In vitro effects of Melaleuca alternifolia essential oil on growth and production of volatile sulphur compounds by oral bacteria

ABSTRACT Objective Halitosis can be caused by microorganisms that produce volatile sulphur compounds (VSCs), which colonize the surface of the tongue and subgingival sites. Studies have reported that the use of natural products can reduce the bacterial load and, consequently, the development of halitosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of the essential oil of Melaleuca alternifolia on the growth and volatile sulphur compound (VSC) production of oral bacteria compared with chlorhexidine. Material and Methods The effects of these substances were evaluated by the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) in planktonic cultures of Porphyromonas gingivalis and Porphyromonas endodontalis. In addition, gas chromatography analyses were performed to measure the concentration of VSCs from bacterial cultures and to characterize M. alternifolia oil components. Results The MIC and MBC values were as follows: M. alternifolia - P. gingivalis (MIC and MBC=0.007%), P. endodontalis (MIC and MBC=0.007%=0.5%); chlorhexidine - P. gingivalis and P. endodontalis (MIC and MBC=1.5 mg/mL). M. alternifolia significantly reduced the growth and production of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) by P. gingivalis (p<0.05, ANOVA-Dunnet) and the H2S and methyl mercaptan (CH3SH) levels of P. endodontalis (p<0.05, ANOVA-Dunnet). Chlorhexidine reduced the growth of both microorganisms without altering the production of VSC in P. endodontalis. For P. gingivalis, the production of H2S and CH3SH decreased (p<0.05, ANOVA-Dunnet). Conclusion M. alternifolia can reduce bacterial growth and VSCs production and could be used as an alternative to chlorhexidine.

In vitro effects of Melaleuca alternifolia essential oil on growth and production of volatile sulphur compounds by oral bacteria.

OBJECTIVE: Halitosis can be caused by microorganisms that produce volatile sulphur compounds (VSCs), which colonize the surface of the tongue and subgingival sites. Studies have reported that the use of natural products can reduce the bacterial load and, consequently, the development of halitosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of the essential oil of Melaleuca alternifolia on the growth and volatile sulphur compound (VSC) production of oral bacteria compared with chlorhexidine. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The effects of these substances were evaluated by the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) in planktonic cultures of Porphyromonas gingivalis and Porphyromonas endodontalis. In addition, gas chromatography analyses were performed to measure the concentration of VSCs from bacterial cultures and to characterize M. alternifolia oil components. RESULTS: The MIC and MBC values were as follows: M. alternifolia - P. gingivalis (MIC and MBC=0.007%), P. endodontalis (MIC and MBC=0.007%=0.5%); chlorhexidine - P. gingivalis and P. endodontalis (MIC and MBC=1.5 mg/mL). M. alternifolia significantly reduced the growth and production of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) by P. gingivalis (p<0.05, ANOVA-Dunnet) and the H2S and methyl mercaptan (CH3SH) levels of P. endodontalis (p<0.05, ANOVA-Dunnet). Chlorhexidine reduced the growth of both microorganisms without altering the production of VSC in P. endodontalis. For P. gingivalis, the production of H2S and CH3SH decreased (p<0.05, ANOVA-Dunnet). CONCLUSION: M. alternifolia can reduce bacterial growth and VSCs production and could be used as an alternative to chlorhexidine.

Effects of stress hormones on the production of volatile sulfur compounds by periodontopathogenic bacteria.

Little is known about the effects of stress hormones on the etiologic agents of halitosis. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate in vitro the effects of adrenaline (ADR), noradrenaline (NA) and cortisol (CORT) on bacteria that produce volatile sulfur compounds (VSC), the major gases responsible for bad breath. Cultures of Fusobacterium nucleatum (Fn), Porphyromonas endodontalis (Pe), Prevotella intermedia (Pi) and Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) were exposed to 50 µM ADR, NA and CORT or equivalent volumes of sterile water as controls for 12 and 24 h. Growth was evaluated based on absorbance at 660 nm. Portable gas chromatography was used to measure VSC concentrations. Kruskal-Wallis and the Dunn post-hoc test were used to compare the groups. For Fn, ADR, NA and CORT significantly reduced bacterial growth after 12 h and 24 h (p<0.05). All the substances tested increased hydrogen sulfide (H2S) production (p<0.05). For Pe, all the substances tested reduced bacterial development after 24 h (p<0.05), and NA significantly increased the H2S concentration after 12 h (p<0.05). In the Pg and Pi cultures, no effects on bacterial growth were observed (p>0.05). In the Pi cultures, ADR, NA and CORT increased H2S (p<0.05). Catecholamines and cortisol can interfere with growth and H2S production of sub-gingival species in vitro. This process appears to be complex and supports the association between stress and the production of VSC.

