Adjunctive Local Delivery of Aloe Vera Gel in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes and Chronic Periodontitis: A Randomized,Controlled Clinical Trial

Background: Herbal agents such as Aloe vera (AV) have been used in medical and dental therapy for thousands of years. AV has anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, hypoglycemic, healing‐promoting, and immune‐boosting properties. This study aims to investigate the clinical effectiveness of locally delivered AV gel used as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) in the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and chronic periodontitis (CP). Methods: Sixty patients with probing depth (PD) ≥5 mm and clinical attachment level (CAL) ≥3 mm were randomly divided into two groups. All patients underwent SRP. Placebo gel was locally delivered to group 1 and AV gel to group 2. Full‐mouth plaque index (PI), modified sulcus bleeding index (mSBI), PD, and CAL were recorded at baseline and 3 and 6 months. Results: Patients in group 2 showed significantly greater mean reductions in PI, mSBI, and PD and mean gain in CAL compared with those in group 1 from baseline to 3 months. Gain in CAL was significantly greater in group 2 at all time intervals versus group 1. Conclusion: Adjunctive use of locally delivered AV gel, in comparison to locally delivered placebo gel, is associated with greater reduction in PI, mSBI, and PD as well as more gain in CAL in patients with T2DM and CP.     

Efficacy of Local Antimicrobials in the Non‐Surgical Treatment of Patients With Periodontitis and Diabetes: A Systematic Review

Background: Patients with diabetes present a worse response to periodontal treatment. Local antimicrobials as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) provide additional benefits in the treatment of periodontitis in healthy patients. This review aims to evaluate the effects of local antimicrobials as an adjunct to SRP, compared with SRP alone, on periodontal clinical parameters of patients with chronic periodontitis (CP) and diabetes mellitus (DM). Methods: Only randomized controlled trials with: 1) at least 6 months of follow‐up; 2) SRP, in combination with local antimicrobials; and 3) patients with periodontitis and DM were considered eligible. MEDLINE, EMBASE, and LILACS databases were searched for articles published up to January 2016. Random‐effects meta‐analyses were conducted for clinical attachment level (CAL), probing depth (PD), bleeding on probing, and gingival index change after treatment. Results: Of 153 papers potentially relevant to this review, six were included. The majority of trials showed a significant PD reduction and CAL gain associated with use of local antimicrobials in patients with type 1 and type 2 DM. Only studies that included well‐controlled patients and applied antimicrobials at the deepest sites or sites with baseline PD ≥5 mm presented significant PD reduction and CAL gain. Conclusion: In patients with DM and CP, use of local antimicrobials as an adjunct to SRP may result in additional benefits compared with SRP alone in PD reduction and CAL gain, especially in well‐controlled individuals and deep sites.     

Bisphosphonate therapy improves the outcome of conventional periodontal treatment: results of a 12-month, randomized, placebo-controlled study

BACKGROUND: Bone loss in periodontitis results from inflammatory reactions that stimulate osteoclastic bone resorption. Bisphosphonates inhibit bone resorption and increase bone mass. This study evaluated the effect of bisphosphonate therapy as an adjunct to non-surgical periodontal treatment in patients with moderate to severe chronic periodontitis. METHODS: Patients were randomized (2:1) to one of two bisphosphonate therapies or placebo for 1 year. All patients received non-surgical periodontal treatment (scaling, root planing) and periodontal maintenance therapy every 3 months. Clinical assessments at baseline and 6 and 12 months included clinical attachment level (CAL), probing depth (PD), and bleeding on probing (BOP). Periodontal bone mass was assessed by dental radiographs at baseline and 12 months using fractal analysis and digital subtraction radiography (DSR). RESULTS: Seventy patients were randomized, 43 to the bisphosphonate group and 27 to the placebo group. Bisphosphonate therapy significantly improved CAL, PD, and BOP relative to the placebo group during the 6- to 12-month period (CAL, P = 0.0002; PD, P = 0.0156; BOP, P = 0.0079). There was no difference in the change in periodontal bone mass between the bisphosphonate and placebo groups as measured by fractal analysis and DSR. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that bisphosphonate treatment improves the clinical outcome of non-surgical periodontal therapy and may be an appropriate adjunctive treatment to preserve periodontal bone mass.     

