Periodontitis and atherogenesis: causal association or simple coincidence?

More than just teeth: How oral health can affect the heart

Epidemiological evidence has revealed a potential relationship between periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Consensus regarding a link between these pathologies remains elusive, however, largely secondary to the considerable overlap between risk factors and comorbidities common to both disease processes. This review article aims to update the evidence for an association by summarizing the evidence for causality between periodontitis and comorbidities linked to CVD, including endocarditis, hypertension (HTN), atrial fibrillation (AF), coronary artery disease (CAD), diabetes mellitus (DM) and hyperlipidemia (HLD). This article additionally discusses the role for periodontal therapy to improved management of the comorbidities, with the larger goal of examining the value of periodontal therapy on reduction of CVD risk. In doing so, we endeavor to further the understanding of the commonality between periodontitis, and CVD.

Oral Health and Cardiovascular Disease

Several studies have examined a potential relationship between periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease. This article aims to update the evidence for a potential association by summarizing the evidence for causality between periodontitis and comorbidities linked to cardiovascular disease, including hypertension, atrial fibrillation, coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, and hyperlipidemia. We additionally discuss the evidence for periodontal therapy as a means to improved management of these comorbidities, with the larger goal of examining the value of periodontal therapy on reduction of cardiovascular disease risk.

Effect of Nonsurgical Periodontal Therapy on Metabolic Control and Systemic Inflammatory Markers in Patients of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus with Stage III Periodontitis

Background

A reciprocal relationship is understood to exist between periodontal disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and this intervention study aimed to evaluate the effects of nonsurgical periodontal therapy (NSPT) on metabolic control, systemic inflammation, and cytokines in patients of T2DM with Stage III periodontitis.

Materials and Methods

Sixty patients of T2DM with Stage III periodontitis were divided equally into two groups: intervention group (IG) and control group. Clinical parameters such as bleeding on probing (BOP), probing pocket depth (PPD), and clinical attachment level (CAL) were recorded at baseline and 3 and 6 months, and the serum samples were collected and processed at baseline and 6 months following NSPT to evaluate fasting plasma glucose, Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), interleukin-10 (IL-10), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and high-sensitivity capsule-reactive protein (hs-CRP).

Results

The results indicated a significant improvement in clinical parameters of PPD and CAL 6 months after NSPT (P = 0.005) in both the groups. However, a significant decrease (P < 0.0001) in the TNF-α, hs-CRP, blood glucose, and HbA1c levels was seen after NSPT. On the other hand, an increase in anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 was observed after NSPT in the IG. The changes in the pretreatment and posttreatment levels of all clinical, biochemical, and metabolic parameters, were found to be significant in both the groups except BOP.

Conclusion

NSPT effectively improves periodontal condition, systemic inflammatory status, and glycemic control in patients of T2DM with Stage III periodontitis and decreases hs-CRP levels.

Cross-sectional analysis of the association of periodontitis with carotid intima media thickness and atherosclerotic plaque in the Hamburg City health study

BACKGROUND

Previous epidemiological studies regarding the association between chronic periodontitis (CP) and carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) and subclinical atherosclerosis have been inconclusive.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to determine whether CP is associated with subclinical atherosclerosis in a large population-based cohort study conducted in northern Germany (the Hamburg City Health study).

METHODS

Baseline data from 5781 participants of the Hamburg City Health Study with complete oral health and carotid ultrasound data (50.7% female, mean age: 62.1 ± 8.4 years) were evaluated. A standardized duplex sonography of the carotid artery was performed with measurement of carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) and atherosclerotic plaques. Oral health was assessed by recording the decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) index, clinical attachment loss (CAL), bleeding on probing (BOP), and the dental plaque index (PI). Correlations were tested for statistical significance by means of descriptive statistics and multivariate regression analyses.

RESULTS

Moderate and severe CP were associated with the prevalence of cIMT ≥ 1 mm (none or mild CP: 5.1%, moderate CP: 6.1%, severe CP: 10%) and mean cIMT (none or mild CP: 0.72 mm, moderate CP: 0.75 mm, severe CP: 0.78 mm) in bivariate analyses (p < .001). Additionally, severe and moderate CP were associated with higher prevalence of carotid atherosclerotic plaques (plaque = yes: none or mild CP: 23.9%, moderate CP: 29%, severe CP: 40.2%,). After adjustment for age, sex, smoking, diabetes, hypertension, educational level, hypercholesterolemia, and hsCRP, severe CP still correlated significantly with cIMT and the prevalence of cIMT ≥1 mm and/or presence of carotid atherosclerotic plaques.

CONCLUSION

In this study, severe CP was associated with increased cIMT and higher prevalence of carotid plaques independent of common risk factors.

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

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.

Frequency of daily tooth brushing and subsequent cardiovascular events

OBJECTIVE

Although previous studies have shown an inverse association between the frequency of daily tooth brushing and cardiovascular risk factors, research on cardiovascular events is limited. This study aimed to evaluate the association between the frequency of daily tooth brushing and subsequent cardiovascular events.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A retrospective longitudinal study was conducted at a hospital in Tokyo, Japan. We included all participants who underwent health check-ups from 2005 to 2011 and followed up to 2018. Our outcomes were the development of cardiovascular events. Outcomes were compared by the frequency of daily tooth brushing with a generalized estimating equation, adjusting for potential confounders. A total of 71 221 participants were included. The mean age was 45.6 years and 50.3% were male. During a median follow-up of 2061 (interquartile range: 933-3311) days, 1905 participants developed cardiovascular events. The adjusted odds ratios (ORs) of cardiovascular events increased in a dose-dependent manner as the frequency of tooth brushing decreased. Even those who brushed their teeth once in a day had a higher adjusted OR of stroke (1.22; 95% confidence interval, 1.01-1.48) than did those who brushed after every meal.

CONCLUSIONS

Frequent tooth brushing was inversely associated with subsequent cardiovascular events in a dose-dependent manner. Even brushing one's teeth once a day may be related to an increased likelihood of stroke than brushing one's teeth after every meal. Less frequent tooth brushing may be considered to be a marker for subsequent cardiovascular disease and coronary heart disease, rather than a risk factor.

Severe Periodontitis and Biomarkers of Bacterial Burden. Results From a Case-Control and Intervention Clinical Trial

Background and aims: Periodontitis is an inflammatory-infectious disease. Identifying markers of systemic exposure of periodontitis might be of interest to study its interaction with other conditions. Soluble triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 1 (sTREM-1) is upregulated during bacterial infections. Our aim was therefore to investigate whether periodontitis and its treatment are associated with bacterial endotoxin and sTREM-1.

Methods: Fifty patients with severe periodontitis and 50 age-matched controls were included in a case-control study (all never smokers). A secondary analysis of a previously published intervention study was performed, in which included 69 patients with severe periodontitis were randomized to receive either intensive (IPT) or control periodontal therapy (CPT) and monitored over 6 months. Serum levels of bacterial endotoxin and sTREM-1 were determined at one time point (case-control study) and at baseline, 1 day, 1 and 6 months after periodontal treatment (intervention study).