Atividade do óleo de melaleuca alternifólia sobre o crescimento e expressão gênica de Porphyromonas gingivalis / Evaluation of Melaleuca alternifolia activity on growth and gene expression of Porphyromonas gingivalis

As doenças periodontais são infecções causadas por microrganismos que colonizam a superfície dental na margem gengival ou abaixo dela. Entre eles estão os patógenos periodontais, como Porphyromonas gingivalis. Estudos demonstraram que o óleo essencial extraído de Melaleuca alternifolia tem atividade inibitória e bactericida contra microrganismos da cavidade oral. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a interferência do óleo de Melaleuca (MO) sobre o crescimento e virulência de P. gingivalis, comparando com a atividade da clorexidina (CL). Culturas dessa bactéria foram expostas a diferentes concentrações de MO e CL a fim de avaliar a atividade antimicrobiana através dos testes de concentração inibitória mínima (CIM) e concentração bactericida mínima (CBM). Foi realizada uma análise da expressão diferencial de genes relacionados ao estresse oxidativo e à virulência de P. gingivalis através da técnica de RT-PCR, utilizando concentrações sub-CIM de MO e CL. As CIM e CBM encontradas para MO foram de 0,007% e para CL 1,5 μg/mL. O óleo de melaleuca reduziu significativamente a expressão dos genes de virulência kgp e ragA, e do estresse oxidativo dps, oxyR e sodB, enquanto que a CL reduziu a expressão do gene tpx (ANOVA, Bonferroni, p<0,05). O presente estudo concluiu que o óleo de Melaleuca possui ótima atividade inibitória e bactericida contra a bactéria P. gingivalis, além de reduzir de forma significante a expressão dos genes relacionados à virulência e ao estresse oxidativo, podendo ter um valor terapêutico futuro, principalmente no tratamento das periodontites.

Periodontal diseases are infections caused by microorganisms that colonize the tooth surface at the gingival margin or beneath it. Porphyromonas gingivalis is considered an important pathogen for chronic periodontitis. Studies have shown that the essential oil extracted from Melaleuca alternifolia has inhibitory and bactericidal activity against microorganisms from the oral cavity. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of Melaleuca essential oil (MO) on growth and virulence of P. gingivalis, comparing to the activity of chlorhexidine (CL). Cultures of P. gingivalis were exposed to different concentrations of CL and MO to evaluate the antimicrobial activity by testing the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). An analysis of differential expression of genes related to oxidative stress and virulence of P. gingivalis was carried out through RT-PCR method, using sub-MIC concentrations of MO and CL. The MIC and MBC were found to be 0.007% for MO and 1.5 μg/mL for CL. MO significantly reduced the expression of virulence genes kgp and ragA, and oxidative stress genes dps, oxyR and sodB, while CL reduced the expression of the tpx gene (ANOVA, Bonferroni, p<0.05). This study concluded that Melaleuca essential oil presents an excellent inhibitory and bactericidal activity against the bacterium P. gingivalis, and significantly reduces the expression of genes related to virulence and oxidative stress, so may have a therapeutic value, particularly for periodontitis.

Nandrolone and resistance training induce heart remodeling: role of fetal genes and implications for cardiac pathophysiology.

