Association among stress, salivary cortisol levels, and chronic periodontitis

Effect of sleep on oral health: A scoping review

Sleep is a vital biological process that facilitates numerous vital functions integral to mental and physical restoration of the body. Sleep deprivation or poor sleep quality not only affects physical health but may also affect oral health. This scoping review aims to collate existing evidence related to the impact of sleep duration and/or quality on oral health. A systematic search strategy using PubMed, Embase, Scopus and CINAHL databases was performed to identify studies that assessed the association between sleep quality or duration and oral health or hygiene. Two researchers independently screened and extracted the data. Eligible studies were critically appraised using the NIH quality assessment tool for observational cohort and cross-sectional studies checklist. The search identified 18,398 studies, from which 14 fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Of the 14 papers, four papers were associated with effect of sleep on caries, 8 papers described the effect of sleep on gingival and periodontal health, and two papers described the effect of sleep on general oral health and oral disease symptoms. This review found a direct link between sleep and dental decay in children, and short sleep duration was associated with an increased risk of periodontitis adults.

Implications of sleep disorders for periodontitis

PURPOSE

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease caused by multi-factors. Sleep is a natural physiologic process, and the sleep duration, quality, and patterns might be associated with periodontitis. Meanwhile, periodontitis might in turn induce systemic inflammation and thus impact sleep in different ways as well.

METHODS

To investigate the bidirectional relationship between sleep disorder and periodontitis, a literature search was conducted to reveal the interaction and possible mechanism between these two diseases.

RESULTS

The results show that sleep disorders can affect the progression of periodontitis via some pathomechanisms, and periodontitis also has a reverse impact on sleep.

CONCLUSION

Although the epidemiologic and clinical trials found the possible associations between sleep disorder and periodontitis, their relationship is still not that explicit. Further studies are warranted to shed light on them, to improve preventive health care.

Evaluation of hydrocortisone as a strain-dependent growth-regulator of Porphyromonasgingivalis

OBJECTIVE

Porphyromonas gingivalis is an oral key pathogen and known to be very diverse in geno- and phenotypes. It is a fastidious bacterium with low O₂-tolerance and 3-7 days of incubation are necessary. With growing interest in the field of microbial endocrinology we explored the potential growth-stimulating effect of hydrocortisone (HC, synonym cortisol) on P. gingivalis cultures.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Six different P. gingivalis strains were pre-incubated in supplemented Brain-Heart-Infusion broth under appropriate conditions for 24 h, diluted and transferred into microplates. A newly developed and semi-automated spectrophotometric measurement in triplicate, applying a SpectraMax i3x microplate reader at an optical density of 600 nm, was conducted to test growth differences between test group (exposed to a supplement of either 1.25, 2.5, 5, 10, or 20 μg/ml of hydrocortisone) and control group over 48 h of anaerobic incubation (O₂ ≤ 1%). Furthermore, strains were also incubated on HC-supplemented blood agar to test for a possible growth-stimulating effect on solid media.

RESULTS

HC significantly stimulated the lag-phase growth of four out of six P. gingivalis strains. Our data suggest a concentration-dependent growth stimulatory effect of HC between 2.5 and 5 μg/ml, while below 1.25 μg/ml and above 10 μg/ml HC either did not stimulate or inhibited growth.

CONCLUSIONS

HC could reduce the incubation time when isolating P. gingivalis from clinical samples and could boost low biomass cultivations especially during their lag-phase. The growth-modulating effect might be via modulation of virulence factors/quorum sensing gene expression or by reactive oxygen species(ROS)-capturing during early stages of bacterial growth. Further experiments are necessary to explain the mechanism behind our observations.

Biomarkers common for inflammatory periodontal disease and depression: A systematic review

Background

Dysregulated immune response arising in the periphery can induce depressive symptoms through neuroimmune interactions. Inflammatory oral pathology can be a potent inducer of chronic neuroimmune response relevant to depression. We aimed to synthesize available evidence for the association between inflammatory periodontal diseases (IPD) and major depression (MD) in relation to a broad range of biomarkers.

Methods

Medline, Embase, PsycInfo, Cochrane Library, Web of Science and Scopus databases were searched from inception until January 27, 2022. Search terms included subject headings and synonyms for inflammatory periodontal disease and depression. Studies that reported data on both depression and inflammatory periodontal disease as categories along with measurement of a biomarker were considered. Two reviewers independently selected the articles for inclusion, extracted data and assessed the quality of each study. The protocol for this study was registered with PROSPERO, CRD42021215524.

