Evaluation of oral health related to body mass index

Oral Diseases (2012) 18 , 748–755 Objective: Poor oral health has previously been related to high body mass index (BMI). We aimed at exploring the link between BMI and several oral health markers, after adjustment for dietary patterns and plasma insulin, both of which could act as mediators. Subjects and Methods: Dental examination was performed in a sample of 186 French subjects aged 35–64 years and selected from the general population to assess number of missing teeth, periodontitis, clinical attachment loss (CAL), probing pocket depth (PD), gingival index (GI) and plaque index (PI). Data collection also included a food‐frequency questionnaire. BMI (considered as outcome variable) was categorized into quartiles, and as BMI<25; 25 ≤BMI<30; and BMI ≥ 30 kg m^?2. Results: After adjustment for age, gender, education level, smoking, physical activity, energy intake and C‐reactive protein, BMI was statistically associated with missing teeth, PD and PI, but not with CAL, GI or periodontitis. After additional adjustment for ‘high‐carbohydrate’ diet and plasma insulin or HOMA (homeostasis model assessment) index for insulin resistance, the statistical relationship between BMI and oral variables remained significant only for PD and PI. Conclusions: Plaque index, reflecting dental plaque, and PD, closely linked with periodontal inflammation and infection, are statistically associated with high BMI and obesity, independently of dietary patterns and insulin resistance.     

Increased Periodontal Attachment Loss in Patients With Systemic Sclerosis

Background: Patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases and periodontitis share common pathogenetic characteristics, such as proinflammatory traits causative for tissue degradation and loss of function. The aim of the present case control study is to investigate the association between systemic sclerosis (SSc) and periodontitis. Methods: The association between SSc and periodontitis was examined in 58 SSc patients and 52 control patients, matched for age and sex. The periodontal examination included periodontal attachment loss (AL), probing depth, bleeding on probing, plaque index (PI), and gingival index (GI). Potential risk factors of periodontitis were assessed through patients’ questionnaires. Results: In unadjusted analyses, patients with SSc had a significant 0.61 mm higher AL (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.24 to 0.97; P = 0.002) when compared with controls. In a stepwise logistic regression, including SSc status, age, sex, education, smoking, alcohol consumption, and body mass index, only SSc status, age, and sex remained significantly associated with periodontitis. Adjusted for age and sex, patients with SSc had a 0.52 mm higher AL compared with controls (95% CI 0.16 to 0.88; P = 0.005). The strength of the association of SSc with AL remained statistically significant after additional adjustment for PI (0.44 mm; 95% CI 0.02 to 0.86; P = 0.04) or GI (0.61 mm; 95% CI 0.24 to 0.97; P = 0.001). Conclusions: This study demonstrates higher AL in patients with SSc, which remained significant after adjustment. The study indicates a possible relationship between SSc and periodontitis.     

Oral health status among hospitalized patients

To cite this article:
Int J Dent Hygiene 9 , 2011; 21–29
DOI: 10.1111/j.1601‐5037.2009.00423.x
Carrilho Neto A, De Paula Ramos S, Sant’ana ACP, Passanezi E. Oral health status among hospitalized patients. Abstract: Aim: To investigate into oral health status and its association with health status in hospitalized patients. Methods: A total of 82 patients were examined and 49 (59.7%) patients were men. The patients answered a survey and oral examinations to detect the number of teeth, oral hygiene index, prostheses hygiene, oral lesions, caries, dental plaque index (DPI), gingival inflammation index (GI), gingival bleeding index, periodontitis and periodontal index. Results: Oral hygiene was associated with age, but it was not related to physical disability. Difficulty eating was mainly associated with age and tooth loss. All full and partially dentate patients presented dental plaque, 38 (69%) poor oral hygiene, 58 (98.1%) gingival inflammation, 41 (74.5%) periodontal disease and 33 (60%) caries. Oral lesions were detected in 30 (36.5%) and candidiasis (n = 16, 19.6%) was the most frequent mucous lesion. Caries were associated with smoking and poor oral hygiene. Hospital length of stay and age were associated with increased DPI and GI. Conclusions: The majority of hospitalized patients did not present satisfactory oral hygiene. Caries and periodontal diseases are associated with health behaviours. Increased time length at hospital could increase gingival inflammation and dental plaque accumulation.     

