RESUMEN
INTRODUCTION: Neutrophils are the most plentiful WBCs found in human blood. They are the first cells to respond to wounds and foreign invaders in the human body. They help the body fight infections. The neutrophil count may be used to check for infections, inflammation, or any other underlying conditions. The lower the neutrophil count, the higher the infection risk. Chemotaxis is the ability of the body cells to move in a specific direction as a response to a chemical stimulus. Neutrophil chemotaxis, a feature of the innate immune response, is the directed migration of neutrophils from one site in the body to another to provide effector functions. The present study was aimed at estimating and co-relating the neutrophil count and neutrophil chemotaxis in patients who had gingivitis, chronic periodontitis, and localized aggressive periodontitis, and in healthy participants. METHODS: Eighty participants (40 males and 40 females), aged 20-50 years, were included in the study and divided into four groups: Group I: control group with healthy periodontium; Group II: participants with gingivitis; Group III: participants with periodontitis; and Group IV: participants with localized aggressive periodontitis. Blood samples were collected for hematological analysis to evaluate the neutrophil counts and neutrophil chemotaxis. RESULTS: The mean value of neutrophil count (%) was highest in Group IV (72.535) followed by Group III (71.29), Group II (62.13), and least in Group I (58.15). This difference is statistically significant (p < 0.001). On intergroup comparison, a statistically significant difference was noted between all the groups except between Group I and Group II, and between Group III and Group IV. The mean value of neutrophil count and neutrophil chemotaxis assay were found to be statistically significant in all four groups. CONCLUSION: This study shows a positive correlation between neutrophils and periodontal diseases which could be beneficial for further studies.
RESUMEN
AIM: To evaluate the in vitro antimicrobial activity of three commercially available intense sweeteners against two common periodontal pathogens Porphyromonas gingivalis and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three commercially available intense sweeteners namely saccharin, aspartame and sucralose were obtained and powdered. Necessary concentrations of the sweeteners were prepared by mixing them with an inert solvent. The antimicrobial efficacy was assessed using agar well diffusion technique. Statistical analysis was done using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's post hoc test. p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: All the three sweeteners showed significant antimicrobial activity against the periodontal pathogens tested. Sucralose containing sucralose showed maximum zone of inhibition, against Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans. Saccharin and aspartame containing saccharin and aspartame respectively, showed maximum zone of inhibition, against Porphyromonas gingivalis. CONCLUSION: All the sweeteners used in this study have demonstrated significant antimicrobial activity. Therefore, these sweeteners could be recommended as an ideal alternative to sucrose. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Dental caries and periodontal diseases are ubiquitous diseases of mankind caused by microorganisms. Dental caries is caused by sucrose. By altering the source like intense sweetener we can combat caries as well as with its antimicrobial properties against periodontopathic bacteria, we can reduce prevalence of periodontal diseases.
