Periodontitis Patients Research Articles

Biochemical Examination of Plasma Ghrelin Levels in Individuals Afflicted With Chronic Periodontal Disease: A Comparative Study.

This study intended to assess plasma ghrelin levels in individuals with chronic periodontitis and analyze potential associations with bone turnover indicators, serum cytokines, and periodontal parameters. The research contained 80 patients each with 40 individuals with periodontally healthy controls (C) (28 males, 12 females) and 40 chronic periodontitis (CP) patients(29 males, 11 females). The blood samples were analyzed for soluble receptor activator nuclear factor kappa B ligand (sRANKL), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), total and acylated ghrelin, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), osteocalcin (OSC) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and periodontal parameters were recorded. The CP group had considerably higher plasma concentrations of both acylated and total ghrelin than the C group (p<0.05). Gender-based investigation showed substantial differences only among men in both groups (p<0.05). Hence, no significant modifications were identified in serum sRANKL, TNFα, and ALP levels between the groups. However, there was a notable difference in serum OSC and IL-1β levels in the CP group (p<0.05). Furthermore, total ghrelin/acylated ghrelin and total ghrelin/ALP revealed positive correlations. No significant association was found between symptoms and ghrelin levels. The study findings indicate elevated levels of ghrelin and acylated ghrelin in male CP patients.

Clinical and Microbiological Evaluation of Diode Laser and Systemic Doxycycline as an Additive to Scaling and Root Planing for Stage II and Stage III Periodontitis Patients.

To assess and contrast the effectiveness of systemic doxycycline and diode laser as supplements to scaling and root planing (SRP) in terms of clinical and microbiological parameters. A total of 33 patients diagnosed with periodontitis stages II and III were included and randomized into group A (SRP + diode laser), group B (SRP + doxycycline), and group C (SRP alone). Selected sites were assessed for clinical and microbial parameters-plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), pocket probing depth (PPD), relative attachment level (RAL), and colony-forming units (CFUs). Every clinical parameter was noted at baseline and after three months. The arithmetic mean, followed by the standard deviation, was calculated for the required assessment intervals. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare all parameters between groups, and if the results of the ANOVA test were significant, post hoc analysis was performed. For intragroup comparison, student t-tests were performed. The clinical parameters significantly improved within three months for all groups. In terms of relative attachment level, a statistically significant difference (P < 0.001) was obtained at the three-month interval compared to the baseline value, with the most statistically significant difference seen in group A (3.36±0.50 to 0.64±0.50), followed by group B (3.18±0.40 to 2.18±0.40). The mean pocket probing depth observed at three months, compared to the baseline value, showed a statistically significant difference (P < 0.001) in group A (5.91±0.70 to 2.18±0.40) compared to group B (6.18±0.75 to 4.36±0.50), followed by group C (5.82±0.75 to 5.27±0.64). The use of diode laser-assisted pocket disinfection and systemic doxycycline, in addition to scaling and root planing, has proven to be efficient for treating periodontal pockets.

Efficacy of photodynamic therapy as an adjunct to scaling and root planing on clinical parameters and microbial composition in subgingival plaque of periodontitis patients: A split-mouth randomized clinical trial.

The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of photodynamic therapy (PDT) as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) on clinical parameters and microbial composition in subgingival plaque of periodontitis patients. Seventeen patients were included in this split-mouth randomized clinical trial. Sites with probing pocket depth (PPD) ≥5mm in combination with bleeding on probing in different quadrants were randomized into the control group, the group with a single PDT application right after SRP, and the group with three repeated PDT applications 1week after SRP. The subgingival plaque was collected for 16S rRNA gene sequencing at baseline, Week 2, and Week 8. Seventeen patients with 60 sites completed this 8-week follow-up, and 157 subgingival plaques were successfully analyzed by sequencing. Significant improvements were observed in two primary outcomes: PPD at Week 8 and subgingival microbial composition. Compared to the control group, the repeated-PDT group showed a notable improvement in PPD, substantial alterations in the microbial profile, including a reduction in α-diversity and anaerobic bacteria, and an increase in aerobic bacteria at Week 2. Secondary outcomes, such as clinical attachment level and sulcus bleeding index, also showed improvement at Week 8. Furthermore, both the single- and repeated-PDT groups exhibited a decrease in periodontopathogens and an increase in beneficial bacteria compared with baseline. PDT promotes changes in the microbial composition of periodontitis patients' subgingival plaque in a direction favorable to periodontal health, and repeated PDT is a promising adjunctive therapy for periodontal treatment.

