Mass spectrometry-based proteomics profiling of dogs with and without oral diseases: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Understanding the distinct proteomics profiles in dogs' oral biofluids enhances diagnostic and therapeutic insights for canine oral diseases, fostering cross-species translational research in dentistry and medicine. This study aimed to conduct a systematic review to investigate the similarities and differences between the oral biofluids' proteomics profile of dogs with and without oral diseases. METHODS: PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched with no restrictions on publication language or year to address the following focused question: "What is the proteome signature of healthy versus diseased (oral) dogs' biofluids?" Gene Ontology enrichment and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analyses of the most abundant proteins were performed. Moreover, protein-protein interaction analysis was conducted. The risk of bias (RoB) among the included studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Checklist for Studies Reporting Prevalence Data. RESULTS: In healthy dogs, the proteomic analysis identified 5,451 proteins, with 137 being the most abundant, predominantly associated with 'innate immune response'. Dogs with oral diseases displayed 6,470 proteins, with distinct associations: 'defense response to bacterium' (periodontal diseases), 'negative regulation of transcription' (dental calculus), and 'positive regulation of transcription' (oral tumors). Clustering revealed significant protein clusters in each case, emphasizing the diverse molecular profiles in health and oral diseases. Only six studies were provided to the JBI tool, as they encompassed case-control evaluations that compared healthy dogs to dogs with oral disease(s). All included studies were found to have low RoB (high quality). CONCLUSION: Significant differences in the proteomics profiles of oral biofluids between dogs with and without oral diseases were found. The synergy of animal proteomics and bioinformatics offers a promising avenue for cross-species research, despite persistent challenges in result validation.

Preliminary evaluation of the impact of periodontal treatment on markers of glycaemic control in dogs with diabetes mellitus: A prospective, clinical case series.

BACKGROUND: Periodontal disease (PD) can adversely affect glycaemic control in humans. However, it is unknown if a similar association exists in dogs. METHODS: Ten client-owned dogs with poorly regulated diabetes mellitus (DM) and PD were prospectively enrolled. A complete blood count, serum biochemistry, urinalysis and measurement of C-reactive protein, interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumour necrosis factor-α, haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and fructosamine concentrations were performed before periodontal treatment (PT) and monthly thereafter for 3 months. A periodontal disease severity score (PDSS) was determined during PT. The effects of time post-PT and PDSS on markers of inflammation and glycaemic control were determined by generalised estimating equation analysis. RESULTS: HbA1c (mean; 95% confidence interval [CI]) decreased 3 months post-PT (32.1 mmol/mol; 21.1-43.1 mmol/mol vs. 44.3 mmol/mol; 36.4-52.0; p = 0.003). PDSS at enrolment was significantly (p = 0.031) positively associated with HbA1c concentration. Due to a significant (p < 0.001) interaction between PDSS and time post-PT in the analysis of fructosamine, dogs with low (1-3) PDSS and high (7-9) PDSS were analysed separately. Fructosamine (mean; 95% CI) significantly decreased 1 month post-PT (570 µmol/L; 457-684 µmol/L vs. 624 µmol/L; 499-748; p = 0.001) in the high PDSS group but not in the low PDSS group. Fructosamine concentration upon enrolment and PDSS were correlated (r = 0.73, p = 0.017). IL-6 concentration significantly decreased 3 months post-PT (9.9 pg/mL; 8.5-11.3 pg/mL vs. 11.2 pg/mL; 9.7-12.7; p = 0.002). LIMITATIONS: Limitations of the study included the small number of dogs, the lack of a control group and the inability to assess PDSS during follow-ups. CONCLUSIONS: These findings support a potential detrimental interaction between PD and DM. The apparent beneficial effect of PT on markers of glycaemic control was most conspicuous in dogs with more severe PD.

Clinical Characterisation of Caudal Traumatic Malocclusions and Treatment Outcomes in Cats (2018-2022).

Caudal malocclusions in cats may result in a variety of traumatic lesions affecting the soft tissues of the ipsilateral mandible such as fovea, gingival cleft, and proliferative lesions. Fifty-one cats diagnosed with a traumatic caudal malocclusion were compared with a control hospital population and evaluated for prevalence with respect to breed and sex. Twenty-two cats that were treated had radiographic, clinical findings, and the outcome of treatment (extraction or odontoplasty) recorded. Maine Coon, Persian, and male neutered cats were overrepresented while Domestic Shorthairs were underrepresented within the study population. Radiographically, 50% of the fovea lesions had an area of decreased bone density in the region of the lesion and none of these had evidence of periodontal disease. All gingival cleft lesions had radiographic changes consistent with periodontal disease. 15.4% of proliferative lesions presented with radiographic changes, with only half of those presenting with both radiographic and clinical evidence of periodontal disease. Eleven cats were treated by odontoplasty and eleven by extraction. One cat treated by odontoplasty developed new lesions caudally, and another had persistence of the initial lesions. Two cats in the extraction group developed new lesions rostral to the extracted teeth. In most instances, odontoplasty or extraction resulted in successful soft tissue lesion resolution. In rare cases, additional treatment was necessary due to either persistence or development of new lesions.