The natural history of periodontal disease in man. Risk factors for progression of attachment loss in individuals receiving no oral health care

BACKGROUND: Few investigations have reported on risk factors for periodontal attachment loss over time in subjects with no home or professional dental care. The purpose of this report was to identify potential risk factors for progression of periodontal attachment loss among male Sri Lankan tea laborers who participated in a 20-year investigation of the natural history of periodontal disease. METHODS: Data for this report were obtained from the 154 subjects who participated in the 1970 baseline and the final 1990 examinations and included data from their interim examinations performed in 1971, 1973, 1977, 1982, and 1985. Oral health assessments included: 1) attachment levels in millimeters on mesial and mesio-buccal surfaces of all but third molar teeth; 2) plaque index (PI); 3) gingival index (GI); 4) calculus index (CI); 5) caries index (DMFS); and 6) presence or absence of teeth. Other variables included age, history of smoking, and/or use of betel nut. Statistical analyses used multivariate repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA). RESULTS: The final adjusted model indicated that attachment loss increased significantly with age (X2 = 74.0; df = 1), GI (X2 = 45.5; df = 1), CI (X2 = 52.7; df = 1) and follow-up time (X2 = 219.8; df = 6, P<0.0001 for all variables). CONCLUSIONS: Age, GI, CI, and time were significantly associated with mean attachment loss over 20 years. Neither PI, history of smoking, or history of betel nut use were significantly associated with attachment loss over time.     

Periodontal disease in gestational and type 1 diabetes mellitus pregnant women

Oral Diseases (2011) 17 , 515–521 Objective: The present study evaluated the relationship between periodontal disease and its clinical variables in Brazilian non‐diabetic pregnant women (C), gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), or type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Subjects and methods: A periodontal exam was performed in one hundred and sixty‐one pregnant women (GDM:80; T1DM:31; C:50) by a single‐blinded calibrated examiner who recorded plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), bleeding index (BI), gingival margin location (GM), probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), bleeding on probing (BOP), and tooth mobility index (MI). The medical variables were age, pregestational body mass index (pre‐BMI), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and glycated hemoglobin (HbA _1c ). Results: The GI, GM, PD, CAL, BOP, and MI were significantly higher ( P < 0.01) among GDM and T1DM than for C. The PI was higher in GDM and similar between C and T1DM. The Adjusted Final Model for medical variables to evaluate the effects of groups on periodontal parameters confirmed these results. Conclusions: The presence of periodontal disease was significantly higher in Brazilian diabetic pregnancies (GDM and T1DM) when compared to non‐diabetic pregnant women (C). The degree of periodontal disease was similar between the GDM and T1DM groups. Age, pregestational BMI, and HbA_1c were factors related to CAL development in these two types of diabetes mellitus.     

The effect of different cigarette smoking levels on gingival crevicular fluid volume and periodontal clinical parameters in Saudi Arabia

IntroductionPeriodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory condition of the periodontium. It is the main cause of tooth loss and is considered one of the biggest threats to the oral cavity. Tobacco smoking has long been associated with increased risk for periodontal, peri-implant, and other medical diseases.ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of smoking and its level on periodontal clinical parameters (probing depth (PD), plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), clinical attachment level (CAL), bleeding on probing (BOP), and the volume of gingival crevicular fluid (GCF)) in healthy and chronic periodontitis individuals.Material and MethodA total of 160 participants were recruited in the present study, who were equally divided into the following five groups: healthy controls (C), healthy smokers (HS), nonsmokers with periodontitis (PNS), light smokers with periodontitis (PLS), and heavy smokers with periodontitis (PHS). GCF volume and periodontal clinical parameters (PD, PI, GI, CAL, and BOP) were assessed for each participant and compared between the study groups.ResultThere was a statistically significant difference in PD, PI, GI, CAL, and BOP between healthy and periodontitis patients (p < 0.001). The mean PI, PD, and CAL were considerably higher in heavy smokers than light smokers and non-smokers (P < 0.001). In contrast, the mean GI and BOP were significantly lower in heavy smokers than in light smokers and non-smokers. There was a statistically significant difference in GCF between healthy and periodontitis patients (p < 0.001). The mean GCF readings were higher in heavy smokers than light smokers or non-smokers (P < 0.001).ConclusionThe present study confirms the influence of smoking on periodontal clinical parameters. Smoking was associated with increased PD, PI, CAL, and GCF readings; however, GI and BOP were decreased in smokers. The number of cigarettes played a key role in the volume of GCF and periodontal clinical parameters.     

