Inflammatory bowel disease and oral health: systematic review and a meta-analysis

The oral-gut microbiome axis in health and disease

The human body hosts trillions of microorganisms throughout many diverse habitats with different physico-chemical characteristics. Among them, the oral cavity and the gut harbour some of the most dense and diverse microbial communities. Although these two sites are physiologically distinct, they are directly connected and can influence each other in several ways. For example, oral microorganisms can reach and colonize the gastrointestinal tract, particularly in the context of gut dysbiosis. However, the mechanisms of colonization and the role that the oral microbiome plays in causing or exacerbating diseases in other organs have not yet been fully elucidated. Here, we describe recent advances in our understanding of how the oral and intestinal microbiota interplay in relation to their impact on human health and disease.

Oral health in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: A cross-sectional survey in Sweden

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this cross-sectional survey was to assess oral health, including prevalence of periodontitis and rate of tooth loss, in a Swedish cohort of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

METHODS

A questionnaire on general anamnestic and socio-economic aspects, IBD diagnosis, and various oral health aspects was distributed online. The analyses focused on the comparison between patients diagnosed with ulcerative colitis (UC) or Crohn's disease (CD) as well as on factors associated with self-reported severe periodontitis and tooth loss.

RESULTS

Analyses were based on answers from 786 patients; 415 with UC, 371 with CD, 74% female. In both disease entities, high prevalence of severe periodontitis (i.e., 38.5%) was reported, and about 19% of the population had less than 20 remaining teeth and 6.5% a poor oral health-related quality of life. CD patients tended to be more severely affected than UC patients (p > 0.05 in the adjusted analysis). Almost 90% of CD patients were aware of being entitled to a bi-annual governmental financial support for dental care due to IBD; however, 1 out of 4 UC patients did not. Furthermore, IBD patients largely believe that the interest of their physicians in any oral lesions due to IBD diagnosis is low.

CONCLUSIONS

Severe periodontitis and high rate of tooth loss are frequent in Swedish IBD patients.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Even though IBD patients receive bi-annually some special financial support for dental care, it seems this is still not sufficient and more preventive measures appear necessary.

Systemic Factors Affecting Prognosis and Outcomes in Periodontal Disease

This review delves into the effects of autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, infectious ailments like human immunodeficiency virus, and their medications on periodontal therapy outcomes. It also explores the influence of hormones. Understanding these systemic factors is crucial for optimizing periodontal health and treatment efficacy. The review underscores the necessity of considering these variables in periodontal care. Other vital systemic factors are addressed elsewhere in this special edition.

Changes in Periodontal Parameters and Microbiome Composition of Periodontal Pocket in Patients with Chronic Inflammatory Diseases Receiving Targeted Anti-Cytokine Therapy

Periodontitis is associated with systemic chronic inflammatory diseases. There is limited evidence on the influence of anti-cytokine therapies on the periodontal condition and microbiome in the tooth pocket of such patients, so the aim of this study was to elucidate this issue. In this observational trial, the periodontal status and the gingival crevicular fluid of 13 patients with different chronic inflammatory diseases were obtained before the initiation of anti-cytokine treatment and 14 weeks after. Gingival crevicular fluid was collected for 16S rRNA gene sequencing from a clinically healthy tooth and the deepest measured pocket. The Shannon Diversity Index significantly increased in the deepest pockets of patients (p = 0.039). The data showed alterations in the diversity of the subgingival microbiome over the course of the study, implying a shift towards a healthier condition after starting anti-cytokine therapy. Additional investigations are needed to analyze whether the administration of selective biologicals can improve periodontal conditions in patients with or without chronic inflammatory diseases.

The oral-gut microbiome axis in inflammatory bowel disease: from inside to insight

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an idiopathic and persistent inflammatory illness of the bowels, leading to a substantial burden on both society and patients due to its high incidence and recurrence. The pathogenesis of IBD is multifaceted, partly attributed to the imbalance of immune responses toward the gut microbiota. There is a correlation between the severity of the disease and the imbalance in the oral microbiota, which has been discovered in recent research highlighting the role of oral microbes in the development of IBD. In addition, various oral conditions, such as angular cheilitis and periodontitis, are common extraintestinal manifestations (EIMs) of IBD and are associated with the severity of colonic inflammation. However, it is still unclear exactly how the oral microbiota contributes to the pathogenesis of IBD. This review sheds light on the probable causal involvement of oral microbiota in intestinal inflammation by providing an overview of the evidence, developments, and future directions regarding the relationship between oral microbiota and IBD. Changes in the oral microbiota can serve as markers for IBD, aiding in early diagnosis and predicting disease progression. Promising advances in probiotic-mediated oral microbiome modification and antibiotic-targeted eradication of specific oral pathogens hold potential to prevent IBD recurrence.

The potential of EGCG in modulating the oral-gut axis microbiota for treating inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a recurrent chronic intestinal disorder that includes ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD). Its pathogenesis involves intricate interactions between pathogenic microorganisms, native intestinal microorganisms, and the intestinal immune system via the oral-gut axis. The strong correlation observed between oral diseases and IBD indicates the potential involvement of oral pathogenic microorganisms in IBD development. Consequently, therapeutic strategies targeting the proliferation, translocation, intestinal colonization and exacerbated intestinal inflammation of oral microorganisms within the oral-gut axis may partially alleviate IBD. Tea consumption has been identified as a contributing factor in reducing IBD, with epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) being the primary bioactive compound used for IBD treatment. However, the precise mechanism by which EGCG mediates microbial crosstalk within the oral-gut axis remains unclear. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the diverse oral microorganisms implicated in the pathogenesis of IBD and elucidate their colonization pathways and mechanisms. Subsequently, we investigated the antibacterial properties of EGCG and its potential to attenuate microbial translocation and colonization in the gut, emphasizing its role in attenuating exacerbations of IBD. We also elucidated the toxic and side effects of EGCG. Finally, we discuss current strategies for enhancing EGCG bioavailability and propose novel multi-targeted nano-delivery systems for the more efficacious management of IBD. This review elucidates the role and feasibility of EGCG-mediated modulation of the oral-gut axis microbiota in the management of IBD, contributing to a better understanding of the mechanism of action of EGCG in the treatment of IBD and the development of prospective treatment strategies.

Salivary calprotectin and neutrophils in inflammatory bowel disease in relation to oral diseases

OBJECTIVE

Calprotectin is elevated in saliva from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients, but it is also affected by oral disease. We assessed the salivary concentration of calprotectin in IBD patients, in relation to intestinal and oral diseases. Furthermore, we investigated the phenotype of salivary neutrophils from IBD patients, and their ability to secrete calprotectin.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty IBD patients and 26 controls were orally examined and sampled for stimulated saliva. Twenty-five IBD patients provided fresh fecal samples. Calprotectin concentrations in saliva and feces were determined by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Expression of CD11b, CD15, and CD16 on oral neutrophils was assessed by flow cytometry. Secretion of calprotectin was evaluated in cultured oral neutrophils.

RESULTS

Calprotectin was significantly elevated in saliva of IBD patients compared to controls, particularly in Crohn's disease, irrespective of caries or periodontitis. Salivary calprotectin did not correlate to fecal calprotectin. CD11b expression was significantly reduced in salivary neutrophils from IBD patients. Salivary neutrophils from IBD patients tended to secrete more calprotectin than controls.

CONCLUSIONS

Salivary calprotectin is elevated in IBD regardless of oral diseases. Furthermore, salivary neutrophils secrete calprotectin, and display lower CD11b expression in IBD.