Dietary omega-3 fatty acids in the management of feline periodontal disease: What is the evidence?

Periodontal disease is an oral disorder with high prevalence in cats from 2 years of age, resulting from an inflammatory response against bacterial plaque. Treatment depends on the stage of the disease and may include dental scaling, local application of perioceutics, tissue regeneration and/or even tooth extraction and periodontal surgery. As multimodal therapy is often required, new strategies have been developed to improve the therapeutic response in these patients. Adjuvant use of omega-3 fatty acids has been reported in humans with periodontal disease, but the current evidence of its effect in companion animals, especially cats, is still considered to be scarce and conflicting. This review describes the state of the art regarding feline periodontal disease and seeks to clarify the potential effect of omega-3 fatty acids on its clinical management in light of the evidence available in the current literature.

Periodontal disease in cats under primary veterinary care in the UK: frequency and risk factors.

OBJECTIVES: Periodontal disease is a multifactorial inflammatory disease that can have major welfare implications in cats. This study aimed to report the frequency and demographic risk factors of periodontal disease and to explore associations with common comorbid disorders in cats in the UK. METHODS: The study included a random sample of 18,249 cats obtained from 1,255,130 cats under primary care during 2019 from clinics participating in the VetCompass programme. All disorders recorded during 2019 were extracted and reported. Risk factor and comorbid disorder analysis used multivariable logistic regression modelling. RESULTS: Periodontal disease had a 1-year period prevalence of 15.2% (95% confidence interval [CI] 14.72-15.76). Breeds with the highest prevalence included Siamese (18.7%, 95% CI 12.24-26.72) and Maine Coon (16.7%, 95% CI 11.37-23.18). The median age of cats with periodontal disease (9.47 years, interquartile range [IQR] 5.96-12.97) was higher than for cats without periodontal disease (4.94 years, IQR 1.95-9.51; P <0.001). Increasing adult body weight, increasing age and sex-neuter status were significantly associated with rising odds of periodontal disease. Cats with periodontal disease had a higher median count of comorbid disorders per individual cat (3, IQR 2-4, range 1-14) than cats without periodontal disease (1, IQR 0-2, range 0-15; P <0.001). Cats with periodontal disease had 1.79 times the odds (95% CI 1.62-1.99, P <0.001) of diagnosis with at least one comorbid disorder disease than cats without periodontal disease. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Periodontal disease is the most common specific diagnosis in cats and is confirmed as a leading health issue in cats. Ageing is identified as the strongest predictor of periodontal disease risk in cats, suggesting the potential for increasing health gains from emphasis on dental care and health in cats as they age. The study offers evidence on a close link between periodontal disease and reduced overall health in cats.

Commonly diagnosed disorders in domestic cats in the UK and their associations with sex and age.

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to generate a robust evidence base on the prevalence of common disorders in cats and develop a deeper understanding of disorder associations with sex and age that could offer important opportunities for targeted veterinary care to improve feline health and welfare. METHODS: A random sample of 18,249 cats was obtained from 1,255,130 cats under primary care during 2019 within VetCompass, an epidemiological research programme based on anonymised primary care veterinary clinical records. All disorders recorded during 2019 were extracted and reported, and associations with sex and age were examined. RESULTS: The most prevalent disorders were periodontal disease (n = 2780 [15.2%], 95% confidence interval [CI] 14.72-15.76), obesity (n = 2114 [11.6%], 95% CI 11.12-12.06) and dental disease (n = 1502 [8.2%], 95% CI 7.84-8.64). Compared with male cats, females had an increased prevalence of poor quality of life, postoperative complications and hyperthyroidism, among others. Male cats had a higher prevalence of periodontal disease, road traffic accident (RTA) and obesity. Younger cats (<8 years) had an increased prevalence of cat bite abscess, flea infestation and RTA, while older cats (⩾8 years) had increased prevalence of lameness, cystitis and dental disease, among others. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: These findings suggest that the veterinary profession needs to engage more effectively in informing owners on common preventable disorders (ie, obesity and dental disease). This new information can contribute to more targeted health surveillance and more effective veterinary interventions to promote improved health and welfare in pet cats. Large-scale collection and analysis of anonymised veterinary clinical records offer an important clinical resource for research.

Clinical, radiographic and histopathologic features of early-onset gingivitis and periodontitis in cats (1997-2022).

