Efficacy of short-term adjunctive subantimicrobial dose doxycycline in diabetic patients--randomized study

Effects of amoxicillin and metronidazole as an adjunct to scaling and root planing on glycemic control in patients with periodontitis and type 2 diabetes: A short-term randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effects of amoxicillin and metronidazole with scaling and root planing (SRP) on periodontal parameters and glycemic control in patients with severe periodontitis and diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND

Adjunctive antibiotics use is advantageous for treating periodontitis in patients with severe periodontitis and diabetes. However, the effects of adjunctive antibiotic use on hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels remain unclear.

METHODS

This short-term, randomized controlled trial enrolled patients with severe periodontitis and type 2 diabetes. The patients were randomly allocated to SPR only (i.e., control) or SPR + antibiotics (500 mg of amoxicillin and 200 mg of metronidazole, three times daily for 7 days) groups. Periodontal and hematological parameters were assessed at baseline and 3 months after treatment. Inter- and intra-group analyses were performed using Student's t-tests, Mann-Whitney U tests, and the binary logistic regression models. p-values of <.05 were considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

This study enrolled 49 patients, with 23 and 26 patients in the SRP-only and SRP + antibiotics groups, respectively. The periodontal parameters improved significantly and similarly in both groups after treatment (p < .05). The SRP + antibiotics group had more sites of improvement than the SRP-only group when the initial probing depth was >6 mm. (698 [78.96%] vs. 545 [73.35%], p = .008). The HbA1c levels decreased in the SRP-only and SRP + antibiotics groups after treatment (0.39% and 0.53%, respectively). The multivariable binary logistic regression model demonstrated that antibiotics administration and a high baseline HbA1c level were associated with a greater reduction in the HbA1c level (odds ratio = 4.551, 95% confidence interval: 1.012-20.463; odds ratio = 7.162, 95% confidence interval: 1.359-37.753, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

SRP and SRP plus systemic antibiotics were beneficial for glycemic control. Adjunctive antibiotic use slightly improved the outcome for patients with severe periodontitis and poorly controlled diabetes.

Effectiveness of periodontal treatment to improve glycemic control: an umbrella review

AIM

The aim of the present umbrella review was to systematically assess existing evidence on the effect of non-surgical periodontal therapy, both per se' and with adjuvants, on glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes and periodontitis and to combine quantitative data with a meta-analysis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A detailed study protocol was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42021222279). Four electronic databases (Medline via Pubmed, EMBASE, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and Scielo) were searched independently and in duplicate to identify potentially eligible systematic reviews up to March 2022. Two pre-calibrated independent reviewers performed study selection, data extraction and quality assessment with two checklists (AMSTAR 2 and PRISMA). Moreover, general characteristics of primary studies included in each systematic review were abstracted, and JADAD scale was used to assess the risk of bias for included randomized controlled trials. Data from the individual studies included in each meta-analysis were analyzed, using both fixed and random effect model. The statistical heterogeneity was calculated using the Q test and the I² index. The publication bias was evaluated using a funnel plot and Egger's linear regression method.

RESULTS

Sixteen systematic reviews, published between 2010 and 2021, were included for qualitative synthesis. From these systematic reviews, a total of 27 studies were included in the meta-analysis: all of them were randomized clinical trials, except 1 controlled clinical study. A statistically significant mean difference of - 0.49% and of - 0.38% HbA1c reductions was seen respectively at 3- and 6-month post-treatment, favoring the treatment group (non-surgical periodontal therapy alone) compared to the control group (no treatment). The effect of periodontal treatment with the adjunctive use of antibiotics or laser on the glycemic control was not statistically significant compared to non-surgical periodontal therapy alone.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of the present study, within its limitations, indicated that non-surgical treatment of periodontitis is an efficacious therapy for improving the glycemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients, both at 3- and 6-month follow-up.