AIMS: This study was conducted to assess the isolated and combined effects of nandrolone and resistance training on cardiac morphology, function, and mRNA expression of pathological cardiac hypertrophy markers. MAIN METHODS: Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups and submitted to 6 weeks of treatment with nandrolone and/or resistance training. Cardiac parameters were determined by echocardiography. Heart was analyzed for collagen infiltration. Real-time RT-PCR was used to assess the pathological cardiac hypertrophy markers. KEY FINDINGS: Both resistance training and nandrolone induced cardiac hypertrophy. Nandrolone increased the cardiac collagen content, and reduced the cardiac index in non-trained and trained groups, when compared with the respective vehicle-treated groups. Nandrolone reduced the ratio of maximum early to late transmitral flow velocity in non-trained and trained groups, when compared with the respective vehicle-treated groups. Nandrolone reduced the alpha-myosin heavy chain gene expression in both non-trained and trained groups, when compared with the respective vehicle-treated groups. Training reduced the beta-myosin heavy chain gene expression in the groups treated with vehicle and nandrolone. Only the association between training and nandrolone increased the expression of the skeletal alpha-actin gene and atrial natriuretic peptide in the left ventricle. SIGNIFICANCE: This study indicated that nandrolone, whether associated with resistance training or not, induces cardiac hypertrophy, which is associated with enhanced collagen content, re-expression of fetal genes the in left ventricle, and impaired diastolic and systolic function.

O uso de enxaguatórios bucais no controle da halitose / Use of the mouthrinses on halitosis control

A halitose é causada principalmente pela presença dos compostos sulfurados voláteis produzidos por bactérias proteolíticas na cavidade bucal por meio da degradação dos substratos orgânicos presentes na saliva, no fluido do sulco gengival, nos tecidos moles e duros da boca. Diferentes produtos, como os enxaguatórios bucais, vêm sendo utilizados em ampla escala pela população para o controle da halitose, como um suplemento à limpeza mecânica dos dentes e do dorso da língua. O objetivo da presente revisão de literatura é avaliar a eficácia de alguns enxaguatórios bucais disponíveis no mercado nacional na redução dos compostos sulfurados voláteis e, consequentemente, da halitose.

Oral malodor is mainly caused by the presence of volatile sulfur-compounds produced by proteolitic bacteria in the oral cavity by means of degradation of organic substrates presents in saliva, crevicular fluid, oral soft and hard tissues. Various products, as mouthrinses, have been used in large scale by the population to control halitosis as a supplement to mechanical cleaning of teeth and tongue dorsum. The aim of this review is to evaluate the efficacy of some mouthrinses available in the national market in the reduction the volatile sulfur compounds and, consequently, the halitosis.

Controle químico do biofilme dentário supragengival: revisão de literatura / Chemical control of supragingival dental biofilm

A remoção mecânica da placa bacteriana é a forma mais utilizada de higiene bucal. Entretanto, muitos indivíduos não apresentam destreza e motivação suficientes para realizar uma correta higienização. Assim, o uso complementar de agentes químicos tem sido estudado como um modo de superar as deficiências na higiene bucal. O objetivo deste trabalho foi apresentar uma revisão sobre o uso de produtos para higiene bucal contendo agentes químicos destinados ao controle da placa bacteriana supragengival. Foram revisados estudos in vitro e ensaios clínicos dos seguintes agentes químicos: clorexidina, óleos essenciais, triclosan, cloreto de cetilpiridínio e novos produtos como delmopinol e dióxido de cloro. Os autores concluem que diversos estudos demonstram a eficácia de enxaguatórios contendo clorexidina e óleos essenciais, assim como dentifrícios contendo triclosan. No entanto, mais estudos são necessários para comprovar a eficácia dos demais agentes químicos.

Qual é a origem o mau hálito? / What causes bad breath?