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to characterize the clinical, radiographic and histopathologic features of early-onset gingivitis (EOG) and periodontitis in cats. METHODS: The medical records database was searched for cats diagnosed with histologically confirmed EOG or periodontitis from 1997 to 2022. Information such as medical history, lifestyle factors, clinical presentation, radiographic and histopathologic features were included for 27 client-owned cats. Response to treatment and long-term follow-up was also recorded. RESULTS: Moderate-to-severe periodontal disease was radiographically confirmed in 78% (21/27) of cats with moderate-to-severe EOG, compared with the evidence of periodontal disease noted in 30% (8/27) of cases during awake oral examination. Horizontal bone loss, along with missing teeth, were the predominant radiographic features noted in 89% (24/27) of cases. The predominant histopathologic feature was moderate-to-severe, erosive-to-ulcerative, neutrophilic and lymphoplasmacytic inflammation with varying degrees of epithelial and stromal hyperplasia. Two cats developed feline chronic gingivostomatitis (FCGS)-like lesions, and seven cats exhibited worsening of aggressive periodontitis (AP). Lack of improvement in the severity of gingivitis or clinical signs evident at the first follow-up appointment was significantly associated with progression of disease (P = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: The results of this study demonstrate the importance of oral evaluations in cats as early as 6 months of age. For cats exhibiting substantial gingivitis, an anesthetized evaluation, periodontal treatment and long-term monitoring are recommended. Given the high frequency of moderate-to-severe periodontitis encountered in these cats, clients should be informed about the potential need for tooth extractions. EOG may progress to AP. Finally, this study suggests that there could be a link between EOG and FCGS; however, further studies are needed to better characterize this condition and establish any potential link between the two entities.

Strategies to improve the home care of periodontal disease in dogs: A systematic review.

The expected contribution of this study is to have a complete view of the available products used in the prevention of periodontal disease in dogs. The related studies in databases including Web of Science, Science Direct, and Scopus, from 1992 to 2021, were retrieved, and 36 studies were used in the systematic review. Among the continents researched, North America proved to have the most developed research relating to the subject. The active ingredients researched, isolated, or compared to each other, were polyphosphates > phytogenics > chlorhexidine > enzymes > vitamin C > xylitol = adelmidrol = and probiotics. The form of use of active products was chewable > solution via water = via food > biscuits > paste and gels > mucoadhesive. Gingivitis index was the most studied parameter used to assess oral health. According to the evidence recovered in the systematic review was possible to conclude that products with different active agents and forms of use demonstrated positive effects in the prevention of periodontal diseases. The results of this study summarize the most frequently used active ingredients and application forms for cleaning dogs' teeth and provide a roadmap for future research on the maintenance of oral health in dogs.

A Review of Tissue Engineering for Periodontal Tissue Regeneration.

Periodontal disease is one of the most common diagnoses in small animal veterinary medicine. This infectious disease of the periodontium is characterized by the inflammation and destruction of the supporting structures of teeth, including periodontal ligament, cementum, and alveolar bone. Traditional periodontal repair techniques make use of open flap debridement, application of graft materials, and membranes to prevent epithelial downgrowth and formation of a long junctional epithelium, which inhibits regeneration and true healing. These techniques have variable efficacy and are made more challenging in veterinary patients due to the cost of treatment for clients, need for anesthesia for surgery and reevaluation, and difficulty in performing necessary diligent home care to maintain oral health. Tissue engineering focuses on methods to regenerate the periodontal apparatus and not simply to repair the tissue, with the possibility of restoring normal physiological functions and health to a previously diseased site. This paper examines tissue engineering applications in periodontal disease by discussing experimental studies that focus on dogs and other animal species where it could potentially be applied in veterinary medicine. The main areas of focus of tissue engineering are discussed, including scaffolds, signaling molecules, stem cells, and gene therapy. To date, although outcomes can still be unpredictable, tissue engineering has been proven to successfully regenerate lost periodontal tissues and this new possibility for treating veterinary patients is discussed.

Principais características demográficas e nosológicas das doenças da cavidade oral de cães atendidos em um serviço de odontologia veterinária / Main demographic and nosological characteristics of diseases of the oral cavity of dogs treated at a veterinary dentistry service

Afecções da cavidade oral como o cálculo dentário (CD) e a doença periodontal (DP) são frequentes na clínica de cães e têm grande impacto na saúde e qualidade de vida dos pacientes acometidos. No entanto, a adoção de medidas preventivas ainda é difícil, uma vez que a frequência das doenças da cavidade oral em cães ainda é pouco compreendida no Brasil. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar características demográficas e nosológicas, como os hábitos alimentares e de manejo de escovação, dos distúrbios da cavidade oral de 198 cães atendidos no período compreendido entre 2013 e 2019, em um serviço de odontologia veterinária, na cidade do Rio de Janeiro. A maioria dos cães atendidos não tinha raça definida. Entre os de raça pura, Yorkshire Terrie foi a mais prevalente, não havendo distinção significativa entre o gênero, em todos os casos. Quanto à idade, observou-se uma predominância de animais de meia idade a idosos, com faixa etária acima dos sete anos. Dentre as afecções mais prevalentes, o destaque se deve ao cálculo dentário e à doença periodontal, seguidos por gengivite e halitose. Quanto aos hábitos dos tutores, notou-se baixa adesão à realização de escovação rotineira, e um alto percentual no fornecimento de petiscos. Avaliando-se os resultados e relacionando-os aos hábitos alimentares dos pacientes, surge a hipótese de que a alimentação à base de ração comercial, de alguma forma possa contribuir para evolução do cálculo dentário, necessitando estudos com maior amostragem para elucidação.