Association between respiratory disease in hospitalized patients and periodontal disease: a cross-sectional study

Background: Recent research indicated that periodontal infection may worsen systemic diseases, including pulmonary disease. Respiratory infections, such as pneumonia and the exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, involve the aspiration of bacteria from the oropharynx into the lower respiratory tract. Methods: A group of 100 cases (hospitalized patients with respiratory disease) and a group of 100 age‐, sex‐, and race‐matched outpatient controls (systemically healthy patients from the outpatient clinic, Department of Periodontics, Government Dental College and Hospital, Calicut, Kerala, India) were selected for the study. Standardized measures of oral health that were performed and compared included the gingival index (GI), plaque index (PI), and simplified oral hygiene index (OHI). Data regarding probing depths and clinical attachment levels (CALs) were recorded at four sites per tooth and compared statistically. The χ² and Student t tests were used for statistical analyses. Results: The comparison of study‐population demographics on the basis of age, sex, education, and income showed no significant differences between groups. Patients with respiratory disease had significantly greater poor periodontal health (OHI and PI), gingival inflammation (GI), deeper pockets, and CALs compared to controls. In the case group, patients with a low income were 4.4 times more prone to periodontal disease compared to high‐income patients. Smokers had significantly higher CALs compared to non‐smokers in the control group. Conclusion: The findings of the present analysis support an association between respiratory and periodontal disease.     

Depressive symptoms in relation to periodontal health in a Jordanian sample

Abstract:  Objectives : This cross-sectional study examines the relationship of depression symptoms to periodontal diseases and decayed (D), missing (M) and filled teeth (FT) in a sample of the Jordanian population. Methods : Subjects escorting dental patients attending two dental hospitals in North Jordan were included. Each subject received full periodontal examination, including probing pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment level (CAL), gingival index (GI) and plaque index (PI). The numbers of M, D and F teeth were also recorded. The Zung Self-rating Depression Scale was used to determine susceptibility to depression. Results : The frequency of high susceptibility to depression among periodontitis-free subjects and those with periodontitis was found to be 48% and 50% respectively. There was no statistically significant association between susceptibility to depression symptoms and periodontal parameters, including PPD, CAL, PI and GI ( P  >   0.05 ) . However, subjects with low susceptibility to depression had significantly more FT than subjects highly susceptible to depression. Conclusions : High susceptibility to depression does not play a significant role in the aetiology and severity of periodontitis in the population studied.     

Effect of smoking on gingival crevicular fluid cytokine profile during experimental gingivitis

BACKGROUND: Cigarette smoking is a significant risk factor in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease, able to influence both the subgingival microbiota and host responses. AIM: The aim of the present study was to determine the influence of smoking on the amount of IL-1beta, IL-4 and IL-8 in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) during experimental gingivitis in humans. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-two healthy subjects, 10 smokers and 12 non-smokers, participated in the study. After professional cleaning, they performed optimal hygiene to reach perfect clinical gingival health. Oral hygiene measures were ceased for a period of 10 days. Clinical indices, including plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), probing pocket depth (PPD) and bleeding on probing (BOP), were assessed 2 days before (day -2), at the beginning (day 0) and at the end of the experimental gingivitis period (day 10). At the same time, GCF was collected from 12 sites in each patient, by means of durapore filter membranes. Total amounts of IL-1beta, IL-4 and IL-8 were determined by enzyme-linked immunoadsorbent assay. RESULTS: Clinical data revealed that both smokers and non-smokers showed an increase in PI, GI and BOP scores during the experiment. Although no differences were noted with regard to PI at day 10, the GI and BOP were significantly less pronounced in smokers than non-smokers (p < 0.005). Non-smokers showed higher total amounts of IL-4 but lower amounts of IL-8 than smokers, throughout the experiment. Total amounts of IL-1beta and IL-8 increased significantly during plaque accumulation in both groups. IL-4 remained stable for the smoker group and decreased for the non-smoker group. CONCLUSIONS: The present results indicate that smoking interferes with cytokine production. When performing studies regarding the pathogenesis of periodontitis, the smoking status of the participants needs to be taken into consideration.     