Bidirectional associations between periodontitis and inflammatory bowel disease: A systematic review of longitudinal studies with meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis

The bidirectional associations between periodontitis and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) with temporal directionality remain inconclusive. This study aims to evaluate the bidirectional associations between periodontitis and IBD through a systematic review and meta-analysis. Five databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus and Cochrane Library) were systematically searched from inception to 27 February 2024. Two independent reviewers performed a review of the retrieved studies. Longitudinal studies, including cohort and nested case-control studies, were considered eligible for the study design. The pooled risk ratio (RR) and hazard ratio (HR) derived from the meta-analysis were used to assess whether periodontitis (or IBD) was a risk factor for IBD (or periodontitis). Trial sequential analysis (TSA) was performed to evaluate the reliability of the results. Four studies (n = 10 270 912) on the risk of IBD in patients with periodontitis and two (n = 33 420) on the risk of periodontitis in patients with IBD were included. The result suggested that periodontitis did not increase the risk of IBD (pooled RR = 1.04, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.99-1.09; p = .164; I-squared statistic [I2] = 27%). For subtypes of IBD, periodontitis was associated with the occurrence of ulcerative colitis (UC) (pooled RR = 1.12, 95% CI: 1.04-1.21; p = .003; I2 = 38%), but not with Crohn's disease (CD) (pooled RR = 0.98, 95% CI: 0.92-1.04; p = .475; I2 = 0%). Specifically, the risk of UC was higher among men (pooled HR = 1.11, 95% CI: 1.01-1.22; p = .025; I2 = 0%) and smokers (pooled HR = 1.23, 95% CI: 1.07-1.42; p = .004; I2 = 0%) with periodontitis than their counterparts without periodontitis. Patients with IBD may have a higher risk of developing periodontitis (pooled HR = 1.37, 95% CI: 1.26-1.49; p < .001; I2 = 18%); however, whether IBD subtypes increased the occurrence of periodontitis remained uncertain. The TSA results confirmed the reliability of the primary findings. Based on limited longitudinal evidence, patients with periodontitis do not exhibit an increased risk of developing IBD overall, but they are at increased risk of UC (not CD). On the contrary, patients with IBD have a higher risk of developing periodontitis over time. More high-quality longitudinal studies are needed to determine the effect of specific subtypes of IBD on periodontitis.

Dental service use among adults with incident type 2 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease

OBJECTIVES

It is not clear if or how the incidence of systemic conditions like type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2), rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) affects dental service utilization. Using nationwide Danish register data, the aim of this study was to analyse the use of dental services 7 years before and after being diagnosed with DM2, RA or IBD between 1997 and 2011.

METHODS

Information about incident DM2 was obtained from the National Diabetes Register, and incident RA and IBD were defined based on diagnosis codes of hospital contacts identified through the National Patient Register. Separately, for each of the three conditions, each individual with the incident condition was matched to one control individual based on age, gender, country of origin, municipality of residence, highest completed education, the main source of income and income using coarsened exact matching in the year of incidence. The use of dental services and treatments received within each calendar year from 7 years before to 7 years after getting the condition were analysed with generalized estimating equations.

RESULTS

People with incident DM2 were less likely (by seven percentage points) to be dental service users within a year than people without incident DM2 for a period extending from up to 7 years prior to 7 years after the diagnosis. This difference even slightly increased after the diagnosis. Those with incident IBD exhibited a consistently but modestly higher proportion of dental service use (three percentage points) than those without incident IBD before and after the diagnosis. Differences in the use of services between those with or without incident RA were minor. For all three systemic diseases, detected differences mainly mirrored differences in the provision of supragingival scaling and restorative treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings suggest that the impact of these three systemic conditions on dental service use was minor.

Salivary interleukin-17A and interleukin-18 levels in patients with celiac disease and periodontitis

Background

An increased level of interleukin-17A and interleukin-18 in the serum and intestinal mucosa of celiac disease patients reflecting the severity of villous atrophy and inflammation was documented. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the concentrations of salivary-17A, interleukin-1 beta, and interleukin-18 in patients with celiac disease who are on a gluten-free diet, both with and without periodontitis, and to compare these levels with those in healthy individuals.

Methods

The study involved 23 participants with serologically confirmed celiac disease (CD) and 23 control subjects. The CD patients had been following a gluten-free diet (GFD) for a minimum of 1 year and had no other autoimmune disorders. The research involved collecting demographic data, conducting periodontal examinations, gathering unstimulated whole saliva, and performing enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays to measure salivary interleukin-17A, interleukin-1 beta, and interleukin-18 levels. Spearman's correlation analysis was utilized to explore the relationships between CD markers in patients on a GFD and their periodontal clinical findings.

Results

The periodontal findings indicated significantly lower values in celiac disease patients adhering to a gluten-free diet compared to control subjects (p = 0.001). No significant differences were found in salivary IL-17A, IL-18, and IL-1B levels between celiac disease patients and control subjects. Nevertheless, the levels of all interleukins were elevated in periodontitis patients in both the celiac and control groups. The IL-1 Beta level was significantly higher in periodontitis patients compared to non-periodontitis patients in the control group (p = 0.035). Significant negative correlations were observed between serum IgA levels and plaque index (r = -0.460, p = 0.010), as well as gingival index (r = -0.396, p = 0.030) in CD patients on a gluten-free diet.

Conclusion

Celiac disease patients on gluten-free diet exhibited better periodontal health compared to control subjects. However, increased levels of salivary IL-17A, IL-18 and IL-1B levels were associated with periodontitis. Additionally, serum IgA level was significantly inversely associated with periodontitis clinical manifestations and with salivary inflammatory mediators in CD patients on GFD.

Metabolic network of the gut microbiota in inflammatory bowel disease

Gut dysbiosis is closely linked to the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Emerging studies highlight the relationship between host metabolism and the modulation of gut microbiota composition through regulating the luminal microenvironment. In IBD, various disease-associated factors contribute to the significant perturbation of host metabolism. Such disturbance catalyzes the selective proliferation of specific microbial populations, particularly pathobionts such as adherent invasive Escherichia coli and oral-derived bacteria. Pathobionts employ various strategies to adapt better to the disease-associated luminal environments. In addition to the host-microbe interaction, recent studies demonstrate that the metabolic network between commensal symbionts and pathobionts facilitates the expansion of pathobionts in the inflamed gut. Understanding the metabolic network among the host, commensal symbionts, and pathobionts provides new insights into the pathogenesis of IBD and novel avenues for treating IBD.

Porphyromonas gingivalis aggravates colitis via a gut microbiota-linoleic acid metabolism-Th17/Treg cell balance axis

Periodontitis is closely related to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). An excessive and non-self-limiting immune response to the dysbiotic microbiome characterizes the two. However, the underlying mechanisms that overlap still need to be clarified. We demonstrate that the critical periodontal pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) aggravates intestinal inflammation and Th17/Treg cell imbalance in a gut microbiota-dependent manner. Specifically, metagenomic and metabolomic analyses shows that oral administration of Pg increases levels of the Bacteroides phylum but decreases levels of the Firmicutes, Verrucomicrobia, and Actinobacteria phyla. Nevertheless, it suppresses the linoleic acid (LA) pathway in the gut microbiota, which was the target metabolite that determines the degree of inflammation and functions as an aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) ligand to suppress Th17 differentiation while promoting Treg cell differentiation via the phosphorylation of Stat1 at Ser727. Therapeutically restoring LA levels in colitis mice challenged with Pg exerts anti-colitis effects by decreasing the Th17/Treg cell ratio in an AHR-dependent manner. Our study suggests that Pg aggravates colitis via a gut microbiota-LA metabolism-Th17/Treg cell balance axis, providing a potential therapeutically modifiable target for IBD patients with periodontitis.

Assessment of Systemic Condition and Smoking Impact Over Incidence of Apical Periodontitis

This study aimed to assess the prevalence of apical periodontitis in a subset of the population of south-eastern Romania and to analyze the overall health status of the group of patients with apical periodontitis. The medical and dental history, including age, gender, background, presence of smoking, level of education, the total number of teeth present and with apical periodontitis, and the general health status were recorded from a total of 200 patients. The periapical status was analyzed using an orthopantomogram and periapical radiographs of teeth that were diagnosed with periapical lesions by the same dental professional. The periapical status was classified according to the periapical index (PAI), with apical periodontitis being present if the PAI score ≥3. The majority of patients were female (58.5%), with secondary or higher education from urban areas and the mean number of teeth with apical periodontitis was 2.29 ± 1.26, with a median of 2 teeth. A total of 17.1% of patients were smokers, these patients had two more teeth with periapical pathology, and 16% of all patients had general diseases, the most common of which was cardiovascular disease (8.2%). Compared with those without the disease, these patients had a higher number of teeth with apical periodontitis (median = 2.5, IQR = 2-4 vs. median = 2, IQR = 1-3). As a result, this scientific research suggests an association between smoking, cardiovascular disease, and gastritis with apical periodontitis, but no association could be demonstrated between apical periodontitis and other systemic diseases.

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease have more oral health problems and higher costs of professional dental care than healthy controls: The Periodontitis Prevalence in ulcerative Colitis and Crohn disease (PPCC) case-control study

BACKGROUND

To describe the frequency and impact of oral lesions and professional dental care costs in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) (i.e., Crohn disease [CD] or ulcerative colitis [UC]) compared to matched controls).

