The host response to the microbial challenge in periodontitis: assembling the players

Role of the adjunctive antimicrobial photodynamic therapy to periodontal treatment at plasmatic oxidative stress and vascular behavior

BACKGROUND

To evaluate for the first time in vivo the effects of methylene blue (MB) photosensitizer dissolved in ethanol in antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) as adjuvant periodontal treatment, at plasmatic oxidative stress and vascular behavior in rat model.

METHODS

Wistar rats were divided into negative control (NC, no periodontitis) and positive control (PC, with periodontitis, without any treatment). The other groups had periodontitis and were treated with scaling and root planing (SRP); SRP+aPDT+MB dissolved in water (aPDT I); SRP+aPDT+MB dissolved in ethanol (aPDT II). The periodontitis was induced by ligature at the mandibular right first molar. At 7/15/30days, rats were euthanized, the plasma was used to determine oxidative stress parameters and gingival tissue for histomorphometric analysis.

RESULTS

PC showed higher thiobarbituric acid reactive substances levels in 7/15/30days. aPDT II was able to block the lipid peroxidation, especially between 15th and 30th days. Glutathione reduced levels were consumed in PC, aPDT I and II groups throughout the experiment. aPDT II increased the vitamin C levels which were restored in this group in the 30th day. aPDT II group showed the highest number of blood vessels.

CONCLUSION

In summary, the aPDT with MB dissolved in ethanol provides better therapeutic responses in periodontitis treatment.

Pro-resolving mediators in the regulation of periodontal disease

Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease of the supporting structures of the dentition that is initiated by bacteria that form a biofilm on the surface of the teeth. The pathogenesis of the disease is a result of complex interactions between the biofilm and the host response that results in dysbiosis of the microbiome and dysregulation of the inflammatory response. Current data suggest that the excess inflammation associated with periodontitis is due to a failure of resolution of inflammation pathways. In this review, the relationship between inflammation and microbial dysbiosis is examined in the context of pro-inflammation and pro-resolution mediators and their ability to modify the course of disease. The impact of local oral inflammation on systemic inflammation and the relationship of periodontitis to other inflammatory diseases, including type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease is reviewed. Active resolvers of inflammation, including the lipoxins and resolvins, show great promise as therapeutics for the treatment of periodontitis and other inflammatory diseases.

Extracellular ATP is a key modulator of alveolar bone loss in periodontitis

Periodontal diseases are initiated by pathogenic bacterial biofilm activity that induces a host inflammatory cells immune response, degradation of dento gingival fibrous tissue and its detachment from root cementum. It is well accepted, that osteoclastic alveolar bone loss is governed exclusively through secretion of proinflammatory cytokines. Nevertheless, our findings suggest that once degradation of collagen fibers by MMPs occurs, a drop of cellular strains cause immediate release of ATP from marginal gingival fibroblasts, cell deformation and influx of Ca+2. Increased extracellular ATP (eATP) by interacting with P2×7 purinoreceptors, present on fibroblasts and osteoblasts, induces generation of receptor activator of nuclear factor kB ligand (RANKL) that further activates osteoclastic alveolar bone resorption and bone loss. In addition, increased eATP levels may amplify inflammation by promoting leukocyte recruitment and NALP3-inflammasome activation via P2×7. Then, the inflammatory cells secrete cytokines, interleukin IL-1, TNF and RANKL that further trigger alveolar bone resorption. Moreover, eATP can be secreted from periodontal bacteria that may further contribute to inflammation and bone loss in periodontitis. It seems therefore, that eATP is a key modulator that initiates the pathway of alveolar bone resorption and bone loss in patients with periodontal disease. In conclusion, we propose that strain release in gingival fibroblasts aligned on collagen fibers, due to activity of MMP, activates release of ATP that triggers the pathway of alveolar bone resorption in periodontitis. We predict that by controlling the eATP interaction with its cellular purinoreceptors will reduce significantly bone loss in periodontitis.

Oral health in relation to all-cause mortality: the IPC cohort study

We evaluated the association between oral health and mortality. The study population comprised 76,188 subjects aged 16–89 years at recruitment. The mean follow-up time was 3.4 ± 2.4 years. Subjects with a personal medical history of cancer or cardiovascular disease and death by casualty were excluded from the analysis. A full-mouth clinical examination was performed in order to assess dental plaque, dental calculus and gingival inflammation. The number of teeth and functional masticatory units <5 were recorded. Causes of death were ascertained from death certificates. Mortality risk was evaluated using Cox regression model with propensity score calibrated for each oral exposure. All-cause mortality risk were raised with dental plaque, gingival inflammation, >10 missing teeth and functional masticatory units <5. All-cancer mortality was positively associated with dental plaque and gingival inflammation. Non-cardiovascular and non-cancer mortality were also positively associated with high dental plaque (HR = 3.30, [95% CI: 1.76–6.17]), high gingival inflammation (HR = 2.86, [95% CI: 1.71–4.79]), >10 missing teeth (HR = 2.31, [95% CI: 1.40–3.82]) and functional masticatory units <5 (HR = 2.40 [95% CI 1.55–3.73]). Moreover, when ≥3 oral diseases were cumulated in the model, the risk increased for all-cause mortality (HR = 3.39, [95% CI: 2.51–5.42]), all-cancer mortality (HR = 3.59, [95% CI: 1.23–10.05]) and non-cardiovascular and non-cancer mortality (HR = 4.71, [95% CI: 1.74–12.7]). The present study indicates a postive linear association between oral health and mortality.

Matrix Metalloproteinases as Regulators of Periodontal Inflammation

Periodontitis are infectious diseases characterized by immune-mediated destruction of periodontal supporting tissues and tooth loss. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are key proteases involved in destructive periodontal diseases. The study and interest in MMP has been fuelled by emerging evidence demonstrating the broad spectrum of molecules that can be cleaved by them and the myriad of biological processes that they can potentially regulate. The huge complexity of MMP functions within the 'protease web' is crucial for many physiologic and pathologic processes, including immunity, inflammation, bone resorption, and wound healing. Evidence points out that MMPs assemble in activation cascades and besides their classical extracellular matrix substrates, they cleave several signalling molecules-such as cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors, among others-regulating their biological functions and/or bioavailability during periodontal diseases. In this review, we provide an overview of emerging evidence of MMPs as regulators of periodontal inflammation.

