Abstract Fluoride (F) has been widely used to control dental caries, and studies suggest beneficial effects against diabetes when a low dose of F is added to the drinking water (10 mgF/L). Objectives This study evaluated metabolic changes in pancreatic islets of NOD mice exposed to low doses of F and the main pathways altered by the treatment. Methodology In total, 42 female NOD mice were randomly divided into two groups, considering the concentration of F administered in the drinking water for 14 weeks: 0 or 10 mgF/L. After the experimental period, the pancreas was collected for morphological and immunohistochemical analysis, and the islets for proteomic analysis. Results In the morphological and immunohistochemical analysis, no significant differences were found in the percentage of cells labelled for insulin, glucagon, and acetylated histone H3, although the treated group had higher percentages than the control group. Moreover, no significant differences were found for the mean percentages of pancreatic areas occupied by islets and for the pancreatic inflammatory infiltrate between the control and treated groups. Proteomic analysis showed large increases in histones H3 and, to a lesser extent, in histone acetyltransferases, concomitant with a decrease in enzymes involved in the formation of acetyl-CoA, besides many changes in proteins involved in several metabolic pathways, especially energy metabolism. The conjunction analysis of these data showed an attempt by the organism to maintain protein synthesis in the islets, even with the dramatic changes in energy metabolism. Conclusion Our data suggests epigenetic alterations in the islets of NOD mice exposed to F levels comparable to those found in public supply water consumed by humans.

Abstract The objective of this study was to compare the protein profile of the acquired enamel pellicle (AEP) formed in vivo in patients with or without gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and with or without erosive tooth wear (ETW). Twenty-four volunteers were divided into 3 groups: 1) GERD and ETW; 2) GERD without ETW; and 3) control (without GERD). The AEP formed 120 min after prophylaxis was collected from the lingual/palatal surfaces. The samples were subjected to mass spectrometry (nLC-ESI-MS/MS) and label-free quantification by Protein Lynx Global Service software. A total of 213 proteins were identified, or 119, 92 and 106 from each group, respectively. Group 2 showed a high number of phosphorylated and calcium-binding proteins. Twenty-three proteins were found in all the groups, including 14-3-3 protein zeta/delta and 1-phosphatidylinositol. Several intracellular proteins that join saliva after the exfoliation of oral mucosa cells might have the potential to bind hydroxyapatite, or participate in forming supramolecular aggregates that bind to precursor proteins in the AEP. Proteins might play a central role in protecting the dental surface against acid dissolution.

Resumo Este estudo teve como objetivo comparar quantitativamente a diferença da expressão de proteínas na progressão da patogênese pulpar, bem como descrever as funções biológicas das proteínas identificadas no tecido pulpar. As amostras foram obtidas de seis pacientes atendidos na Faculdade de Odontologia de Araçatuba e divididas em três grupos: polpa normal - dentes extraídos por indicação ortodôntica; polpa inflamada e polpa necrótica - pacientes diagnosticados com pulpite irreversível e periodontite apical crônica, respectivamente. Após o preparo proteômico prévio, as amostras de polpa dentária foram processadas para análise proteômica quantitativa livre de marcadores em um sistema nanoACQUITY UPLC-Xevo QTof MS. A diferença de expressão entre os grupos foi calculada usando o software Protein Lynx Global Service através do algoritmo de Monte Carlo. Um total de 465 proteínas humanas foram identificadas em todos os grupos. As proteínas mais expressas no grupo polpa inflamada em relação ao grupo polpa normal foram hemoglobinas, peroxirredoxinas e imunoglobulinas, enquanto as menos expressas foram as tubulinas. Os níveis de expressão de albuminas, imunoglobulinas e alfa-2-macroglobulina foram maiores no grupo polpa necrótica do que no grupo de polpa inflamada. Quanto à análise qualitativa, as funções proteicas mais prevalentes no grupo polpa normal foram vias metabólicas e energéticas; no grupo polpa inflamada: comunicação celular e transdução de sinal; e regulação e reparo de DNA / RNA, enquanto no grupo polpa necrótica as proteínas foram associadas à resposta imune. Assim, a análise proteômica mostrou diferenças quantitativas e qualitativas na expressão de proteínas em diferentes tipos de condições pulpares.

