Sex Hormones Enhance Gingival Inflammation without Affecting IL-1β and TNF-α in Periodontally Healthy Women during Pregnancy

A prospective study on maternal periodontal diseases and neonatal adverse outcomes

OBJECTIVE

It is evident that periodontitis is linked to various adverse pregnancy outcomes. This prospective study explored the potential link of maternal periodontal diseases to neonatal adverse outcomes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 193 generally healthy females in their third trimester (34-36 weeks) of pregnancy were enrolled. All subjects received full-mouth periodontal assessment, and the periodontal inflamed surface area (PISA) was calculated. Demographic data, lifestyles and anthropometric measurements of the neonates (e.g., body length and head circumference) were recorded. Herein, small-for-gestational age (SGA) referred to gender- and age-adjusted birth weight below the 10th percentile in line with the standard reference. Multivariable logistic regression analysis and restricted cubic spline were performed for examining the association of periodontal parameters with SGA.  Results: There were 8.3% (16/193) of neonates with SGA. Significantly positive correlation existed between the percentage of tooth sites with increased probing depth and an elevated risk of SGA (OR: 1.052; P < 0.05). Yet, the PISA was positively associated with the risk of SGA (OR: 1.002; P < 0.05) as well. No significant link occurred between maternal periodontal status and other neonatal outcome measures.

CONCLUSION

Within the limitations of this study, the findings suggest that there could be a link between maternal periodontal diseases and neonatal adverse outcomes like SGA. Further investigation is required to clarify the current findings and potential implications for promoting maternal oral/periodontal health and newborn health.

A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial of Prenatal Oral Hygiene Education in Pregnancy-Associated Gingivitis

INTRODUCTION

Research shows there is a significant increase in gingival inflammation during pregnancy. This study was conducted to determine if an oral health intervention (OHI), including oral hygiene education delivered by nurse-led staff and an advanced over-the-counter (OTC) oral home care regimen, improved gingival inflammation in pregnant women with moderate-to-severe gingivitis compared with a standard oral hygiene control group.

METHODS

This was a multicenter, randomized, controlled, single-masked, parallel group clinical trial conducted in obstetrics clinics of 2 medical centers. A total of 750 pregnant women between 8 and 24 weeks of pregnancy with at least 20 natural teeth and moderate-to-severe gingivitis (>30 intraoral bleeding sites) were enrolled. Participants were randomized to either the OHI group, which included oral hygiene instructions supplemented with an educational video and advanced OTC antibacterial/mechanical oral hygiene products, or the control group receiving oral hygiene instructions and standard products. Both groups received oral hygiene instructions from nurse-led staff. Experienced, masked examiners measured whole mouth gingival index (GI) and periodontal probing depths (PDs) at baseline and months 1, 2, and 3.

RESULTS

Participants enrolled in this study presented with moderate-to-severe gingivitis at baseline. Both the OHI and control groups exhibited significant reductions in GI (P < .001) and PD (P < .03) from baseline that persisted throughout the study period. The OHI group exhibited modest, yet statistically greater, reductions in GI (P ≤ .044) compared with the control at all time points. The reduction in PD directionally favored the OHI group, but between-group differences were small (<0.03 mm) and not statistically significant (P > .18).

DISCUSSION

Significant gingivitis was prevalent among participants in this study and identifies an opportunity to improve gingival health during pregnancy by providing oral health education during the course of prenatal care when coupled with an advanced OTC oral hygiene regimen.

A large-cohort study of 2971 cases of epulis: focusing on risk factors associated with recurrence

BACKGROUND

To analyze the clinicopathological features of different histological subtypes of epulis, and evaluate the risk factors associated with recurrence.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective study including 2971 patients was performed. The patients' sex, age, location, size, histological subtypes, recurrence information, oral hygiene habits, periodontitis symptoms and smoking history were retrieved from the patient medical records and follow-up information.