Clinical Effects of Potassium–Titanyl–Phosphate Laser and Photodynamic Therapy on Outcomes of Treatment of Chronic Periodontitis: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Background: The main objective of periodontal treatment is to control infection and thereby curb disease progression. Recent studies have demonstrated that adjunctive treatment procedures, such as laser irradiation or photodynamic therapy (PDT), may provide some additional benefit in the treatment of chronic periodontitis (CP). The aim of this randomized controlled trial is to clinically evaluate and compare the clinical effects of potassium–titanyl–phosphate (KTP) laser and PDT on outcomes of CP treatment. Methods: Twenty‐four patients with untreated CP were treated using a split‐mouth study design in which the teeth in each quadrant were randomly treated by scaling and root planing (SRP) alone (group A), PDT followed by SRP (group B), or KTP laser followed by SRP (group C). The periodontal pockets were exposed to a KTP laser with the following parameters: 0.8 W output power, 50 milliseconds time on/50 milliseconds time off, 30 seconds per irradiation at 532 nm and 11.7 J/cm² fluence, with a flexible fiberoptic tip with a diameter of 200 µm. The selected pockets were probed with a pressure‐controlled probe, guided by stents. Clinical periodontal parameters assessed included plaque index, gingival index, bleeding on probing (BOP), probing depth (PD), and clinical attachment level (CAL), which were recorded at baseline and at 6 months after therapy. Results: Statistical analysis demonstrated no differences between groups at baseline for all parameters (P >0.05). All treatments yielded significant improvements in terms of BOP and PD decrease and CAL gain compared to baseline values (P <0.05). Group C showed a greater reduction in PD compared to the other groups (P <0.05). In addition, group C showed a greater CAL gain compared to the other groups (P <0.05). Conclusion: In patients with CP, clinical outcomes from conventional periodontal treatment of deeper pockets can be improved by using adjunctive KTP laser.     

Non-surgical periodontal therapy with and without subgingival minocycline administration in patients with poorly controlled type II diabetes: a randomized controlled clinical trial

The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in clinical parameters and levels of inflammatory biomarkers in plasma in periodontal patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) after non-surgical periodontal therapy. Twenty-eight poorly controlled T2DM patients were randomly assigned to treatment with scaling and root planning (SRP) and SRP + subgingival minocycline administration. Clinical parameters, including the probing depth (PD), bleeding on probing (BOP), plaque score (PS), clinical attachment level (CAL), and plasma interleukin (IL)-6, soluble receptor of advanced glycation end products (sRAGE), chronic reactive protein (CRP), and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) were measured before and after a 6-month treatment period. Significant changes in PD, BOP, PS, and CAL were found in both groups. The latent growth curve model showed an overall reduction in the log HbA1c level in the SRP group (−0.082, p = 0.033). Small changes in the log sRAGE level and log CRP level in plasma were found in both groups. IL-6 in the plasma increased in the SRP group, but slightly decreased in the SRP+minocycline group (0.469 pg/ml, p = 0.172). Non-surgical periodontal therapy with or without subgingival minocycline application may achieve significant periodontal improvement and moderate improvement in HbA1c, but had no significant effect on plasma levels of IL-6, CRP, or sRAGE in patients with poorly controlled T2DM. For patients with both periodontal diseases and diabetes, non-surgical periodontal treatments may be helpful in their diabetic control.     

