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Abstract
Objective
The aim of this study was to investigate the caries risk of asthmatics in relation to acidogenicity and the expression of caries-related genes in dental plaque.
Methods
A case-control study composed of 38 asthmatics (cases) and 22 controls with an age range from 6 to 60 years. Characteristics of asthma, use of medications, oral hygiene practices and dietary habits assessed by questionnaires and interviews. The dental plaque maturity evaluated using GC Tri Plaque ID Gel TM. The expression of brpA, gtfB, gbpB, ldh, luxS and spaP genes analyzed using real-time PCR.
Results
Asthmatics had a higher percentage of mature and acidogenic plaque than immature plaque. In contrast, immature plaque was more evident in controls. Acidogenic plaque commonly occurred in patients using 1 or a combination of two medications. High frequency in meals and sweets were found in asthmatics. Real-time PCR revealed that the expression of spaP, gtfB, gbpB, ldh, brpA and luxS were enhanced in asthmatics compared with the control group.
Conclusion
An increase in acidogenic and mature plaque is found in asthmatics. The expression of spaP, gtfB, gbpB, ldh, brpA and luxS in dental plaque are upregulated in asthmatics.
Acknowledgements
The authors thank Prof. Dr. Orapan Poachanukoon (Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University) for providing asthmatic patients used in this study. We thank Asst. Prof. Dr. Kusumawadee Utispan (Faculty of Dentistry, Thammasat University) for her expert assistance in gene expression. The English editing of this manuscript was kindly performed by Christian Estacio, Walailak University. The authors are grateful to Drs. Sirirat Reungsuwat, Watcharee Kliangkaeo and Pornwatchrin Limwattanachai (past students of Faculty of Dentistry, Thammasat University) for their assistance in data collection.
Disclosure statement
The authors report no conflict of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this article. The authors have no financial, consulting or personal relationship(s) disclosures to report.