Diagnostic accuracy of a combination of salivary hemoglobin levels, self-report questionnaires, and age in periodontitis screening

Efficient gingival health screening using biofluorescence of anterior dental biofilms

PURPOSE

In study, we aimed to evaluate the biofluorescence of anterior dental biofilms using Quantitative Light-induced Fluorescence (QLF) technology to screen for gingival health.

METHODS

Fifty-five (n = 55) adult participants aged ≥ 20 years with gingivitis were included in this study. Fluorescence images of the upper and lower anterior teeth were obtained using Qraycam Pro, a device based on the QLF technology. To evaluate the biofilm fluorescence deposition level, the percentage of the dental biofilm area detected using red biofluorescence was calculated relative to the total surface area of the anterior teeth. To evaluate the gingival health status, the Silness-Lӧe plaque index (PI), Lӧe -Silness gingival index (GI), and bleeding-on-probing index (BOP) were assessed. Pearson's correlation and logistic regression analyses were performed to examine the relationship between biofilm biofluorescence and the gingival health status.

RESULTS

The group with the larger fluorescent biofilm area exhibited significantly higher GI and BOP values (p < 0.05) than the group with the smaller fluorescent biofilm area. Furthermore, significant correlations were found between the fluorescent biofilm area and GI, BOP, and PI (r = 0.422, r = 0.376, and r = 0.499, respectively; p < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis adjusted for sociodemographic variables, smoking, and alcohol consumption showed that the odds ratio for moderate gingivitis in the group with a larger fluorescent biofilm area was 6.07 compared with that in the group with a smaller area (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Evaluating the biofluorescence of anterior dental biofilms using QLF technology is an effective indicator for screening gingival health and identifying individuals at a high risk for gingivitis.

Data-driven prediction model for periodontal disease based on correlational feature analysis and clinical validation

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate the performance and reliability of data-driven models employing correlational feature analysis and clinical validation for predicting periodontal disease.

Methods

The 7th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (n = 10,654) was used for correlation analysis to identify significant risk factors for periodontitis. Periodontal prediction models were developed with the selected factors and database, followed by internal validation with 5-fold cross-validation and 1000 bootstrap resampling. External validation was conducted with clinical data (n = 120) collected through self-reported questionnaires, clinical periodontal parameters, and radiographic image analysis. Predictive performance was assessed for logistics regression, support vector machine, random forest, XGBoost, and neural network algorithms using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC) and other performance metrics.

Results

Correlation analysis identified 16 features from over 1000 potential risk factors for periodontitis. The best data-driven model (XGBoost) showed AUC values of 0.823 and 0.796 for internal and external validations, respectively. Modeling with clinical data revealed those same measures to be 0.836 and 0.649, respectively. In addition, the data-driven model could predict other clinical periodontal parameters including severe bone loss (AUC = 0.813), gingival bleeding (AUC = 0.694), and tooth loss (AUC = 0.734). A patient case study about prognostic predictions revealed that the probability of periodontitis can be reduced by 6.0 % (stop smoking) and 0.6 % (stop drinking) on average.

Conclusions

Data-driven models for predicting periodontitis and other periodontal parameters were developed from 16 risk factors, demonstrating enhanced prediction performance and reproducibility in internal-external validations.

Acquired Pellicle and Biofilm Engineering by Rinsing with Hemoglobin Solution

INTRODUCTION

The identification of acid-resistant proteins, including hemoglobin (Hb), within the acquired enamel pellicle (AEP) led to the proposition of the "acquired pellicle engineering" concept, which involves the modification of the AEP by incorporating specific proteins, presenting a novel strategy to prevent dental demineralization.

OBJECTIVE

Combining in vivo and in vitro proof-of-concept protocols, we sought to reveal the impact of AEP engineering with Hb protein on the biofilm microbiome and enamel demineralization.

METHODS

In the in vivo studies, 10 volunteers, in 2 independent experiments, rinsed (10 mL,1 min) with deionized water-negative control or 1.0 mg/mL Hb. The AEP and biofilm formed along 2 or 3 h, respectively, were collected. AEP was analyzed by quantitative shotgun-label-free proteomics and biofilm by 16S-rRNA next-generation sequencing (NGS). In in vitro study, a microcosm biofilm protocol was employed. Seventy-two bovine enamel specimens were treated with (1) phosphate-buffered solution (PBS), (2) 0.12% chlorhexidine, (3) 500 ppm NaF, (4) 1.0 mg/mL Hb, (5) 2.0 mg/mL Hb, and (6) 4.0 mg/mL Hb. The biofilm was cultivated for 5 days. Resazurin, colony forming units (CFU), and transversal microradiography were performed.