Host Response Modulation Therapy in the Diabetes Mellitus—Periodontitis Conjuncture: A Narrative Review

The inflammatory response of the host in periodontitis is the phenomenon that underlies the onset and evolution of periodontal destructive phenomena. A number of systemic factors, such as diabetes mellitus (DM), can negatively affect the patient with periodontitis, just as the periodontal disease can aggravate the status of the DM patient. Host response modulation therapy involves the use of anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant products aimed at resolving inflammation, stopping destructive processes, and promoting periodontal healing, all important aspects in patients with high tissue loss rates, such as diabetic patients. This paper reviews the data available in the literature on the relationship between DM and periodontitis, the main substances modulating the inflammatory response (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, sub-antimicrobial doses of doxycycline, or omega-3 fatty acids and their products, specialized pro-resolving mediators), as well as their application in diabetic patients.

Systematic review and meta-analysis on the adjunctive use of host immune modulators in non-surgical periodontal treatment in healthy and systemically compromised patients

Considering the central role of inflammation in the pathogenesis of periodontitis, the combination of NSPT with different agents that can modulate the host immune-inflammatory response has been proposed to enhance the outcomes of NSPT. The aim of this paper is to systematically review the literature on the efficacy of systemic host modulators (HMs) as adjuncts to non-surgical periodontal therapy (NSPT) in improving pocket depth (PD) reduction and clinical attachment level (CAL) gain in healthy and systemically compromised patients. RCTs with ≥ 3 months follow-up were independently searched by two reviewers. Meta-analysis was performed when ≥ 3 studies on the same HM were identified. The quality of the evidence was rated according to the GRADE approach to rate the certainty of evidence. 38 articles were included in the qualitative assessment and 27 of them were included in the meta-analysis. There is low/very low evidence that the adjunctive use of sub-antimicrobial dose of doxycicline, melatonin and the combination of omega-3 and low dose aspirin (in type 2 diabetic patients) to NSPT would improve PD and/or CAL. Conflicting evidence is available on the efficacy of probiotics. Future studies controlling for confounding factors, using composite outcomes to define the endpoint of therapy and considering not only the patient- but also as the site-specific effect of systemic HMs are warranted. The dosage, posology and long-term effect of HMs still need to be clarified, also in association to the presence of systemic conditions potentially affecting the response to HMs administration.

Doxycycline restores the impaired osteogenic commitment of diabetic-derived bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells by increasing the canonical WNT signaling

Diabetes mellitus comprehends a group of chronic metabolic disorders, associated with damage and dysfunction of distinct tissues, including bone. At the cellular level, an impaired osteoblastogenesis has been reported, affecting the viability, proliferation and functionality of osteoblasts and precursor populations, hampering the bone metabolic activity, remodeling and healing. Tetracyclines embrace a group of broad-spectrum antibacterial compounds with potential anabolic effects on the bone tissue, through antibacterial-independent mechanisms. Accordingly, this study aims to address the modulatory capability and associated molecular signaling of a low dosage doxycycline - a semi-synthetic tetracycline, in the functional activity of osteoblastic progenitor cells (bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells), established from a translational diabetic experimental model. Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells were isolated from streptozotocin-induced diabetic Wistar rat with proven osteopenia. Cultures were characterized, in the presence of doxycycline (1 μg ml^-1) for proliferation, metabolic activity, apoptosis, collagen synthesis and relevant gene expression with the osteogenic and adipogenic program. The activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway was further detailed. Doxycycline normalized the viability, proliferation and metabolic activity of the established cultures, further decreasing cell apoptosis, to levels similar to control. The addition of this drug to the culture environment further increased the osteogenic activation, upregulating the expression of osteogenic markers and collagen synthesis, at the same time that a decreased adipogenic priming was attained. These processes were found to me mediated, at least in part, by the restoration of the signaling through the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.

