Relationship among Denture Stomatitis (DS), microbial load and expression of virulence genes with cardiovascular risk: observational cross-sectional study

• Grant number: 23/17746-7
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Start date: May 01, 2024
• End date: August 31, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Dentistry - Dental Clinics
• Principal Investigator: Cláudia Helena Lovato da Silva
• Grantee: Lorena Mosconi Clemente
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Odontologia de Ribeirão Preto (FORP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 20/06043-7 - Autonomic (sympathetic and parasympathetic) modulation of cardiovascular and inflammatory responses under physiopathological clinical and experimental conditions, AP.TEM

Abstract

The occurrence of edentulism is still significant in Brazil and around the world, especially among the elderly, with complete dentures being a commonly used option for rehabilitation of the stomatognathic system. However, these prosthetic devices favor the formation of multispecies biofilm, rich in Candida spp., which predisposes to the development of inflammatory oral lesions, such as Denture Stomatitis (DS) with the expression of virulence genes that can exacerbate immune responses in the host and worsen systemic complications such as the cardiovascular system.Aim. This study aims to evaluate whether the presence of ERP, microbial load, gene expression has a significant relationship with the cardiovascular risk of individuals using complete dentures.Methods. Participants must be completely edentulous, using complete dentures with (n=50) and without DS (n=50) stomatitis. DS diagnosis will be performed according to the modified Newton Classification and individuals with a score equal or higher than 1 will be included. For microbial load analysis, biofilm from the upper complete denture and palate will be collected and seeded in specific culture medium for isolation of Candida spp., Staphylococcus spp., Pseudomonas spp., enterobacteria and Streptococcus mutans. Quantification will be by counting Colony Forming Units (CFU). Colonies of Candida spp. will be isolated to evaluate the expression of virulence genes (SAP5, LIP9, PLB2, ERG3, EG11) using specific kits. Cardiovascular risk analysis will be carried out by quantifying inflammatory cytokine levels (salivary and plasma), C-reactive protein (CRP) levels (plasma), blood pressure, heart rate variability (HRV), bioimpedance examination and lipid profile. All data will be collected by experienced researchers and the groups will be compared considering p < 0.05. (AU)