Hyperkeratosis palmo-plantaris with periodontosis (Papillon-Lefèvre)

An ancient mechanism of arginine-specific substrate cleavage: What's 'up' with NSP4?

The recently discovered neutrophil serine protease 4 (NSP4) is the fourth member of the NSP family, which includes the well-studied neutrophil elastase, proteinase 3 and cathepsin G. Like the other three NSP members, NSP4 is synthesized by myeloid precursors in the bone marrow and, after cleavage of the two-amino acid activation peptide, is stored as an active protease in azurophil granules of neutrophils. Based on its primary amino acid sequence, NSP4 is predicted to have a shallow S1 specificity pocket with elastase-like substrate specificity. However, NSP4 was found to preferentially cleave after an arginine residue. Structural studies resolved this paradox by revealing an unprecedented mechanism of P1-arginine recognition. In contrast to the canonical mechanism in which the P1-arginine residue points down into a deep S1 pocket, the arginine side chain adopts a surface-exposed 'up' conformation in the NSP4 active site. This conformation is stabilized by the Phe190 residue, which serves as a hydrophobic platform for the aliphatic portion of the arginine side chain, and a network of hydrogen bonds between the arginine guanidium group and the NSP4 residues Ser192 and Ser216. This unique configuration allows NSP4 to cleave even after naturally modified arginine residues, such as citrulline and methylarginine. This non-canonical mechanism, characterized by the hallmark 'triad' Phe190-Ser192-Ser216, is largely preserved throughout evolution starting with bony fish, which appeared about 400 million years ago. Although the substrates and physiological role of NSP4 remain to be determined, its remarkable evolutionary conservation, restricted tissue expression and homology to other neutrophil serine proteases anticipate a function in immune-related processes.

Neutrophil elastase, proteinase 3, and cathepsin G as therapeutic targets in human diseases

Polymorphonuclear neutrophils are the first cells recruited to inflammatory sites and form the earliest line of defense against invading microorganisms. Neutrophil elastase, proteinase 3, and cathepsin G are three hematopoietic serine proteases stored in large quantities in neutrophil cytoplasmic azurophilic granules. They act in combination with reactive oxygen species to help degrade engulfed microorganisms inside phagolysosomes. These proteases are also externalized in an active form during neutrophil activation at inflammatory sites, thus contributing to the regulation of inflammatory and immune responses. As multifunctional proteases, they also play a regulatory role in noninfectious inflammatory diseases. Mutations in the ELA2/ELANE gene, encoding neutrophil elastase, are the cause of human congenital neutropenia. Neutrophil membrane-bound proteinase 3 serves as an autoantigen in Wegener granulomatosis, a systemic autoimmune vasculitis. All three proteases are affected by mutations of the gene (CTSC) encoding dipeptidyl peptidase I, a protease required for activation of their proform before storage in cytoplasmic granules. Mutations of CTSC cause Papillon-Lefèvre syndrome. Because of their roles in host defense and disease, elastase, proteinase 3, and cathepsin G are of interest as potential therapeutic targets. In this review, we describe the physicochemical functions of these proteases, toward a goal of better delineating their role in human diseases and identifying new therapeutic strategies based on the modulation of their bioavailability and activity. We also describe how nonhuman primate experimental models could assist with testing the efficacy of proposed therapeutic strategies.

Absence of adult dental anomalies in familial hypophosphatasia

This paper is a supplemental report on 3 previous publications about a family in which 3 male children manifested gingival recession, alveolar bone resorption and premature exfoliation of their deciduous teeth without apical root resorption and without clinical signs of inflammation. Laboratory blood and urine studies in conjunction with an analysis of periodontal microflora and family pedigrees established a diagnosis of hypophosphatasia in these 3 children, as well as their father, the paternal grandmother and paternal great-uncle. Clinical data also revealed that a son of the paternal great-uncle and his daughter were similarly affected. The family pedigree is consistent with an autosomal dominant mode of transmission. The 3 brothers are now between the ages of 18 and 22 yr and all have complete permanent dentitions. Aside from some periodontal manifestations of prior dentoalveolar trauma, most of the findings of the periodontal assessment are within normal limits. All 3 exhibit moderate to severe caries and some degree of gingival inflammation, but minimal periodontal pathosis.