RESULTS

Among the 2971 cases, focal fibrous hyperplasia (FFH) was the most common lesion (60.92%), followed by peripheral ossifying fibroma (POF) (29.32%), pyogenic granuloma (PG) (8.08%) and peripheral giant cell granuloma (PGCG) (1.68%). The peak incidence of epulis was in the third and fourth decade of life, with a mean age of 45.55 years. Female predominance was found in all types of lesions with a female to male ratio of 1.71:1. PG had the highest recurrence rate (17.18%), followed by POF (12.98%), FFH (9.55%) and PGCG (8.82%). Histological subtypes were significantly correlated with the recurrence of epulis (P = 0.013). Regular supportive periodontal therapy (P = 0.050) had a negative correlation with recurrence, whereas symptoms of periodontitis (P < 0.001) had a positive correlation with the recurrence of epulis.

CONCLUSIONS

Controlling the periodontal inflammation and regular supportive periodontal therapy might help reduce the recurrence of epulis.

Inflammatory Response in Oral Biofilm during Pregnancy: A Systematic Review

Understanding the inflammatory response in oral biofilm during pregnancy and its association with oral and maternal health is essential for identifying biomarker patterns that may serve as markers of pregnancy-related complications. We aimed to conduct a systematic review of the available literature to assess: (1) inflammatory responses in oral biofilm during pregnancy, (2) the association between inflammatory responses in oral biofilm during pregnancy and maternal, oral or systemic conditions, (3) changes in the response of inflammatory biomarkers found in the oral biofilm during different pregnancy stages, and (4) the value of other risk factors such as nutrition and lifestyle. PubMed, Web of Science and Cochrane Library were systematically searched from inception until April 2022. From 5441 records, 39 studies were included for qualitative assessment. The oral biofilm in pregnant women was associated with increased inflammatory biomarkers when compared to non-pregnant women. Levels of inflammatory biomarkers in the oral biofilm were found to be highest in pregnant women with systemic conditions. Increased inflammatory biomarkers in the oral biofilm were also associated with worse oral health outcomes. Given the importance of nutrition and lifestyle for pregnancy and oral health outcomes and the fact that these factors were largely excluded in the included studies, future research should consider a holistic view of the mother during pregnancy to capture physiological, hormonal, immunologic, and metabolic changes in the context of inflammatory responses.

A Nested Case-Control Study of the Relationship between Salivary Inflammatory Mediators, Periodontal Parameters, and Preterm Birth in a Chinese Population

Background

To explore whether salivary inflammatory mediators and periodontal indices at different gestational stages can be taken as indicators of preterm birth (PTB).

Methods

This nested case-control study enrolled systemically healthy pregnant women at 9 to 36 weeks of gestation. Periodontal indices were measured at the enrollment date, and interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and 8-hydroxy-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) in the saliva were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The birth outcome was recorded.

Results

PTB occurred in 26 women. A total of 104 matched women with full-term birth (FTB) were used as controls. The PTB women enrolled at 24-28 gestational weeks displayed a significantly greater bleeding index (BI), probing pocket depth (PD), PD ≥ 4 mm sites (%), saliva-TNF-α, and saliva-PGE2 (P < 0.05). BI and PGE2 in the saliva were found to be positively associated with PTB (OR = 4.79, P = 0.048, 95%CI = 1.014 to 22.628; OR = 1.07, P = 0.04, 95%CI = 1.004 to 1.135, respectively). The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) of BI and saliva-PGE2 were 0.82 and 0.78, respectively, and that of the combined detection was 0.91, which was larger than either marker alone, although the differences were not significant (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

The combination of BI and PGE2 in saliva at 24-28 gestational weeks could be a predictor of PTB in asymptomatic women. However, the results should be further explored with larger sample size.

