Articles

Quorum Quenching as an Ecological Modulator of Periodontal Biofilms

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Background: Periodontal disease is driven by dysbiotic biofilms characterized by altered microbial functions rather than mere pathogen overgrowth. Quorum sensing (QS) enables coordinated microbial behavior that sustains dysbiosis, while quorum quenching (QQ) has emerged as a strategy to disrupt microbial communication without bactericidal effects. Existing reviews primarily address QS inhibition broadly or focus on cariogenic biofilms, leaving a critical gap regarding the ecological implications of QQ in periodontal biofilms.

Objective: This scoping review aimed to map current evidence on quorum quenching strategies targeting periodontal bacteria, with a specific focus on their role in modulating biofilm ecology and restoring microbial balance.

Methods: A scoping review was conducted following PRISMA ScR guidelines. Searches were performed in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science for studies published between 2016 and 2025 investigating quorum quenching mechanisms in periodontal bacteria or periodontal biofilm models. Data were charted and synthesized descriptively.

Results: Five studies met the inclusion criteria. Quorum quenching strategies included enzymatic degradation of signaling molecules, inhibition of signal synthesis or reception, and natural compound based inhibitors. Most studies targeted interspecies signaling pathways and demonstrated reduced biofilm maturation, attenuation of virulence-associated functions, and partial restoration of symbiotic microbial behavior without eliminating commensals.

Conclusion: Quorum quenching represents a novel ecology based approach for periodontal biofilm management by reprogramming microbial communication rather than eradicating bacteria. This perspective highlights quorum quenching as a promising adjunctive strategy for restoring periodontal biofilm homeostasis

The Relationship between Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and Musculoskeletal Complaints

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Background: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common gastrointestinal problem that can affect many body systems. Studies have suggested a possible connection between GERD and musculoskeletal complaints, but the relationship is not fully clear

Objective: This study examined the relationship between GERD and musculoskeletal complaints in patients treated at Siloam Hospitals Balikpapan.

Methods: This cross-sectional study included 60 participants, divided into 30 GERD and 30 non-GERD patients. Musculoskeletal symptoms were measured using the Indonesian version of the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Data were analyzed with the Shapiro–Wilk test, Spearman correlation, and Mann–Whitney U test.

Results: Back pain (55%), waist pain (45%), and left shoulder pain (41.7%) were the most frequent complaints. The total musculoskeletal score was higher in the GERD group (279) than in the non-GERD group (65). The data were not normally distributed (p < 0.001). There was a moderate positive correlation between GERD and musculoskeletal complaints (r = 0.460, p < 0.001). The Mann–Whitney test also showed a significant difference between groups (U = 283.5, Z = −3.536, p < 0.001.

Conclusion: GERD is related to higher and more widespread musculoskeletal complaints. Screening for musculoskeletal symptoms in GERD patients may help improve early management and patient quality of life.

Morphometric Characteristics of the Parotid Glands in Immature Rats with Intestinal Dysbacteriosis

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It is known that in some infectious diseases of the digestive system, the large salivary glands are also involved in the pathological process. In experimental modeling of dysbiosis in laboratory rats, increased adhesion of opportunistic microorganisms to intestinal epithelial cells was revealed. In connection with the above, the goal was to study the features of the morphological and functional differentiation of the major salivary glands in postnatal ontogenesis, as well as to find out the morphological criteria for their functional activity under the influence of intestinal dysbacteriosis.