METHODS

IBD patients and matched controls were surveyed on general anamnestic information, eating and drinking habits, and oral health- and dental care-related questions; IBD patients were additionally surveyed on oral lesions. Problems related to oral lesions and the amount of money spent for professional dental care in the past 12 months were defined as primary outcome parameters.

RESULTS

Answers from 1108 IBD patients and 3429 controls were analyzed. About 30% of the patients indicated having had problems with oral lesions, with CD patients having 46% higher odds and having them more often in a generalized form compared to UC patients. Further, self-reported severe periodontitis increased the odds of having oral lesions by almost 2.3-times. However, only about 12.5% of IBD patients were informed by their physician about oral lesions and about 10% indicated receiving treatment for them. Compared to controls, IBD patients required more often dental treatment and spent more money; specifically, UC and CD patients had 27 and 89% higher odds, respectively, for having spent ≥3000 DKK (ca. 440 USD) at the dentist compared to controls.

CONCLUSIONS

IBD patients have more often oral health problems and higher expenses for professional dental care compared to matched controls. This included problems with IBD-related oral lesions, but these are rarely addressed by the medical or dental team.

Potential effects of specific gut microbiota on periodontal disease: a two-sample bidirectional Mendelian randomization study

Introduction

Periodontal disease (PD) presents a substantial global health challenge, encompassing conditions from reversible gingivitis to irreversible periodontitis, often culminating in tooth loss. The gut-oral axis has recently emerged as a focal point, with potential gut microbiota dysbiosis exacerbating PD.

Methods

In this study, we employed a double-sample bidirectional Mendelian randomized (MR) approach to investigate the causal relationship between specific gut microbiota and periodontal disease (PD) and bleeding gum (BG) development, while exploring the interplay between periodontal health and the gut microenvironment. We performed genome-wide association studies (GWAS) with two cohorts, totalling 346,731 (PD and control) and 461,113 (BG and control) participants, along with data from 14,306 participants' intestinal flora GWAS, encompassing 148 traits (31 families and 117 genera). Three MR methods were used to assess causality, with the in-verse-variance-weighted (IVW) measure as the primary outcome. Cochrane's Q test, MR-Egger, and MR-PRESSO global tests were used to detect heterogeneity and pleiotropy. The leave-one-out method was used to test the stability of the MR results. An F-statistic greater than 10 was accepted for instrument exposure association.

Results and conclusion

Specifically, Eubacterium xylanophilum and Lachnoclostridium were associated with reduced gum bleeding risk, whereas Anaerotruncus, Eisenbergiella, and Phascolarctobacterium were linked to reduced PD risk. Conversely, Fusicatenibacter was associated with an elevated risk of PD. No significant heterogeneity or pleiotropy was detected. In conclusion, our MR analysis pinpointed specific gut flora with causal connections to PD, offering potential avenues for oral health interventions.

Oral pathobiont Klebsiella chaperon usher pili provide site-specific adaptation for the inflamed gut mucosa

The ectopic gut colonization by orally derived pathobionts has been implicated in the pathogenesis of various gastrointestinal diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). For example, gut colonization by orally derived Klebsiella spp. has been linked to IBD in mice and humans. However, the mechanisms whereby oral pathobionts colonize extra-oral niches, such as the gut mucosa, remain largely unknown. Here, we performed a high-density transposon (Tn) screening to identify genes required for the adaptation of an oral Klebsiella strain to different mucosal sites - the oral and gut mucosae - at the steady state and during inflammation. We find that K. aerogenes, an oral pathobiont associated with both oral and gut inflammation in mice, harbors a newly identified genomic locus named "locus of colonization in the inflamed gut (LIG)" that encodes genes related to iron acquisition (Sit and Chu) and host adhesion (chaperon usher pili [CUP] system). The LIG locus is highly conserved among K. aerogenes strains, and these genes are also present in several other Klebsiella species. The Tn screening revealed that the LIG locus is required for the adaptation of K. aerogenes in its ectopic niche. In particular, we determined K. aerogenes employs a CUP system (CUP1) present in the LIG locus for colonization in the inflamed gut, but not in the oral mucosa. Thus, oral pathobionts likely exploit distinct adaptation mechanisms in their ectopically colonized intestinal niche compared to their native niche.

Association of Periodontal Disease with Activity of Crohn's Disease

INTRODUCTION

Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory granulomatous disease that can affect the entire gastrointestinal tract. It is characterized by various extraintestinal manifestations (EIMs), of which oral manifestations (OMs) are often possible. One of the possible OMs is periodontal disease (PD), a chronic inflammatory condition of the supporting tissues of the teeth. This study aimed to show the existence of a mutual relationship between the clinical activity of PD and the clinical and endoscopic activity of CD.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One clinical and two endoscopic indexes were used for the assessment of CD activity and clinical attachment loss (CAL), bleeding on probing (BOP), pocket probing depth (PPD), and radiographic bone loss (RBL) in a dental panoramic tomogram to assess PD in CD patients.

RESULTS

A total of 38 patients underwent the entire study process, of which 20 patients had CD and 18 patients had CD and PD. Considering all CD activity scores, there were 26 patients with active disease; half of them had PD, and 85.7% of operated patients had active CD. The values of CAL, PPD, BOP, and RBL were higher in active CD patients than those in remission, except for BOP when comparing to the CDAI score, which was higher in those in remission of CD.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study indicate that there is a connection between the activity of CD and worse conditions of the supporting tissues of the gums in the oral cavity, so it is important to keep in mind the necessity of referring patients with CD to a dentist for timely and adequate therapeutic measures.

Health-related quality of life aspects of the 'Periodontitis prevalence in ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease' (PPCC) cohort

AIM

To assess whether oral health problems affect disease-specific quality of life (QoL) of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients, and vice versa, whether IBD affects oral-health-related QoL.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Individuals reporting IBD and matched controls were surveyed on general anamnestic information, oral-health-related questions and the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP)-5. IBD patients were additionally surveyed on years since diagnosis, disease activity and severity as well as health-related QoL (Short Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire, sIBDQ). OHIP-5 and sIBDQ were defined as primary outcome parameters, and several predictors and confounders were used in adjusted univariable and multivariable regression analyses.

RESULTS

Answers from 1108 IBD patients and 3429 controls were analysed. Compared with controls, IBD patients reported significantly more frequently an oral impact on daily life and worse oral-health-related QoL, with Crohn's disease (CD) patients being more severely affected than ulcerative colitis (UC) patients. The diagnosis of UC and CD, having <20 teeth, severe periodontitis and stressful daily-life experience were associated with a higher prevalence of poor oral-health-related QoL. Among IBD patients, an impaired IBD-specific, health-related QoL was significantly associated with the diagnosis of CD and depression, IBD activity and severity, having <20 teeth, presence of oral lesions and stressful daily-life experience, while a longer time since diagnosis was significantly associated with an improved IBD-specific, health-related QoL.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the present study indicate, for the first time, that oral health problems are associated with an impairment of IBD-specific health-related QoL, and vice versa, IBD is associated with an impaired oral health-related QoL. This emphasizes the potential advantages of including dental professionals in the multi-disciplinary treatment teams of IBD patients.

Periodontal disease is not associated with risk of inflammatory bowel disease: Results from two prospective cohort studies in the US

AIM

To examine the relationship between periodontal disease and tooth loss and risk of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

METHODS

We conducted a prospective cohort study of 86,602 women from the Nurses' Health Study (1992-2016) and 50,349 men from the Health Professionals Follow-up Study (1986-2016) with available data on periodontal disease and tooth loss. Cases of IBD were initially reported by participants and then confirmed by medical record review. We used Cox proportional hazards modelling to estimate multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) and 95% CIs.

RESULTS

Through the end of follow-up, we documented 175 cases of Crohn's disease (CD) and 209 cases of ulcerative colitis (UC). After adjustment for potential risk factors, there was no association between periodontal disease and risk of CD (pooled aHR: 0.99, 95% CI: 0.65-1.52, p = 0.970) or UC (aHR: 0.99, 95% CI: 0.68-1.45, p = 0.971). Similarly, we did not observe an association between tooth loss and risk of CD (aHR: 0.72, 95% CI: 0.43-1.21, p = 0.218) or UC (aHR: 0.89, 95% CI: 0.58-1.36, p = 0.581) in the pooled analysis. The associations were not modified by sex, age, body mass index (BMI), smoking status or NSAID use (all pinteraction  > 0.87).

CONCLUSION

In two large prospective cohort studies, we did not observe an association between periodontal disease and tooth loss and risk of CD or UC.