Variability of salivary analytes under daily conditions and their implications for periodontitis biomarkers

IntroductionRecent studies have identified inflammatory mediators as potential biomarkers for monitoring or diagnosing periodontitis. However, the brief half-life of these mediators, coupled with their variability among different individuals and across different stages of periodontal disease, may limit their reliability as biomarkers.MethodsIn this study, we assessed the concentration profile of salivary biomarkers (IL-6, IL-8, and total protein) through repeated measurements within the same day and across different days in 79 patients exhibiting various states of periodontal health: intact periodontium, stable periodontitis, and active periodontitis. Additionally, we explored how daily variations, such as the interval between toothbrushing and eating, impact the levels of these salivary biomarkers and their diagnostic efficacy for periodontitis activity.ResultsOur results showed high salivary levels of IL-6 and total proteins in periodontitis patients (p &amp;lt; 0.001), with detection ability reflected by an Area Under the Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve (AUC-ROC) ranging between 0.709 and 0.852. Conversely, IL-8 levels were higher in patients with intact periodontium (p &amp;lt; 0.001), with an AUC-ROC for periodontitis detection between 0.671 and 0.815. Daily activities such as toothbrushing and eating influenced the levels of specific analytes, particularly total proteins (p &amp;lt; 0.001), but this did not affect their ability to detect periodontal disease activity. The highest measurement agreement, assessed by Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICC), was found for IL-6, with no significant differences in agreement between same-day and different-day measurements.ConclusionsOur study demonstrated consistency in the repeated measurements of salivary analytes, both within the same day and across different days, except for salivary total protein levels. These analytes exhibited variability within a range that did not undermine their effectiveness as biomarkers for periodontal disease.

Serum levels of antimicrobial peptides (Cathelicidins and Beta Defensins-1) in patients with periodontitis

Background: periodontitis is a multifactorial oral inflammatory disease characterized by the gradual loss of bone and eventual tooth loss. It starts with microbes and is then influenced by the environment. A diverse family of host defense major compounds known as antimicrobial peptides react quickly to combat microbial invasion and challenge. These little cationic peptides are crucial for the development of innate immunity. The goal of this study was to evaluate the blood levels of healthy individuals and patients with periodontitis for cathelicidins and human beta-defensin-1. In this case-control study, 35 healthy volunteers (matched exactly by age and sex to the patients) and 50 periodontitis patients (aged 20 to 59) participated. In this investigation, periodontal parameters such as plaque index, gingival index bleeding on probing, probing pocket depth, and clinical attachment loss were employed. The levels of cathelicidins and human beta-defensin-1 in patients and controls were estimated using ELISA after blood samples from all individuals were taken. The current findings showed that the mean levels of cathelicidin and human beta defensin-1 were significantly higher (P˂0.01) in the patient group compared to the control group, and that there was no significant correlation with all clinical periodontal parameters. These findings support the notion that antimicrobial peptides play a crucial role in periodontitis' inflammatory process.

Assessment of the Antibacterial Effect of Vitamin D3 against Red Complex Periodontal Pathogens: A Microbiological Assay.