Association Among Periodontitis and the Use of Crack Cocaine and Other Illicit Drugs

Background: Crack cocaine can alter functions related to the immune system and exert a negative influence on progression and severity of periodontitis. The aim of this study is to compare periodontal status between crack cocaine users and crack cocaine non‐users and investigate the association between crack cocaine and periodontitis after adjustments for confounding variables. Methods: This cross‐sectional study evaluated 106 individuals exposed to crack cocaine and 106 never exposed, matched for age, sex, and tobacco use. An examiner determined visible plaque index (VPI), marginal bleeding index, supragingival dental calculus, probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), and bleeding on probing (BOP). Logistic regression was used to model associations between crack cocaine and periodontitis (at least three sites with CAL >4 mm and at least two sites with PD >3 mm, not in the same site or tooth). Results: Prevalence of periodontitis among crack non‐users and crack users was 20.8% and 43.4%, respectively. Crack users had greater VPI, BOP, PD ≥3 mm, and CAL ≥4 mm than crack non‐users. Periodontitis was associated with age >24 years, schooling ≤8 years, smoking, moderate/heavy alcohol use, and plaque rate ≥41%. Crack users had an approximately three‐fold greater chance (odds ratio: 3.44; 95% confidence interval: 1.51 to 7.86) of periodontitis than non‐users. Conclusion: Occurrence of periodontitis, visible plaque, and gingival bleeding was significantly higher among crack users, and crack use was associated with occurrence of periodontitis.     

Factors associated with the clinical response to nonsurgical periodontal therapy in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus

BackgroundType 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a growing health problem worldwide. People with T2DM are at risk of experiencing periodontitis and likely require treatment. Using data from the national multicenter Diabetes and Periodontal Therapy Trial (DPTT), the authors assessed patient-based characteristics associated with the clinical response to nonsurgical therapy.MethodsThe DPTT investigators randomly assigned adults with T2DM (hemoglobin A_1c [HbA_1c] ≥ 7 percent and < 9 percent) and moderate to advanced periodontitis to receive immediate or delayed therapy (scaling and root planing, oral hygiene instruction, chlorhexidine rinse). The investigators assessed probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), bleeding on probing (BOP), and medical conditions at baseline, three months and six months. Six-month changes in mean PD, CAL and BOP defined the treatment response. Complete data were available for 473 of 514 DPTT participants. The authors used multiple regression models to evaluate participant-level factors associated with the response.ResultsMore severe baseline PD, CAL and BOP were associated with greater improvements in these same measurements (P < .0001). Hispanic participants experienced greater improvements in PD and CAL than did non-Hispanic participants (P < .0001). Obese participants (those with a body mass index > 30 kilograms per square meter) experienced greater reductions in PD and BOP than did participants who were not obese (P < .001). Age, sex, HbA_1c values, diabetes duration, and smoking were not associated with change in any outcome (P > .1).ConclusionsIn patients with T2DM, baseline disease severity was associated with the clinical response to nonsurgical periodontal therapy. Body mass index and Hispanic ethnicity—but not glycemic control, diabetes duration or smoking—also may be useful in predicting clinical changes in this population.Practical ImplicationsThese findings could help clinicians identify patients with T2DM who may or may not respond well to initial periodontal treatment.     

The influence of diabetes on gingival crevicular fluid beta-glucuronidase and interleukin-8

OBJECTIVES: Polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) dysfunction is associated with diabetes. We examined the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) beta-glucuronidase (BG) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) levels of periodontitis patients with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty five adults with type 2 DM and 32 adults without DM, both with chronic periodontitis were enrolled. GCF was collected from eight posterior sites in each quadrant, and periodontal parameters were recorded. GCF was assayed for IL-8 by ELISA and BG by a fluorometric assay. RESULTS: GCF IL-8 was positively correlated with probing depth (PD), and GCF BG but not clinical attachment level (CAL), bleeding on probing (BOP), or plaque index (PI). In contrast, GCF BG was strongly correlated with each of the clinical measures of periodontal disease. Subjects with DM significantly lower levels of both BG (73.0+/-44.8 versus 121.9+/-84.6 pg/sample; p=0.002) and IL-8 (32.1+/-33.1 versus 90.8+/-83.2 pg/sample; p<0.0001) even after adjustments for age, gender, PD, CAL, BOP, and PI. Neither BG nor IL-8 was correlated with HbA1c levels in subjects with DM. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that an inadequate local response by PMN, partially explained by an altered chemokine gradient, may contribute to periodontal disease in patients with type 2 DM.     