Deciphering genetic causality between inflammatory bowel disease and periodontitis through bi-directional two-sample Mendelian randomization

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and periodontitis are reported to be closely associated; however, whether there is a causal association between them remains unclear. To explore the existence of this causality, this study applied a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR). The genetic variants were obtained from the summary statistics of genome-wide association studies of IBD, including its subtypes CD and UC, and periodontitis. 175, 148, 113, and six single-nucleotide polymorphisms were selected as instrumental variables for IBD, CD, UC, and periodontitis, respectively. In MR analysis, random-effects inverse-variance weighted was used as the primary method, and weighted median and MR Egger regression were applied as the complementary method. A series of sensitivity analyses were also conducted to ensure the reliability of the results. None of these analyses found a significant effect of genetically proxied IBD and its subtypes on periodontitis, and vice versa. Subsequent sensitivity analyses did not detect any horizontal pleiotropy and heterogeneity. Caution should be exerted when it comes to clinical relevance and further studies are needed to clarify the relationship between IBD and periodontitis.

Patient with Crohn's Disease Presents for Pain in Relation to Maxillary Teeth

Crohn's disease has been associated with poor oral health and oral health-related quality of life. Myriad-specific and nonspecific oral lesions have been associated with Crohn's disease. Oral lesions in patients with Crohn's disease may be a source of referred pain, especially if mucosal ulcerations or orofacial granulomatosis are involved. The dental provider can play an important role in evaluating for and/or managing oral lesions in patients with Crohn's disease and thereby improving patients' oral health and quality of life.

Biofilm's Impact on Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

The colon has a large surface area covered with a thick mucus coating. Colon's biomass consists of about 1,012 colony-forming units per gram of feces and 500-1,000 distinct bacterial species. The term inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) indicates the collection of intestinal illnesses in which the digestive system (esophagus, large intestine, mouth, stomach, and small intestine) experiences persistent inflammation. IBD development is influenced by environmental (infections, stress, and nutrition) and genetic factors. The microbes present in gut microbiota help maintain intestinal homeostasis and support immune and epithelial cell growth, differentiation, as well as proliferation. It has been discovered that a variety of variables and microorganisms are crucial for the development of biofilms and mucosal colonization during IBD. An extracellular matrix formed by bacteria supports biofilm production in our digestive system and harms the host's immunological response. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and IBD considerably affect human socioeconomic well-being and the standard of living. IBD is a serious public health issue, affecting millions of people across the globe. The gut microbiome may significantly influence IBS pathogenesis, even though few diagnostic and treatment options are available. As a result, current research focuses more on disrupting biofilm in IBD patients and stresses primarily on drugs that help improve the quality of life for human well-being. We evaluate studies on IBD and bacterial biofilm to add fresh insights into the existing state of knowledge of biofilm formation in IBD, incidence of IBD patients, molecular level of investigations, bacteria that are involved in the formation of biofilm, and present and down the line regimens and probiotics. Planning advanced ways to control and eradicate bacteria in biofilms should be the primary goal to add fresh insights into generating innovative diagnostic and alternative therapy options for IBD.

aMMP-8 Point-of-Care Test (POCT) Identifies Reliably Periodontitis in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes as well as Monitors Treatment Response

BACKGROUND

The link between diabetes and periodontitis is bi-directional: high glucose levels increase the risk of periodontitis and elevated oral fluid aMMP-8 as well as diabetic development while untreated periodontitis worsens glycaemic control.

METHODS

Type-2 patients (N = 161) underwent an aMMP-8 Point-of-Care Test (POCT) at diabetes clinics. If the test was positive, the patient was sent to an oral health care clinic and oral health examination, health-promoting as well as necessary treatment procedures were carried out. Only 41 patients underwent full clinical evaluations. At the end of the treatment, an aMMP-8 POCT (B) was performed and if the test was positive, the treatment was continued and a new test (C) was performed, aiming for test negativity. The glycated haemoglobin (GHbA1c) test was performed approximately 6 months from the original appointment.

RESULTS

GHbA1c concentrations did not decrease during the follow-up. The concentrations of aMMP-8 assessed by POCT, and clinical parameters decreased. Changes in GHbA1c and aMMP-8 levels assessed by POCT during the treatment correlated positively with each other (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

aMMP-8 POCT proved its reliability, and that its use is beneficial in the diabetes clinic, it enables identifying patients with periodontal findings reliably and guides them directly to an oral health clinic.

Is the microbiome the cause of irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease? Lessons to consider from odontology

BACKGROUND

A substantial amount of research is pointing to the disrupted microbiome and dysfunctional host-microbiome interaction as potential causes of Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The true cause of the diseases is still not fully elucidated, and the various treatments used are not truly effective in the long run, especially for IBD, since a true cure is not known to exist. Treatment failure and surgery are common for IBD, many times leading to a perceived lower quality of life, not to mention the enormous cost for society for treatment up until that point and after. Although it is clear that the microbiome has a major role in the disease, it seems the majority of the research and treatments are still focused on treating and understanding the inflammation and not the primary cause of the inflammation in the first place. This was also the case for many decades in the search for the cause of periodontitis (PD) and gingivitis (GV), a destructive and non-destructive inflammatory disorder, respectively, the first resulting in loss of tissue supporting the teeth. There was much uncertainty and confusion until it was fully established that the microbiome was the cause. PD treatments primarily nowadays reflect the cause, i.e. the removal of microbes. There is no doubt, however, that the inflammatory pathways are important in both diseases and the purpose of this text is not to dispute this in respect to gastrointestinal disorders too. However, a different view on inflammation and associated disorders is explored to explain the nature of extraintestinal manifestations.

PURPOSE

The aim of this report is not to systematically fully review the literature to try to strengthen causality, as there are many reviews that explore the microbial aspects of IBS and IBD. Instead, the objective is to above all reflect on what has been learned in the field of odontology/stomatology and discuss relevant gastrointestinal research in order to propose tentative hypotheses and questions regarding IBS and IBD aetiology. Perhaps it could help soften the confusion regarding the microbial aetiology and dysbiosis concept, while guiding future research and treatments, primarily regarding microbial transplants, antibiotics, and diet.

Periodontitis prevalence and severity in inflammatory bowel disease: A case-control study

BACKGROUND

Recent evidence is supporting the notion of a microbiological and immunological continuum on the gum-gut axis in health and disease. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence and risk indicators of periodontitis in patients with Crohn's disease (CD) or ulcerative colitis (UC) compared to age- and sex-matched controls without inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

METHODS

A total of 180 IBD (117 CD, 60 UC, 3 IBD-unclassified) and 180 healthy controls were compared for their periodontitis diagnosis (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/American Academy of Periodontology [CDC/AAP] case definition) and full-mouth periodontal parameters. In addition, explorative logistic regression models were performed.

RESULTS

Significantly more patients with IBD had moderate/severe periodontitis (85.6% vs. 65.6%, p < 0.001) and severe periodontitis (36.7% vs. 25.6%, p < 0.001) than controls. Differences were higher in the 35-50 and 51-65 age groups, without significant changes between CD and UC. IBD subjects presented chances ∼3.5 higher of having moderate/severe periodontitis (p < 0.001). Significant variables associated with periodontitis in the whole sample were older age, presence of IBD, and higher full-mouth plaque scores, whereas in the IBD group they were male sex, IBD-associated surgery, and IBD duration and localization (pancolitis). Positive risk indicators for IBD were periodontitis severity and higher bleeding scores, while smoking was negatively associated with UC.

CONCLUSIONS

Relevant associations between IBD and periodontitis were found, being modified by CD and UC clinical characteristics. Preventive and therapeutic strategies involving the gum-gut axis should be enforced in IBD patients.

The Impact of Periodontitis on Inflammatory Bowel Disease Activity

BACKGROUND

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and periodontitis are chronic, progressive, inflammatory diseases with similarly complex pathogeneses that involve an interplay between dysbiotic microbiota and dysregulated immune-inflammatory responses. However, whether the presence of periodontitis is associated with IBD activity and/or its severity remains unknown.

METHODS

An online, questionnaire-based study was answered by 1093 patients with IBD, comprising 527 patients with Crohn's disease and 566 patients with ulcerative colitis. The survey included questions on social demographics; oral health, including the Periodontal Screening Score (PESS); and IBD-related characteristics, including validated disease indices.