Results

Twenty-eight studies were included in the final review-eleven cross-sectional studies, seven case-control studies, and six prospective cohort studies conducted in humans; the remaining four were experimental animal studies. Eighteen studies including all animal studies reported a positive association between depression and periodontal disease; one study reported a negative association and another nine studies found no such associations. Twenty studies reported mixed associations between IPD and biomarkers (i.e, salivary, serum, urine or gingival crevicular fluid cortisol, C reactive protein, cytokines, etc.). Biomarkers related to depression were gingival crevicular fluid cortisol, interleukin 6 (IL-6), Il-1β, immunoglobulin G against Bacterioides forsythus; root canal lipopolysaccharides; blood IL-6, IL-1β, cortisol, advanced oxidation protein products, nitric oxide metabolites, lipid hydroperoxides and trapping antioxidant parameter; whereas five studies found no associations between depression and a biomarker. Although animal studies showed interaction of immune, inflammatory and neurotrophic biomarkers in the relationship between depression and periodontal disease, human studies showed mixed findings. In most studies, there were risks of bias due to the sample selection and assessment protocol. Study heterogeneity and limited number of comparable studies reporting on shared biomarkers precluded a meta-analysis.

Conclusion

Immune-inflammatory contribution to depression was evident in the context of inflammatory periodontal diseases, but whether biomarkers mediate the associations between IPD and MD needs to be tested through methodologically rigorous studies aiming specifically at this hypothesis.

Influence of adjunctive non-surgical peri‑implant therapy on clinical and salivary cytokine profile in obese patients

AIM

The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of Photodynamic therapy (PDT) and Er,Cr:YSGG laser (ECL) adjunct to nonsurgical mechanical debridement (NSMD) in comparison to conventional NSMD in overweight individuals with peri‑implant disease on peri‑implant inflammatory parameters and cytokine levels of IL-6 and TNF-α in Peri-implant crevicular fluid (PICF) MATERIALS AND METHODS: Recruitment of volunteers was performed from the outpatient department according to predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Group 1 consisted of obese participants who underwent peri‑implant mechanical debridement (MD); group 2, obese participants who experienced MD adjunct to ECL, and in group 3, obese participants were treated with MD and adjunct PDT. Clinical periodontal parameters, plaque index (PI), bleeding index (BI) and probing depth (PD) along with crestal bone loss (CBL) were assessed at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. PICF was collected to evaluate the levels of IL-6 and TNF-α. Kruskal-Wallis and Bonferroni post hoc test were employed for the comparison of peri‑implant inflammatory parameters and PICF cytokine profiles among the study groups.

RESULTS

Clinical peri‑implant parameters (PI, BI and PD) at baseline among subjects in group 1, group 2 and group 3 were comparable (p > 0.05). At 3 months follow up, mean scores of peri‑implant PI, BI, and PD (P <0.05) in group 1 (control) were significantly higher compared to group 2 (ECL) and 3 (PDT) (p < 0.05). At 6 months follow-up, PI and BI mean scores among groups 1, 2, and 3 were comparable (p>0.05). At 6 months participants in groups 2 and 3 noted significant difference (p<0.05) compared to baseline with no difference noted in the control group (p>0.05).

CONCLUSION

Photodynamic therapy and Er, Cr: YSGG adjunct to NSMD demonstrated significant improvement in peri‑implant inflammatory parameters in obese individuals. Multicentric clinical trials are suggested to extrapolate the findings of the present study.

Evaluation of stress, serum and salivary ghrelin and cortisol levels in smokers and non-smokers with stage iii periodontitis - A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

The present study aimed to investigate the serum and salivary ghrelin and cortisol levels in smokers and non-smokers with Stage III Periodontitis.

METHODS

The present study comprised of a total of 90 systemically healthy patients categorized in three groups: Group I- Periodontally healthy patients; Group II- Non-smokers with Stage III Periodontitis and Group III- Smokers with Stage III periodontitis. Clinical parameters of Probing pocket depth (PPD), Clinical attachment levels (CAL), Plaque Index (PI), Gingival Index (GI) and Papillary Bleeding Index (PBI)were recorded and biochemical parameters of serum and salivary ghrelin and cortisol levels were analyzed via Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Stress levels were assessed using Zung's self-rating depression scale.

RESULTS

Serum and salivary ghrelin values were found to be higher in Group II (620.25 ± 260.86 pg/ml, 892.40 ± 271.65 pg/ml respectively) as compared to Group III. Similarly, salivary as well as serum cortisol levels were higher in Group III (20.78 ± 9.23 pg/ml, 399.37 ±189.21 pg/ml respectively) as compared to Group II (16.36 ± 8.88 pg/ml, 320.68 ± 107.01 pg/ml respectively). In Group III, a direct correlation was observed between stress, serum and salivary cortisol levels while an inverse correlation was found between stress, serum and salivary ghrelin levels. Group III showed a greater number of depressed patients followed by Group II and I.