Animal models for periodontal regeneration and peri-implant responses

Translation of experimental data to the clinical setting requires the safety and efficacy of such data to be confirmed in animal systems before application in humans. In dental research, the animal species used is dependent largely on the research question or on the disease model. Periodontal disease and, by analogy, peri-implant disease, are complex infections that result in a tissue-degrading inflammatory response. It is impossible to explore the complex pathogenesis of periodontitis or peri-implantitis using only reductionist in-vitro methods. Both the disease process and healing of the periodontal and peri-implant tissues can be studied in animals. Regeneration (after periodontal surgery), in response to various biologic materials with potential for tissue engineering, is a continuous process involving various types of tissue, including epithelia, connective tissues and alveolar bone. The same principles apply to peri-implant healing. Given the complexity of the biology, animal models are necessary and serve as the standard for successful translation of regenerative materials and dental implants to the clinical setting. Smaller species of animal are more convenient for disease-associated research, whereas larger animals are more appropriate for studies that target tissue healing as the anatomy of larger animals more closely resembles human dento-alveolar architecture. This review focuses on the animal models available for the study of regeneration in periodontal research and implantology; the advantages and disadvantages of each animal model; the interpretation of data acquired; and future perspectives of animal research, with a discussion of possible nonanimal alternatives. Power calculations in such studies are crucial in order to use a sample size that is large enough to generate statistically useful data, whilst, at the same time, small enough to prevent the unnecessary use of animals.

Anti-inflammatory Activity of a High-molecular-weight Cranberry Fraction on Macrophages Stimulated by Lipopolysaccharides from Periodontopathogens

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting oral tissues. The continuous, high production of cytokines by host cells triggered by periodontopathogens is thought to be responsible for the destruction of tooth-supporting tissues. Macrophages play a critical role in this host inflammatory response to periodontopathogens. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of non-dialyzable material prepared from cranberry juice concentrate on the pro-inflammatory cytokine response of macrophages induced by lipopolysaccharides (LPS) from Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Fusobacterium nucleatum subsp. nucleatum, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Treponema denticola, Tannerella forsythia, and Escherichia coli. Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), IL-6, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and Regulated on Activation Normal T-cell Expressed and Secreted (RANTES) production by macrophages treated with the cranberry fraction prior to stimulation by LPS was evaluated by ELISA. Our results clearly indicate that the cranberry fraction was a potent inhibitor of the pro-inflammatory cytokine and chemokine responses induced by LPS. This suggests that cranberry constituents may offer perspectives for the development of a new therapeutic approach to the prevention and treatment of periodontitis.

VIP Inhibits P. gingivalis LPS-induced IL-18 and IL-18BPa in Monocytes

IL-18 is a pro-inflammatory cytokine that is important in the regulation of T-cells and is elevated in inflammatory disorders such as periodontal disease. Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) modulates immune responses to the periodontal pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis ( Pg). Our objective was to investigate the effect of Pg LPS on IL-18 and its natural inhibitor, IL-18 binding protein (IL-18BPa), in human monocytes, and the effect of VIP on this system. We demonstrated that Pg LPS induced both IL-18 and IL-18BPa secretion in cultures of the human monocytic cell line THP-1, as measured by specific ELISA. The addition of antibodies to IL-18BPa to the stimulated THP-1 cultures resulted in increased levels of free IL-18, indicating a specific interaction between IL18 and IL-18BPa in this system. VIP (10−8M) inhibited both IL-18 and IL-18Bpa secretion by stimulated monocytes. We conclude that IL-18 and IL-18BPa secretion by monocytes is part of the immune response to Pg, and that VIP can inhibit this process.

Regulation of matrix metalloproteinase secretion by green tea catechins in a three-dimensional co-culture model of macrophages and gingival fibroblasts

OBJECTIVES

Elevated levels of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have been associated with the active phases of tissue and bone destruction in periodontitis, an inflammatory disease characterized by a significant breakdown of tooth support. In the present study, we used a three-dimensional (3D) co-culture model of macrophages and gingival fibroblasts to investigate the ability of a green tea extract and its major constituent epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) to regulate the secretion of MMP-3, -8, and -9.

METHODS

The 3D co-culture model was composed of gingival fibroblasts embedded in a type I collagen matrix overlaid with macrophages. Two arbitrary ratios were tested. The ratio composed of 1 macrophage to 10 fibroblasts was used to mimic a slightly inflamed periodontal site while the ratio composed of 10 macrophages to 1 fibroblast was used to mimic a severely inflamed periodontal site. The 3D co-culture model was pre-treated for 2h with either the green tea extract or EGCG. It was then stimulated with Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The model was also first stimulated with LPS for 2h and then incubated with the green tea extract or EGCG. The concentrations of secreted MMP-3, -8, and -9 were quantified by enzyme-linked immunoassays.

RESULTS

When the 3D co-culture model was stimulated with A. actinomycetemcomitans LPS, the 10:1 ratio of macrophages to gingival fibroblasts was associated with a highest secretion of MMP-3 and -9 and, to a lesser extent, MMP-8, than the 1:10 ratio. Non-cytotoxic concentrations of the green tea extract or EGCG reduced the basal secretion levels of all three MMPs. A 2-h treatment with the green tea extract or EGCG prior to the stimulation with LPS resulted in a dose-dependent decrease in MMP secretion, with MMP-9 showing the most significant decrease. A decrease in MMP secretion was also observed when the green tea extract or EGCG was added following a 2-h stimulation with LPS.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggested that green tea catechins, and more specifically EGCG, offer promising prospects for the development of a novel adjunctive treatment for periodontitis because of their ability to decrease the secretion of MMPs, which are important tissue-destructive enzymes produced by mucosal and immune cells.

Effects of air polishing and an amino acid buffered hypochlorite solution to dentin surfaces and periodontal ligament cell survival, attachment, and spreading

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study is to examine morphological changes of dentin surfaces following air polishing or amino acid buffered hypochlorite solution application and to assess their influence on periodontal ligament (PDL) cell survival, attachment, and spreading to dentin discs in vitro.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Bovine dentin discs were treated with either (i) Classic, (ii) Plus, or (iii) Perio powder (EMS). Furthermore, Perisolv® a hypochlorite solution buffered with various amino acids was investigated. Untreated dentin discs served as controls. Morphological changes to dentin discs were assessed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Human PDL cells were seeded onto the respectively treated discs, and samples were then investigated for PDL cell survival, attachment, and spreading using a live/dead assay, adhesion assay, and SEM imaging, respectively.

RESULTS

Both control and Perisolv®-rinsed dentin discs demonstrated smooth surfaces at low and high magnifications. The Classic powders demonstrated the thickest coating followed by the Powder Plus. The Perio powder demonstrated marked alterations of dentin discs by revealing the potential to open dentinal tubules even before rinsing. Seeding of PDL cells demonstrated an almost 100 % survival rate on all samples demonstrating very high biocompatibility for all materials. Significantly higher PDL cell numbers were observed on samples treated with the Perio powder and the Perisolv® solution (approximately 40 % more cells; p < 0.05). SEM imaging revealed the potential for PDL cells to attach and spread on all surfaces.

