Decrease of Pericytes is Associated With Liver Disease Caused by Ligature‐Induced Periodontitis in Rats

Background: Damage caused by periodontitis not only affects periodontal tissues, but also increases the severity of various illnesses such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and liver diseases. The aim of this study is to investigate the association between induced periodontitis and damage caused through its systemic effects on the liver. Methods: Twenty rats were divided into two groups: control and periodontitis. The following parameters were evaluated: gingival bleeding index (GBI), probing depth (PD), myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, alveolar bone loss (ABL) for periodontal tissues; histopathologic examination of gingival and liver tissues; immunohistochemistry to cells positive for neural/glial antigen 2 (NG2) expressed in hepatic pericytes, glutathione (GSH), and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations in liver; and serum levels of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase. Results: GBI, PD, MPO, ABL, and histopathologic examinations demonstrated the development of periodontitis. There was a significant increase in microvesicular steatosis accompanied by a marked reduction in NG2+ pericytes in the periodontitis group compared with the control group. The periodontitis group had significantly lower GSH and higher MDA concentration in the liver compared with the control group. Conclusions: The present study results link the systemic effects of induced periodontitis with changes in hepatic tissues such as microvesicular steatosis, likely caused by an increase in oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation. The findings from the present study implicate an association between a decrease of pericytes and liver disease caused by ligature‐induced periodontitis in rats.     

Panoramic Radiography is Sensitive and Specific for Detection of Calcified Carotid Arteries When Compared With the Screening Test of Color Doppler Ultrasound

ARTICLE TITLE AND BIBLIOGRAPHIC INFORMATION: Detection of incidental carotid artery calcifications during dental examinations: panoramic radiography as an important aid in dentistry. Ertas EF, Sisman Y. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 2011;112:e11-e17. REVIEWER: S. Thomas Deahl II, DMD, PhD PURPOSE/QUESTION: In dental patients, how does panoramic radiography compare with color Doppler ultrasonography in detecting calcified carotid artery atheromas? SOURCE OF FUNDING: Academic Research Project Agency of Erciyes University, Turkey TYPE OF STUDY/DESIGN: Case series LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3: Other evidence STRENGTH OF RECOMMENDATION GRADE: Not applicable.