Results: Severe periodontitis was associated with elevated circulating endotoxin levels when cases (22.9 ± 2.2 EU/ml) were compared to controls (3.6 ± 0.5 EU/ml, p < 0.001) and with sTREM-1 levels (1302.6 ± 47.8 vs. 870.6 ± 62.0 pg/ml, p < 0.001). A positive correlation was observed between sTREM-1 and endotoxin levels (r = 0.4, p < 0.001). At 6 months after treatment, IPT significantly decreased serum levels of sTREM-1 compared to CPT (adjusted mean difference of 500.2 pg/ml, 95% CI: 18.9–981.4; p = 0.042). No substantial differences were noted in endotoxin levels at any time point after treatment between groups.

Conclusions: Severe periodontitis is linked to increased circulating endotoxin and sTREM-1 levels and following IPT a reduction in sTREM-1 levels is observed.

A Study on the Correlation between C-Reactive Protein Concentration and Teeth with a ≥5 mm Periodontal Pocket in Chronic Periodontitis Patients

Objective

To evaluate the relationship between CRP levels and teeth with ≥5 mm PD in chronic periodontitis patients.

Materials and Methods

We evaluated 49 patients with chronic periodontitis who visited the Department of Periodontology at Wonkwang University Dental Hospital. At the first visit, high-sensitive CRP testing of venous blood samples was performed, and correlations were statistically evaluated.

Results

The mean hs-CRP level of patients diagnosed with severe periodontitis was 2.0 mg/L (0.13–13.95 mg/L). Statistically, patients with a high rate of teeth diagnosed with severe periodontitis are more likely to have higher hs-CRP level.

Conclusion

Within the limits of this study, the number and proportion of teeth showing ≥5 mm PD was positively correlated with CRP concentration.

Salivary and serum oxidative stress biomarkers and advanced glycation end products in periodontitis patients with or without diabetes: A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Non-invasive methods for periodontitis diagnosis would be a clinically important tool. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the association between oxidative stress, glycation, and inflammation markers and periodontal clinical parameters in periodontitis and periodontally healthy patients with type 2 diabetes and corresponding systemically healthy controls.

METHODS

Sixty-seven periodontally healthy (DM-H, n = 32) and periodontitis (DM-P, n = 35) patients with type 2 diabetes, and 54 systemically healthy periodontitis (H-P, n = 26) and periodontally healthy (H-H, n = 28) controls were included. Clinical periodontal parameters, body mass index, fasting glucose, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), along with saliva and serum 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), malondialdehyde (MDA), 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (4-HNE), advanced glycation end products (AGE), AGE receptor (RAGE) and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels were recorded and analyzed.

RESULTS

Salivary 8-OHdG levels were significantly higher in periodontitis compared to periodontally healthy patients, regardless of systemic status (P < 0.001). Salivary MDA levels were significantly higher in all disease groups compared to H-H group (P ≤ 0.004). Serum AGE levels were significantly higher in diabetic groups than systemically healthy groups (P < 0.001) and in H-P compared to H-H (P < 0.001). Bleeding on probing (BOP) and clinical attachment level (CAL) strongly correlated with salivary 8-OHdG and serum hsCRP (P < 0.001). In systemically healthy patients, salivary 8-OHdG was the most accurate marker to differentiate periodontitis from controls (AUC = 0.84). In diabetics salivary 4-HNE and RAGE were the most accurate (AUC = 0.85 for both).

CONCLUSION

Salivary 8-OHdG alone or in combination with 4-HNE, AGE and RAGE for diabetics, and salivary 8-OHdG alone or in combination with MDA and hsCRP for systemically healthy persons, could potentially serve as non-invasive screening marker(s) of periodontitis.

Effect of compliance during periodontal maintenance therapy on c-reactive protein levels: a 6-year follow-up

AIMS

To longitudinally evaluate the effects of compliance during periodontal maintenance therapy (PMT) on C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and its relation to periodontal status.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A subsample comprising of 30 matched pairs was taken from a previous 6-year longitudinal study under PMT. Pairs were composed of one regular (RC) and one irregular (IC) compliers, matched by age and sex. Periodontal parameters and plasma samples were collected at 3 times: T1[prior to active periodontal therapy (APT)], T2(after APT), and T3(after 6 years). CRP plasma levels were quantified using ELISA.

RESULTS

RC presented better clinical periodontal status, lower recurrence of periodontitis (sites with PD ≥4 mm and CAL ≥3 mm, together with the persistence and/or presence of BOP and/or suppuration, during any of the subsequent recall evaluations) and significant reductions in CRP levels over time [(T1: RC = 3.64 ± 2.13 and IC = 3.92 ± 2.02 mg/L) and (T3: RC = 2.12 ± 1.39 mg/L and IC = 3.71 ± 1.82 mg/L)]. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that individuals with periodontitis recurrence presented 2.19 higher chances of presenting altered CRP levels (values ≥3 mg/L- T2 to T3) than those without periodontitis recurrence (95%CI:1.16-3.27; p = 0.017).

CONCLUSIONS

Higher CRP plasma levels were associated with higher recurrence of periodontitis and worse clinical periodontal parameters among IC when compared to RC.

Association between serum IgG antibody titers against Porphyromonas gingivalis and liver enzyme levels: A cross-sectional study in Sado Island

Background

Previous studies have reported associations between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, periodontitis, and obesity. Serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody titer against Porphyromonas gingivalis, a major pathogen of periodontitis, is an established indicator of periodontal infection. However, the relationship between the antibody titer and liver enzyme levels has not been clarified yet. A study in the elderly was needed to evaluate the effect of long-term persistent bacterial infection on liver function. The objective of this study was to investigate the association between liver function and infection by P. gingivalis, and the effect of obesity on the association.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted in adult outpatients visiting Sado General Hospital, in Niigata Prefecture, Japan, from 2008 to 2010. The final participants included 192 men and 196 women (mean age 68.1 years). Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the association between the serum IgG antibody titer and the levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and γ-glutamine transferase (GGT) levels.

Results

In women, serum IgG antibody titers against P. gingivalis was associated with elevated ALT, but not with AST or GGT, independent of covariates (p = 0.015). No significant association was found between the antibody titer and the elevated liver enzymes in men. The effect of obesity on the relationship between antibody titer and liver enzyme levels was not statistically significant.

Conclusions

A cross-sectional analysis of adult outpatients suggested an association between P. gingivalis infection and ALT levels in women. The effect of obesity on this association was not statistically significant.

