Glucosyltransferase inactivation reduces dental caries.
J Dent Res
; 80(2): 466-9, 2001 Feb.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-11332534
Dental caries has been an intractable disease in spite of intense dental research. The metabolic acids produced by mutans streptococci demineralize the tooth surface and lead to dental caries. The enzyme glucosyltransferase (GTF) produced by mutans streptococci is the key factor in this process. Oral bacterial GTFs use sucrose as a substrate in synthesis of either water-soluble or insoluble glucans. In this investigation, kinetic studies with divalent metal ions revealed their strong binding affinity to GTF. The metal ions also proved to be strong inhibitors of the enzyme. Here we describe a simple method of inactivating the enzyme that actively participates in dental caries by taking advantage of a Fenton reaction which requires metal ions such as iron or copper and peroxide. The hydroxyl radical ions produced via the Fenton reaction inactivate GTF, a factor in the production of dental caries.
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Colección:
01-internacional
Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Streptococcus mutans
/
Compuestos Ferrosos
/
Caries Dental
/
Glucosiltransferasas
Tipo de estudio:
Diagnostic_studies
Idioma:
En
Revista:
J Dent Res
Año:
2001
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Estados Unidos
Pais de publicación:
Estados Unidos