The study aims is to evaluate the antibacterial effect of vitamin D3 against the red complex bacteria, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Treponema denticola, Tannerella forsythia in chronic periodontitis patients. The study comprised 98 participants with chronic periodontitis. All clinical parameters including plaque index (PI), gingival bleeding index (GBI), probing pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment level (CAL), and a microbiological assay of P. gingivalis, T. denticola, T. forsythia were assessed at the baseline. All study participants who underwent scaling and root planning were divided into two groups, A and B, each with 49 patients and only group B patients were advised to take vitamin D supplementation of 60,000 IU granules, once daily for 2 months. All the patients of both the groups were recalled at the end of 2nd month and all the clinical and microbiological parameters were reassessed. After two months, there was a reduction in all the clinical markers in both groups, but the group B patients showed more improvement following non-surgical treatment vitamin D intake. There was also a statistical reduction in P. gingivalis, T. denticola, and T. forsythia following administration of vitamin D in group B patients compared to group A. These discoveries proposed that vitamin D has a superb antimicrobial impact against red complex periodontal microbes and might be considered a promising compound in the counteraction of periodontal disease. Vitamin D is considered to possess anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity, which may help to delay the progression of periodontitis. So, vitamin D3 can be used as a potential supplement that could be employed to stop the advancement of periodontal disease. How to cite this article: Govindharajulu R, Syed NK, Sukumaran B, et al. Assessment of the Antibacterial Effect of Vitamin D3 against Red Complex Periodontal Pathogens: A Microbiological Assay. J Contemp Dent Pract 2024;25(2):114-117.

Efficacy of adjunctive octenidine hydrochloride as compared to chlorhexidine and placebo as adjuncts to instrumentation in stage I-II periodontitis: A double-blinded randomized controlled trial.

This randomized, controlled, double-blinded clinical trial aimed to evaluate the efficacy of octenidine hydrochloride and chlorhexidine mouthwashes as adjuncts to instrumentation in stage I-II periodontitis patients. Forty-five patients with mild-to-moderate periodontitis were randomly allocated to three groups: 0.1% octenidine dihydrochloride (OCT), placebo, and 0.12% chlorhexidine (CHX) mouthwashes. Patients were instructed to use the mouthwash after instrumentation for twice a day up to 3 weeks. Periodontal parameters such as probing pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment loss (CAL), O'Leary plaque index (PI), Loe and Silness gingival index (GI), Lobene stain index (SI), and oral soft tissue changes were recorded at baseline and once every week for 3 weeks. The visual analogue scale (VAS) was also recorded as a self-administered questionnaire at the end of the study. The one-way ANOVA was used to compare VAS scores between the groups. The repeated measures ANOVA and post hoc Newman-Keuls tests were used to assess the differences in the periodontal parameters between groups at different time intervals. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare the mean SI. There was a significant reduction in the mean GI of the OCT and CHX groups compared to placebo (p < 0.05). OCT usage resulted in significantly less staining, according to mean SI, when compared to CHX. Furthermore, VAS scores revealed that OCT was significantly the preferred mouthwash (p < 0.01). Adjunctive octenidine hydrochloride may be an alternative to chlorhexidine in its ability to control the periodontal parameters in patients with stage I-II periodontitis. Further larger studies are necessary to confirm these findings.

Demineralized freeze-dried bone allograft with/without i-Platelet-rich fibrin in 3 wall intrabony defects

Demineralized freeze-dried bone allograft (DFDBA) contains bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), hence is osteoinductive. Autologous platelet concentrates exhibit a higher quantity of growth factors. Both these biomaterials aid in bone regeneration when placed in three-wall intrabony defects. However, their efficacy when used alone and in conjugation is not clear. Aim: To assess clinical and radiographic efficacy of injectable platelet-rich fibrin (i-PRF) with microsurgical access flap in the treatment of three-wall intrabony defects in chronic periodontitis patients. Methods: Thirty sites with three-wall intrabony defects were randomly assigned to control and test group by computer generated method. The test group obtained i-PRF mixed with DFDBA while the control group received only DFDBA. Clinical parameters such as site-specific Plaque index (PI), Radiographic intrabony defect depth (IBDD), modified- Sulcular bleeding index (mSBI), Clinical attachment level (CAL), and Probing pocket depth (PPD) were measured at baseline, three and six months. Results: Intragroup comparison within the control group and test group exhibited statistically highly significant variation of mean PI, mSBI, PPD, CAL, and IBDD score from baseline to 3 months and from 3-6 months (p&lt;0.001). However, intergroup comparison demonstrated no statistically significant variation of mean IBDD at all 3 intervals (p&gt;0.05). Conclusion: i-PRF combined with DFDBA enhanced the radiographic and clinical parameters as opposed to DFDBA alone. The role of i-PRF is promising in its capacity for easy obtainability and increased potential to aid in regeneration.