Non-surgical periodontal therapy affects metabolic control in diabetics: a randomized controlled clinical trial

Background: Periodontal diseases and diabetes are two common diseases with high prevalence. Many clinicians have accepted the relationship between these two diseases. Some investigators have reported that periodontal treatment may enhance the metabolic control of diabetes. The effects of non‐surgical periodontal treatment on metabolic control in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) were examined. Methods: Forty patients with DM2 and chronic periodontitis [mean age = 50.29 years; mean glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) = 8.72] were randomly assigned to two groups. The treatment group (n = 22) received full‐mouth scaling and root planing, whereas the control group (n = 18) received no periodontal treatment. Gingival index (GI), plaque index (PI), probing pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment level (CAL), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), HbA1c, total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG) and cholesterol levels were recorded at baseline and compared to data collected three months later. Results: The groups did not differ in gender ratio, age or clinical parameters [PPD (p = 0.107), CAL (p = 0.888), PI (p = 0.180)] and biochemical markers at baseline [FPG (p = 0.429), HbA1c (p = 0.304), TG (p = 0.486), TC (p = 0.942), LDL (p = 0.856) and HDL (p = 0.881)]. FPG, HbA1c and clinical parameters differed between the treatment and control groups (p = 0.006, 0.003 and 0, respectively). From baseline to follow‐up (after three months), HbA1c levels decreased in the treated group (p = 0.003). In the same time period, FPG, GI, PPD and CAL increased in the control group (p = 0.016, 0.0, 0.0 and 0.004, respectively) but HbA1c did not change significantly. Conclusions: Non‐surgical periodontal therapy could improve metabolic control in diabetic patients.     

The effect of a selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor (celecoxib) on chronic periodontitis

BACKGROUND: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents inhibit the production of cyclooxygenase (COX) products and can attenuate bone loss. In this double-masked, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial, the efficacy of celecoxib (COX-2 inhibitor) was evaluated in conjunction with scaling and root planing (SRP) in subjects with chronic periodontitis (CP). METHODS: A total of 131 subjects were randomized to receive SRP and either celecoxib (200 mg) or placebo every day for 6 months. Clinical outcomes were assessed every 3 months for 12 months as mean changes from baseline. Primary efficacy parameters included clinical attachment level (CAL) and probing depth (PD). Secondary outcomes included percentages of tooth sites with CAL loss or gain > or =2 mm, changes in bleeding on probing (BOP), plaque index, and mobility. Prior to analysis, tooth sites were grouped based on baseline PD as shallow (1 to 3 mm), moderate (4 to 6 mm), or deep (> or =7 mm). RESULTS: Mean PD reduction and CAL gain were greater in the celecoxib group, primarily in moderate and deep sites, throughout the study (PD: 3.84 mm versus 2.06 mm, P <0.001; CAL: 3.74 mm versus 1.43 mm, P <0.0001 for deep sites at 12 months). The celecoxib group also exhibited a greater percentage of sites with > or =2 mm CAL gain and fewer sites with > or =2 mm CAL loss. Both groups showed improved plaque control and BOP scores. Demographic, social, and behavioral factors did not affect treatment outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Celecoxib can be an effective adjunctive treatment to SRP to reduce progressive attachment loss in subjects with CP. Its beneficiary effect persisted even at 6 months postadministration. However, given the increased cardiovascular risks associated with the use of this drug, close patient supervision and strict adherence to dosage and administration guidelines established by the Unites States Food and Drug Administration are of paramount importance.     