Diseases of the oral cavity, such as Dental Calculus (DC) and Periodontal Disease (PD), are frequent in the dog clinic and have a great impact on the health and quality of life of affected patients. However, the adoption of preventive measures is still difficult, since the epidemiology of diseases of the oral cavity is still poorly understood in Brazil. The aim of this study was to evaluate demographic and nosological aspects ­ such as feeding and brushing habits ­ of disorders of the oral cavity of 198 dogs treated in the period between 2013 and 2019, in a veterinary dentistry service, in the city of Rio de Janeiro. The most prevalent breeds were mixed breed dogs, followed by Yorkshire Terries, with no significant distinction between the gender. As for age, there was a predominance of animals from middle age to the elderly, with ages above seven years old. Among the most prevalent conditions, the highlight is due to dental calculus and periodontal disease followed by gingivitis and halitosis. Regarding the tutors' habits, there was a low level of routine brushing, and a high percentage in the supply of snacks. Evaluating the results and relating them to the eating habits of the patients, the hypothesis that comercial dog food feeding may somehow contribute to dental calculus evolution, urging studies with bigger samples for a deeper investigation.

Periodontal disease and its complications in cats from a shelter in the Central Region of Rio Grande do Sul / Doença periodontal e suas complicações em gatos de um abrigo na Região Central do Rio Grande do Sul

Periodontal disease is the most common infectious disease that occurs in feline patients. Although it occurs in both sexes, different age groups, and any breeds, the prevalence and severity seem much higher in cats living in animal shelters. This paper aimed to describe the clinical, radiological, cytopathological, and virological aspects of periodontal disease and its complications in cats, based on these aspects and, consequently, on the importance it brings to cat feline medicine in shelter cats. For this, nine cats with periodontal disease from a single animal shelter were evaluated. These cats demonstrated a disease characterized by halitosis, excessive salivation, and oral discomfort. Lymphadenomegaly of the mandibular and retropharyngeal lymph nodes was observed in 44.4% of the cases. Oral lesions consisted of varying degrees of gingival hyperemia, complete loss of free gingival margins, and consequently gingival retraction, dental calculus deposition, dental mobility, complete exposure of the furcation of premolars and molars, and dental roots of canines and incisors, loss of bone radiopacity due to alveolar bone resorption and tooth loss. Complications included chronic ulcerative paradental stomatitis (22.2%), faucitis (22.2%), and chronic gingivostomatitis (11.1%). None of the cats affected by periodontal disease was positive for FIV or FeLV. In 33.3% of the cases, cats were carriers of feline calicivirus, but not feline herpesvirus.(AU)

Doença periodontal é a mais comum doença infecciosa que ocorre em pacientes felinos. Embora ocorra em gatos de ambos os sexos, diferentes faixas etárias e quaisquer raças, a prevalência e a gravidade parece muito maior em gatos que vivem em abrigos para animais. Baseado nesses aspectos e, consequentemente, na importância que ela traz para a medicina felina de gatos de abrigos, o objetivo desse artigo é descrever os aspectos clínicos, radiológicos, citopatológicos e virológicos da doença periodontal e suas complicações em gatos. Para isso, nove gatos com doença periodontal oriundos de um único abrigo de animais foram avaliados. Esses gatos demonstraram uma doença caracterizada por halitose, salivação excessiva e desconforto oral. Linfadenomegalia dos linfonodos mandibulares e retrofaríngeos foi observada em 44,4% dos casos. As lesões orais consistiam de graus variados de hiperemia gengival, perda completa das margens gengivais livres e, consequentemente, retração gengival, deposição de cálculo dental, mobilidade dentária, exposição completa da furca dos pré-molares e molares e das raízes dentárias dos caninos e incisivos, perda de radiopacidade óssea devido à reabsorção de osso alveolar e perda dentária. Complicações incluíram estomatite paradental ulcerativa crônica (22,2%), faucite (22,2%) e gengivoestomatite crônica (11,1%). Nenhum dos gatos afetados pela doença periodontal foi positivo para FIV ou FeLV. Em 33,3% dos casos, os gatos eram portadores do calicivírus felino, mas não do herpesvírus felino.(AU)

Antioxidant capacity of lipid- and water-soluble antioxidants in dogs with subclinical myxomatous mitral valve degeneration anaesthetised with propofol or sevoflurane.