Characteristics of Enterococcus Faecalis in Periodontitis and Secondary Root Canal Infections in Northern Jordanians-A Pilot Study

Background: Enterococcus faecalis has been found to be related to periodontitis and secondary endodontic infections. In this study, we aimed to study samples of E. faecalis to determine their incidence and virulence in Jordanian patients. Methods: A total of 167 samples were collected from patients with periodontitis and secondary endodontic infections. The Kirby-Bauer method was used to determine the antimicrobial susceptibility. Biofilm formation was studied using the microtiter plate assay and congo red agar assay. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect the presence of E. faecalis virulence genes, namely; asa1, gelE, cylA, esp, hyl, efaA, and ace. Gelatinase and cytolysin activity were also tested using phenotypic methods. Results: Twenty-three (13.8%) samples were positive for E. faecalis. The highest resistance rates were observed against ampicillin (87%), followed by penicillin (82.6%), and erythromycin (60.9%). The highest susceptibility was for levofloxacin (100%), followed by gentamycin and chloramphenicol, each with 95.7%. Most isolates were able to produce biofilm (78.3%). Gelatinase and cytolysin activity were detected in 21.7% and 56.5% of isolates, respectively. efaA was significantly associated with asa1 and gelE (P &lt; 0.05), and esp was significantly associated with cylA, gelE, ace, efaA and asa1 ( P &lt; 0.05). In addition, the gelE. gene was significantly associated with gelatinase production (P &lt; 0.01). Conclusion: In conclusion, we have shown that E. faecalis is involved with periodontal disease and secondary root canal infection with several virulence genes detected. Clinical Relevance: Around 13% of the periodontitis and secondary root canal infection patients were positive for E. faecalis and isolates were resistant to commonly used antibiotics.

Variation of ABO phenotypes, Rhesus factor and salivary secretor status in chronic periodontitis patients with and without type II diabetes mellitus: A cross sectional study

Introduction and Aim: While numerous studies have explored the connection between ABO blood groups and disease incidence in various medical contexts, there has been a scarcity of research dedicated to examining the relationship between ABO blood groups and the occurrence of oral diseases with a specific focus on those with and without Type II diabetes mellitus. Understanding the patient’s blood group and salivary secretor status might help to create a new qualitative personalized approach in preclinical diagnosis and to develop preventive measures. Hence, this study delves into the correlation between ABO phenotypes, Rhesus factor, and salivary secretor status in chronic periodontitis patients, with and without Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Materials and Methods: The study sample comprised 120 subjects aged between 35 and 60 years. Participants were categorized into three groups: Group A, consisting of patients with only chronic periodontitis; Group B, including patients with only Type II Diabetes Mellitus; and Group C, comprising individuals with both chronic periodontitis and Type II Diabetes Mellitus. Salivary secretor status was determined using the absorption elution method. Results: Group B showed the highest percentage of salivary secretors (97.5%), followed by group A (95%) and group C showed the least percentage of secretors (92.5%). Group B showed the least percentage of non-secretors (2.5%), Group A showed 5% and group C showed the highest percentage of non-secretors (7.5%). The common blood groups in Study Group A were O&gt;B&gt;A&gt;AB. Similarly in Group B, the blood groups were B&gt;O=A&gt;AB and finally in Study Group C, the common blood groups were B&gt;A&gt;O&gt;AB. Majority of the individuals were Rh Positive. Conclusion: The current study has identified a correlation between ABO phenotype, Rh phenotype, and secretor status among individuals with periodontitis, both with and without type 2 diabetes.