CONCLUSION

As per the results smokers with Stage III Periodontitis exhibit an elevated stress and cortisol levels, lower serum and salivary ghrelin levels as compared to the non-smokers. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Study of influence of bacterial lysate on cytokine indicators in experimental periodontis in rats

The aim of the research: to optimize the treatment of patients with a disturbed cytokine profile by a bacterial lysate in an experimental model of periodontitis against the background of changes in the local and systemic immune response. Materials and methods: prospective study has been conducted on experimental periodontitis in 42 rats for 90 days. The animals were treated by solution of «Respibron» and the reference drug «Imudon». The concentration of cytokines in the blood serum was determined by the enzyme immunoassay, circulating immune complexes – precipitation method is measured on a spectrophotometer, C-reactive protein – using a latex diagnosticum. All interventions and euthanasia of animals were carried out in compliance with the European principles. Results: the obtained data from the study indicate a high degree a state of decompensation of experimental periodontitis. An immuno-inflammatory reaction preceding periodontitis is accompanied by the disturbances of the cytokine balance, local and systemic immune response. Applying of bacterial lysates led to the compensation of bacterial dysbiosis, restoration of the balance of the activity of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, and a decrease the hyperactivity of immunological markers. Conclusion: the studies carried out have shown that the use of bacterial lysate is a pathogenetically substantiated component of therapeutic tactics. The normalizing effect of the lysate on the parameters of the immune response and cytokine profile has been reliably shown. Considering the immuno-inflammatory reaction at the experimental periodontitis, accompanied by the cytokine imbalance, study the pharmacological correction by bacterial lysate should continue from the point of view of establishing the mechanisms of development, protection, and restoration of tissues. It has been proved that by the end of the 90-day period of observation of the course of experimental periodontitis, the power of natural compensatory mechanisms acquired a state of decompensation. It has manifested by increased pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1β in 1.7 times, and TNF-α in 3 times, decreased anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 in 1.6 times; increased the concentration of CIC in the blood in 2 times, C-reactive protein in 4.4 times at the local level in the gum tissue homogenate of the control pathology group of animals. The powerful corrective effect of bacterial lysates «Respibron» and «Imudon» on the indicators of the cytokine series on the model of chronic experimental periodontitis has been reliably established. The normalizing effect is due to the compensation of bacterial dysbiosis, restoration of the balance of the activity of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, and a decrease in the hyperactivity of immunological markers. The therapeutic effect of «Respibron» (bacterial lysate of 13 strains of microorganisms) can be assessed as expressive and more powerful in comparison with «Imudon». The obtained results make it possible to continue the study of the course of experimental periodontitis from the point of view of establishing the mechanisms of development, protection, and restoration of tissues under conditions of pharmacological correction with bacterial lysate «Respibron».

Association of Self-Perceived Psychological Stress with the Periodontal Health of Socially Deprived Women in Shelter Homes

The present study aimed to assess the effect of self-perceived psychological stress on the periodontal health of socially deprived women. The study included three hundred and eighty-five socially deprived women residing in shelter homes. The presence of stress and its severity was assessed by using Sheldon Cohen's 10-item perceived stress scale (PSS), and periodontal health status was assessed utilizing the community periodontal index. Statistical analyses were performed using an independent sample t-test, a one-way ANOVA, the Pearson chi-Square test, and binary logistic regression. Results: A total of 385 samples were included, the majority of whom (n = 297; 72.5%) belonged to the age group of 15-30 years. There were 34 (8.8%) participants who were educated up to graduate level. A total of 47.8% of the women were found with healthy periodontal status, and 52.5% of the samples were diagnosed with major psychological stress. Half of the samples (201-52.2%) had a periodontal problem. The mean PSS was found statistically significant concerning age group, education, and psychological stress level. In the univariate logistic regression analysis, a significant association of periodontal status was observed with the age group 31-45 years [(OR = 1.76; 95% C.I (1.11-2.78)] and with a major psychological stress level [(OR = 2.60; 95% C.I (1.72-3.93)]. Psychosocial stress among socially deprived women was found to be a risk factor for periodontal disease.

Association between sleep habits and symptoms of oral disease in adolescents: the 2017 Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey

BACKGROUND

This cross-sectional study aimed to examine the relationship between sleep habits and oral disease symptoms in adolescents.

METHODS

Among 62,276 adolescents who participated in the 13th Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey (2017), we selected a total of 54,766 adolescents (age, 12-18 years; male, 49.9%) for the final analysis, after excluding those who did not report their sleep duration. The 13th Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey data were obtained from a stratified, multistage, clustered sample. Independent variables included general characteristics, oral health behavior, sleep types, sleep duration, and sleep quality; dependent variables comprised oral disease symptoms. Sleep was categorized according to bedtime astype A (bedtime < 1 a.m.) and type B (bedtime ≥ 1 a.m.). Data were analyzed using logistic regression analysis. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

RESULTS

After adjusting for all covariates, adolescents with type A sleep had a higher risk of toothache on chewing (OR = 1.08, 95% CI 1.02-1.15) than adolescents with type B. Adolescents who slept for 6 h or less each night had a higher risk of pain in the tongue and buccal mucosa (OR = 1.35, 95% CI 1.18-1.54), gingival pain, and bleeding (OR = 1.31, 95% CI 1.19-1.45) than those who slept for more than 8 h. Adolescents with low quality of sleep had a higher risk of toothache or throbbing (OR = 1.70, 95% CI 1.60-1.81), toothache on chewing (OR = 1.73, 95% CI 1.65-1.82), and halitosis (OR = 1.51, 95% CI 1.41-1.59) than those with high quality of sleep.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicate that some oral symptoms are related to sleep duration and quality. It is essential to inculcate good sleeping habits in adolescents by emphasizing the effects of inadequate sleep duration and quality.