Evaluation of Levels of Advanced Oxidative Protein Products in Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome with and without Chronic Periodontitis: A Cross-Sectional Study

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition with a multifactorial aetiology. Chronic periodontitis (CP) is an immunoinflammatory disease that is linked to PCOS via the excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which leads to an imbalance in the antioxidant system. However, limited studies have evaluated the relationship between these diseases. The current study aims to evaluate the levels of advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) in patients with periodontitis and PCOS. Four groups, each consisting of 12 patients, with both PCOS and CP (PCOSCP), systemically healthy women with CP, periodontally healthy women with PCOS (PCOSPH), and periodontally and systemically healthy women (PH) were included in the study. Clinical parameters such as clinical attachment loss, bleeding on probing (BOP), and periodontal inflamed surface area (PISA) index were noted. AOPP were evaluated in the saliva and serum samples by spectrophotometric detection. Salivary and serum AOPP levels were highest in the PCOSCP group (75.16 ± 7.50 μmol/l, 97.92 ± 6.50 μmol/l, respectively). Statistical significance (P<0.05) was noted between the salivary AOPP levels of the PCOSCP group and PCOS group. PISA was greatest in the PCOSCP group (1338.40 ± 285.96 mm² ) followed by the PCOS group (680.33 ± 79.49 mm² ), which showed the impact of PCOS on gingival inflammation. According to the results of this study, increased levels of advanced oxidative protein products appeared to show the effect of CP on worsening PCOS.

Influence of Gestational Hormones on the Bacteria-Induced Cytokine Response in Periodontitis

Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease that affects the supporting structures of teeth. The presence of a bacterial biofilm initiates a destructive inflammatory process orchestrated by various inflammatory mediators, most notably proinflammatory cytokines, which are upregulated in the gingival crevicular fluid, leading to the formation of periodontal pockets. This represents a well-characterized microbial change during the transition from periodontal health to periodontitis; interestingly, the gestational condition increases the risk and severity of periodontal disease. Although the influence of periodontitis on pregnancy has been extensively reviewed, the relationship between pregnancy and the development/evolution of periodontitis has been little studied compared to the effect of periodontitis on adverse pregnancy outcomes. This review is aimed at summarizing the findings on the pregnancy-proinflammatory cytokine relationship and discussing its possible involvement in the development of periodontitis. We address (1) an overview of periodontal disease, (2) the immune response and possible involvement of proinflammatory cytokines in the development of periodontitis, (3) how bone tissue remodelling takes place with an emphasis on the involvement of the inflammatory response and metalloproteinases during periodontitis, and (4) the influence of hormonal profile during pregnancy on the development of periodontitis. Finally, we believe this review may be helpful for designing immunotherapies based on the stage of pregnancy to control the severity and pathology of periodontal disease.

Periodontology and pregnancy: An overview of biomedical and epidemiological evidence

Women are particularly susceptible to developing gingival problems during pregnancy. In addition, periodontal disease in pregnant women may lead to adverse outcomes for both mother and infant, which have serious clinical and public health implications. Both scenarios have been extensively researched, helping to bring attention to pregnant women as an important and vulnerable population as it concerns periodontal health. The increase in gingival inflammation caused by hormonal changes in pregnant women is undisputed and has been studied and documented since the 1960s, although the exact etiology is not fully understood. The relationship between periodontal disease during pregnancy and adverse pregnancy outcomes is less substantiated, because of conflicting evidence. This review of the biomedical and epidemiologic literature provides an overview of both sides of this relationship and examines the potential mechanisms for developing periodontal disease during pregnancy and the proposed mechanisms by which periodontal disease leads to adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Sex differences feed into nuclear receptor signaling along the digestive tract

Sex differences in physiology are noted in clinical and animal studies. However, mechanisms underlying these observed differences between males and females remain elusive. Nuclear receptors control a wide range of physiological pathways and are expressed in the gastrointestinal tract, including the mouth, stomach, liver and intestine. We investigated the literature pertaining to ER, AR, FXR, and PPAR regulation and highlight the sex differences in nutrient metabolism along the digestive system. We chose these nuclear receptors based on their metabolic functions, and hormonal actions. Intriguingly, we noted an overlap in target genes of ER and FXR that modulate mucosal integrity and GLP-1 secretion, whereas overlap in target genes of PPARα with ER and AR modulate lipid metabolism. Sex differences were seen not only in the basal expression of nuclear receptors, but also in activation as their endogenous ligand concentrations fluctuate depending on nutrient availability. Finally, in this review, we speculate that interactions between the nuclear receptors may influence overall metabolic decisions in the gastrointestinal tract in a sex-specific manner.