The effect of virtual reality glasses on dental anxiety during scaling and root planing in patients with periodontitis: A randomized controlled clinical trial.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of virtual reality distraction (VRD) on dental anxiety during scaling and root planing (SRP) in periodontitis patients. This randomized controlled split-mouth study included 60 patients who scored 9 or above on the dental anxiety scale (DAS) and required SRP in at least two quadrants with at least five teeth and two sites with a probing depth of ≥4 mm. Randomly chosen quadrants were treated using virtual reality glasses, and other quadrants were treated without glasses at the same visit. During VRD, a video of nature scenes was projected onto the screen in front of the patient's eyes. DAS and a visual analogue scale about patient feelings were applied at the end of the procedure. With VRD, the scale value of pain and discomfort level (VASP) was significantly reduced (p = 0.01, d = 0.57). Starting treatment without glasses significantly decreased VASP in both control and test sides (p = 0.00, d = 0.85; p = 0.00, d = 0.80, respectively) and increased the sensation of immersion and realism (p = 0.03, d = 0.45; p = 0.02, d = 0.46, respectively). Intraoperative and postoperative DAS values were significantly lower in patients who started treatment without VRD (p = 0.04, d = 0.34; p = 0.02, d = 0.44, respectively). Of the patients, 63.3% preferred VRD in the subsequent treatment. While patient preference did not correlate with sex, it correlated with age (r = -0.48, p = 0.01). The VRD and initiating SRP procedure with VRD affected the pain and discomfort level in anxious periodontitis patients. In addition, the anxiety level was also affected by starting the procedure with glasses.

Identifying predictors of the tooth loss phenotype in a large periodontitis patient cohort using a machine learning approach

ObjectivesThis study aimed to identify predictors associated with the tooth loss phenotype in a large periodontitis patient cohort in the university setting. MethodsInformation on periodontitis patients and nineteen factors identified at the initial visit was extracted from electronic health records. The primary outcome is tooth loss phenotype (presence or absence of tooth loss). Prediction models were built on significant factors (single or combinatory) selected by the RuleFit algorithm, and these factors were further adopted by regression models. Model performance was evaluated by Area Under the Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve (AUROC) and Area Under the Precision-Recall Curve (AUPRC). Associations between predictors and the tooth loss phenotype were also evaluated by classical statistical approaches to validate the performance of machine learning models. ResultsIn total, 7840 patients were included. The machine learning model predicting the tooth loss phenotype achieved AUROC of 0.71 and AUPRC of 0.66. Age, periodontal diagnosis, number of missing teeth at baseline, furcation involvement, and tooth mobility were associated with the tooth loss phenotype in both machine learning and classical statistical models. ConclusionsThe rule-based machine learning approach improves model explainability compared to classical statistical methods. However, the model's generalizability needs to be further validated by external datasets. Clinical SignificancePredictors identified by the current machine learning approach using the RuleFit algorithm had clinically relevant thresholds in predicting the tooth loss phenotype in a large and diverse periodontitis patient cohort. The results of this study will assist clinicians in performing risk assessment for periodontitis at the initial visit.

Assessment of nutritional status in chronic periodontitis patients: A cross-sectional study.