Identifying predictive factors for sleep bruxism severity using clinical and polysomnographic parameters: a principal component analysis

STUDY OBJECTIVES

The aim was to identify predictive factors for sleep bruxism (SB) severity among polysomnographic parameters, salivary cortisol levels, temporomandibular disorders, age, and sex.

METHODS

Young adults (19-30 years) were screened for self-/roommate reports of teeth grinding/clenching during sleep associated with clinical signs of tooth wear. Individuals positive for both conditions were administered a polysomnographic exam to provide a definite diagnosis of SB (n = 28). Healthy participants without SB signs/symptoms were also included (n = 15). The Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders was applied to determine functional, muscular, and articular domains of the Temporomandibular Index. Cortisol awakening levels were measured in saliva. Principal component analysis was used to extract the latent components emerging from polysomnographic results, and 2 regression models were adjusted to predict the number and duration of bruxism episodes.

RESULTS

Principal component analysis resulted in 4 components-C1: %N1, total sleep time, sleep efficiency, arousals/microarousals; C2: %N2, %N3; C3: periodic limb movements and apneas; C4: %REM and REM latency. The number of SB episodes/h was predicted by increasing muscular scores and C2 (decrease in %N2 and increase in %N3) (adjusted R² = 45%; P =.001). The total time of SB episodes was predicted by decreased articular and increased functional scores, age, and female sex (adjusted R² = 36%; P = 0.010). Salivary cortisol levels were not associated with SB severity and did not differ between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings showed that SB severity was predicted by muscular and functional scores, female sex, and distinct polysomnographic patterns, contributing to the deeper knowledge of the underlying pathophysiology of SB severity; additionally, the findings can help to formulate health approaches that are specific to the patient and will better assist in treating this condition.

Cortisol levels in the peri-implant sulcular fluid among patients with and without peri-implantitis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Cortisol levels remain uninvestigated in peri-implant sulcular fluid (PISF) of patients with and without peri-implantitis. The present investigation investigated levels of cortisol in PISF among controls (individuals without peri-implantitis) and patients with peri-implantitis.

METHODS

The patient population comprised of participants with and without peri-implantitis (groups 1 and 2, respectively). Demographic information and data related to implant characteristics was recorded. Peri-implant radiographic (crestal bone loss [CBL]) and clinical (modified plaque and bleeding on probing indices [PI and BOP], and probing depth [PD]) and parameters were assessed. In all patients, levels of cortisol were measured in the PISF, which was collected using standard methods. Data normality and group comparisons were assessed, and multiple logistic regression was performed. Probability values less than 0.01 were nominated as being significant.

RESULTS

Eighty-eight individuals (44 and 44 in groups 1 and 2, correspondingly) were included. In group 1, 24 and 20 participants were males and females, and there were 22 and 22 males and females in group 2. Mean ages were analogous in both groups. Peri-implant BOP (p < .001); CBL (p < .001); PI (p < .001); and PD (p < .001) were higher among patients in group 1 compared with group 2. The volume of PISF (p < .001) collected and its concentrations of cortisol (p < .001) were significantly higher among patients in group 1 compared with group 2. Regression analysis showed that CBL and PD directly correlated with increased PISF levels of cortisol among participants with peri-implantitis.

CONCLUSION

Within the limits of the present study, it remains debatable whether or not PISF cortisol levels vary among patients with and without peri-implantitis. Further studies are needed to evaluate the role of PISF levels of cortisol in the diagnosis of peri-implantitis.

Periodontal disease and emotional disorders: A meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship of periodontal disease with depression and anxiety via a systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHOD

We systematically searched the EMBASE, PubMed, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and SinoMed databases (until August 4, 2019) with language restricted to English and Chinese. Case-control, cross-sectional, and cohort studies that calculated the risk ratio (RR), odds ratio (OR)/prevalence OR (POR), and hazard ratio (HR) of depression/anxiety with periodontal disease or the OR/POR/RR/HR of periodontal disease caused by depression/anxiety were included. Observational studies that reported the depression/anxiety scale score of patients with periodontal disease and healthy periodontal subjects aged ≥14 years were also included. We used the standard format to extract the following information from each included study: author/s, survey year, study design, age of participants, periodontal disease definition, depression/anxiety measurement, and summary of results. The Newcastle-Ottawa scale was used to ascertain the quality of the included citations.