Periodontal Conditions and Pathogens Associated with Pre-Eclampsia: A Scoping Review

BACKGROUND

Pre-eclampsia, the second most frequent direct source of maternal mortality, is a multisystem gestational disorder characterized by proteinuria and maternal hypertension after the 20th gestational week. Although the causes of pre-eclampsia are still discussed, research has suggested that the placenta has a central place in the pathogenesis of this disease. Moreover, current surveys indicated that periodontal disorders observed during the pregnancy and more particularly, periodontal pathogens could be link to the risk of pre-eclampsia.

OBJECTIVES

This article aims to review recent studies focusing on periodontal conditions and pathogens associated with pre-eclampsia.

METHODS

The process followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines.

RESULTS

Metabolic conditions, immunological changes, fluctuating progesterone and estrogen levels of the pregnant woman induce a dysbiosis of the oral microbiota and contribute to increase inflammation of periodontal tissues. Periodontal pathogens could diffuse through the bloodstream inducing a placenta inflammatory response as well as inflammatory molecules produced in response to periodontopathogens could migrate through the bloodstream leading to a placenta inflammatory response. Also, periodontopathogens can colonize the vaginal microbiota through the gastrointestinal tract or during oro-genital contacts.

CONCLUSION

A cumulative bi-directional relationship between periodontal conditions, pathogens and the pre-eclampsia exists.

Association between periodontal indexes and biomarkers in gingival crevicular fluid and preterm birth in pregnancy: a nested case-control study

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to investigate the association between periodontal indexes and biomarkers in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and preterm birth (PTB) in pregnancy, as well as to assess the clinical value of these indexes as predictors of PTB.

METHODS

A nested case-control study was conducted. A total of 300 systematically healthy pregnant women were selected within 36 weeks of gestation and grouped according to the enrolled weeks. Periodontal indexes, including probing depth (PD), bleeding index (BI), gingival index (GI), and five biomarkers in GCF, including interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) were measured at the enrolled date. The detailed birth outcome was recorded.

RESULTS

Only women at 24-28 weeks of gestation per PTB case (four full-term births) were selected as controls subjects, PTB displayed significantly greater GI, BI, and 8-OHdG (P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis revealed that BI and 8-OHdG were the dependent risk factors of PTB (OR=5.90, P=0.034; OR=1.18, P=0.045, respectively). The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) of BI and 8-OHdG were 0.80 and 0.69, and that of the combined detection was 0.82, which was larger than the individual detection, although the differences were not significant (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Increased BI and 8-OHdG at 24-28 weeks of gestation are risk factors for PTB. Their combined detection may have some value in the prediction of PTB, but further studies with a larger sample size are needed to explore it and thus provide experiment evidence for establishing an early warning system for PTB in pregnant women with periodontal disease.

[Treatment strategy for pregnancy epulis]

Pregnancy epulis is a tumor-like lesion with high prevalence in China. The local lesion, the general condition of the pregnant patient, and the complications during treatment should be taken into consideration when making a treatment plan for pregnancy epulis. In this study, three representative pregnancy epulis cases were presented, and related studies at home and aboard were reviewed to summarize the etiology, differential diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of pregnancy epulis and share the clinical experience in the treatment of pregnancy epulis.

