Transaminases in the acquired pellicle.

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Oral Biology
• Enzymology

Background:

• Transaminases, including aspartate amino transferase (AST) and alanine amino transferase (ALT), are crucial enzymes involved in human physiological and pathological processes.
• The acquired enamel pellicle, a salivary biofilm layer on teeth, plays a significant role in oral health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the presence and activity of AST and ALT within the in situ formed enamel pellicle.
• To determine if enzyme activity changes with pellicle formation time.

Main Methods:

• Bovine enamel slabs were worn by human subjects for 3, 30, and 120 minutes to form pellicles.
• Enzyme activities (AST and ALT) in the pellicles were quantified using photometric assays measuring pyruvate and oxalacetate.
• Saliva enzyme activity was also measured for comparison.

Main Results:

• Both AST and ALT activities were detected in the enamel pellicle as early as 3 minutes after formation.
• ALT activity showed a statistically significant increase with longer pellicle formation times (p=0.021).
• Significant intra- and inter-individual variability in enzyme activities was observed.

Conclusions:

• AST and ALT are present in the acquired enamel pellicle.
• These enzymes may contribute to the intrinsic maturation and modification of pellicle proteins.