CONCLUSION

The results from the present study demonstrate that cell survival and spreading of PDL cells on root surfaces is possible following either air polishing or application with Perisolv®. Future in vitro and animal testing is necessary to further characterize the beneficial effects of either system in a clinical setting.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The use of air polishing or application with Perisolv amino acid buffered hypochlorite solution was effective in treating root surfaces and allowed for near 100 % PDL cell survival, attachment, and spreading onto all root surfaces.

Impact of aging on TREM-1 responses in the periodontium: a cross-sectional study in an elderly population

Background

Aging is associated with altered immune response, which increases susceptibility to infections. sTREM-1 is involved in the amplification of the inflammatory response to bacterial infection. The present cross-sectional study aims to investigate local sTREM-1 levels in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) as well as key periodontal pathogen levels in the subgingival plaque in an elderly cohort with periodontal health, gingivitis, and chronic periodontitis (CP).

Methods

Subjects were 51 systemically healthy, elderly individuals (mean age, 68 ± 4.5 years) who had undergone full-mouth periodontal examinations. Subgingival plaque and GCF samples were collected from the healthy sites of participants without periodontal disease (n = 17), the sites with gingival inflammation from patients with gingivitis (n = 19), and the periodontitis sites of patients with CP (n = 15). GCF volumes were measured by an electronic impedance device, and total protein levels were assessed by a flouremetric assay. sTREM-1 levels in GCF were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The subgingival plaque total bacteria, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia, Treponema denticola, Fusobacterium nucleatum, and Prevotella intermedia levels were determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Statistical analysis was performed using nonparametric methods.

Results

GCF volume, total protein concentrations, and sTREM-1 levels in GCF were similar among the groups (p > 0.05). Significantly higher T. forsythia levels were observed in subgingival plaque samples harvested from patients with gingivitis and CP, than in those from healthy participants (p < 0.05). However, the subgingival levels of the other four periodontal pathogens and total bacteria were not statistically different among the groups (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that there are no differences in GCF volume, total protein, and sTREM-1 levels between healthy and periodontally diseased elderly adults. We found only limited differences in the studied subgingival microbial profile. This finding indicates an already deregulated, local inflammatory response in this elderly cohort, on which bacterial biofilm challenge may have a limited further impact.

Effects of Geum urbanum L. root extracts and its constituents on polymorphonuclear leucocytes functions. Significance in periodontal diseases

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Geum urbanum L. (wood avens) root infusions and decoctions have been used externally for reducing the bleeding and inflammation of gums (gingivitis), and mucous membranes.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Taking into account that primed and hyperactivated neutrophils are an important factor in the transition from gingivitis to periodontitis, we investigated the effects of phytochemically characterised (HPLC-DAD-MS(n)) extracts of different polarity from Geum urbanum root on oxidative burst, elastase, metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9), interleukin 8 (IL-8) and 1β (IL-1β), tumour necrosis factor (TNF-α) release, expression of adhesion molecules (CD62L and CD11b) and delayed apoptosis in stimulated neutrophils. As gemin A is a dominating compound in a raw material, so we considered its activity in parallel with the positive control quercetin.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The extracts were characterised by HPLC-DAD- MS(n) method. The inhibition of ROS production by stimulated neutrophils was determined using luminol dependent chemiluminescence method. The effect on MMP-9, IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-8 production by neutrophils was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Neutrophil elastase release was established spectrophotometrically. The expression of adhesion molecules and the apoptosis of neutrophils was analyzed with flow cytometry.

RESULTS

The main compounds detected in the extract belong mainly to the group of ellagitannin: pedunculagin, stachyurin, casuarynin and gemin A, and ellagic acid derivatives. Procyanidins and one complex tannin were found as minor compounds. Gemin A significantly affected the functions of stimulated neutrophils by reducing the surface expression of CD11b, and inhibiting the release of reactive oxygen species, and proteases (elastase, MMP-9), chemokines and cytokines (interleukins IL-8, IL-1β). Interestingly, gemin A stimulated the release of TNF-α, which may be one of the stimulators of apoptosis of neutrophil cells. The primary aqueous extract, the ethyl acetate and the butanolic fractions, all containing the highest level of gemin A, have exerted similar but weaker activity.

CONCLUSION

The modulating effect on the neutrophils function of extracts, and its main constituent gemin A, support the traditional use of this plant material in cavity inflammation including mucositis, gingivitis and periodontosis.

Proinflammatory Cytokines Regulate Cementogenic Differentiation of Periodontal Ligament Cells by Wnt/Ca(2+) Signaling Pathway

Periodontal inflammation can inhibit cell differentiation of periodontal ligament cells (PDLCs), resulting in decreased bone/cementum regeneration ability. The Wnt signaling pathway, including canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling and noncanonical Wnt/Ca(2+) signaling, plays essential roles in cell proliferation and differentiation during tooth development. However, little is still known whether noncanonical Wnt/Ca(2+) signaling cascade could regulate cementogenic/osteogenic differentiation capability of PDLCs within an inflammatory environment. Therefore, in this study, human PDLCs (hPDLCs) and their cementogenic differentiation potential were investigated in the presence of cytokines. The data demonstrated that both cytokines interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) inhibited cell proliferation, relative alkaline phosphatase activity, bone/cementum-related gene/protein expression, and canonical Wnt pathway-related gene/protein expression in hPDLCs. Interestingly, both cytokines upregulated the noncanonical Wnt/Ca(2+) signaling-related gene and protein expression in hPDLCs. When the Wnt/Ca(2+) pathway was blocked by Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II inhibitor KN93, even in the presence of IL-6 and TNF-α, cementogenesis could be stimulated in hPDLCs. Our data indicate that the Wnt/Ca(2+) pathway plays an inhibitory role on PDLC cementogenic differentiation in inflammatory microenvironments. Therefore, targeting the Wnt/Ca(2+) pathway may provide a novel therapeutic approach to improve periodontal regeneration for periodontal diseases.

