A new study suggests that there may be a link between the number of copies of the salivary amylase (AMY1) gene and oral health. The AMY1 gene speeds up the digestion process in the mouth by promoting the initial breakdown of starch.
Previous studies have suggested that the gene may be associated with the development of dental caries and periodontal disease, especially in people who consume high-digestion-rate starches (such as refined starch), whose oral health risks seem to be higher.
However, there is still a lack of research on how the number of copies of AMY1 works with starch to affect the structure of oral biofilms.
In this in vitro experiment, the researchers selected 31 individuals with different numbers of copies of the AMY1 gene and collected their saliva samples to culture oral biofilms.
They observed changes in biofilms in starch-containing and starch-free culture media, and combined them with the subjects’ self-rated oral health information for analysis.
The study was led by Dr. Dorothy K. Superdock, who and her research team found that the alpha diversity of oral biofilms decreased significantly after the addition of starch.
At the same time, the study showed that there is an interaction between AMY1 copy number and starch, which leads to significant changes in the composition of the oral microecology.
This change particularly promotes the reproduction of bacterial species associated with oral diseases, such as Deinococcus and Veillonella.
The occurrence of dental caries is closely related to the fermentation of carbohydrates (mainly sugars) by bacteria in biofilms. This process produces an acidic environment, which leads to demineralization of tooth enamel and a decrease in plaque pH.
Studies have shown that a variety of bacteria, including Streptococcus mutans, Actinomycetes, Deinococcus, Bifidobacterium, Skadoviphila and Veillonella, are involved in the formation and progression of dental caries.
Periodontal disease is often associated with the presence of anaerobic bacteria such as Porphyromonas gingivalis and Porphyromonas endodontis, which are more frequently found in people with higher AMY1 gene copy numbers.
This study reveals the possibility of saliva as a potential biomarker for oral diseases. Dr. Superdock’s team pointed out that the number of copies of the AMY1 gene may be used as a basis for predicting an individual’s risk of dental caries and periodontal disease, thereby guiding their more targeted oral care strategies.
The researchers concluded: “This work reveals the important interactions between dietary habits, genetic background and oral microbiota, providing us with a new perspective to understand the impact of evolutionary factors on oral health.”
It is reported that no conflicts of interest were disclosed in the study, and it was partially funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Schwartz Life Sciences Women and Underrepresented Faculty Research Fund.
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