Removal and killing of multispecies endodontic biofilms by N-acetylcysteine

ABSTRACT Removal of bacterial biofilm from the root canal system is essential for the management of endodontic disease. Here we evaluated the antibacterial effect of N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a potent antioxidant and mucolytic agent, against mature multispecies endodontic biofilms consisting of Actinomyces naeslundii, Lactobacillus salivarius, Streptococcus mutans and Enterococcus faecalis on sterile human dentin blocks. The biofilms were exposed to NAC (25, 50 and 100 mg/mL), saturated calcium hydroxide or 2% chlorhexidine solution for 7 days, then examined by scanning electron microscopy. The biofilm viability was measured by viable cell counts and ATP-bioluminescence assay. NAC showed greater efficacy in biofilm cell removal and killing than the other root canal medicaments. Furthermore, 100 mg/mL NAC disrupted the mature multispecies endodontic biofilms completely. These results demonstrate the potential use of NAC in root canal treatment.

Evaluation of chemokines and receptors in gnotobiotic root canal infection by F. nucleatum and E. faecalis

Abstract The present study aims to evaluate the longitudinal effects of induced experimental infections in gnotoxenic animals on the expression of inflammatory chemokines and their receptors in periradicular tissues. The null hypothesis tested was that Enterococcus faecalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum had no effect on CCR5, CCL5, CXCL10, CCL2/MCP-1, CXCR2 and CCR1 expression. Two groups of five animals (n = 5) aged between 8 and 12 weeks were used in this study. The animals were anaesthetized, and coronary access was performed in the first molar on the right and left sides. Microorganisms were inoculated into the left molar, and the right molar was sealed without contamination to function as a control. Animals were sacrificed 7 and 14 days after infection, and periapical tissues were collected. The cytokine mRNA expression levels were assessed using real-time PCR. The chemokine mRNA expression levels demonstrated that the experimental infection was capable of inducing increased chemokine expression on day 7 compared to that on day 14, except for CCR5 and CCL5, which showed no changes. The gnotoxenic animal model proved to be effective and allowed evaluation of the immune response against a known infection. Additionally, this study demonstrates that gene expression of chemokines and their receptors against the experimental infection preferentially prevailed during the initial phase of induction of the periradicular alteration (i.e., on day 7 post-infection).

Etiologic role of root canal infection in apical periodontitis and its relationship with clinical symptomatology

Abstract: Evidence shows the polymicrobial etiology of endodontic infections, in which bacteria and their products are the main agents for the development, progression, and dissemination of apical periodontitis. Microbial factors in necrotic root canals (e.g., endotoxin) may spread into apical tissue, evoking and supporting a chronic inflammatory load. Thus, apical periodontitis is the result of the complex interplay between microbial factors and host defense against invasion of periradicular tissues. This review of the literature aims to discuss the complex network between endodontic infectious content and host immune response in apical periodontitis. A better understanding of the relationship of microbial factors with clinical symptomatology is important to establish appropriate therapeutic procedures for a more predictable outcome of endodontic treatment.

Identificación del complejo rojo en la necrosis pulpar abierta y cerrada con técnicas moleculares / Red complex identification in exposed and unexposed necrotic pulp with molecular techniques

Objetivo: identificar el complejo rojo periodontal, formado por Porphyromonas gingivalis, Treponema denticola y Tannerella forsythia, en la infección endodóntica primaria de necrosis pulpar, con cámara abierta y cerrada, utilizando técnicas de reacción en cadena de la polimerasa. Materiales y métodos: se realizó la toma para reacción en cadena de la polimerasa en 27 dientes con necrosis pulpar, 13 con cámara pulpar abierta y 14 con cámara cerrada. Resultados: en las muestras de necrosis abierta se identificaron P. gingivalis en un 92 por ciento, T. denticola en un 76 por ciento, T. forsythia en un 76 por ciento y el complejo rojo en un 61 por ciento. Las tomas de necrosis cerrada mostraron P. gingivalis en un 78 por ciento y T. denticola en un 57 por ciento; no se identificaron T. forsythia ni el complejo rojo. El análisis estadístico evidenció diferencias significativas entre los dos grupos (P<0,05). Conclusión: el sinergismo de las tres bacterias que forman el complejo rojo agravaría la patogénesis de la infección endodóntica y permitiría relacionar la microbiología endodóntica con la microbiología de periodontitis crónica.

