Study of neutrophils from elderly in the defense mechanisms against Candida-related denture stomatitis

Author(s)

Thais Helena Gasparoto

• Document type: Doctoral Thesis
• Press: Bauru.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Faculdade de Odontologia de Bauru (FOB/SDB)
• Defense date: 2009-12-11

Examining board members

Vanessa Soares Lara; Gustavo Pompermaier Garlet; Denise Tostes Oliveira; Luciano Aparecido Panagio; Tarcilia Aparecida da Silva

• Advisor: Vanessa Soares Lara; Ana Paula Campanelli

Abstract

Neutrophils are the first line of immune cells to migrate into infection sites, playing an important role against pathogens, especially Candida albicans. These cells phagocytose and destroy yeasts or filamentous forms of this fungus, beyond secrete cytokines and chemokines that activate other immune cells to eliminate C. albicans. Nowadays, it has been shown that the ageing damages neutrophil function and such events are described as part of Imunosenescence. Denture stomatitis is the most oral lesion present in elderly, and its persistence is related to Candida species, especially C. albicans, in the lesions and prosthesis fitting surface, particularly maxillary prosthesis (MP). In order to evaluate possible neutrophil alterations predisposing denture wearers to Candida- related denture stomatitis (DS), blood and salivary neutrophils from elderly and younger individuals with DS, as well control ones, were analyzed. Thus, the first chapter addresses the presence of Candida species on the denture stomatitis lesions and MP fitting surface. C. albicans was the most species detected in DS lesions and MP. On the second chapter, blood neutrophils from the individuals were characterized about ex vivo phenotype, phagocytic function, and cytokines and chemokines production after challenged with C. albicans. Blood neutrophils from DS individuals, as well elderly without DS, presented characteristics of susceptibility to C. albicans diseases. On the third chapter, salivary neutrophils from the individuals were characterized about ex vivo phenotype and phagocytic function against C. albicans. In addition, salivary cytokines and chemokines involved with resistance or susceptibility to C. albicans infection were detected. Results indicated differences in salivary neutrophils and soluble components from patients with DS. In addition, alterations observed in neutrophils by immunosenescence could facilitate Candida infections and diseases related to the presence of this pathogen in elderly. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 05/60668-9 - Study of neutrophils from elderly in the defense mechanisms against Candida-related denture stomatitis
• Grantee: Thaís Helena Gasparoto
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate