GCF and serum myeloperoxidase and matrix metalloproteinase-13 levels in renal transplant patients

AIM

The rationale of this study was to address whether local or systemic changes reflect proteolytic (matrix metalloproteinase-13) or oxidative (myeloperoxidase) stress in renal transplant patients receiving cyclosporine-A (CsA) and having gingival overgrowth (GO), in patients receiving CsA therapy and having no GO and patients receiving tacrolimus therapy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) samples were collected from sites with (GO+) and without GO (GO-) in CsA patients having GO; GO- sites in CsA patients having no GO; sites from tacrolimus, gingivitis and healthy subjects. GCF and serum myeloperoxidase (MPO) and matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13) levels were determined by ELISA.

RESULTS

GO+ sites in CsA patients having GO had elevated GCF MPO levels than those of CsA patients having no GO, tacrolimus and healthy subjects (p<0.005), but comparable to those of gingivitis. GCF MPO levels were higher in GO+ compared to GO- sites in CsA patients having GO (p<0.05). Patient groups had similar, but higher GCF MMP-13 levels than healthy group.

CONCLUSIONS

These results show that CsA and tacrolimus therapy have not a significant effect on GCF MPO and MMP-13 levels, and gingival inflammation seems to be the main reason for their elevations.

Evaluation of gingival crevicular fluid adrenomedullin and human neutrophil peptide 1-3 levels of patients with different periodontal diseases

BACKGROUND

Antimicrobial peptides participating in the innate host response are important contributors for maintaining the balance between health and disease. The aim of the present study is to investigate the levels of gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) adrenomedullin and human neutrophil peptides 1 through 3 (HNP1-3) in patients with different periodontal diseases.

METHODS

A total of 77 subjects, including 20 patients with chronic periodontitis, 18 patients with generalized aggressive periodontitis, 20 patients with gingivitis, and 19 healthy subjects, were included in the present study. The probing depth, clinical attachment level, plaque index, and papilla bleeding index were assessed in all study subjects. GCF samples were analyzed for evaluating adrenomedullin and HNP1-3 levels by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS

The present study demonstrated that the periodontitis groups had a significantly higher total amount of GCF adrenomedullin compared to the gingivitis and healthy control groups after adjusting for age and gender (P <0.05). Additionally, GCF adrenomedullin levels were positively correlated with clinical periodontal parameters of sampling sites (P <0.05). The total amount of GCF HNP1-3 was not different among the study groups, and there was no correlation between the total amount of GCF HNP1-3 and clinical periodontal parameters (P >0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest a defensive role for adrenomedullin during the host response in periodontal disease. Additionally, the lack of the HNP1-3 antimicrobial peptide might point to the deficiency of one of the protective mechanisms for periodontal tissues.

Gingival crevicular fluid levels of cathelicidin LL-37 and interleukin-18 in patients with chronic periodontitis

BACKGROUND

Cathelicidin LL-37, an antimicrobial peptide, is part of the host innate immune response in the oral cavity. Interleukin (IL)-18, a proinflammatory cytokine, could play a role in the progression of the inflammatory response. The aim of the present study was to determine the levels of cathelicidin LL-37 and IL-18 in the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of patients with gingivitis and chronic periodontitis.

METHODS

Fifty-nine subjects were included in the present study. Probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), plaque index (PI), bleeding on probing, and papilla bleeding index (PBI) were assessed in patients with chronic periodontitis or gingivitis and in healthy controls. GCF levels of cathelicidin LL-37 and IL-18 were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS

GCF levels of cathelicidin LL-37 were significantly elevated in patients with chronic periodontitis compared to the other groups (P <0.05). No significant difference was found in the total amount of GCF IL-18 among the study groups (P >0.05). Spearman correlation analysis revealed a positive relationship between levels of GCF cathelicidin LL-37 and PD, CAL, PI, and PBI at the sampled sites (P <0.01), whereas no correlation was found between the total amount of GCF IL-18 and clinical periodontal parameters at the sampled sites (P >0.05).

CONCLUSION

Elevated levels of GCF cathelicidin LL-37 in chronic periodontitis suggest that it may play a role in the host innate immune response during periodontal inflammation.