This cross-sectional study compared the nutritional status of chronic periodontitis (CP) patients who presented with various degrees of severity with systemically healthy individuals using the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA®) tool along with laboratory analysis of macro- and micronutrients. This research enrolled a total of 84 participants, of which 63 belonged to the CP group while 21 served as healthy controls. The CP patients were divided into three groups of 21 each, based on severity as mild, moderate, and severe. Clinical periodontal parameters (plaque index, bleeding on probing, probing depth, clinical attachment level/loss, total number of teeth present [NOT-P], furcation involvement, pathological migration, and tooth mobility), biochemical parameters (lipid, protein, iron profiles, and Vitamin D3 and B12), and the MNA® tool were used to assess the nutritional status of all the participants. The results were analyzed statistically. NOT-P, MNA score, lipid profile (except very-low-density lipoprotein), iron profile (except total iron-binding capacity), and Vitamin D3 showed high significant differences (P < 0.001) among the groups. However, Vitamin B12 and protein profile except for total protein revealed significant differences (P < 0.05). CP can be a contributing risk factor for the development of malnutrition. MNA® tool can be used for assessing the nutritional status of CP patients.

Serum 25 hydroxycholecalciferol in periodontitis patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus - A socioeconomic and clinicobiochemical study in Chhattisgarh.

Very few studies have examined the impact of the concurrent presence of periodontitis (PD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) on serum Vitamin D levels, particularly in developing nations like India, and needs further investigation. This study aims to assess the relationship between serum Vitamin D values and PD in T2DM patients and to study the correlation between socioeconomic and demographic variables that influence the serum Vitamin D levels and the extent of PD in patients with T2DM. This was a cross-sectional, hospital-based research. Medical, dental, and diet histories were obtained from the participants, and their socioeconomic status (SES) was determined. Clinical parameters - plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), sites with gingival bleeding, probing pocket depth (PPD), and clinical attachment level (CAL) were compared among three groups -patients with generalized Stage III Grade B PD with T2DM (n=35), patients with generalized stage III Grade B PD (n=35) and healthy controls (n=35) and the clinical parameters - plaque index(PI), gingival index(GI), sites with gingival bleeding, probing pocket depth(PPD), and clinical attachment level(CAL) were measured. Biochemical tests included the evaluation of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH] D) and hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) levels. Periodontal and biochemical parameters were compared using a one-way analysis of variance across the three groups. The association between clinical parameters, SES, and 25(OH)D was examined using Pearson's correlation coefficient test and linear regression analysis. The serum 25(OH)D levels were lowest in the subjects with generalized Stage III Grade B PD with T2DM (13.54 ± 3.31 ng/mL). Furthermore, there was a significant (P < 0.01) negative correlation between serum 25(OH)D and periodontal parameters, PI (-0.442), PPD (-0.474), CAL (-0.459), sites with gingival bleeding (-0.354), and GI (-0.346) among the groups. The regression analyses showed that an increase in periodontal parameters (PI, GI, PPD, and CAL) and a higher HbA1c was linked to a lower 25(OH)D. However, the periodontal parameters and 25(OH)D levels showed no correlation with socioeconomic and demographic parameters in the study. Serum Vitamin D values are negatively influenced by the synergistic effect of PD and T2DM or by the presence of PD alone. However, the association of SES on serum Vitamin D values in individuals with PD and T2DM or PD alone could not be demonstrated.

Osteogenic assessment of leukocyte platelet-rich fibrin and injectable platelet-rich fibrin in the human osteosarcoma MG - 63 cell line in chronic periodontitis patients: An in vitro study.

The burgeoning interest in implant and regenerative dental care has led to a notable upsurge in the utilization of regenerative modalities. The intent of the present investigation was to evaluate the osteogenic ability of two different concentrated platelet groups at various concentrations in the human osteosarcoma MG-63 cell line. Blood samples from 21 volunteers with chronic periodontitis were collected which were then centrifuged in accordance with the protocols of Choukroun et al. and Miron et al. to produce leukocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) and injectable platelet-rich fibrin (I-PRF), respectively. Following MG-63 cell culture, the osteogenic ability of 0, 4%, and 20% concentrations of both L-PRF and I-PRF were determined using the real-time polymerase chain reaction assay. The results showed that 20% I-PRF (1.52 ± 0.24) and 4% L-PRF (1.42 ± 0.37) had the highest amount of bone morphogenetic protein 2 and osteocalcin, respectively. I-PRF appears to promote the initial differentiation of cells.