Investigations of the prevalence and virulence of Candida albicans in periodontal and endodontic lesions in diabetic and normoglycemic patients

Abstract Pulpal and periodontal tissues have similar microbiota that allows cross-contamination between the pulp and periodontal tissues. Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of isolated Candida albicans from periodontal endodontic lesions in diabetic and normoglycemic patients, and the fungi's virulence in different atmospheric conditions. Material and Methods A case-control study was conducted on 15 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (G1) and 15 non-diabetics (G2) with periodontal endodontic lesions. Samples of root canals and periodontal pockets were plated on CHROMagar for later identification by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and virulence test. Results C. albicans was identified in 79.2% and 20.8% of the 60 samples collected from diabetic and normoglycemic patients, respectively. Of the 30 samples collected from periodontal pockets, 13 showed a positive culture for C. albicans, with 77% belonging to G1 and 23% to G2. Of the 11 positive samples from root canals, 82% were from G1 and 18% from G2. Production of proteinase presented a precipitation zone Pz<0.63 of 100% in G1 and 72% in G2, in redox and negative (Pz=1), under anaerobic conditions in both groups. Hydrophobicity of the strains from G1 indicated 16.4% with low, 19.3% with moderate, and 64.3% with high hydrophobicity in redox. In G2, 42.2% had low, 39.8% had moderate, 18% had high hydrophobicity in redox. In anaerobic conditions, G1 showed 15.2% with low, 12.8% with moderate, and 72% with high hydrophobicity; in G2, 33.6% had low, 28.8% had moderate, and 37.6% had high hydrophobicity. There was statistical difference in the number of positive cultures between G1 and G2 (p<0.05) with predominance in G1. There was statistical difference for all virulence factors, except hemolysis (p=0.001). Conclusions Candida albicans was isolated more frequently and had higher virulence in diabetic patients.

Culture-dependent approaches to explore the prevalence of root canal pathogens from endodontic infections

Abstract: Endodontic infections are considered to be caused by the presence of various microorganisms within the root canal system. Recognition of this microbiota contributes to the successful treatment of infected root canals. This study investigated the microorganisms associated with primary and secondary endodontic infections via culture methods, biochemical tests, and molecular approaches in an Iranian population. Microbial specimens were collected from 36 patients with primary endodontic infection and 14 patients with a history of root canal therapy. Advanced microbiological culture techniques were used to isolate microbiota; subsequently, biochemical tests and 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing were performed to identify the microorganisms. Within the total 218 cultivable isolates, Veillonella parvula (20.6%) was found to occur with the highest frequency in primary endodontic infection, followed by Porphyromonas gingivalis (14.1%), and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (9.2%). Enterococcus faecalis (36.6%) was the most predominant microorganism in secondary endodontic infections, followed by Candida albicans, Propionibacterium acnes, and V. parvula with frequencies of 20%, 2%, and 2%, respectively. It was concluded that V. parvula and E. faecalis was most frequently found in primary and secondary endodontic infections, respectively.

Superbacterias en acción: intentos de reacción? / Superbacteria in action: a logical evolution?

Desde 1928, los antibióticos eran las primeras armas contra los microoganismos. En 1998 apareció una bacteria resistente que permitió el incremento de las enfermedades infecciosas. Cuanto más expuesta esté una población bacteriana a un antibiótico, las bacterias que sobrevivan se harán más resistentes, aún para defenderse de futuros antibióticos. Pero su empleo está justificado como método de profilaxis en pacientes médicamente comprometidos. En principio, debe indicarse medicación local para reducir la carga microbiana. El proifesional debe saber cuándo recetar un antibiótico y no olvidar que éste es un coadyuvante del tratamiento, ya que es el propio sistema inmune del paciente el que realiza la curación.

Bacterial diversity of symptomatic primary endodontic infection by clonal analysis

Abstract The aim of this study was to explore the bacterial diversity of 10 root canals with acute apical abscess using clonal analysis. Samples were collected from 10 patients and submitted to bacterial DNA isolation, 16S rRNA gene amplification, cloning, and sequencing. A bacterial genomic library was constructed and bacterial diversity was estimated. The mean number of taxa per canal was 15, ranging from 11 to 21. A total of 689 clones were analyzed and 76 phylotypes identified, of which 47 (61.84%) were different species and 29 (38.15%) were taxa reported as yet-uncultivable or as yet-uncharacterized species. Prevotella spp., Fusobacterium nucleatum, Filifactor alocis, and Peptostreptococcus stomatis were the most frequently detected species, followed by Dialister invisus, Phocaeicola abscessus, the uncharacterized Lachnospiraceae oral clone, Porphyromonas spp., and Parvimonas micra. Eight phyla were detected and the most frequently identified taxa belonged to the phylum Firmicutes (43.5%), followed by Bacteroidetes (22.5%) and Proteobacteria (13.2%). No species was detected in all studied samples and some species were identified in only one case. It was concluded that acute primary endodontic infection is characterized by wide bacterial diversity and a high intersubject variability was observed. Anaerobic Gram-negative bacteria belonging to the phylum Firmicutes, followed by Bacteroidetes, were the most frequently detected microorganisms.

