SAA and PLTP activity in plasma of periodontal patients before and after full-mouth tooth extraction

Objective:  To assess whether treatment of advanced periodontal disease affects plasma levels of serum amyloid A (SAA) and phospholipid transfer protein (PLTP) activity.
Design:  We measured the levels of SAA and PLTP activity in plasma of 66 patients with advanced periodontal disease before and after treatment by full-mouth tooth extraction (FME).
Results:  At baseline, median SAA levels in our study population were within the normal range (2.7 μg ml⁻¹) but SAA was elevated (>5 μg ml⁻¹) in 18% of periodontitis patients. Three months after FME, SAA levels were significantly reduced ( P  =   0.04). SAA did not correlate with any of the periodontal disease parameters. PLTP activity was elevated in patients with periodontitis, compared to the PLTP activity reference group (age-matched systemically healthy adults, n  =   29; 18 μmol ml⁻¹ h⁻¹ vs 13 μmol ml⁻¹ h⁻¹, respectively, P  =   0.002). PLTP activity inversely correlated with average periodontal pocket depth (PPD) per tooth ( r _s = −0.372; P  =   0.002). Three months after FME, median PLTP activity did not change significantly.
Conclusions:  Full-mouth tooth extraction significantly reduces SAA, a marker of inflammation, while it does not affect plasma PLTP activity. However, the inverse correlation between PLTP activity and average PPD suggests that increased PLTP activity may limit periodontal tissue damage.     

Estimation of sCD14 levels in saliva obtained from patients with various periodontal conditions

Aim:  To assess the concentration of soluble CD14 receptor in saliva of people with periodontal disease and healthy patients and its relationship with periodontal status.
Subjects and Methods:  Unstimulated whole saliva samples from patients with chronic periodontitis ( n  =   34), aggressive periodontitis ( n  =   19) and healthy controls ( n  =   17) were obtained for the study. The periodontal status of each subject was assessed by criteria based on probing depth, clinical attachment loss and the extent of periodontal breakdown. The levels of sCD14 were measured in saliva samples with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
Results:  Although no significant difference ( P  >   0.05) was found for salivary sCD14 levels between periodontitis groups, they were significantly greater ( P  <   0.05) than those detected for healthy controls. Furthermore, Spearman's correlation analysis showed statistically significant correlations ( P  <   0.01) between data from salivary sCD14 levels and clinical measurements.
Conclusion:  The findings of the present study re-emphasize the importance of whole saliva as sampling method in terms of immunological purposes in periodontal disease and suggest that the elevated sCD14 concentration may be one of the host-response components associated with the clinical manifestations of periodontal disease.     

IL-6−174 genotype associated with the extent of periodontal disease in type 1 diabetic subjects

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate whether genetic polymorphism in certain cytokine and receptor molecule genes and diabetic status associate with the extent of periodontal disease in type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM).
Material and Methods: Eighty patients with type 1 DM participated. Visible plaque, bleeding on probing (BOP), probing pocket depth (PD) and attachment level (AL) were examined clinically and glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels were used to assess the glycemic control of DM. CD-14, IL-6, TNF- α , IL-10, IL-1 α , IL-1 β and TLR-4 gene polymorphisms were studied using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
Results: The 3-year HbA1c was good (<7.5%) in 16%, acceptable (7.5–8.5%) in 36% and poor (>8.5%) in 48% of the subjects. IL-6⁻¹⁷⁴ genotype and 3-year GHbA1c associated significantly with BOP and PD4 mm, subjects with the GG genotype of the IL-6⁻¹⁷⁴ exhibiting more severe periodontal disease than those with the GC/CC genotype. After stratification by IL-6 genotype, associations between the extent of periodontal disease and 3-year HbA1c levels remained significant in subjects carrying the GC/CC but not the GG genotype.
Conclusions: In addition to the HbA1c level, the IL-6⁻¹⁷⁴ genotype is a significant susceptibility factor for periodontal disease among type 1 diabetics.     