Periodontal status in men with hypergonadotropic hypogonadism: effects of testosterone deficiency

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this clinical study was to evaluate the possible influence of testosterone hormone on common clinical measurements of periodontal disease in men with hypergonadotropic hypogonadism. METHODS: Twenty-four hypergonadotropic hypogonadal men (H) and 24 systemically healthy men (S) were divided into two groups as chronic periodontitis and clinically healthy controls after clinical examinations and radiographs. The H group consisted of 12 control (H/C) and 12 chronic periodontitis (H/P) patients, and the S group consisted of 12 control (S/C) and 12 chronic periodontitis (S/P) patients. Plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), bleeding on probing (BOP), probing depth (PD), and clinical attachment loss (CAL) scores were recorded. RESULTS: The mean of all clinical parameters (PI, GI, BOP, PD, and CAL) were significantly (P<0.05) higher in periodontitis groups (H/P and S/P) than controls (H/C and S/C). There were no significant differences in the PD and CAL scores between periodontitis groups (S/P and H/P). The mean of GI and BOP scores were statistically higher in the H/P group than the S/P group (P<0.05). There was a negative correlation between GI and free testosterone levels (r=-0.794; P<0.05). CONCLUSION: According to these results, serum testosterone levels may possibly influence periodontal disease in men, and testosterone may have an inhibitory effect on gingival inflammation.     

In Process Citation

Hormonal contraception is based on the use of synthetic hormones containing variable doses of oestrogen and progesterone making it possible to avoid pregnancy in a temporary and reversible way. The objective of this study is to evaluate the periodontal status of a sample of Senegalese women under hormonal contraceptive. One hundred women using contraception since at least 6 month were paired on the age, the socio-economic profile and oral hygiene with a control group. Oral hygiene (plaque index (PI) of Silness and L?e), the inflammation (gingival index (GI) of L?e and Silness), probing depth and clinical attachment loss were recorded. With equal hygiene, the scores of the gingival index were significantly higher among women under contraceptive (p < 0.001). Inflammation was significantly more marked for the women who used contraception in injectable form compared to the control group (p < 0.001). Probing depth (3.01 +/- 0.04) and clinical attachment loss (3.19 +/- 0.08) were significantly more important among women under contraceptive (p < 0.001). The women under contraceptive seem to set up a group at risk for developing a periodontal disease, it is thus necessary to systematise periodontal appraisal before and during contraceptive use period.     

Periodontal infections contribute to elevated systemic C-reactive protein level

BACKGROUND: Periodontitis is a local inflammatory process mediating destruction of periodontal tissues triggered by bacterial insult. However, this disease is also characterized by systemic inflammatory host responses that may contribute, in part, to the recently reported higher risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) among patients with periodontitis. Moderate elevation of C-reactive protein (CRP) has been found to be a predictor of increased risk for CVD. Elevated CRP levels in periodontal patients have been reported by several groups. In this study, we examined whether CRP plasma levels are increased in periodontitis and if there is a relation to severity of periodontal disease and to the periodontal microflora. METHODS: CRP serum levels were assessed using radial immunodiffusion assay in 174 subjects, 59 with moderate mean clinical attachment loss (AL) (2.39+/-0.29 mm) and 50 with high AL (3.79+/-0.86 mm) as compared to 65 periodontally healthy controls (AL, 1.74+/-0.18 mm). Clinical attachment loss, probing depths, and percentage of periodontal pocket sites > or =5 mm were measured. The presence of periodontal pathogens Porphyromonas gingivalis (P.g.), Prevotella intermedia (P.i.), Campylobacter recta (C.r.), and Bacteroides forsythus (B.f.) in subgingival plaque samples was measured by immunofluorescence microscopy. RESULTS: Statistically significant increases in CRP levels were observed in subjects with periodontal disease when compared to healthy controls (P= 0.036). Subjects with high levels of mean clinical attachment loss had significantly higher mean CRP levels (4.06+/-5.55 mg/l) than controls (1.70+/-1.91 mg/l), P= 0.011. The CRP levels were adjusted for factors known to be associated with elevated CRP, including age, smoking, body mass index (BMI), triglycerides, and cholesterol. Age and BMI were found to be significant covariates. The reported range for CRP as a risk factor for CVD, peripheral vascular diseases, or stroke is 1.34 mg/l to 6.45 mg/l and the mean of this range is 3 mg/l. The percentage of subjects with elevated levels of CRP > or = 3 mm was significantly higher in the high clinical AL group (38%; 95% Cl: 26.7%, 49.3%) when compared to the control group (16.9%; 95% CI: 9.25%, 24.5%), P= 0.011. The presence of periodontal pathogens P.g., P.i., C.r., and B.f. in subgingival samples was positively associated with elevated CRP levels (P= 0.029). CONCLUSIONS: The extent of increase in CRP levels in periodontitis patients depends on the severity of the disease after adjusting for age, smoking, body mass index, triglycerides, and cholesterol. Also, there are elevated levels of CRP associated with infection with subgingival organisms often associated with periodontal disease, including P.g., P.i., C.r., and B.f. Recent investigations emphasized the role of moderate elevated CRP plasma levels as a risk factor for CVD. The positive correlation between CRP and periodontal disease might be a possible underlying pathway in the association between periodontal disease and the observed higher risk for CVD in these patients.     

