The relationship between periodontal disease (pd) and cardiovascular disease (cvd)

Modifiable risk factors for the development and progression of periodontal tissue diseases

In this review, an analysis of modifiable risk factors for the development and progression of periodontal tissue diseases was carried out. The review highlights the data on the relationship of periodontal infection, tobacco smoking, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, drug-induced periodontal tissue damage, stress, and obesity with the risk of developing and progression of periodontal tissue diseases. A rather detailed analysis of the mechanisms of pathogenic influence of the microflora of the oral cavity, including in the subgingival plaque, was carried out. The mechanisms of the pathological effect of smoking on the state of periodontal tissues are described. Data on the effect of periodontal treatment on glycemic control in patients with diabetes mellitus are presented. The article emphasizes the importance of the presence of periodontal diseases as a risk factor for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, describes the mechanisms of the mutual influence of cardiovascular pathology and the inflammatory process in the periodontium. In addition, the article presents the possibilities of the iatrogenic effect of systemic drugs on the state of periodontal tissues. The data on the influence of stress loads on the development of dental diseases are presented. The review article describes in detail the mechanisms of influence of overweight and obesity on the risks of development and progression of periodontal tissue diseases. Based on the results of the scientific research publications presented in the article, it can be stated that not only the dentist, but also doctors of other specialties need to work to change the modifiable risk factors for the development and progression of periodontal diseases.

Mutual Interplay of Host Immune System and Gut Microbiota in the Immunopathology of Atherosclerosis

Inflammation is the key for the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis. Accumulating evidence has revealed that an altered gut microbiome (dysbiosis) triggers both local and systemic inflammation to cause chronic inflammatory diseases, including atherosclerosis. There have been some microbiome-relevant pro-inflammatory mechanisms proposed to link the relationships between dysbiosis and atherosclerosis such as gut permeability disruption, trigger of innate immunity from lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and generation of proatherogenic metabolites, such as trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO). Meanwhile, immune responses, such as inflammasome activation and cytokine production, could reshape both composition and function of the microbiota. In fact, the immune system delicately modulates the interplay between microbiota and atherogenesis. Recent clinical trials have suggested the potential of immunomodulation as a treatment strategy of atherosclerosis. Here in this review, we present current knowledge regarding to the roles of microbiota in contributing atherosclerotic pathogenesis and highlight translational perspectives by discussing the mutual interplay between microbiota and immune system on atherogenesis.

Association between periodontal disease and tooth loss and mortality in an elderly Chinese population

BACKGROUND

Poor oral health is a risk indicator of poor quality of life and mortality. However, whether these associations remain potent in elderly subjects after adequately considering the confounding factors is not yet clearly elucidated. The present study aimed to investigate the associations between periodontal disease and tooth loss and total mortality and cardiovascular disease (CVD) outcomes in the elderly > 75 years old.

METHODS

A total of 1385 individuals, receiving periodontal treatment in Shanghai, participated in this retrospective study. Data on oral status were obtained from radiographs to calculate the proportion of residual bone. The information about mortality was collected from the Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention (SCDC). Univariate Cox proportional hazards model, multivariable-adjusted model, and competing risk hazard model were used to analyze the association between periodontal disease or tooth loss and mortality.

RESULTS

Those with severe periodontitis were associated with higher risk of total mortality than healthy individuals [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.48, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.11-1.98]. Further, missing teeth increased the risk of total mortality (HR = 1.02, 95% CI 1.01-1.03). However, no significant difference was detected in the association between periodontitis or tooth loss and CVD mortality. In competing risk hazard model, an increased risk was observed for other-cause mortality, not CVD mortality, in those with severe periodontitis and missing teeth.

CONCLUSION

Periodontal diseases and tooth loss were the potential predictors of total mortality even after adjustment for confounding factors. However, these were not independent indicators for CVD mortality.

Role of gut microbiota in atherosclerosis

Infections have been linked to the development of cardiovascular disease and atherosclerosis. Findings from the past decade have identified microbial ecosystems residing in different habitats of the human body that contribute to metabolic and cardiovascular-related disorders. In this Review, we describe three pathways by which microbiota might affect atherogenesis. First, local or distant infections might cause a harmful inflammatory response that aggravates plaque development or triggers plaque rupture. Second, metabolism of cholesterol and lipids by gut microbiota can affect the development of atherosclerotic plaques. Third, diet and specific components that are metabolized by gut microbiota can have various effects on atherosclerosis; for example, dietary fibre is beneficial, whereas the bacterial metabolite trimethylamine-N-oxide is considered harmful. Although specific bacterial taxa have been associated with atherosclerosis, which is supported by increasing mechanistic evidence, several questions remain to be answered to understand fully how the microbiota contributes to atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. Such knowledge might pave the way for novel diagnostics and therapeutics based on microbiota.