Periodontitis lesions are the main source of salivary cytomegalovirus

Background:  Herpesviruses play causal or cooperative roles in childhood infections, tumorigenesis, ulcerogenesis, and periodontitis. Saliva is a common vehicle of herpesvirus horizontal transmission, but the source of salivary herpesviruses remains obscure. To evaluate the significance of periodontal disease in shedding of oral herpesviruses, this study determined the genome-copy counts of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) and Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) in whole saliva of subjects with periodontitis, gingivitis, or no natural teeth.
Methods:  Whole saliva was collected from 14 periodontitis patients, 15 gingivitis patients and 13 complete denture wearers. The study subjects were systemically healthy and had not received periodontal treatment in the past 3 months. Real-time TaqMan polymerase chain reaction was used to determine the salivary load of HCMV and EBV.
Results:  Salivary HCMV was detected in seven (50%) periodontitis patients, but not in any gingivitis or edentulous subjects ( P  < 0.001). Salivary EBV was detected in 11 (79%) periodontitis patients, in five (33%) gingivitis patients, and in seven (54%) edentulous subjects ( P  = 0.076). Salivary samples showed copy counts of HCMV in the range of 3.3 × 10³–4.2 × 10⁴/ml and of EBV in the range of 3.6 × 10²–1.6 × 10⁹/ml.
Conclusions:  HCMV and EBV are commonly present in the saliva of periodontitis patients. Periodontitis lesions of systemically healthy subjects seem to constitute the main origin of salivary HCMV, but do not comprise the sole source of salivary EBV.     

Relationship between body mass index and periodontitis in young Japanese adults

Background and Objective:  Obesity has been implicated as a risk factor for several chronic health conditions. Recent studies have reported a relationship between obesity and periodontitis, but few studies have investigated this relationship in adolescents. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the relationship between body composition (i.e. body mass index and body fat) and periodontitis in university students in Japan.
Material and methods:  Medical and oral health data were collected in a cross-sectional examination conducted by the Health and Environment Center of Okayama University. Students aged 18–24 years ( n  = 618), who were interested in receiving an oral health examination, were included in the analysis. The community periodontal index was used to assess periodontal status. Subjects with a community periodontal index score of 0–2 were considered as controls and those with a community periodontal index score of > 2 were considered to have periodontitis. Logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the association between body mass index and periodontitis.
Results:  The body mass index of all subjects was < 30 kg/m². Age and body mass index were significantly associated with the community periodontal index. Logistic regression analysis revealed a 16% increased risk for periodontitis per 1-kg/m² increase in body mass index (adjusted odds ratio, 1.16; 95% confidence interval, 1.03–1.31; p  < 0.05).
Conclusion:  Body mass index could be a potential risk factor for periodontitis among healthy young individuals (i.e. those with a body mass index of < 30 kg/m²). It may be useful to include an evaluation of body mass index on a regular basis in university general and oral health examinations.     

The changes in the T-lymphocyte subsets in a population of Turkish children with puberty gingivitis

Objective.   The aim of the study was to investigate the number of CD4 and CD8 T lymphocytes, analyse subjects with gingivitis and those without, and determine the role of T lymphocytes in the pathobiology of puberty gingivitis.
Material and methods.   Fifty individuals with and without puberty gingivitis were recruited for this study. The CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T-lymphocyte counts were determined using flow cytometry on the biopsy samples, and the CD4⁺/CD8⁺ ratio was calculated. At the same time, periodontal index scores were recorded to assess the periodontal status. Acquired data were analysed statistically using a paired t -test to compare laboratory values obtained before and after the treatment in individuals with puberty gingivitis and disease-free individuals. In addition, Pearson's correlation analysis was performed to investigate the relation between laboratory values and clinical measurements.
Results.   The CD4⁺/CD8 ratio in gingival tissues obtained from test group was significantly higher ( P <  0.05) than that found in the gingival tissue obtained from control group. We found that the CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ lymphocyte counts continued to increase significantly ( P <  0.001) and the CD4⁺/CD8⁺ ratio continued to drop significantly ( P <  0.05) after treatment in test group.
Conclusions.   T lymphocytes could play a significant role in the pathobiology of puberty gingivitis     

Increased levels of circulating endothelial progenitor cells in subjects with moderate to severe chronic periodontitis