RESULTS

After screening, 40 studies were included. A meta-analysis of the case-control studies showed that periodontal disease was positively associated with depression (OR = 1.70, 95% confidence interval [CI]  = 1.01-2.83). A meta-analysis of 12 studies showed that periodontal disease was significantly correlated with anxiety (OR = 1.36, 95% CI = 1.11-1.66). A meta-analysis of 18 studies showed that subjects with periodontal disease had higher depression scale score (standardized mean difference [SMD] = 1.05, 95% CI = 0.68-1.41) and anxiety scale score (SMD = 0.70, 95% CI = 0.44-0.96).

CONCLUSION

Periodontal disease is associated with emotional disorders. However, the high degree of heterogeneity among studies should be considered. More high-quality prospective studies are required to confirm the relationship.

The assessment of stress, depression, and inflammation as a collective risk factor for periodontal diseases: a systematic review

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this review was to provide a novel perspective utilizing an assessment of biomarkers to evaluate the impact of stress-related disorders on the progression of periodontal disease and evaluate the growing body of evidence of stress as a risk indicator for periodontal disease progression.

METHODS

Cross-sectional, case-control, and biomarker studies associating psychological disorders and periodontal disease were included in the literature search. Computational studies, animal studies, reviews, and studies lacking healthy controls were excluded. Electronic and manual literature searches were conducted by two independent reviewers in several databases as well as a manual search for relevant articles published up to January 2018.

RESULTS

Twenty-six articles fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were included in the qualitative synthesis. Relationships between stress-related disorders and serum and salivary biomarkers such as cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), chromogranin A (CgA), and pro-inflammatory cytokines were identified.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of salivary pro-inflammatory cytokines alone is not sufficient for the identification of periodontal disease severity/progression with or without the presence of stress-associated diseases. Keeping in mind the limitations of this review, a positive qualitative correlation was observed in the literature among stress-related biomarkers and the severity of periodontal disease. This correlation may serve as an important reporter of patient susceptibility for periodontal breakdown in the future.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Stress-related disorders should be included in the list of globally screened diseases because it can change the biochemistry of both the local periodontal microenvironment as well as the global systemic inflammatory burden.

Salivary neuropeptides, stress, and periodontitis

BACKGROUND

Scientific evidence for psychologic stress as a risk factor for periodontitis is fragmentary and relies mostly on either questionnaire-based or biomarker studies. The aim of this study is to investigate brain-derived neurotrophic factor, substance P, vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), neuropeptide Y (NPY), calcitonin gene-related peptide, and adrenomedullin as well as cortisol in saliva and serum in periodontal health and disease combined with different aspects of stress and possible associations with clinical parameters.

METHODS

In total, 56 patients with aggressive and chronic periodontitis and 44 healthy controls were screened by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and mass spectrometry for presence of neuropeptides and cortisol in saliva and serum. Psychologic stress was evaluated by validated questionnaires. All substances were explored for a possible relationship to periodontitis, clinical parameters, and stress.

RESULTS

VIP and NPY showed significantly higher levels in saliva but not in serum of patients with periodontitis. These neuropeptides correlated with the extent, severity, and bleeding on probing scores in patients with periodontitis. Females had significantly lower salivary VIP levels. There were no differences among participants regarding psychologic stress.

CONCLUSION

VIP and NPY in saliva could be potential sex-specific salivary biomarkers for periodontitis regardless of psychologic stress.

Effects of non-surgical periodontal therapy on inflammatory markers of psoriasis: A randomized controlled trial

AIM

The purpose of this randomized controlled clinical study was to evaluate the effect of non-surgical mechanical periodontal therapy on the inflammatory status and severity of psoriasis in subjects with psoriasis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study population consisted of 92 periodontitis patients with psoriasis vulgaris suffering from an untreated periodontal disease. Two randomized groups were formed from these patients: immediate periodontal therapy (test group, n = 46) and delayed periodontal therapy (control group, n = 46). Periodontal clinical measures, on salivary interleukin 2, interleukin 6 and secretory immunoglobulin A levels and the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) scores were evaluated at baseline and on the 8th week in control and test groups.

RESULTS

Eight weeks after completion of non-surgical periodontal therapy (test group) or initial examination (control group), a significant decrease was observed in interleukin 2, interleukin 6 level and in PASI score, whereas a significant increase was observed in secretory immunoglobulin A levels in the test group (p < .05).

CONCLUSION

Within the limits of this study, the results suggest that effective periodontal therapy improves the psoriasis condition in patients afflicted by both diseases.

Comparative evaluation of the cortisol level of unstimulated saliva in patients with and without chronic periodontitis

BACKGROUND

Chronic periodontitis (CP) is one of the most prevalent diseases of the oral cavity with various biological and behavioral risk factors. We aimed to evaluate the association between the salivary cortisol level (SCL) of unstimulated saliva and CP in patients referred to Isfahan Dental Faculty.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this analytic cross-sectional study, 90 patients were selected based on the presence of periodontitis and were divided into two groups: with periodontitis and without periodontitis (n = 45). First, by evaluating the level of anxiety with Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory questionnaire, each group was divided into three subgroups, each containing 15 persons. To measure the SCL in all subgroups by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method, saliva samples were collected with unstimulated spitting method between 9 and 11 AM. Periodontal evaluation was done using the mean probing depth (PD), plaque index, and bleeding on probing. The obtained data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 20, IBM Corp., Armonk, N.Y., USA) and analysis of variance, independent t-test, Chi-square, Mann-Whitney, Spearman correlation, and Pearson correlation coefficient tests (α = 0.05).