Effect of Subantimicrobial Dose Doxycycline Treatment on Gingival Crevicular Fluid Levels of MMP-9 and MMP-13 in Periodontitis Stage 2, Grade B in Subjects with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of using subantimicrobial dose doxycycline as an adjunct in periodontitis stage 2, grade B in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus. A total of thirty patients were divided into the following two groups with reference to periodontitis, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and administration of the doxycycline drug: Group I: patients with periodontitis stage 2, grade B and type 2 diabetes mellitus who received SRP only. Group II: patients with periodontitis stage 2, grade B and type 2 diabetes mellitus who received SRP and doxycycline 20 mg. The following clinical measurements were recorded at baseline (prior to scaling and root planning) and after one and three months postoperatively: GI, PI, and PD with a periodontal calibrated probe. The levels of both MMP-9 and MMP-13, from 60 GCF samples, were analyzed by ELISA. Patients treated with SRP and doxycycline 20 mg showed a significant reduction of PD, PI, GI, MMP-9, and MMP-13 than patients who received SRP only. Improvements in parameters clinically and biochemically were observed following the adjunctive use of doxycycline subantimicrobial dose therapy for the management of stage 2, grade B periodontitis patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Mechanical Debridement with Antibiotics in the Treatment of Chronic Periodontitis: Effect on Systemic Biomarkers-A Systematic Review

In this systematic review, we assessed the effectiveness of systemic antibiotics as an adjunctive therapy to mechanical debridement in improving inflammatory systemic biomarkers, as compared to mechanical debridement alone, among adults with chronic periodontitis. We searched relevant electronic databases for eligible randomized controlled trials. Two review authors independently screened, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias. We conducted meta-analysis, assessed heterogeneity, and assessed certainty of evidence using GRADEPro software. We included 19 studies (n = 1350 participants), representing 18 randomized controlled trials and found very little or no impact of antibiotics on inflammatory biomarkers. A meta-analysis of eight studies demonstrated a mean reduction of 0.26 mm in the periodontal pockets at three months (mean difference [MD] −0.26, 95%CI: −0.36 to −0.17, n = 372 participants, moderate certainty of evidence) in favor of the antibiotics. However, results from five studies reporting clinical attachment level (mm) yielded little or no difference at three months (MD −0.16, 95% CI: −0.35 to 0.03, n = 217 participants) between antibiotic and placebo groups. There is little or no evidence that adjunctive systemic antibiotics therapy improves inflammatory systemic biomarkers, compared to mechanical debridement alone, among adults with chronic periodontitis.

Effect of periodontal treatment in patients with periodontitis and diabetes: systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

The evidence is inconclusive regarding the effect of periodontal treatment on glycemic control and systemic inflammation in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and periodontitis. To evaluate the effect of scaling and root planing (SRP) on the metabolic control and systemic inflammation of patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

METHODOLOGY

A literature search was conducted using the MEDLINE database via PubMed and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, from their oldest records up to July 2018. Only randomized clinical trials (RCT) were considered eligible for evaluating the effect of periodontal treatment on markers of metabolic control [glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C)] and systemic inflammation [C-reactive protein (CRP)] in patients with T2D. The quality of the studies was evaluated using the Cochrane Collaboration risk assessment tool. Meta-analyses were performed for HbA1c and CRP using random effects models. The size of the overall intervention effect was estimated by calculating the weighted average of the differences in means (DM) between the groups in each study. Heterogeneity was assessed using the Q-statistic method (x2 and I²). The level of significance was established at p<0.05.

RESULTS

Nine RCT were included. SRP was effective in reducing HbA1c [DM=0.56 (0.36-0.75); p<0.01] and CRP [DM=1.89 (1.70-2.08); p<0.01]. No heterogeneity was detected (I2=0%, p>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

SRP has an impact on metabolic control and reduction of systemic inflammation of patients with T2D.

Effect of non-surgical periodontal therapy on glycemic control of type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis

Background

Glycemic control is vital in the care of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and is significantly associated with the incidence of clinical complications. This Bayesian network analysis was conducted with an aim of evaluating the efficacy of scaling and root planning (SRP) and SRP + adjuvant treatments in improving glycemic control in chronic periodontitis (CP) and T2DM patients, and to guide clinical practice.

