Dentistry

Abstract

Human Salivary Acidic Proline-Rich Proteins (APRP-1/2) In Adult Patients With Dental Caries

Anna K Szkaradkiewicz-Karpińska, Marta Sak, Olga Goślińska-Kuźniarek, Jerzy Sokalski and Andrzej Szkaradkiewicz

Background: Acidic proline-rich proteins (APRPs) are manifested in human saliva in various phenotypes and represent its important component. The unique structure of their two isoforms. APRP-1/2 as well as their coupling to hydroxyapatite and formation of the acquired enamel pellicle are well known. Nevertheless, role of APRP-1/2 in adult patients with dental caries still remains unclear. The aim of this study was to analyze the levels of APRP-1/2 in saliva of adult patients with dental caries. Patients and Methods: The studies were conducted on 106 adult patients which were qualified to individual groups on grounds of dental examination and calculation of DMFT index. Group 1 (control) included 18 caries-free patients (DMFT=0). Group 2 included 20 persons (DMFT=2.3 ± 1.0) with very low intensity of caries. Group 3 included 20 patients (DMFT=6.2 ± 1.3) with low intensity of caries. Group 4 comprised 24 patients (DMFT=10.9 ± 1.8) with moderate intensity of caries. Group 5 included 24 patients (DMFT=19.5 ± 3.5) with high intensity of dental caries. Concentrations of APRP-1/2 in saliva were estimated using PRH2 ELISA kit (MyBioSource). Results: In persons of group 1 (control) concentration of APRP-1/2 averaged at 15.2 ± 2.6 ng/ml. This concentration did not statistically differ from results obtained in patients of groups 2. On the other hand in patients of groups 3, 4 and 5 mean values of APRP-1/2 concentrations amounted respectively to: 18.6 ± 3.2 ng/ml, 35.4 ± 4.6 ng/ml and 39.8 ± 5.1 ng/ml. The obtained values of APRP-1/2 were significantly higher than results obtained in group 1 (p<0.05; Mann-Whitney test). In parallel the numerical force of women and men examined in the distinguished groups manifested no significant differences (p>0.05; test for two independent proportions). Conclusions: High levels of APRP-1/2 in saliva of adult patients may be involved in intensification of the caries process.