Clinical, bacteriological, and immunological examinations and the treatment process of two Papillon-Lefèvre syndrome patients

Papillon-Lefèvre Syndrome (PLS) is a rare disease associated with the early onset of periodontal breakdown in deciduous and permanent dentition. The etiology of the destruction has not been completely clarified. Two female patients (ages 4 and 7 years) with severe destruction of the periodontal structures were examined. Except for palmar and plantar hyperkeratosis, dermatologic examination revealed no other medical disorders. On immunological analysis, measurement of serum antibody titers to 7 periodontopathic bacteria including Porphyromonas gingivalis and Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans was performed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Further immunoblot analysis of A. actinomycetemcomitans and microbial culture of samples collected from deep periodontal pockets and mouthrinse solution were performed. The serum of the two patients showed high IgG titer against A. actinomycetemcomitans. Immunoblot results of the two patients against sonicated extract of A. actinomycetemcomitans Y4 strain exhibited a similar pattern. The band pattern differed from that observed in other forms of early onset periodontitis patients or periodontally healthy subjects. Moreover, A. actinomycetemcomitans colonies were cultured in high percentages from the pocket samples. Antibiotic therapy was instituted in addition to conventional periodontal therapy. In the younger patient, all deciduous teeth were extracted as part of the treatment and A. actinomycetemcomitans was no longer detected. All four permanent first molars and 8 permanent incisors subsequently erupted with healthy periodontium. However, the older patient did not improve after periodontal and antibiotic (minocycline and erythromycin) treatments and A. actinomycetemcomitans was consistently detected. Ofloxacin medication finally eliminated A. actinomycetemcomitans from the periodontal pockets. This antibiotic was also associated with reduced gingival inflammation and probing depth.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Clinical management of prepubertal periodontitis in 2 siblings with Papillon-Lefèvre syndrome

The development of prepubertal periodontitis in Papillon-Lefévre syndrome (PLS) has been studied in 2 siblings, 12 and 8 years of age, since they were 5 and 3 years of age, respectively. Results of the treatment which comprised mechanical and chemical plaque control as well as systemic tetracycline medication, are reported. Extraction of temporary teeth, resulting in edentulousness prior to eruption of permanent teeth in the youngest child seemed to prevent destructive periodontitis from developing in the permanent dentition. After institution of continuous tetracycline medication in the oldest child at the age of 10 years, periodontitis with attachment loss did not occur in new sites. The possible rôle of specific micro-organisms in the progression of PLS-periodontitis is discussed.

In vitro studies of monocyte function in two siblings with Papillon-Lefèvre syndrome

Blood monocytes were isolated from two siblings with Papillon-Lefèvre syndrome (PLs) and compared to corresponding cells from their healthy cousin. The number of monocytes isolated were within normal limits in all three test participants. Aggregating tendency was increased when PLs monocytes were cultured in the presence of autologous sera. The monocyte ability of specific immune phagocytosis was decreased in PLs patients. The monocyte morphology, non-specific phagocytosis, lysosomal enzyme activities, and response to E. coli endotoxin were similar in patients and control.

Papillon-Lefevre syndrome. A report of six cases in one family

Papillon-Lefevre syndrome in six Saudi children in the same family is described. The parents were unaffected, and parental consanguinity was present. Palmoplantar keratosis started at the age of 1 1/2 years. The loss of deciduous teeth was a consequence of juvenile periodontitis. All essential features of the syndrome were present in this series.