Methods

We searched the Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane Library and Web of Science databases up to 4 May 2018 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs). This was at least three months of the duration of study that involved patients with periodontitis and T2DM without other systemic diseases given SRP. Patients in the control group did not receive treatment or SRP combination with adjuvant therapy. Outcomes were given as HbA1c% and levels fasting plasma glucose (FPG). Random-effects meta-analysis and Bayesian network meta-analysis were conducted to pool RCT data. Cochrane’s risk of bias tool was used to assess the risk of bias.

Results

Fourteen RCTs were included. Most were unclear or with high risk of bias. Compared to patients who did not receive treatment, patients who received periodontal treatments showed improved HbA1c% level, including SRP (the mean difference (MD) -0.399 95% CrI 0.088 to 0.79), SRP + antibiotic (MD 0.62, 95% CrI 0.18 to 1.11), SRP + photodynamic therapy (aPDT) + doxycycline (Doxy) (MD 1.082 95% CrI 0.13 to 2.077) and SRP + laser (MD 0.66 95% CrI 0.1037, 1.33). Among the different treatments, SRP + aPDT + Doxy ranked best. Regarding fasting plasma glucose (FPG), SRP did not show advantage over no treatment (MD 4.91 95% CI − 1.95 to 11.78) and SRP with adjuvant treatments were not better than SRP alone (MD -0.28 95% CI -8.66, 8.11).

Conclusion

The results of this meta-analysis seem to support that periodontal treatment with aPDT + Doxy possesses the best efficacy in lowering HbA1c% of non-smoking CP without severe T2DM complications. However, longer-term well-executed, multi-center trails are required to corroborate the results.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12903-019-0829-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Effects of periodontal disease on systemic health

About one in two adults in the United States has periodontal disease. Chronic periodontitis is an oral disease affecting the supporting structures of the teeth leading to progressive loss of the attachment apparatus and bone around teeth. It is characterized by gingival pocket formation and/or gingival recession. The disease is initiated by bacteria and their components like lipopolysaccharide and causes a heightened host inflammatory response. This cascade of inflammatory response ultimately leads to an increased osteoclastic activity and bone loss. Individuals with periodontitis have increased systemic levels of acute phase proteins, plasma antibody levels, coagulation factor, total white blood cell count, neutrophils, C reactive protein (CRP), and cytokines such as INF- gamma (Interferon gamma), TNF-α (Tumor necrosis Factor- Alpha), IL (Interleukin)-1β, IL-2 and IL-6. As periodontitis works on the same chronic inflammation model seen in systemic diseases, there is sufficient evidence to suggest a bi-directional link between the two. This article summarizes the established associations between periodontal disease and systemic health.

Clinical and microbiological effects of scaling and root planing, metronidazole and amoxicillin in the treatment of diabetic and non-diabetic subjects with periodontitis: A cohort study

AIM

To evaluate if non-diabetic subjects with periodontitis respond better than subjects with type 2 diabetes to the treatment protocol of scaling and root planing (SRP), metronidazole (MTZ) and amoxicillin (AMX).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Diabetic and nondiabetic subjects with severe periodontitis received SRP + MTZ (400 mg/thrice a day [TID]) + AMX (500 mg/TID) for 14 days. Subgingival biofilm samples were analyzed by checkerboard DNA-DNA hybridization for 40 bacterial species. Subjects were monitored at baseline, 3, 6 and 12 months post-therapy.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine type 2 diabetics and 29 non-diabetic subjects participated of this study. Of the non-diabetics and diabetics, 68.9% and 75.9%, respectively, reached the clinical endpoint for treatment (≤4 sites with probing depth [PD] ≥5 mm) at 1 year post-therapy (p > 0.05). The diabetic group presented lower mean clinical attachment gain from baseline to 1 year post-therapy and higher mean proportions of the red and orange complexes than the non-diabetic group (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Non-diabetic subjects with severe periodontitis did not respond better than type 2 diabetic subjects to the treatment protocol of SRP + MTZ + AMX, both in terms of achieving the clinical endpoint for treatment and of PD improvement. Diabetic subjects exhibited a slightly worse microbiological response and showed a healing process more associated with gingival recession than the non-diabetics.

