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P. Intermedia (p + intermedia)
Selected AbstractsPrevotella intermedia lipopolysaccharide stimulates release of tumor necrosis factor-, through mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathways in monocyte-derived macrophagesFEMS IMMUNOLOGY & MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 2 2007Sung-Jo Kim Abstract The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of lipopolysaccharide from Prevotella intermedia, a major cause of inflammatory periodontal disease, on the production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-, and the expression of TNF-, mRNA in differentiated THP-1 cells, a human monocytic cell line. The potential involvement of the three main mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways in the induction of TNF-, production was also investigated. Lipopolysaccharide from P. intermedia ATCC 25611 was prepared by the standard hot phenol,water method. THP-1 cells were incubated in the medium supplemented with phorbol myristate acetate to induce differentiation into macrophage-like cells. It was found that P. intermedia lipopolysaccharide can induce TNF-, mRNA expression and stimulate the release of TNF-, in differentiated THP-1 cells without additional stimuli. Treatment of the cells with P. intermedia lipopolysaccharide resulted in a simultaneous activation of three MAPKs [extracellular signal-related kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), c-Jun N-terminal kinase 1/2 (JNK1/2) and p38]. Pretreatment of the cells with MAPK inhibitors effectively suppressed P. intermedia lipopolysaccharide-induced TNF-, production without affecting the expression of TNF-, mRNA. These data thus provided good evidence that the MAPK signaling pathways are required for the regulation of P. intermedia lipopolysaccharide-induced TNF-, synthesis at the level of translation more than at the transcriptional level. [source] Hemin nutritional stress inhibits bacterial invasion of radicular dentine by two endodontic anaerobesINTERNATIONAL ENDODONTIC JOURNAL, Issue 2 2007R. M. Love Abstract Aim, To determine if anaerobic bacteria routinely found in infected dentine and root canals require the presence of heme in the environment in order for them to invade dentinal tubules. Methodology, Noncarious, unrestored human teeth with single root canals were prepared for invasion experiments and soaked in either TSB-M supplemented with hemin (5 ,g mL,1) (n = 12 roots), TSB-M media (n = 12 roots) or TSB-M media followed by hemin soak (n = 12 roots) for 2 days, then inoculated with either Prevotella intermedia ATCC 25611 or Peptostreptococcus micros ATCC 33270 and incubated anaerobically for 14 days. Roots were prepared for light microscopy, stained with Brown and Brenn or antisera raised to the bacteria, and invasion within tubules assessed using a tubule invasion index (TI). Data were analysed using Student's t -test and Mann,Whitney U -test. Results,Prevotella intermedia (TI = 0.7 ± 0.04) and P. micros (TI = 0.96 ± 0.08) showed low invasion when grown in the presence of hemin with cells generally restricted to the superficial 20 ,m of the tubules, whilst neither bacteria invaded tubules (TI = 0) when hemin was absent from the growth media (P < 0.01). Conclusions, Hemin was required in the growth medium for P. intermedia and P. micros to invade dentinal tubules. [source] Antimicrobial profiles of periodontal pathogens isolated from periodontitis patients in the Netherlands and SpainJOURNAL OF CLINICAL PERIODONTOLOGY, Issue 8 2005A. J. Van Winkelhoff Abstract Background and Aim: Antimicrobial resistance of periodontal pathogens towards currently used antibiotics in periodontics has been investigated in a previous study. Microbial resistance in the periodontal microflora was more frequently observed in Spanish patients in comparison with Dutch patients. The aim of the present study was to compare antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of five periodontal bacteria isolated from periodontitis patients in Spain and in the Netherlands. Material and Methods: Subgingival plaque samples from adult patients with periodontitis were collected and cultured on selective and non-selective plates. Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia, Fusobacterium nucleatum and Micromonas micros were isolated and used for minimal inhibitory concentration tests using the Epsilometer (E-test) technique. Eight different antibiotics were tested on all bacterial isolates. MIC50 and MIC90 values for each antibiotic and each species were determined and the percentage of resistant strains was calculated. Results: Significantly higher MIC values were noted in Spanish strains of F. nucleatum for penicillin, ciprofloxacin, of P. intermedia for penicillin, amoxicillin and tetracycline, of M. micros for tetracycline, amoxicillin and azithromycin, and of P. gingivalis for tetracycline and ciprofloxacin. Based on breakpoint concentrations, a higher number of resistant strains in Spain were found in F. nucleatum for penicillin, amoxicillin and metronidazole, in Prevotella intermedia for tetracycline and amoxicillin, and in A. actinomycetemcomitans for amoxicillin and azithromycin. Resistance of P. gingivalis strains was not observed for any of the antibiotics tested both in Spain and the Netherlands. Conclusions: Differences exist in the susceptibility profiles of periodontal pathogens isolated from periodontitis patients in Spain and in the Netherlands. This implicates that antibiotic susceptibility testing is necessary to determine efficacy of antimicrobial agents. Also, clinical studies with antibiotics should take these differences into account. The information from the present study indicates that it may not be possible to develop uniform protocols for usage of antibiotics in the treatment of severe periodontitis in the European Union. [source] Subgingival microbiota of chronic periodontitis subjects from different geographic locationsJOURNAL OF CLINICAL PERIODONTOLOGY, Issue 11 2004A. D. Haffajee Abstract Background: Most clinical studies assume that the subgingival microbiota is similar from one geographic location to another. The purpose of the present investigation was to examine the composition of the subgingival microbiota in chronic periodontitis subjects from four countries. Method: Subjects with chronic periodontitis (N, Sweden=101; USA=115; Brazil=58; Chile=26) were recruited. Subjects were measured at baseline for plaque, gingivitis, bleeding on probing (BOP), suppuration, pocket depth (PD) and attachment level (AL) at six sites per tooth. Subgingival plaque samples taken from the mesial aspect of each tooth at baseline were individually analyzed for their content of 40 bacterial species using checkerboard DNA,DNA hybridization (total samples=6036). % DNA probe counts comprised by each species was determined for each site and averaged across sites in each subject. Significance of differences in proportions of each species among countries was determined using ancova adjusting for age, mean pocket