Abstract This study aimed to quantitatively compare the difference in protein expression in the progression of pulp pathogenesis, as well as to describe the biological functions of proteins identified in pulp tissue. Samples were obtained from six patients treated at the Araçatuba School of Dentistry and were divided into three groups: normal pulp - from teeth extracted for orthodontic indication; inflamed pulp and necrotic pulp - from patients diagnosed with irreversible pulpitis and chronic apical periodontitis, respectively. After previous proteomic preparation, dental pulp samples were processed for label-free quantitative proteomic analysis in a nanoACQUITY UPLC-Xevo QTof MS system. The difference in expression between the groups was calculated using the Protein Lynx Global Service software using the Monte Carlo algorithm. A total of 465 human proteins were identified in all groups. The most expressed proteins in the inflamed pulp group in relation to the normal pulp group were hemoglobin, peroxiredoxins and immunoglobulins, whereas the less expressed were the tubulins. Expression levels of albumins, immunoglobulins and alpha-2-macroglobulin were higher in the necrotic pulp group than in the inflamed pulp group. As for the qualitative analysis, the most prevalent protein functions in the normal pulp group were metabolic and energetic pathways; in the inflamed pulp group: cellular communication and signal transduction; and regulation and repair of DNA/RNA, while in the necrotic pulp group proteins were associated with the immune response. Thus, proteomic analysis showed quantitative and qualitative differences in protein expression in different types of pulp conditions.

Abstract Objective This in vitro study evaluated the effect of commercial whitening dentifrices on erosive tooth wear (ETW) of bovine enamel samples, in comparison with commercial regular dentifrices. Methodology Sixty bovine crowns were embedded in acrylic resin, polished and then had their baseline profile determined. They were randomly assigned to 5 groups (n=12/group), according to the type of commercial dentifrice to be tested: GI – Crest Anti-cavity Regular; GII – Crest 3D White; GIII – Colgate Total 12 Clean Mint; GIV – Colgate Optic White; GV – Placebo (negative control, fluoride-free dentifrice). The samples were submitted to daily erosive and abrasive challenges for 3 days. The erosive challenges were performed 3 times a day by immersing the specimens in 0.1% citric acid solution (pH 2.5) for 90 s. Each day after the first and last erosive challenges, the specimens were subjected to the abrasive challenge for 15 s, using a toothbrushing machine (Biopdi, São Carlos, SP, Brazil), soft toothbrushes and slurry (1:3 g/ml) of the tested toothpastes (1.5 N). The specimens were kept in artificial saliva between the challenges. The final profile was obtained and the ETW (µm) was calculated. Data were analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn’s tests (p<0.05). Results All dentifrices tested significantly reduced the enamel wear in comparison with the Placebo, except GIII. The median (95% CI) ETW was 1.35 (1.25-1.46)bc for GI, 1.17 (1.01-1.34)cd for GII, 1.36 (1.28-1.45)ab for GIII, 1.08 (1.04-1.14)d for GIV and 2.28 (2.18-2.39)a for GV. Conclusion When dentifrices from the same manufacturer were compared, the whitening dentifrices led to similar or less wear than the regular ones.

Abstract Saliva is the major contributor for the protein composition of the acquired enamel pellicle (AEP), a bacteria-free organic layer formed by the selective adsorption of salivary proteins on the surface of the enamel. However, the amount of proteins that can be recovered is even smaller under in vitro condition, due to the absence of continuous salivary flow. Objective This study developed an in vitro AEP protocol for proteomics analysis using a new formation technique with different collection solutions. Methodology 432 bovine enamel specimens were prepared (4x4 mm) and divided into four groups (n=108). Unstimulated saliva was provided by nine subjects. The new AEP formation technique was based on saliva resupply by a new one every 30 min within 120 minutes at 37ºC under agitation. AEP was collected using an electrode filter paper soaked in the collection solutions according with the group: 1) 3% citric acid (CA); 2) 0.5% sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS); 3) CA followed by SDS (CA+SDS); 4) SDS followed by CA (SDS+CA). The pellicles collected were processed for analysis through LC-ESI-MS/MS technique. Results A total of 55 proteins were identified. The total numbers of proteins identified in each group were 40, 21, 28 and 41 for the groups CA, SDS, CA+SDS and SDS+CA, respectively. Twenty-three typical AEP proteins were identified in all groups, but Mucin was only found in CA and CA+SDS, while three types of PRP were not found in the SDS group. Moreover, a typical enamel protein, Enamelin, was identified in the CA+SDS group only. Conclusion The new technique of the in vitro AEP formation through saliva replacement was essential for a higher number of the proteins identified. In addition, considering practicality, quantity and quality of identified proteins, citric acid seems to be the best solution to be used for collection of AEP proteins.