Site-Specific Neutrophil Migration and CXCL2 Expression in Periodontal Tissue

The oral microbial community is the best-characterized bacterial ecosystem in the human host. It has been shown in the mouse that oral commensal bacteria significantly contribute to clinically healthy periodontal homeostasis by influencing the number of neutrophils that migrate from the vasculature to the junctional epithelium. Furthermore, in clinically healthy tissue, the neutrophil response to oral commensal bacteria is associated with the select expression of the neutrophil chemokine CXCL2 but not CXCL1. This preliminary study examined the contribution of commensal bacteria on neutrophil location across the tooth/gingival interface. Tissue sections from the root associated mesial (anterior) of the second molar to the root associated distal (posterior) of the second molar were examined for neutrophils and the expression of the neutrophil chemokine ligands CXCL1 and CXCL2. It was found that both the number of neutrophils as well as the expression of CXCL2 but not CXCL1 was significantly increased in tissue sections close to the interdental region, consistent with the notion of select tissue expression patterns for neutrophil chemokine expression and subsequent neutrophil location. Furthermore, mice gavaged with either oral Streptococcus or Lactobacillus sp. bacteria induced a location pattern of neutrophils and CXCL2 expression similar to the normal oral flora. These data indicate for the first time select neutrophil location and chemokine expression patterns associated with clinically healthy tissue. The results reveal an increased inflammatory load upon approaching the interproximal region, which is consistent with the observation that the interproximal region often reveals early clinical signs of periodontal disease.

Leukocyte receptor expression in chronic periodontitis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Microbial recognition in the periodontium through specific leukocyte receptors gives rise to the response which in susceptible individuals can lead to periodontal diseases. The aim of this study was to explore the expression of leukocyte receptors in the gingival tissues of chronic periodontitis patients and to analyse differences between diseased and control sites (sites with probing pocket depth <4 mm).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Thirty-seven chronic periodontitis patients were included in the study. Gingival biopsies were harvested from diseased and control sites and processed by flow cytometry for the determination of the expression of 16 leukocyte receptors (CD4, CD8, CD11b, CD14, CD16, CD19, CD25, CD28, CD49d, CD49e, CD62, CD71, CD80, CCR7, Ly6G and HLA-DR).

RESULTS

Expression of all studied receptors was higher in test compared with control sites (p < 0.005). Sampled sites with less bleeding on probing exhibited higher expression of CD16 and CD14 receptors (p = 0.020 and 0.011, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

This study points towards considerable differences in the expression of leukocyte receptors between diseased and control sites in the same periodontal patients.

Omega-3 fatty acids as an adjunct for periodontal therapy-a review

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this article is to present an overview of omega-3 fatty acids, their anti-inflammatory properties and potential use as an adjunct for periodontal therapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A general literature search was conducted to provide an overview of omega-3 fatty acids, their metabolism and anti-inflammatory properties. A more specific literature search of PubMed and EMBASE was conducted to identify articles dealing studies investigating the effects of omega-3 fatty acids in the treatment of periodontitis in animals and humans and included cross-sectional, longitudinal and intervention designs.

RESULTS

To date, there is good emerging evidence that dietary supplementation with fish oil may be of some benefit and this is enhanced if combined with aspirin. All clinical intervention studies to date have been on small sample sizes, and this indicates there is need for larger and more robust clinical trials to verify these initial findings.

CONCLUSIONS

Dietary supplementation with fish oil could be a cost-effective adjunctive therapy to the management of periodontal disease.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The host modulatory properties of omega-3 fatty acids warrant further assessment of their use as an adjunct in the management of periodontitis.

Macrophage polarization in response to oral commensals and pathogens

Macrophages have been identified in the periodontium. Data have phenotypically described these cells, demonstrated changes with progressing periodontal disease, and identified their ability to function in antigen-presentation critical for adaptive immune responses to individual oral bacterium. Recent evidence has emphasized an important role for the plasticity of macrophage phenotypes, not only in the resulting function of these cells in various tissues, but also clear differences in the stimulatory signals that result in M1 (classical activation, inflammatory) and M2 (alternative activation/deactivated, immunomodulatory) cells. This investigation hypothesized that the oral pathogens, Porphyromonas gingivalis and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans induce M1-type cells, while oral commensal bacteria primarily elicit macrophage functions consistent with an M2 phenotype. However, we observed that the M1 output from P. gingivalis challenge, showed exaggerated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, with a much lower production of chemokines related to T-cell recruitment. This contrasted with A. actinomycetemcomitans infection that increased both the pro-inflammatory cytokines and T-cell chemokines. Thus, it appears that P. gingivalis, as an oral pathogen, may have a unique capacity to alter the programming of the M1 macrophage resulting in a hyperinflammatory environment and minimizing the ability for T-cell immunomodulatory influx into the lesions.

Aggressive Periodontitis: microbes and host response, who to blame?

A paradigm shift several decades ago elucidated that aggressive periodontitis (AgP) was not a degenerative disorder but a rapid progressive form of plaque-induced inflammatory periodontal disease. Ensuing years of research have led to linkage analysis identification of specific genetic defects responsible for AgP in some families and to the finding that subgingival detection of A. actinomycet-emcomitans JP2 clone is a predictive factor for disease onset and progression. However, rather disappointingly, these ‘proven’ risk factors are only detected in a small subset of AgP cases. Recent advances are leading to a new paradigm shift, with the realization that genetically-driven dysbiotic changes in the subgingival microbiota may predispose to a cascade of events leading to the rapid periodontal tissue destruction seen in AgP. This review tries to dissect the existing literature on the host response-microbial axis of AgP and to propose possible pathogenic pathways in line with current theories.

Quantification of Porphyromonas gingivalis in chronic periodontitis patients associated with diabetes mellitus using real-time polymerase chain reaction

Introduction:

Periodontal diseases, if left untreated, can lead to tooth loss and affect at least one tooth in 80% of adults worldwide, with the main cause being a bacterial plaque. Among subgingival plaque bacterial species, Porphyromonas gingivalis has been implicated as a major etiological agent causing tooth loss. Diabetics and smokers are two patient groups at high risk for periodontal disease. The increase in the number of this organism with the coexistence of other pathogenic microbes leads to rapid destruction of the periodontium, premature loss of teeth and also because of its virulence has implications in systemic pathology. Our aim was to observe the involvement of P. gingivalis in diabetes mellitus (DM) patients associated with periodontitis with and without tobacco-associated habits and to compare them with periodontitis patients having no other systemic pathologies.

Materials and Methods:

Subgingival plaque samples from a total of seventy subjects were included in the study. DNA was isolated from the collected sample and was quantified using spectrophotometer for standardizing the polymerase chain reaction. The quantity of the isolated DNA was checked in a ultraviolet-visible spectrophotomer.

Statistics:

One-way ANOVA and Tukey's multiple post hoc procedures were carried out.

Results:

The maximum score of P. gingivalis was seen in periodontitis patients having DM, whereas the least score was seen in periodontitis patients having DM with tobacco smoking habit compared to the other groups.

Conclusion:

P. gingivalis count is significantly reduced in periodontitis patients having DM with smoking habit; it is concluded that P. gingivalis might not be a key causative organism responsible for the periodontal destruction in case of smokers despite the DM condition. The decrease in counts may be attributed to change in the local environment like chemical (tobacco nitrosamines) and physical changes preventing the growth of P. gingivalis.