depth, gender and smoking status. p- Values were adjusted for multiple comparisons. Results: On average, all species were detected in samples from subjects in the four countries. Thirteen species differed significantly in adjusted mean proportions among countries even after adjusting for multiple comparisons. Porphyromonas gingivalis, one species that differed in proportions among countries, comprised adjusted means of 7.5, 11.9, 1.6 and 6.6% of the microbiota in subjects from Brazil, Chile, Sweden and USA (p<0.001), while mean proportions of Treponema denticola were 6.7, 4.2, 0.8 and 2.3, respectively (p<0.001). In contrast, a key periodontal pathogen, Tannerella forsythensis, exhibited mean proportions ranging from 6.2,8.5% and did not differ significantly among countries. Besides these species, prominent species in Brazil were Actinomyces naeslundii genospecies 1 and 2 (8.4%, 7.2%) and Prevotella intermedia (6.5%); in Chile, Prevotella melaninogenica (6.4%) and Neisseria mucosa (5.3%); in Sweden A. naeslundii genospecies 2 (8.4%), Capnocytophaga gingivalis (7.1%) and Peptostreptococcus micros (5.0%); in USA A. naeslundii genospecies 2 (7.5%), P. intermedia (6.8%) and C. gingivalis (6.1%). Conclusions: The microbial profiles of subgingival plaque samples from chronic periodontitis subjects in four countries showed surprisingly marked differences. These differences persisted after adjusting for age, mean pocket depth, gender and smoking status. [source] Quadrant root planing versus same-day full-mouth root planingJOURNAL OF CLINICAL PERIODONTOLOGY, Issue 2 2004II. Microbiological findings Abstract Objectives: The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that over a period of 6 months, same-day full-mouth scaling and root planing (FM-SRP) resulted in greater reductions in the detection frequency of five putative periodontal pathogens compared with quadrant scaling and root planing (Q-SRP) in chronic periodontitis patients. Materials and Methods: Forty patients were recruited into this study. Subjects were randomised into two groups. The FM-SRP group received full-mouth scaling and root planing completed within the same day, while the Q-SRP group received quadrant root planing at 2-weekly intervals over four consecutive sessions. Selected-site analyses were performed on the deepest site in each quadrant before and after therapy, at approximately 3 and 6 months from baseline (R1 and R2) and clinical indices were recorded with an electronic pressure-sensitive probe. In addition, subgingival plaque samples were collected from these sites at baseline (BAS), at reassessment 1 (R1), approximately 6 weeks after the completion of therapy and at reassessment 2 (R2), 6 months from baseline. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to determine the presence of Porphyromonas gingivalis, Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Prevotella intermedia, Treponema denticola and Bacteroides forsythus in plaque. Results: Both therapies resulted in significant improvements in all clinical indices both at R1 and R2. A marked reduction in the presence of all candidate periodontal pathogens was noted after both treatment modalities, reaching statistical significance for the majority of the test organisms. These improvements were maintained over a period of 6 months. When the two treatment groups were compared, a significantly higher percentage of Q-SRP patients was positive for P. intermedia at R1 compared with FM-SRP patients (p<0.05). In addition, a greater reduction in the patient prevalence for T. denticola was found for the FM-SRP group than the Q-SRP group at R1 and R2 from baseline (p<0.005), but the significance of this is questionable given the skewed detection frequency of this organism at baseline between the two treatments (p<0.01). Conclusion: This study failed to confirm that same-day FM-SRP resulted in greater microbiological improvements compared with Q-SRP at 2-weekly intervals over a 6-month period, as determined by PCR. [source] Relationship between periodontal pocket sulfide levels and subgingival speciesJOURNAL OF CLINICAL PERIODONTOLOGY, Issue 11 2003G. Torresyap Abstract Background: Many species implicated in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease produce volatile sulfur compounds (VSC). This investigation examined the relationship between levels of sulfide and subgingival bacterial species in the same periodontal pockets. Material and Methods: Twenty chronic periodontitis subjects were measured clinically at six sites per tooth for plaque, gingivitis, bleeding on probing, suppuration, pocket depth and attachment level. Subgingival plaque samples, taken from the mesial aspect of each tooth, were individually analyzed for their content of 40 bacterial species using checkerboard DNA,DNA hybridization. Sulfide levels were measured at the same sites using a Diamond Probe/Perio 2000 system. Clinical and microbiological data were averaged for sulfide-positive and -negative sites separately in each subject and then averaged across subjects. Significance differences in clinical and microbial parameters between sulfide-positive and -negative sites were sought using the Wilcoxon signed ranks test. Results: Mean total DNA probe counts (×105, ±SEM) at sulfide-negative and -positive sites were 44.0±9.9 and 65.0±13.3, respectively (p<0.01). Seventeen species were found at significantly higher levels in sulfide-positive than -negative sites. These included abundant producers of VSC such as members of the genera Fusobacterium, Campylobacter, Prevotella, Treponema and Eubacterium, and Bacteriodes forsythus, Selenomonas noxia and Propionibacterium acnes. Prevotella intermedia, Bacteriodes forsythus, Prevotella nigrescens, Fusobacterium nucleatum ss vincentii and Treponema denticola exhibited the greatest difference in mean counts between sulfide-negative and -positive sites. Orange and red complex species were at higher counts at shallow (<4 mm) sulfide-positive than shallow sulfide-negative sites. Although not statistically significant, mean clinical parameters were somewhat higher at sulfide-positive than sulfide-negative sites. Conclusions: Intra-pocket sulfide levels reflect the levels of sulfide-producing species and may provide useful diagnostic information. Zusammenfassung Grundlagen: Viele Spezies, die mit der Pathogenese der Parodontalerkrankung verbunden sind produzieren flüchtige Schwefelkomponenten (VSC). Diese Studie untersuchte die Verbindung zwischen dem Sulfid-Niveau und subgingivalen Spezies in den gleichen parodontalen Taschen. Methode: 20 Patienten mit chronischer Parodontitis wurden an 6 Stellen pro Zahn klinisch befundet hinsichtlich Plaque, Gingivitis, BOP, Eiterentleerung, Taschentiefe und Attachmentniveau. Unter Verwendung der Schachbrett-DNA,DNA-Hybridisierung wurden subgingivale Plaqueproben von der mesialen Stelle eines jeden Zahns individuell hinsichtlich des Vorkommens von 40 bakteriellen Spezies untersucht. An der gleichen Stelle wurde mittels des Diamond Probe/Perio 2000 Systems das Niveau des Sulfids gemessen. Von den klinischen und