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目的评价牙周基础治疗对侵袭性牙周炎（AgP）患者的疗效。方法选择2011年2月至2012年7月南京大学医学院附属口腔医院牙周科就诊的AgP患者58例,进行全口牙周基础治疗。于治疗后1、3、6个月复查,检查患者口中所有天然牙的牙周探诊深度（PD）、附着丧失（CAL）、探诊出血（BOP）、牙龈退缩（GR）,记录松动度。结果治疗后1个月大体观察牙龈组织炎症明显好转,牙龈色泽、形态在多数牙位恢复正常。治疗后3个月PD、CAL与治疗前相比降低,差异有统计学意义（均P〈0．05）;GR增加、松动度好转,但差异无统计学意义（均P〉0．05）。治疗后6个月PD、CAL与治疗前相比降低,GR较治疗前增加,差异均有统计学意义（均P〈0．05）;松动度好转,但差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）。治疗后6个月与治疗后3个月相比,各项临床指标差异均无统计学意义（均P〉0．05）。治疗后3、6个月,≥3．5mm牙周袋和BOP所占比例与治疗前相比明显下降,差异均有统计学意义（均P〈0．05）。结论基础治疗是治疗AgP的有效手段,中短期疗效可靠。     

Periodontal treatment and HbA1c levels in subjects with diabetes mellitus

It has earlier been reported that individuals with poorly controlled diabetes have severe periodontal disease (PD) compared to well‐controlled diabetes. This longitudinal interventional study compared periodontal treatment outcomes with HbA1c level changes in four groups of diabetic and non‐diabetic patients with or without PD, respectively. HbA1c, bleeding on probing (BOP), plaque index and periodontal pocket depth (PPD) 4 < 6 mm and ≥6 mm were recorded at baseline to 3 months after non‐surgical treatment and 3–6 months for surgical treatment in subjects with or without T2D, and with or without PD. A total of 129 patients were followed from baseline to 6 months. Diabetics with PD and without PD showed reductions in HbA1c levels with a mean value of 0·3% after 3 months and mean values of 1% and 0·8%, respectively, after 6 months. Diabetics with PD showed higher levels of BOP versus non‐diabetics without PD (P < 0·01) and versus diabetics without PD (P < 0·05) at baseline. After 6 months, diabetics with PD showed higher number of PPD 4 < 6 mm versus diabetics without PD (P < 0·01) and non‐diabetics with PD (P < 0·01). Diabetics without PD showed higher levels of PPD 4 < 6 mm versus non‐diabetics without PD (P < 0·01). Surgical and non‐surgical periodontal treatment in all groups improved periodontal inflammatory conditions with a decrease in HbA1c levels in a period of three and 6 months. No change was seen in the number of pockets PPD 4 < 6 mm in diabetic subjects with PD after non‐surgical and surgical treatment.     