RESULTS

Irrespective of disease subtype, patients with a reduced number of teeth and those with self-reported severe periodontitis scored significantly higher on the IBD disability index (number of teeth: coefficient, 4.93 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 1.21-8.66; P = .010]; periodontitis: coefficient, 3.54 [95% CI, 0.27-6.80; P = .034]) and reported increased disease activity in the preceding 12 months (number of teeth: odds ratio [OR], 1.91 [95% CI, 1.36-2.69; P < .001]; periodontitis: OR, 1.71 [95% CI, 1.27-2.31; P < .001]). There was also evidence of a weak association between self-reported severe periodontitis and current disease activity (OR, 1.33; 95% CI, 0.95-1.86; P = .099). However, IBD severity, as a composite parameter of a history of surgery due to IBD and/or treatment with biological therapy, was not associated with possessing a reduced number of teeth (OR, 1.18; 95% CI, 0.77-1.80; P = .451), nor with self-reported severe periodontitis (OR, 1.15; 95% CI, 0.79-1.66; P = .467).

CONCLUSIONS

Periodontitis and tooth loss were significantly associated with increased IBD-related disability and more disease activity in the preceding 12 months. Our results suggest that greater attention should be paid to IBD patients' oral health.

Association between inflammatory bowel disease and periodontitis: A bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization study

AIM

This Mendelian randomization (MR) study was performed to explore the potential bidirectional causal association between inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and periodontitis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We used genetic instruments from the genome-wide association study summary statistics of European descent for IBD (12,882 cases and 21,770 controls) to investigate the association with periodontitis (3046 cases and 195,395 controls) and vice versa. The radial inverse-variance weighted method was carried out to obtain the primary causal estimates, and the robustness of the results was assessed by a series of sensitivity analyses. Due to multiple testing, associations with p values <.008 were considered as statistically significant, and p values ≥.008 and <.05 were considered as suggestively significant.

RESULTS

In the primary causal estimates, IBD as a whole was associated with an increased risk of periodontitis (odds ratio [OR], 1.060; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.017; 1.105; p = .006). Subtype analyses showed that ulcerative colitis (UC) was associated with periodontitis (OR, 1.074; 95% CI 1.029; 1.122; p = .001), while Crohn's disease (CD) was not. Regarding the reverse direction, periodontitis showed a suggestive association with IBD as a whole (OR, 1.065; 95% CI 1.013; 1.119; p = .014). Subtype analyses revealed that periodontitis was associated with CD (OR, 1.100; 95% CI 1.038; 1.167; p = .001) but not UC. The final models after outlier removal showed no obvious pleiotropy, indicating that our primary analysis results were reliable.

CONCLUSIONS

The present MR study provides moderate evidence on the bidirectional causal relationship between IBD and periodontitis. The bidirectional increased risk found in our study was marginal and, possibly, of limited clinical relevance. More studies are needed to support the findings of our current study.

Immunomodulatory role of oral microbiota in inflammatory diseases and allergic conditions

In recent years, the interplay between oral microbiota and systemic disease has gained attention as poor oral health is associated with several pathologies. The oral microbiota plays a role in the maintenance of overall health, and its dysbiosis influences chronic inflammation and the pathogenesis of gum diseases. Periodontitis has also been associated with other diseases and health complications such as cancer, neurogenerative and autoimmune disorders, chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular diseases, rheumatic arthritis, respiratory health, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. The host microbiota can influence immune cell development and immune responses, and recent evidence suggests that changes in oral microbiota composition may also contribute to sensitization and the development of allergic reactions, including asthma and peanut allergies. Conversely, there is also evidence that allergic reactions within the gut may contribute to alterations in oral microbiota composition. Here we review the current evidence of the role of the oral microbiota in inflammatory diseases and health complications, as well as its future relevance in improving health and ameliorating allergic disease.

The effect of the "Oral-Gut" axis on periodontitis in inflammatory bowel disease: A review of microbe and immune mechanism associations

Periodontitis and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract that share common features of microbial-induced ecological dysregulation and host immune inflammatory response. The close relationship between periodontitis and IBD is characterized by a higher prevalence of IBD in patients with periodontitis and a higher prevalence and severity of periodontitis in patients with IBD, indicating that periodontitis and IBD are different from the traditional independent diseases and form an "Oral-Gut" axis between the two, which affect each other and thus form a vicious circle. However, the specific mechanisms leading to the association between the two are not fully understood. In this article, we describe the interconnection between periodontitis and IBD in terms of microbial pathogenesis and immune dysregulation, including the ectopic colonization of the gut by pathogenic bacteria associated with periodontitis that promotes inflammation in the gut by activating the host immune response, and the alteration of the oral microbiota due to IBD that affects the periodontal inflammatory response. Among the microbial factors, pathogenic bacteria such as Klebsiella, Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum may act as the microbial bridge between periodontitis and IBD, while among the immune mechanisms, Th17 cell responses and the secreted pro-inflammatory factors IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α play a key role in the development of both diseases. This suggests that in future studies, we can look for targets in the "Oral-Gut" axis to control and intervene in periodontal inflammation by regulating periodontal or intestinal flora through immunological methods.

Periodontitis prevalence in patients with ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease - PPCC: A case-control study

AIM

The aim of this questionnaire-based case-control study was to assess whether self-reported oral health and periodontitis in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD) differ from those in matched controls without inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A survey including questions on general anamnestic information, IBD diagnosis, and oral health was distributed online. Self-perceived overall health of teeth and gums, severe periodontitis, and tooth loss were defined as outcome parameters.

RESULTS

Analyses were based on answers from 1108 patients with IBD and 3429 controls. Patients with IBD reported significantly worse oral health and more periodontal problems compared to controls. Regression analyses corrected for relevant confounders showed significantly increased odds for fair or poor self-perceived overall health of teeth and gums (odds ratio [OR] 2.147 and 2.736, respectively) and for severe periodontitis (OR 1.739 and 2.574, respectively) for patients with UC and CD compared to controls; patients with CD presented additionally 91% higher odds for having &lt;20 remaining teeth.

CONCLUSION

Patients with UC and CD have significantly increased odds for worse self-perceived oral health and severe periodontitis compared to controls, with the former being more severely affected and losing more teeth. It is strongly recommended that patients with IBD are kept under close surveillance to prevent periodontitis development and/or mitigate its progression.

Association between Porphyromonas Gingivalis and systemic diseases: Focus on T cells-mediated adaptive immunity

The association between periodontal disease and systemic disease has become a research hotspot. Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis), a crucial periodontal pathogen, affects the development of systemic diseases. The pathogenicity of P. gingivalis is largely linked to interference with the host's immunity. This review aims to discover the role of P. gingivalis in the modulation of the host's adaptive immune system through a large number of virulence factors and the manipulation of cellular immunological responses (mainly mediated by T cells). These factors may affect the cause of large numbers of systemic diseases, such as atherosclerosis, hypertension, adverse pregnancy outcomes, inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes mellitus, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and Alzheimer's disease. The point of view of adaptive immunity may provide a new idea for treating periodontitis and related systemic diseases.

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease have a higher chance of developing periodontitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background and objective

Periodontitis affects up to one billion people worldwide, and has been proven to be associated with several systemic inflammatory conditions. This study investigates the specific relationship between two multifactorial diseases: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and periodontitis. To thoroughly explore this issue, we investigated separately whether IBD patients have a higher chance of developing periodontitis, and equally, whether patients with periodontitis have a higher chance of developing IBD.

Methods

The systematic search was performed in three databases: MEDLINE, Cochrane Trials, and Embase, up to 26 October 2021. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO. All eligible studies investigating the association between IBD and periodontitis from either direction were included. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to assess the risk of bias. As a primary outcome, we investigated the prevalence of IBD and periodontitis, and calculated the odds ratio (OR). Our secondary outcomes involved comparing the clinical periodontal outcomes of IBD patients to those of IBD-free patients.

Results

The systematic search resulted in 1,715 records, 14 of which were eligible for qualitative synthesis and 8 for quantitative synthesis. On the basis of the results of the primary outcome, IBD diagnosis was associated with significantly higher odds of periodontitis: OR = 2.65 (CI: 2.09-3.36, I 2 = 0 (CI: 0-0.75)). For subgroup analysis, we investigated separately the odds in Crohn's disease (CD) patients: OR = 2.22 (CI: 1.49-3.31, I 2 = 0.05 (CI: 0-0.76)) and in ulcerative colitis (UC) patients: OR = 3.52 (CI: 2.56 to 4.83, I 2 = 0 (CI: 0-0.75)); the odds were significantly higher in all cases. Two studies investigated whether patients with periodontitis were more susceptible to IBD, and both found that periodontitis was significantly associated with the risk of subsequent UC, but not with subsequent CD. However, more studies are needed to prove an association.