Mechanisms underlying the association between periodontitis and atherosclerotic disease

Atherosclerosis is central to the pathology of cardiovascular diseases, a group of diseases in which arteries become occluded with atheromas that may rupture, leading to different cardiovascular events, such as myocardial infarction or ischemic stroke. There is a large body of epidemiologic and animal model evidence associating periodontitis with atherosclerotic disease, and many potential mechanisms linking these diseases have been elucidated. This chapter will update knowledge on these mechanisms, which generally fall into 2 categories: microbial invasion and infection of atheromas; and inflammatory and immunologic. With respect to the invasion and infection of atheromas, it is well established that organisms from the subgingival biofilm can enter the circulation and lodge in most distant tissues. Bacteremias resulting from oral interventions, and even oral hygiene activities, are well documented. More recently, indirect routes of entry of oral organisms (via phagocytes or dendritic cells) have been described for many oral organisms, into many tissues. Such organisms include the periodontal pathogens Porphyromonas gingivalis, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Prevotella intermedia, Tannerella forsythia, and Fusobacterium nucleatum. Intracellular survival of these organisms with dissemination to distant sites (The Trojan Horse approach) has been described. Their relative contribution to atheroma formation and progression has been studied mainly in experimental research, with results demonstrating that these organisms can invade endothelial cells and phagocytic cells within the atheroma, leading to pathogenic changes and progression of the atheroma lesion. The second category of mechanisms potentially linking periodontitis to atherosclerosis includes the dumping of inflammatory mediators originating from periodontal lesions into the systemic circulation. These inflammatory mediators, such as C-reactive protein, matrix metalloproteinases, fibrinogen, and other hemostatic factors, would further accelerate atheroma formation and progression, mainly through oxidative stress and inflammatory dysfunction. Moreover, direct effects on lipid oxidation have also been described. In summary, the evidence supports the concept that periodontitis enhances the levels of systemic mediators of inflammation that are risk factors for atherosclerotic diseases.

Comparative evaluation of role of hs C -reactive protein as a diagnostic marker in chronic periodontitis patients

Background and Aim

C-reactive protein (CRP) is a type I acute phase protein, which can increase up to 1000 fold after the onset of a stimulus. It is a phylogenetically highly conserved plasma protein with homolog in vertebrates and many invertebrates that participate in systemic response to inflammation. Serum C-reactive protein levels are raised in patients with myocardial infarction and periodontitis, providing a potential mechanism to link destructive periodontal disease with an increased risk for other atherosclerotic complications. The purpose of the present study was to estimate and compare the levels of hs- C Reactive protein in chronic periodontitis patients before and after non-surgical periodontal therapy.

Methods

The study sample consisted of 45 individuals of age group 30-60 years that was divided into two groups Group I (control) and Group II (patients with chronic generalized periodontitis). The clinical parameters such as plaque index, calculus index, gingival index, probing pocket depth, clinical attachment level, and serum hs-CRP levels were recorded for these individuals.

Results

The patients with healthy gingiva possessed a mean hs-CRP level of 0.252 ± 0.0393 which was lower as compared to the patients with chronic periodontitis. In periodontitis patients mean levels of hs-CRP was 0.106 ± 0.029 which reduced to 0.044 ± 0.027 after periodontal therapy. A significantly elevated CRP level was found in subjects with periodontitis compared to the controls.

Conclusion

The serum levels of C-reactive protein were elevated in patients with periodontitis and this might be a diagnostic marker for cardiovascular diseases.

Importance of Mechanical Periodontal Therapy in Patients with Diabetes Type 2 and Periodontitis

Periodontitis is an infectious and inflammatory disease of high prevalence worldwide and constitutes a significant oral health problem. It can lead to tooth loss. In addition, the local inflammatory process can cause the release of inflammatory mediators in the bloodstream and, consequently, contribute to the emergence of systemic effects as cardiovascular and diabetic complications. The purpose of this mini review is to alert health professionals about the risk that periodontitis represents for the onset or exacerbation of complications in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus and to emphasize that the mechanical treatment of periodontal disease and reestablishment of oral health are essential for the metabolic control of these patients. The periodontal therapy may help to reduce the risk of systemic complications in diabetes patients. Proper dental management should be suggested by health professionals, mainly from physicians to their patients, in order to improve the health conditions in these individuals.

Levels of Pro and Anti-inflammatory Citokynes and C-Reactive Protein in Patients with Chronic Periodontitis Submitted to Nonsurgical Periodontal Treatment

Aim

to compare the levels of IFN-γ, TGF-β and C-reactive protein (CRP) in healthy patients (HP) and chronic periodontitis patients (CP) before and seven days after the last session of Non-Surgical Periodontal Treatment (NSPT).

Materials and Methods

40 subjects were divided into two groups: healthy (n= 20), and with chronic periodontitis (n = 20). Serum and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) were collected from each patient and quantified for IFN-γ, TGF-β and CRP using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results

IFN-γ was found to be higher in the GCF of the CP group before NSPT in relation to the HP group (p<0.05), and it had significant higher levels after seven days of NSPT (p<0.05). The levels of TGF-β in the GCF of CP patients before NSPT were significantly higher when compared to HP (p<0.05), but they decreased after seven days of NSPT (p>0.05). Serum CRP levels did not show statistical difference between CP and HP before or after NSPT.

Conclusion

Therefore, our results demonstrated for the first time that NSPT causes early exacerbation of the immune response at the local level represented by increased levels of IFN-γ and decreased levels of TGF-β in the gingival crevicular fluid after seven days of treatment.

To Evaluate and Compare Periodontal Disease and Smoking as a Parallel Risk Factor for Systemic Health by Gauging the Serum C-Reactive Protein Levels

INTRODUCTION

Physiologic and metabolic changes that occur immediately after a damage or disease are known as Acute Phase Reaction (APR). Acute Phase Proteins (APP) are blood proteins secreted by hepatocytes during APR C-Reactive Protein (CRP) being the important one.

AIM

Present study was designed to estimate and compare the levels of the serum CRP in current smokers, former smokers and non-smokers, with and without periodontitis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An experimental study was planned on 165 subjects who were divided into four groups. Group 1- nonsmokers with periodontitis. Group 2- smokers without periodontitis. Group 3- smokers with periodontitis. Group 4- former smokers without periodontitis. Healthy controls were not included in the study as the normal range of CRP in health is already established. Periodontal examination was done and serum CRP was measured. After getting the acceptance to be a part of the study, written informed consent was taken from each participant. Data analysis was done by ANOVA and post-hoc tests.

RESULTS

Highest level of CRP was found in smokers with periodontitis followed by non-smokers with periodontitis and smokers without periodontitis. Former smokers had minimum CRP compared to the other groups (p-value=0.03).

CONCLUSION

Periodontitis alone and in combination with smoking increases the systemic inflammatory burden and associated cardiovascular risk. This fact should be communicated thoroughly to the general population, general dentist, physicians and cardiovascular specialist to enhance early screening and multidisciplinary treatment.

Porphyromonas gingivalis antibody levels and diagnosis of coronary artery disease in HIV-positive individuals

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Periodontal disease has been associated with cardiovascular disease in the general population. It is unknown whether IgG antibody levels for periodontal pathogens are associated with the diagnosis of coronary artery disease (CAD) in HIV-positive individuals.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Twenty-four HIV-positive individuals (cases) with stored plasma available in the 12 months before CAD diagnosis were age- and sex-matched 1:2 with 46 HIV-positive individuals without CAD (controls). Antibody levels to whole cell extracts from periodontal pathogens Porphyromonas gingivalis, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and Fusobacterium nucleatum, as well as markers of inflammation sCD14, CXCL10 and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, were compared between cases and controls using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.

