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Published on: March 31, 2021
Could alkali production be considered an approach for caries control?
V V Gordan1, C W Garvan, M E Ottenga
1Department of Operative Dentistry, College of Dentistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610-04415, USA. vgordan@dental.ufl.edu
Caries Research
|November 13, 2010
Summary
Arginine deiminase (ADS) and urease activities in plaque and saliva were significantly higher in caries-free individuals compared to caries-active individuals. These findings suggest a protective role for these enzymes against dental caries development.
Area of Science:
- Oral microbiology
- Biochemistry
- Dental research
Background:
- Dental caries is a multifactorial disease influenced by microbial metabolism.
- Arginine deiminase (ADS) and urease are bacterial enzymes that can metabolize arginine and urea, potentially impacting oral pH.
- Understanding the role of these enzymes in caries etiology is crucial for developing preventive strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between arginine deiminase (ADS) and urease activities and the presence of dental caries.
- To compare ADS and urease activities in plaque and saliva samples from caries-free, caries-active, and caries-experienced individuals.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study involving 93 subjects categorized into caries-free, caries-active, and caries-experienced groups.
- Measurement of ADS and urease activities by quantifying ammonia production from arginine and urea, respectively.
- Real-time qPCR for bacterial identification and enumeration; statistical analysis using Kruskal-Wallis and Spearman correlation tests.
Main Results:
- Significantly higher arginine deiminase (ADS) activity was observed in both saliva and plaque samples from caries-free subjects compared to caries-active subjects (p < 0.0001).
- Urease activity in plaque was approximately 3-fold higher in caries-free subjects compared to caries-active subjects (p < 0.0001).
- While urease activity in saliva was higher in caries-experienced and caries-free groups, no significant difference was found between these groups.
Conclusions:
- Elevated arginine deiminase (ADS) and urease activities in dental plaque and saliva are associated with a caries-free state.
- These enzymatic activities may play a protective role in preventing dental caries by influencing the oral environment.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise mechanisms and therapeutic potential of these enzymes in caries prevention.
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