An evaluation of the expression profiles of salivary proteins lactoferrin and lysozyme and their association with caries experience and activity

Authors

  • Klissia Romero Felizardo North of Paraná University
  • Rafael Braga Gonçalves UFRJ
  • Waleska Dias Schwarcz UFRJ
  • Regina Célia Poli-Frederico North of Paraná University
  • Sandra Mara Maciel North of Paraná University
  • Flaviana Bombarda de Andrade Universidade Norte do Paraná

Keywords:

Lysozyme, lactoferrin, dental caries, saliva, electrophoresis, polyacrylamide gel

Abstract

Purpose: Saliva contains both specific and non-specific protective factors of the immune system, such as antimicrobial proteins, which can inhibit the adhesion and viability of cariogenic microorganisms. The association between caries experience/activity and the electrophoretic profiles of salivary proteins lactoferrin and lysozyme was evaluated. Methods: Eighty 12-year-old students from public schools in Londrina, PR, Brazil, were selected and divided into two groups: Group A – with decayed teeth and Group B – with caries-free teeth. The parent/guardian of each child signed a consent form and filled out a questionnaire regarding the oral and systemic health of his/her child. A clinical examination to diagnose the presence or absence of dental caries, by means of the DMFT index, was conducted. A total of 1 mL of saliva was collected for protein analysis using a polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). Results: A total of 58.8% of the children were caries-inactive; in contrast, 63.3% showed caries experience. There was a slight association between lysozyme concentrations and DMFT. Lactoferrin was positively correlated with both DMFT and restored teeth. Conclusion: The quantification of lactoferrin and lysozyme enabled an assessment of possible associations with caries status, thus improving the understanding of the biological and etiological aspects of caries.

Author Biographies

Klissia Romero Felizardo, North of Paraná University

DDS, Postgraduate Student, Department of Restorative Dentistry, Dentistry Department North of Paraná University

Rafael Braga Gonçalves, UFRJ

Pos-Doctoral Student, Department of Medical Biochemistry, Rio de Janeiro Federal University

Waleska Dias Schwarcz, UFRJ

Pos-Doctoral Student, Department of Medical Biochemistry, Rio de Janeiro Federal University

Regina Célia Poli-Frederico, North of Paraná University

MSc Genetics PHD Restorative Dentistry Master course Professor Dentistry Department North of Paraná University

Sandra Mara Maciel, North of Paraná University

DDS,MSc Pediatric Dentistry PHD Restorative Dentistry Master course Professor Dentistry Department North of Paraná University

Flaviana Bombarda de Andrade, Universidade Norte do Paraná

DDS,MSc Endodontic PHD Restorative Dentistry Master course Professor Dentistry Department North of Paraná University

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Published

2010-10-01

Issue

Vol. 25 No. 4 (2010)

Section

Original Article

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