Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
Pivot Concepts:   Target Concepts:
Query: EC:3.2.1.17 (lysozyme)
 21,489 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

Little information is available about the acquired pellicle layer that is formed on denture surfaces or its role in regulating microbial colonization of the prosthetic surface. Because denture-induced stomatitis is associated with increased numbers of Candida albicans and other microorganisms on the denture surface, the acquired denture pellicle (ADP) may play a role in modulating this colonization. This study examined and compared ADP from healthy patients and patients with stomatitis by chemical and immunochemical methods. The ADP was found to be composed of a selectively adsorbed layer containing salivary amylase, high molecular weight mucin (MG1), lysozyme, albumin, and sIgA. Salivary cystatins, proline-rich proteins, and low molecular weight mucin (MG2) were not detected. ADP amino acid composition was distinct from any of the ductal salivas, but had many similarities with enamel pellicle. Immunoblots of ADP from patients with stomatitis identified additional serum components, degradation products, and C. albicans cell components that were not detected in ADP from healthy patients. Quantification of these molecules in ADP could lead to a diagnostic test for oral mucosal disease underlying a denture base. Identification of specific molecules in denture pellicle that promote adhesion of C. albicans may elucidate a mechanism of fungal cell colonization on the denture surface. Future studies that chemically modify the denture acrylic resin surface to immobilize antimicrobial proteins may be a means of decreasing pathogenic plaque development.
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PMID:Characterization of acquired denture pellicle from healthy and stomatitis patients. 140 50

The in-situ lens-bound protein layer (LBPL) was characterized on hydrogels of varying water content and ionic-binding capacity. The LBPL proved to be critically dependent on the ionic binding capacity of a given hydrogel. On nonionic polymers the LBPL invariably was thin and largely insoluble. Histochemical staining allowed the detection of all major types of tear proteins. Amino acid analysis revealed a variable composition. Extractable protein proved devoid of active lysozyme. Electrophoresis of pooled samples revealed a variable mixture of acidic, neutral, and basic bands. To what extent variability is dependent on tear film composition and lens structure awaits use of more sensitive analytic procedures. On anionic hydroxyethylmethacrylate copolymer lenses, the LBPL proved radically different. Here the LBPL invariably was much thicker and composed primarily of loosely bound protein. Electrophoresis and enzymatic analysis revealed a homogenous layer consisting primarily of lysozyme much of which retains enzymatic activity. The amino acid analysis of the insoluble protein suggests a similar composition. Specificity of deposition can be attributed to ionic affinity. Conformational integrity can be attributed partly to the unique stability of lysozyme. Electrophoresis of a pooled anionic lens extract revealed an unknown, highly mobile, basic protein. This presumably represents the selective accumulation of a highly basic trace or transient constituent of the tear film. The specificity and biological activity of the LBPL on the anionic lens may modify hydrogel biocompatibility affecting risk of spoilage, microbial colonization, and propensity to trigger an inflammatory and immune response.
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PMID:Specificity and biological activity of the protein deposited on the hydrogel surface. Relationship of polymer structure to biofilm formation. 357 Jun 94

The airway provides numerous defense mechanisms to prevent microbial colonization by the large numbers of bacteria and viruses present in ambient air. An important component of this defense is the antimicrobial peptides and proteins present in the airway surface fluid (ASF), the mucin-rich fluid covering the respiratory epithelium. These include larger proteins such as lysozyme and lactoferrin, as well as the cationic defensin and cathelicidin peptides. While some of these peptides, such as human beta-defensin (hBD)-1, are present constitutively, others, including hBD2 and -3 are inducible in response to bacterial recognition by Toll-like receptor-mediated pathways. These peptides can act as microbicides in the ASF, but also exhibit other activities, including potent chemotactic activity for cells of the innate and adaptive immune systems, suggesting they play a complex role in the host defense of the airway. Inhibition of antimicrobial peptide activity or gene expression can result in increased susceptibility to infections. This has been observed with cystic fibrosis (CF), where the CF phenotype leads to reduced antimicrobial capacity of peptides in the airway. Pathogenic virulence factors can inhibit defensin gene expression, as can environmental factors such as air pollution. Such an interference can result in infections by airway-specific pathogens including Bordetella bronchiseptica, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and influenza virus. Research into the modulation of peptide gene expression in animal models, as well as the optimization of peptide-based therapeutics shows promise for the treatment and prevention of airway infectious diseases.
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PMID:Antimicrobial peptides in the airway. 1690 21

There is a lack of relevant methods to assess the colonization of textiles by skin bacteria because present methods are mainly culture-based procedures. Therefore, the goal of this study was to develop a fast and sensitive culture-independent procedure for the quantification of microbial colonization and growth on textiles. We have established a suitable protocol to use DNA quantification as a reliable method for in vitroand in vivoinvestigations of textiles. For DNA extraction, a two-step procedure comprising treatment of the textile with a solution containing Triton X-100 and lysozyme for 1 h and a successive treatment by SDS and proteinase K for 2 h turned out to be most efficient. DNA extracted from textiles and fabrics was than quantified with the highly sensitive PicoGreen fluorescent dye. In vitrochallenge tests demonstrated a strong correlation between numbers of bacteria on textiles and amount of DNA extracted from textiles. Therefore, this method was used to compare different materials after in vivotrials for assessment of their susceptibility for microbial colonization and growth.
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PMID:Development of a fast and reliable method for the assessment of microbial colonization and growth on textiles by DNA quantification. 1787 10