Effect of ABO antigens' expression into saliva on childhood caries

Objectives: ABO antigen expression into the body fluids is a well known event and the individuals who show this phenomenon are secretors. Individuals who do not secret antigens are non-secretors. Previous studies revealed connection between certain diseases and the proven secretor status e.g. stomach and duodenal ulcer. The aim of the study was to investigate the possible effect of ABO antigen expression into saliva on caries in a group of Hungarian children who have same social and economic condition. Our initial question was whether there is association between non-secretor status and the prevalence of dental caries. Methods: Non-stimulated whole saliva was collected for approximately 10 minutes by spitting method from 130 healthy subjects (M/F was 60/70), aged 6-18 years. The total number of participants were divided into two groups (mixed-, and permanent dentitions). The saliva samples were boiled, centrifuged and the supernatant was detected for ABO blood group substances by hemagglutination-inhibition test with appropriate antiserum with a plate-method. DMF-T and dmf-t (decayed, missing, and filled teeth) indexes were measured according to WHO criteria. Oral health hygiene index- simplified plaque index (OHI-S) and calculus index of subjects have been recorded. Results: The blood group distribution [blood group A (44.8%), B (18.7%), AB (14.6%), O (21.9%)] and the incidence of secretor and non-secretor status (74.6% vs. 25.4%) were normal, according to the previously published international and Hungarian data. No significant difference has been observed between the secretor and non-secretor groups in relation with ABO blood groups, the DMF-T vs. OHI-S and dmf-t vs. OHI-S. Conclusions: Our results do not show a statistically significant relationship among blood groups, secretor status, DMF-T, dmf-t scores and OHI-S rates in children. Acknowledgements: Supported by the ETT 248/2009 funded by the Hungarian Ministry of Health.