Nobuko Nishida

Characterization of Binding of Streptococcus oralis Glyceraldehyde-3-Phosphate Dehydrogenase to Porphyromonas gingivalis Major Fimbriae

ABSTRACT Binding of Streptococcus oralis glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) to Porphyromonas gingivalis fimbriae was characterized via a biomolecular interaction analysis system. The interaction was specific, and the association constant value was 4.34 × 107 M−1, suggesting that S. oralis GAPDH functions as a dominant receptor for P. gingivalis and contributes to P. gingivalis colonization.

Association of ALDH2 Genotypes and Alcohol Consumption with Periodontitis

There is little information regarding the association between alcohol consumption and periodontitis risk. We assessed whether alcohol consumption and ALDH2 genotypes were associated with periodontitis. Subjects’ lifestyle was examined by a self-administered questionnaire, and the percentage of pocket depths ≥ 3.5 mm was used as a periodontal parameter. ALDH2 genotypes were determined with the use of a PCR/RFLP method. Multiple logistic analyses showed that alcohol consumption was significantly associated with periodontitis, and its odds ratio was 1.98. There was no significant relationship between periodontal status and ALDH2 genotypes. However, ALDH2*1/*2 subjects who consumed ≥ 33 g/day of alcohol had a significantly greater percentage of pocket depths ≥ 3.5 mm than those whose daily consumption was lower, while there was no significant difference in periodontal status associated with alcohol consumption in ALDH2*1/*1 subjects. Our results suggest that alcohol consumption may be a risk indicator for periodontitis in ALDH2*1/*2 subjects who consume larger amounts of alcohol.

Association of ALDH2 Genotypes with Periodontitis Progression

The progression of periodontitis may be affected by ALDH2 genotypes with respect to the oxidation of acetaldehyde to acetate, which leads to the accumulation of acetaldehyde in plasma and potential toxic effects. We examined the prospective association of ALDH2 genotypes in terms of alcohol sensitivity between alcohol consumption and periodontal disease progression. In 2003, 224 of 256 (87.5%) individuals examined at baseline (1999) completed probing pocket depth measurements for the evaluation of periodontitis progression. Missing data on self-reported questionnaires and blood samples were excluded; therefore, 183 samples were analyzed. Individuals who consumed ≥ 33.0 g/day of alcohol exhibited high periodontal disease progression risk (OR = 3.54). ALDH2 *1/*2 individuals who consumed ≥ 33 g/day of alcohol displayed a significant odds ratio (OR = 4.28) of periodontitis progression risk, in contrast to ALDH2 *1/*1 individuals. These results suggested that alcohol consumption as well as alcohol sensitivity may be a risk factor for periodontitis progression.