The following research has emerged in the peer-reviewed literature related to periodontitis and systemic conditions in the last 30 days.

A total of 940 patients were tested for probing depth (PD), clinical attachment loss (CAL), and bleeding on probing (BOP) in relation to the results of a questionnaire filled out on the intake of green tea per day. Multivariate linear regression models revealed that for every cup of green tea, there was a decrease in parameters associated with periodontal disease (0.63% decrease in BOP; 0.028 mm decrease in mean clinical AL; 0.023 mm decrease in mean PD) (all < P < 0.05). For additional information on this study, obtain the following article: Kushiyama M, Shimazaki Y, Masatoshi M, et al. Relationship Between Intake of Green Tea and Periodontal Disease. J Periodontol 2009;80:372-377.

New findings have recently been reported on the human genome and its influence on CHD. By building on the science reported in 2008 on other genome studies, the researchers were able to “confirm a known association of two neighboring linkage disequilibrium regions on human chromosome 9p21.3 with CHD and show the additional strong association of these loci with the risk of aggressive periodontitis.” As the genetic links between CHG and periodontitis are further explored, the evidence of a connection between CHD and periodontitis builds, and interventions are being modified and adapted. For additional information related to these findings, obtain the following citation: Schaefer AS, Richter GM, Groessner-Schreiber B, et al. Identification of a shared genetic susceptibility locus for coronary heart disease and periodontitis. PLoS Genet 2009;5(2):e1000378.

While the cause of RA is still unknown, there is a documented relationship between RA and periodontitis. The common thread which links many systemic conditions and periodontitis is inflammation; however, these pathogenic processes are difficult to link scientifically. Some researchers recently presented the hypothesis that “Porphyromonas gingivalis (P gingivalis) may play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of periodontitis-associated RA” because of links between the leading bacteria associated with periodontitis and autoantibodies and peptides which may result from the presence of P gingivalis. To explore more on this hypothesis and how it is being tested, review the following article: Liao F, Li Z, Wang Y, et al. Porphyromonas gingivalis may play an important role in the pathogenesis of periodontitis-associated rheumatoid arthritis. Med Hypotheses 2009;Feb 24 epub ahead of print.