Firmicutes Levels in the Mouth Reflect the Gut Condition With Respect to Obesity and Early Childhood Caries.

The present cross-sectional study investigated whether Firmicutes (F) and Bacteroidetes (B) levels in the mouth reflected the gut condition in obesity and early childhood caries (ECC). Eighty preschoolers (3-5 years) were equally assigned into four groups: 1. obese + ECC, 2. obese + caries-free (CF), 3. eutrophic + ECC, and 4. eutrophic + CF. Nutritional status and ECC were assessed based on the WHO criteria. Dental biofilm and fecal samples were collected for F and B quantification using RT-PCR analysis. Data were evaluated using three-way-ANOVA and Pearson's correlation (α = 0.05). Regardless of the anatomical location effect (p = 0.22), there were higher values for F in the obese children + ECC compared with those in obese + caries-free (CF) in both mouth and gut (p < 0.05). The correlation for F at these sites was negative in obese children + ECC (r = -0.48; p = 0.03) and positive in obese children + CF (r=0.50; p = 0.03). Bacteroidetes were influenced by ECC (p = 0.03) and the anatomical location (p = 0.00), and the levels tended to be higher in the mouth of the obese children + ECC (p = 0.04). The F/B ratio was higher in the gut and was affected by the anatomical location (p = 0.00). This preliminary study suggested that modulated by ECC, counts of oral Firmicutes reflected corresponding condition in the gut of obese preschoolers. In addition, we first evidenced that the Firmicutes phylum behave differently according to the nutritional status and caries experience and that supragingival biofilm and gut could share levels of similarity.

Antimicrobial activity of mouth rinses against bacteria that initially colonizes dental's surface / Atividade antimicrobiana de enxaguatórios bucais sobre bactérias que iniciam a colonização das superfícies dentais

Abstract Introduction Much advertising in mouthwash is conveyed in all media appealing to the anti-plaque effect and rendering a disservice to the community. Mouth rinses are available over-the-count and differ on their compositions and antimicrobial effectiveness. Objective In this study, we evaluated the antimicrobial activity of 35 widely available mouth rinses against bacterial species involved in initiation of dental biofilm - Streptococcus gordonii, Streptococcus mitis, Streptococcus oralis, Streptococcus salivarius, and Streptococcus sanguinis. Material and method The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and the Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) of the evaluated mouth rinses were determined according to the Clinical & Laboratory Standards Institute protocols. Data were submitted to Kruskal-Wallis test and Mann-Whitney post hoc (α=0.05). Result About 70% of the mouth rinses achieved high antibacterial activity and 30%, a low antibacterial activity against all the species tested. The most ineffective mouth rinse showed antibacterial activity (MIC) at 1:1 dilution, while the most effective showed activity even at 1:2048 dilution, which may imply prolonged effect in the mouth. About 51% of mouth rinses showed bactericidal activity, and it was verified that cetylpyridinium chloride or chlorhexidine digluconate containing in the formulation were associated with the highest activity. Conclusion Most - but not all - mouth rinses commercially available are effective in inhibiting in vitro initial colonizers of dental surfaces.