Periodontal disease and adverse pregnancy outcomes

Periodontal diseases are considered not only to affect tooth-supporting tissues but also to have a cause-and-effect relationship with various systemic diseases and conditions, such as adverse pregnancy outcomes. Mechanistic studies provide strong evidence that periodontal pathogens can translocate from infected periodontium to the feto-placental unit and initiate a metastatic infection. However, the extent and mechanisms by which metastatic inflammation and injury contribute to adverse pregnancy outcomes still remain unclear. The presence of oral bacteria in the placenta of women with term gestation further complicates our understanding of the biology behind the role of periodontal pathogens in pregnancy outcomes. Epidemiological studies demonstrate many methodological inconsistencies and flaws that render comparisons difficult and conclusions insecure. Therefore, despite the fact that a number of prospective studies show a positive association between periodontal diseases and various adverse pregnancy outcomes, the evidence behind it is still weak. Future well-designed explanatory studies are necessary to verify this relationship and, if present, determine its magnitude. The majority of high-quality randomized controlled trials reveal that nonsurgical periodontal therapy during the second trimester of gestation does not improve pregnancy outcomes. From a biological standpoint, this can be partially explained by the fact that therapy rendered at the fourth to sixth months of pregnancy is too late to prevent placental colonization by periodontal pathogens and consequently incapable of affecting pathogen-induced injury at the feto-placental unit. Thus, interventions during the preconception period may be more meaningful. With the increase in our understanding on the potential association between periodontal disease and adverse pregnancy outcomes, it is clear that dental practitioners should provide periodontal treatment to pregnant women that is safe for both the mother and the unborn child. Although there is not enough evidence that the anti-infective therapy alters pregnancy outcomes, it improves health-promoting behavior and periodontal condition, which in turn advance general health and risk factor control.

Is There a Bidirectional Association between Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and Periodontitis? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) has reproductive and metabolic properties that may be linked to periodontitis (PD). This study aimed to update and render a robust critical assessment on all evidence linking PCOS and PD, and appraising a hypothetical bidirectional association. Five databases (PubMed, Scholar, EMBASE, Web of Science and CENTRAL) were searched up to May 2020. Case-control and cohort studies on the association of PCOS and PD were included. The risk of bias of observational studies was assessed through the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). Random effects meta-analyses of standardized mean difference (SMD) and risk ratio (RR) were performed. We followed Strength of Recommendation Taxonomy (SORT) to appraise the strength and quality of the evidence. Twelve case-controls fulfilled the inclusion criteria (876 with PCOS and 48170 healthy controls), all scored as having a low risk of bias. Meta-analysis revealed that PCOS females have 28% more risk towards PD, and PD females have 46% more risk to have PCOS. PCOS females with PD had higher gum bleeding, periodontal pocket depth and clinical attachment loss than non-PCOS females with PD. Populations with undefined periodontal status contribute to underestimated results. On the basis of the available evidence, it is possible to assume a bidirectional link between PCOS and PD. That is, PCOS increases by 28% the risk of having PD and in the same fashion, PD increases by 46% the risk of having PCOS. Furthermore, women with PCOS were associated with worsening clinical characteristics and inflammation of PD. These findings suggest that PCOS and PD may be linked. Hence, further prospective and clinical trial studies with nonsurgical periodontal therapy are necessary to clarify the existence of an increased risk of PCOS in women with PD and vice-versa.

Predictive Model of Clinical Attachment Loss and Oral Health-Related Quality of Life through Depressive Symptomatology, Oral Hygiene Habits, and Proinflammatory Biomarkers: A Pilot Study

Subjective aspects such as oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) and depression are important aspects in the periodontal care. The objectives of the study were to test a predictive model of clinical attachment loss and OHRQoL in a pooled sample of dental patients with periodontitis and mental health patients with depressive symptomatology, and test the invariance of the model across both types of patients. Three self-report scales were applied to assess depression, OHRQoL and oral hygiene habits, saliva samples were collected for three proinflammatory biomarkers, and the clinical attachment loss was measured in 35 patients with periodontitis and 26 patients with depressive symptomatology. Data were analyzed through structural equation modeling. The one-group analysis revealed a psychosomatic complaint model of disagreement between the complaint and the clinically observable. In the multi-group analysis, the model was not invariant. It was necessary to introduce a singularity in relation to depressive symptomatology for each population. Thus, a good and equivalent fit was achieved between the six nested models in constraints, as well as equivalent parameters between both types of patients. The study of a dental population in conjunction with a mental health population with a psychosomatic risk factor reveals interesting and unexpected results.

Salivary interleukin 6, interleukin 8, interleukin 17A, and tumour necrosis factor α levels in patients with periodontitis and rheumatoid arthritis

Introduction

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and periodontitis share risk factors and inflammatory pathways that could be related to cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, IL-17A, and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). The aim of this study was to compare periodontal status and salivary levels of selected cytokines between patients diagnosed with RA and periodontitis. RA patients were assessed for the potential influence of anti-rheumatic therapy.