RESULTS

P. gingivalis-specific IgG levels (μg/mL) were significantly higher in individuals with CAD (median 1.48 [IQR 1.06-2.05]) compared to controls (0.70 [IQR 0.35-1.24], P<.001), and remained significantly higher following adjustment for traditional cardiovascular risk factors and HIV viral load (OR 21.6 [95% CI 3.73-125.63] P=.001). There was a borderline association between A. actinomycetemcomitans IgG antibody levels (cases, median 3.86 [IQR 3.19-4.72]; controls, 3.34 [IQR 2.59-4.07], P=.050) and no association found between F. nucleatum antibody levels and CAD. sCD14 levels (μg/mL) were higher in cases compared with controls (median 3.45 [IQR 3.03-4.11] vs 2.65 [IQR 2.32-2.99] P<.001), while CXCL10 (median 127 pg/mL [IQR 88-157] vs 153 [IQR 90-244] P=.321) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (median 3.44 mg/L [1.98-5.32] vs 1.85 [1.13-6.88] P=.203) levels were not different between cases and controls.

CONCLUSION

Periodontal bacteria may be contributing to CAD risk in HIV-positive individuals.

Evaluation of C-Reactive Protein and Fibrinogen in Patients with Chronic and Aggressive Periodontitis: A Clinico-Biochemical Study

INTRODUCTION

Periodontal disease is characterised by chronic infection and inflammation in periodontal tissues leading to destruction of alveolar bone with subsequent tooth loss. Periodontal infections are the result of an interaction between tooth associated microbial biofilms and the host defences. Periodontal pathogens can affect local and systemic immune and inflammatory responses.

AIM

The aim of the present study was to evaluate serum C-Reactive Protein (CRP), plasma fibrinogen and peripheral blood levels in healthy subjects, chronic and aggressive periodontitis patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 55 subjects, 27 males and 28 females were selected for the study. Blood samples were taken from healthy controls (n=20) and patients with chronic periodontitis (n=20) and aggressive periodontitis (n=15). The periodontal status of each patient was assessed by recording Oral Hygiene Index-Simplified (OHI-S), Bleeding Index (BI), Probing Pocket Depth (PPD) and Clinical Attachment Level (CAL). The levels of serum CRP were measured using high sensitivity Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) and levels of plasma fibrinogen were measured using Quantitative Immunoturbidimetric assay. Data description was done in the form of mean and standard deviation and analysis of data was done using one way ANOVA (Analysis of Variance) and Students t-test to test the statistical significance between groups.

RESULTS

The levels of serum CRP and plasma fibrinogen was increased in patients with chronic and aggressive periodontitis when compared to healthy controls (p<0.001). A positive correlation was found to exist between levels of clinical parameters like OHI-S, BI, PPD and CAL when compared with CRP and fibrinogen as well as with the study groups.

CONCLUSION

The finding of the present study suggests the role of serum as a diagnostic marker in inflammatory conditions and indicates that levels of CRP and fibrinogen may serve as important biomarkers for evaluating the association between periodontitis and cardiovascular diseases.

Influence of obesity on the outcome of non-surgical periodontal therapy - a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Obesity and periodontitis are important chronic health problems. Obesity is associated with an increased prevalence of periodontitis. Whether obesity also affects the outcome of non-surgical periodontal therapy is to date still unclear.

METHODS

A systematic review of studies referenced in SCOPUS, MEDLINE, PubMed, Cochrane, CINAHL, Biosis and Web of Science was performed. Titles, abstracts and finally full texts were scrutinized for possible inclusion by two independent investigators. Quality and heterogeneity of the studies were assessed and the study designs were examined. Probing pocket depth reduction was analyzed as primary surrogate parameter for therapeutic success after non-surgical periodontal therapy.

RESULTS

One-hundred-and-fifty-nine potentially qualifying studies were screened. Eight studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were analyzed. Three of eight studies failed to show an influence of obesity on pocket depth reduction after non-surgical therapy. The remaining five studies documented a clear negative effect on the outcome of non-surgical periodontal therapy. The finally included studies did not correspond to the highest level of quality (RCTs). Due to the heterogeneity of the data a meta-analysis was not possible.

CONCLUSION

The literature on the effect of obesity on the treatment outcome of non-surgical periodontal therapy remains controversial. The data, however, support that obesity is not only a factor associated with poorer periodontal health but might also result in inferior response to non-surgical treatment of periodontitis.

Morbidly obese patient with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis-related cirrhosis who died from sepsis caused by dental infection of Porphyromonas gingivalis: A case report

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is associated with increased risks of developing lifestyle-related diseases including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cerebral vessel disease. While the two-hit hypothesis and, recently, multiple parallel hits hypothesis of NASH pathogenesis were proposed, further details have not emerged. Recently, dental infection of Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) has been reported as a critical risk factor for NASH progression, which acts as multiple parallel hits to induce inflammation and fibrogenic responses in steatosis. We describe here a 54-year-old woman who died from sepsis and was diagnosed with NASH. Briefly, her body mass index (BMI) at the age of 35 years old had been 25.6 kg/m(2) , but she became obese after withdrawing into her home at the age of 45 years. Severe obesity continued over 19 years without diabetes mellitus. She was admitted to our hospital due to a sudden disturbance of consciousness. On admission, her BMI was 48.5 kg/m(2) . Computed tomography revealed cirrhotic liver with massive ascites, and laboratory data indicated increased inflammatory responses, renal failure and C grade Child-Pugh classification, suggesting the diagnosis of sepsis. Also, severe periodontal disease was present, because the patient's front teeth fell out easily during intubation. Although the focus of infection was not specified, the oral flora Parvimonas micra, a periodontal pathogen, was detected in venous blood. In spite of intensive care including artificial respiration management and continuous hemodiafiltration, she died on the 43rd day after admission. Surprisingly, P. gingivalis was detected in her hepatocytes. This case may represent the significance of P. gingivalis in the progress to cirrhosis in NASH patients.

Interaction between periodontal disease and atherosclerotic vascular disease--Fact or fiction?

C-reactive protein (CRP) level is associated with the 10-year risk of an atherosclerotic vascular disease (ASVD), suggesting presence of systemic inflammation probably long before ASVD is present. Where, however, does this systemic inflammation come from? One active area of research has been the study of dental infection and various forms of periodontal disease (PD), both of which are highly prevalent in populations at risk for ASVD. Recent data show that ASVD and PD interact with each other via systemic release of specific pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, small signal molecules and enzymes which modulate initiation and progression of the chronic inflammatory reaction involved in both diseases. In addition, periodontal pathogens were identified within atherosclerotic lesions and thrombi isolated from myocardial infarction patients. LDL cholesterol, a strong risk factor for ASVD, is also associated with PD; and statins, used to treat ASVD, are also active to prevent or reduce PD. Finally, there is growing evidence for common genetic susceptibility factors involved in both diseases. These findings support commonalities with respect to the pathogenic mechanisms involved in both inflammatory diseases. Conversely, a causative relationship cannot yet be concluded in the absence of data from large longitudinal cohort and randomized controlled intervention trials.