mikrobiologischen Daten wurden bei jedem Patienten getrennt für Sulfid-positiv und Sulfid-negativ ein Durchschnitt gebildet und anschließend der Durchschnitt für alle Patienten berechnet. Nach signifikanten Unterschieden in den klinischen und mikrobiologischen Parametern zwischen Sulfid-positiven und Sulfid-negativen Stellen wurde unter Verwendung des Wilcoxon signed ranks Test gesucht. Ergebnisse: Die mittlere Bakterienanzahl mit Gesamt-DNA-Sonden (× 105, ±SEM) betrug an den Sulfid-negativen Stellen und Sulfid-positiven Stellen 44.0±9.9 bzw. 65.0±13.3 (p<0.01). Bei 17 Spezies wurde ein signifikant höheres Niveau in den Sulfid-positiven Stellen vorgefunden. Die umfasste Bakterien die reichlich VSC produzieren, wie Mitglieder der Genera Fusobacterium, Campylobacter, Prevotella, Treponema und Eubacterium und B. forsythus, S. noxia und P. acnes. P. intermedia, B. forsythus, P. nigrescens, F. nucleatum ssvincentii und T. denticola zeigten den größten Unterschied zwischen Sulfid-positiven und Sulfid-negativen Stellen in der durchschnittlichen Bakterienanzahl. Spezies des orangen und roten Komplexes lagen in höherer Anzahl in flachen (<4 mm) Sulfid-positiven, als in flachen Sulfid-negativen Taschen vor. Obwohl statistisch nicht signifikant, lagen die durchschnittlichen klinischen Parameter bei den Sulfid-positiven etwas höher als bei den Sulfid-negativen Taschen Schlussfolgerungen: Die innerhalb der Taschen gemessenen Sufiid-Niveaus spiegeln das Niveau der Sulfid-produzierenden Spezies wieder und könnten eine nützliche diagnostische Information liefern. Résumé Plusieurs espèces impliquées dans la pathogenèse de la maladie parodontale produisent des composés de sulfate volatiles (VSC). Cette étude examine la relation entre les niveaux de sulfate et les espèces bactériennes sous-gingivales dans les mêmes poches parodontales. Vingt sujets avec parodontite chronique ont subi un examen clinique au niveau de six sites par dent pour la plaque dentaire, la gingivite, la profondeur de poche au sondage (BOP), la suppuration, la profondeur de poche et le niveau d'attache. Des échantillons de plaque sous-gingivale prélevés en mésial de chaque dent ont été analysés individuellement pour leur contenu de 40 espèces bactériennes à l'aide de l'hybridisation ADN-ADN croisée. Les niveaux de sulfate ont été mesurés au niveau des mêmes sites par le système de sonde Diamond/Perio 2000. Les moyennes des données cliniques et microbiologiques ont étéétablies pour les sites sulfate positif et négatif chez chaque sujet et par sujet. Des différences significatives dans les paramètres cliniques et microbiologiques entre les sites sulfate positif et négatif ont été observées via le test de Wilcoxon. Les moyennes totales des comptes de la sonde ADN (x105,+/,ES) au niveau des sites sulfate négatif et positif étaient respectivement de 44,0 +/,9,9 et 65,0+/,13,3 (p<0,01). Dix sept espèces ont été trouvées à des niveaux hautement plus significatifs dans des sites sulfate positif que négatif. Ceux-ci comprennaient d'abondants producteurs de VSC tels que les Fusobacterium, Catnpylobacter, Prevotella, Treponema, Eubacterium, B. forsythus, S. noxia etP. acnes, P. intermedia, B. forsythus, P. nigrescens, F. nucleatum ss vincentii et T. denticola qui montraient la plus grande différence dans la moyenne des comptes entre les sites sulfate négatif et positif. Les espèces complexe orange et rouge étaient plus nombreuses dans les sites de faible profondeur (<4 mm) sulfate positif que dans les sites peu profonds sulfate négatif. Bien que statistiquement non significative la moyenne des paramètres cliniques a été quelque peu plus élevée au niveau des sites sulfate positif qu'au niveau des négatifs. Les niveaux de sulfate intrapoche reflètent les niveaux des espèces produisant du sulfate et pourraient apporter une information de diagnostic pratique. [source] Distribution of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis and Prevotella intermedia in an Australian populationJOURNAL OF CLINICAL PERIODONTOLOGY, Issue 12 2001S. M. Hamlet Abstract Background, aim: The present study describes (i) the natural distribution of the three putative periodontopathogens Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia and Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans in an Australian population and (ii) the relationship between these organisms, pocket depths and supragingival plaque scores. Methods: Subgingival plaque was collected from the shallowest and deepest probing site in each sextant of the dentition. In total, 6030 subgingival plaque samples were collected from 504 subjects. An ELISA utilising pathogen-specific monoclonal antibodies was used to quantitate bacterial numbers. Results::A. actinomycetemcomitans was the most frequently detected organism (22.8% of subjects) followed by P. gingivalis and P. intermedia (14.7% and 9.5% of subjects respectively). The majority of infected subjects (83%) were colonised by a single species of organism. A. actinomycetemcomitans presence was over-represented in the youngest age group but under-represented in the older age groups. Conversely, P. gingivalis and P. intermedia presence was under-represented in the youngest age group but over-represented in the older age groups. Differing trends in the distribution of these bacteria were observed between subjects depending upon the site of the infection or whether a single or mixed infection was present; however, these differences did not reach significance. Bacterial presence was strongly associated with pocket depth for both A. actinomycetemcomitans and P. gingivalis. For A. actinomycetemcomitans, the odds of a site containing this bacterium decrease with deeper pockets. In contrast, for P. gingivalis the odds of a site being positive are almost six times greater for pockets >3 mm than for pockets 3 mm. These odds increase further to 15.3 for pockets deeper than 5 mm. The odds of a site being P. intermedia positive were marginally greater (1.16) for pockets deeper than 3 mm. Conclusions: This cross-sectional study in a volunteer Australian population, demonstrated recognised periodontal pathogens occur as part of the flora of the subgingival plaque. Prospective longitudinal studies are needed to examine the positive relationship between pocket depth and pathogen presence with periodontal disease initiation and/or progression. Zusammenfassung Hintergrund: Die vorliegende Studie beschreibt: 1.) die natürliche Verteilung der 3 vermutlichen Parodontalpathogene Porphyromonas gingivalis und Prevotella intermedia und Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans in einer Australischen Population und 2.) das Verhältnis zwischen diesen Organismen, der Taschentiefe und den supragingivalen Plaquewerten. Methoden: In jedem Sextanten des Gebisses wurde subgingivale Plaque von der flachsten und tiefsten Stelle entnommen. Insgesamt wurden 6030 subgingivalen Plaqueproben bei 504 Personen entnommen. Um die Anzahl der Bakterien zu quantifizieren wurde ein ELISA, welcher mit pathogen-spezifische monoklonale Antikörper arbeitet, verwendet. Ergebnisse:A. actinomycetemcomitans