Сравнительная характеристика методов лечения воспалительных заболеваний пародонта у пациентов, перенесших ковидную инфекцию

Aim. To compare the effectiveness of standard therapy for periodontal diseases and combined treatment using laser therapy and liposomal gel for inflammatory periodontal diseases in patients who have suffered from covid infection. Material and methods. 101 patients took part in this study, of which 56 people (55.4%) were men, 45 people (44.6%) were women. The average age of patients was 47.6 ± 11.7 years (26–72), the average age of men was 48.9 ± 12.5 (26–72) years, the average age of women was 46.0 ± 10.3 years (27–72). All patients had a history of COVID-19 in the last 2–6 months and sought dental care; periodontal disease was identified as the main or concomitant diagnosis. Patients who gave informed consent in writing in accordance with GOST R ISO 14155–2014 were allowed to participate in the study. Results. The study revealed that the combined treatment of periodontal diseases, including the use of laser therapy and liposomal gel, the greatest effectiveness was revealed in comparison with standard therapy. Conclusion. The study revealed a significant decrease in periodontal and hygienic indices during the combined treatment of periodontal diseases in patients who had suffered a covid infection, which indicates the effectiveness of this therapy.

Glutathione S-transferase M1, T1, and P1 polymorphisms and periodontitis in a Caucasian population: a case-control study

BackgroundGlutathione S-transferases (GSTs) play important roles in protecting cells against oxidative stress and toxic chemicals. This study aimed to investigate the distribution of GSTM1, GSTT1, and GSTP1 variants and their roles in periodontitis susceptibility in a Caucasian population.MethodsWe analyzed 406 participants, including 204 healthy controls and 203 periodontitis patients. A multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) approach was used to analyze GSTM1 and GSTT1 loci. GSTP1 variants were detected by PCR-haplotyping method in a subgroup of participants (N = 350). Chi-square or Fisher´s exact tests were used to compare genotypic and allelic differences. The Bonferroni method was applied to correct for multiple comparisons (pcorr).ResultsThe GSTM1 genotype distribution did not differ significantly between controls and periodontitis patients (p = 0.44). Additionally, the wild/null genotypes of GSTT1, Ile105Val and Ala114Val frequencies of GSTP1 were not significantly different between the two groups after correction for multiple comparisons (p = 0.05, p = 0.55, p = 0.02, pcorr>0.05, respectively). The GSTM1 and GSTP1 Ile105Val gene variants were similarly distributed between non-smokers and smokers in both groups (p = 0.38, p = 0.20, and p = 0.14, p = 0.35, respectively). However, the wild genotype of the GSTT1 and Ala114Ala variant of the GSTP1 genes were present more frequently in non-smoking periodontitis patients than in non-smoking controls (p = 0.03, pcorr>0.05, and p = 0.009, pcorr>0.05, respectively) although their frequencies did not differ between smoking periodontitis patients and smoking controls (p = 0.23, p = 0.68, respectively).ConclusionsThis study in a Czech Caucasian population did not confirm a highly significant association between GST gene variants and susceptibility to periodontitis, as previously reported by Arshad and colleagues in Pakistanis. However, a weak relationship between GSTT1 and GSTP1 rs1138272 polymorphisms and periodontitis in non-smokers was observed.

Molecular Characterization of the glyA Gene From the Clinical Isolates of Tannerella forsythia.