RESULTS

Proteomics and NGS analysis revealed that Hb increased proteins with antioxidant, antimicrobial, acid-resistance, hydroxyapatite-affinity, calcium-binding properties and showed a reduction in oral pathogenic bacteria. In vitro experiments demonstrated that the lowest Hb concentration was the most effective in reducing bacterial activity, CFU, and enamel demineralization compared to PBS.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that Hb could be incorporated into anticaries dental products to modify the oral microbiome and control caries, highlighting its potential for AEP and biofilm microbiome engineering.

Comparative analysis of serum and saliva samples using Raman spectroscopy: a high-throughput investigation in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome and periodontitis

BACKGROUND

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and periodontitis significantly affect women's oral and systemic health worldwide, and yet increase the risk of cardiovascular-metabolic diseases like diabetes and coronary heart disease. Regarding the PCOS-periodontitis connection, whether sex hormones, metabolic and inflammatory mediators could account for the underlying linking mechanism needs to be further investigated. This case-control study evaluated the hormonal, metabolic and inflammatory profiles in PCOS and non-PCOS subjects with various periodontal conditions, via assessing serum and saliva samples by Raman spectroscopy.

METHODS

A total of 66 females with PCOS and 22 systemically healthy female volunteers were recruited in a single hospital. Full-mouth periodontal examination was undertaken for identifying the subjects with periodontal health, gingivitis or periodontitis. The datasets of sex hormones and metabolic indicators were retrieved from the hospital information system. Both serum and saliva samples were collected for detecting inflammatory mediators and Raman spectroscopic assessment. The subjects were categorized into four groups according to their conditions of PCOS and periodontitis for Raman spectroscopic analysis. Partial least squares discriminant analysis was performed to examine the inter-group differences in Raman spectra.

RESULTS

PCOS patients exhibited greater mean probing depth (P < 0.05) and higher serum levels of triglycerides (P < 0.05) and matrix metalloproteinase-8 (P < 0.05) than those in non-PCOS participants. Both probing depth and triglyceride level were positively correlated with PCOS (P < 0.05). There was a significant difference in mean Raman spectra of saliva samples among the four groups with different conditions of PCOS and periodontitis (P < 0.05), while no significant inter-group difference existed in serum samples.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study shows that periodontal condition may affect the biomolecular profiles of Raman spectra in serum and saliva of PCOS patients. It underscores the importance of the collaborative teamwork of dentists and gynecologists for enhancing women's oral health, general wellbeing and quality of life.

Obesity and periodontitis: A systematic review and updated meta-analysis

Background

A previous 2014 meta-analysis reported a positive association between obesity and periodontitis. It was considered necessary to update the recently published papers and to analyse subgroups on important clinical variables that could affect the association between obesity and periodontitis. Therefore, we updated the latest studies and attempted to derive more refined results.

Methods

All observational studies were eligible for inclusion. The Newcastle-Ottawa scale was used to qualitatively evaluate the risk of bias. Subgroup analyses were conducted for patients aged 18-34, 35-54, and 55+ years and the countries (European countries, USA, Brazil, Japan, Korea, and other Asian countries).

Results

Thirty-seven full-text articles were included. Obesity conferred increased odds of periodontal disease with an odds ratio (1.35, 95% CI: 1.05-1.75). In the subgroup analysis by age, the odds ratio was the highest in the 18-34 years group (2.21, 95% CI: 1.26-3.89). In the subgroup analysis by country, European countries had the highest odds ratio (2.46, 95% CI: 1.11-5.46).

Conclusion

Despite the differences in degree, a positive association between obesity and periodontitis was found regardless of country or age. Therefore, medical professionals should try to prevent periodontitis by controlling patient weights, and more studies should be conducted to determine the association between obesity and oral health.

Systematic Review Registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42022301343.