牙周非手术治疗对2型糖尿病伴牙周炎患者糖化血红蛋白A1c和血清可溶性细胞间黏附分子-1的影响

目的 探讨牙周非手术治疗对2型糖尿病伴慢性牙周炎（DMCP）患者牙周状况、糖代谢及血清可溶性细胞间黏附分子-1（sICAM-1）的影响。方法 选择诊断为2型糖尿病伴慢性牙周炎的患者,按糖化血红蛋白A1c （ GHbA1c ）控制水平分为血糖控制良好组（GHbA1c＜7.00％,DMCP1组,30例）和血糖控制较差组（GHbA1c≥7.00％,DMCP2组,30例）;选择不伴有系统性疾病的慢性牙周炎患者（CP组,30例）为对照组。所有患者均进行牙周非手术治疗,分析治疗前（基线）及治疗后1、3个月时探诊深度（PD）、临床附着丧失（CAL）、菌斑指数（PLI）、龈沟出血指数（SBI）、探诊出血（BOP）、空腹血糖（FPG）、GHbA1c及血清sICAM-1水平的变化。结果 治疗后1、3个月时,3组PD、SBI、PLI、BOP阳性率、血清sICAM-1水平比基线时均明显降低（P＜0.05）,CP组和DMCP1组CAL比基线时亦均明显降低（P＜0.05）,但DMCP2组CAL无明显变化（P＞0.05）。治疗后3个月时,DMCP2组GHbA1c水平与基线时比较平均降低1.12%,差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05）,但CP组和DMCP1组在整个观察期间GHbA1c水平与基线时比较差异均无统计学意义（P＞0.05）。结论 牙周非手术治疗可降低2型糖尿病伴牙周炎患者的牙周炎症程度及血清sICAM-1的水平,并可改善血糖控制良好者的牙周附着水平;该治疗还可以降低血糖控制较差者的GHbA1c水平。     

慢性牙周炎维护治疗期临床纵向观察

目的:了解慢性牙周炎维护治疗期临床指标变化规律。方法:对牙周非手术基础治疗后进入维护治疗期的22名慢性牙周炎病人进行9个月的纵向观察。每3个月给予口腔卫生宣教,龈上下洁刮治和根面平整。并在基线和每次复查时记录临床检查指标,包括探诊深度(PD)、临床附着水平(CAL)、探诊出血(BOP)。结果:后牙较前牙更易出现牙周袋加深,>6 mm深袋的比例6个月后显著下降,CAL改善在邻面及舌侧更加明显,BOP比例持续下降。结论:非手术基础治疗配合定期维护,可使临床指标在较短期内获得明显改善。     

Efficacy of short-term adjunctive subantimicrobial dose doxycycline in diabetic patients - randomized study

Oral Diseases (2012) 18 , 763–770 Objective: To investigate the effectiveness of short‐term adjunctive subantimicrobial dose doxycycline (SDD) treatment in patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 and chronic periodontitis (CP). Methods: Thirty‐four patients with CP and type 2 diabetes mellitus were included in the placebo‐controlled, double‐blind study. After scaling and root planing (SRP), patients were randomly assigned to two groups, receiving either SDD or placebo bid for 3 months. The probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), bleeding on probing (BOP), approximal plaque index, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level were recorded and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) samples were collected at baseline and after 3‐month therapy for the estimation of matrix metalloproteinase‐8 levels. Results: Clinical attachment level, PD, and BOP improved significantly in both groups after therapy (P < 0.05). The statistically significant difference between the two groups after the therapy was observed only in PD in tooth sites with initial PD ≥ 4 mm (SRP + placebo: 3.41 ± 0.6 mm vs SRP + SDD: 2.92 ± 0.5 mm, P < 0.05). GCF matrix metalloproteinase‐8 levels were significantly reduced only in SRP + SDD group (P < 0.01). There were no changes in HbA1c levels after therapy. Conclusion: The short‐term administration of SDD gives significant benefit at tooth sites with moderate disease (PD ≥ 4 mm) when compared to SRP alone in patients with diabetes and CP.     