Expression and regulation of the NALP3 inflammasome complex in periodontal diseases

Periodontitis is an infectious process characterized by inflammation affecting the supporting structures of the teeth. Porphyromonas gingivalis is a major oral bacterial species implicated in the pathogenesis of periodontitis. Processing of interleukin (IL)-1 family cytokines is regulated by an intracellular innate immune response system, known as the NALP3 [nacht domain-, leucine-rich repeat-, and pyrin domain (PYD)-containing protein 3] inflammasome complex. The aim of the present study was to investigate by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) the mRNA expression of NALP3, its effector molecule apoptosis associated speck-like protein (ASC), its putative antagonist NLRP2 (NLR family, PYD-containing protein 2), IL-1beta and IL-18 (i) in gingival tissues from patients with gingivitis (n = 10), chronic periodontitis (n = 18), generalized aggressive periodontitis (n = 20), as well as in healthy subjects (n = 20), (ii) in vitro in a human monocytic cell line (Mono-Mac-6), in response to P. gingivalis challenge for 6 h. The clinical data indicate that NALP3 and NLRP2, but not ASC, are expressed at significantly higher levels in the three forms of inflammatory periodontal disease compared to health. Furthermore, a positive correlation was revealed between NALP3 and IL-1beta or IL-18 expression levels in these tissues. The in vitro data demonstrate that P. gingivalis deregulates the NALP3 inflammasome complex in Mono-Mac-6 cells by enhancing NALP3 and down-regulating NLRP2 and ASC expression. In conclusion, this study reveals a role for the NALP3 inflammasome complex in inflammatory periodontal disease, and provides a mechanistic insight to the host immune responses involved in the pathogenesis of the disease by demonstrating the modulation of this cytokine-signalling pathway by bacterial challenge.

The effect of adjunctive subantimicrobial dose doxycycline therapy on GCF EMMPRIN levels in chronic periodontitis

BACKGROUND

The aim of the present randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled, parallel-arm study was to examine the effectiveness of a 3-month regimen of subantimicrobial dose doxycycline (SDD) in combination with scaling and root planing compared to scaling and root planing alone on levels of gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (EMMPRIN) in patients with chronic periodontitis.

METHODS

GCF samples were collected, and clinical parameters, including probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level, gingival index (GI), and plaque index, were recorded. Thirty chronic periodontitis subjects were randomized to receive SDD or placebo. The SDD group received SDD (20 mg, twice a day) for 3 months plus scaling and root planing, whereas the placebo group took placebo capsules twice a day for 3 months and received scaling and root planing. The subjects were reevaluated at 3 and 6 months. At each visit, all clinical parameters were measured and GCF was sampled. GCF EMMPRIN levels were determined by Western immunoblotting assay. Intragroup comparisons were tested by the Friedman test followed by the Wilcoxon signed-rank test to analyze the significance of changes over time. The Mann-Whitney test was used to determine differences between the SDD and placebo groups.

RESULTS

Significant improvements were observed in all clinical parameters in the SDD group over the 6-month study period (P <0.025). The SDD group showed a significantly greater reduction in mean PD scores at 6 months and in mean GI scores at 3 and 6 months than the placebo group (P <0.05). From baseline to 6 months, the GCF EMMPRIN levels were reduced significantly in the SDD group (P <0.025). The GCF EMMPRIN level in the SDD group was significantly lower than that of the placebo group at 3 and 6 months (P <0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

SDD therapy in combination with scaling and root planing reduced GCF EMMPRIN levels and improved clinical periodontal parameters in subjects with chronic periodontitis. The ability of SDD to downregulate, in vivo, the GCF levels of EMMPRIN, a unique upregulator of matrix metalloproteinase expression, is one of its beneficial host-modulatory properties. These results expand the usefulness of SDD therapy as an adjunct to scaling and root planing in the long-term management of periodontal disease.

