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Salivary β-galactosidase activity affects physiological oral malodour
Yosuke Masuo1, Nao Suzuki, Masahiro Yoneda
1Section of General Dentistry, Department of General Dentistry, Fukuoka Dental College, 2-15-1 Tamura, Sawara-ku, Fukuoka, Japan.
Archives of Oral Biology
|September 3, 2011
Summary
Salivary beta-galactosidase activity, found on oral bacteria from plaque and tongue coating, is linked to physiological bad breath. This enzyme plays a key role in the development of oral malodour.
Area of Science:
- Oral microbiology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Previous studies linked salivary beta-galactosidase activity to non-periodontopathic oral malodour.
- The precise role and localization of this enzyme in oral malodour production remained unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the localization of beta-galactosidase in saliva.
- To determine the relationship between salivary beta-galactosidase activity and physiological oral malodour.
Main Methods:
- Saliva samples from 56 patients (periodontally healthy and periodontitis) were analyzed.
- Beta-galactosidase activity was measured in saliva supernatant, pellet lysate, and whole saliva.
- Correlations with oral malodour, plaque index, tongue coating, salivary flow, pH, and bacterial counts were examined.
Main Results:
- Beta-galactosidase activity was primarily found in the pellet lysate and whole saliva, not the supernatant.
- In periodontally healthy individuals, enzyme activity correlated positively with oral malodour, plaque index, and tongue coating.
- Bacterial load (total, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Streptococcus salivarius) and volatile sulphur compounds were associated with enzyme activity.
Conclusions:
- Beta-galactosidase is located on the surface of oral bacteria from dental plaque and tongue coating.
- This enzyme is a significant contributor to the production of physiological oral malodour.
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