Efficacy of systemic antibiotics in nonsurgical periodontal therapy for diabetic subjects: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effects of systemic antibiotics as adjuncts to nonsurgical periodontal treatment (NSPT), as opposed to using NSPT alone, on periodontal clinical parameters of diabetic patients with periodontitis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Randomised controlled trials with a follow-up of 3 months or more, assessing the effects of NSPT in combination with antibiotics, in diabetic patients with periodontitis were included. Trials published up to August 2016 were identified from MEDLINE, EMBASE and LILACS databases. Meta-analyses were conducted to determine changes in clinical attachment level (CAL), probing pocket depth (PPD), bleeding on probing (BOP) and gingival index (GI). Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed in this review.

RESULTS

Of the 164 papers potentially admissible to this systematic review, 15 articles on 11 randomised clinical trials were considered as eligible. The results of the meta-analyses presented a modest additional benefit of 0.14 mm (95% confidence interval: 0.08-0.20) in reducing PPD but no further benefit in CAL gain.

CONCLUSION

When the data for all antibiotic protocols were considered together for the treatment of periodontitis patients with DM, a significant, albeit small, reduction of PPD and no improvement in CAL gain was observed. When the antibiotic protocols were analysed separately, the combination of amoxicillin plus metronidazole yielded the best results for PPD.

Adjunctive subantimicrobial dose doxycycline in the treatment of chronic periodontitis in type 2 diabetic patients: A unique combination therapy

Background/Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of combination therapy including subantimicrobial dose doxycycline (SDD) and locally delivered doxycycline (LD) as adjuncts to scaling and root planing (SRP) in the treatment of chronic periodontitis in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Material and Methods: Forty patients with controlled T2DM (HbA1c ≤7%) and chronic periodontitis were selected. They were randomly divided into two groups, twenty patients each: Test group (TG, n=20) patients was treated with combination therapy of full mouth SRP, LD gel 10% and SDD 20 mg twice daily for 6 months. Control group (CG, n=20) patients was treated with full mouth SRP only. The periodontal parameters were recorded at baseline, 3, 6 and 9 months and included periodontal probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), and bleeding on probing (BOP). Gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) samples were collected and a quantitative measurement of matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8) was carried out by using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELIZA) at baseline, 3, 6 and 9 months. Results: Statistically significant reduction in all clinical parameters (PPD, CAL, and BOP) was observed at TG over CG at 3, 6, and 9 months (p<0.05). Moreover, combination therapy provided significant reductions in the amount of GCF MMP-8 for the TG compared to CG at 3, 6, and 9 months evaluation period (p<0.05). Conclusions: Combination therapy including SRP, SDD, and LD, provided significantly greater clinical benefits than SRP alone in the treatment of chronic periodontitis in patients with controlled T2DM.

Systemic antimicrobials adjuvant to periodontal therapy in diabetic subjects: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Adjuvant antibiotics have been suggested to improve periodontal therapy in diabetic subjects.

AIM

The aim of this study was to systematically review randomized clinical trials assessing systemic antimicrobial use adjuvant to scaling and root planing (SRP) versus SRP alone in diabetic subjects.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, EMBASE, TRIP, Web of Science and LILACS databases and the grey literature were searched through May 2015. Of 2534 potentially eligible studies, 13 were included in the systematic review. Weighted mean differences (WMDs) in probing depth (PD) reduction and clinical attachment level (CAL) gain (primary outcomes), and plaque index (PI) and bleeding on probing (BOP) reductions, were estimated using a random effect model.

RESULTS

The WMD in PD reduction [-0.15 mm, n = 11, p = 0.001, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.24, -0.06] favoured antibiotic use. WMDs in CAL gain, PI and BOP reductions (-0.14 mm, n = 9, p = 0.11, 95% CI -0.32, 0.03; 4.01%, n = 7, p = 0.05, 95% CI -0.04, 8.07; and -1.91%, n = 7, p = 0.39, 95% CI -6.32, 2.51 respectively) did not favour adjunctive antibiotic use.

CONCLUSION

Adjunctive therapy may improve the efficacy of SRP in reducing PD in diabetic subjects.