Effects of periodontal therapy on C-reactive protein and HDL in serum of subjects with periodontitis

Objective

To investigate the effects of nonsurgical periodontal therapy on levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein in the sera and its association with body mass index and high density lipoprotein in subjects with severe periodontitis.

Methods

Sera from 28 subjects (mean age: 34.36±6.24; 32% men) with severe periodontitis and 27 healthy controls (mean age: 33.18±6.42; 33% men) were collected prior to periodontal therapy. Blood samples were obtained from 23 subjects who completed therapy (9-12 months). Oral and systemic parameters such as the number of blood cells, glucose examination, lipid profile, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels accessed by high-sensitivity immunonephelometry assay, were included.

Results

Before therapy, in the periodontitis group, the ratio of subjects with high-sensitivity C-reactive protein <0.3 mg/dL was statistically lower than in the control group (P<0.0216). After therapy, the ratio of subjects with high-sensitivity C-reactive protein <0.3 mg/dL was significantly higher (65.22%) (P<0.0339). The mean value for body mass index was statistically lower in subjects with high-sensitivity C-reactive protein <0.3 mg/dL (24.63±4.19), compared with those with high-sensitivity C-reactive protein >0.3 mg/dL (28.91±6.03) (P<0.0411). High density lipoprotein presented a mean value statistically higher after therapy (P<0.0027).

Conclusion

In systemically healthy subjects with periodontitis, periodontal therapy was associated with decreased levels of circulating high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and increase of high density lipoprotein in serum. The clinical trial was registered at http://www.clinicaltrials.gov.br/, No. RBR-24T799.

Impact of scaling and root planing on C-reactive protein levels in gingival crevicular fluid and serum in chronic periodontitis patients with or without diabetes mellitus

Purpose

The present study was conducted to evaluate the impact of scaling and root planing (SRP) on the C-reactive protein (CRP) levels of gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and serum in chronic periodontitis patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM-CP) or without type 2 diabetes mellitus (NDM-CP).

Methods

Forty-eight human participants were divided into two groups: an experimental (T2DM-CP) group (group I, n=24) comprising chronic periodontitis patients with random blood sugar ≥200 mg/dL and type 2 diabetes mellitus, and control (NDM-CP) group (group II, n=24) of those with chronic periodontitis and random blood sugar <200 without T2DM for the study. All subjects underwent nonsurgical periodontal therapy (NSPT) including complete SRP and subgingival debridement. Periodontal health parameters, plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), probing pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment level (CAL), GCF volume (GCF vol), GCF-CRP, random blood glucose (RBS), glycated hemoglobin, and systemic inflammatory markers, serum CRP, total leukocyte count (TLC), neutrophil count (Neutr) and lymphocyte count (Lymph), were evaluated at baseline, 1 month, and 3 months after SRP.

Results

NSPT resulted in statistically significant improvement in periodontal health parameters (PI, GI, PPD, CAL, GCF vol), CRP levels in serum as well as GCF of both groups I and II. The mean improvement in periodontal health parameters (PI, GI, PPD, CAL, GCF vol), CRP levels in serum and GCF was greater in group I than group II after NSPT. There was nonsignificant increase in GCF-CRP, TLC, Lymph, and RBS, and a significant increase in Neutr and Serum CRP in group II at 1 month. The Serum CRP level of 20 out of 24 group II patients had also increased at 1 month.

Conclusions

The CRP levels in both GCF and serum were higher in T2DM-CP patients than in NDM-CP patients. Although there was a significant improvement in both the groups, greater improvement was observed in both GCF and serum samples of T2DM-CP patients.

Graphical Abstract

C-Reactive Protein (CRP) and its Association with Periodontal Disease: A Brief Review

Periodontal disease is a chronic infection of the gums characterised by a loss of attachment between the tooth and bone, and bone loss. C-reactive protein (CRP) elevation is a part of the acute phase response to acute and chronic inflammation. Many epidemiological studies have shown that serum CRP levels were elevated in patients with chronic periodontitis. CRP levels increase to hundreds of μg/ml within hours following infection. It out-performs erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) in terms of responsiveness and specificity for inflammation. While CRP elevation is suggestive of inflammation or infection in the appropriate clinical context, it can also occur with obesity and renal dysfunction. Conversely, a lack of CRP elevation in inflammation may be seen with hepatic failure, as well as during flares of conditions such as systemic lupus erythematosus.

Herbal anti-inflammatory immunomodulators as host modulators in chronic periodontitis patients: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical trial

PURPOSE

Host modulatory therapy has been proposed as a treatment for periodontal diseases. A class of herbal medicines, known to be immunomodulators, alters the activity of immune function through the regulation of informational molecules such as cytokines. In the current study, we tested the hypothesis that herbal immunomodulator drugs act as an adjuvant to scaling and root planing (SRP) in alleviating periodontal inflammation by improving clinical and biochemical parameters.

METHODS

Sixty healthy subjects (30 in each group) with moderate and severe chronic periodontitis were enrolled in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, double-masked randomised controlled trial. The control group was treated with SRP and a placebo, whereas the test group was treated with SRP followed by dietary supplementation of Septilin for 3 weeks. Periodontal clinical parameters and serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were evaluated for all patients at the baseline, 3 weeks, and 6 weeks.

RESULTS

Improved gingival index scores found in the test group as compared to the control group were found to be statistically significant only after 3 weeks (P<0.001). In contrast, the decrease in the sulcus bleeding index and pocket depth scores was statistically highly significant in the test group as compared to the control group after 3 weeks and 6 weeks (P<0.001). However, reduced clinical attachment level and CRP scores, as reflected in the test group as compared to the control group, were not found to be statistically significant after both 3 weeks (P>0.05) and 6 weeks (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this clinical-biochemical study suggest that dietary supplementation with herbal immunomodulatory agents may be a promising adjunct to SRP and may aid in improving periodontal treatment outcomes.

T helper cells from aggressive periodontitis patients produce higher levels of interleukin-1 beta and interleukin-6 in interaction with Porphyromonas gingivalis

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we analyzed the production of Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and IL-6 by activated CD4+ cells obtained from aggressive periodontitis (AgP) patients in comparison with healthy subjects (HC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

CD4+ cells were automatically separated from lymphocytes obtained from peripheral blood of patients with AgP and healthy controls. Cells were activated for 4, 8, and 24 h with three different stimuli: anti-CD3/anti-CD28, phytohemagglutinin (PHA), and Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) outer membrane protein (OMP). Protein levels were measured in supernatants of activated CD4+ cells by a bead-based immunoassay (CBA). In addition, serum antibodies against P. gingivalis were determined. Data were analyzed using U test (p < 0.05).