Host response mechanisms in periodontal diseases

Periodontal diseases usually refer to common inflammatory disorders known as gingivitis and periodontitis, which are caused by a pathogenic microbiota in the subgingival biofilm, including Porphyromonas gingivalis, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Tannerella forsythia and Treponema denticola that trigger innate, inflammatory, and adaptive immune responses. These processes result in the destruction of the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth, and eventually in tissue, bone and finally, tooth loss. The innate immune response constitutes a homeostatic system, which is the first line of defense, and is able to recognize invading microorganisms as non-self, triggering immune responses to eliminate them. In addition to the innate immunity, adaptive immunity cells and characteristic cytokines have been described as important players in the periodontal disease pathogenesis scenario, with a special attention to CD4⁺ T-cells (T-helper cells). Interestingly, the T cell-mediated adaptive immunity development is highly dependent on innate immunity-associated antigen presenting cells, which after antigen capture undergo into a maturation process and migrate towards the lymph nodes, where they produce distinct patterns of cytokines that will contribute to the subsequent polarization and activation of specific T CD4+ lymphocytes. Skeletal homeostasis depends on a dynamic balance between the activities of the bone-forming osteoblasts (OBLs) and bone-resorbing osteoclasts (OCLs). This balance is tightly controlled by various regulatory systems, such as the endocrine system, and is influenced by the immune system, an osteoimmunological regulation depending on lymphocyte- and macrophage-derived cytokines. All these cytokines and inflammatory mediators are capable of acting alone or in concert, to stimulate periodontal breakdown and collagen destruction via tissue-derived matrix metalloproteinases, a characterization of the progression of periodontitis as a stage that presents a significantly host immune and inflammatory response to the microbial challenge that determine of susceptibility to develop the destructive/progressive periodontitis under the influence of multiple behavioral, environmental and genetic factors.

Association between periodontal condition and subgingival microbiota in women during pregnancy: a longitudinal study

OBJECTIVE

In this study, the gingival conditions and the quantitative detection for Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Porphyromonas gingivalis and Prevotella intermedia in pregnant women were determined.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Quantitative determinations of periodontal bacteria by using a SyBr green system in women during pregnancy were performed. Women at the 2nd and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy and non-pregnant women were included in this study. A. actinomycetemcomitans was observed in high numbers in women at the 2nd and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy with a significant difference (p<0.05). F. nucleatum and P. intermedia were also observed in high levels.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

Our results show that pregnant women are more susceptible to gingivitis, and the presence of A. actinomycetemcomitans in subgingival biofilm might be taken into account for the treatment of periodontal disease.

Activation and resolution of periodontal inflammation and its systemic impact

Inflammation is a highly organized event impacting upon organs, tissues and biological systems. Periodontal diseases are characterized by dysregulation or dysfunction of resolution pathways of inflammation that results in failure to heal and in a dominant chronic, progressive, destructive and predominantly unresolved inflammation. The biological consequences of inflammatory processes may be independent of the etiological agents, such as trauma, microbial organisms and stress. The impact of the inflammatory pathological process depends upon the tissues or organ system affected. Whilst mediators are similar, there is tissue specificity for the inflammatory events. It is plausible that inflammatory processes in one organ could directly lead to pathologies in another organ or tissue. Communication between distant parts of the body and their inflammatory status is also mediated by common signaling mechanisms mediated via cells and soluble mediators. This review focuses on periodontal inflammation, its systemic associations and advances in therapeutic approaches based on mediators acting through orchestration of natural pathways to resolution of inflammation. We also discuss a new treatment concept in which natural pathways of resolution of periodontal inflammation can be used to limit systemic inflammation and promote healing and regeneration.

Microbial protection and virulence in periodontal tissue as a function of polymicrobial communities: symbiosis and dysbiosis

This review discusses polymicrobial interactions with the host in both health and disease. As our ability to identify specific bacterial clonal types, with respect to their abundance and location in the oral biofilm, improves, we will learn more concerning their contribution to both oral health and disease. Recent studies examining host- bacteria interactions have revealed that commensal bacteria not only protect the host simply by niche occupation, but that bacterial interactions with host tissue can promote the development of proper tissue structure and function. These data indicate that our host-associated polymicrobial communities, such as those found in the oral cavity, co-evolved with us and have become an integral part of who we are. Understanding the microbial community factors that underpin the associations with host tissue that contribute to periodontal health may also reveal how dysbiotic periodontopathic oral communities disrupt normal periodontal tissue functions in disease. A disruption of the oral microbial community creates dysbiosis, either by overgrowth of specific or nonspecific microorganisms or by changes in the local host response where the community can now support a disease state. Dysbiosis provides the link between systemic changes (e.g. diabetes) and exogenous risk factors (e.g. smoking), and the dysbiotic community, and can drive the destruction of periodontal tissue. Many other risk factors associated with periodontal disease, such as stress, aging and genetics, are also likely to affect the microbial community, and more research is needed, utilizing sophisticated bacterial taxonomic techniques, to elucidate these effects on the microbiome and to develop strategies to target the dysbiotic mechanisms and improve periodontal health.

Patient-Specific Variations in Biomarkers across Gingivitis and Periodontitis

This study investigates the use of saliva, as an emerging diagnostic fluid in conjunction with classification techniques to discern biological heterogeneity in clinically labelled gingivitis and periodontitis subjects (80 subjects; 40/group) A battery of classification techniques were investigated as traditional single classifier systems as well as within a novel selective voting ensemble classification approach (SVA) framework. Unlike traditional single classifiers, SVA is shown to reveal patient-specific variations within disease groups, which may be important for identifying proclivity to disease progression or disease stability. Salivary expression profiles of IL-1ß, IL-6, MMP-8, and MIP-1α from 80 patients were analyzed using four classification algorithms (LDA: Linear Discriminant Analysis [LDA], Quadratic Discriminant Analysis [QDA], Naïve Bayes Classifier [NBC] and Support Vector Machines [SVM]) as traditional single classifiers and within the SVA framework (SVA-LDA, SVA-QDA, SVA-NB and SVA-SVM). Our findings demonstrate that performance measures (sensitivity, specificity and accuracy) of traditional classification as single classifier were comparable to that of the SVA counterparts using clinical labels of the samples as ground truth. However, unlike traditional single classifier approaches, the normalized ensemble vote-counts from SVA revealed varying proclivity of the subjects for each of the disease groups. More importantly, the SVA identified a subset of gingivitis and periodontitis samples that demonstrated a biological proclivity commensurate with the other clinical group. This subset was confirmed across SVA-LDA, SVA-QDA, SVA-NB and SVA-SVM. Heatmap visualization of their ensemble sets revealed lack of consensus between these subsets and the rest of the samples within the respective disease groups indicating the unique nature of the patients in these subsets. While the source of variation is not known, the results presented clearly elucidate the need for novel approaches that accommodate inherent heterogeneity and personalized variations within disease groups in diagnostic characterization. The proposed approach falls within the scope of P4 medicine (predictive, preventive, personalized, and participatory) with the ability to identify unique patient profiles that may predict specific disease trajectories and targeted disease management.