Gingival crevicular fluid and serum matrix metalloproteinase-8 and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1 levels in renal transplant patients undergoing different immunosuppressive therapy

AIM

We investigated gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and serum matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8) and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) levels from renal transplant patients receiving cyclosporine-A (CsA) and having gingival overgrowth (GO), from patients receiving CsA therapy and having no GO and patients receiving tacrolimus therapy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

GCF samples were collected from sites with GO (GO+) and without GO (GO-) in CsA patients having GO; and GO- sites in CsA patients having no GO; sites from tacrolimus, gingivitis and healthy subjects. GCF and serum MMP-8 and TIMP-1 levels were determined by a time-resolved immunofluorometric assay (IFMA) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS

GO+ sites in CsA patients having GO had elevated GCF MMP-8 levels compared with those of CsA patients having no GO, tacrolimus and healthy subjects (p<0.005), but these levels were similar to those of gingivitis. The GCF MMP-8 level was higher in GO+ compared with GO- sites in CsA patients having GO (p<0.05). GCF TIMP-1 levels were similar between groups. Tacrolimus patients had lower GCF MMP-8 levels than gingivitis (p<0.005), but levels similar to the healthy group.

CONCLUSION

These results show that CsA and tacrolimus therapy has no significant effect on GCF MMP-8 levels, and gingival inflammation seems to be the main reason for their elevations.

Gingival crevicular fluid transforming growth factor-beta1 in cyclosporine and tacrolimus treated renal transplant patients without gingival overgrowth

BACKGROUND

Gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) levels of transforming growth factor-beta(1) (TGF-beta(1)) have been previously investigated in relation to the pathogenesis of cyclosporine-A (CsA)-induced gingival overgrowth (GO) but no clinical data are available regarding the GCF levels of TGF-beta(1) in patients treated with tacrolimus (Tac). However, as gingival inflammation is pronounced at sites of GO and this consequently may lead to an elevation in TGF-beta(1) levels the present study aimed to evaluate gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) TGF-beta(1) levels in renal transplant patients using CsA or Tac without GO.

METHODS

GCF TGF-beta(1) levels were investigated in 30 renal transplant patients without GO medicated with either CsA (n=15) or Tac (n=15). Sixteen gingivitis patients and 15 periodontally healthy subjects were selected as controls. Periodontal status was evaluated by measuring probing depth, plaque index and papilla bleeding index. The TGF-beta(1) levels were analysed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS

Both CsA and Tac groups had significantly elevated GCF TGF-beta(1) total amount compared to gingivitis and healthy groups (p<0.008). GCF TGF-beta(1) total amount of CsA and Tac groups was similar (p>0.008). Gingivitis and healthy groups had also similar GCF TGF-beta(1) total amount (p>0.008).

CONCLUSIONS

Within the limits of the present data it is unlikely that TGF-beta(1) is an exclusive mediator of CsA- or Tac-induced GO. However, pathogenesis of GO is multifactorial and contribution of TGF-beta(1) to the interrelations between cytokines and growth factors with fibrogenic potential cannot be disregarded.

Tumor Necrosis Factor-α-converting Enzyme (TACE) Levels in Periodontal Diseases

Tumor necrosis factor-α-converting enzyme (TACE) is a metalloprotease which can shed several cytokines from the cell membrane, including receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL). This study aimed to investigate the hypothesis that TACE would be elevated in the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of persons with periodontitis. Total TACE amounts in GCF were higher in persons with chronic and aggressive periodontitis than in those with gingivitis or in healthy persons. TACE concentrations in GCF were higher in persons with chronic and aggressive periodontitis than in those with gingivitis, although not significantly higher than in healthy persons. Persons with chronic periodontitis receiving immunosuppressive treatment exhibited over 10-fold lower TACE levels than the other periodontitis groups. TACE was positively correlated with probing pocket depth, clinical attachment levels, and RANKL concentrations in GCF. In conclusion, the increased GCF TACE levels in persons with periodontitis and their positive correlation with RANKL may indicate an association of this enzyme with alveolar bone loss, and may warrant special attention in future therapeutic approaches.

Matrix metalloproteinase-2, -9, and -12 gene polymorphisms in generalized aggressive periodontitis

BACKGROUND

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are involved in periodontal tissue remodeling and degradation. Polymorphisms in the promoter region of the MMP-2 and -9 genes and in the coding region of the MMP-12 gene could affect transcription and the function of these enzymes. The aim of the present study was to determine the association between the aforementioned MMP polymorphisms and generalized aggressive periodontitis (GAgP).