Effects on HbA1c in diabetic patients of adjunctive use of systemic antibiotics in nonsurgical periodontal treatment: A systematic review

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effects of adjunctive use of systemic antibiotics in nonsurgical periodontal treatment compared to nonsurgical periodontal treatment alone, on mean glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) reductions in patients with diabetes.

DATA

Two independent reviewers screened six electronic databases, registers of clinical trials, meeting abstracts and four major dental journals for controlled clinical trials with at least 3-month follow-up.

SOURCES

After duplicates removal, electronic and hand searches yielded 2136 records; 32 full-text articles were independently read by two reviewers. To evaluate the additional effect of antibiotic usage, pooled weighted mean differences and 95% confidence intervals were calculated using fixed and random effects models.

STUDY SELECTION

Twelve studies met the inclusion criteria, nine of which provided data that allowed their inclusion in meta-analyses. The meta-analyses showed no significant effect favouring scaling and root planing (SRP) plus antibiotic for reductions in mean HbA1c (-0.11% [-0.35, 0.13]; 6 studies), and an estimated prediction interval varying from -0.45 to 0.23. There was also no significant effect favouring the adjunctive usage of sub-antimicrobial doxycycline in HbA1c mean reduction (-0.19% [-1.04, 0.67]; 2 studies).

CONCLUSION

Adjunctive use of systemic antibiotic provides no statistically significant benefit in terms of HbA1c improvement in periodontal treatment of patients with diabetes.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Adjunctive use of systemic antibiotics associated with nonsurgical periodontal treatment provides no additional benefit in terms of HbA1c of diabetic patients. Clinicians should weigh the trade-off between risks and benefits provided by the use of systemic antibiotics before prescribing them for periodontal disease treatment.

Treatment of periodontal disease for glycaemic control in people with diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND

Glycaemic control is a key issue in the care of people with diabetes mellitus (DM). Periodontal disease is the inflammation and destruction of the underlying supporting tissues of the teeth. Some studies have suggested a bidirectional relationship between glycaemic control and periodontal disease. This review updates the previous version published in 2010.

OBJECTIVES

The objective is to investigate the effect of periodontal therapy on glycaemic control in people with diabetes mellitus.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the following electronic databases: the Cochrane Oral Health Group Trials Register (to 31 December 2014), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (Cochrane Library 2014, Issue 11), MEDLINE via OVID (1946 to 31 December 2014), EMBASE via OVID (1980 to 31 December 2014), LILACS via BIREME (1982 to 31 December 2014), and CINAHL via EBSCO (1937 to 31 December 2014). ZETOC (1993 to 31 December 2014) and Web of Knowledge (1990 to 31 December 2014) were searched for conference proceedings. Additionally, two periodontology journals were handsearched for completeness, Annals of Periodontology (1996 to 2003) and Periodontology 2000 (1993 to 2003). We searched the US National Institutes of Health Trials Registry (http://clinicaltrials.gov) and the WHO Clinical Trials Registry Platform for ongoing trials. No restrictions were placed on the language or date of publication when searching the electronic databases.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We searched for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of people with type 1 or type 2 DM (T1DM/T2DM) with a diagnosis of periodontitis. Interventions included periodontal treatments such as mechanical debridement, surgical treatment and antimicrobial therapy. Two broad comparisons were proposed:1. periodontal therapy versus no active intervention/usual care;2. periodontal therapy versus alternative periodontal therapy.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