Health insurance status is associated with periodontal disease progression among Gullah African-Americans with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Objectives: Assess periodontal disease progression among Gullah African Americans with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) according to health insurance coverage. Methods: From an ongoing clinical trial among T2DM Gullah, we extracted a cohort that was previously enrolled in a cross‐sectional study (N = 93). Comparing prior exam to trial initiation, total tooth sites/person with periodontal disease progression events [evaluated separately: 2+ mm of clinical attachment loss (CAL), 2+ mm increased periodontal probing depths (PPD), bleeding on probing (BOP) emergence] were evaluated according to health insurance coverage using regression techniques appropriate for data with different counts of potential events per subject (varying tooth sites available). We used negative binomial regression techniques to account for overdispersion and fit multivariable models that also included baseline glycemic control (poor: glycated hemoglobin ≥7 percent, well: glycated hemoglobin <7 percent), history of established periodontitis, age, gender, body mass index, annual income, and oral hygiene behaviors. Final models included health insurance status, other significant predictors, and any observed confounders. Results: Privately insured were most prevalent (41.94 percent), followed by uninsured (23.66 percent), Medicare (19.35 percent), and Medicaid (15.05 percent). Those with poor glycemic control (65.59 percent) were more prevalent than well‐controlled (34.41 percent). CAL events ranged from 0 to 58.8 percent tooth sites/person (11.83 ± 12.44 percent), while PPD events ranged from 0 to 44.2 percent (8.66 ± 10.97 percent) and BOP events ranged from 0 to 95.8 percent (23.65 ± 17.21 percent). Rates of CAL events were increased among those who were uninsured [rate ratio (RR) = 1.75, P = 0.02], Medicare‐insured (RR = 1.90, P = 0.03), and Medicaid‐insured (RR = 1.89, P = 0.06). Conclusions: Increased access to health care, including dental services, may achieve reduction in chronic periodontal disease progression (as determined by CAL) for this study population. These results are very timely given the March 2010 passing of the US healthcare reform bills.     

Assessment of Interleukin‐6 Receptor Inhibition Therapy on Periodontal Condition in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis and Chronic Periodontitis

Background: Overproduction of interleukin (IL)‐6 may play a pathologic role in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and chronic periodontitis (CP). The present study assesses IL‐6 receptor (IL‐6R) inhibition therapy on the periodontal condition of patients with RA and CP. Methods: The study participants were 28 patients with RA and CP during treatment with IL‐6R inhibitor, and 27 patients with RA and CP during treatment without IL‐6R inhibitor. Periodontal and rheumatologic parameters and serum levels of cytokine and inflammatory markers and immunoglobulin G against periodontopathic bacteria were examined after medication with IL‐6R inhibitor for 20.3 months on average (T1) and again 8 weeks later (T2). Results: No differences were observed between the groups in any parameter values at T1, except for serum IL‐6 levels. The anti–IL‐6R group showed a significantly greater decrease in gingival index, bleeding on probing (BOP), probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), and serum levels of IL‐6 and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐3 from T1 to T2 than the control group (P <0.05). A significant correlation was found between changes in serum anticyclic citrullinated peptide levels and those in PD and CAL in the anti–IL‐6R group (P <0.05), whereas both groups exhibited a significant association between changes in serum MMP‐3 levels and those in BOP (P <0.05). Conclusion: Changes in periodontal and serum parameter values were different between the patients with RA and CP during treatment with and without IL‐6R inhibitor.     

Effect of Non‐Surgical Periodontal Treatment on Visfatin Concentrations in Serum and Gingival Crevicular Fluid of Patients With Chronic Periodontitis and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Background : This study aims to assess visfatin concentrations in serum and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and investigate this relationship in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and chronic periodontitis (CP) before and after non‐surgical periodontal treatment. Methods: Fifty‐four patients with T2DM and CP were recruited. The patients were randomly divided into two groups: treatment and control. Serum and GCF visfatin concentrations and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay at different time points (at baseline and 3 and 6 months after non‐surgical periodontal treatment). Results: Serum and GCF visfatin concentrations showed no significant differences between the groups at baseline (t test, P >0.05). A significant decline of visfatin in the treatment group was found in serum and GCF 3 months after non‐surgical periodontal treatment (t test, P <0.01). Baseline and 3‐month HbA1c levels were not significantly different, but at 6 months, a statistically significant difference was detected (t test, P >0.05). Conclusions: The data suggest that non‐surgical periodontal treatment is helpful for glucose control, an effect that may be associated with reduced visfatin in patients with T2DM and periodontitis. Furthermore, the data suggest that visfatin may be considered an inflammatory marker for periodontal diseases.     