BACKGROUND: Antioxidants located in both the hydrophilic and lipophilic compartments of plasma act as a defence system against reactive oxygen species (ROS). Excessive production of ROS during anaesthesia affects the antioxidant capacity of plasma and may result in oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant capacity of lipid- (ACL) and water-soluble (ACW) antioxidants in client-owned dogs diagnosed with periodontal disease and early-stage myxomatous mitral valve degeneration (MMVD) and anaesthetised for a dental procedure with propofol and sevoflurane or with propofol only. RESULTS: Dogs with MMVD were anaesthetised with propofol and sevoflurane (MMVD/PS, n = 8) or with propofol only (MMVD/P, n = 10). Dogs with no evidence of MMVD (PS, n = 12) were anaesthetised with propofol and sevoflurane. Blood samples for determination of ACL and ACW were collected before and 5 min, 60 min and 6 h after induction to anaesthesia. In MMVD/PS dogs, ACL was significantly higher at all sampling times when compared to PS dogs. Compared to basal values, only anaesthesia maintained with propofol significantly increased ACL at 60 min in dogs with MMVD. In MMVD/P dogs, ACW increased after induction to anaesthesia and remained elevated up to 6 h after anaesthesia. Compared to basal values, anaesthesia maintained with sevoflurane significantly increased ACW only at 60 min in both dogs with and without MMVD. The only difference between propofol and propofol/sevoflurane anaesthesia in dogs with MMVD was significantly higher ACW at 60 min after induction to anaesthesia in the propofol group. CONCLUSIONS: Regarding antioxidant capacity, propofol could be a better choice than sevoflurane for anaesthesia of dogs with early-stage MMVD, although further studies are necessary to clarify the advantage of this antioxidant capacity.

Pain behaviors before and after treatment of oral disease in cats using video assessment: a prospective, blinded, randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Specific behaviors associated with pain in cats with oral disease have not been consistently studied. The aim of this exploratory study was to identify pain-induced behaviors in cats before and after treatment of oral disease using video assessment. Twenty-four cats (6 ± 3.3 years old; 4.9 ± 1.7 kg) were included in a prospective, blinded, randomized clinical trial. Cats were equally divided into minimal (G1: minimal dental treatment) or severe (G2: multiple dental extractions) oral disease groups. After acclimation at day 0, they underwent oral examination, radiographs, scaling, and dental extractions under general anesthesia (anesthetic protocol: acepromazine, hydromorphone, propofol, isoflurane, meloxicam, and local anesthetic blocks; day 1), and were discharged at day 6. Cats were filmed remotely for 10 min using a wide-angle glass lens camera before surgery (baseline) and throughout the study at different time points (36 h of video recording). The videos consisted of four parts namely general, playing, feeding and post-feeding behaviors. A board-certified behaviorist evaluated the duration/frequency of different behaviors based on an ethogram, which were analyzed using linear mixed models and a generalized linear model, respectively (p < 0.05). RESULTS: In comparison with baseline, duration of "not pawing the face" was significantly shorter at day 3 in G2. These cats spent significantly longer time "standing" and "laying" at days 3 and 6, respectively; G1 spent significantly less time "walking" and "standing" at days 3 and 4, respectively and significantly longer time "immobile" at day 3. Duration of "no/slow tail movement" was significantly longer in G2 than G1 at day 5. Duration of "pawing the ribbon" (playing) was significantly shorter in G2 than G1 at day 1. Feeding and post-feeding behaviors with soft food were not significantly different between groups or over time. Frequency of "difficulty grasping dry food" was significantly higher in G2 than G1 up to day 6. Frequency of post-feeding "head shaking" was significantly higher in both groups at day 6 when compared with baseline. CONCLUSIONS: This study identified pain-induced behaviors in cats undergoing treatment of oral disease. These behaviors may be used to differentiate painful versus pain-free cats in clinical practice.

Inhibition of Porphyromonas gulae and periodontal disease in dogs by a combination of clindamycin and interferon alpha.

Porphyromonas gulae is a major periodontal pathogen in dogs, which can be transmitted to their owners. A major virulence factor of P. gulae consists of a 41-kDa filamentous appendage (FimA) on the cell surface, which is classified into three genotypes: A, B, and C. Thus far, inhibition of periodontal disease in dogs remains difficult. The present study assessed the inhibitory effects of a combination of clindamycin and interferon alpha (IFN-α) formulation against P. gulae and periodontal disease. Growth of P. gulae was significantly inhibited by clindamycin; this inhibition had a greater effect on type C P. gulae than on type A and B isolates. In contrast, the IFN-α formulation inhibited the expression of IL-1ß and COX-2 elicited by type A and B isolates, but not that elicited by type C isolates. Furthermore, periodontal recovery was promoted by the administration of both clindamycin and IFN-α formulation to dogs undergoing periodontal treatment; moreover, this combined treatment reduced the number of FimA genotypes in oral specimens from treated dogs. These results suggest that a combination of clindamycin and IFN-α formulation inhibit P. gulae virulence and thus may be effective for the prevention of periodontal disease induced by P. gulae.

Treatment of Porphyromonas gulae infection and downstream pathology in the aged dog by lysine-gingipain inhibitor COR388.