war der Keim, der am häufigsten nachgewiesen wurde (22.8% der Personen), gefolgt von P. gingivalis und P. intermedia (14.7% bzw. 9.5% der Personen). Die Mehrheit der Personen (83%) wurde von einer einzigen Spezies eines Organismus kolonisiert. Das Vorkommen von A. actinomycetemcomitans war in der jüngsten Altersgruppe überrepräsentiert, aber in der älteren Altersgruppen unterrepräsentiert. Im Gegensatz dazu war das Vorkommen von P. gingivalis und P. intermedia in der jüngsten Altersgruppe unterepräsentiert, aber in der älteren Altersgruppen überrepräsentiert. Zwischen der Personen wurden unterschiedliche Trends in der Verteilung dieser Bakterien beobachtet. Diese waren abhängig von der Stelle der Infektion oder ob eine Monoinfektion oder Mischinfektion vorhanden war. Jedoch erreichten diese Unterschiede nicht den Bereich der Signifikanz. Sowohl für A. actinomycetemcomitans als auch P. gingivalis war das Vorkommen von Bakterien stark mit der Taschentiefe assoziiert. Für A. actinomycetemcomitans nimmt die Odds einer Stelle welche das Bakterium enthält mit der Tiefe der Tasche ab. Im Gegensatz dazu ist die Odds einer Stelle die positiv für P. gingivalis ist fast sechsmal größer für Taschen >3 mm als für Taschen 3 mm. Diese Odds erhöht sich weiter auf 15.3 für Taschen die tiefer als 5 mm sind. Die Odds einer Stelle die positive für P. intermedia ist war nur etwas größer (1.16) für Taschen, die tiefer als 3 mm sind. Schlussfolgerung: Diese Querschnittsstudie einer Australischen Population von Freiwillingen zeigte, dass die erkannten Parodontalpathogene ein Bestandteil der Flora der subgingivalen Plaque sind. Prospektive Langzeitstudien sind notwendig, um die positive Beziehung zwischen der Taschentiefe und dem Vorkommen von Pathogenen mit dem Beginn und der Progression einer Parodontalerkrankung zu untersuchen. Résumé Origine: Cette étude décrit (i) la distribution naturelle des 3 parodontopathogènes présume,Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis et Prevotella intermedia dans une population australienne et (ii) la relation entre ces organismes, les profondeurs de poche et les scores de plaque supragingivale. Méthodes: La plaque sous-gingivale a été prélevée sur le site le moins profond et sur le site le plus profond de chaque sextant de la denture. Au total, 6030 échantillons de plaque sous-gingivale ont été prélevés chez 504 sujets. Un test ELISA par anticorps monoclonaux spécifiques des pathogènes a permis de quantifier les nombres de bactéries. Résultats:Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans était l'organisme le plus fréquement détecté (22.8%) des sujets) suivi de Porphyromonas gingivalis et Prevotella intermedia (14.7% et 9.5% des sujets, respectivement). La majorité des sujets infectés (83%) étaient colonisés par une unique espèce d'organisme. La présence d'Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitansétait surreprésentée dans le groupe des plus jeunes mais sous-représentée dans les groupes plus agés. Des tendances différentes de la distribution de ces bactéries étaient observées entre les sujets selon le site d'infection ou la présence d'une infection unique ou mixte. Cependant, ces différences n'étaient pas significatives. La présence bactérienne était fortement associée avec la profondeur de poche pour Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans et Porphyromonas gingivalis, pour Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, les chances d'un site de contenir cette bactérie diminuant avec la profondeur de poche, alors que pour Porphyromonas gingivalis, les chances d'un site d'être positif étaient 6× plus grande pour des poches >3 mm que pour les poches 3 mm. Ces chances augmentaient en plus à 15.3 pour les poches >5 mm. Les chances d'un site d'être positif pour P. intermediaétaient légèrement plus importantes pour les poches de plus de 3 mm. Conclusions: Cette étude croisée dans une population volontaire australienne a démontré que des pathogènes parodontaux reconnus font partie de leur plaque sous-gingivale. Des études prospectives longitudinales sont nécessaires pour examiner les relations positives entre la profondeur de poche et la présence de pathogènes et l'initiation et/ou la progression de la maladie. [source] Changes in subgingival microflora and humoral immune response following periodontal therapyJOURNAL OF CLINICAL PERIODONTOLOGY, Issue 8 2001I. B. Darby Abstract Objectives: To investigate the effect of scaling and root planing (SRP) on the microflora and humoral immune response in adult periodontitis. Materials & Methods: Clinical measurements, subgingival plaque samples, gingival crevicular fluid and sera were taken from 4 sites in 28 adult periodontitis patients before and after SRP. Polymerase chain reaction was used to determine the presence of A. actinomycetemcomitans, P. gingivalis,B. forsythus, P. intermedia, and T. denticola. ELISA was used to investigate the systemic and local antibody titres to these organisms, and thiocyanate dissociation for the determination of serum antibody avidity. Results: SRP produced a good clinical improvement. On a subject basis there was little significant change in the microflora. However, on a site basis, there were significant reductions in P. intermedia, B. forsythus and T. denticola. There was little change in systemic and local antibody titres following SRP, although there was a significant reduction in antibody avidity to P. gingivalis and P. intermedia Conclusion: Post-therapy clinical improvement was associated with a reduction in bacterial prevalence, but statistical significance was only reached at a site level and this microbial reduction was not significant for all organisms. No significant post-therapy effects on the humoral immune response were noted other than a reduced antibody avidity to P. gingivalis and P. intermedia. The lack of a clear pattern in the humoral immune response may reflect a failure of the host response to produce adequate levels of biologically functional antibodies, and complex interactions between the subgingival flora and the host response. Zusammenfassung Ziele: Untersuchung des Effektes von Scaling und Wurzelglättung (SRP) auf die Mikroflora und menschliche Immunantwort bei der Erwachsenen-Parodontitis. Material und Methoden: Klinische Messungen, subgingivale Plaqueproben, gingivale Sulkusflüssigkeit und Serum wurden von 4 Flächen bei 28 Patienten mit Erwachsenen-Parodontitis vor und nach SRP aufgenommen. Die Polymerase-Ketten-Reaktion wurde genutzt, um die Präsenz von A. actinomycetemcomitans, P. gingivalis, B. forsythus, P. intermedia und T. denticola zu bestimmen. ELISA wurde für die Bestimmung der systemischen und lokalen Antikörpertiter gegen diese Organismen genutzt. Die Thiocyanat-Dissoziation wurde für die Bestimmung der Serumantikörperaktivitart genutzt. Ergebnisse: SRP erbrachte eine gute klinische Verbesserung. Auf der Basis der Person gab es eine geringe signifikante Veränderung der Mikroflora. Jedoch gab es auf der Basis der Fläche eine signifikante Reduktion von P. intermedia, B. forsythus und