Conclusion

Our analysis confirmed that IBD patients have a higher chance of developing periodontitis, and are a higher risk population in dentistry. Both dentists and gastroenterologists should be aware of this relationship and should emphasize the importance of prevention even more than in the healthy population.

Systematic review registration

[https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/], identifier [CRD42021286161].

Insulin-binding protein-5 down-regulates the balance of Th17/Treg

The inflammatory response plays critical important role in tissue hemostasis. Our previous study showed insulin-binding protein-5 (IGFBP5) could enhance the regeneration of tissue defect under inflammation condition, but the function of IGFBP5 in controlling inflammation and regulating immune responses remains unclear. In present study, we studied the regulatory effect of IGFBP5 on T cell immune response in vitro, and the maintenance of Th17/Treg balance in vivo by using dextran sulfate sodium salt (DSS)-induced colitis in mice. The results showed that IGFBP5 inhibited the differentiation of CD4⁺ T cells into Th17 subset while promoted its differentiation into Treg subsets. Further results of animal experiments demonstrated that recombinant IGFBP5 reversed the imbalance of Th17/Treg and alleviated the severity of DSS-induced colitis. The percentage of Th17 cells decreased and the percentage of Treg cells increased in the inflamed colon tissue and mesenteric lymph nodes of mice with colitis after IGFBP5 treatment. Besides, pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-1β and IFN-γ in serum were suppressed after the treatment of IGFBP5. Moreover, the function of IGFBP5 in regulating Th17/Treg balance could be inhibited by the inhibitors of ERK or JNK pathway. In conclusion, all these data showed that IGFBP5 could regulate Th17/Treg balance via ERK or JNK pathways. The findings of our study provide a theoretical basis for the application of IGFBP5 in inflammatory diseases.

Colitis induced by dextran sulphate sodium causes histopathological and immunological changes in the periodontal tissues of Wistar rats

OBJECTIVE

This study investigated the impact of colitis induced by dextran sulphate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis (DIC) on histopathological and immunological outcomes in the periodontal tissues of Wistar rats.

BACKGROUND

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) and periodontitis have been reported to present a bidirectional relationship. However, the inflammatory pathway that connects both diseases needs further investigation.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Twenty-five male Wistar rats were allocated in four groups: unilateral ligature-induced periodontitis for 14 days: LIP (n = 7); dextran sulphate sodium-induced colitis only: DIC (n = 6); DIC + LIP (n = 6) and controls (n = 6). Digital images were obtained from the histological sections. In order to assess the attachment loss (AL), the linear distance between the cementoenamel junction (CEJ) and the alveolar bone crest was measured on the mesial root using histological photomicrography's ImageJ software. Immunological analyses of gingival tissues and plasma were performed by Bio-Plex Th1/Th2 Assay.

RESULTS

The DIC group showed inflammatory cells extending to the periodontal connective tissues, which contained significantly elevated expressions of IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, IL-12, IL-13, GM-CSF, IFN-γ and TNF-α compared to controls. There was no significant difference in bone loss between controls and DIC. There were no significant histopathological differences between DIC + LIP and LIP. However, DIC + LIP presented a significantly lower IL-2 and IL-5 than the LIP group. There was no bone loss difference between LIP+DIC and LIP groups. DIC + LIP group presented significantly higher levels of GM-CSF in plasma.

CONCLUSION

DSS-induced colitis was associated with an overexpression of Th1/Th2- related cytokines in the gingival tissue.

Inflammatory bowel disease and periodontitis: A retrospective chart analysis

OBJECTIVES

This study examined the variation in prevalence of periodontitis among different sexes, age groups, smoking status, and oral hygiene adherence in patients affected by either Crohn's disease (CD) or ulcerative colitis (UC).

MATERIALS & METHODS

This study was a retrospective chart analysis that collected data from the School of Dentistry's Oral Health Clinic at the University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada. Patients' electronic health records between the years of 2013 and 2019 were analyzed. Multiple keywords such as IBD, CD, UC, and periodontal disease with various spelling combinations were used for searching and gathering pertinent data, which was then further assessed. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 80 patient charts were included. These patient charts were thoroughly screened to gather information such as age, sex, smoking status, and a variety of periodontal parameters. Collected data were analyzed using SPSS software by using Pearson's χ2 , Pearson's correlation, and Mann-Whitney U-test.

RESULTS

IBD had an impact on the severity of periodontitis in patients between the ages of 50 and 64 years with higher odds ratio (OR). Biological sex or history of smoking in IBD patients did not have higher odds of developing periodontitis. Plaque score derived from this retrospective study was used to estimate the patient's oral hygiene status and showed no impact. Also, prevalence of periodontitis did not differ between UC and CD. We anticipated some of these findings because of the retrospective nature of the study.

CONCLUSIONS

Within the limitation of the retrospective study, IBD patients in the 50-64 age group years showed a higher odds ratio for a greater prevalence of periodontitis. Thus, a closer periodontal recall and evaluation in these patients is recommended for early diagnosis and preventive care. It is advised that periodontists work closely with gastroenterologists to maintain periodontal health in IBD-affected individuals.

Oral manifestations serve as potential signs of ulcerative colitis: A review

As an immune dysregulation-related disease, although ulcerative colitis (UC) primarily affects the intestinal tract, extraintestinal manifestations of the disease are evident, particularly in the oral cavity. Herein, we have reviewed the various oral presentations, potential pathogenesis, and treatment of oral lesions related to UC. The oral manifestations of UC include specific and nonspecific manifestations, with the former including pyostomatitis vegetans and the latter encompassing recurrent aphthous ulcers, atrophic glossitis, burning mouth syndrome, angular cheilitis, dry mouth, taste change, halitosis, and periodontitis. Although the aetiology of UC has not been fully determined, the factors leading to its development include immune system dysregulation, dysbiosis, and malnutrition. The principle of treating oral lesions in UC is to relieve pain, accelerate the healing of lesions, and prevent secondary infection, and the primary procedure is to control intestinal diseases. Systemic corticosteroids are the preferred treatment options, besides, topical and systemic administration combined with dietary guidance can also be applied. Oral manifestations of UC might accompany or precede the diagnosis of UC, albeit with the absence of intestinal symptoms; therefore, oral lesions, especially pyostomatitis vegetans, recurrent aphthous ulcer and periodontitis, could be used as good mucocutaneous signs to judge the occurrence and severity of UC, thus facilitating the early diagnosis and treatment of UC and avoiding severe consequences, such as colon cancer.

Oral health associated with incident diabetes but not other chronic diseases: A register-based cohort study

Introduction

Oral infectious diseases are common chronic oral diseases characterized by a chronic inflammatory condition. We investigated chronic oral diseases as potential risk factors for systemic chronic diseases, diabetes mellitus, connective tissue diseases, seropositive rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn's disease, as well as severe psychotic and other severe mental disorders.

Methods

The cohort comprised 68,273 patients aged ≥ 29 years with at least one dental visit to the Helsinki City Health Services between 2001 and 2002. The cohort was linked to the data on death (Statistics Finland), cancer (Finnish Cancer Registry), and drug reimbursement (Finnish Social Insurance Institution) and followed until death or the end of 2013. The outcomes of interest were the incidences of chronic diseases measured starting with special refund medication, which means Social Insurance Institution partly or fully reimburses medication costs. Outcomes of interest were diabetes mellitus, connective tissue diseases, seropositive rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, and severe mental disorders.

Results

The mean follow-up time was 9.8 years. About 25% of the study population had periodontitis, 17% caries, over 70% apical periodontitis, and 9% <24 teeth at the start of follow-up. Diabetes was the only chronic systemic condition associated with oral health variables. Having 24 to 27 teeth was associated with a higher incidence rate ratio (IRR) (1.21, 95% confidence interval 1.09-1.33) compared to having 28 or more teeth; the IRR for having 23 or less was 1.40 (1.22-1.60). Having periodontitis (1.10, 1.01-1.20), caries (1.12, 1.01-1.23), or apical periodontitis (1.16, 1.04-1.30) is also associated with a higher risk of diabetes.

Conclusion

Our epidemiological 10 years follow-up study suggests that the association exists between chronic oral diseases and diabetes, warranting close collaboration among patient's healthcare professionals.

Periapical and endodontic status of patients with inflammatory bowel disease: Age- and sex-matched case-control study

AIM

Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) are two chronic recurrent inflammatory processes of the gastrointestinal tract, grouped under the name inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), causing clinical episodes of intestinal inflammation. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible association between IBD and the prevalence of apical periodontitis (AP) and root canal treatment.