RESULTS

T helper cells of AgP patients activated with P. gingivalis OMP produced higher levels of IL-1β and IL-6 in comparison with healthy controls (p < 0.05). Neither the activation with anti-CD3/anti-CD28 nor the activation with PHA showed significantly different production of IL-1β and IL-6 by the cells 25 % of patients and 17 % of controls presented with high serum reactivity to P. gingivalis.

CONCLUSION

In view of these results, it is possible to conclude that P. gingivalis contributes to the pathogenesis of AgP by inducing high levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β and IL-6 by peripheral CD4+ T helper cells.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

In accordance with the clinical parameters and the immunological data, we suggest that full-mouth disinfection with adjunctive systemic antibiotics might be the anti-infectious non-surgical periodontal treatment of choice in this type of patients. Microbiological analyses at the beginning and at the end of the periodontal treatment are recommended. However, it is necessary to verify these data in longitudinal clinical studies.

Microbiota and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis

The recent rise in obesity-related diseases, such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and its strong association with microbiota, has elicited interest in the underlying mechanisms of these pathologies. Experimental models have highlighted several mechanisms connecting microbiota to the development of liver dysfunction in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) such as increased energy harvesting from the diet, small intestine bacterial overgrowth, modulation of the intestinal barrier by glucagon-like peptide-2 secretions, activation of innate immunity through the lipopolysaccharide-CD14 axis caused by obesity-induced leptin, periodontitis, and sterile inflammation. The manipulation of microbiota through probiotics, prebiotics, antibiotics, and periodontitis treatment yields encouraging results for the treatment of obesity, diabetes, and NASH, but data in humans is scarce.

Doppler flowmetry as a tool of predictive, preventive and personalised dentistry

Periodontal lesions are considered a major problem in the global burden of oral diseases due to their high frequency and negative impact on quality of life. Periodontal inflammation is accomplished by a breakdown of microcirculatory function. Early detection of gingival microvessel dysfunction helps diagnose and prevent the progression of initial periodontal pathology. Doppler flowmetry is a useful tool in the diagnosis, monitoring, prognosis and management of periodontal patients which allows access not only of gingival blood flow but also of pulpal microcirculation. Doppler flowmeters might help to realise the ultimate target of predictive, preventive and personalised periodontology tailored with respect to the particular patient. This article highlights the main working principles of laser Doppler flowmeters and the ultrasonic Doppler flowmeters. The advances in blood flow measurement by ultrasonic flowmetry are discussed.

Non-surgical periodontal treatment reduces cardiovascular risk in refractory hypertensive patients: a pilot study

AIM

To evaluate the effects of non-surgical periodontal treatment on left ventricular mass (LVM), arterial stiffness, systolic and diastolic blood pressure and plasma levels of inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein (CRP), fibrinogen and interleukin-6) in refractory hypertension patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This interventional prospective cohort pilot study included 26 patients (53.6 ± 8.0 years old) diagnosed with refractory hypertension and generalized chronic periodontitis. Subjects received non-surgical periodontal treatment according to their needs. Plasma levels of systemic inflammation (CRP; fibrinogen and interleukin-6) and established cardiovascular risk factors [systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP), left ventricular mass (LVM) and arterial stiffness] were assessed at three time points (baseline, 3 months after baseline and 6 months after periodontal therapy).

RESULTS

Periodontal therapy significantly reduced all cardiovascular risk markers evaluated. Median values of SBP and DBP were reduced by 12.5 mmHg and 10.0 mmHg, respectively, whereas left ventricular mass (LVM) reduced by 12.9 g and pulse wave velocity reduced by 0.9 m/s (p < 0.01). Levels of CRP, IL-6 and fibrinogen lowered by 0.5 mg/dl, 1.4 pg/dl and 37.5 mg/dl (p < 0.01), respectively, 6 months after periodontal therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Periodontal therapy significantly reduced levels of CRP, IL-6, fibrinogen, blood pressure, LVM and arterial stiffness, lowering cardiovascular risk in refractory hypertensive patients.

The relationship between periodontitis and systemic diseases - hype or hope?

Investigations have definitely acknowledged a clinically relevant two-way relationship between periodontitis and certain systemic diseases and conditions, which are significant for the dentist in the daily practice and for a physician as well. This review article yields the most up-to-date information on the role of periodontal diseases in systemic diseases, that include cardiovascular diseases and atherosclerosis, diabetes mellitus, respiratory diseases and unfavourable pregnancy outcomes. It debates the role of diabetes and smoking in the periodontal tissues.

Periodontitis: A risk for delivery of premature labor and low-birth-weight infants

Periodontitis is a destructive inflammatory disease of the supporting tissues of the teeth and is caused by specific microorganisms or group of specific microorganisms. The association of periodontal infection with organ systems like cardiovascular system, endocrine system, reproductive system, and respiratory system makes periodontal infection a complex multiphase disease. Inflamed periodontal tissues produce significant amounts of proinflammatory cytokines, mainly interleukin 1-beta (IL-1β), IL-6, prostaglandin E2, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), which may have systemic effects on the host. Low birth weight, defined as birth weight less than 2,500 g, continues to be a significant public health issue in both developed and developing countries. Research suggests that the bacteria that cause inflammation in the gums can actually get into the bloodstream and target the fetus, potentially leading to premature labor and low-birth-weight (PLBW) babies. One reasonable mechanism begins with deleterious effects of endotoxins released from Gram-negative bacteria responsible for periodontal disease. Hence periodontal disease appears to be an independent risk factor for PLBW and there is a need to expand preventive measures for pregnant women in harmonization with the gynecological and dental professions.

Periodontitis: A risk for delivery of premature labor and low birth weight infants

Periodontitis is a destructive inflammatory disease of the supporting tissues of the teeth and is caused by specific microorganisms or a group of specific microorganisms. Association of periodontal infection with organ systems like cardiovascular system, endocrine system, reproductive system, and respiratory system makes periodontal infection a complex multiphase disease. Inflamed periodontal tissues produce significant amounts of pro-inflammatory cytokines, mainly interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), IL-6, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), which may have systemic effects on the host. Low birth weight, defined as birth weight less than 2500 g, continues to be a significant public health issue in both developed and developing countries. Research suggests that the bacteria that cause inflammation in the gums can actually get into the bloodstream and target the fetus, potentially leading to premature labor and low birth weight (PLBW) babies. One reasonable mechanism for this is the deleterious effect of endotoxin released from gram-negative bacteria responsible for periodontal disease. Hence, periodontal disease appears to be an independent risk factor for PLBW and there is a need to expand preventive measures for pregnant women in coordination with the gynecological and dental professions.

Comparing serum levels of cardiac biomarkers in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy and subjects with chronic periodontitis

BACKGROUND

Chronic periodontitis (CP) is a chronic inflammation associated with elevations of several inflammatory and cardiac markers. Studies implicated CP as one of the etiologies in coronary heart disease (CHD). Cardiotoxicity is a major complication of anticancer drugs, including anthracyclines and 5-fluorouracil (5FU). The most severe cardiac complications are heart failure, arrhythmia and coronary heart disease (CHD). In this study, we compared the level of inflammatory factors and cardiac markers between chronic periodontitis patients and cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.