PLAP-1/Asporin Regulates TLR2- and TLR4-induced Inflammatory Responses

Periodontal ligament-associated protein 1 (PLAP-1)/asporin is an extracellular matrix protein preferentially expressed in periodontal ligaments. PLAP-1/asporin inhibits the cytodifferentiation and mineralization of periodontal ligament cells and has important roles in the maintenance of periodontal tissue homeostasis. However, the involvement of PLAP-1/asporin in inflammatory responses during periodontitis is poorly understood. This study hypothesized that PLAP-1/asporin might affect the pathogenesis of periodontitis by regulating periodontopathic bacteria-induced inflammatory responses. Proinflammatory cytokine expression induced by Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) and TLR4 was significantly downregulated when PLAP-1/asporin was overexpressed in periodontal ligament cells. Similarly, recombinant PLAP-1/asporin inhibited TLR2- and TLR4-induced proinflammatory cytokine expression in macrophages. We also confirmed that NF-κB activity induced by TLR2 and TLR4 signaling was suppressed by the addition of recombinant PLAP-1/asporin. Furthermore, IκB kinase α degradation induced by TLR4 was reduced by PLAP-1/asporin. Immunoprecipitation assays demonstrated the binding abilities of PLAP-1/asporin to both TLR2 and TLR4. Taken together, PLAP-1/asporin negatively regulates TLR2- and TLR4-induced inflammatory responses through direct molecular interactions. These findings indicate that PLAP-1/asporin has a defensive role in periodontitis lesions by suppressing pathophysiologic TLR signaling and that the modulating effects of PLAP-1/asporin might be useful for periodontal treatments.

Association of Fc gamma-receptors IIa, IIIa, and IIIb genetic polymorphism with susceptibility to chronic periodontitis in South Indian population

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Fc gamma receptors (FcγRs) are the members of the immunoglobulin superfamily and may play a role in the pathogenesis of periodontitis. Genetic variation in these receptors and its link with various forms of periodontitis is being studied in different populations. The aim of the present study is to determine whether specific FcγRIIa, FcγRIIIa, and FcγRIIIb alleles and/or genotypes are associated with risk for susceptibility to generalized chronic periodontitis (GCP) in South Indian population.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study population consisted of 120 South Indian subjects; 60 with GCP and 60 periodontally healthy. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) was extracted from samples collected by scrapping buccal epithelium. FcγRIIa and FcγRIIIa genotyping were performed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of DNA with allele-specific primers followed by allele-specific restriction digestion of the products. However, FcγRIIIb genotyping was done by allele-specific PCR.

RESULTS

No significant difference in the distribution of FcγRIIa H/R and FcγRIIIa NA1/NA2 genotypes or their respective alleles was observed in GCP patients and healthy subjects. For FcγRIIIa F/V genetic polymorphism, the homozygous V/V genotype and V allele were significantly overrepresented in GCP patients while F/F genotype and F allele in controls.

CONCLUSION

The present study demonstrates that FcγRIIIa V/V genotype, as well as V allele, could be a possible risk factor for chronic periodontitis in South Indian population.

Targeted salivary biomarkers for discrimination of periodontal health and disease(s)

Generally, clinical parameters are used in dental practice for periodontal disease, yet several drawbacks exist with the clinical standards for addressing the needs of the public at large in determining the current status/progression of the disease, and requiring a significant amount of damage before these parameters can document disease. Therefore, a quick, easy and reliable method of assessing and monitoring periodontal disease should provide important diagnostic information that improves and speeds treatment decisions and moves the field closer to individualized point-of-care diagnostics.

OBJECTIVE

This report provides results for a saliva-based diagnostic approach for periodontal health and disease based upon the abundance of salivary analytes coincident with disease, and the significant progress already made in the identification of discriminatory salivary biomarkers of periodontitis.

METHODS

We evaluated biomarkers representing various phases of periodontitis initiation and progression (IL-1ß, IL-6, MMP-8, MIP-1α) in whole saliva from 209 subjects categorized with periodontal health, gingivitis, and periodontitis.

RESULTS

Evaluation of the salivary analytes demonstrated utility for individual biomarkers to differentiate periodontitis from health. Inclusion of gingivitis patients into the analyses provided a more robust basis to estimate the value of each of these analytes. Various clinical and statistical approaches showed that pairs or panels of the analytes were able to increase the sensitivity and specificity for the identification of disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Salivary concentrations of IL-1ß, IL-6, MMP-8, MIP-1α alone and in combination are able to distinguish health from gingivitis and periodontitis. The data clearly demonstrated a heterogeneity in response profiles of these analytes that supports the need for refinement of the standard clinical classifications if we are to move toward precision/personalized dentistry for the twenty-first century.

The association between the RAGE G82S polymorphism, sRAGE and chronic periodontitis in Taiwanese individuals with and without diabetes

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The present study investigated the association between the RAGE G82S polymorphism, the plasma levels of sRAGE and chronic periodontitis in subjects with and without diabetes mellitus (DM).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 230 patients with DM and 264 non-DM participants were recruited for this study. Genotyping of the RAGE G82S polymorphism was accomplished using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism, and associations were analyzed with the chi-squared test and logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

In the non-DM group, the chi-squared test showed that the frequency distributions of the G82S polymorphism were significantly different between chronic periodontitis and non-chronic periodontitis subjects (χ(2) = 8.39, p = 0.02). A multivariate logistic regression model showed that the (G82S + S82S) genotypes were associated with a significantly increased risk of chronic periodontitis development compared to the G82G genotype (adjusted odds ratio = 2.06, 95% confidence interval: 1.08-4.07). In the DM group, there was no association between the G82S polymorphism and chronic periodontitis development when a multivariate logistic regression was performed. Plasma levels of sRAGE were significantly higher in subjects with the G82G genotype compared to those with the (G82S + S82S) genotypes in both the non-DM (856.6 ± 332.0 vs. 720.4 ± 311.4 pg/mL, p = 0.003) and DM groups (915.3 ± 497.1 vs. 603.5 ± 298.3 pg/mL, p < 0.0001). However, there was no difference in plasma sRAGE levels between chronic periodontitis and non-chronic periodontitis subjects in both the DM and non-DM groups. Moreover, when the subjects were further sub-divided by the G82S polymorphism, the difference in plasma levels of sRAGE between chronic periodontitis and non-chronic periodontitis subjects in the DM and non-DM groups remained statistically insignificant.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study revealed that the RAGE G82S polymorphism was associated with chronic periodontitis in the non-DM group but not in the DM group. Our results also showed that the plasma levels of sRAGE were significantly higher in subjects with the RAGE G82G genotype, and this correlation was not affected by the presence of chronic periodontitis in the DM and non-DM groups.