Aim: Emerging evidence shows that periodontal disease is associated with endothelial dysfunction. The purpose of this study was to determine the association between chronic periodontitis (CP) and circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPC).
Materials and Methods: Eighty-six non-smoking subjects (36 males and 50 females, aged 35–80 years) were recruited, including 23 subjects with no or mild CP and 63 subjects with moderate to severe CP. The levels of circulating EPC were quantitatively determined by fluorescence-activated cell analysis, including CD34⁺/kinase insert domain-containing receptor (KDR)⁺ (more mature EPC) and CD133⁺/KDR⁺ (less mature EPC). Periodontal conditions, the intima–media thickness of carotid arteries and circulating biomarkers were examined.
Results: Subjects with moderate to severe CP exhibited an increased risk of high EPC count, compared with those with no or mild CP: CD34⁺/KDR⁺ EPC [odds ratio (OR)=9.5, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.5–61.0, p= 0.018; CD133⁺/KDR⁺ EPC, OR=4.6, 95% CI 1.1–19.5, p =0.039]. C-reactive protein was significantly associated with high CD34⁺/KDR⁺ EPC count and age was inversely related with high EPC count. Age, gender and CD34⁺/KDR⁺ EPC were independent variables of increased carotid intima–media thickness ( p <0.05).
Conclusion: This study shows for the first time that moderate to severe CP is associated with an increased level of circulating EPC.     

Effects of fluorides on Candida albicans

Aims:  To assess whether a short exposure of Candida albicans to commonly used fluorides would affect growth, cell surface hydrophobicity, and adherence to buccal epithelial cells.
Methods:  Candida albicans ATCC 90028 and 11 clinical isolates were used. Minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of sodium fluoride (NaF) and of an amine fluoride / stannous fluoride combination (AmF / SnF₂) were determined. Yeasts were exposed to MICs of tested agents for 1 h. Subsequently, their growth was recorded spectrophotometrically. Their cell surface hydrophobicity was assessed with n -hexadecane. Adherence to buccal epithelial cells was determined microscopically. Phosphate buffered saline (PBS) and chlorhexidine digluconate (CHX) served as controls. All results were analyzed by one-way ANOVA.
Results:  MICs of AmF / SnF₂ and CHX varied between 1 and 4  μ g ml⁻¹, whereas those of NaF were 15 000  μ g ml⁻¹. Statistically significant growth inhibition was detected after AmF / SnF₂ (OD_24 h ± SD 0.457 ± 0.059) and CHX (0.175 ± 0.065) in comparison with PBS (0.925 ± 0.087) and NaF (0.813 ± 0.081). All strains demonstrated uniform behavior. Only minor changes in cell surface hydrophobicity and adherence to buccal epithelial cells (BEC) were detected.
Conclusion:  Growth inhibition of AmF / SnF₂ was comparable with that of CHX whereas NaF had a weaker effect. Exposure to the fluorides did not seem to alter the cell surface hydrophobicity nor adherence to BEC.     

Oral manifestations in selective IgA deficiency

Abstract: Selective immunoglobulin A (IgA) deficiency is the most common of the primary immunodeficiencies with a frequency of 1/300–1/3000, depending on the screened population. As secretory IgA (SIgA) has a protective role in mucosal surfaces from invasion of microorganisms, it is thought that IgA-deficient subjects are susceptible to periodontal diseases and oral manifestations. Previous studies show contradictory results, concerning the involvement of the individuals' periodontium with IgA deficiency. The aim of this study was to investigate and compare the oral manifestations in IgA-deficient subjects with controls. Eleven selective IgA-deficient subjects aged 3–18 years with serum IgA levels <10 mg dl⁻¹ and 11 age–sex-matched healthy children as the controls entered the study. Oral mucosal investigation, dental caries, plaque accumulation and periodontal status were assessed. Serum immunoglobulin levels were measured by single radial immunodiffusion (SRID) method. Saliva immunoglobulins and secretory component levels were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) methods. IgA-deficient patients had serum and saliva IgA levels less than 10 mg dl⁻¹ and 10 µg ml⁻¹, respectively, but other serum immunoglobulin levels were normal and saliva immunoglobulin M (IgM) levels were increased, compared with controls. There were no significant differences in oral manifestations between IgA-deficient subjects and controls, which may be a result of compensatory increase of saliva IgM or other non-immunological defence factors in saliva. Thus, it is not necessary to evaluate IgA and SIgA in all the patients with oral and dental lesions and it is thought that it is better to investigate other factors.     