METHODS

108 blood samples of periodontally healthy subjects were obtained on random from Hong Kong Red Cross, and these represented the controlled population. Forty-four patients diagnosed with chronic periodontitis were recruited from the West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University. They have received scaling and root planning with mean pocket depths of 6.05 mm. Thirty breast cancer patients diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma from UNIMED Medical Institute, Hong Kong gave consent to participate in this study. They received 4 cycles of 500mg/m2 5-fluorouracil, 75 mg/m2 epirubicin and 500mg/m2 cyclophosphamide at a 3-week interval between each cycle. Peripheral venous blood from each group was taken for measurement of blood cells, inflammatory marker (P-selectin, high sensitvity C-reactive protein) and cardiac markers (troponin T; troponin I; N-terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide (Nt-proBNP) and Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH).

RESULTS

The lymphocyte count was higher (p < 0.05) in periodontitis patients than the other two groups, and more neutrophils (p < 0.05) were seen in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. The two test groups demonstrated higher levels (p < 0.01) of inflammatory and cardiac markers than the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

The elevated cardiac markers found in periodontitis patients suggested that they may carry potential risks in developing cardiac lesions. Troponin T, troponin I, pro-BNP, LDH and high sensitvity C-reactive protein may be used as markers to monitor cardiac lesions in chronic inflammatory patients.

Influence of periodontal therapy on C-reactive protein level: a systematic review and meta-analysis

The influence of oral infections, especially periodontal disease, on systemic diseases has been extensively discussed in the literature. Because periodontal disease is a persistent infection, it promotes an inflammatory response. C-reactive protein is a marker for inflammatory reactions that is frequently studied, since elevated levels of this protein are related to coronary events.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of periodontal therapy on reducing the serum levels of C-reactive protein, by means of a systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A systematic review of the English-language literature was conducted in the PUBMED-MEDLINE database, using the key words "periodontal disease", "C-reactive protein", "periodontal therapy" and "periodontal treatment", in accordance with the terms for Medical Subject Headings (MeSH), to evaluate the effect of periodontal therapy on C-reactive protein levels. A qualitative analysis of studies of randomized clinical trial design was performed using CONSORT, with subsequent meta-analysis.

RESULTS

The literature search initially retrieved 46 potentially relevant studies available in the databases. From these, in accordance with the inclusion criteria, only 11 were selected, of which only 4 fulfilled the criteria of randomized clinical trial design. According to CONSORT, the studies evaluated generally presented good quality with regard to the criteria analyzed. Through meta-analysis, the reduction in mean levels of C-reactive protein (-0.231; p=0.000) after introducing periodontal treatment was estimated. The result was statistically significant, without evidence of heterogeneity between the studies (p=0.311).

CONCLUSIONS

The findings indicated that non-surgical periodontal treatment had a positive effect with regard to reduction of the serum levels of C-reactive protein.

The association of tooth scaling and decreased cardiovascular disease: a nationwide population-based study

OBJECTIVE

Poor oral hygiene has been associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular disease. However, the association between preventive dentistry and cardiovascular risk reduction has remained undetermined. The aim of this study is to investigate the association between tooth scaling and the risk of cardiovascular events by using a nationwide, population-based study and a prospective cohort design.

METHODS

Our analyses were conducted using information from a random sample of 1 million persons enrolled in the nationally representative Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. Exposed individuals consisted of all subjects who were aged ≥ 50 years and who received at least 1 tooth scaling in 2000. The comparison group of non-exposed persons consisted of persons who did not undergo tooth scaling and were matched to exposed individuals using propensity score matching by the time of enrollment, age, gender, history of coronary artery disease, diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia.

RESULTS

During an average follow-up period of 7 years, 10,887 subjects who had ever received tooth scaling (exposed group) and 10,989 age-, gender-, and comorbidity-matched subjects who had not received tooth scaling (non-exposed group) were enrolled. The exposed group had a lower incidence of acute myocardial infarction (1.6% vs 2.2%, P<.001), stroke (8.9% vs 10%, P=.03), and total cardiovascular events (10% vs 11.6%, P<.001) when compared with the non-exposed group. After multivariate analysis, tooth scaling was an independent factor associated with less risk of developing future myocardial infarction (hazard ratio [HR], 0.69; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.57-0.85), stroke (HR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.78-0.93), and total cardiovascular events (HR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.77-0.91). Furthermore, when compared with the non-exposed group, increasing frequency of tooth scaling correlated with a higher risk reduction of acute myocardial infarction, stroke, and total cardiovascular events (P for trend<.001).

CONCLUSION

Tooth scaling was associated with a decreased risk for future cardiovascular events.

Involvement of a periodontal pathogen, Porphyromonas gingivalis on the pathogenesis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Background

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome that is closely associated with multiple factors such as obesity, hyperlipidemia and type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, other risk factors for the development of NAFLD are unclear. With the association between periodontal disease and the development of systemic diseases receiving increasing attention recently, we conducted this study to investigate the relationship between NAFLD and infection with Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis), a major causative agent of periodontitis.

Methods

The detection frequencies of periodontal bacteria in oral samples collected from 150 biopsy-proven NAFLD patients (102 with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and 48 with non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) patients) and 60 non-NAFLD control subjects were determined. Detection of P. gingivalis and other periodontopathic bacteria were detected by PCR assay. In addition, effect of P. gingivalis-infection on mouse NAFLD model was investigated. To clarify the exact contribution of P. gingivalis-induced periodontitis, non-surgical periodontal treatments were also undertaken for 3 months in 10 NAFLD patients with periodontitis.

Results

The detection frequency of P. gingivalis in NAFLD patients was significantly higher than that in the non-NAFLD control subjects (46.7% vs. 21.7%, odds ratio: 3.16). In addition, the detection frequency of P. gingivalis in NASH patients was markedly higher than that in the non-NAFLD subjects (52.0%, odds ratio: 3.91). Most of the P. gingivalis fimbria detected in the NAFLD patients was of invasive genotypes, especially type II (50.0%). Infection of type II P. gingivalis on NAFLD model of mice accelerated the NAFLD progression. The non-surgical periodontal treatments on NAFLD patients carried out for 3 months ameliorated the liver function parameters, such as the serum levels of AST and ALT.

Conclusions

Infection with high-virulence P. gingivalis might be an additional risk factor for the development/progression of NAFLD/NASH.

Tumor necrosis factor-α -308 G>A and interleukin-6 -174 G>C promoter polymorphisms and pemphigus

The objective of this study was to analyze the possible involvement of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α -308 G>A and interleukin-6 (IL-6) -174 G>C polymorphisms in the susceptibility and/or disease profile of pemphigus in Egyptian patients. Detection of TNF-α -308 G>A by amplification refractory mutation system and IL-6 -174 G>C by restriction fragment length polymorphism was performed for 70 patients and 203 controls. No significant differences were observed in the distribution of TNF-α -308 in pemphigus patients and controls. However, GA+AA genotypes were more frequent in pemphigus vulgaris (PV) patients only versus controls (p(c) = 0.046). The frequency of the C allele and CC/GC genotypes of IL-6 -174 was significantly higher in pemphigus patients and those with the 2 major clinical forms (PV and pemphigus foliaceus [PF]) compared with controls (p < 0.05). Comparison of the distribution of TNF-α -308 and IL-6 -174 variants in relation to clinical type of pemphigus (PV versus PF), activity score, recurrence, and demographic data of patients revealed no significant associations. The IL-6 -174 CC genotype represents a marker of increased susceptibility to pemphigus in Egyptian patients and GG genotype can be considered a low-risk genotype; TNF-α -308 A-containing genotypes contribute to the susceptibility to PV only.