For this review update, at least two review authors independently examined the titles and abstracts retrieved by the search, selected the included trials, extracted data from included trials and assessed included trials for risk of bias.Our primary outcome was blood glucose levels measured as glycated (glycosylated) haemoglobin assay (HbA1c).Our secondary outcomes included adverse effects, periodontal indices (bleeding on probing (BOP), clinical attachment level (CAL), gingival index (GI), plaque index (PI) and probing pocket depth (PPD)), cost implications and diabetic complications.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 35 studies (including seven from the previous version of the review), which included 2565 participants in total. All studies used a parallel RCT design, and 33 studies (94%) only targeted T2DM patients. There was variation between studies with regards to included age groups (ages 18 to 80), duration of follow-up (3 to 12 months), use of antidiabetic therapy, and included participants' baseline HbA1c levels (from 5.5% to 13.1%).We assessed 29 studies (83%) as being at high risk of bias, two studies (6%) as being at low risk of bias, and four studies (11%) as unclear. Thirty-four of the studies provided data suitable for analysis under one or both of the two comparisons.Comparison 1: low quality evidence from 14 studies (1499 participants) comparing periodontal therapy with no active intervention/usual care demonstrated that mean HbA1c was 0.29% lower (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.48% to 0.10% lower) 3 to 4 months post-treatment, and 0.02% lower after 6 months (five studies, 826 participants; 95% CI 0.20% lower to 0.16% higher).Comparison 2: 21 studies (920 participants) compared different periodontal therapies with each other. There was only very low quality evidence for the multiple head-to-head comparisons, the majority of which were unsuitable to be pooled, and provided no clear evidence of a benefit for one periodontal intervention over another. We were able to pool the specific comparison between scaling and root planing (SRP) plus antimicrobial versus SRP and there was no consistent evidence that the addition of antimicrobials to SRP was of any benefit to delivering SRP alone (mean HbA1c 0.00% lower: 12 studies, 450 participants; 95% CI 0.22% lower to 0.22% higher) at 3-4 months post-treatment, or after 6 months (mean HbA1c 0.04% lower: five studies, 206 patients; 95% CI 0.41% lower to 0.32% higher).Less than half of the studies measured adverse effects. The evidence was insufficient to conclude whether any of the treatments were associated with harm. No other patient-reported outcomes (e.g. quality of life) were measured by the included studies, and neither were cost implications or diabetic complications.Studies showed varying degrees of success with regards to achieving periodontal health, with some showing high levels of residual inflammation following treatment. Statistically significant improvements were shown for all periodontal indices (BOP, CAL, GI, PI and PPD) at 3-4 and 6 months in comparison 1; however, this was less clear for individual comparisons within the broad category of comparison 2.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

There is low quality evidence that the treatment of periodontal disease by SRP does improve glycaemic control in people with diabetes, with a mean percentage reduction in HbA1c of 0.29% at 3-4 months; however, there is insufficient evidence to demonstrate that this is maintained after 4 months.There was no evidence to support that one periodontal therapy was more effective than another in improving glycaemic control in people with diabetes mellitus.In clinical practice, ongoing professional periodontal treatment will be required to maintain clinical improvements beyond 6 months. Further research is required to determine whether adjunctive drug therapies should be used with periodontal treatment. Future RCTs should evaluate this, provide longer follow-up periods, and consider the inclusion of a third 'no treatment' control arm.Larger, well conducted and clearly reported studies are needed in order to understand the potential of periodontal treatment to improve glycaemic control among people with diabetes mellitus. In addition, it will be important in future studies that the intervention is effective in reducing periodontal inflammation and maintaining it at lowered levels throughout the period of observation.

Immunohistochemical localisation and effect of matrix metalloproteinases and their inhibitors on canine spontaneous periodontitis

Periodontitis is commonly observed in dogs. In human medicine, it is well documented that matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are involved in the destruction of the periodontium. Therefore, the aim of this prospective study was to investigate the impact of MMPs and their inhibitors, the TIMPs (tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases), on canine periodontitis. The oral cavities of 57 dogs were examined clinically and radiologically. Gingival biopsies were obtained from the examined dogs and histologically analysed via haematoxylin and eosin stained sections. Immunohistological detection of MMP-2, MMP-3, MMP-8 and MMP-9 as well as TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 was performed by the avidin-biotin peroxidase complex technique. All sections were evaluated by light microscopy. Statistically significant positive correlations were detected between the histologically verified degree of inflammation and the expression of MMP-2, MMP-3, MMP-8 and MMP-9 as well as between changes in collagen fibre content and the occurrence of MMP-2, MMP-8 and MMP-9. Concerning TIMP-1 and TIMP-2, non-significant, generally negative correlations were observed. In summary, in canine periodontitis, an increased expression of the above mentioned MMPs and a tendentially decreased expression of TIMPs are present. In conclusion, in canine periodontitis, a MMP-TIMP imbalance is suggestive of contributing to the destruction of the periodontium.