无锡市老年人牙周健康状况调查分析

目的:了解无锡市老年人牙周健康状况,为牙周疾病防治提供参考.方法:选择无锡市1156名65～74岁的老年人为调查对象,应用简化口腔卫生指数、牙龈指数、探诊出血、牙周袋探诊深度、临床牙周附着丧失、松动牙数及牙缺失数等,评价牙周健康状况.应用SPSS12.0软件包对数据进行t检验和x2检验.结果:无锡市老年人简化口腔卫生指数(OHI-S)为3.16±1.48,牙龈指数(GI)为1.33+0.54;牙龈探诊出血、牙周袋深度及牙周附着丧失等牙周健康状况未表现出显著的城乡差异.结论:无锡市老年人牙周健康状况不佳,应注重牙周病预防,普及和加强口腔健康教育.     

Tobacco use and oral hygiene as risk indicators for periodontitis

OBJECTIVE: To detect the periodontal status of male smokers and betel chewers in a rural community in Sri Lanka and compare it with that of male non-tobacco users of the same community. METHODS: A cross-sectional community based study was carried out in a sample of 2277 rural adult males aged 20-60 years, adopting multistage cluster sampling technique. The present analysis was confined to 2178 subjects who were mutually exclusive smokers, betel chewers or non-tobacco users. The periodontal status was assessed by clinical measurement of levels of bacterial plaque (PLI), gingival inflammation (GI) and loss of epithelial attachment (LA). All measurements were carried out on four sites of all teeth present except third molars and the mean values for periodontal parameters were calculated. RESULTS: Bivariate analysis revealed that the overall periodontitis levels were significantly higher in betel chewers and smokers than in non-tobacco users. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that there were no significant effects of smoking and betel chewing per se on LA, independent of age, socioeconomic status (SES) and whether or not controlled for PLI. The effect of the quantified tobacco use on LA was statistically significant regardless of age, PLI or SES. However, the effect of the quantified tobacco use was considered limited when compared to that of oral hygiene. CONCLUSIONS: The findings highlighted the importance of oral hygiene in the aetiology of periodontitis while confirming the statistical significance of the quantified tobacco use on LA. Oral hygiene and the quantified tobacco use may be considered as risk indicators for periodontitis.     

Fluid dynamics of gingiva in diabetic and systemically healthy periodontitis patients

