The effect of Streptococcus mutans, Candida albicans and other cariesogenic factors on the concentration of cathelicidin LL-37 in oral fluid in children with early childhood caries

BACKGROUND: Human antimicrobial peptides play a significant role in innate immunity. In the oral cavity salivary glands and mucosal epithelium produce human antimicrobial peptides, including defensins and cathelicidin LL-37. Cathelicidin is the most significant peptide protecting against different types of infections, controls the activity of commensal bacteria and prevents colonization and growth of pathogenic bacteria.

AIM: To determine the concentration of cathelicidin LL-37 in the oral fluid of children 2–5 years old and the oral hygiene index depending on some of the parameters and intensity of the carious process in the oral cavity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted in a group of children aged 2-5 years old; the concentration of catelicidine in the oral fluid was determined by enzyme immunoassay. Moreover, the concentration of Streptococcus mutans in saliva, the presence of Candida albicans in dental plaque, oral hygiene index and the concentration of 25-hydroxycalciferol in venous blood were assessed in these children.

RESULTS: The stydy revealed the dependence of the concentration of cathelicidin in the oral fluid on the intensity of the carious process in children as well as on the concentration of Streptococcus mutans in saliva, the presence of Candida albicans in plaque and poor oral hygiene.

CONCLUSIONS: It was found that in children with high intensity of caries, the concentration of antimicrobial peptide LL-37 is twice lower than in children with low and medium intensity of early childhood caries.