COR388, a small-molecule lysine-gingipain inhibitor, is currently being investigated in a Phase 2/3 clinical trial for Alzheimer's disease (AD) with exploratory endpoints in periodontal disease. Gingipains are produced by two species of bacteria, Porphyromonas gingivalis and Porphyromonas gulae, typically associated with periodontal disease and systemic infections in humans and dogs, respectively. P. gulae infection in dogs is associated with periodontal disease, which provides a physiologically relevant model to investigate the pharmacology of COR388. In the current study, aged dogs with a natural oral infection of P. gulae and periodontal disease were treated with COR388 by oral administration for up to 90 days to assess lysine-gingipain target engagement and reduction of bacterial load and downstream pathology. In a 28-day dose-response study, COR388 inhibited the lysine-gingipain target and reduced P. gulae load in saliva, buccal cells, and gingival crevicular fluid. The lowest effective dose was continued for 90 days and was efficacious in continuous reduction of bacterial load and downstream periodontal disease pathology. In a separate histology study, dog brain tissue showed evidence of P. gulae DNA and neuronal lysine-gingipain, demonstrating that P. gulae infection is systemic and spreads beyond its oral reservoir, similar to recent observations of P. gingivalis in humans. Together, the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of COR388 lysine-gingipain inhibition, along with reduction of bacterial load and periodontal disease in naturally occurring P. gulae infection in the dog, support the use of COR388 in targeting lysine-gingipain and eliminating P. gingivalis infection in humans.

Periodontal disease in free-ranging koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) from the Mount Lofty Ranges, South Australia, and its association with koala retrovirus infection.

BACKGROUND: In northern Australian koala populations (Queensland and New South Wales), periodontal disease (gingivitis and periodontitis) is common while koala retrovirus subtype A is endogenous, with other subtypes transmitted exogenously. Koala retrovirus has been hypothesised to cause immune suppression and may predispose koalas to diseases caused by concurrent infections. In southern Australia populations (Victoria and South Australia) periodontal disease has not been investigated, and koala retrovirus is presumably exogenously transmitted. This study described oral health in South Australian koalas and investigated if an association between periodontal disease and koala retrovirus exists. METHODS: Oral health was examined for wild-caught koalas from the Mount Lofty Ranges (n = 75). Koala retrovirus provirus was detected in whole blood using nested PCR and proviral load determined with qPCR. Periodontal disease severity was recorded and used to calculate the Final Oral Health Index (0-normal, 24-severe).Results Periodontal disease was observed in 84% (63/75) of koalas; 77% had gingivitis (58/75) and 65% (49/75) had periodontitis. The average Final Oral Health Index was 5.47 (s.d 3.13). Most cases of periodontal disease were associated with the incisors. Koala retrovirus-infected koalas were more likely to present with periodontitis (p = 0.042) and the Final Oral Health Index was negatively correlated with proviral load (ρ = -0.353, p = 0.017). CONCLUSION: South Australian koalas had a high prevalence of gingivitis and periodontitis. Periodontal disease was more prevalent in the incisors. Exogenous koala retrovirus infection may also facilitate the development of periodontitis by modulation of the immune response to concurrent oral bacterial infections.

Subgingival bacterial microbiota associated with ovine periodontitis / Microbiota bacteriana subgengival associada à periodontite ovina

Periodontitis is an inflammatory response in a susceptible host caused by complex microbiota, predominantly composed of Gram-negative anaerobic bacteria. Aiming to characterize the subgingival bacterial microbiota associated with ovine periodontitis, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed in subgingival periodontal pocket samples of 14 sheep with severe periodontitis and in subgingival sulcus biofilm of 14 periodontally healthy sheep in search mainly of Gram-negative and Gram-positive microorganisms considered important periodontopathogens. The most prevalent bacteria in the sheep with periodontal lesions were Tannerella forsythia (78.6%), Treponema denticola (78.6%), Fusobacterium nucleatum (64.3%), and Porphyromonas gingivalis (50%), whereas in the healthy sheep, F. nucleatum (42.8%) was the most often detected bacterium. Statistically significant differences were observed for Campylobacter rectus, Enterococcus faecium, Prevotella nigrescens, T. forsythia, and T. denticola (p<0.05) in the sheep with periodontitis in the comparison between groups. Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Enterococcus faecalis, and Porphyromonas gulae were not detected in any of the samples analyzed. In conclusion, C. rectus, E. faecium, P. nigrescens, T. forsythia, and T. denticola were associated with severe lesions caused by ovine periodontitis, and F. nucleatum was the most prevalent microorganism in the subgengival sulcus biofilm of healthy sheep.(AU)