Resumo Introdução Muita publicidade sobre enxaguatórios bucais é veiculada em todos os meios de comunicação apelando para o efeito anti-placa e prestando um desserviço à comunidade. Grande quantidade de enxaguatórios bucais está disponível no mercado e estes diferem em suas composições e eficácia antimicrobiana. Objetivo Neste estudo, avaliamos a atividade antimicrobiana de 35 enxaguatórios bucais amplamente disponíveis contra espécies bacterianas envolvidas na iniciação do biofilme dental - Streptococcus gordonii, Streptococcus mitis, Streptococcus oralis, Streptococcus salivarius e Streptococcus sanguinis. Material e método A Concentração Inibitória Mínima (CIM) e a Concentração Bactericida Mínima (CBM) dos enxaguatórios avaliados foram determinadas de acordo com os protocolos do Clinical & Laboratory Standards Institute. Os dados foram submetidos ao teste Kruskal-Wallis e Mann-Whitney post hoc (α=0,05). Resultado Aproximadamente 70% dos enxaguatórios bucais alcançaram alta atividade antibacteriana e 30%, baixa atividade antibacteriana contra todas as espécies testadas. O enxaguatório bucal mais ineficaz mostrou atividade antibacteriana (CIM) na diluição de 1:1, enquanto a mais eficaz mostrou atividade mesmo na diluição de 1:2048, o que pode implicar em efeito prolongado na boca. Cerca de 51% dos enxaguatórios bucais apresentaram atividade bactericida, e verificou-se que formulações contendo cloreto de cetilpiridíneo ou digluconato de clorexidina estavam associados à maior atividade. Conclusão A maior parte - mas não todos - dos enxaguatórios bucais comercialmente disponíveis são eficazes na inibição de colonizadores iniciais de superfícies dentárias in vitro.

Microbiological, lipid and immunological profiles in children with gingivitis and type 1 diabetes mellitus.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the prevalence of periodontal pathogens, systemic inflammatory mediators and lipid profiles in type 1 diabetes children (DM) with those observed in children without diabetes (NDM), both with gingivitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-four DM children and twenty-seven NDM controls were evaluated. The periodontal status, glycemic and lipid profiles were determined for both groups. Subgingival samples of periodontal sites were collected to determine the prevalence of periodontal microorganisms by PCR. Blood samples were collected for IL-1-ß, TNF-α and IL-6 analysis using ELISA kits. RESULTS: Periodontal conditions of DM and NDM patients were similar, without statistical differences in periodontal indices. When considering patients with gingivitis, all lipid parameters evaluated were highest in the DM group; Capnocytophaga sputigena and Capnocytophaga ochracea were more prevalent in the periodontal sites of DM children. "Red complex" bacteria were detected in few sites of DM and NDM groups. Fusobacterium nucleatum and Campylobacter rectus were frequently found in both groups. Similar levels of IL-1-ß, TNF-α and IL-6 were detected in DM and NDM children. CONCLUSION: Clinical and immunological profiles are similar between DM and NDM children. The presence of Capnocytophaga sputigena and Capnocytophaga ochracea were associated with gingivitis in DM children.

Microbiological, lipid and immunological profiles in children with gingivitis and type 1 diabetes mellitus

Abstract Objective The aim of this study was to compare the prevalence of periodontal pathogens, systemic inflammatory mediators and lipid profiles in type 1 diabetes children (DM) with those observed in children without diabetes (NDM), both with gingivitis. Material and methods Twenty-four DM children and twenty-seven NDM controls were evaluated. The periodontal status, glycemic and lipid profiles were determined for both groups. Subgingival samples of periodontal sites were collected to determine the prevalence of periodontal microorganisms by PCR. Blood samples were collected for IL-1-β, TNF-α and IL-6 analysis using ELISA kits. Results Periodontal conditions of DM and NDM patients were similar, without statistical differences in periodontal indices. When considering patients with gingivitis, all lipid parameters evaluated were highest in the DM group; Capnocytophaga sputigena and Capnocytophaga ochracea were more prevalent in the periodontal sites of DM children. “Red complex” bacteria were detected in few sites of DM and NDM groups. Fusobacterium nucleatum and Campylobacter rectus were frequently found in both groups. Similar levels of IL-1-β, TNF-α and IL-6 were detected in DM and NDM children. Conclusion Clinical and immunological profiles are similar between DM and NDM children. The presence of Capnocytophaga sputigena and Capnocytophaga ochracea were associated with gingivitis in DM children.

Relationship between the IgA antibody response against Streptococcus mutans GbpB and severity of dental caries in childhood.