T. denticola. Geringe Veränderungen in den systemischen und lokalen Antikörpertitern in der Folge von SRP waren zu beobachten, obwohl eine signifkante Reduktion der Antikörperaktivität zu P. gingivalis und P. intermedia vorhanden war. Schlußfolgerung: Die posttherapeutischen klinischen Verbesserungen waren mit einer Reduktion der bakteriellen Prävalenz verbunden, die statistische Signifikanz wurde aber nur auf der Basis der Fläche erreicht, und diese mikrobielle Reduktion war nicht signifikant für alle Organismen. Keine signifikanten posttherapeutischen Effekte auf die menschliche Immunantwort wurden außer einer reduzierten Antikörperaktivität zu P. gingivalis und P. intermedia beobachtet. Der Mangel in einem klaren Muster in der menschlichen Immunantwort könnte einen Fehler in der Wirtsantwort zur Produktion adäquater Level von biologisch funktionellen Antikörpern und komplexen Interaktionen zwischen der subgingivalen Flora und der Wirtsantwort reflektieren. Résumé But: L'objectif de cette étude est de rechercher les effets du détartrage et du surfaçage radiculaire (SRP) sur la microflore et la réponse immunitaire humorale chez des patients atteints de parodontite de l'adulte. Méthodes: Les mesures cliniques, les échantillons de plaque sous-gingivale, le fluide gingivale et le serum ont été prélevés sur 4 sites chez 28 patients atteints de parodontite de l'adulte avant et après SRP. La réaction de polymérase en chaine a été utilisé pour déterminer la présence de Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Bacteroides forsythus, Prevotella intermedia et Treponema denticola. Le test ELISA a été utilisé pour rechercher les titres d'anticorps locaux et systèmiques vis à vis de ces organismes, et la dissociation au thiocyanate a été utilisée pour la détermination de l'avidité des anticorps sériques. Résultats: SRP entrainait une bonne amélioration clinique. Individuellement par patient, il y avait peu de modifications de la microflore. Cependant, en ce qui concerne les sites, il y avait des réductions significatives de Prevotella intermedia, Bacteroides forsythus et Treponema denticola. Il y avait peu de changements pour les titres d'anticorps systèmiques et locaux suite au SRP, bien que l'on observait une réduction significative de l'avidité des anticorps envers Porphyromonas gingivalis et Prevotella intermedia. Conclusions: L'amélioration clinique consécutive au traitement était associée avec une réduction de la prévalence bactérienne, mais une signification statistique n'était obtenue que pour les sites, et cette réduction microbienne n'était pas significative pour tous les organismes. Suite au traitement, aucun effet significatif sur la réponse immunitaire humorale n'était mis en évidence, en dehors de la diminution de l'avidité des anticorps vis à vis de Porphyromonas gingivalis et Prevotella intermedia. L'absence de caractéristiques nettes de la réponse immunitaire humorale pourrait reflèter l'échec de la réponse de l'hôte à produire des niveaux suffisants d'anticorps biologiquement fonctionnels, et également les interactions complexes entre la flore sous-gingivale et cette réponse de l'hôte. [source] Relationship of cigarette smoking to the subgingival microbiotaJOURNAL OF CLINICAL PERIODONTOLOGY, Issue 5 2001A. D. Haffajee Abstract Background: The relationship of cigarette smoking to the composition of the subgingival microbiota is not clear. Some studies indicated higher levels of certain species in smokers, while other studies failed to detect differences in the microbiota between subjects with different smoking histories. Thus, the purpose of the present investigation was to examine the prevalence, proportions and levels of the subgingival species in adult subjects who were current, past or never smokers. Method: 272 adult subjects ranging in age from 20,86 years with at least 20 teeth were recruited for study. Smoking history was obtained using a questionnaire. Clinical measures were taken at 6 sites per tooth at all teeth excluding third molars at a baseline visit. Subgingival plaque samples were taken from the mesial surface of all teeth excluding third molars in each subject at baseline and assayed individually for counts of 29 subgingival species using checkerboard DNA-DNA hybridization. Subjects were subset according to smoking history into never (n=124), past (n=98) and current smokers (n=50). Uni-variate and multi-variate analyses were used to seek associations between smoking category and the counts, proportions and prevalence of subgingival species. Results: Greater differences were observed for the prevalence (% of sites colonized) of the test species in the 3 smoking groups than were observed for counts or proportions of total counts. Members of the orange and red complexes including E. nodatum, F. nucleatum ss vincentii, P. intermedia, P. micros, P. nigrescens, B. forsythus, P. gingivalis and T. denticola were significantly more prevalent in current smokers than in the other 2 groups. The difference in prevalence between smokers and non-smokers was due to greater colonization at sites with pocket depth <4 mm. Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis indicated that combinations of the prevalence of 5 microbial species and pack years accounted for 44% of the variance for mean pocket depth (p<0.000001), while the prevalence of 3 microbial taxa along with age, pack years, current smoking and gender accounted for 31% of the variance in mean attachment level (p<0.000001). The difference in prevalence between current and never smokers of all members of the red complex and 8 of 12 members of the orange complex was significantly greater in the maxilla than in the mandible. Conclusions: The major difference between the subgingival microbiota in subjects with different smoking history was in the prevalence of species rather than counts or proportions. The greater extent of colonization in smokers appeared to be due to greater colonization at pocket depths <4 mm. Differences in colonization patterns between current and never smokers were greater in the maxilla than in the mandible. Zusammenfassung Grundlagen: Die Beziehung zwischen dem Zigarettenrauchen und der Zusammensetzung der subgingivalen Mikroflora ist nicht klar. Einige Studien verweisen auf höhere Titer von bestimmten Spezies bei Rauchern, während andere Studien keine Unterschiede in der Mikroflora zwischen Personen mit unterschiedlichem Raucher- oder Nichtraucherverhalten nachweisen konnten. Daher war der Zweck der vorliegenden Studie die Untersuchung von Prävalenz, Anteil und Titer der subgingivalen Spezies bei erwachsenen Patienten, die zur Zeit, früher oder niemals Raucher waren. Methode: Für die Studie wurden 272 erwachsene Patienten im Alter zwischen 20 und 86 Jahren und wenigstens 20 Zähnen rekrutiert. Die Anamnese des Rauchverhaltens wurde under Verwendung eines Fragebogens durchgeführt. Bei einer Eingangsuntersuchung erfolgten die klinischen Messungen an 6 Stellen pro Zahn bei allen Zähnen außer den dritten Molaren. Bei der Eingangsuntersuchung wurden, bei allen Zähnen außer den dritten Molaren, von