Evidence linking the role of periodontal viruses in coronary artery disease with and without periodontitis

Evidence linking the association of periodontal viruses and pentraxins in periodontitis patients with coronary artery disease

BACKGROUND

Although there is ample evidence in the literature supporting a significant positive association between key periodontal pathogens and established inflammatory markers of periodontitis and coronary artery disease (CAD), their exact role remain unclear. Especially, the role of viruses in the etiology and specific biomarkers have not been validated. Thus, the current study aims to evaluate the role of periodontal viruses such as Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), and herpes simplex virus (HSV), as well as the inflammatory marker pentraxin-3 (PTX3), and to analyze their association with CAD.

METHODS

The study included 240 patients divided into four groups of 60 patients each: nonperiodontitis + noncardiac (NP+NC) group, periodontitis + noncardiac patients (P+NC) group, nonperiodontitis + cardiac patients (NP+C) group, and periodontitis + cardiac (P+C) group. The cardiac surgery group (C-S) was a subgroup of NP+C and P+C. It consisted of 60 patients from the abovementioned two cardiac groups in whom coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) was indicated. Demographic variables, cardiac parameters, and periodontal parameters were recorded. The viruses (EBV, CMV, and HSV) and the inflammatory marker PTX3 were evaluated in the subgingival plaque samples of all the four groups and atheromatous plaque samples of the C-S using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), respectively, and were compared between the groups. The results were obtained and statistically analyzed.

RESULTS

The demographic variables did not differ significantly between the groups, except for age. Systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, low-density lipoprotein, and random blood sugar were significantly higher in NP+C and P+C, whereas high-density lipoprotein was significantly lower (p ≤ 0.05) in the same. Plaque index (PI), probing pocket depth (PPD), and clinical attachment level (CAL) were significantly higher (p ≤ 0.05) in P+NC and P+C. PTX were significantly elevated in P+C among the four groups. On evaluating the subgingival plaque samples, EBV and CMV were significantly higher in the two periodontitis groups P+NC and P+C (p = 0.000). HSV was significantly higher in the two cardiac groups (NP+C and P+C) (p ≤ 0.05). Cardiac EBV and CMV were significantly elevated in the P+C group with a p value of 0.004 and 0.033, respectively. Cardiac HSV was found in the NP+C group with statistical insignificance (p = 0.410) between the groups. On correlation, oral PTX were significantly associated with bleeding index (BI), PPD, and CAL (p = 0.000). Similarly, cardiac PTX showed significant association with PI, BI, PPD, and CAL (p = 0.000). Oral and cardiac PTX also showed significant correlation with each other. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed a significant association between CAL and oral EBV (p ≤ 0.05). Similarly, cardiac EBV showed a significant association with CAL and oral EBV (p ≤ 0.05). Multiple logistic regression analysis also revealed that both cardiac and oral PTX showed a significant association only with oral EBV, CMV, and HSV.

CONCLUSION

The results of the current study suggest that the clinical severity of periodontitis (CAL), etiology of periodontitis (EBV and CMV), and inflammatory marker of periodontitis (PTX3) were found to be significantly elevated in CAD. These findings suggests that periodontal diseases may be a risk factor that could influence the progression of CAD.

Association of pentraxin in periodontitis patients with coronary artery disease

Objectives

Pentraxin 3 (PTX3) is a biomarker, associated with the pathogenesis of Periodontitis and coronary artery disease (CAD) individually, but their role in patients with both diseases remains unclear. The current study aims to evaluate the association of PTX in patients with concomitant periodontitis and CAD.

Materials and Methods

In a case-control study, 240 participants were selected and divided into four groups. Nonperiodontitis + noncardiac = 60 patients, periodontitis + noncardiac (P + NC) = 60 patients, nonperiodontitis + cardiac (NP + C) = 60 patients, periodontitis + cardiac (P + C) = 60 patients. Demographic variables, cardiac and periodontal parameters were recorded. PTX was evaluated in the subgingival plaque and atheromatous plaque samples using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and compared between the groups. The results were statistically analyzed.

Results

Among the demographic variables, age showed a significant difference between the groups. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure, low-density lipoprotein, and random blood sugar were significantly higher in NP + C and P + C groups (P ≤ 0.05). The plaque index, probing pocket depth, and clinical attachment loss were significantly higher in P + NC and P + C groups (P ≤ 0.05). PTX was significantly elevated in P + C group (P = 0.000). Pearson's correlation revealed a significant correlation between the periodontal parameters and PTX in both the cardiac and oral samples.

Conclusion

PTX3 levels were elevated in CAD patients with periodontitis suggesting the influence of periodontal inflammation in the progression of CAD. PTX3 may serve as a diagnostic and prognostic tool for both periodontitis and CAD. This study could provide an understanding and awareness about the potential role of PTX3 in both periodontitis and CAD.