O termo malodor oral ou halitose é usado para descrever um odor desagradável que emana da cavidade bucal e é motivo, atrás somente da cárie e da doença periodontal, de visitas ao dentista. Surpreendentemente, um problema de tal magnitude, com tamanha prioridade para o público, tem sido tradicionalmente negligenciado pelos cirurgiões-dentistas. A maioria dos casos de halitose origina-se na boca como resultado do metabolismo microbiano, pelo qual compostos sulfurados voláteis são produzidos por bactérias gram-negativas anaeróbias. A halitose também tem sido relacionada à presença e à severidade da doença periodontal e à quantidade de saburra lingual além de desordens sistêmicas. Entretanto, a ocorrência de mau hálito na ausência de alterações bucais ou doenças sistêmicas tem representado um desafio para o profissional de saúde e, nesse contexto, sintomas psicopatológicos têm sido apontados como fatores indutores de halitose. Esse artigo discute os diferentes tipos de halitose e tem como objetivo auxiliar os cirurgiões-dentistas no manejo de pacientes sob essa condição, além de informar os profissionais de saúde em geral.

The term oral malodor or halitosis is used to describe a foul or offensive odor emanating from the oral cavity and may rank only behind dental caries and periodontal disease as the cause of patient’s visit to the dentist. Surprisingly, a problem of this magnitude, with such high priority to the public has traditionally been neglected by the dental profession. Most oral malodor originates within the oral cavity itself, primarily as a result of microbial metabolism, in which volatile sulfurcompounds (VSC) are produced by many oral bacteria, especially gram-negative anaerobic species. Halitosis has also been correlated with the presence and severity of periodontal disease and by the amount of coating on the tongue, in addition to systemic disorders. Since many patients complain about halitosis without clinical evidences, however, psychological symptoms have been pointed out as a factor inducing oral malodor. This article discusses the different types of halitosis and it is the authors’ goal to inform health professionals in general, and help dental clinicians achieve better management of patients with this condition.

The comparison of immobility time in experimental rat swimming models.

Rat swimming models have been used in studies about stress and depression. However, there is no consensus about interpreting immobility (helplessness or adaptation) in the literature. In the present study, immobility time, glucose and glycogen mobilization, corticosterone and the effect of desipramine and diazepam were investigated in two different models: swimming stress and the forced swimming test. Immobility time was lower in swimming stress than in the forced swimming test. Both swimming models increased corticosterone levels in comparison with control animal levels. Moreover, swimming stress induced higher corticosterone levels than the forced swimming test did [F(2,14)=59.52; p<0.001]. Liver glycogen content values differed from one another (swimming stress

Influence of anxiety on the production of oral volatile sulfur compounds.

Since many patients complain about halitosis without there being any clinical evidence of its cause, psychological symptoms have been pointed out as halitosis-inducing factors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of anxiety on the production of volatile sulfur compounds (VSC). Seventeen undergraduate men in good oral and general health participated in this study, after approval by the ethics committee. The volunteers were requested to refrain from toothbrushing, using mouth rinse and eating on the experimental day. Before presenting the anxiogenic condition, the volunteer was asked to fill out the Beck Anxiety Inventory questionnaire, to check whether he had been exposed to stressors during the previous week. The Video-Recorded Stroop Color-Word Test (VRSCWT) was used to elicit anxiety. The VSC (halimeter), blood pressure, heart rate and salivary flow measurements were taken before and after the VRSCWT. The volunteers presented a minimal or slight level of anxiety before the test. There was an increase in the oral concentration of VSC, Systolic Blood Pressure and of heart rate (p < 0.05) after the VRSCWT, and no changes in the salivary flow. The results of the present study showed that the anxiogenic condition (VRSCWT) induced increases in VSC concentration, which might contribute to halitosis.

Análise do significado do tempo de imobilidade em modelos experimentais de natacão / Analysis of the meaning of the immobility time in swimming experimental models

O objetivo do trabalho foi testar a hipótese de que a interpretação do tempo de imobilidade (desamparo aprendido ou adaptação) pode variar conforme o modelo utilizado (teste da natação forçada ou estresse por natação). Foram analisados o tempo de imobilidade (TI) e a mobilização de glicogênio de ratos submetidos à natação em dois protocolos: estresse por natação (EN) e teste da natação forçada (TNF). Também comparamos os efeitos da desipramina e diazepam. Os experimentos foram filmados para análise do TI. Os ratos, após a sessão de natação, foram sacrificados e amostras do fígado e músculos foram preparadas para quantificação do glicogênio. O TI foi menor no EN comparado ao TNF (pÍ0.001)...