den Mesialflächen subgingivale Plaqueproben entnommen. Für die einzelnen Flächen wurde die Anzahl von 29 subgingivalen Spezies mittels Schachbrett-DNA-DNA-Hybridisierung bestimmt. Die Patienten wurden entsprechend der Rauchervorgeschichte in folgende Gruppen eingeteilt: niemals (n=124), früher (n=98) und zur Zeit (n=50). Um Assoziationen zwischen den Rauchkategorien und der Anzahl, dem Anteil und der Prävalenz der subgingivalen Spezies herauszufinden wurden eine uni-variate und multi-variate Analyse verwendet. Ergebnisse: Es wurden größere Unterschiede zwischen den 3 Gruppen hinsichtlich der Prävalenz der Testspezies (% der Taschen die kolonisiert waren) beobachtet als bei der Anzahl oder dem Anteil an der Gesamtzahl der Keime beobachtet wurde. Die Prävalenz der Keime des orangen und roten Komplexes einschließlich. E. nodatum, F. nucleatum ss vincentii, P. intermedia, P. micros, P. nigrescens, B. forsythus, P. gingivalis und T. denticola war bei den aktuellen Rauchern stärker prävalent als in den anderen beiden Gruppen. Die Differenz in der Prävalenz zwischen Rauchern und Nichrauchern wurde verursacht durch eine stärkere Kolonisation in Taschen mit einer Taschentiefe <4 mm. Die schrittweise multiple lineare Regressionsanalyse zeigte, dass Kombinationen der Prävalenz von 5 mikrobiellen Spezies und der Packungsjahre für 44% der Varianz der mittleren Taschentiefe verantwortlich waren (p<0.000001), während die Prävalenz von 3 mikrobiellen Taxa zusammen mit Alter, Packungsjahre, Raucherstatus und Geschlecht für 31% der Varizna im mittleren Attachmentniveau verantwortlich waren (p<0.000001). Die Differenz in der Prävalenz zwischen den aktuellen Rauchern und den die niemals rauchten war für alle Keime der roten Komplexes und 8 von 12 Keimen des orangen Komplexes im Oberkiefer signifikant größer als im Unterkiefer. Schlussfolgerung: Der Hauptunterschied zwischen der subgingivalen Mikroflora bei Patienten mit unterschiedlicher Rauchervorgeschichte lag mehr bei der Prävalenz der Spezies als bei der Anzahl der Keime oder den Anteilen an der Gesamtflora. Das größere Maß an Kolonisation bei den Rauchern schien durch eine stärkere Kolonisation in Taschen <4 mm verursacht zu sein. Differenzen im Kolonisationsmuster zwischen aktuellen Rauchern und Nichtrauchern die niemals rauchten waren im Oberkiefer größer als im Unterkiefer. Résumé Origine, but: La relation entre l'usage de la cigarette et la composition de la microflore sous gingivale n'est pas claire. Certaines études indiquent d'importants niveaux de certaines espèces chez les fumeurs, alors que d'autres études n'arrivent pas à détecter de différences dans la micrflore entre des sujets ayant des histoires tabagiques différentes. Aussi, le propos de cette recherche est d'examiner la prévalence, les proportions et le niveau des espèces sous gingivales chez des sujets adultes fumeurs, anciens fumeurs ou non-fumeurs. Méthodes: 272 sujets adultes, âgès de 20 à 86 ans, ayant au moins 20 dents furent recrutés pour l'étude. L'histoire tabagique fut obtenue à l'aide d'un questionnaire. Des mesures cliniques furent prises sur 6 sites par dents, sur toutes les dents à l'exception des troisièmes molaires lors de la première visite. Des échantillons de plaque sous gingivale étaient prélevés sur la face mésiale de chaque dent à l'exception des troisièmes molaires chez chaque sujet lors de la première visite et individuellement testés pour le comptage de 29 espèces sousgingivales par hybridisation en damier ADN-ADN. Les sujets étaient groupés en sous ensembles en fonction de leur histoire tabagique en non-fumeurs (n=124), ancien fumeurs (n=98), et fumeurs (n=50). Des analyses monovariées et multivariées furent utilisées pour rechercher des associations entre les catégories de fumerus et les comptages, proportions et prévalences des espèces bactériennes. Résultats: De plus grandes différences étaient observées pour la prévalence (% de sites colonisés) des expèces testées dans les 3 groupes, que pour le comptage ou la proportion des comptages totaux. Les membres des complexes orange et rouge dont E. nodatum, F. nucléatum ss vicentii, P. intermedia, P. micros, P. nigrescens, B. forsythus, P. gingivalis, et T. denticolaétait significativement plus prévalent chez les fumeurs que dans les 2 autres groupes. La différence de prévalence entre les fumeurs et les non-fumeurs était due à une plus grande colonisation des sites dont la profondeur de poche était <4 mm. L'analyse par régression linéaire multiple stepwise indiquait que les combinaisons de la prévalence de 5 espèces microbiennes et les paquets-années comptaient pour 44% de la variance pour la moyenne de profondeur de poche (p<0.000001), alors que la prévalence de 3 taxons microbiens avec l'âge, les paquets-années, le tabagisme présent et le sexe comptaient pour 31% de la variance pour le niveau d'attache moyen (p<0.000001). La différence de prévalence entre les fumerus en activité et les non-fumeurs (jamais fumé) de tous les membres du complexe rouge et de 8 des 12 membres du complexe orange était significativement plus élevée au maxillaire qu'à la mandibule. Conclusions: La différence majeure entre les microflores sous gingivales chez les sujets ayant des histoires tabagiques différentes se trouvaient dans la prévalence des expèces plutôt que dans leurs quantité ou leurs proportions. La plus grande importance de colonisation chez les fumerus apparaît être dûe à une colonisation plus grande dans les poches <4 mm. Des différences des caractéristiques de colonisation entre les fumerus actifs et les personnes n'ayant jamais fuméétaient plus importantes au maxillaire qu'à la mandibule. [source] Risk factors for periodontitis in HIV+ patientsJOURNAL OF PERIODONTAL RESEARCH, Issue 3 2004Tamer Alpagot Objective:, The purpose of this study was to identify risk factors for periodontitis associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Methods:, A total of 152 HIV+ patients were recruited from the CARE clinic at the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry. Clinical measurements (gingival index, plaque index, bleeding index, probing depth, and attachment loss), gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and subgingival plaque samples were taken from eight sites of each patient at baseline and 6-month visits. GCF neutrophil elastase was determined by measurement of p -nitroanalide resulting from hydrolysis of an elastase-specific peptide. GCF ,-glucuronidase was determined by release of 4-methylumbelliferone from hydrolysis of a specific substrate. A bacterial concentration fluorescence immunoassay was used to detect periodontopathic bacteria in subgingival plaque samples. Results:, Viral load, age, smoking pack-years, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Prevotella intermedia, Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, neutrophil elastase, and ,-glucuronidase were significantly correlated with clinical measurements (0.0001 < p < 0.05). Significantly higher levels of elastase, ,-glucuronidase, F. nucleatum, P. intermedia, and A. actinomycetemcomitans were found