METHODOLOGY

A case-control study design matched to age and sex was used. The study group (SG) included 28 patients with IBD (13 with CD, 15 with UC). Another 28 healthy subjects, without IBD and age- and sex-matched, were included in the control group (CG). Radiographic records were analysed and AP was diagnosed as radiolucent periapical lesions (RPLs), using the periapical index score. Student's t-test, χ2 test and multivariate logistic regression were used in the statistical analysis.

RESULTS

In the CG, only 17 subjects (61%) had at least one tooth with AP, whilst in the SG group they were 23 patients (82%; OR = 2.98; 95% CI = 0.87-10.87; p = .08). The number of subjects with one or more root filled teeth (RFT) in the CG was 14 (50%), whilst in the SG they were 22 (79%; OR = 3.67; 95% CI = 1.14-11.79; p = .026). At least one RFT with AP was evident in three subjects (10.7%) in the CG, whilst in the SG 15 patients (53.6%) showed RFT with AP (OR = 9.60; 95% CI = 2.35-39.35; p = .001). In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, only endodontic status was found to be associated with IBD (OR = 1.86; 95% CI = 1.24-2.80; p = .003).

CONCLUSION

IBD, UC and Crohn's disease are associated with higher prevalence of RFT and higher percentage of RFT with periapical lesions. Dentists should consider these findings when caring for IBD patients by monitoring the evolution of periapical lesions of endodontically treated teeth.

Influence of Genetics, Immunity and the Microbiome on the Prognosis of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD Prognosis Study): the protocol for a Copenhagen IBD Inception Cohort Study

INTRODUCTION

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), encompassing Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, are chronic, inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. We have initiated a Danish population-based inception cohort study aiming to investigate the underlying mechanisms for the heterogeneous course of IBD, including need for, and response to, treatment.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

IBD Prognosis Study is a prospective, population-based inception cohort study of unselected, newly diagnosed adult, adolescent and paediatric patients with IBD within the uptake area of Hvidovre University Hospital and Herlev University Hospital, Denmark, which covers approximately 1 050 000 inhabitants (~20% of the Danish population). The diagnosis of IBD will be according to the Porto diagnostic criteria in paediatric and adolescent patients or the Copenhagen diagnostic criteria in adult patients. All patients will be followed prospectively with regular clinical examinations including ileocolonoscopies, MRI of the small intestine, validated patient-reported measures and objective examinations with intestinal ultrasound. In addition, intestinal biopsies from ileocolonoscopies, stool, rectal swabs, saliva samples, swabs of the oral cavity and blood samples will be collected systematically for the analysis of biomarkers, microbiome and genetic profiles. Environmental factors and quality of life will be assessed using questionnaires and, when available, automatic registration of purchase data. The occurrence and course of extraintestinal manifestations will be evaluated by rheumatologists, dermatologists and dentists, and assessed by MR cholangiopancreatography, MR of the spine and sacroiliac joints, ultrasonography of peripheral joints and entheses, clinical oral examination, as well as panoramic radiograph of the jaws. Fibroscans and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scans will be performed to monitor occurrence and course of chronic liver diseases, osteopenia and osteoporosis.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

This study has been approved by Ethics Committee of the Capital Region of Denmark (approval number: H-20065831). Study results will be disseminated through publication in international scientific journals and presentation at (inter)national conferences.

Untangling the oral-gut axis in the pathogenesis of intestinal inflammation

An increasing body of literature reveals that host-microbe networks are well-coordinated and impact human health and disease. Recently, it has become evident that an abnormal alteration in bacterial configuration in the oral cavity, namely oral dysbiosis, caused by periodontal inflammation, is associated with various distant inflammatory diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease. However, the extent to which the relationships between oral and distant disorders are merely an association or are causally triggered by oral microorganisms remains debated. In this mini-review, we highlight mechanisms in inter-related organ system diseases , particularly the one between oral and gut inflammation. Further, we discuss clinical perspectives and propose a novel concept of a multi-hit hypothesis in the pathogenesis of gut inflammation, based on our updated knowledge of shared microbiological and immunological pathways between the oral and gut mucosae.

An Evaluation of Periodontal Status and Cytokine Levels in Saliva and Gingival Crevicular Fluid of Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

AIMS

Periodontal diseases and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD, ulcerative colitis [UC] and Crohn's disease [CD]) have been reported to present with increased salivary and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) concentrations of cytokines. The aim of this study was to evaluate the salivary and GCF levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-10, and IL-17A and their associations with the periodontal statuses of UC, CD and non-IBD patients, and to analyze the interrelationships among these cytokines, IBD conditions, and periodontal diseases.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This cross-sectional study was performed with a total of 131 patients (62 women and 69 men, mean age 42.96±13.02 years). Patients were divided into three groups: UC, CD, and non-IBD. Periodontal status was defined according to the 2017 World Workshop Disease Classification. Salivary and GCF cytokine levels were analyzed using ELISA.

RESULTS

UC and CD patients diagnosed as having periodontitis and gingivitis presented with significantly higher levels of TNF-α and lower levels of IL-10 as compared with non-IBD patients (p<0.05). UC patients diagnosed with periodontitis exhibited significantly higher scores of bleeding on probing (p = 0.011) and increased salivary and GCF IL-1β levels as compared with CD patients (p = 0.005, and 0.012 respectively). Considering the active and remission status of IBD, salivary IL-1β was found to be correlated with the parameters representing the severity of periodontal diseases in active UC and CD patients.

CONCLUSION(S)

In the presence of periodontal diseases, UC and CD patients showed different expression levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-10 in oral secretions as compared with non-IBD patients. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

The Oral-Microbiome-Brain Axis and Neuropsychiatric Disorders: An Anthropological Perspective

In the 21st century, neuropsychiatric disorders (NPDs) are on the rise, yet the causal mechanisms behind this global epidemic remain poorly understood. A key to these unknowns may lie within the vast communities of bacteria, fungi, and viruses in the body (microbiota), which are intimately linked with health and disease. NPDs were recently shown to be connected to gut microbiota, which can communicate with and influence the brain through the Gut-Brain-Axis (GBA). Parallel studies examining oral microbiota and their connections to the brain also suggest that microbes in the mouth can similarly influence NPD outcomes. However, the mechanisms and pathways that illuminate how oral microbiota and brain communicate in NPDs remain unknown. Here, we review identified mechanisms and pathways that oral microbiota use to engage the brain, and we lay the theoretical foundation for an oral-microbiota-brain axis (OMBA). Specifically, we examine established neuroinflammatory and immune system activation responses that underpin interactions between the oral microbiota and the central nervous system (CNS), detailing four specific mechanisms: (1) microbial and metabolite escape, (2) neuroinflammation, (3) CNS signaling, and (4) response to neurohormones. We then scrutinize why including the OMBA, in addition to the GBA, is critically needed to elucidate specific causal relationships between microbial dysbiosis and observed NPD development and progression. Furthermore, we argue for comprehensive, interdisciplinary approaches that integrate lab-based microbiome research and population-level studies that examine the OMBA to improve NPDs. We specifically identify key anthropological perspectives that integrate sociocultural, epidemiological, genetic, and environmental factors that shape the oral microbiome and its interactions with NPDs. Together, future studies of the OMBA in conjunction with interdisciplinary approaches can be used to identify NPD risks and improve outcomes, as well as develop novel intervention and treatment strategies.

Role of Interleukin-17A in the Pathomechanisms of Periodontitis and Related Systemic Chronic Inflammatory Diseases

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory and destructive disease caused by periodontal microbial infection and mediated by host immune response. As the main cause of loosening and loss of teeth in adults, it is considered to be one of the most common and serious oral diseases in the world. The co-existence of periodontitis and systemic chronic inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes and so on is very common. It has been found that interleukin-17A (IL-17A) secreted by various innate and adaptive immune cells can activate a series of inflammatory cascade reactions, which mediates the occurrence and development of periodontitis and related systemic chronic inflammatory diseases. In this work, we review the role of IL-17A in the pathomechanisms of periodontitis and related systemic chronic inflammatory diseases, and briefly discuss the therapeutic potential of cytokine targeted agents that modulate the IL-17A signaling. A deep understanding of the possible molecular mechanisms in the relationship between periodontitis and systemic diseases will help dentists and physicians update their clinical diagnosis and treatment ideas.