RESULTS

The mean level of salivary cortisol (P = 0.048) and PD (P = 0.009) in patients with periodontitis was significantly higher than those without periodontitis. There was a direct and meaningful correlation between PD and SCL (P < 0.001, r = 0.363). In both groups of participants with (P < 0.001) and without periodontitis (P < 0.001), the mean SCL in patients with high anxiety was significantly more than patients with medium and low anxiety.

CONCLUSION

Our results showed that there is an increased level of salivary cortisol (as anxiety index) in patients with CP. Therefore, it seems that the probability of the occurrence of periodontitis is higher in those with increased cortisol level.

Evaluation of salivary calcium, phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase concentrations before and after the first phase of periodontal treatment in patients with chronic periodontitis

Background

Evaluation of salivary biomarkers is a non-invasive, convenient, and economical method for diagnosing many diseases. Evidence shows that salivary biomarkers and periodontal disease might be correlated. This study was conducted to evaluate phase I periodontal therapy's effect on salivary concentrations of calcium, phosphorous, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP).

Methods

In this descriptive, analytical study, 16 patients were selected from those referred to the Department of Oral Medicine, Faculty of Dentistry, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, using convenience sampling. Salivary samples were collected using the drooling method. The salivary concentrations of calcium, phosphorous, and ALP were measured immediately after saliva collection, before the first phase of periodontal therapy and one month later, using a colorimetric assay. The data were analyzed with SPSS using paired t-test. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

The salivary concentrations of calcium, phosphorous, and ALP were 6.68, 20.57, and 48.31 mg/dL, respectively, before and 7.15, 22.51, and 40.37 mg/dL, respectively, after phase I periodontal therapy. There were no significant differences between the salivary levels of calcium, phosphorous, and ALP before and after phase I periodontal therapy (P>0.05).

Conclusion

This study revealed that the salivary concentrations of calcium, phosphorous, and ALP remained relatively unchanged after phase I periodontal therapy.

The correlation between sleep bruxism, salivary cortisol, and psychological status in young, Caucasian healthy adults

Objective: To analyze the association between sleep bruxism (SB), salivary cortisol, and psychological state in healthy adults.Methods: Sixty healthy students (with or without SB) were included in the study. The subjects completed a questionnaire that evaluated the presence of SB and analyzed the general and work-related psychological states and job-related frustration. Clinical examinations of TMJs and dental wear were performed. The salivary cortisol was determined using ELISA technique.Results: Subjects with SB had a general status characterized by anxiety or stress compared to subjects without SB. They also presented a work-induced depressive or anxious attitude compared to healthy individuals. The salivary cortisol levels were higher in subjects with SB and in females and were correlated with subjects' general anxiety, but not with a job-induced psychological state.Conclusion: SB is correlated with general and job-induced psychological changes. Salivary cortisol could be a non-invasive marker for the evaluation of SB severity.

Evaluation of salivary cortisol levels in relation to dento-maxillary prosthesis adjustment

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of dento-maxillary prosthesis adjustment procedure on levels of salivary cortisol.

METHODS

Nine participants (six men, three women, mean age 65.9 years) took part in this study. Saliva samples were collected before and after dento-maxillary prosthesis adjustment during the four different visits. Free cortisol levels were determined using a salivary cortisol immunoassay kit (expanded-range high-sensitivity salivary cortisol enzyme immunoassay kit, Salimetrics). Besides, original self-report sheets, a 35-item food intake questionnaire, the University of Washington Quality of Life (UW-QOL) questionnaire version 4, and the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) questionnaire were also administered. The changes of salivary cortisol levels were analyzed using 2-level multilevel linear regression, with adjustment for age, sex, and time. Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare scores of the food intake questionnaire, UW-QOL questionnaire, and GOHAI questionnaire.

RESULTS

Salivary cortisol levels decreased significantly after carrying out the dento-maxillary prosthesis adjustment procedure. During the third adjustment, the salivary cortisol levels were significantly low. In addition, salivary cortisol levels of participants aged 70 years and over were significantly higher than other aged groups. The total scores for grade III-V of the food intake questionnaire increased significantly. Other questionnaires had a trend toward increasing scores, yet the differences were not significant.

CONCLUSIONS

Within the limitations of this study, the results suggest that a reduction in symptoms of discomfort may have an influence on the decrease of salivary cortisol levels in dento-maxillary prosthesis wearers.