OBJECTIVES: The influence of diabetes mellitus (DM) on the fluid dynamics of periodontium has not been reported in periodontal disease. The objectives of this study were (i) to investigate the alterations in the fluid dynamics of periodontium in diabetic periodontitis patients, and present the association of this phenomenon with the metabolic control of DM; (ii) to reveal any correlation between the fluid dynamics of periodontium and clinical signs of periodontal disease in DM and periodontitis. DESIGN: Fifteen well-controlled diabetic chronic periodontitis patients (Group 1), 14 systemically healthy chronic periodontitis patients (Group 2), and 14 systemically and periodontally healthy individuals were included in the study. Gingival crevicular fluid volume (GCF-V) and gingival tissue osmotic pressure (GOP) were used as the parameters of periodontal fluid dynamics. GCF-V was measured by a Periotron device, while GOP was measured by a digital osmometer. Silness-L?e plaque index (PI), L?e-Silness gingival index (GI) and clinical attachment loss (AL) levels were recorded to determine the periodontal health status. RESULTS: PI, GI and AL were higher in Groups 1 and 2 than in Group 3 (P<0.05), but similar between Groups 1 and 2 (P>0.05). Increased GCF-V and GOP were observed in Groups 1 and 2 compared with Group 3 (P<0.01), and the increase in Group 1 was greater than that in Group 2 (P<0.01). There were strong positive correlations between GCF-V and GOP in all three groups: between GI and GCF-V and GI and GOP in Groups 1 and 2; and between AL and GCF-V and AL and GOP in Groups 2 and 3. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that (i) DM may have an additive influence on the fluid dynamics of periodontium in the presence of periodontal disease; (ii) this phenomenon may not be prevented by the metabolic control of DM; (iii) the clinical signs of periodontal disease may be affected by the fluid dynamics of periodontium in both DM and periodontitis.     

Prevalence and Severity of Periodontitis in Indonesian Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis

Background: Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) may have more prevalent and severe periodontitis than healthy controls. Periodontitis may increase the systemic inflammation in RA. The aim of this study is to assess periodontitis prevalence and severity and its potential association with systemic inflammation in Indonesian patients with RA. Methods: A full‐mouth periodontal examination including probing depth, gingival recession, plaque index, and bleeding on probing was performed in 75 Indonesians with RA and 75 age‐, sex‐, and smoking‐matched Indonesian controls. A validated questionnaire was used to assess smoking, body mass index, education, and medical conditions. In addition, in all participants, the use of drugs was noted, and erythrocyte sedimentation rates and serum levels of high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hsCRP), rheumatoid factor, and anti‐citrullinated protein antibodies were measured. Differences in periodontitis prevalence and 12 measures of periodontitis severity between patients with RA and controls were analyzed using univariate analyses. Results: No significant differences in periodontitis prevalence and 11 measures of periodontitis severity between patients with RA and controls were observed. Conversely, patients with RA had a significantly lower surface area of healthy pocket epithelium versus controls (P = 0.008), and a tendency toward higher hsCRP levels was observed in patients with RA with severe periodontitis compared with patients with RA with no mild or moderate periodontitis (P = 0.063). It has to be noted that all patients with RA were on anti‐inflammatory drugs, whereas none of the controls used such drugs. Conclusion: Prevalence and severity of periodontitis in Indonesian patients with RA is comparable to controls but with less healthy pocket epithelium than in controls and a tendency toward a higher inflammatory state in patients with RA and severe periodontitis.     

Association of Leptin in Periodontitis and Acute Myocardial Infarction

Background: Serum leptin concentrations are reported to be elevated in patients with periodontal diseases and may have a modulating role in cardiovascular diseases. Serum leptin concentrations have not been assessed in periodontitis associated with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) to date. The purpose of this study was to assess the concentration of serum leptin in periodontitis associated with AMI. Methods: A cross‐sectional clinical study was conducted comprising a sample size of 120 participants divided into four groups (n = 30 each) based on their clinical signs: 1) control; 2) AMI; 3) generalized chronic periodontitis (GCP); and 4) GCP + AMI. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated and recorded for all the subjects based on BMI chart of the World Health Organization. After thorough clinical and oral examination, plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), probing depth (PD), and clinical attachment loss (AL) were recorded. In addition, 2 mL venous blood was collected by venipuncture from all participants to determine serum leptin concentration using the enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay method. Results: A strong correlation of serum leptin concentration to BMI was observed in AMI, GCP, and GCP + AMI groups. Serum leptin levels were significantly elevated in AMI, GCP, and GCP + AMI groups compared to the control group. Significant associations between serum leptin concentration and PI, GI, PD, and AL were also seen in the GCP group. PI, GI, PD, and AL were statistically significantly elevated in GCP + AMI and AMI groups. Conclusion: Elevated serum leptin concentration was associated with increased BMI, GCP, and AMI and may serve as a risk marker for these conditions.     

