Comparative Evaluation of Clinical, Hematological and Systemic Inflammatory Markers in Smokers and Non-Smokers with Chronic Periodontitis

The Association of Chronic Periodontitis as a Potential Risk Factor with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Nested Case-Control Study Using a Korean National Health Screening Cohort

Growing research has proposed that rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and chronic periodontitis (CP) share similar pathophysiological mechanisms involving inflammation and tissue destruction. However, the potential correlation of CP as a contributing factor for the occurrence of RA warrants validation in the Korean population, where both diseases are prevalent, especially considering the increasingly aging demographic in Korea. This study examined 5139 RA cases and 509,727 matched controls from a Korean national cohort dataset (2002-2019) by carefully employing propensity score matching to ensure comparability between groups. Baseline characteristics were compared using standardized differences, and logistic regression was employed to estimate the impact of CP history on RA likelihood while controlling for covariates. We fully examined medical records documenting CP occurrences within the two-year period leading up to the index date, conducting comprehensive subgroup analyses. While a 1-year history of CP did not show a significant association with likelihood of RA, a 2-year history of CP increased RA likelihood by 12%, particularly among older adults, females, rural residents, and those with certain comorbidities such as hypercholesterolemia. Interestingly, this association persisted even among individuals with non-smoking habits, normal weight, and infrequent alcohol consumption. These findings suggest that chronic CP exposure for at least 2 years may independently elevate RA risk in Korean adults. The association in certain subgroups appears to suggest a predisposition toward genetic susceptibilities over lifestyle and environmental factors. Predicting RA in CP patients may be challenging, emphasizing the importance of regular RA screening, especially in high-risk subgroups.

Comparative Evaluation and Correlation of Periodontal Status With Inflammatory Markers in Pregnant Women With or Without Chronic Periodontitis: A Clinico-Hematological Study

Background The research delves into the intricate relationship between periodontal health and specific blood biomarkers in pregnant women during their second trimester. It specifically focuses on the levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and C-reactive protein (CRP) in those suffering from chronic periodontitis compared to healthy controls. Methodology A detailed approach was taken involving 60 pregnant women categorized into two groups based on the presence or absence of chronic periodontitis. Out of 60 pregnant women, 30 had chronic periodontitis, while the other 30 served as controls selected from the regular patient population of the college. The study utilized blood sample analysis and advanced statistical tools for data analysis, ensuring precise and reliable results. Levels of IL-6, LDH, and CRP in those suffering from chronic periodontitis compared to healthy controls were checked. Results The findings revealed a notable variance in IL-6, LDH, and CRP levels between the two groups. Women with chronic periodontitis exhibited significantly higher levels of these biomarkers. The statistical analysis reinforced the validity of these differences, highlighting their significance. Conclusions The study underscored a clear link between higher levels of IL-6, LDH, and CRP and the presence of chronic periodontitis in pregnant women. These biomarkers emerge as potential indicators for early detection and monitoring of periodontal health in this demographic.

Comparative Evaluation of Serum Tumor Necrosis Factor α in Health and Chronic Periodontitis: A Case-Control Study

BACKGROUND

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), a " major inflammatory cytokine," not only plays an important role in periodontal destruction but also is extremely toxic to the host. Till date, there are not many studies comparing the levels of TNF-α in serum and its relationship to periodontal disease.

AIM

Our study aimed to compare the serum TNF-α among the two study groups, namely, healthy controls and chronic periodontitis patients and establish a correlation between serum TNF-α and various clinical parameters. Hence, an attempt is made to estimate the level of TNF-α in serum, its relationship to periodontal disease and to explore the possibility of using the level of TNF-α in serum as a biochemical " marker" of periodontal disease.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty individuals participated in the study and were grouped into two subgroups. Group A - 20 systemically and periodontally healthy controls. Group B - twenty patients with generalized chronic periodontitis. The serum samples were assayed for TNF-α levels by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method.

RESULTS

The mean serum TNF-α cytokines for Group B Generalized chronic periodontitis (GCP) was 2.977 ± 1.011, and Group A (healthy) was 0.867 ± 0.865. The range of serum TNF-α was from (0.867 to 2.977). Serum TNF-α cytokines had highly significant correlation with all clinical parameters (plaque index, probing pocket depth, clinical attachment loss, and gingival index) among all study participants (P = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

These observations suggest a positive association between periodontal disease and increased levels of TNF-α in serum. It can be concluded that there is a prospect of using the estimation of TNF-α in serum as a "marker" of periodontal disease in future. However, it remains a possibility that the absence or low levels of TNF-α in serum might indicate a stable lesion and elevated levels might indicate an active site but only longitudinal studies taking into account, the disease "activity" and "inactivity" could suggest the possibility of using TNF-α in serum as an "Indicator" of periodontal disease.

Pro inflammatory interleukins and thyroid function in Naswar (dipping tobacco) users: a case control study

BACKGROUND

Naswar is a type of finely ground, moistened smokeless dipping tobacco product being commonly used in Pakistan. Although, nicotine is the most important psychoactive agent present in Naswar, it also exerts immunosuppressive effects and could alter the levels of cytokines. Additionally, the effects of Naswar consumption on thyroid hormones are not known.

METHODS

Eighty healthy males aged 16-43 years were selected for the study and were divided into a control group comprising 31 healthy subjects with no history of tobacco use in any form, with age matched test group comprising 49 exclusive Naswar users who were consuming Naswar for at least 1 year. Estimation of serum interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, free thyroxine (FT4), free triiodothyronine (FT3) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) was carried out. The data was analyzed by statistical programme (SPSS) using student's independent samples t-test. One way Anova followed by post hoc Tukey test was applied to assess parameters in Naswar users grouped according to duration of Naswar usage. Pearson's correlation coefficient was applied to assess correlations between parameters.

RESULTS

IL-1β was found to be significantly lowered in Naswar users compared to the control group whereas serum FT3 and FT4 levels in Naswar users were significantly raised compared to the control group. However, no differences in the levels of serum IL-6 and TSH between Naswar users and the control group were found. Also, serum FT3 and FT4 were consistently raised whereas IL-1β was lowered in Naswar users irrespective of duration of Naswar consumption. IL-1β was negatively correlated with FT3 in Naswar users.

CONCLUSION

The findings suggest that Naswar users might be in an immune suppressive state as evident by the lowered levels of interleukin 1β. Additionally, alterations in the levels of thyroid hormones signify the impact of Naswar consumption on thyroid function.