Periodontitis, chronic liver diseases, and the emerging oral-gut-liver axis

The liver carries out a wide range of functions ranging from the control of metabolites, nutrient storage, and detoxification to immunosurveillance. While inflammation is essential for the tissue remodeling and maintenance of homeostasis and normal liver physiology, constant exposure to dietary and microbial products creates a niche for potentially prolonged immune activation and unresolved inflammation in susceptible host. Failure to restrain inflammation can lead to development of chronic liver diseases characterized by fibrosis, cirrhosis and eventually liver failure. The liver maintains close interactions with numerous organs which can influence its metabolism and physiology. It is also known that oral cavity microenvironment can influence the physiological conditions of other organs and emerging evidence implicates that this could be true for the liver as well. Presence of chronic inflammation and dysbiotic microbiota is a common feature leading to clinical pathology both in periodontitis and chronic liver diseases (CLDs). In fact, known CLDs appear to have some relationship with periodontitis, which impacts the onset or progression of these conditions in a bidirectional crosstalk. In this review, we explore the emerging association between oral‐gut‐liver axis focusing on periodontitis and common CLDs including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, chronic viral hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, and hepatocellular cancer. We highlight the immune pathways and oral microbiome interactions which can link oral cavity and liver health and offer perspectives for future research.

Maladaptive trained immunity and clonal hematopoiesis as potential mechanistic links between periodontitis and inflammatory comorbidities

Periodontitis is bidirectionally associated with systemic inflammatory disorders. The prevalence and severity of this oral disease and linked comorbidities increases with aging. Here, we review two newly emerged concepts, trained innate immunity (TII) and clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP), which together support a potential hypothesis on how periodontitis affects and is affected by comorbidities and why the susceptibility to periodontitis and comorbidities increases with aging. Given that chronic diseases are largely triggered by the action of inflammatory immune cells, modulation of their bone marrow precursors, the hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs), may affect multiple disorders that emerge as comorbidities. Such alterations in HSPCs can be mediated by TII and/or CHIP, two non-mutually exclusive processes sharing a bias for enhanced myelopoiesis and production of innate immune cells with heightened proinflammatory potential. TII is a state of elevated immune responsiveness based on innate immune (epigenetic) memory. Systemic inflammation can initiate TII in the bone marrow via sustained rewiring of HSPCs, which thereby display a skewing toward the myeloid lineage, resulting in generation of hyper-reactive or "trained" myeloid cells. CHIP arises from aging-related somatic mutations in HSPCs, which confer a survival and proliferation advantage to the mutant HSPCs and give rise to an outsized fraction of hyper-inflammatory mutant myeloid cells in the circulation and tissues. This review discusses emerging evidence that supports the notion that TII and CHIP may underlie a causal and age-related association between periodontitis and comorbidities. A holistic mechanistic understanding of the periodontitis-systemic disease connection may offer novel diagnostic and therapeutic targets for treating inflammatory comorbidities.

Correlations between gastrointestinal and oral microbiota in children with cerebral palsy and epilepsy

We here studied the correlation between gut and oral microbiota in children with cerebral palsy and Epilepsy (CPE). We enrolled 27 children with this condition from the social welfare center of Longgang District, collected their oral plaque and stool samples, and analyzed their gut microbiota (GM) and oral microbiota (OM) through 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Taxonomical annotation revealed that the levels of Firmicutes and Bacteroides in the oral cavity were significantly lower in CPE children than in healthy children, whereas the abundance of Actinomycetes increased significantly in CPE children. In addition, Prevotella, Fusobacterium, and Neisseria were the top three abundant genera, representing 15.49%, 9.34%, and 7.68% of the OM and suggesting potential correlations with caries, periodontitis, and malnutrition. For the GM, Bifidobacterium, Bacteroides, and Prevotella were the top three abundant genera in CPE children and probably contributed to the development of chronic inflammation and malnutrition. Furthermore, the OM and GM correlated with each other closely, and the bacterial components of these microbiota in CPE children were remarkably different from those in healthy children, such as Bifidobacterium, Fusobacterium, Bacteroides, and Neisseria. Conclusively, dysbiotic OM can translocate to the intestinal tract and induce GM dysbiosis, suggesting the consistency between OM and GM variations. Altered oral and gut microbial structures have potential impacts on the occurrence of clinical diseases such as periodontitis, caries, and malnutrition.

Exosomes derived from 3D-cultured MSCs improve therapeutic effects in periodontitis and experimental colitis and restore the Th17 cell/Treg balance in inflamed periodontium

Although mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (MSC-exos) have been shown to have therapeutic effects in experimental periodontitis, their drawbacks, such as low yield and limited efficacy, have hampered their clinical application. These drawbacks can be largely reduced by replacing the traditional 2D culture system with a 3D system. However, the potential function of MSC-exos produced by 3D culture (3D-exos) in periodontitis remains elusive. This study showed that compared with MSC-exos generated via 2D culture (2D-exos), 3D-exos showed enhanced anti-inflammatory effects in a ligature-induced model of periodontitis by restoring the reactive T helper 17 (Th17) cell/Treg balance in inflamed periodontal tissues. Mechanistically, 3D-exos exhibited greater enrichment of miR-1246, which can suppress the expression of Nfat5, a key factor that mediates Th17 cell polarization in a sequence-dependent manner. Furthermore, we found that recovery of the Th17 cell/Treg balance in the inflamed periodontium by the local injection of 3D-exos attenuated experimental colitis. Our study not only showed that by restoring the Th17 cell/Treg balance through the miR-1246/Nfat5 axis, the 3D culture system improved the function of MSC-exos in the treatment of periodontitis, but also it provided a basis for treating inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) by restoring immune responses in the inflamed periodontium.

Gut-Bone Axis: A Non-Negligible Contributor to Periodontitis

Periodontitis is a polymicrobial infectious disease characterized by alveolar bone loss. Systemic diseases or local infections, such as diabetes, postmenopausal osteoporosis, obesity, and inflammatory bowel disease, promote the development and progression of periodontitis. Accumulating evidences have revealed the pivotal effects of gut microbiota on bone health via gut-alveolar-bone axis. Gut pathogens or metabolites may translocate to distant alveolar bone via circulation and regulate bone homeostasis. In addition, gut pathogens can induce aberrant gut immune responses and subsequent homing of immunocytes to distant organs, contributing to pathological bone loss. Gut microbial translocation also enhances systemic inflammation and induces trained myelopoiesis in the bone marrow, which potentially aggravates periodontitis. Furthermore, gut microbiota possibly affects bone health via regulating the production of hormone or hormone-like substances. In this review, we discussed the links between gut microbiota and periodontitis, with a particular focus on the underlying mechanisms of gut-bone axis by which systemic diseases or local infections contribute to the pathogenesis of periodontitis.

Vascular Changes and Hypoxia in Periodontal Disease as a Link to Systemic Complications

The hypoxic microenvironment caused by oral pathogens is the most important cause of the disruption of dynamic hemostasis between the oral microbiome and the immune system. Periodontal infection exacerbates the inflammatory response with increased hypoxia and causes vascular changes. The chronicity of inflammation becomes systemic as a link between oral and systemic diseases. The vascular network plays a central role in controlling infection and regulating the immune response. In this review, we focus on the local and systemic vascular network change mechanisms of periodontal inflammation and the pathological processes of inflammatory diseases. Understanding how the vascular network influences the pathology of periodontal diseases and the systemic complication associated with this pathology is essential for the discovery of both local and systemic proactive control mechanisms.

What is the future of Periodontal Medicine?

In the last five decades, considerable progress has been made towards understanding the etiology and pathogenesis of periodontal diseases and their interactions with the host. The impact of an individual periodontal condition on systemic homeostasis became more evident because of this knowledge and prompted advances in studies that associate periodontitis with systemic diseases and conditions. The term Periodontal Medicine describes how periodontal infection/inflammation can affect extraoral health. This review presents the current scientific evidence on the most investigated associations between periodontitis and systemic diseases and conditions, such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, preterm birth and low birth weight, and pneumonia. Additionally, other associations between periodontitis and chronic inflammatory bowel disease, colorectal cancer, and Alzheimer's disease that were recently published and are still poorly studied were described. Thus, the aim of this review was to answer the following question: What is the future of Periodontal Medicine? Epidemiological evidence and the evidence of biological plausibility between periodontitis and general health reinforce the rationale that the study of Periodontal Medicine should continue to advance, along with improvements in the epidemiological method, highlighting the statistical power of the studies, the method for data analysis, the case definition of periodontitis, and the type of periodontal therapy to be applied in intervention studies.