Microbiota-related metabolites fueling the understanding of ischemic heart disease

Up-to-date knowledge of gut microbial taxa associated with ischemic heart disease (IHD). Microbial metabolites for mechanistic dissection of IHD pathology. Microbiome-based therapies in IHD prevention and treatment.

Association of Epstein-Barr virus, cytomegalovirus and lipocalin with periodontitis in type 2 diabetic subjects

OBJECTIVE

The current study aims to evaluate and compare the lipocalin, adiponectin and periodontal viruses in the generalized periodontitis patients with and without diabetes mellitus.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Seventy subjects were grouped into 35 systemically healthy (GP) and 35 patients with diabetes mellitus (GP+DM). The periodontal parameters, demographic and diabetic variables were evaluated in both the groups. The subgingival tissue samples were procured from the diseased sites and were analysed for the detection of EBV, CMV, HSV and protein markers by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and lipocalin and adiponectin were identified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

RESULTS

The demographic variables such as age and BMI did not differ between the groups. PI and CAL were found to be significantly higher in GP+DM (p < 0.05). EBV (82.9%), CMV (71.4%) and protein marker: lipocalin were also found to be statistically highly significant in GP+DM and adiponectin was found to be higher in GP group and reduced in GP+DM group (p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

The increased prevalence of EBV and CMV and lipocalin with reduced levels of adiponectin in patients with diabetes and periodontitis which may show aggravation of the diabetic status of the periodontitis patients thereby reinforcing a strong Periodontitis-DM continuum.

Impact of Red Complex Bacteria and TNF-α Levels on the Diabetic and Renal Status of Chronic Kidney Disease Patients in the Presence and Absence of Periodontitis

Scientific evidence shows a positive association in the etiopathogenesis of periodontitis and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Various confounding factors, such as obesity, diabetes, and inflammation, also play a significant role in the progression of CKD, which remains unexplored. We hypothesise the role of red complex bacteria with various confounding factors associated with chronic kidney disease. The study comprised a total of 120 participants categorised into 4 groups: the control group (C), periodontitis subjects without CKD (P), periodontally healthy chronic kidney disease subjects (CKD), and subjects having both periodontitis and CKD (P + CKD), with 30 subjects in each group. Demographic variables, and periodontal, renal, and diabetic parameters were recorded. Tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α levels and those of red complex bacteria such as Prophyromonas gingivalis (P.g), Treponema denticola (T.d), and Tonerella forsythia (T.f) were assessed, and the obtained results were statistically analysed. Among the various demographic variables, age showed a level of significance. Mean PI, GI, CAL, and PPD (the proportion of sites with PPD ≥ 5 mm and CAL ≥ 3 mm) were elevated in the P + CKD group. Diabetic parameters such as fasting blood sugar (FBS) and HbA1c levels were also greater in the P + CKD group. Renal parameters such as eGFR and serum creatinine levels were greater in CKD patients. The estimation of red complex periodontal pathogens such as Pg, Td and Tf levels were significantly greater in the P and P + CKD groups. Pearson correlation analysis revealed significant correlation of red complex bacteria with all variables. Greater levels of P.g, T.d and T.f were found in the P groups, thus indicating their important role in the initiation and progression of inflammation of periodontitis and CKD, with diabetes as one of the confounding factors. The study also confirmed a log-linear relationship between TNF-α levels and red complex bacteria, thereby demonstrating the role of inflammatory biomarkers in periodontal disease progression that could contribute to the development of systemic inflammation such as CKD.

Viruses, periodontitis, and comorbidities

Seminal studies published in the 1990s and 2000s explored connections between periodontal diseases and systemic conditions, revealing potential contributions of periodontal diseases in the initiation or worsening of systemic conditions. The resulting field of periodontal medicine led to the publication of studies indicating that periodontal diseases can influence the risk of systemic conditions, including adverse pregnancy outcomes, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, as well as Alzheimer disease and cancers. In general, these studies hypothesized that the periodontal bacterial insult and/or the associated proinflammatory cascade could contribute to the pathogenesis of these systemic diseases. While investigations of the biological basis of the connections between periodontal diseases and systemic conditions generally emphasized the bacteriome, it is also biologically plausible, under an analogous hypothesis, that other types of organisms may have a similar role. Human viruses would be logical "suspects" in this role, given their ubiquity in the oral cavity, association with periodontal diseases, and ability to elicit strong inflammatory response, compromise immune responses, and synergize with bacteria in favor of a more pathogenic microbial consortium. In this review, the current knowledge of the role of viruses in connecting periodontal diseases and systemic conditions is examined. We will also delve into the mechanistic basis for such connections and highlight the importance of those relationships in the management and treatment of patients.

Evaluation of the periodontal viruses in cardiovascular patients associated with periodontitis

OBJECTIVES

The current study aims in evaluating the prevalence of Epstein-barr virus (EBV), Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Herpes simplex virus (HSV) in periodontitis and/or Coronary artery disease (CAD) patients to compare with their healthy controls and insist their significance in the same.