[Diabetes mellitus and periodontitis. Bidirectional relationship and clinical implications. A consensus document]

Diabetes and periodontitis are chronic diseases with an increasing prevalence in the German population. There is a bi-directional relationship between both diseases. Diabetes promotes the occurrence, the progression and the severity of periodontitis. Periodontitis complicates the glycemic control of diabetes, increases the risk of diabetes-associated complications and possibly even of its onset. In view of the existing evidence, that is still not sufficiently communicated within the medical community, an expert panel consisting of four diabetologists and four periodontists has addressed the following questions: What is the effect of diabetes mellitus on periodontitis and on periodontal therapy? What is the effect of periodontitis on diabetes mellitus? What are the practical consequences, that result for interdisciplinary treatment strategies? The treatment of periodontal infections should become an integral part of the management of diabetes, whereas glycemic control is a prerequisite for successful periodontal therapy.

Effects of nonsurgical periodontal therapy on C-reactive protein and serum lipids in Jordanian adults with advanced periodontitis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Data on whether periodontal therapy affects serum CRP levels are inconclusive. The aim of this study was to determine if nonsurgical periodontal therapy has any effect on CRP and serum lipid levels in patients with advanced periodontitis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Thirty-six systemically healthy patients, ≥ 40 years of age and with advanced periodontitis, were recruited for the study. Patients were randomized consecutively to one of two groups: the treatment group (n = 18) or the control group (n = 18). Treated subjects received nonsurgical periodontal therapy, which included oral hygiene instructions and subgingival scaling and root planing. Systemic levels of inflammatory markers [C-reactive protein (CRP) and the lipid profile] were measured at baseline and 3 mo after periodontal therapy.

RESULTS

Nonsurgical periodontal therapy in the treatment group resulted in a significant reduction in the serum CRP level. The average CRP level decreased from 2.3 mg/dL at baseline to 1.8 mg/dL (p < 0.005) after 3 mo of periodontal therapy. The average reduction (95% confidence interval) in CRP was 0.498 (95% confidence interval = 0.265-0.731). In the treatment group, the reduction in CRP was significantly, linearly and directly correlated with the reduction in the plaque index, the gingival index and the percentage of sites with pocket depth ≥ 7 mm (Pearson correlation coefficient = 0.746, 0.425 and 0.621, respectively). Nonsurgical periodontal therapy had no effect on the lipid parameters.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated that nonsurgical periodontal therapy results in a significant reduction in the serum CRP level. The effect of this outcome on systemic disease is still unknown.

Molecular survey of atheromatous plaques for the presence of DNA from periodontal bacterial pathogens, archaea and fungi

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Chronic infections, such as periodontitis, have been associated with the development and progression of atherosclerosis. The mechanisms through which this occurs have yet to be elucidated. This study was carried out to detect periodontopathic bacteria as well as archaea and fungi in atheromatous plaques and search for factors associated with their occurrence in atheromas.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

  A cross-sectional study was carried out including 30 patients diagnosed with atherosclerosis in the carotid, coronary or femoral arteries. Plaques were collected during surgery and analysed using PCR to detect Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Treponema denticola and members of the Synergistetes group. Samples were also surveyed with universal primers for bacterial, archaeal and fungal DNA. Patients responded to a questionnaire to determine factors associated with PCR results.

RESULTS

All dentate individuals (66.7%) had periodontal disease, 95% of which was severe and 65% extensive. None of the targeted periodontopathic bacteria was found in the atheromas. No sample yielded positive results for fungal and archaeal DNA. Four samples (13%) were positive for the presence of bacterial DNA. Of these, three participants were dentate (two with severely chronic generalized periodontitis and one with severely chronic localized periodontitis).

CONCLUSION

This study did not confirm previous findings of periodontal pathogens in atheromas, making it impossible to establish factors associated with their presence in plaques. Presence of bacterial DNA in some samples indicates that periodontal or nonoral bacterial species other than the ones targeted in this study may be involved with some cases of atherosclerosis.

Short-term effects of periodontal therapy as an adjunct to anti-lipemic treatment

OBJECTIVE

This study was conducted to assess the effect of improved periodontal health following periodontal treatment on metabolic lipid control of patients on anti-lipemic treatment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study population consisted of 20 patients aged 34-62 years with diagnoses of hyperlipidemia and chronic periodontitis. All patients used statin to treat their elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Blood samples were obtained for measurement of serum lipids, fasting plasma glucose, and high sensitive C-reactive protein. Periodontal parameters, including plaque index, gingival index, probing pocket depth, clinical attachment level, and percentage of bleeding on probing, were evaluated. All parameters were assessed in each subject at baseline, after 3 months as a control (at the time of periodontal treatment), and 3 months after the non-surgical periodontal treatment that included scaling and root planning.

RESULTS

All lipid parameters decreased after the periodontal treatment, but only the decreases in total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels reached statistical significance compared to baseline (P = 0.002 and P = 0.003, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Improved periodontal health may influence metabolic control of hyperlipidemia and could be considered as an adjunct to the standard measures of hyperlipidemic patient care.

Characterization of aortic aneurysms in cardiovascular disease patients harboring Porphyromonas gingivalis

OBJECTIVE

Porphyromonas gingivalis was recently shown to cause intimal hyperplasia in a mouse model by a novel cholesterol-independent mechanism, suggesting to be a pathogen-specific feature of cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this study was to characterize the clinical and histopathological features of aortic aneurysms in cardiovascular disease patients harboring oral P. gingivalis.

SUBJECT AND METHODS

Aortic aneurysm specimens were collected from 76 Japanese patients who underwent surgery, of whom dental plaque specimens were also collected from 31 patients. Bacterial DNA was extracted from each specimen to detect P. gingivalis by polymerase chain reaction. Histopathological analyses of the aortic aneurysm specimens, including immunohistochemical staining for embryonic myosin heavy chain isoform (SMemb) and S100 calcium-binding protein A9 (S100A9), were also performed.

RESULTS

The number of aneurysms occurring in the distal aorta was significantly higher in subjects positive for P. gingivalis in dental plaque compared with those who were negative. The expressions of S100A9 and SMemb were also significantly greater in the subjects positive for P. gingivalis in dental plaque. On the other hand, there were no significant differences in adipocellular accumulation between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that aortic aneurysms in patients harboring oral P. gingivalis have greater expression of S100A9 and proliferative smooth muscle cells, which was different from the present patients without oral P. gingivalis.