Clonal diversity and antimicrobial resistance of Enterococcus faecalis isolated from endodontic infections

Background Enterococcus faecalis is considered to be one of most prevalent species in the oral cavity, particularly in endodontic infections. The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of E. faecalis in dental root canals, clonal diversity by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) and randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD-PCR) analysis, and the antibiotic susceptibility of E. faecalis isolates. Results Among the bacterial strains isolated from dental root canal specimens (n = 82), E. faecalis was determined to have the highest prevalence followed by Streptococcus viridians, Leuconostoc mesenteroides, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mitis, and Pediococcus pentosaceus. Cluster analysis of RAPD-PCR and RFLP patterns of the E. faecalis isolates discriminated five and six different genotypes, respectively. Among the tested strains, 43%, 52% and 5% were susceptible, intermediate resistant, and resistant to erythromycin, respectively. In addition, one strain (E-12) was intermediate resistant to linezolid, and one isolate (E-16) was resistant to tetracycline. Interestingly, many of the intermediate resistant/resistant strains were grouped in clusters 5 and 6, according RAPD and to RFLP, respectively. Conclusions E. faecalis demonstrated the highest prevalence in the tested dental root canal specimens collected from Saudi patients and were grouped into five to six different genotypes. Different levels of antimicrobial susceptibility were observed in the tested E. faecalis strains, which clearly indicated that although bacterial strains may be similar, point mutations can result in extreme susceptibility or resistance to various antibiotics. This phenomenon is a cause for concern for clinicians in the treatment of dental infections caused by E. faecalis.

Enterococcus faecalis: fatores de virulência relacionados aos processos de natureza endodôntica / Enterococcus faecalis: virulence factors related to endodontic nature processes

O objetivo principal deste estudo foi investigar a interação de 24 cepas de E. faecalis isoladas de infecções endodônticas primárias às proteínas de matriz dentinária, como também a moléculas de matriz presentes em lesões de endocardites. A análise desta interação foi feita através de técnica enzimática, com confirmação pela técnica de fluorescência. Além disto, foi realizada a confirmação do isolamento da espécie E. faecalis, através da técnica de PCR para o gene 16SrRNA e a análise da presença de genes de virulência da referida espécie microbiana para aderência às supostas proteínas de matriz incluindo às de ligação ao colágeno (ace, gelE, esp, agg e efaA). O maior padrão de interação das cepas ocorreu com a fibronectina (83,4%), seguido pelo fibrinogênio (62,5%) e colágeno humano tipo I (52%). Curiosamente, a aderência observada para o colágeno do tipo I, foi de pequena magnitude, quando comparado com a amostra padrão da ATCC 29212. As cepas ATCC 29212, A1, A43 e A68 interagiram com todas as proteínas de matriz utilizadas neste estudo. Um percentual expressivo das cepas testadas apresentou amplificação para efaA (86,9%) e para ace (73,9%). Paralelamente, todas as cepas apresentaram amplificação para gelE e foram negativas para os genes agg e esp. Adicionalmente, não houve correlação entre a detecção dos genes de virulência e a interação às proteínas de matriz, evidenciando que, mesmo com a detecção dos genes nas amostras, se faz necessário avaliar a expressão gênica por qPCR...

The main objective of this study was to investigate the interaction of 24 E. faecalis strains isolated from primary endodontic infections with dentin matrix proteins, as well as to the matrix molecules present in endocarditis lesions. The analysis of this interaction was made by enzyme assay, with confirmation by the fluorescence technique. In addition, confirmation of the isolation of the species E. faecalis was performed by PCR for 16S rRNA gene and the analysis of the presence of virulence genes for matrix proteins including type I collagen (ace, gelE, esp , agg and efA). The strains interacted mostly with fibronectin (83.4%), followed by fibrinogen (62.5%) and human collagen type I (52%). Interestingly, the adhesion to type I collagen occurred in small magnitude, when compared with the E. faecalis type strain ATCC 29212. The strains ATCC 29212, A1, A43 and A68 interacted with all matrix proteins investigated in this study. A significant percentage of the tested strains showed amplification for efaA (86.9%) and ace (73.9%). In parallel, all strains showed amplification for gelE and were negative for the genes esp and agg. Additionally, there was no correlation between the detection of virulence genes and the interaction with matrix proteins, showing that even with the detection of genes in a particular strain, it is necessary to evaluate the gene expression by qPCR...