Periodontite é a resposta inflamatória de um hospedeiro suscetível causada por complexa microbiota, composta predominantemente por bactérias anaeróbias Gram-negativas. Com o objetivo de caracterizar a microbiota bacteriana subgengival associada à periodontite ovina foi realizada a reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR) de amostras de biofilme subgengival de 14 ovinos com a enfermidade e 14 ovinos periodontalmente saudáveis, com destaque para micro-organismos Gram-negativos e Gram-positivos considerados importantes periodontopatógenos. As bactérias mais prevalentes em 14 animais com lesões periodontais foram Tannerella forsythia (78,6%), Treponema denticola (78,6%), Fusobacterium nucleatum (64,3%) e Porphyromonas gingivalis (50%). Entretanto, nos 14 ovinos sem lesões periodontais, F. nucleatum (42,8%) foi a bactéria mais detectada. Associação estatisticamente diferente foi observada para Campylobacter rectus, Enterococcus faecium, Prevotella nigrescens, T. forsythia e T. denticola (p<0,05) nos ovinos com periodontite em comparação entre os dois grupos. Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Enterococcus faecalis e Porphyromonas gulae não foram detectados em nenhuma das amostras pesquisadas. Conclui-se que C. rectus, E. faecium, P. nigrescens, T. forsythia e T. denticola estão associados às lesões resultantes da periodontite ovina com manifestação clínica grave e F. nucleatum o micro-organismo mais prevalente no biofilme subgengival de animais periodontalmente sadios.(AU)

Oral lesions and retroviruses in shelter cats / Afecções orais e retroviroses em gatos de abrigo

Oral lesions are common problems in feline medicine worldwide, and may be associated with different causes, such as infectious agents. There are only a few studies reporting the chief oral diseases and the results for retrovirus tests in shelter cats in Brazil, especially in the South region. This study aimed to identify the main inflammatory oral lesions in shelter cats and verify the test results for feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukemia virus (FeLV) infections. Forty-three felines from private shelters in the central region of Rio Grande do Sul state (RS) that presented clinically evident oral lesions, regardless of age, breed, sex, and neuter status, were used in this survey. Serological tests for FIV and FeLV were performed in all cats, and data regarding the rearing system were collected. Sixteen cats (37.2%) were reared in a free system, whereas 27 (62.8%) were kept under a restrict system. Of the 43 cats with oral lesions, 29 (67.44%) presented only one type of lesion, characterized as periodontitis (n=22, 51.16%), followed by gingivitis (n=6, 13.95%), and stomatitis (n=1, 2.32%). Concomitant stomatitis and periodontitis were found in the 14 remaining cats (100%). With respect to the test results for retrovirus infections, nine (20.93%) of the 43 felines were positive for FIV alone. Co-infection with both viruses was observed in seven cats (16.28%). No cat was seropositive for FeLV valone. None of the six cats that presented gingivitis was positive for FIV and FeLV; one cat with stomatitis was positive for FIV and FeLV; of the 22 cats with periodontitis, six (27.27%) were FIV positive and two (9.09%) were FIV/FeLV positive; and of the 14 cats that presented stomatitis and periodontitis, three (21.43%) were FIV positive and four (28.57%) were FIV/FeLV positive. As for diagnosis, 28 cats (65.1%) presented solely periodontal disease (PD), one cat (2.32%) had feline chronic gingivostomatitis (FCG) alone, and 14 (32.5%) had both PD and FCG. The results obtained show that the main oral lesions found in shelter cats in the central region of RS were gingivitis, stomatitis, and periodontitis. Periodontitis, in association or not with stomatitis, was the most frequently observed oral cavity lesion in FIV- and/or FeLV-positive cats. Other factors may contribute to installation of inflammatory oral diseases in shelter cats because most cats with oral cavity lesions tested negative for retrovirus infections.(AU)

As afecções orais são problemas comuns em medicina felina em diferentes locais do mundo e podem estar relacionadas a diferentes causas, como agentes infecciosos. Poucos estudos foram encontrados no Brasil sobre o levantamento das principais doenças orais e dos resultados de testes para retrovírus em gatos de abrigos, principalmente na região Sul. Diante disso, o objetivo deste artigo foi identificar as principais afecções orais inflamatórias em gatos de abrigos e verificar os resultados dos testes para o vírus da imunodeficiência felina (FIV) e o vírus da leucemia felina (FeLV). Foram incluídos 43 felinos provenientes de abrigos privados localizados na região central do Rio Grande do Sul (RS) que apresentavam lesões orais clinicamente evidentes, independente de idade, raça, gênero e estado reprodutivo. Em todos os gatos foram realizados testes sorológicos para FIV e FeLV e obtidas informações referentes ao sistema de criação. Em 16 gatos (37,2%), o sistema de criação era livre, enquanto em 27 (62,8%) era restrito. Dos 43 gatos com lesões orais, em 29 (67,44%) foi verificado somente um tipo de lesão, caracterizado como periodontite (n=22, 51,16%), seguido de gengivite (n=6, 13,95%) e estomatite (n=1, 2,32%). Lesões concomitantes de estomatite e periodontite foram encontradas nos 14 gatos (100%) restantes. Quanto aos resultados dos testes para retrovírus, nove (20,93%) dos 43 felinos testados, foram positivos somente para FIV. Em sete gatos (16,28%) foi observada coinfecção pelos dois vírus. Em nenhum gato foi observado soropositividade somente para FeLV. Dos seis gatos com gengivite, nenhum foi positivo para FIV e FeLV; um gato com estomatite foi positivo para FIV e FeLV; dos 22 gatos com periodontite, seis (27,27%) foram FIV positivos e dois (9,09%) FIV/FeLV positivos; e dos 14 com estomatite e periodontite, três (21,43%) foram FIV positivos e quatro (28,57%) FIV/FeLV positivos. Quanto ao diagnóstico, em 28 gatos (65,1%) foi observada somente doença periodontal (DP), em um (2,32%) somente gengivoestomatite crônica felina (GECF) e em 14 gatos (32,5%) DP e GECF. Diante dos resultados obtidos, pode-se concluir que as principais lesões orais encontradas em gatos de abrigos da região central do RS foram gengivite, estomatite e periodontite; a periodontite associada ou não a estomatite foi a lesão oral mais frequente nos gatos positivos para FIV e/ou FeLV. Acredita-se que outros fatores possam contribuir na instalação de doenças orais em gatos de abrigos, já que houve predomínio de gatos com resultados negativos nos testes para os retrovírus.(AU)