CD14 and TLR4 gene polymorphisms in adult periodontitis

Bacterial deposits, smoking, and host genetic factors play a major role in an individual's predisposition to periodontitis. Bacterial components are recognized by CD14 and toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), resulting in a NF-kappaB-based inflammatory response. We hypothesized that functional CD14 and TLR4 polymorphisms contribute to periodontitis susceptibility. We aimed to investigate the occurrence of CD14-260C>T, TLR4 299Asp>Gly, and 399Thr>Ile gene polymorphisms in adult periodontititis. DNA was collected from 100 patients with severe periodontitis and from 99 periodontally healthy controls. The gene polymorphisms were determined by the PCR technique. The presence of the periodontal pathogens Porphyromonas gingivalis and Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, and whether the subjects smoked, was included in the analyses. The CD14-260T/T genotype was found in 34.0% of periodontitis patients and in 20.2% of controls. Logistic regression analysis adjusted for gender, age, smoking, and prevalence of P. gingivalis and A. actinomycetemcomitans showed an association between the CD14-260T/T genotype and periodontitis (P = 0.004, OR 3.0, 95% CI 1.4-6.9). We conclude that the CD14-260T/T genotype contributes to the susceptibility to severe periodontitis in Dutch Caucasians.     

Polymorphisms in the CD14 and IL-6 genes associated with periodontal disease

AIM: To compare the frequencies of cytokine and receptor molecule genotypes in patients with chronic periodontitis with the corresponding frequencies in a reference population and to study the relationship between periodontal disease severity and polymorphisms in the studied genes. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: CD14, IL-6, TNF-alpha, IL-10, IL-1alpha, IL-1beta, and TLR-4 polymorphisms of 51 periodontitis patients were studied using polymerase chain reaction. The genotype frequencies in the periodontitis patients and a reference population (n=178) were compared. Probing pocket depth (PD), periodontal attachment level (AL), and alveolar bone level (BL) were related to the genotypes. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences could be found between the frequencies of the cytokine genotypes in the periodontitis patients and in the reference group. The extent of periodontal disease was higher in subjects with the T-containing genotype of CD14(-260) and the GG genotype of IL-6(-174) when compared with the extent in the rest of the group. Subjects carrying the composite genotype of the above two were most severely affected by periodontal disease. CONCLUSION: According to the present results, an evident association exists between the carriage of the T-containing genotype of CD14(-260) and the GG genotype of IL-6(-174) and the extent periodontal disease.     

Salivary levels of Epstein-Barr virus DNA correlate with subgingival levels, not severity of periodontitis

Objective:  The aim of this study was to determine the presence and quantity of human cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA in the saliva of patients with periodontitis, and investigate the correlation between these factors.
Methods:  Presence and amounts of viral DNA in saliva and subgingival plaque samples, from healthy and disease sites, of 65 adults diagnosed with chronic periodontitis were determined using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction.
Results:  Epstein-Barr virus DNA was detected in saliva of 81.5% (53/65) of patients at a median concentration of 4325 copies ml⁻¹. CMV DNA was detected in saliva of one individual (1.5%) at low copy number. Patients who had EBV in saliva were 10 times more likely to have EBV in subgingival plaque than patients lacking EBV in saliva (odds ratio = 10.1, 95% confidence interval = 2.6–39.5; P  = 0.0009). EBV DNA burden in saliva positively correlated with the amounts detected in plaque and with amounts detected in increasing number of affected sites ( P  < 0.0001). EBV DNA presence and quantity in saliva did not correlate with increasing severity of disease as measured by periodontal indices.
Conclusions:  Epstein-Barr virus DNA presence and burden in saliva are associated with its presence and burden in subgingival plaque, but presence and burden in saliva does not correlate with periodontal disease severity.     