Association between Four Dietary Patterns and the Risk of Periodontal Diseases: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Several dietary patterns are reported as risk factors for several chronic diseases including oral diseases. However, thus far, there has been no comprehensive quantitative analysis of nutrition and periodontal diseases. Methods: This systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. Cohort, case–control, and cross-sectional studies were eligible for inclusion in this study. The Newcastle–Ottawa scale was used to qualitatively assess the risk of bias in the included studies. The number of samples was used for odds ratio calculation, followed by the unadjusted value and 95% confidence interval. Results: Nine papers were included for the systematic review and meta-analysis. The results of screening for database search records showed that four diet patterns (western diet, dairy product intake, sugar intake, and vitamin C intake) have enough data for meta-analysis. The risk of periodontal disease in the western-diet group and the lowest dairy product intake group was 1.05 (0.51–2.13) and 1.28 (0.89–1.84), respectively. The risk of periodontal disease in the highest sugar intake group and the lowest vitamin C intake group was 1.52 (0.79–2.91) and 1.15 (1.08–1.23), respectively. Conclusions: With aging of the population globally, the prevalence of periodontal disease increases, and the associated cost also increases. Though this study, we found foods related to the risk of periodontal disease, and we are confident that it will contribute to lowering the incidence of the disease.

Diagnostic Accuracy of Salivary Biomarkers including Lactate Dehydrogenase and Hemoglobin A1c for Screening Chronic Periodontitis

Aims: Periodontitis is one of the most common chronic bacterial infections in humans involving the tooth-supporting tissue. The present study aimed to evaluate and compare salivary biomarkers, including lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), between patients with severe chronic periodontitis and healthy individuals. Methods: This study was performed on 29 patients with severe chronic periodontitis and 30 healthy individuals at Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran, in 2021. Salivary samples were taken, and clinical parameters, including the clinical attachment loss (CAL) and probing pocket depth (PPD), were measured. Besides, the levels of LDH and HbA1c were measured using ELISA kits. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of HbA1c and LDH were examined for chronic periodontitis diagnosis. Results: Based on the present results, the levels of LDH and HbA1C did not show adequate sensitivity or specificity for screening chronic periodontitis. Conclusion: According to the present findings, salivary biomarkers, including LDH and HbA1c, cannot be used with certainty for screening chronic periodontitis.

Clinical utility of subgingival plaque-specific bacteria in salivary microbiota for detecting periodontitis

Saliva contains diverse bacteria shed from various oral sites, including subgingival plaque. It is reasonable to focus on the total occupancy of subgingival plaque-specific bacteria (SUBP bacteria), which live in subgingival environments, in the saliva for detecting periodontitis using salivary testing. This study aimed to validate the clinical utility of SUBP bacteria in the salivary microbiota for the detection of periodontitis. We examined stimulated saliva samples collected from 125 subjects who visited three dental clinics. The relative abundances of previously identified 11 SUBP bacteria were determined using 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing and a reference-based approach. The prediction performance was evaluated using a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The SUBP bacteria accounted for 0-15.4% of the salivary microbiota, and the percentage distinguished periodontitis patients with at least 15 sites with probing depth ≥4 mm with a sensitivity of 0.90 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.81-0.98) and specificity of 0.70 (95% CI, 0.60-0.80) (area under the ROC curve [AUC], 0.87). Among 2,047 combinations of 11 SUBP bacteria, combinations including Streptococcus constellatus, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Fusobacterium nucleatum subsp. vincentii demonstrated significantly higher AUC values in their detection. These results suggest that examining SUBP bacteria in saliva may be useful for detecting periodontitis patients in mass screening.

Oral Diagnostic Methods for the Detection of Periodontal Disease

Periodontitis is a common immune-inflammatory oral disease. Early detection plays an important role in its prevention and progression. Saliva is a reliable medium that mirrors periodontal health and is easily obtainable for identifying periodontal biomarkers in point-of-care diagnostics. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of diagnostic salivary tests to determine periodontal status. Whole saliva (stimulated/unstimulated) from twenty healthy and twenty stage III grade B generalized periodontitis patients was tested for lactoferrin, alkaline phosphatase, calcium, density, osmolarity, pH, phosphate, buffer capacity, salivary flow rate and dynamic viscosity. A semi-quantitative urinary strip test was used to evaluate markers of inflammation in saliva (erythrocytes, leukocytes, urobilinogen, nitrite, glucose, bilirubin, and ketones), clinical periodontal parameters and pathogenic bacteria. Concentrations of lactoferrin, hemoglobin, and leukocytes were found to be significantly higher in the stimulated and unstimulated saliva in periodontitis patients compared to healthy patients, whereas alkaline phosphatase levels were higher in unstimulated saliva of periodontitis patients (p < 0.05). Periodontal biomarker analysis using test strips may be considered rapid and easy tool for distinguishing between periodontitis and healthy patients. The increase in lactoferrin, hemoglobin, and leucocytes-determined by strip tests-may provide a non-invasive method of periodontal diagnosis.