Laboratory studies of a family manifesting premature exfoliation of deciduous teeth

In a previous publication, we described the clinical and radiographic findings of a family in which the children manifested premature exfoliation of the deciduous teeth. We now report for the same family the results of extensive laboratory studies performed on blood and urine, analysis of periodontal microflora, and a family pedigree. We demonstrated the presence of putative periodontal pathogens in the subgingival microflora, elevated levels of serum antibodies reacting to Bacteroides gingivalis, Capnocytophaga gingivalis, and C. sputigena in 2 of the children, and significantly suppressed monocyte chemotaxis in all 3 children. Phosphoethanolamine was found in the urine of the father and all 3 children, but not in the mother. Likewise, serum alkaline phosphatase was abnormally low for all 3 children, and was at the extreme low end of normal range for the father, but was normal for the mother. On the basis of the alkaline phosphatase and phosphoethanolamine measurements, we assigned a diagnosis of hypophosphatasia to the 3 children. Phosphoethanolamine and alkaline phosphatase were also abnormal in the paternal grandmother and her brother. The son of this brother who was deceased had a daughter manifesting premature loss of the primary teeth. The data are consistent with an autosomal dominant mode of transmission. In the light of our findings, hypoplastic cementum must be considered in the etiology of some forms of early-onset periodontitis.

The Papillon-Lefèvre syndrome: neutrophil dysfunction with severe periodontal disease

Two cases of Papillon-LeF evre are described. Both siblings demonstrated neutrophil dysfunction and severe precocious periodontal disease. The neutrophil locomotion defect was characterized by a decreased migration toward a chemotactic factor and decreased random migration. Binding of the chemotactic factor, FMLP, to the neutrophil surface was unchanged. Both patients harbored Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans and showed elevated serum IgG levels. Both patients also demonstrated salivary and serum antibody to A. actinomycetemcomitans. The Papillon-LeF evre syndrome is compared with the more common localized juvenile periodontitis.

Advanced alveolar bone loss in the primary dentition. A case report

A case of advanced periodontal destruction in an otherwise healthy 41/2-year-old child is presented. Advanced alveolar destruction in the primary dentition is a rare phenomenon, highly suggestive of systemic disease. It is suggested that when systemic disease is absent as in this case, severe bone loss in the primary dentition may reflect a condition similar to juvenile periodontitis. Included in the report are the systemic conditions that must be considered in assessing extensive alveolar bone loss in the child.

Papillon-Lefèvre syndrome: a case report

A case of Papillon-Lefèvre syndrome is presented. Hyperkeratosis of the palms and soles along with precocious destruction of the periodontal support of both the primary and permanent dentitions were observed. Ectopic intra-cranial calcified deposits, seen in some cases of the syndrome, were absent in this case. A greater awareness of this condition among dentists and dermatologists would be helpful in identifying more cases for study.

The Papillon-Lefèvre syndrome: keratosis palmoplantaris with periodontopathy. Report of a case and review of the cases in the literature

The Papillon-Lefévre syndrome (PLS) is an autosomal recessive trait characterized by diffuse transgredient palmar-plantar keratosis (PPK) and premature loss of both the deciduous and permanent teeth. In most cases, the PPK is noted within the first 3 years of life. The periodontal lesions begin shortly after the start of both the primary and the permanent dentitions. The teeth are affected in the order of their eruption, exhibiting inflammation of the periodontal tissue, bleeding of the gums, pocket formation, loosening, and finally spontaneous exfoliation without showing definite signs of root resorption. After an edentulous interval, the same process begins anew shortly after the second dentition. Ectopic intracranial calcifications, mental retardation, and increased susceptibility to infections have often been seen in PLS patients and may thus be regarded as facultative signs.

Papillon-Lefevre syndrome: report of two cases in the same family

Two cases of Papillon-Lefevre syndrome have been seen in the same family. The characteristic features of the syndrome are shown to be present in both children and the main characteristics are hyperkeratosis of the palms of the hands and soles of the feet; destruction of the periodontium of the deciduous teeth with subsequent premature loss of the teeth; and destruction of the periodontium of the permanent teeth and the premature loss of these teeth usually before 16 years of age.