METHODOLOGY

Two hundred and forty patients were divided into 4 groups. Non-periodontitis+non-cardiac (NP+NC) =60 patients, periodontitis+non-cardiac patients (P+NC)=60 patients, non-periodontitis+cardiac patients (NP+C)=60 patients and periodontitis+cardiac (P+C)=60 patients. Demographic variables, cardiac and periodontal parameters were recorded. EBV, CMV and HSV were evaluated in the sub- gingival plaque samples using RT-PCR (Real time polymerase chain reaction) and compared between the groups. The results were statistically analysed using Students t test, Pearson's chi square, Turkey post hoc analysis and multiple logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

The demographic variables did not differ significantly between the groups, except for age. Systolic blood pressure, Diastolic blood pressure, Low density lipoprotein, Random blood sugar were significantly higher in NP+C and P+C (p≤0.05). The Plaque Index, Probing Pocket Depth and Clinical Attachment Loss (p≤0.05) were significantly higher in P+NC and P+C. EBV and CMV was significantly higher in the two periodontitis groups P+NC and P+C (p-value=0.000). HSV was significantly higher in the two cardiac groups (NP+C and P+C) (p≤0.05). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed a significant association between EBV and CAL (p≤0.05).

CONCLUSION

The study concluded that higher prevalence of EBV and CMV were found in groups with periodontitis patients. This indicates the significant role of the viruses in periodontitis as confirmed by association of EBV and CAL. The viruses were said to be highest in periodontitis patients with CAD. This could pave a new link in the risk of CAD in periodontitis patients.

The traditional and modifiable risk factors of coronary artery disease - a community-based cross-sectional study among 2 populations

ABSTRACT

A community-based cross-sectional study was undertaken by the Cardiology Society of India (Kerala Chapter) to determine the prevalence of coronary artery disease (CAD) and its risk factors. The periodontal health status of the rural and urban participants in the Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala was evaluated to document any association between periodontal disease (PD) and CAD and to describe any shared risk factors.The participants were selected using a multistage cluster random sampling method. Socio-demographic data and personal histories were collected using a structured interview schedule and validated tools. Body mass index, blood pressure, electrocardiogram, and biochemical investigations were recorded and analyzed using standard protocols. A modification of the Ramfjord periodontal disease index was used to assess periodontal health.PD was more frequent among rural (61.4%) than in the urban population (35.5%). The frequencies of CAD associated with PD in the rural and urban populations were 82.6% and 40.5%, respectively. PD was not found to be a significant risk factor for CAD in the univariate regression analysis of urban populations. In the rural population, the odds of PD as a risk factor for CAD were found to be 3.08 (95% CI [1.38-8.38]) and significant (P = .043) in univariate regression analysis and 1.54 (95% CI: 0.44-5.4) and non-significant (P = .503) in the multivariate regression analysis.In rural areas, male sex and dyslipidemia demonstrated borderline significance as risk factors for CAD. PD was not found to be an independent risk factor after adjusting for age, sex, tobacco use, hypertension, sedentary lifestyle, and dyslipidemia. Male sex and dyslipidemia were identified as shared risk factors between PD and CAD, which could have confounded the significant association between the latter. In urban areas, age, male sex, and dyslipidemia demonstrated an independent association with CAD. This study could not establish an independent association between PD and CAD in either community. Future epidemiological studies should identify and recruit novel environmental factors to understand the interrelationships between PD and CAD and focus on the role of effect modifiers that may have a protective role against PD colluding with CAD.

Automatic text-mining as an unbiased approach to uncover molecular associations between periodontitis and coronary artery disease

The increasing prevalence of periodontal and cardiovascular diseases is the result of a sedentary lifestyle associated with poor diet, obesity, hypercholesterolaemia, smoking habits, alcohol consumption and stress. The present study aims to uncover molecular associations between periodontitis and coronary heart disease using an unbiased strategy of automatic text mining traditionally applied to bibliometric studies. A total of 1590 articles on these diseases were retrieved from the Web of knowledge database and searched using the VOS viewer to create a network of keywords associated with both diseases. These data were supplemented with data from DisGeNET, which stores known associations to either periodontitis or coronary heart disease. Overall, the automated text mining approach presented here highlighted inflammatory molecules as common associations between periodontitis and coronary heart disease. Specifically, this study showed that molecules such as C-reactive protein, interleukins 6 and 1-β, myeloperoxidase, and matrix metalloproteinase 9 are simultaneously associated with periodontitis and coronary artery disease by both text mining and DisGeNET analyses. This association validates the multiplex assessment of salivary inflammatory markers as a tool to assess cardiovascular disease risk and could become an important tool to identify common molecular targets to monitor both diseases simultaneously. In addition, the text mining protocol and subsequent data processing and methods using bioinformatics tools could be useful to uncover links between other diseases.