Osteoimmunology: Major and Costimulatory Pathway Expression Associated with Chronic Inflammatory Induced Bone Loss

The field of osteoimmunology has emerged in response to the range of evidences demonstrating the close interrelationship between the immune system and bone metabolism. This is pertinent to immune-mediated diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and periodontal disease, where there are chronic inflammation and local bone erosion. Periprosthetic osteolysis is another example of chronic inflammation with associated osteolysis. This may also involve immune mediation when occurring in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Similarities in the regulation and mechanisms of bone loss are likely to be related to the inflammatory cytokines expressed in these diseases. This review highlights the role of immune-related factors influencing bone loss particularly in diseases of chronic inflammation where there is associated localized bone loss. The importance of the balance of the RANKL-RANK-OPG axis is discussed as well as the more recently appreciated role that receptors and adaptor proteins involved in the immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif (ITAM) signaling pathway play. Although animal models are briefly discussed, the focus of this review is on the expression of ITAM associated molecules in relation to inflammation induced localized bone loss in RA, chronic periodontitis, and periprosthetic osteolysis, with an emphasis on the soluble and membrane bound factor osteoclast-associated receptor (OSCAR).

Effect of Fluoxetine on Periodontal Status in Patients With Depression: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study

BACKGROUND

Fluoxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, has been reported to reduce periodontal disease severity in a rat ligature-induced periodontitis model. The objective of the present study is to investigate the influence of fluoxetine intake on periodontal parameters in patients with periodontitis with clinical depression.

METHODS

A sample of 236 patients with chronic periodontitis and clinical depression were assessed for clinical parameters of periodontal disease. Of these, 115 patients were taking fluoxetine (20 mg/day) for ≥2 months, and 121 patients were not. Participants taking fluoxetine were further analyzed for correlation between duration of drug intake and periodontal parameters.

RESULTS

All periodontal parameters, except plaque index, were significantly lower in participants taking fluoxetine (P <0.01). Partial correlation analysis, adjusted for confounders, revealed a significant and negative correlation between duration of fluoxetine intake and attachment loss (AL) (R(2) = -0.321, P <0.05). Logistic regression analysis revealed that fluoxetine intake was associated with a lower risk of having AL ≥3 (odds ratio [OR] = 0.55, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.31 to 0.96) and lower odds of increased bleeding on probing (BOP) percentage values (OR = 0.62, 95% CI = 0.34 to 0.97).

CONCLUSION

In this observational study, use of fluoxetine was associated with lower BOP percentages and reduced AL.

Evaluation of salivary procalcitonin levels in different periodontal diseases

BACKGROUND

The present study aims to investigate the levels of salivary procalcitonin (ProCT) in patients with different periodontal diseases.

METHODS

Seventy-two non-smokers are included in this study: 21 individuals with chronic periodontitis (CP), 14 individuals with generalized aggressive periodontitis (GAgP), 18 individuals with gingivitis (G), and 19 periodontally healthy (H) participants. Clinical periodontal parameters, including probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), plaque index, and gingival index (GI), were assessed in all participants. Saliva samples were collected and examined for evaluating ProCT levels.

RESULTS

It was found that the median (interquartile range) salivary ProCT level was lowest in the H group: 0.00 (0.09) ng/mL; followed by the G group: 0.09 (0.11) ng/mL; the CP group: 0.15 (0.29) ng/mL; and highest in the GAgP group 0.28 (0.68) ng/mL. These differences were statistically significant between the H group and the other groups (P <0.05). There were positive correlations between the mean salivary ProCT level and GI, CAL, and PD.

CONCLUSION

According to the present results, ProCT might play a role during periodontal inflammation, and an elevated salivary ProCT level is suggested as a potential biomarker for periodontal diseases.

Effect of intensive oral hygiene regimen during pregnancy on periodontal health, cytokine levels, and pregnancy outcomes: a pilot study

BACKGROUND

Data are limited on the potential effect of intensive oral hygiene regimens and periodontal therapy during pregnancy on periodontal health, gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and serum cytokines, and pregnancy outcomes.

METHODS

A clinical trial was conducted on 120 community-dwelling, 16- to 35-year-old pregnant women at 16 to 24 weeks of gestation. Each participant presented with clinical evidence of generalized, moderate-to-severe gingivitis. Oral hygiene products were provided, together with instructions for an intensive daily regimen of hygiene practices. Non-surgical therapy was provided at baseline. Oral examinations were completed at baseline and again at 4 and 8 weeks. In addition, samples of blood and GCF were collected at baseline and week 8. Mean changes in clinical variables and GCF and serum cytokine levels (interleukin [IL]-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-α) between baseline and week 8 were calculated using paired t test. Pregnancy outcomes were recorded at parturition.

RESULTS

RESULTS indicated a statistically significant reduction in all clinical variables (P <0.0001) and decreased levels of TNF-α (P = 0.0076) and IL-1β (P = 0.0098) in GCF during the study period. The rate of preterm births (<37 weeks of gestation) was 6.7% (P = 0.113) and low birth weight (<2,500 g) was 10.2% (P = 1.00).

CONCLUSIONS

Among the population studied, intensive instructions and non-surgical periodontal therapy provided during 8 weeks at early pregnancy resulted in decreased gingival inflammation and a generalized improvement in periodontal health. Large-scale, randomized, controlled studies are needed to substantiate these findings.

Enamel matrix derivative, inflammation and soft tissue wound healing

Over 15 years have now passed since enamel matrix derivative (EMD) emerged as an agent capable of periodontal regeneration. Following thorough investigation, evidenced-based clinical application is now established for a multitude of clinical settings to promote regeneration of periodontal hard tissues. Despite the large number of studies and review articles written on this topic, no single review has compiled the influence of EMD on tissue inflammation, an area of research that merits substantial attention in periodontology. The aim of the present review was to gather all studies that deal with the effects of EMD on tissue inflammation with particular interest in the cellular mechanisms involved in inflammation and soft tissue wound healing/resolution. The effects of EMD on monocytes, macrophages, lymphocytes, neutrophils, fibroblasts and endothelial cells were investigated for changes in cell behavior as well as release of inflammatory markers, including interleukins, prostaglandins, tumor necrosis factor-α, matrix metalloproteinases and members of the OPG-RANKL pathway. In summary, studies listed in this review have reported that EMD is able to significantly decrease interleukin-1b and RANKL expression, increase prostaglandin E2 and OPG expression, increase proliferation and migration of T lymphocytes, induce monocyte differentiation, increase bacterial and tissue debris clearance, as well as increase fibroplasias and angiogenesis by inducing endothelial cell proliferation, migration and capillary-like sprout formation. The outcomes from the present review article indicate that EMD is able to affect substantially the inflammatory and healing responses and lay the groundwork for future investigation in the field.