Acquired pellicle engineering with proteins/peptides: Mechanism of action on native human enamel surface

OBJECTIVE

This study investigated the mechanism of action of different proteins/peptides (separately or in combination), focusing on how they act directly on the native enamel surface and on modifying the salivary pellicle.

METHODS

A total of 170 native human enamel specimens were prepared and submitted to different treatments (2 h; 37 °C): with deionized water, CaneCPI-5, Hemoglobin, Statherin, or a combination of all three proteins/peptides. The groups were subdivided into treatment acting on the enamel surface (NoP - absence of salivary pellicle), and treatment modifying the salivary pellicle (P). Treatment was made (2 h; 37 °C) in all specimens, and later, for P, the specimens were incubated in human saliva (2 h; 37 °C). In both cases, the specimens were immersed in 1% citric acid (pH 3.6; 2 min; 25 °C). Calcium released from enamel (CaR) and its relative surface reflection intensity (%SRI) was measured after 5 cycles. Between-group differences were verified with two-way ANOVA, with "presence of pellicle" and "treatment" as factors (α = 0.05).

RESULTS

The presence of pellicle provided better protection regarding %SRI (p < 0.01), but not regarding CaR (p = 0.201). In relation to treatment, when compared to the control group, all proteins/peptides provided significantly better protection (p < 0.01 for %SRI and Car). The combination of all three proteins/peptides demonstrated the best protective effect (p < 0.01 for %SRI).

CONCLUSION

Depending on the protein or peptide, its erosion-inhibiting effect derives from their interaction with the enamel surface or from modifying the pellicle, so a combination of proteins and peptides provides the best protection.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The present study opens a new direction for a possible treatment with a combination of proteins for native human enamel, which can act directly on the enamel surface as well on the modification of the salivary pellicle, for the prevention of dental erosion.

Relationship between an Oral Health Risk Assessment Using a Salivary Multi-Test System and Woman's Subjective Oral Health Symptoms and Sleep Disorder

Saliva is used as a diagnosis and monitoring tool for various diseases because it can maintain the balance of the oral ecosystem and reflect the physiological and pathological state of the body. Because women suffer more fatigue than men because of physiological, psychological, and social factors, individual management strategies are needed to evaluate mental health and oral diseases. Therefore, this study examined the oral health risk level from seven saliva factors using a saliva multi-test system for adult women to confirm the possibility of screening for sleep disorders. The saliva of 83 adult female participants was surveyed along with a self-reported questionnaire consisting of seven subjective oral health symptoms and three questions about sleep disorders. Seven saliva factors were evaluated using the saliva multi-test system (SiLL-Ha ST-4910) to assess the oral health risk levels. In the tooth health risk groups, the acidity was high, while the buffering capacity was low (p < 0.001). The periodontal health risk groups showed significant differences in acidity, occult blood, leukocytes, proteins, and ammonia (p < 0.05). The oral malodor risk group had higher levels of cariogenic bacteria, occult blood, leukocytes, and ammonia (p < 0.05). In groups with 'irregular sleep times' and 'insomnia', the acidity was high, and the buffering capacity was low (p < 0.001). This study confirmed the relevance of saliva factors and sleep disorder. Therefore, an evaluation using saliva was confirmed for oral health risk assessments and as an early screening tool for sleep disorders.