Importância da radiografia intra-oral em tratamentos periodontais de cães e gatos: relato de três casos / The importance of intra-oral radiographs in periodontal treatments of dogs and cats: three cases reports

A radiografia intra-oral é um método de diagnóstico por imagem essencial em pacientes submetidos a tratamento odontológico de qualquer natureza, especialmente em casos de doença peridontal. Permite a avaliação de estruturas ósseas e dentárias, elucidando múltiplos diagnósticos que não são firmados clinicamente. Inclui-se no estudo radiográfico a análise da integridade da lâmina dura, do ligamento periodontal, de afecções dentárias como abscessos periapicais, cistos, alterações de desenvolvimento coronário e radicular, agenesias, dentes inclusos ou supranumerários, raízes fraturadas remanescentes na região subgengival, reabsorções dentárias ou ósseas (associadas à doença periodontal ou neoplasias) e estruturas internas do dente (diâmetro da câmara pulpar e canal radicular). O presente artigo visa, portanto, mostrar através da apresentação de casos clínicos, a relevância do exame radiográfico para a correta abordagem diagnóstica e terapêutica de afecções subclínicas, mesmo em pacientes sem sinais de dor ou supostamente portadores de apenas gengivite. Foram relatados um caso de hipoplasia radicular, um de cisto de origem dentária e outro de reabsorção dentária, todos diagnosticados após a realização da documentação radiográfica intra-oral.

The intra-oral radiography is an essential diagnosis imaging method, in patients submitted to dental treatment of any nature, especially cases of periodontal diseases. It allows the evaluation of structural bone and dental diseases, elucidating multiple diagnoses, which are not clinically proven. The radiographic study includes the analysis of the periodontal ligament and lamina dura integrity, dental anomalies such as periapical abscesses, cysts, coronary and root development failures, agenesis, unerupted or supernumerary teeth, fractured roots remaining in the subgingival area, tooth or bone resorption, (associated with neoplasia or periodontal disease) and Internal tooth structures such as diameter of pulp chamber and root canal. The present article aims to show, through clinical case reports, the relevance of the radiographic examination towards the correct diagnosis and therapeutic approach of subclinical infections, even in patients without signs of pain or supposedly gingivitis bearers. Amongst the reported cases, there is a root hipoplasia, a dental origin cyst and a tooth resorption, all diagnosed after intra-oral radiographic completion.

Purification and characterization of a fimbrial protein from Porphyromonas salivosa ATCC 49407.

Periodontal disease is a significant problem in companion animals such as dogs and cats. However, there is little information available about fimbriae association of periodontal disease in companion animals. In this study, we have purified and characterized a fimbriae from Porphyromonas salivosa ATCC 49407. The molecular mass of this protein was approximately 60-kDa, as estimated by SDS-PAGE. Immunogold electron microscopy revealed that anti-60-kDa fimbrial serum bound to fimbria on the cell surface of P. salivosa ATCC 49407. However, fimbriae of P. gingivalis and P. gulae were not labeled with the same antibody. Immunoelectron-microscopic studies and immunoblot analysis revealed that antigenicity and molecular weight were distinct from previously reported Porphyromonas fimbrial proteins. The amino acid sequence of the N-terminal 15 residues of the 60-kDa fimbrillin protein revealed only 3 of 15 residues identical to other Porphyromonas species fimbrillin proteins. Thus, the N-terminal amino acid sequence of the 60-kDa fimbrillin protein of P. salivosa clearly differed from previously reported fimbrillin proteins. The level of adherence of the P. salivosa was 1.81%. It was confirmed that P. salivosa can adheres to human cells. These results suggest that the 60-kDa fimbriae of P. salivosa ATCC 49407 is a new type of fimbria and may have an important factor in the adherence host cells. We suggest that the surface structure of P. salivosa may have a role in the colonization of this organism in periodontal pockets in companion animals.