Levels of interleukin-37 in gingival crevicular fluid, saliva, or plasma in periodontal disease

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to compare the levels of levels of interleukin-37 (IL-37) in gingival crevicular fluid, saliva and plasma in patients with periodontal disease and patients with healthy periodontium and to correlate these levels with clinical parameters.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Samples of gingival crevicular fluid, whole saliva and plasma were collected from systemically healthy, nonsmoker periodontally healthy controls (group 1, n = 20), gingivitis patients (group 2, n = 20) and chronic periodontitis patients (group 3, n = 20). Full-mouth clinical periodontal parameters, including probing depth, plaque index, gingival index and bleeding on probing, were also recorded. IL-37 levels in the biofluid samples were determined by ELISA. Data were tested statistically using the Kruskal-Wallis test followed by the Mann-Whitney U-test.

RESULTS

The concentration of IL-37 in gingival crevicular fluid was significantly lower in group 3 than in groups 1 and 2 (p = 0.001), whereas the total amounts in gingival crevicular fluid samples were similar (p > 0.05). The salivary and plasma concentrations of IL-37 were similar in the study groups (p > 0.05). There were negative correlations between gingival crevicular fluid IL-37 concentrations and gingival crevicular fluid volume in all groups (p < 0.05). There was also a negative correlation between the gingival crevicular fluid IL-37 concentration and gingival index in group 3 (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

IL-37 was expressed in all biofluids. According to our findings, the total amount of IL-37 in gingival crevicular fluid, or salivary or plasma concentrations of IL-37, may not be useful diagnostic markers to differentiate periodontal disease and the periodontally healthy condition. The difference in gingival crevicular fluid IL-37 concentration between the study groups may be a result of the variation in gingival crevicular fluid volume, as suggested by the negative correlation between gingival crevicular fluid volume and gingival crevicular fluid IL-37 concentration. In the light of our findings, it seems that IL-37 is not involved in periodontal disease. Further comprehensive studies may clarify this issue more clearly.

The effect of IL-4 gene polymorphisms on cytokine production in patients with chronic periodontitis and in healthy controls

Chronic periodontitis (CP) is an inflammatory disease of the teeth-supporting tissues in which genetic predisposition, dental plaque bacteria, and immune mechanisms all play important roles. The aim of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of IL-4 gene polymorphisms in chronic periodontitis and to investigate the association between polymorphisms and cytokines production after bacterial stimulation. Sixty-two subjects (47 CP patients and 15 healthy controls) with detected two polymorphisms in the IL-4 gene (-590C/T and intron 3 VNTR) were examined. Production of cytokines (IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17, TNFα, INFγ, and VEGF) was studied after in vitro stimulation of isolated peripheral blood by mitogens (Pokeweed mitogen, Concanavalin A), dental plaque bacteria (Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Tannerella forsythia, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Prevotella intermedia), and Heat Shock Protein (HSP) 70 by the Luminex multiplex cytokine analysis system. The results were correlated with IL-4 genotypes in patients with CP and healthy controls. The mononuclear cells isolated from peripheral blood of CP patients with selected IL-4 polymorphisms significantly altered the production of IFNγ, IL-10, IL-1β, IL-1α, TNFα, and IL-6 after stimulation by HSP 70 or selected bacteria (from P < 0.001 to P < 0.05). IL-4 gene polymorphisms may influence the function of mononuclear cells to produce not only interleukin-4 but also other cytokines, especially in patients with CP.

Effect of periodontal therapy on salivary interleukin-12 levels in chronic periodontitis

BACKGROUND

Interleukin-12 (IL-12) is considered a central regulator of host resistance against a variety of pathogens. The influence of scaling and root planing was evaluated on amount of IL-12 in salivary fluid of patients with chronic generalized severe periodontitis, in relation to clinical parameters.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 50 subjects were enrolled, of which 25 had chronic generalized severe periodontitis, and 25 periodontally healthy as control. The clinical parameters included plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), pocket probing depth (PPD) bleeding on probing (BOP) and clinical attachment loss (CAL). The level of IL-12 in salivary fluid was measured by ELISA kit at baseline and at four week following scaling and root planing.

RESULTS

Mean IL-12 levels in patients with periodontitis at baseline (9.79 ± 5.70 pg/ml) were higher than in controls (9.18±4.94 pg/ml; p=0.54.) Scaling and root planing resulted in significant increase in IL-12 levels (mean: 15.93±12.09 pg/ml; p =0.001) (control vs postoperative p <0.001). No significant correlations were found between IL-12 levels and any of the above clinical parameters.

CONCLUSION

Short-term nonsurgical therapy resulted in a significant improvement in periodontal indices and a marked increase in IL-12 levels.

Porphyromonas gingivalis gingipains selectively reduce CD14 expression, leading to macrophage hyporesponsiveness to bacterial infection

Cysteine proteases (gingipains) from Porphyromonas gingivalis are key virulence factors in chronic periodontitis. Innate immune receptors CD14, Toll-like receptor (TLR) 2 and TLR4 are important in P. gingivalis recognition. We examined the ability of gingipains to cleave CD14, TLR2 and TLR4, and the consequences for the cellular response to bacterial challenge. Macrophages were exposed to Arg (RgpA and RgpB)- and Lys (Kgp)-gingipains, and residual expression of TLR2, TLR4 and CD14 was determined by flow cytometry. The cellular response to live bacteria following exposure to purified gingipains was evaluated by TNFα production and bacterial phagocytosis. RgpA and Kgp decreased CD14 detection in a concentration (p = 0.0000002)- and time (p = 0.03)-dependent manner, whereas RgpB had no significant effect. TLR2 and TLR4 expression were unaffected. Reduction in CD14 expression was more efficient with Lys-gingipain than with Arg-gingipain. A reduced CD14 surface level correlated with decreased TNFα secretion and bacterial phagocytosis following challenge with live P. gingivalis, but the response to heat-killed bacteria was unaffected. Therefore, gingipains reduce CD14 expression without affecting expression of the bacterial-sensing TLRs. Reduced CD14 expression depends on the gingipain hemagglutinin/adhesion site and results in macrophage hyporesponsiveness to bacterial challenge. Further studies are needed to determine if reduced CD14 expression is linked to periodontitis induced by P. gingivalis.