Putative stem cells in regenerating human periodontium

Background and Objective:  Human postnatal stem cells have been identified in periodontal ligament, with the potential to regenerate the periodontium in vivo . However, it is unclear if periodontal ligament stem cells are present in regenerating periodontal tissues. The aim of this study was to identify and localize putative stem cells in block biopsies and explant cultures of regenerating human periodontal tissues.
Material and Methods:  Guided tissue regeneration was carried out on the molars of three human volunteers. After 6 wk, the teeth with the surrounding regenerating tissues and bone were surgically removed and processed for immunohistochemistry. The mesenchymal stem cell-associated markers STRO-1, CD146 and CD44 were used to identify putative stem cells. Cell cultures established from regenerating tissue explants were analysed by flow cytometry to assess the expression of these markers. Mineralization, calcium concentration and adipogenic potential of regenerating tissue cells were assessed and compared with periodontal ligament stem cells, bone marrow stromal stem cells and gingival fibroblasts.
Results:  STRO-1⁺, CD44⁺ and CD146⁺ cells were identified in the regenerating tissues. They were found mainly in the paravascular and extravascular regions. Flow cytometry revealed that cultured regenerating tissue cells expressed all three mesenchymal stem cell associated markers. The regenerating tissue cells were able to form mineral deposits and lipid-containing adipocytes. However, the level of mineralization in these cells was lower than that of periodontal ligament stem cells and bone marrow stromal stem cells.
Conclusion:  Cells with characteristics of putative mesenchymal stem cells were found in regenerating periodontal tissues, implying their involvement in periodontal regeneration.     

Soluble CD14 levels in gingival crevicular fluid of subjects with untreated adult periodontitis

BACKGROUND: This study determined soluble CD14 (sCD14) levels in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and their potential relationship to periodontal conditions in adult periodontitis. METHODS: GCF was collected from 15 patients with untreated adult periodontitis. sCD14 levels were determined by ELISA and presented as total amount (ng/site) and concentration (microg/ml). The periodontal examination consisted of plaque index (PI), bleeding index (BI), probing depth (PD), and clinical attachment level (CAL). PD and CAL were measured with an electronic probe. RESULTS: sCD14 was detected in all 15 subjects and was found in 59% (62/105) of the sampled sites. The percentage of sites with sCD14 varied greatly, ranging from 14% to 100%. The mean total amount of sCD14 was 1.71+/-0.40, range 0.03 to 5.41 ng/site; the concentration of sCD14 was 14.04+/-4.15, range 0.16 to 51.74 microg/ml. No significant difference in clinical data was found between the sites with and without detectable levels of sCD14. However, on the basis of the individual profile of sCD14 levels, i.e., those individuals with >50% of the sites containing sCD14 and mean levels of sCD14 >5.0 microg/ml, the 15 subjects were divided into a high sCD14 group (9 subjects) and a low sCD14 group (6 subjects). Compared to the high group, the low group showed greater mean PD and a higher percentage of sites with PD > or = 5.0 mm (P <0.05). Consistent with this, sCD14 concentrations showed a negative correlation with PD (r(s) = -0.636, P = 0.0174). CONCLUSIONS: The present study shows that sCD14 levels in GCF varied greatly among subjects with untreated adult periodontitis. Individuals with higher levels of sCD14 in GCF and more sites containing sCD14 had fewer deep pockets. The negative correlation between GCF sCD14 levels and probing depth implies a crucial role of sCD14 in bacterially induced periodontal destruction. The relationship between GCF sCD14 levels and probing depth warrants further investigations.     