The effect of nonsurgical periodontal treatment on gingival crevicular fluid stress hormone levels: A prospective study

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this prospective study was to investigate the effect of nonsurgical periodontal treatment (PT) on anxiety/depression scale scores and on gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) cortisol (COR) and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) levels.

METHODS

Fifty-five participants with generalized chronic periodontitis (GCP group, n: 21), with localized chronic periodontitis (LCP group, n: 19) and with gingivitis or healthy (control group, n: 15) subjects were treated and followed up for 6 months. Clinical periodontal parameters include plaque index, gingival index, bleeding on probing, probing depth and attachment level; psychosocial measurements include Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI 1-2) psychometric instruments; hormone levels in GCF including COR and DHEA were evaluated.

RESULTS

All clinical parameters were significantly decreased (except attachment loss) after PT (p < 0.05). No significant differences were observed between the two groups for STAI-1-2 and BDI scores, either at baseline or at 6 months (p > 0.05). COR levels were statistically lower following PT in GCP and LCP groups when compared to the baseline levels (p < 0.05). DHEA values at baseline and 6 months did not show significant differences.

CONCLUSION

Within the limits of the study, decreased GCF COR and unchanged GCF DHEA levels were determined in nonsurgically treated patients regardless of the extent and severity of periodontitis.

Interaction between stress, cytokines, and salivary cortisol in pregnant and non-pregnant women with gingivitis

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of periodontal treatment on the inflammatory markers in gingival crevicular fluid and the concentration of salivary cortisol between non-pregnant and pregnant women with gingivitis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study included 30 non-pregnant women (mean age 27.93 ± 6.61 years) and 30 pregnant women (mean age 28.93 ± 4.04 years). Each participant presented with the clinical symptoms of generalized, moderate-to-severe gingivitis. Saliva samples were collected by using the spitting method, and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) samples were collected by using the intrasulcular method at baseline and after 3 weeks. Non-surgical periodontal treatment (NPT) comprising scaling and oral hygiene instruction was administered after sample collection. The interleukin-6 and interleukin-10 levels in GCF and salivary cortisol concentrations were determined with using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS

The pregnant women exhibited significantly deeper pockets (p < 0.05) and greater gingival inflammation (p < 0.05) than the non-pregnant women after periodontal therapy. Moreover, the levels of interleukin-6 in the GCF were significantly higher in the pregnant women compared to the non-pregnant women after periodontal therapy: 17.73 ± 9.82 pg per site and 8.08 ± 4.51 pg per site, respectively, p < 0.05. No differences in the levels of interleukin-10 were observed. The pregnant women also exhibited higher cortisol concentration in the saliva after periodontal therapy, compared to the non-pregnant women, while the levels of stress (as seen on the perceived stress scale-10) were similar in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Although non-surgical periodontal therapy may reduce the clinical parameters of gingivitis, increasing levels of stress in pregnancy may reduce the individual's response to it. However, further studies are necessary to substantiate these early findings.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Psychosocial stress may increase the risk of periodontal disease by altering the behavioral and immune responses of the individual. Therefore, the levels of stress should be taken into consideration in order to increase the efficacy of periodontal therapy in pregnant patients.

Effect of non-surgical periodontal therapy on the degree of gingival inflammation and stress markers related to pregnancy

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of nonsurgical periodontal therapy considering the salivary stress-related hormone and cytokine levels in the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) on pregnant and nonpregnant women.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Thirty non-pregnant (control group) and 30 pregnant women (test group) that met the study inclusion criteria were chosen. Only participants with gingivitis were included. Clinical data and samples of GCF and saliva were collected at baseline and after periodontal therapy. The levels of interleukin-1 beta (Κ-1β) and IL-10, and concentration of salivary chromogranin A (CgA) hormone were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The repeated measures analysis of variance was used for intragroup and intergroup analyses.

RESULTS

A major decrease in the gingival inflammation was observed in both groups after periodontal therapy (p<0.05). Periodontal treatment decreased the level of IL-1β in GCF (p<0.05) in control group, but no statistical difference was determined for GCF IL-1β in the test group. However, after periodontal therapy, the CgA hormone concentration was reduced in both groups (p<0.05). However, there was no difference in salivary CgA concentration, GCF IL-10 levels, and perceived stress scale (PSS)-10 between the groups (p>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Within the limitations of this study, periodontal therapy significantly improved the periodontal status and stress level. In addition, the severity of the gingival inflammation during pregnancy was related to stress. However, further studies will be needed to substantiate these early findings.

