Antigenic Activity of Bacterial Endodontic Contents from Primary Root Canal Infection with Periapical Lesions against Macrophage in the Release of Interleukin-1β and Tumor Necrosis Factor α

Martinho, Frederico C.; Chiesa, Wanderson Miguel Maia; Leite, Fabio R.M.; Cirelli, Joni A.; Gomes, Brenda P.F.A.

doi:10.1016/j.joen.2010.06.012

« Previous Next »Journal of Endodontics
Volume 36, Issue 9 , Pages 1467-1474, September 2010

Antigenic Activity of Bacterial Endodontic Contents from Primary Root Canal Infection with Periapical Lesions against Macrophage in the Release of Interleukin-1β and Tumor Necrosis Factor α

Frederico C. Martinho, DDS, MSc
- Department of Restorative Dentistry, Endodontic Division, Piracicaba Dental School, State University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
Wanderson Miguel Maia Chiesa, DDS, MSc
- Department of Restorative Dentistry, Endodontic Division, Piracicaba Dental School, State University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
Fabio R.M. Leite, DDS, MSc, PhD
- Department of Semiology and Clinics, Periodontic Division, Dental School, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil
Joni A. Cirelli, DDS, MSc, PhD
- Department of Diagnosis and Oral Surgery, Periodontic Division, Araraquara Dental School, State University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
Brenda P.F.A. Gomes, DDS, MSc, PhD
- Department of Restorative Dentistry, Endodontic Division, Piracicaba Dental School, State University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
- Address requests for reprints to Dr Brenda P.F.A. Gomes, Piracicaba Dental School, State University of Campinas-UNICAMP, Department of Restorative Dentistry, Endodontic Division, Av Limeira 901, Bairro Areiao, Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil CEP 13414-903.

Abstract

Introduction

Periradicular tissue chronic stimulation by endotoxin may cause apical periodontitis. This study investigated the microbial profile and the levels of endotoxin found in primary root canal infection with apical periodontitis, determined their antigenicity against macrophages through the levels of interleukin (IL)-1β and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), and evaluated their relationship with clinical and radiographic findings.

Methods

Samples were taken from 21 root canals with primary endodontic infection and apical periodontitis with paper points. PCR technique (16S rDNA) was used for the detection of the target bacteria. Limulus Amebocyte Lysate (LAL) was used to measure endotoxin. The amounts of IL-1ß/ TNF-alpha in macrophages supernatants were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay – Duoset-kit (ELISA).

Results

Prevotella nigrescens (13/21), Porphyromonas endodontalis (6/21), and Treponema socranskii (6/21) were the most frequently detected gram-negative bacterial species. The presence of the sinus tract (2/21) was related to the detection of Filifactor alocis (p < 0.05), whereas a tooth with a radiolucent area ≥2 mm was related to the detection of Treponema denticola. A correlation was found between the number of gram-negative bacteria and the levels of IL-1β/TNF-α (p < 0.05). Increased levels of endotoxin were followed by TNF-α release (p < 0.05). Higher levels of IL-1β (p < 0.05) and endotoxin contents were related to the larger size of the radiolucent area.

Conclusion

The antigenicity of the endodontic contents is not only related to the amount of endotoxin found in the root canal but also to the number of different species of gram-negative bacteria involved in the infection. Moreover, a larger size (≥2 mm) of the radiolucent area was related to IL-1β and endotoxin.

Key Words: Antigenicity, bacteria, endodontic, endotoxin, macrophages