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

• Autor(a) principal: Felizardo, Klissia Romero
• Data de Publicação: 2010
• Outros Autores: Gonçalves, Rafael Braga, Schwarcz, Waleska Dias, Poli-Frederico, Regina Célia, Maciel, Sandra Mara, de Andrade, Flaviana Bombarda
• Tipo de documento: Artigo
• Idioma: eng
• Título da fonte: Revista odonto ciência (Online)
• Texto Completo: https://revistaseletronicas.pucrs.br/ojs/index.php/fo/article/view/6464
• topic: Lysozyme; lactoferrin; dental caries; saliva; electrophoresis; polyacrylamide gel; Prevention; Lisozima; lactoferrina; cárie dentária; saliva; eletroforese em gel de poliacrilamida; Prevenção

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.