Detection of hepatocyte growth factor in oral rinses using water for possible periodontal diagnosis

The aim of this study is to analyze the relationship between Hepatocyte Growth Factor (HGF) levels in oral rinses using water and clinical parameters of periodontitis; and furthermore, to evaluate the potential of a prototype HGF immunochromatographic paper test strip (HGF-TS) for screening of periodontitis, in comparison with a commercially-available occult blood (hemoglobin) test strip (Hb-TS). Clinical periodontal parameters were recorded, and oral rinses were collected, from 125 subjects. Then, the presence of HGF, and hemoglobin (Hb), in each sample was detected using a prototype HGF-TS and an Hb-TS. In addition, the concentrations of HGF and Hb were also determined in each sample is necessary HGF concentrations in oral rinses showed significant correlations with clinical parameters of periodontitis. The positive rate and read value on HGF-TS showed significantly high values in cases of severe periodontitis compared to healthy subjects. Hb-TS showed generally higher positive rates than HGF-TS; however, it showed false positive results in healthy subjects. The concentration of HGF in oral rinses showed close association with the severity of periodontitis, suggesting that the prototype HGF-TS has potential for use in the diagnosis of periodontitis, although further refinement of the test strip is required to increase the sensitivity.

Oral Health Impact Profile Scale Applied to Periodontal Disease: Relationship with Sociodemographic Variables in General Population and Clinic Samples from Monterrey, Mexico

Background:

The Oral Health Impact Profile applied to Periodontal Disease (OHIP-14-PD) shows good metric properties and great potential for its application in research and clinical practice.

Objective:

To evaluate OHIP-14-PD capability to detect associations with sociodemographic variables, to verify whether the OHIP-14-PD can differentiate between a General Population Sample (GPS) and a Dental Clinic Sample (DCS), and to establish whether there are interaction effects between the two samples and sociodemographic variables.

Methods:

The OHIP-14-PD was applied to two non-probability samples of 249 dental patients and 256 general adult population from Monterrey, Mexico. A validation study was done with a non-experimental cross-sectional design.

Results:

Occupation and age were related to OHIP-14-PD, although this last variable was redundant with the first one. In the GPS, the subjective socioeconomic status had a negative correlation with the OHIP-14-PD, but not in the DCS. The marital status showed significant association in DCS and significant interaction with the samples. Being married acted as a risk factor in the DCS, but as a protective factor in the GPS. Sex and education level were independent of the OHIP-14-PD. The expectation of discriminant validity of the OHIP-14-PD between the two samples was confirmed.

Conclusion:

We conclude that the OHIP-14-PD presented evidence of discriminant validity. Its relation to sociodemographic variables was limited, being more related to occupation and marital status.

The human olfactory cleft mucus proteome and its age-related changes

Age-related decreases in olfactory sensitivity are often accompanied by a decrease in the quality of life. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying these changes are not well described. Inhaled substances including odorants are detected by sensory neurons in the olfactory cleft covered with a layer of mucus. This olfactory mucus is the first molecular machinery responsible for tissue protection and for detection of environmental odorants. Yet, little is known about the molecular identities of the actors because of the lack of information on the mucus proteome and its age-related changes. Here, we sampled human mucus from different nasal locations and from young and elderly subjects. The composition of the mucus was extensively analyzed by shotgun proteomic analysis for a vast array of proteins. We also explored correlations between the levels of each mucus proteins with the olfactory sensitivity of subjects. This analysis revealed previously unrecognized proteins with potentially important functions in olfaction. Taken together, this report describes the most comprehensive catalogue of the nasal mucus proteins to date, their positional and age-related differences, and candidate proteins associated with olfaction. This catalogue will provide fundamental information useful for future studies, such as identification of olfactory auxiliary proteins, causes of age-related declines in olfaction, and biomarkers for neurodegenerative disorders.

Salivary Levels of Hemoglobin for Screening Periodontal Disease: A Systematic Review

Periodontal disease is a common inflammatory disease. It affects about 20-50% of global population in both developed and developing countries. Early detection of slight changes of periodontal tissue plays an important role in prevention of onset and progression of periodontal disease. Hence, there is a need of a screening test to assess periodontal tissue for health check-ups. Salivary levels hemoglobin (Hb) has been proposed to assess the conditions of the inflammation of gingiva. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate and summarize critically the current evidences for Hb as periodontal screening test. We performed a literature search of report published using PubMed databases. A total of 55 articles were retrieved and 16 were selected. Our review focuses on corelation coefficient with periodontal clinical parameters or sensitivity and specificity. As a result, fourteen studies calculated sensitivity and specificity of Hb. Six studies measured salivary levels hemoglobin at laboratory: three studies used polyclonal antibody reactions and other studies used colorimetric tests. Eight studies used paper strip method: 4 studies used monoclonal antibody reaction and 4 studies used colorimetric tests. Youden's indexes by antibody reaction were better than those of colorimetric methods. Evidences are described above and further studies are necessary to set the cut off values stratified by gender, age and number of remaining teeth.