Porphyromonas gingivalis fimbriae induce unique dendritic cell subsets via Toll-like receptor 2

Backgound and Objective:  Dendritic cells (DCs) play a critical role in the activation of T cells as well as in shaping immune responses. We have reported previously that Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharides ( Pg LPS) induced a CD14⁺CD16⁺ DC subset with a weak immuno-stimulatory activity. In contrast, Escherichia coli LPS ( Ec LPS) induced fully matured DCs with strong immunostimulatory activities. Since Pg LPS as well as Pg fimbriae have been indicated to work as Toll-like receptor (TLR) 2 ligands, we speculate that the TLR usage of bacterial antigens may be critical for DC maturation.
Material and Methods:  We investigated the effect of Pg fimbriae on the phenotype and function of human peripheral blood DCs in comparison with a TLR2 ligand, peptidoglycan, and a TLR4 ligand, Ec LPS.
Results:  Flow cytometry revealed that Pg fimbriae and peptidoglycan but not Ec LPS induced CD14 and CD16 expression on peripheral blood DCs (CD14⁻CD16⁻). A monoclonal antibody against TLR2 abrogated this induction, but an antibody against TLR4 had no effect. Dendritic cells stimulated with Pg fimbriae had a weaker capability to induce allogenic T cell proliferation and exhibited a weaker production of interleukin-8 and regulated upon activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted (RANTES) than DCs stimulated with Ec LPS.
Conclusion:  These results indicate that different TLR usage affects mature DC phenotype and function and is thus crucial to the regulation of immunity to the pathogen.     

Inflammation, heat shock proteins and periodontal pathogens in atherosclerosis: an immunohistologic study

Background:  Inflammation is a significant component of atherosclerosis lesions. Bacteria, including periodontopathogens, have been demonstrated in atherosclerotic plaques and cross-reactivity of the immune response to bacterial GroEL with human heat shock protein 60 has been suggested as a link between infections and atherosclerosis.
Methods:  In this study, the nature of the inflammatory infiltrate and the presence of human heat shock protein 60 and GroEL were examined in 31 carotid endarterectomy specimens. Additionally, monoclonal antibodies were used to detect the presence of six bacteria, including those implicated in periodontal disease.
Results:  The inflammatory cell infiltrate of the lesions was dominated by CD14⁺ macrophages and CD4⁺ T cells. Most cells of the infiltrate as well as the endothelium were HLA-DR⁺, indicating activation; however, there was an absence of CD25 expression, demonstrating that the activated T cells were not proliferating. Few CD1a⁺ and CD83⁺ cells were noted. Human heat shock protein 60 expression was evident on endothelial cells and cells with the appearance of smooth muscle cells and lymphocytes. GroEL and bacteria were detected within intimal cells. Chlamydia pneumoniae, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Tannerella forsythia, Prevotella intermedia , and Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans were found in 21%, 52%, 34%, 34%, 41%, and 17% of arteries, respectively.
Conclusion:  These results give evidence for a specific immune response associated with atherosclerosis. Whether bacteria initiate the observed inflammation in atherosclerotic lesions is not clear; however, the present study shows that maintenance of inflammation may be enhanced by the presence of periodontopathic bacteria.     

Increased number of CD25+ FoxP3+ regulatory T cells in oral squamous cell carcinomas detected by chromogenic immunohistochemical double staining

Background:  The role of tumor-infiltrating regulatory T cells (Treg) compromising antitumor effects of immune cells in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is largely unknown.
Purpose:  The presence of CD25⁺ FoxP3⁺ Treg as well as of CD3⁺ FoxP3⁺ and of CD8⁺ FoxP3⁺ tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) was verified in OSCC and compared with non-cancerous lymphoepithelial tissue.
Method:  Three double stainings (CD3/FoxP3, CD8/FoxP3 and CD25/FoxP3) were performed on tissue sections of 15 OSCC and compared with 15 human tonsils.
Results:  OSCC biopsy samples provide evidence for a strong infiltration of TIL, in particular, naturally occurring CD25⁺ FoxP3⁺ Treg. Whereas a comparison of OSCC and control tissue did not show significant changes in the number of CD3⁺ FoxP3⁺ TIL and of CD8⁺ FoxP3⁺ TIL, a significantly higher frequency of CD25⁺ FoxP3⁺ TIL (Treg) could be observed in OSCC ( P  < 0.001, two-sided t -test). Given the small number of specimens, a significant correlation with tumor stage could not be verified.
Conclusion:  Chromogenic double staining of CD4/FoxP3 is a promising tool for the detection of Treg in paraffin-embedded tissue of OSCC.     

