Nowadays, saliva is a subject of growing scientific interest because of its definite advantages as diagnostic medium. The aim of our study was to investigate the diagnostic potential and reliability of messenger RNAs (mRNAs) of selected genes—interleukin-6 (IL-6), matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8) and glutathione synthetase (GSS)—as salivary markers in children with diagnosed pyelonephritis and to correlate their levels with typical urine para-clinical indicators of the disease. Analysis of the mRNA levels for IL-6, MMP-8 and GSS in 28 children hospitalized with the diagnosis of pyelonephritis was conducted applying the method of quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). In the study group (n = 28), IL-6 mRNA levels demonstrated 64-fold increase (p < 0.001). MMP-8 and GSS mRNA levels were increased in 12 samples in patients with pyelonephritis 3.27 (p < 0.01) and 1.94 (p < 0.001) times, respectively. We found a strong and significant correlation (p < 0.001) between the investigated mRNA for IL-6 and MMP-8, IL-6 and GSS, MMP-8 and GSS. Moderate degree of correlation was established between IL-6 and the typical para-clinical indicator of leucocytes (0.43, p < 0.05) and between GSS and leucocytes (0.54, p < 0.01). Salivary IL-6, MMP-8 and GSS mRNA levels in combination with urine test analysis could be useful diagnostic tool for the very distributed disorder of pyelonephritis in childhood.

The role and significance of some salivary amino acids in periodontal diseases, including plaque-induced gingivitis—a literature review

Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate how the frequent sugar and protein intake is associated with the severity of plaque-induced gingivitis in children. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted, involving 38 subjects (4-14 years) at a mean age of 8.5 ± 2.32 years with diagnosed plaque-induced gingivitis based on the Löe-Silness Gingival Index (GI) (0 < GI ≤ 3). The gingival status was assessed by the Silness Lőe Plaque Index (PLI), GI, and Papillary Bleeding Index by Saxer and Muhlemann. The nutritional status was established through an in-depth questionnaire on protein and sugar intake. Results: The increased frequency of sugar consumption in children with plaque-induced gingivitis is related to enhanced gingival inflammation. Higher values of PLI among the rep- resentatives were established with frequent sugar intake (P = .04). Frequent dairy protein con- sumption was associated with lower levels of PLI (P = .04). This index is indicative of the amount of accumulated dental plaque, which is the main etiological factor involved in plaque-induced gingivitis. Conclusion: It can be concluded that uncontrolled sugar consumption in children was asso- ciated with enhancement of the severity of plaque-induced gingivitis. Frequent dairy protein intake has the potential to serve as an essential prevention strategy regarding the onset and aggravation of plaque-induced gingival inflammation in childhood. A well-balanced diet, rich in proteins and with restricted sugar intake, is considered a possible tool in the prevention and control of plaque-induced gingivitis in childhood. Cite this article as: Salim A, Angelova S, Roussev B, et al. Association between frequency of sugar and protein intake and severity of plaque-induced gingivitis in children. Turk Arch Pediatr. 2025;60(3):319-325.

Introduction. The elevated rate of steroid sexual hormones during puberty affects the inflammatory response of the gingival tissue. Complex biological reactions performed at that level cause exaggerated gingival inflammation, not corresponding to the relatively small amount of dental plaque. Aim. Estimation of the oral-dental status of a child diagnosed with precocious puberty. Materials and methods. A clinical case of a female at the age of 10 diagnosed with precocious puberty. Epidemiological and clinical indicators are applied. Results. Based on the results of the three clinical parameters obtained (PLI, GI, and PBI), we have concluded that it is a case of moderately generalized plaque-associated gingival inflammation, which is clinically manifested in conditions of precocious puberty. Conclusion. Oral health optimization necessitates complex care delivered through an interdisciplinary approach.

Objectives: Plaque-induced gingivitis is one of the most widely distributed periodontal disorder during childhood. The control of the pathogenic potential of the plaque is associated with oral hygiene status at individual, group, and population levels. We hypothesize that regular application of complex oral hygiene-prophylaxis could beneficially modulate salivary amino acids profile in children with different stage of plaque-induced gingivitis. Therefore, we aimed to study the salivary amino acids’ profile in relation to certain clinical indicators and environmental variables for plaque-induced gingivitis in children. Methods: Fifty children (29 girls, 21 boys; mean age 8.18 ± 2.32 years) without anamnestic data for common diseases, no medication, and no data for allergy were selected. Plaque and gingival indexes were determined for assessment oral hygiene and plaque accumulation. Unstimulated whole saliva was collected, centrifuged and supernatants stored at −80 °C. Amino acid analysis was performed by liquid chromatography using analytical grade AccQ·Tag-Ultra-derivatization kit. Results: Gingivitis was indicated in most of the examined children over 6 years. More than half (63.6 %) of them revealed moderate stage of the disease and a tendency to satisfactory good oral hygiene and degree of gingival inflammation. Salivary glycine, proline, arginine, serine, lysine, aspartate, glutamate, threonine, methionine, and isoleucine were higher in gingivitis children, while cysteine, tyrosine and phenylalanine decrease. In gingivitis children without regular oral hygiene-prophylaxis, some structural amino acids like glycine and proline were increased, while amino acids with protective antioxidant potential like cysteine were diminished. Conclusions: Plaque-induced gingivitis is associated with increased salivary levels of certain amino acids. These may serve as distinguishing markers among children with gingivitis.