METHODS

Genomic DNA was obtained from the peripheral blood of 92 subjects with GAgP and 157 periodontally healthy subjects. MMP-2 -735C/T, MMP-9 -1562C/T, and MMP-12 357Asn/Ser polymorphisms were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism. Probing depth, clinical attachment loss, supragingival plaque accumulation, and bleeding on probing were recorded. The data were analyzed by chi(2), logistic regression, and Mann-Whitney U tests.

RESULTS

The genotype distributions, allele frequencies, and rare allele carriage of MMP-2 and MMP-12 genes were similar in GAgP and healthy subjects (P >0.05). T allele frequency and T allele carriage of the MMP-9 -1562 C/T polymorphism were significantly lower in the GAgP group than in the healthy group (P <0.05). In addition, logistic regression analysis revealed a protective effect for MMP-9 -1562 T allele carriers (odds ratio = 0.52; P = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

MMP-2 -735C/T and MMP-12 357Asn/Ser polymorphisms are not related to GAgP. Conversely, the MMP-9 -1562 gene T allele might be associated with a decreased risk for GAgP in the Turkish population.

Oral health status and oral hygiene habits of an adult Turkish population on dialysis

PURPOSE

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the oral health status and oral hygiene habits of dialysis patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 145 patients on dialysis were evaluated in two centres. Evaluation included oral examination of soft and hard tissues and completion of a questionnaire that was used to gather information about demographic, socioeconomic, medical and dental status and oral hygiene attitudes of patients. Awareness of the importance of oral health was also determined by four yes/no questions within this questionnaire.

RESULTS

Of the 145 patients, 89 (61.4%) were presently candidates for renal transplantation. Nineteen patients (13.1%) were edentulous and nearly half of the patients (n=69, 47.6%) had 15 or fewer remaining teeth. Dentate patients who regularly brushed twice a day and flossed were few (n=18, 14.3%; n=3, 2.4%, respectively). In addition, plaque score was more than 50% in most of the dentate patients (93.7%). Gingival bleeding was reported by about two thirds of dentate patients (67.5%). None of the patients were referred to a dentist or were attending regular dental care. The percentage of patients who were aware of oral cavity-related infections and importance of oral hygiene following renal transplantation was very low (20.7% and 9.7%, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Poor oral health, unsatisfactory daily oral hygiene habits and insufficient awareness of the importance of oral health is frequent among Turkish dialysis patients. Dentists and nephrologists should work in close cooperation in order to raise awareness and encourage regular dental controls.

Toll-like receptor 2 and 4 gene polymorphisms in generalized aggressive periodontitis

BACKGROUND

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) recognize exogenous ligands such as lipopolysaccharide and bacterial lipoprotein during the immune responses to pathogens. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether TLR2 and TLR4 gene polymorphisms are related to susceptibility to generalized aggressive periodontitis (GAgP).

METHODS

A total of 245 subjects were included in the present study. Genomic DNA was obtained from the peripheral blood of 90 patients with GAgP and 155 periodontally healthy subjects. Probing depth, clinical attachment loss, plaque accumulation, and bleeding on probing were recorded. The TLR2 gene Arg753Gln and Arg677Trp polymorphisms and TLR4 gene Asp299Gly and Thr399Ile polymorphisms were genotyped by the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method. The data were analyzed by chi2 and Mann-Whitney U tests and logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in the distribution of TLR2 and TLR4 genotypes and allele frequencies between GAgP patients and healthy subjects (P > 0.05). The TLR2 753Gln allele was found in 3.9% of the GAgP patients compared to 6.1% in the healthy group. The GAgP patients and healthy subjects did not show homozygosity for the TLR2 mutant alleles. The TLR2 677Trp mutant allele was not found in any of the subjects; 2.2% of the GAgP patients and 2.9% of the periodontally healthy subjects were identified as having the TLR4 299Gly polymorphic allele. With regard to the TLR4 399Ile polymorphic allele, 1.1% of the GAgP patients and 2.3% of the periodontally healthy subjects had this allele.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study failed to find any significant association between the TLR polymorphisms and GAgP, potentially because of the small sample size. To the best of our knowledge, this was the first study to examine the prevalence of these polymorphisms in a Turkish population with aggressive periodontitis.

