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Published on: September 27, 2018
Human Exoproteome in Acute Apical Abscesses
Cristiane F Alfenas1, Tiago A O Mendes2, Humberto J O Ramos2
1Department of Endodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Estácio de Sá University, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Introduction:
An acute apical abscess is a severe response of the host to massive invasion of the periapical tissues by bacteria from infected root canals. Although many studies have investigated the microbiota involved in the process, information on the host factors released during abscess formation is scarce. The purpose of this study was to describe the human exoproteome in samples from acute apical abscesses.
Methods:
Fourteen pus samples were obtained by aspiration from patients with an acute apical abscess. Samples were subjected to protein digestion, and the tryptic peptides were analyzed using a mass spectrometer and ion trap instrument. The human proteins identified in this analysis were classified into different functional categories.
Results:
A total of 303 proteins were identified. Most of these proteins were involved in cellular and metabolic processes. Immune system proteins were also very frequent and included immunoglobulins, S100 proteins, complement proteins, and heat shock proteins. Polymorphonuclear neutrophil proteins were also commonly detected, including myeloperoxidases, defensins, elastases, and gelatinases. Iron-sequestering proteins including transferrin and lactoferrin/lactotransferrin were found in many samples.
Conclusions:
The human exoproteome included a wide variety of proteins related to cellular processes, metabolism, and immune response. Proteins involved in different mechanisms against infection, tissue damage, and protection against tissue damage were identified. Knowledge of the presence and function of these proteins using proteomics provides an insight into the complex host-pathogen relationship, the host antimicrobial strategies to fight infections, and the disease pathogenesis.
Insights
This study identified 303 human proteins in acute apical abscess pus, revealing key host defense proteins like immunoglobulins and neutrophil enzymes. This provides insights into the host-pathogen relationship during infection.
Area of Science:
- Oral biology
- Proteomics
- Immunology
Background:
- Acute apical abscesses result from bacterial invasion of periapical tissues.
- Host factors during abscess formation are poorly understood.
- This study focuses on the human exoproteome in abscess samples.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the human exoproteome in acute apical abscesses.
- To identify host proteins involved in the abscess formation process.
Main Methods:
- Pus samples were collected from 14 patients with acute apical abscesses.
- Proteins were digested and analyzed using mass spectrometry.
- Identified human proteins were categorized by function.
Main Results:
- 303 human proteins were identified.
- Proteins involved in cellular processes, metabolism, and immune response were abundant.
- Key immune proteins included immunoglobulins, S100, complement, and heat shock proteins.
- Neutrophil proteins (myeloperoxidases, defensins, elastases) and iron-sequestering proteins (transferrin, lactoferrin) were detected.
Conclusions:
- The human exoproteome in acute apical abscesses is diverse, encompassing cellular, metabolic, and immune functions.
- Identified proteins highlight host antimicrobial strategies and tissue protection mechanisms.
- Proteomics offers insights into host-pathogen interactions and disease pathogenesis.
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