Material and methods

One hundred and six patients were enrolled in a cross-sectional study. Medical assessment and periodontal examination were performed in 35 patients with chronic periodontitis, in 35 patients with RA and chronic periodontitis, and in 36 controls. Unstimulated whole saliva samples were analysed for IL-6, IL-8, IL-17A, and TNF-α.

Results

Significant differences in biomarkers and periodontal parameters were found among groups. Study groups exhibited higher mean pocket depth (PD), number of PD > 4 mm, and mean clinical attachment loss, when compared with controls. The RA group had lower bleeding on probing index and PD, but higher values of plaque indices than the periodontitis group. Concentration of evaluated cytokines were higher in the RA and periodontitis groups, compared with controls. The periodontitis group showed also higher levels of IL-6, IL-17A, and TNF-α in comparison to RA. RA patients were treated with disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and glucocorticosteroids.

Conclusions

Salivary levels of IL-6, IL-8, IL-17A, and TNF-α can be affected by periodontitis, RA, and presumably DMARDs. DMARD therapy appears to reduce destructive and inflammatory processes in periodontal tissues because lower values of PD, BOP, and salivary levels of IL-6, IL-17A, and TNF-α were found in RA.

Estrogen signaling impacts temporomandibular joint and periodontal disease pathology

Women experience a higher incidence of oral diseases including periodontal diseases and temporomandibular joint disease (TMD) implicating the role of estrogen signaling in disease pathology. Fluctuating levels of estrogen during childbearing age potentiates facial pain, high estrogen levels during pregnancy promote gingivitis, and low levels of estrogen during menopause predisposes the TMJ to degeneration and increases alveolar bone loss. In this review, an overview of estrogen signaling pathways in vitro and in vivo that regulate pregnancy-related gingivitis, TMJ homeostasis, and alveolar bone remodeling is provided. Deciphering the specific estrogen signaling pathways for individual oral diseases is crucial for potential new drug therapies to promote and maintain healthy tissue.

N-acetyl cysteine versus chlorhexidine mouthwashes in prevention and treatment of experimental gingivitis: a randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial

OBJECTIVES

To compare the efficacy of N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) mouthwash with chlorhexidine (CHX) in prevention and treatment of experimental gingivitis MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty subjects were assigned randomly and blindly into one of three equal groups: NAC, CHX, or placebo group. The study was conducted in two stages: preventive and treatment substudies. Professional prophylaxis was performed ahead of starting the preventive substudy. Then, the subjects were instructed to stop oral hygiene practices and begin rinsing twice/day with 15 ml of the assigned mouthwash (1.25% NAC, 0.2% CHX, or inert base). Plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), and papillary bleeding index (PBI) were measured at baseline, 7, 14, and 21 days. The treatment substudy started on day 21 in which the subjects in the placebo group (now with established experimental gingivitis) were assigned to NAC (n = 10) or CHX (n = 10); the abovementioned indices were measured at 28 and 35 days. Efficacy of these interventions was compared.

RESULTS

All groups accumulated plaque and developed some degree of gingivitis: full-blown in the placebo group and remarkably mild in the CHX group. NAC had slight preventive properties at days 14 and 21. In the treatment substudy, CHX was associated with remarkable reduction in plaque and gingivitis while NAC resulted in insignificant reductions.

CONCLUSIONS

1.25% NAC is marginally effective in prevention and treatment of experimental gingivitis.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

When compared with the placebo, NAC showed promising preventive and treatment effects of gingivitis that deserve further development and studies.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ISRCTN31352091.