Presence of Serum Ferritin before and after Bariatric Surgery: Analysis in Dentate and Edentulous Patients

Society has changed its own lifestyle, specially its eating habits and physical activities, leading to excessive weight and a sedentary behavior, which has contributed to obesity increase. Bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment to obesity, allowing weight loss and its maintenance. However, it has been related high levels of iron deficiency after surgery. A person's nutritional status might be affected by total or partial tooth loss. The aim of this longitudinal prospective cohort study was to evaluate the levels of serum ferritin before and after bariatric surgery and to identify if there is a relation with tooth loss. The sample was composed of 50 patients selected and assisted at Amaral Carvalho Hospital, located in Jaú city, Brazil. The use and necessity of prosthesis, dental absence or presence, and serum ferritin dosage were evaluated. Student's t test, Univariate analysis, Chi-square and Odds Ratio were adopted (p<0.05). There was no significant difference regarding the serum ferritin levels between dentate and edentulous patients prior to surgery (p = 0.436). After surgery, the serum ferritin levels were higher in edentulous patients (prosthesis users) when compared to the pre-surgical levels, and the post-surgical levels presented significant difference regarding the dentate patients (p = 0.024). It can be concluded that rehabilitated patients in postoperative period showed better levels of serum ferritin after surgical intervention.

Polymicrobial Biofilm Studies: From Basic Science to Biofilm Control

Microbes rarely exist as single species planktonic forms as they have been commonly studied in the laboratory. Instead, the vast majority exists as part of complex polymicrobial biofilm communities attached to host and environmental surfaces. The oral cavity represents one of the most diverse and well-studied polymicrobial consortia. Despite a burgeoning field of mechanistic biofilm research within the past decades, our understanding of interactions that occur between microbial members within oral biofilms is still limited. Thus, the primary objective of this review is to focus on polymicrobial biofilm formation, microbial interactions and signaling events that mediate oral biofilm development, consequences of oral hygiene on both local and systemic disease, and potential therapeutic strategies to limit oral dysbiosis.

Polybacterial Periodontal Pathogens Alter Vascular and Gut BH4/nNOS/NRF2-Phase II Enzyme Expression

Periodontal disease is a highly prevalent chronic inflammatory disease and is associated with complex microbial infection in the subgingival cavity. Recently, American Heart Association supported a century old association between periodontal disease and atherosclerotic vascular disease. We have recently shown that polybacterial periodontal infection led to aortic atherosclerosis and modulation of lipid profiles; however the underlying mechanism(s) has not been yet demonstrated. Altered nitric oxide (NO) synthesis and tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4), a cofactor for nitric oxide synthases (NOS) has long been shown to be associated with vascular dysfunction and gastrointestinal motility disorders. We sought to examine the mechanism of periodontal infection leading to altered vascular and gastrointestinal smooth muscle relaxation, focusing on the BH4/nNOS pathways. In addition, we also have investigated how the antioxidant system (NRF2-Phase II enzyme expression) in vascular and GI specimens is altered by oral infection. Eight week old male ApoEnull mice were either sham-infected or infected orally for 16 weeks with a mixture of major periodontal bacteria Porphyromonas gingivalis, Treponema denticola and Tannerella forsythia to induce experimental periodontitis. Serum, vascular (mesenteric), stomach, and colon specimens were collected at the end of periodontal pathogen infection. Bacterial infection induced significant (p<0.05) reductions in the levels of BH4,in ratio of BH4:BH2+B and also in nitric oxide levels compared to sham-infected controls. In addition, we identified a significant (p<0.05) reduction in eNOS dimerization, nNOS dimerization and protein expression of BH4 biosynthesis enzymes; GCH-1, DHFR and NRF2 & Phase II enzymes in infected mice versus controls in both mesenteric artery and colon tissues. However, we found no differences in nNOS/BH4 protein expression in stomach tissues of infected and sham-infected mice. This suggests that a polybacterial infection can cause significant changes in the vascular and colonic BH4/nNOS/NRF2 pathways which might lead to impaired vascular relaxation and colonic motility.

Obesity and periodontitis: systematic review and meta-analysis

The scope of this study was to conduct a systematic review of the studies on the association between obesity and periodontitis. The methods applied included a literature search strategy and selection of studies using inclusion and exclusion in accordance with the criteria for characteristics of the studies and meta-analysis. The research was conducted in the PubMed, Embase and Lilacs databases through 2010. Selected papers were on studies on humans investigating whether or not obesity is a risk factor for periodontitis. Of the 822 studies identified, 31 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in this meta-analysis. The risk of periodontitis was associated with obesity (or had a tendency for this) in 25 studies, though it was not associated in 6 studies. The meta-analysis showed a significant association with obesity and periodontitis (OR = 1.30 [95% Confidence Interval (CI), 1.25 - 1.35]) and with mean Body Mass Index (BMI) and periodontal disease (mean difference = 2.75). Obesity was associated with periodontitis, however the risk factors that aggravate these diseases should be better clarified to elucidate the direction of this association. Working with paired samples and avoiding confusion factors may contribute to homogeneity between the studies.