TheglyA gene in Tannerella forsythia is attributed for its virulence by producing the enzyme serine hydroxymethyltransferase (SHMT), which plays a vital role in bacterial cell metabolism. The study is thus aimed to determine the frequency of the glyA gene from the clinical strains of T. forsythia isolated from periodontitis patients. Forty-five patients with varying degrees of periodontitis were included in the study, and the plaque samples collected from them were anaerobically processed by inoculating onto sterile anaerobic blood agar plates using a gaspak system, with incubation at 37°C for 5-7 days. The DNA was extracted from the obtained isolated colony, and PCR was performed to confirm the presence of the glyA gene. In total, 46.6% (n= 7) of the cases in group III aggressive periodontitis (n = 15) and 6.66% (n =1) in group II stage II periodontitis (n = 15) showed the presence of T. forsythia,and among them, 57.14% (n= 4) showed the presence of theglyA gene. Conclusion: The findings of the study showed that theglyA gene may be associated with the pathogenesis of T. forsythia and could be thus a novel candidate for the future theragnostic approach to combat periodontitis.

Expression of TNF-α, omentin-1, and IL-6 before and after adjunctive treatment with a bioactive antimicrobial peptide periodontal gel.

The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the expression levels of TNF-α, omentin-1, and IL-6 in periodontitis patients before and after treatment with biological antimicrobial peptide (AMP) periodontal gel. There involved 86 periodontitis patients admitted to our hospital from January 2020 to March 2021. They were equally and randomly distributed into the study group and the control group. The efficacy and adverse reactions were compared between the two groups after treatment, Additionally, the sulcus bleeding index (SBI), plaque index (PLI), gingival index (GI), periodontal probing depth (PD), and levels of TNF-α, omentin-1, and IL-6 were measured before and after treatment. After treatment, the total effective rate of the study group was significantly higher than that of the control group (p < 0.05), while the scores of four indicators (SBI, PLI, GI, and PD) and the levels of TNF-α, omentin-1, and IL-6 in the study group were evidently lower than the control group (p < 0.05). The study group had 1 case of mild irritant reaction, with an adverse reaction rate of 2.33% (1/43). And the control group had 1 case of nausea and 1 case of allergy, with an adverse reaction rate of 4.65% (2/43). The adverse reactions demonstrated no statistical difference between the two groups (χ2 = 0.345, p = 0.557). The levels of TNF-α and IL-6 were highly expressed before the auxiliary therapy of biological AMP periodontal gel for periodontitis, alongside low expression of omentin-1. Subsequently, the biological antibacterial polypeptide periodontal gel demonstrated efficacy in the treatment of periodontitis.

Oral Lactobacillus zeae exacerbates the pathological manifestation of periodontitis in a mouse model.

The worldwide prevalence of periodontitis is considerably high, and its pathogenic mechanisms must be investigated and understood in order to improve clinical treatment outcomes and reduce the disease prevalence and burden. The exacerbation of the host immune system induced by oral microbial dysbiosis and the subsequent tissue destruction are the hallmarks of the periodontitis. However, the oral bacteria involved in periodontitis are not fully understood. We used the Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) sequencing system to analyze metagenomic information in subgingival dental plaque from periodontitis and non-periodontitis patients. The number of Lactobacillus zeae (L. zeae) in the periodontitis patients was 17.55-fold higher than in the non-periodontitis patients, suggesting that L. zeae is a novel periodontitis-associated pathogen. Although several Lactobacillus species are used in vivo as probiotics to treat periodontitis and compete with Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis), the roles of L. zeae in periodontitis progression, and the relationship between L. zeae and P. gingivalis needs to be investigated. Both L. zeae and P. gingivalis were inoculated in the ligature-implant site of periodontitis mice. We collected mouse gingival crevicular fluid to analyze inflammatory cytokine secretion using a multiplex assay. Intact or sliced mouse maxilla tissue was used for micro-computed tomography analysis or hematoxylin and eosin staining, immunohistochemistry, and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining to evaluate alveolar bone loss, neutrophil infiltration, and osteoclast activation, respectively. We observed that L. zeae competed with P. gingivalis, and it increased inflammatory cytokine secretion at the ligature-implant site. Similar to P. gingivalis, L. zeae promoted ligature-induced neutrophile infiltration, osteoclast activation, and alveolar bone loss. We, therefore, concluded that L. zeae accelerated the progression of periodontitis in the ligature-induced periodontitis mouse model.