Differential expression of receptor activator of nuclear factor-?B ligand and osteoprotegerin mRNA in periodontal diseases

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappaB ligand (RANKL) is responsible for the induction of osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption, whereas its decoy receptor, osteoprotegerin, can directly block this action. Because this dyad of cytokines is crucial for regulating the bone remodelling process, imbalances in their expression may cause a switch from the physiological state to enhanced bone resorption or formation. This study investigated the mRNA expression of RANKL and osteoprotegerin, as well as their relative ratio, in the gingival tissues of patients with various forms of periodontal diseases.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Gingival tissue was obtained from nine healthy subjects and 41 patients, who had gingivitis, chronic periodontitis, generalized aggressive periodontitis, and chronic periodontitis and were receiving immunosuppressant therapy. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was employed to evaluate the mRNA expression of RANKL and osteoprotegerin in these tissues.

RESULTS

Compared with healthy individuals, patients in all periodontitis groups, but not those with gingivitis, exhibited stronger RANKL expression and a higher relative RANKL/osteoprotegerin ratio. In addition, osteoprotegerin expression was weaker in patients with chronic periodontitis. When patients with generalized aggressive periodontitis and chronic periodontitis were compared, the former exhibited stronger RANKL expression, whereas the latter exhibited weaker osteoprotegerin expression, and there was no difference in their relative ratio. When chronic periodontitis patients were compared with chronic periodontitis patients receiving immunosuppressant therapy, osteoprotegerin, but not RANKL, expression was stronger in the latter.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that RANKL and osteoprotegerin expression are differentially regulated in various forms of periodontitis, and the relative RANKL/osteoprotegerin ratio appears to be indicative of disease occurrence. This information may confer diagnostic and therapeutic value in periodontitis.

Tissue Plasminogen Activator and Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1 Gene Polymorphisms in Patients With Chronic Periodontitis

BACKGROUND

Tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) and plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1) are involved in the pathogenesis of periodontitis by controlling proteolytic events in the extracellular matrix. This study was designed to investigate the association of t-PA and PAI-1 gene polymorphisms with chronic periodontitis (CP).

METHODS

One hundred eighty-nine subjects were included. Genomic DNA was obtained from the peripheral blood of 84 patients with CP and 105 periodontally healthy subjects. Polymerase chain reaction and endonuclease digestion was used to genotype the 4G/5G polymorphism in the promoter region of the PAI-1 gene and the Alu-repeat insertion (I)/deletion (D) polymorphism in intron 8 of the t-PA gene.

RESULTS

The genotype distributions and allele frequencies of t-PA polymorphism were not different between patients with CP and healthy subjects (24.7% I/I, 45.7% I/D, and 29.6% D/D and 30.3% I/I, 45.5% I/D, and 24.2% D/D, respectively; P >0.05). The t-PA D allele frequency was similar in patients with CP (52.4%) and healthy subjects (46.5%). PAI-1 genotype distribution in patients with CP (30.9% 4G/4G, 35.8% 4G/5G, and 33.3% 5G/5G) and healthy subjects (36.2% 4G/4G, 41.9% 4G/5G, and 21.9% 5G/5G) was also similar. The 4G allele frequency was not different between patients with CP (48.8%) and healthy subjects (57.1%) (P >0.05). The 4G allele frequency in non-smoking CP patients was significantly lower than in non-smoking, healthy subjects (chi(2) = 4.201; P = 0.040). Non-smoking CP patients also had a significantly lower percentage of 4G-positive genotypes compared to non-smoking healthy subjects (chi(2) = 5.046; P = 0.025).

CONCLUSIONS

t-PA or PAI-1 genotypes are not associated with susceptibility to CP in Turkish subjects. Conversely, the 4G allele of the PAI-1 gene could be related to a decreased susceptibility to CP in non-smokers.