Pregnancy-induced periodontal inflammation: Influence of salivary cytokines and antimicrobial proteins

The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between pregnancy-induced periodontal inflammation and levels of some salivary cytokines and antimicrobial proteins (AMPs). The study was a cohort longitudinal study that included pregnant women attending a secondary health facility. Consented participants had oral examination and saliva sampling during pregnancy and post-partum (three months after pregnancy). Saliva samples were used for the analysis of cytokines (TNF-α, IFN-gamma and IL-1β) and AMPs (Lactoferin, Lysozyme, and β defensin-1) using ELISA. Data are presented as median with interquartile range and compared using related sample Wilcoxon signed rank test. Correlations between levels of the salivary factors and indices of periodontal inflammation were determined using Spearman’s correlation test. Salivary flow rate, pH, levels of salivary IL-1β and IFN-gamma were significantly lower; while gingival index, periodontal index and level of salivary TNF-α were significantly higher during pregnancy compared with postpartum period. However, salivary lactoferin, lysozyme and β defensin-1 did not show significant difference comparing during pregnancy and postpartum period. Level of salivary IFN-gamma showed negative correlation with gingival index while level of salivary TNF-α showed positive correlation with gingival and periodontal indices. Lower levels of salivary IL-1β and IFN-gamma along with higher TNF-α concentration during pregnancy suggest their contributions to the pathophysiology of pregnancy-induced periodontal inflammation.

Pregnancy, parity and periodontal disease

Many women believe that their dental condition deteriorated during pregnancy or as a result of having children. Epidemiological studies have reported an association between higher parity and tooth loss, and higher parity and periodontal attachment loss. Several possible explanations for this association exist. First, hormonal changes during pregnancy affect the immune response to bacterial plaque and drive vascular and gingival changes that may contribute to heightened gingival inflammation. These changes are transient, without irreversible loss of periodontal attachment, and post-partum resolution can be expected for most women. For women with destructive periodontal disease, the effects of pregnancy and parity are unclear. Second, it is also plausible that parity and socioeconomic position (SEP) have shared risk factors, increasing the incidence of disease or influencing its management. Education, one aspect of SEP, is an important determining factor for women's fertility rate, with a gradient of fewer children with higher educational attainment. Higher levels of education are also favourably associated with behaviours conducive to oral health, and a lower incidence of damaging health behaviours. Thus, the potential for confounding is considerable. This review examines the literature on the association between pregnancy, parity and periodontal health, and explores sociobehavioural mechanisms for the observed association.

IL-6 and TNF-α salivary levels according to the periodontal status in Portuguese pregnant women

Background

Periodontitis is associated with increased concentration of inflammatory markers and saliva has been proposed as a non-invasive diagnostic fluid in oral and systemic diseases. The levels of salivary biomarkers, such as cytokines, could potentially be used to distinguish periodontal healthy individuals from subjects with periodontal disease. The purpose of this study was to characterize the salivary levels of two inflammatory biomarkers associated with periodontitis, interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), in order to assess whether these cytokines salivary levels could potentially be used to complement periodontitis pregnant women diagnose.

Methods

Forty-four pregnant women were distributed into three groups, according to their periodontal status: healthy, mild/moderate periodontitis and severe periodontitis. Unstimulated saliva was collected and analysis of TNF-α and IL-6 salivary levels were performed with Immulite^®.

Results

Women with periodontitis exhibited significantly higher levels (p = 0.001) of salivary IL-6 and TNF-α compared with the healthy group: 25.1 (±11.2) pg/mL vs. 16.3 (±5.0) pg/mL and 29.7 (±17.2) pg/mL vs. 16.2 (±7.6) pg/mL, approximately 1.5 and 1.8 times more, respectively. Additionally, cytokines were significantly increased (p < 0.05) in severe periodontitis compared to periodontal healthy pregnant women.

Conclusions

These results revealed that IL-6 and TNF-α salivary biomarkers provide high discriminatory capacity for distinguishing periodontal disease from periodontal health in pregnant women.

Porphyromonas gingivalis and adverse pregnancy outcome

Porphyromonas gingivalis is a Gram-negative, anaerobic bacterium considered to be an important pathogen of periodontal disease that is also implicated in adverse pregnancy outcome (APO). Until recently, our understanding of the role of P. gingivalis in APO has been limited and sometimes contradictory. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of past and current research on P. gingivalis that addresses some of the controversies concerning the role of this organism in the pathogenesis of APO.