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The aim of this study was to investigate associations between the immune component of the oral cavity, lysozyme, in gingival crevicular fluid and unstimulated saliva, and colonization dynamics of periodontopathogenic bacteria from supra- and subgingival plaque samples in patients with gingivitis or periodontitis.Lysozyme in crevicular fluid and unstimulated saliva, and bacteria in supra- and subgingival plaque samples were assessed in 84 samples from 28 patients with gingivitis, 96 samples from 32 patients with periodontitis, and 72 samples from 24 donors with intact periodontium and free of internal disease. Lysozyme activity was determined spectrophotometrically. The micro-IDent plus assay was used to detect 6 periodontopathogenic bacteria plaque samples.Lysozyme activity in crevicular fluid in the gingivitis and periodontitis groups was significantly greater than that in the donor group, but lysozyme activity in unstimulated saliva was less than that in the donor group. Peptostreptococcus micros, Fusobacterium periodontium and Campylobacter rectus were predominant in subgingival plaque samples in the periodontitis group compared to the donor group (P0.001), and Eubacterium nodatum and Eikenella corrodens were predominant in the gingivitis group compared to the donor group (P0.001).Lysozyme activity in crevicular fluid and in unstimulated saliva correlated with periodontal pocket depth in donors and in patients with gingivitis or periodontitis (specificity and sensitivity were both 100%). These findings indicate that infection with P. micros, F. periodontium, E. nodatum, E. corrodens, and C. rectus may be an important indicator of inflammatory periodontal disease development.

To determine the prevalence of age-related maculopathy in a sample of Lithuanian middle-aged population and to assess the relationship between age-related maculopathy and ischemic heart disease and its risk factors, including smoking, arterial hypertension, obesity, hyperglycemia, and dyslipidemias.A random sample of urban population of 1357 adults (ranging from 35-64 years of age; 597 males and 760 females) living in Kaunas, Lithuania was examined during the interval from 2001 to 2002. Each participant underwent a comprehensive examination that included an ophthalmic examination. The presence of age-related maculopathy was determined by grading from fundus examination by indirect ophthalmoscopy, slit lamp examination, and color fundus photographs. The history, physical examination findings, and fasting blood samples provided data on possible risk factors. Age-adjusted logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the risk factors for age-related maculopathy.Early age-related maculopathy was detected for 44 males and 40 females. The prevalence of age-related maculopathy increased steadily with age without significant difference between males and females. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that increased diastolic blood pressure, obesity, hyperglycemia, ischemic ECG-abnormalities and history of myocardial infarction were significantly associated with age-related maculopathy in males aged 40-64 years. Current smoking and hyperglycemia were significantly associated with age-related maculopathy in females aged 40-64 years.Our study suggests that arterial hypertension, obesity, hyperglycemia, current smoking and positive history of cardiovascular disease are relevant risk factors for age-related maculopathy in middle-aged urban population.