Anti-biofilm and anti-adherence properties of novel cyclic dipeptides against oral pathogens

Microorganisms embedded in a biofilm are significantly more resistant to antimicrobial agents and the defences of the human immune system, than their planktonic counterpart. Consequently, compounds that can inhibit biofilm formation are of great interest for novel therapeutics. In this study, a screening approach was used to identify novel cyclic dipeptides that have anti-biofilm activity against oral pathogens. Five new active compounds were identified that prevent biofilm formation by the cariogenic bacterium Streptococcus mutans and the pathogenic fungus Candida albicans. These compounds also inhibit the adherence of microorganisms to a hydroxylapatite surface. Further investigations were conducted on these compounds to establish the structure–activity relationship, and it was deduced that the common cleft pattern is required for these molecules to act effectively against biofilms.     

pH dependent effects of sodium ions on dextransucrase activity in Streptococcus mutans

Dextransuccrase (E.C 2.4.1.5) is a key enzyme in S. mutans for the metabolism of sucrose which helps in the adherence and accumulation of bacteria on tooth surface leading to the formation of dental caries. Dextransuccrase resembles in its catalytic properties with the brush boarder sucrase and exhibits pH dependent inhibitory and stimulatory effects in response to Na⁺. In this communication we studied the effect of monovalent cations on the activity of dextransuccrase from S. mutans. The percentage inhibition of dextransuccrase was 65% at 0.5 mM NaCl which enhanced to 90% at 20 mM sodium concentration. However there was no effect on dextransucrase activity in presence of other monovalent cations (Rb⁺, Cs⁺, and K⁺) tested. Enzyme activity was enhanced 20–24% in acidic pH but was strongly inhibited (59–89%) around neutral and alkaline pH by 0.5–2.0 mM sodium chloride. Upon dialysis, 86% of enzyme activity was restored to control values. There was no effect of 2 mM NaCl on glucosyltransferase activity of the enzyme. Kinetic studies revealed that enzyme showed biphasic effects in response to Na⁺ ions. At acidic pH the enzyme exhibited mixed type of activation affecting both Vmax and Km, while in alkaline pH, the enzyme showed V- type effect reducing Vmax by 74% without affecting Km. The effects of sodium ions on dextransuccrase activity were specific, thus it can be useful to block its catalytic activity, and reducing the cariogenic potential of S. mutans.     

益生菌防治龋病的研究进展

随着人们生活水平日益提高,口腔健康越来越受到关注。近年来,益生菌对口腔菌群和宿主健康的调节作用已成为广泛研究的话题。已有证据表明,益生菌可以竞争性地抑制口腔中致病细菌的黏附和定植,分泌抗菌物质以减少病原菌。本文综述了相关益生菌对变形链球菌这一公认的龋齿病原菌的作用,包括:(1)生物表面活性剂、细菌素、胞外多糖等益生菌代谢产物对变形链球菌牙菌生物膜的抑制作用;(2)刺激宿主免疫反应,调节口腔菌群组成;(3)下调或阻断变形链球菌细胞中与黏附在牙齿表面形成生物膜相关的基因表达。     

Association of age with class VI composite restoration

Dental caries is the major oral health problem in most of the countries, affecting 60-90% of school children and a vast majority of adults. Therefore, it is of interest to evaluate the association of age with Class VI defects restored with composite restorations. We used 102 cases with data regarding Class VI composite restorations in a datasheet of 86,000 records at Saveetha Dental College, India for this study. Data shows that Class VI restorations were commonly seen in upper anterior teeth in the age group of 51 and above. The cavities prepared to receive Class VI restoration followed a conservative design of caries removal and used direct restoration techniques for reconstruction of the lost tooth structure.