Risk factors of periodontal disease: review of the literature

Objectives. This paper aims to review the evidence on the potential roles of modifiable and nonmodifiable risk factors associated with periodontal disease. Data. Original articles that reported on the risk factors for periodontal disease were included. Sources. MEDLINE (1980 to Jan 2014), PubMed (using medical subject headings), and Google Scholar were searched using the following terms in different combinations: "periodontal disease," "periodontitis," "risk factors," and "causal." This was supplemented by hand-searching in peer-reviewed journals and cross-referenced with the articles accessed. Conclusions. It is important to understand the etiological factors and the pathogenesis of periodontal disease to recognize and appreciate the associated risk factors. As periodontal disease is multifactorial, effective disease management requires a clear understanding of all the associated risk factors.

Active invasion of oral and aortic tissues by Porphyromonas gingivalis in mice causally links periodontitis and atherosclerosis

Atherosclerotic vascular disease is a leading cause of myocardial infarction and cerebrovascular accident, and independent associations with periodontal disease (PD) are reported. PD is caused by polymicrobial infections and aggressive immune responses. Genomic DNA of Porphyromonas gingivalis, the best-studied bacterial pathogen associated with severe PD, is detected within atherosclerotic plaque. We examined causal relationships between chronic P. gingivalis oral infection, PD, and atherosclerosis in hyperlipidemic ApoE^null mice. ApoE^null mice (n = 24) were orally infected with P. gingivalis for 12 and 24 weeks. PD was assessed by standard clinical measurements while the aorta was examined for atherosclerotic lesions and inflammatory markers by array. Systemic inflammatory markers serum amyloid A, nitric oxide, and oxidized low-density lipoprotein were analyzed. P. gingivalis infection elicited specific antibodies and alveolar bone loss. Fluorescent in situ hybridization detected viable P. gingivalis within oral epithelium and aorta, and genomic DNA was detected within systemic organs. Aortic plaque area was significantly increased in P. gingivalis-infected mice at 24 weeks (P<0.01). Aortic RNA and protein arrays indicated a strong Th2 response. Chronic oral infection with P. gingivalis results in a specific immune response, significant increases in oral bone resorption, aortic inflammation, viable bacteria in oral epithelium and aorta, and plaque development.

The Role of Low-calorie Sweeteners in Diabetes

As the incidence and prevalence of type 2 diabetes continue to rise, the identification of components that contribute to or are associated with this disease has become a priority. One of the main factors that has been linked to type 2 diabetes is excessive weight gain, and reduction in weight has been recommended for both diabetes prevention and management. Low-calorie sweeteners (LCS) provide an alternative to added sugars and may facilitate weight loss or maintenance by limiting caloric intake. Considerable attention has been given to the role of LCS and their relationship to type 2 diabetes. Research suggests that LCS can serve an important role in diabetes prevention and management. Substituting sugars with LCS provides patients with type 2 diabetes considerable flexibility in their health goals and personal dietary preferences.

Pathogens and atherosclerosis: update on the potential contribution of multiple infectious organisms to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis

It is currently unclear what causes the chronic inflammation within atherosclerotic plaques. One emerging paradigm suggests that infection with bacteria and/or viruses can contribute to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis either via direct infection of vascular cells or via the indirect effects of cytokines or acute phase proteins induced by infection at non-vascular sites. This paradigm has been supported by multiple epidemiological studies that have established positive associations between the risk of cardiovascular disease morbidity and mortality and markers of infection. It has also been supported by experimental studies showing an acceleration of the development of atherosclerosis following infection of hyperlipidaemic animal models. There are now a large number of different infectious agents that have been linked with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. These include: Chlamydia pneumoniae, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Helicobacter pylori , influenza A virus, hepatitis C virus, cytomegalovirus, and human immunodeficiency virus. However, there are significant differences in the strength of the data supporting their association with cardiovascular disease pathogenesis. In some cases, the infectious agents are found within the plaques and viable organisms can be isolated suggesting a direct effect. In other cases, the association is entirely based on biomarkers. In the following review, we evaluate the strength of the data for individual or groups of pathogens with regard to atherosclerosis pathogenesis and their potential contribution by direct or indirect mechanisms and discuss whether the established associations are supportive of the infectious disease paradigm. We also discuss the failure of antibiotic trials and the question of persistent infection.