Salivary antimicrobial proteins associate with age-related changes in streptococcal composition in dental plaque

Malcolm, J. , Sherriff, A. , Lappin, D. F., Ramage, G. , Conway, D. I. , Macpherson, L. M. and Culshaw, S. (2014) Salivary antimicrobial proteins associate with age-related changes in streptococcal composition in dental plaque. Molecular Oral Microbiology, 29(6), pp. 284-293. (doi: 10.1111/omi.12058)

Abstract

Secretion of antimicrobial proteins (AMPs) and salivary antibodies can modify biofilm formation at host body surfaces. In adolescents, associations have been reported between dental caries and salivary AMPs. AMPs demonstrate direct antimicrobial effects at high concentrations, and at lower more physiological concentrations mediate changes in host cell defenses which may alter the local environment and indirectly shape local biofilm formation. The expression of salivary AMPs in preschool children, at an age when the oral bacteria are known to change, has not been investigated. We sought to investigate salivary AMP expression in the context of previously well-documented changes in the oral cavities of this age group including salivary IgA, oral bacteria and dental caries. Dental plaque and saliva were collected from 57 children aged 12-24 months at baseline, of whom 23 children were followed-up at three-years of age. At each time, saliva was assessed for LL37, HNPs 1-3, calprotectin, lactoferrin, salivary IgA, total plaque bacteria and Streptococcus mutans. Over time, concentrations of AMPs, S. mutans and bacterial specific salivary IgA increased. Caries experience was also recorded when children were three-years old. Concentrations of AMPs were highest in the saliva of three-year-old children with the greatest burden of S. mutans. These data suggest that salivary AMPs are variable over time, between individuals, and are linked with bacterial colonization. At follow-up, the majority of children remained caries free. Larger longitudinal studies are required to confirm whether salivary AMP levels are predictive of caries and whether their modulation offers therapeutic benefit.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Sherriff, Professor Andrea and Macpherson, Professor Lorna and Conway, Professor David and Lappin, Dr David and Ramage, Professor Gordon and Malcolm, Dr Jennifer and Culshaw, Professor Shauna
• Authors: Malcolm, J., Sherriff, A., Lappin, D. F., Ramage, G., Conway, D. I., Macpherson, L. M., and Culshaw, S.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing > Dental School
• Journal Name: Molecular Oral Microbiology
• Publisher: Wiley
• ISSN: 2041-1006
• ISSN (Online): 2041-1014