Studies remain underway to determine the impact that inflammation of periodontitis has on the human body’s systemic system.

Recently, a relatively small study was conducted in patients with chronic arthritis (10 patients with juvenile idiopathic and 23 with rheumatoid arthritis) and periodontitis (45 patients), and attempts were made to identify characteristics that were disease specific in subjects with chronic inflammation, and periodontitis and arthritis. A control group (25 patients) was utilized of healthy adults. The study found multiple differences between the chronic arthritis and periodontitis patients when compared to control group, including statistically significant differences in tumor necrosis factors between patients with chronic arthritis and periodontitis compared to the control group. The researchers concluded that “there were a few similarities among disease groups; however, there were no direct and simple correlations between proteins or cellular transcripts.” For additional details on the methodology and results related to this research, please obtain the full reference of the following citation: Sorensen LK, Havemose-Poulson A, Bendtzen K, et al. Aggressive periodontitis and chronic arthritis: Blood mononuclear cell gene expression and plasma protein levels of cytokines and cytokine inhibitors. J Periodontal.
Available at: http://www.joponline.org/doi/abs/10.1902/jop.2009.080347

Two additional small studies evaluating the science behind the inflammation related to periodontitis and diabetes and preterm low birth weight were conducted, both finding no significant differences in patient outcomes related to appropriate treatment of periodontitis.

Vettore et al compared periodontal clinical measures and proportions of bacterial species from subgingival samples of women with preterm and non-preterm low birthweight. A total of 116 women were studied. The results of the study found “none of the microbiologic measures and clinical characteristics of periodontitis were associated with having pre-term birthweight babies.” For additional information, please obtain the full article of the following citation: Vettore MV, Leao AT, Leal Mdo C, et al. The relationship between periodontal disease and preterm low birthweight: clinical and microbiological results. J Periodontal Res. 2008;43(6):615-26.

Llambes et al studied 60 patients relative to the effect of nonsurgical periodontal therapy (with or without systemic doxycycline) on patients with type I diabetes.

There were no significant changes in patients with even the most effective response to periodontal therapy. The researchers concluded that in this small population of patients, “Periodontal treatment in type 1 diabetic patients after 3 months follow-up did not improve metabolic control of diabetes as measured by glycosylated hemoglobin.” For additional information on the methodology and results of this study, please obtain the full article of the following citation: Llambes F, Silvestre FJ, Hernandez-Mijares A, et al. The effect of periodontal treatment on metabolic control of type 1 diabetes mellitus. Clin Oral Investig. 2008;12(4):337-43.

December 2008