Diabetes mellitus and oral health

The oral health is influenced by systemic health, and one of the most common chronic diseases encountered in dental practice is diabetes mellitus. Diabetes can worsen oral infections and vice versa. In the literature, periodontitis and diabetes in the young to middle-aged adults have been the most widely researched area. Understanding the patho-physiology, clinical manifestations and management of different types of orofacial diseases in diabetic patients are important to the diabetologist and the dentist for the optimal care of patients with these diseases. This review explores the inter-link between diabetes and oral health.

Effects of periodontal therapy on metabolic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and periodontal disease: a meta-analysis

Epidemiologic studies have reported increased incidence, prevalence and acuity of periodontitis in adults with diabetes and some have also suggested that treating periodontal disease may improve glycemic control in diabetic patients. This meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the effects of different periodontal therapies on metabolic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and periodontal disease. We searched the Medline, EMBASE and Cochrane Library (Central) databases up to January 2014 for relevant studies pertaining to periodontal treatments and glycemic control in adults with T2DM. The search terms were periodontal treatment/periodontal therapy, diabetes/diabetes mellitus, periodontitis/periodontal and glycemic control. The primary outcome measure taken from the included studies was glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). We compared differences in patients' pre- and post-intervention HbA1c results between a treatment group receiving scaling and root planing (SRP) combined with administration of oral doxycycline (n=71) and controls receiving SRP alone or SRP plus placebo (n=72). Meta-analysis was performed using Comprehensive Meta Analysis software. Nineteen randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were identified. Four trials involving a total of 143 patients with T2DM and periodontal disease were determined to be eligible for analysis. Data of 1 study were not retained for meta-analysis because HbA1c results were recorded as median with IQR. Meta-analysis of the included 3 studies revealed no significant differences in HbA1c results between the periodontal treatment group (n=71) and control group (n=72) (HbA1c SMD=-0.238, 95% CI=-0.616 to 0.140; P=0.217). Systemic doxycycline added to SRP does not significantly improve metabolic control in patients with T2DM and chronic periodontitis. Current evidence is insufficient to support a significant association between periodontal therapy and metabolic control in this patient population. However, evidence suggests that periodontal therapy itself improves metabolic control and reinforces that T2DM is a risk factor for periodontitis.

Metronidazole and amoxicillin as adjuncts to scaling and root planing for the treatment of type 2 diabetic subjects with periodontitis: 1-year outcomes of a randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial

AIM

To evaluate the clinical and microbiological effects of the use of metronidazole (MTZ) + amoxicillin (AMX) as adjuncts to scaling and root planing (SRP) for the treatment of chronic periodontitis (ChP) in type 2 diabetic subjects.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Fifty-eight type 2 diabetic subjects (n = 29/group) with generalized ChP were randomly assigned to receive SRP alone or with MTZ [400 mg/thrice a day (TID)]+AMX (500 mg/TID) for 14 days. Subgingival biofilm samples were analyzed by qPCR for the presence of seven periodontal pathogens. Subjects were monitored at baseline, 3, 6 and 12 months post-therapies.

RESULTS

The group receiving SRP+MTZ+AMX presented greater mean probing depth (PD) reduction and clinical attachment gain, a lower number of sites with PD ≥5 mm (primary outcome variable) and a reduced number of subjects with ≥9 of these residual pockets than the control group at 1-year post-therapy (p < 0.05). The antibiotic-treated group also presented reduced levels and greater decreases of the three red complex species, Eubacterium nodatum and Prevotella intermedia, compared to the control group at 1 year (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The adjunctive use of MTZ+AMX significantly improved the clinical and microbiological outcomes of SRP in the treatment of type 2 diabetic subjects with ChP.