OBJECTIVE: Explore the associations between the severity of dental caries in childhood, mutans streptococci (MS) levels and IgA antibody response against Streptococcus mutans GbpB. Moreover, other caries-related etiological factors were also investigated. DESIGN: 36-60 month-old children were grouped into Caries-Free (CF, n=19), Early Childhood Caries (ECC, n=17) and Severe Early Childhood Caries (S-ECC, n=21). Data from socio-economic-cultural status, oral hygiene habits and dietary patterns were obtained from a questionnaire and a food-frequency diary filled out by parents. Saliva was collected from children for microbiological analysis and detection of salivary IgA antibody reactive with S. mutans GbpB in western blot. RESULTS: S-ECC children had reduced family income compared to those with ECC and CF. There was difference between CF and caries groups (ECC and S-ECC) in MS counts. Positive correlations between salivary IgA antibody response against GbpB and MS counts were found when the entire population was evaluated. When children with high MS counts were compared, S-ECC group showed significantly lower IgA antibody levels to GbpB compared to CF group. This finding was not observed for the ECC group. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that children with S-ECC have reduced salivary IgA immune responses to S. mutans GbpB, potentially compromising their ability to modify MS infection and its cariogenic potential. Furthermore, a reduced family income and high levels of MS were also associated with S-ECC.

Analyses of biofilms accumulated on dental restorative materials.

PURPOSE: To qualitatively and quantitatively assess the architectural arrangement of microorganisms in biofilm developed on the surface of different restorative materials: ceramic (C), resin composite (RC), conventional (CGIC) and resin-modified glass-ionomer cements (RMGIC). METHODS: Streptococcus mutans was used to develop a biofilm that adhered to the surfaces of the selected material disks in 30 days. The specimens were stained and analyzed by confocal laser scanning microscopy and COMSTAT. Among biofilm properties, mean thickness, total bio-volume, roughness coefficient and surface-to-volume ratio were investigated, as well as characteristics of the distribution and architecture of viable/nonviable cells in the biofilm. RESULTS: Only the mean biofilm thickness was statistically significantly different among the restorative materials tested. C and RC accumulated the thickest biofilms. Qualitative analysis showed cellular aggregates and fluid-filled channels penetrating to a considerable depth of the biofilm. In addition, images demonstrated a progression of more viable cells in superficial regions of the biofilm to proportionally more nonviable cells in the deeper regions of the biofilms near the disk.

Vacinas anticárie - desafios / Anticaries vaccine - challenges

A análise do sistema imune de mucosas através da IgA secretória (IgAS) na saliva contra Streptococcus mutans (SM), principal agente etiológico da cárie dentária em humanos, representa uma importante ferramenta para a busca de uma vacina anticárie. Streptococcus mutans (SM) pode se estabelecer e se acumular no biofilme dentário devido à presença de diversos antígenos (Ags) de virulência associados às suas superfícies. As proteínas ligantes de glucano (Gbp), as glucosiltransferase (Gtf) e as adesinas (AgI/II representam os Ags mais estudados e a análise funcional destas proteínas é fundamental para a compreensão dos mecanismos moleculares de virulência de SM e consequentemente para o desenvolvimento de estratégias de controle de infecção por este microrganismo. A elaboração de vacina anticárie baseada nestes Ags de SM vem demonstrando ser uma forma eficaz de controle de SM, pois são capazes de estimular o sistema imune de mucosas a produzir anticorpos IgA contraestes Ags. Desta maneira, a busca de uma vacina anticárie representa um desafio promissor e alternativo para o controle da cárie dentária

Genotypic diversity of S. mutans in dental biofilm formed in situ under sugar stress exposure.