Analysis of Enterococcus faecalis in samples from Turkish patients with primary endodontic infections and failed endodontic treatment by real-time PCR SYBR green method

OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study were to investigate the presence of Enterococcus faecalis in primary endodontic infections and failed endodontic treatments using real-time PCR and to determine the statistical importance of the presence of E. faecalis in a Turkish population with endodontic infections. MATERIAL AND METHODS: E. faecalis was investigated from 79 microbial samples collected from patients who were treated at the Endodontic Clinic of the Dental School of Atatürk University (Erzurum, Turkey). Microbial samples were taken from 43 patients (Group 1) with failed endodontic treatments and 36 patients (Group 2) with chronic apical periodontitis (primary endodontic infections). DNA was extracted from the samples by using a QIAamp® DNA mini-kit and analyzed with real-time PCR SYBR Green. RESULTS: E. faecalis was detected in 41 out of 79 patients, suggesting that it exists in not less than 61 percent of all endodontic infections when the proportion test (z= -1.645,

Endodontic microorganism susceptibility by direct contact test

El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar in vitro la duración del efecto antimicrobiano de los selladores endodónticos mediante la Prueba de Contacto Directo. Los selladores probados fueron: Endomethasone - Septodont®, Endomethasone C – Septodont®, Endion – Voco®, Diaket – ESPE®, Pulp Canal Sealer – SybronEndo® y AH26 – Dentsply DeTrey®. Los microorganismos endodontopáticos (MO) enfrentados fueron: Staphylococcus aureus (Sa), Candida albicans (Ca), Enterococcus faecalis (Ef), Prevotella intermedia (Pi), Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) yFusobacterium nucleatum (Fn). Se prepararon las probetas con cada uno de los selladores, se colocaron sobre la superficie de placas de agar sembradas con cada MO y luego de períodos predeterminados se realizaron repiques de las zonas de contacto probeta-agar sembrado y de la zona que no estuvo en contacto con las probetas (testigo). Se realizó la lectura de los resultados: presencia/ausencia de desarrollo microbiano y se analizaronestadísticamente mediante la Prueba de Kruskal- Wallis. Pudo concluirse que las características estructurales y la virulencia de los microorganismos endodontopáticos son determinantes de la respuesta de los mismos frente a los selladores independientemente del tiempo durante el cual estos actúen y del mecanismo por el cual el antiséptico alcance al microorganismo, en este caso por contacto directo.

In search of endodontic pathogens.

Success of root canal therapy depends on the complete eradication of microflora from the root canal system. A great deal of research is needed to identify and define the role of the pathogens which are involved in the pathogenesis of the periradicular diseases. This will help the endodontist to plan the best treatment by irradiation of pathogens which, in turn predict the outcome of the treatment. This article reviews the endodontic microflora, routes of microbial entry, methods to identify endodontic microbes and markers that permit the clinician to know when to conclude the treatment.

Tissue reactions to a component of root canal system bacteria: lipoteichoic acid

Lipoteichoic acid (LTA), present in Gram-positive microorganisms, has physiochemical characteristics that allow it to act as an immunogen. Due to polymicrobial characteristics of root canal infections, LTA can participate in the development of periapical disease. The reaction of the rat subcutaneous tissue to Teflon tube implants, filled with Fibrinol soaked in lipoteichoic acid (concentration of 150 æg/ml), was observed. Lipoteichoic acid provoked an inflammatory tissue reaction

Presencia de Organismos Micologicos en las Lesiones Periapicales / Presence of Fungus in Periapical Lesions

Las lesiones pulpares y periapicales en general parecen poseer como agentes etiologicos la combinacion de las bacterias de las lesiones por caries, ademas de los antigenos bacterianos y los productos metabolicos. Pero igualmente la pulpa puede verse atacada por agentes mecanicos, quimicos o termicos. En cavidad oral encontramos organismos bacteriologicos y micologicos como flora normal de la misma, pero se ha observado que las bacterias pueden encontrarse como organismos presentes en las lesiones,- para nuestro estudio en lo concerniente a lesiones periapicales- al existir una alteracion del equilibrio existente; mas hasta el momento no se ha estudiado la presencia de organismos micologicos en dicahs lesiones. El analisis de los doce casos elegidos, se realizo previa eliminacion quirurgica de las lesiones, teniendo en cuenta los diferentes medios de asepcia necesarios para que las muestras no se contaminaran con el medio ambientre. Luego de obtener los resultados correspondientes al laboratorio bacteriologico e histopatologico se pudo determinar si las lesiones periapicales, absceso periapical, granuloma y quiste periapical- poseen organismos micologicos ademas de agentes bacteriologicos..