Impact of chronic stress on periodontal health

Introduction: Periodontal diseases are caused by pathogenic microorganisms that induce increases in of local and systemic proinflammatory cytokines, resulting in periodontal damage. The onset and evolution of periodontal diseases are influenced by many local and systemic risk factors. Educational objective: In this article, we aim to review the results of the research on the impact of chronic stress on the occurrence, development, and response to periodontal disease treatments and on the pathophysiological mechanisms of periodontal disease. Conclusion: Chronic stress has a negative impact on the occurrence, development, and response to the treatment of periodontal disease via indirect actions on the periodontium. This can result from behavioral changes caused by stress (poor dental hygiene, smoking, etc.) and a direct neuroimmunoendocrinological action related to the consequences (particularly immunological) of the secretion of certain chemicals (e.g., cortisol) induced by the activation of the hypothalamus and the autonomic nervous system in response to stress. These factors necessitate multidisciplinary management (e.g., physician, oral surgeon, and psychologist) of patients to identify subjects with chronic stress and to employ countermeasures to decrease the impact of stress on the periodontium.

Association of Stress, Salivary Cortisol, and Chronic Periodontitis: A Clinico-biochemical Study

Background

Periodontitis and stress are among the areas of increasing interest over the past two decades. Early detection of these diseases plays a crucial role in successful therapy. Cortisol is a protein which was found to be consistently associated with both.

Aim

The present study was aimed to evaluate saliva cortisol levels (SCLs) in chronic periodontitis (CP) patients with and without stress.

Materials and Methods

In this cross-sectional study, saliva samples were collected and cortisol levels were determined using ELISA method in 92 participants. The participants were divided into four groups based on periodontal condition (number of teeth present, plaque index (PI), bleeding on probing (BOP), probing pocket depth, and clinical attachment level) and stress levels into Group 1 (no periodontitis and no stress), Group 2 (with periodontitis and no stress), Group 3 (without periodontitis and with stress), and Group 4 (with periodontitis and stress).

Results

Overall, 92 adult participants (41 males and 51 females) were included in the study. Participants with stress and periodontitis have high mean SCL when compared to other groups (Group 1: 15.01 ± 2.62, Group 2: 31.92 ± 6.80, Group 3: 34.47 ± 13.47, and Group 4: 60.13 ± 6.68). Group I shows a significant negative correlation of cortisol to BOP, stress to PI, and stress to cortisol level, whereas there is a positive correlation of SCL to PD in Group 4 which is not statistically significant.

Conclusion

SCL showed difference among the groups. SCL were associated with both CP and psychological stress. Increase in inflammation and stress levels enhances the SCL.

Microbial community profiling of human saliva using shotgun metagenomic sequencing

Human saliva is clinically informative of both oral and general health. Since next generation shotgun sequencing (NGS) is now widely used to identify and quantify bacteria, we investigated the bacterial flora of saliva microbiomes of two healthy volunteers and five datasets from the Human Microbiome Project, along with a control dataset containing short NGS reads from bacterial species representative of the bacterial flora of human saliva. GENIUS, a system designed to identify and quantify bacterial species using unassembled short NGS reads was used to identify the bacterial species comprising the microbiomes of the saliva samples and datasets. Results, achieved within minutes and at greater than 90% accuracy, showed more than 175 bacterial species comprised the bacterial flora of human saliva, including bacteria known to be commensal human flora but also Haemophilus influenzae, Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Gamma proteobacteria. Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLASTn) analysis in parallel, reported ca. five times more species than those actually comprising the in silico sample. Both GENIUSand BLAST analyses of saliva samples identified major genera comprising the bacterial flora of saliva, but GENIUS provided a more precise description of species composition, identifying to strain in most cases and delivered results at least 10,000 times faster. Therefore, GENIUS offers a facile and accurate system for identification and quantification of bacterial species and/or strains in metagenomic samples.

Oral fluid based biomarkers in periodontal disease: part 1. Saliva

Traditional clinical measurements such as probing pocket depth, bleeding on probing, clinical attachment loss; plaque index and radiographs used for periodontal diagnosis are often of limited usefulness as they are indicators of previous periodontal disease rather than present disease activity. A literature search was carried out to find out all the available tests that indicate periodontal disease markers in saliva. All major databases were searched to compile the information on published reports between 1999 and 2014. The list of biomarkers available to date is compiled and presented in a table format. Each biomarker is discussed separately based on the available evidence. Based on the evidence, it can be concluded that several sensitive salivary indicators of periodontitis are available to detect the presence, severity and response to treatment. Further studies are warranted to analyze the sensitivity and reliability of these indicators that might help in developing non-invasive tests that could help in the diagnosis of periodontal disease.

Systems approaches to computational modeling of the oral microbiome

Current microbiome research has generated tremendous amounts of data providing snapshots of molecular activity in a variety of organisms, environments, and cell types. However, turning this knowledge into whole system level of understanding on pathways and processes has proven to be a challenging task. In this review we highlight the applicability of bioinformatics and visualization techniques to large collections of data in order to better understand the information that contains related diet—oral microbiome—host mucosal transcriptome interactions. In particular, we focus on systems biology of Porphyromonas gingivalis in the context of high throughput computational methods tightly integrated with translational systems medicine. Those approaches have applications for both basic research, where we can direct specific laboratory experiments in model organisms and cell cultures, and human disease, where we can validate new mechanisms and biomarkers for prevention and treatment of chronic disorders.