Caries and Plaque Inhibition by Mutanase in Rats

Abstract

The effects of mutanase (α-1,3 glucan 3-glucanohydrolase, free of 1,6 activity produced by Trichoderma harzianum OMZ 779) and dextranase (α-1,6 glucan 6-glucanohydrolase obtained from Penicillium funiculosum) on plaque formation and caries incidence were investigated in two groups of 36 rats each. The first group was kept in relative gnotobiosis with Streptococcus mutans OMZ 176 E, the second group harboured its indigenous flora. During the entire 28-day experimental period the animals were housed in a feeding machine and fed 18 meals per day. For the first three experimental days both groups received diet 2,000 (56% sucrose). Thereafter each of the two groups was distributed among the following treatments: O: diet 2,000; M: diet 2,000 containing mutanase (100 MU/ g); D: diet 2,000 containing dextranase (150 DU/g); M+D: diet 2,000 containing both enzymes (100 MU and 150 DU/g). Blood for white cell counts was collected prior to sacrifice by heart puncture. Extent of plaque on the smooth surfaces of the upper molars was scored under a dissection microscope after staining with erythrosin. Fissure caries was assessed on serial sections of the first and second lower molars.

Regulation of Glucosyl- and Fructosyltransferase Synthesis by Continuous Cultures of Streptococcus mutans

“…A major polysaccharide component of some dental plaques is a water-insoluble glucan or 'mutan'. The ability to synthesize this sticky polymer appears to be one of the major determinants of the cariogenicity of S. mutans strains (De Stoppelaar et al, 1971 ;Guggenheim et al, 1972;Nalbandian et al, 1974;Gibbons & van Houte, 1975;Hojo et al, 1976;Montville et al, 1977;Koga & Inoue, 1978). Mutan contains a majority of (1+3)-a glycosidic linkages formed from sucrose by the action of a second glucosyltransferase which will be referred to as 'mutansucrase'.…”

Biochemical and Molecular Characterization of a Novel Type of Mutanase from Paenibacillus sp. Strain RM1: Identification of Its Mutan-Binding Domain, Essential for Degradation of Streptococcus mutans Biofilms

“…Mutanases were isolated and characterized biochemically, and some of them were tested regarding caries-preventive efficacy (14,15,19,21,22,35). However, mutanase RM1 can be readily differentiated from all of these previously reported enzymes as documented in the present study.…”

Dental caries is a preventable infectious disease

“…60 Guggenheim et al found a significant reduction of caries occurred in rats fed labchow containing mutanase (␣1-3 glucan 3-glucanohydrolase) whereas no significant caries reduction was observed in rats fed labchow containing dextranase (␣1-6 glucan 6-glucanohydrolase). 61 In followup studies, Guggenheim et al reported the topical application of crude or partially purified mutanase reduced dental caries development in rats. 62 The reduction of smooth surface and fissure caries brought about by this enzyme was as great as that obtained using chlorhexidine or fluoride.…”