at progressing sites than in non-progressing sites (0.001 < p < 0.05). Conclusions:, These data indicate that age, smoking pack-years, viral load, F. nucleatum, P. intermedia, A. actinomycetemcomitans, elastase, and ,-glucuronidase are risk factors for periodontitis in HIV+ patients. [source] Microbiological, immunological and genetic factors in family members with periodontitis as a manifestation of systemic disease, associated with hematological disordersJOURNAL OF PERIODONTAL RESEARCH, Issue 4 2002Mitsugi Okada The microflora, immunological profiles of host defence functions, and human leukocyte antigen (HLA) findings are reported for a mother, son and daughter who were diagnosed as having ,periodontitis as a manifestation of systemic diseases, associated with hematological disorders'. Examinations were made of the bacterial flora from the periodontal pocket, neutrophil chemotaxis, neutrophil phagocytosis, and the genotypes (DQB1) and serotypes (DR locus) of HLA class II antigens. Phenotypic analyses of the peripheral lymphocytes were also conducted. The subgingival microflora from the mother was dominated by Gram-negative rods, especially Porphyromonas endodontalis, Prevotella intermedia/Prevotella nigrescens and Fusobacterium nucleatum. Subgingival microflora samples from the son and daughter were dominated by Gram-positive cocci and Gram-positive rods. Through the use of polymerase chain reaction, Campylobacter rectus and Capnocytophaga gingivalis were detected in all subjects, whereas Porphyromonas gingivalis, P. intermedia, and Treponema denticola were not detected in any subjects. All three subjects showed a remarkable level of depressed neutrophil chemotaxis to N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine, although their phagocyte function levels were normal, in comparison to healthy control subjects. Each subject had the same genotype, HLA-DQB1*0601, while the mother had HLA-DR2 and HLA-DR8, and the son and daughter had HLA-DR2 only. In summary, the members of this family showed a similar predisposition to periodontitis with regard to certain host defence functions. It is suggested that the depressed neutrophil chemotaxis that was identified here could be a significant risk factor for periodontitis in this family. [source] Effects of glucose on formation of cytotoxic end-products and proteolytic activity of Prevotella intermedia, Prevotella nigrescens and Porphyromonas gingivalisJOURNAL OF PERIODONTAL RESEARCH, Issue 6 2001Kaoru Saito Black-pigmented bacteria which produce cytotoxic metabolic end-products and cell membrane-associated proteases have been reported to play an important role in the pathogenesis of periodontal diseases. These bacterial virulence factors can be modified by the environmental conditions including nutrients supplied variously into the oral cavity. Although glucose is one of the most essential nutrients for oral bacteria, the exogenous supply of glucose may be discontinuous and the glucose concentration in a periodontal pocket may be influenced by the depth of the periodontal pocket. Therefore, effects of glucose as an environmental factor on the virulence factors of Prevotella intermedia, Prevotella nigrescens and Porphyromonas gingivalis were studied. When grown in the presence of glucose, both P. intermedia and P. nigrescens markedly decreased the production of cytotoxic end-products including succinate, isobutyrate, isovalerate and ammonia, although their growth was increased. Furthermore, the proteolytic activities such as immunoglobulin-, albumin- and casein-degrading activities of these bacteria were decreased in the presence of glucose. On the other hand, no effect of glucose on the metabolic activity of P. gingivalis was observed. These results suggest that pathogenicity of P. intermedia and P. nigrescens may be decreased by the presence of glucose. [source] Humoral immune response in early-onset periodontitis: influence of smokingJOURNAL OF PERIODONTAL RESEARCH, Issue 4 2001J. Mooney Sixty-five patients with generalised early-onset periodontitis (G-EOP)(age range 16,42 years, 32 smokers and 33 non-smokers) were assessed for antibody titres and avidity to a panel of five suspected periodontal pathogens (Porphyromonas gingivalis, Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Prevotella intermedia, Treponema denticola and Bacteroides forsythus). Thirty-four of these patients were untreated (17 smokers and 17 non-smokers), and thirty-one were in the maintenance phase of periodontal therapy (15 smokers and 16 non-smokers). Previous studies have investigated the effect of smoking on IgG levels in periodontitis patients in the context of the more extensive periodontal destruction seen in smokers. Based on this literature our hypothesis was that smokers would have depressed serum IgG levels directed against recognised periodontal pathogens compared with non-smokers. Antibody titres were measured by ELISA deploying fixed whole cells as coating. The IgG response was detected with biotin-anti-human IgG and avidin-peroxidase; avidity was determined by elution with ammonium thiocyanate. Median titres to A. actinomycetemcomitans, P. intermedia and T. denticola were significantly lower in maintenance patient smokers (p=0.02, 0.02 and 0.002 respectively) but not in untreated patients. Avidity to P. gingivalis was also lower in smoking maintenance patients (p=0.003) but not in untreated patients. These findings may imply some interruption of immune maturation in smokers following periodontal treatment. [source] The Prevotella intermedia group organisms in young children and their mothers as related to maternal periodontal statusJOURNAL OF PERIODONTAL RESEARCH, Issue 6 2000Eija Könönen Currently, the Prevotella intermedia group includes three biochemically and phylogenetically related species: Prevotella intermedia, Prevotella nigrescens, and the newly described Prevotella pallens. The two first-named species are mentioned with varying emphasis in connection with periodontal diseases, while such a connection of P. pallens is not known. Mothers serve as a plausible source of bacteria to their children, and conceivably, a mother with periodontitis as a recurrent reservoir of periodontally infecting organisms. In the present study, 23 mothers and their young children were examined for the presence of the P. intermedia group organisms in relation to maternal periodontal status (I: periodontal health, II: initial periodontitis, and III: advanced periodontitis). Species differentiation was based on established biochemical methods, electrophoretic mobility patterns, SDS-PAGE, and DNA hybridization. P. intermedia was not recovered from children but nearly exclusively from mothers in group III, thus confirming its association with periodontitis. P. nigrescens and P. pallens were frequently found in mothers and children. To determine bacterial transmission between a mother and her child, 72 isolates from 13 mother,child pairs were analyzed by arbitrarily primed PCR (AP-PCR). Similar AP-PCR types of P. nigrescens and/or P. pallens were recovered from 3/4 pairs in group I, 2/5 pairs in group II, and none in group III. Our results indicate that different species within the P. intermedia group have a different colonization pattern in childhood and that the periodontal status reflects qualitatively their presence in maternal saliva. Intra-familial transmission of P. nigrescens and P. pallens can occur in early childhood, however similar AP-PCR types were most obvious within periodontally healthy mother,child pairs. [source] Isolation of polymorphic microsatellite loci in Plantago major and P. intermediaMOLECULAR ECOLOGY RESOURCES, Issue 3 2001J. Squirrell Abstract Plantago major and P. intermedia are two closely related inbreeding species. The isolation of polymorphic codominant microsatellite markers will provide valuable tools to investigate the reproductive isolation and the evolution of the two species. The isolation of microsatellite loci was achieved using a membrane enrichment method. Primers were designed to microsatellite flanking sequences and were analysed using fluorescent labels. Results indicated that nine out of the 10 loci amplified in both species, and that all the loci were polymorphic. The amplification of the loci was tested in a variety of Plantago species and was shown to be limited. [source] Coaggregation of Streptococcus salivarius with periodontopathogens: evidence for involvement of fimbriae in the interaction with Prevotella intermediaMOLECULAR ORAL MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 5 2003C. Lévesque Streptococcus salivarius is divided into two serological subgroups that carry either fibrils or fimbriae. Although fimbriae have been observed on up to 50% of S. salivarius strains in the human oral cavity, no function has yet been assigned to them. To determine whether S. salivarius fimbriae have a role in adhesion, we examined the ability of S. salivarius to coaggregate with selected microorganisms involved in periodontal diseases. Our results show that S. salivarius coaggregated with Fusobacterium nucleatum, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Prevotella intermedia. However, only fimbriated S. salivarius cells were able to coaggregate with P. intermedia, suggesting a specific role for these structures in the interaction. Heat treatment, sensitivity to sugars, amino acids, and EDTA, as well as protease treatment were also used to further characterize coaggregation between S. salivarius and periodontopathogens. [source] Inhibition of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans leukotoxicity by bacteria from the subgingival floraMOLECULAR ORAL MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 4 2000A. Johansson Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans produces a pore-forming leukotoxin that lyses human polymorphonuclear leukocytes and monocytes. Certain proteolytic bacteria may coexist with A. actinomycetemcomitans in periodontal pockets. We aimed therefore to examine whether oral bacteria can modify the leukotoxicity of A. actinomycetemcomitans. A total of 55 strains representing 45 bacterial species of the subgingival flora were tested. Each strain was incubated with the highly toxic strain of A. actinomycetemcomitans HK 1519 and the leukotoxic activity of the suspension against human polymorphonuclear leukocytes was determined from the activity of the lactate dehydrogenase released upon lysis of the leukocytes. Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia, Prevotella nigrescens, Prevotella melaninogenica and Prevotella loeschii inhibited the leukotoxicity of A. actinomycetemcomitans cells as well as the activity of leukotoxin purified from the same strain. The bacterial strains without the ability to block leukotoxic activity also failed to destroy pure leukotoxin even after 5 h of incubation. The proteolytic degradation of leukotoxin by P. gingivalis was mainly dependent on the activity of the enzymes R- and K-gingipains. P. intermedia and P. nigrescens also degraded the leukotoxin by enzymes. The results imply a role of the periodontal microflora in modifying the virulence of A. actinomycetemcomitans by destroying its leukotoxin. [source] An in vitro study of the antimicrobial activity of some endodontic medicaments and their bases using an agar well diffusion assayAUSTRALIAN DENTAL JOURNAL, Issue 2 2009B Athanassiadis ABSTRACT Background:, The aim of this study was to determine the in vitro antimicrobial activities of various endodontic medicaments and their bases against selected organisms using an agar diffusion assay. Methods:, An agar well diffusion assay was used to test the antimicrobial action of some commonly used endodontic medicaments (Ledermix paste, Pulpdent paste, Ultracal paste, and a 50:50 mix of Ledermix and Pulpdent pastes) and their bases. Three bacterial species (E. faecalis, P. micros, P. intermedia) and one yeast (C. albicans) were selected. The diameters of growth inhibition zones and pH were assessed. Results:,P. micros demonstrated the highest level of in vitro resistance. Pulpdent and Ultracal pastes had the highest pH (12.64 and 12.53, respectively). The addition of Pulpdent to Ledermix did not increase the zone sizes significantly. Conclusions:, All the commercial products showed some in vitro antimicrobial activity. Ledermix paste and the 50:50 Ledermix/Pulpdent mixture being the most effective in this model. The known anti-inflammatory/analgesic properties of Ledermix and the results from this agar model suggest that the 50:50 Ledermix/Pulpdent combination would be the preferred medicament for clinical use in symptomatic cases, even though the addition of calcium hydroxide to Ledermix did not appear to be synergistic in terms of enhancing the antimicrobial action. [source] Paeonia (Paeoniaceae) in the CaucasusBOTANICAL JOURNAL OF THE LINNEAN SOCIETY, Issue 2 2003DE-YUAN HONG The taxonomy of the genus Paeonia in the Caucasus has been controversial, with recognized species varying in number from one to 13. The taxonomic history of Paeonia in this area is reviewed (including an analysis of the characters used by previous authors) based on extensive field observations, population sampling and critical examination of a large number of herbarium specimens. The results show that Paeonia may be divided into three groups. The P. intermedia group is known from only a single population. In the P. tenuifolia group, all the characters used for distinguishing the three previously recognized species were found to be polymorphic. In the P. daurica group, petal colour, shape and size of leaflets, and indumentum of leaflets and carpels were used to distinguish nine species, but these characters were found to be polymorphic or continuous in variation, and thus can only be used for infraspecific classification. Thus, three species are recognized: P. intermedia, P. tenuifolia and P. daurica. The last species is further divided into five subspecies: sspp. coriifolia, wittmanniana, mlokosewitschii, macrophylla and tomentosa stat. nov. © 2003 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2003, 143, 135,150. [source] | |||||||||||||