Efficacy of Local and Systemic Antimicrobials in the Non‐Surgical Treatment of Smokers With Chronic Periodontitis: A Systematic Review

Background: The aim of this systematic review is to evaluate whether use of local or systemic antimicrobials would improve clinical results of non‐surgical periodontal therapy for smokers with chronic periodontitis (CP). Methods: Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online, Excerpta Medica Database, and The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched up to and including March 2016. Randomized clinical trials of duration of at least 6 months were included if they reported on treatment of smokers (≥10 cigarettes per day for minimum 12 months) with CP with non‐surgical periodontal therapy either alone or associated with local or systemic antimicrobials. Random‐effects meta‐analyses were undertaken to evaluate mean differences in probing depth (PD) and clinical attachment level (CAL). Results: Of 108 potentially eligible articles, seven were included. Most individual studies (75%) testing locally delivered antibiotics reported that smokers benefited from this treatment approach. Pooled estimates found additional PD reduction of 0.81 mm (P = 0.01) and CAL gain of 0.91 mm (P = 0.01) at sites with baseline PD ≥5 mm. Conversely, meta‐analysis on systemic use of antimicrobials failed to detect significant differences in mean changes from baseline, and only one trial supported their use. Conclusions: In smokers with CP, adjunctive use of local antimicrobials improved efficacy of non‐surgical periodontal therapy in reducing PD and improving CAL at sites presenting PD ≥5 mm before treatment. Current evidence does not demonstrate similar gains when scaling and root planing plus systemic antimicrobial/antibiotics were associated with therapy.     

The Effects of Initial Periodontal Therapy on the Serum Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor‐κβ Ligand/Osteoprotegerin System in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Periodontitis

Background: The aim of the present study is to evaluate the serum receptor activator of nuclear factor‐κβ ligand (RANKL)/osteoprotegerin (OPG) system in patients with chronic periodontitis (CP) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and its changes after periodontal intervention. Methods: Thirty‐five patients with CP + T2DM, 35 systemically healthy patients with CP, and 35 healthy controls were enrolled, and serum levels of RANKL and OPG were measured at baseline. Then the CP + T2DM group was divided into a well‐controlled subgroup and a poorly controlled subgroup according to their hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), and initial periodontal therapy was performed. After 3 months, patients in both subgroups were recalled, and serum RANKL and OPG levels were tested again and compared with the baseline. Results: At baseline, serum levels of OPG in the T2DM + CP group were much lower than in the CP group and healthy controls (197.41 ± 57.05 pg/mL versus 232.60 ± 70.85 pg/mL [CP group] or 244.96 ± 85.13 pg/mL [healthy controls], P <0.05), whereas their RANKL levels were much higher than in the other two groups (324.35 ± 87.62 pg/mL versus 284.52 ± 90.35 pg/mL [CP group] or 163.01 ± 45.24 pg/mL [healthy control], P <0.05), as was the RANKL/OPG (R/O) ratio (1.68 ± 0.33 versus 1.26 ± 0.35 [CP group] or 0.72 ± 0.25 [healthy control], P <0.001). Serum levels of OPG in both disease groups had significant negative correlations with HbA1C, and serum levels of RANKL in all participants had significant positive correlations with periodontal parameters. After periodontal intervention, both the well‐controlled and poorly controlled subgroups exhibited significant increases in OPG and decreases in RANKL in serum, and the R/O ratio was also notably reduced. Additionally, the poorly controlled subgroup exhibited a greater reduction in HbA1c and a greater increase in OPG than the well‐controlled subgroup. Conclusions: The changing trend in the serum RANKL/OPG system in patients with T2DM + CP was similar to that seen in CP patients and may be even more pronounced. Periodontal intervention effectively improved glucose metabolism and changed the serum RANKL/OPG system regardless of whether patients’ HbA1c was well‐controlled or poorly controlled over the 3‐month observation period.