Use of autoantibodies against tumor-associated antigens as serum biomarkers for primary screening of cervical cancer

Serum autoantibodies against tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) have received much attention as potential biomarkers for early detection of cancers, since they can be detected in the early stages of cancers. Autoantibodies against Cancer Antigen 15-3 (CA15-3), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), Cancer Antigen 19-9 (CA19-9), c-Myc, p53, heat shock protein (Hsp)27 and Hsp70 have been suggested as potential markers for detecting several types of cancer. In the present study, the seven types of antibody listed above were evaluated for detecting cervical lesions. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) were used to measure IgG levels of the autoantibodies in women with normal cytology, cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) I, CIN II, CIN III and cervical cancer. The increases of anti-CA15-3 and anti-CEA IgG in cervical cancer were more pronounced than the increases of the other markers, and the level of anti-CA19-9 IgG in CIN III stage was higher than in normal CIN I, CIN II or cervical cancer. A combination of ELISAs detecting anti-CA15-3, anti-CEA and anti-CA19-9 IgGs was found to reliably discriminate CINs from normal and to strongly differentiate cancer from normal (90.3% of sensitivity and 82.1% of specificity). We suggest that the combination of three ELISA may be useful for detecting cervical lesions.

Oral health of older residents in care and community dwellers: nursing implications

BACKGROUND

Poor oral health is associated with a reduced quality of life and serious illnesses. Consequently, nurses need to be more aware of oral health to improve the general health of residents in care.

AIM

To evaluate and compare oral health behaviours and levels of salivary haemoglobin and dental biofilm acidogenicity, which can be used to evaluate oral disease activity, between residents and community dwellers in South Korea.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included 133 participants: 64 residents and 69 community dwellers. All participants completed a questionnaire and tests to measure their salivary haemoglobin and dental biofilm acidogenicity.

RESULTS

A higher percentage of community dwellers than of residents brushed their teeth three times a day, cleaned their tongue, used interdental cleaning devices and had visited a dental clinic within 1 year. The levels of salivary haemoglobin and dental biofilm acidogenicity tended to be higher in residents than in community dwellers.

CONCLUSION

Residents showed poorer oral health behaviours and higher levels of gingival bleeding and acid production by oral bacteria than did community dwellers.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

Nursing staff should enhance their monitoring of oral hygiene status and provide quality oral care to residents through cooperation with dental professionals.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING AND HEALTH POLICY

Policymakers should be aware that oral health is an essential component of improving general health and well-being and therefore strive to develop policies to promote oral care services provided to residents. Nursing policies, such as mandating oral care and hands-on training in oral care for nursing staff, are important. We also suggest that factors related to oral care be added to the establishment or accreditation standards of care facilities.

The proteomic profile of the acquired enamel pellicle according to its location in the dental arches

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluated the variation in the protein profile of the acquired enamel pellicle (AEP) formed in vivo according to its location in the dental arches.

DESIGN

The AEP was formed for 120min in 9 volunteers. Pellicle formed at upper+lower anterior facial (ULAFa; teeth 13-23 and 33-43), upper anterior palatal (UAPa; teeth 13-23), lower anterior lingual (LALi; teeth 33-43), upper+lower posterior facial (ULPFa; teeth 14-17 24-27, 34-37 and 44-47), upper posterior palatal (UPPa; teeth 14-17 and 24-27) and lower posterior lingual (LPLi; teeth 34-37 and 44-47) regions were collected separately and processed for analysis by label-free LC-ESI-MS/MS.

RESULTS

Three-hundred sixty three proteins were identified in total, twenty-five being common to all the locations, such as Protein S100-A8, Lysozyme C, Lactoferrin, Statherin, Ig alpha-2, ALB protein, Myeloperoxidase and SMR3B. Many proteins were found exclusively in the AEP collected from one of the regions (46-UAPa, 33-LALi, 59-ULAFa, 31-ULPFa, 44-LPLi and 39-UPPa).

CONCLUSIONS

The protein composition of the AEP varied according to its location in the dental arches. These results provide important insights for understanding the differential protective roles of the AEP as a function of its location in the dental arches.