for C.rectus using 16s rRNA based PCR analysis. Blood samples were collected from both groups for estimation of serum iron, serum total iron binding capacity and serum transferrin levels. The quantified bacterial count was compared with blood samples. C. rectus was detected in both groups.

RESULTS

There was significant increase in bacterial count in chronic periodontitis (p<0.05). Serum iron level was significantly raised in healthy group. TIBC and transferrin levels were elevated in periodontitis. Although these differences were non-significant. Regression analysis showed significant linear relationship between C.rectus counts and decreasing iron levels and consequently increasing serum transferrin and TIBC (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

The preliminary in vivo findings suggests C.rectus requires iron as a significant source of nutrition for its survival and growth form its hosts in deeper subgingival sites.

Differentiation of salivary bacterial profiles of subjects with periodontitis and dental caries

Bacterial profiles of saliva in subjects with periodontitis and dental caries have been demonstrated to differ from that of oral health. The aim of this comparative analysis of existing data generated by the Human Oral Microbe Identification Microarray (HOMIM) from 293 stimulated saliva samples was to compare bacterial profiles of saliva in subjects with periodontitis and dental caries.

Interleukin-6 c.-174G>C Polymorphism and Periodontitis in a Brazilian Population

Aim. Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease that affects the teeth supporting structures, triggered by periodontal pathogens, and is influenced by environmental and genetic factors. Genes encoding molecules related to the immune response, such as cytokine, are the main candidates for polymorphisms analysis and may be possibly associated with this pathology. A G/C promoter polymorphism on the IL6 gene has been shown to affect basal IL-6 levels. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between the IL6 c.-174G>C polymorphism and periodontitis in individuals from Vitória da Conquista, Bahia, Brazil. Material and Methods. Three hundred and thirty individuals (134 cases, 196 controls) were genotyped for the IL6 c.-174G>C by MS-PCR technique. Concentrations of salivary IL-6 were determined by ELISA method. Results. The IL6 c.-174G>C polymorphism was associated with periodontitis when comparing the distribution of genotypes between patients with periodontitis and control subjects. The GC genotype appeared as a protective factor for periodontitis. Results showed increased levels of salivary IL-6 in periodontitis patients. Nevertheless, there was no relationship between the concentrations of IL-6 and genotypes when comparing the case and control groups. Conclusions. Our data indicate an association between IL6 c.-174G>C polymorphism and periodontitis and showed that IL-6 may be considered an important marker for periodontitis.