Influence of combinations of bacteria on the levels of prostaglandin E2, interleukin-1beta, and granulocyte elastase in gingival crevicular fluid and on the severity of periodontal disease

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the simultaneous presence of periodontal microbiota on inflammatory markers in gingival crevicular fluid from individuals with periodontal diseases. METHODS: A total of 82 individuals with periodontal disease (mean age: 54.3 +/- 3.0 years) and 31 periodontally healthy individuals (mean age: 53.2 +/- 3.0 years) were randomly chosen and underwent clinical oral examinations in 2003 with the determination of the dental plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), and periodontal probing depth (PD). The simultaneous presence of polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-assessed periodontal bacteria, levels of prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)), granulocyte elastase, interleukin 1-beta (IL-1beta), and total protein concentration were determined from the pockets. Marginal bone height percent was measured on x-rays. Analysis of variance and chi(2) tests were used to analyze the results. RESULTS: In sites with Tannerella forsythensis, levels of PGE(2) (pg/site), granulocyte elastase (monoclonal antibodies (mAbs)/site), and total protein (mg/ml) were significantly higher than in sites without T. forsythensis (P <0.05, P <0.01, and P <0.05, respectively). Those with periodontal disease with simultaneous presence of T. forsythensis and Porphyromonas gingivalis, or T. forsythensis and Prevotella nigrescens, showed significantly higher PI and GI, deeper PD, more loss of attachment, and more release of PGE(2) and granulocyte elastase than did periodontitis patients without these bacteria. CONCLUSION: The simultaneous presence of T. forsythensis and P. gingivalis, or T. forsythensis and P. nigrescens, seemed to promote the release of subgingival inflammatory mediators and seemed to be associated with more severe periodontal disease.     

Association between periodontitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in a chinese population

Background: A relationship between periodontitis and chronic respiratory disease has been suggested by recent studies. The aim of this study is to explore the association between periodontitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in a Chinese population. Methods: We conducted a case-control study of 581 COPD cases and 438 non-COPD controls. Lung function examination, a 6-minute walk test, and the British Medical Research Council questionnaire were performed. Periodontal clinical examination index included probing depth (PD), attachment loss (AL), bleeding index (BI), plaque index (PI), and alveolar bone loss. A validated index for predicting COPD prognosis, the body mass index, airflow obstruction, dyspnea, and exercise capacity (BODE) index, was also calculated. Results: Participants with more severe COPD were more likely to have severe periodontal disease. PD, AL, PI, alveolar bone loss, and the number of teeth were significantly associated with all stages of COPD (all P <0.001). When compared to controls (BODE = 0), participants with higher BODE scores had significantly higher AL (P <0.001), BI (P = 0.027), PI (P <0.001), alveolar bone loss (P <0.001), and the number of teeth (P <0.001). PI appeared to be the main periodontal health-related factor for COPD, with an odds ratio (OR) = 9.01 (95% CI = 3.98 to 20.4) in the entire study population OR = 8.28 (95% CI = 2.36 to 29.0), OR = 5.89 (95% CI = 2.64 to 13.1), and OR = 2.46 (95% CI = 1.47 to 4.10) for current, smokers, and non-smokers, respectively. Conclusion: Our study found a strong association between periodontitis and COPD, and PI seemed to be a major periodontal factor for predicting COPD among Chinese adults.     

Oral disease status of a sample of Jordanian people ages 10 to 28 with cleft lip and palate.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the levels of periodontal disease and dental caries in subjects with cleft lip and palate and to compare them with matched noncleft control subjects. DESIGN: A total of 32 subjects with cleft lip and palate, ages 10 to 28 years, and a similar number of noncleft control subjects were examined for plaque biofilm deposits, gingivitis, periodontitis, and dental caries by using the Silness and L?e plaque index (PI), L?e and Silness gingival index (GI), probing pocket depth (PPD), and the decayed-missing-filled-teeth (DMFT) index, respectively. SETTING: Faculty of Dentistry, Jordan University of Science and Technology, and Prince Rashed Hospital, Royal Medical Services, northern Jordan. RESULTS: Scores for PI, GI, PPD, and DMFT were significantly higher in subjects with cleft lip and palate than in control subjects. CONCLUSION: Subjects with cleft lip and palate are at an increased risk for dental caries and periodontal disease when compared with a noncleft population.