Interleukin-1β+3953 allele 2: association with disease status in adult periodontitis

Abstract. Adult periodontitis is a complex multifactorial disease whose etiology is not well defined. The pro-inflammatory and bone resorptive properties of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) strongly suggest a role for this cytokine in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease. In the study reported here, the frequency of IL-1β⁺³⁹⁵³ genotypes including allele 2 of the IL-1β⁺³⁹⁵³ restriction fragment length bi-allelic polymorphism was significantly increased in patients with advanced adult periodontitis compared to those with early and moderate disease. Furthermore, allele 2 was associated with increased production of IL-1β by activated peripheral blood polymorphonuclear cells of patients with advanced disease, although this increase failed to reach statistical significance. Finally, the data obtained revealed significant linkage disequilibrium between allele 2 of the IL-1β⁺³⁹⁵³ polymorphism and allele 2 of the bi-allelic IL-1α⁻⁸⁸⁹ polymorphism in both patients and orally healthy controls. These findings provide new insight into the possible role of IL-1α and β gene polymorphisms in the susceptibility to adult periodontitis.     

Oral manifestations of HIV infection in adult patients from the province of Sancti Spiritus, Cuba

Background:  Studies on the prevalence of HIV-related oral lesions (HIV-OL) have shown great variations among different countries. The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence of HIV-OL in adults infected with HIV in the province of Sancti Spiritus, Cuba, and to determine the factors associated with the presence of HIV-OL.
Methods:  A cross-sectional observational study was performed between November 2006 and August 2007 at the Hospital General Universitario 'Camilo Cienfuegos', Sancti Spiritus. One hundred and fifty-four HIV-infected patients were included. Patients were examined and interviewed by a periodontal specialist. Diagnosis of HIV-OL was based on clinical criteria. Demographical, clinical and laboratory data were obtained. Independent association of each factor with HIV-OL was assessed by logistic regression modelling.
Results:  The prevalence of HIV-OL was 40.9%. The commonest manifestation was oral hairy leucoplakia ( n  = 19; 12.3%); oral candidiasis ( n  = 17; 11%); herpes simplex virus infection ( n  = 11; 7.4%); and aphthous ulcer ( n  = 9; 5.8%). Principal factors associated with the presence of HIV-OL were CD4⁺ lymphocytes <500 cells/mm³ (OR: 2.06; 95% CI: 1.019–4.195) and smoking (OR: 2.03 CI: 1.037–3.982).
Conclusion:  This study described the prevalence of HIV-OL in 154 HIV-infected patients which represent about 80% of those known to be infected in the province of Sancti Spiritus. The prevalence of HIV-OL was lower than those reported from developing countries. Oral hairy leucoplakia and oral candidiasis were the most prevalent HIV-OL. Smoking and CD4⁺ cells count <500 cells/mm³ were the two factors independently associated with the presence of HIV-OL.     

Estimation of soluble CD14 levels in gingival crevicular fluid and serum in diseased and healthy periodontium

ObjectiveTo estimate the levels of sCD14 in gingival crevicular fluid and serum under periodontally-healthy and diseased conditions.MethodsThe subjects were divided into three groups of 15, each as follows: healthy, gingivitis, and periodontitis. Periodontal parameters including Probing pocket depth, Clinical attachment level, Bleeding index, and Plaque index. Gingival crevicular fluid and serum samples were collected and analyzed for sCD14 levels using commercially-available ELISA kits.ResultsThe mean concentration of sCD14 in GCF was significantly lower in the gingivitis (134.5 ± 26.85 ng/mL) and periodontitis (103.23 ± 20.36 ng/mL) groups than in the healthy group (172.77 ± 46.33 ng/mL); p < 0.001. The mean serum concentration of sCD14 in the healthy group was 1528.13 ± 387.37 ng/mL, which was significantly less than that of the periodontitis group (2051.50 ± 381.10 ng/mL); p = 0.011.ConclusionsThe serum sCD14 levels in the periodontitis groups were significantly higher than those in the healthy controls. The levels of sCD14 in GCF were significantly lower in the gingivitis and periodontitis groups than in the healthy group.