In situ dental biofilm composition under sugar exposure is well known, but sugar effect on the genotypic diversity of S. mutans in dental biofilm has not been explored. This study evaluated S. mutans genotypic diversity in dental biofilm formed in situ under frequent exposure to sucrose and its monosaccharide constituents (glucose and fructose). Saliva of 7 volunteers was collected for isolation of S. mutans and the same volunteers wore intraoral palatal appliances, containing enamel slabs, which were submitted to the following treatments: distilled and deionized water (negative control), 10% glucose + 10% fructose (fermentable carbohydrates) solution or 20% sucrose (fermentable and EPS inductor) solution, 8x/day. After 3, 7 and 14 days, the biofilms were collected and S. mutans colonies were isolated. Arbitrarily primed polymerase chain reaction (AP-PCR) of S. mutans showed that salivary genotypes were also detected in almost all biofilm samples, independently of the treatment, and seemed to reflect those genotypes present at higher proportion in biofilms. In addition to the salivary genotypes, others were found in biofilms but in lower proportions and were distinct among treatment. The data suggest that the in situ model seems to be useful to evaluate genotypic diversity of S. mutans, but, under the tested conditions, it was not possible to clearly show that specific genotypes were selected in the biofilm due to the stress induced by sucrose metabolism or simple fermentation of its monosaccharides.

Genotypic diversity of S. mutans in dental biofilm formed in situ under sugar stress exposure

In situ dental biofilm composition under sugar exposure is well known, but sugar effect on the genotypic diversity of S. mutans in dental biofilm has not been explored. This study evaluated S. mutans genotypic diversity in dental biofilm formed in situ under frequent exposure to sucrose and its monosaccharide constituents (glucose and fructose). Saliva of 7 volunteers was collected for isolation of S. mutans and the same volunteers wore intraoral palatal appliances, containing enamel slabs, which were submitted to the following treatments: distilled and deionized water (negative control), 10 percent glucose + 10 percent fructose (fermentable carbohydrates) solution or 20 percent sucrose (fermentable and EPS inductor) solution, 8x/day. After 3, 7 and 14 days, the biofilms were colleted and S. mutans colonies were isolated. Arbitrarily primed polymerase chain reaction (AP-PCR) of S. mutans showed that salivary genotypes were also detected in almost all biofilm samples, independently of the treatment, and seemed to reflect those genotypes present at higher proportion in biofilms. In addition to the salivary genotypes, others were found in biofilms but in lower proportions and were distinct among treatment. The data suggest that the in situ model seems to be useful to evaluate genotypic diversity of S. mutans, but, under the tested conditions, it was not possible to clearly show that specific genotypes were selected in the biofilm due to the stress induced by sucrose metabolism or simple fermentation of its monosaccharides.

A composição do biofilme dental in situ exposto a açúcares é bem conhecida, mas o efeito dos açúcares na diversidade genotípica de S. mutans no biofilme dental ainda não foi explorada. Este estudo avaliou a diversidade genotípica de S. mutans no biofilme dental formado in situ sob frequente exposição à sacarose e seus monossacarídeos constituintes (glicose e frutose). Primeiramente, saliva de voluntários foi coletada para isolamento de S. mutans e os mesmos voluntários usaram um dispositivo intraoral palatino, contendo blocos de esmalte, que foram submetidos 8x/dia aos seguintes tratamentos: água destilada e deionizada (controle negativo), solução de glicose 10 por cento + frutose 10 por cento (carboidratos fermentáveis) e solução de sacarose 20 por cento (fermentável e indutor de PEC). Após 3, 7 e 14 dias, os biofilmes foram coletados e colônias de S. mutans foram isoladas. A técnica de reação em cadeia de polimerase usando primers arbitrários (AP-PCR) demonstrou que o genótipo salivar foi detectado em quase todas as amostras de biofilme, independente do tratamento, e parece refletir aqueles genótipos presentes em maiores proporções no biofilme. Além do genótipo salivar, outros foram encontrados nos biofilmes, mas em uma menor proporção e foram distintos entre os tratamentos. Os dados sugerem que o modelo in situ é útil para a avaliação da diversidade genotípica de S. mutans. Porém, nas condições do presente estudo, não foi possível demonstrar que genótipos específicos foram detectados no biofilme devido ao estresse induzido pelo metabolismo da sacarose ou fermentação de seus monossacarídeos.