Relationship between periodontitis and rheumatoid arthritis and the effect of non-surgical periodontal treatment

This study analyzed the association of periodontal disease (PD) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Seventy-five 35-60-year-old patients were assigned to 5 groups according to the presence (+) or not (-) of PD and RA and the treatment received (TR+) or not (TR-) for PD. Group 3 uses total prosthesis (TP). Clinical and laboratory evaluations were performed at baseline, 3 and 6 months of follow-up by probing pocket depth, bleeding on probing and plaque index for PD, HAQ, DAS28, SF-36 and laboratory: AAG, ESR, CRP for RA. Statistically significant differences for PD after 3 (p=0.0055) and after 6 months (p=0.0066) were obtained in Group 1 (RA+PD+TR+) and 2(RA+PD+TR-); significant reduction in the % of BOP after 6 months (p=0.0128) and significant reduction in the % of Pl after 3 (p=0.0128) and 6 months (p=0.0002) in Group 1. Statistically significant differences between Groups 1 and 3 (RA+TP) for DAS28 at baseline and after 3 months were observed, but not after 6 months. No other parameters for RA were significantly affected. The relationship between RA and PD disease activities is not clear, but the importance of periodontal treatment in the control of inflammation to avoid tooth extraction is evident.

Sofrimento e Adaptação: Aspectos Sociais e Psico-afetivos de Pacientes com Doença Periodontal Crônica

OS OBJETIVOS DESTE ESTUDO FORAM: CARACTERIZAR A POPULAÇÃO DE PACIENTES DE UMA CLÍNICA-ESCOLA; INVESTIGAR OS ASPECTOS PSICO-AFETIVOS ASSOCIADOS ÀS DOENÇAS PERIODONTAIS DESSES PACIENTES, ALÉM DOS RECURSOS DEFENSIVOS UTILIZADOS POR ELES. MÉTODO: LEVANTOU-SE DADOS SÓCIO-DEMOGRÁFICOS, DE SAÚDE GERAL E PERIODONTAL DE 789 PACIENTES ATENDIDOS NUM DEPARTAMENTO DE PERIODONTIA DE UMA CLÍNICA-ESCOLA DE ODONTOLOGIA, DADOS ESTES QUE CONSTITUÍRAM A ETAPA QUANTITATIVA DO ESTUDO. ESSA CARACTERIZAÇÃO FOI FEITA ATRAVÉS DE PLANILHAS ESPECIALMENTE ELABORADAS PARA A PESQUISA. A PARTIR DESSAS PLANILHAS, FOI SELECIONADA UMA SUB-AMOSTRA DE 273 PACIENTES QUE APRESENTARAM QUEIXAS EM TRÊS OU MAIS SISTEMAS ORGÂNICOS, ALÉM DA QUEIXA PERIODONTAL, OS QUAIS FORAM DENOMINADOS DE PACIENTES POLI-QUEIXOSOS. UMA TERCEIRA SUB-AMOSTRA INTEGROU 59 PACIENTES POLI-QUEIXOSOS, DIAGNOSTICADOS COM DOENÇA LEVE A MODERADA OU LEVE A SEVERA. DESSES PACIENTES, TRÊS FORAM ENTREVISTADOS E INTEGRARAM A AMOSTRA DA ETAPA QUALITATIVA DA PESQUISA. OS RESULTADOS INDICARAM QUE ENTRE PACIENTES POLI-QUEIXOSOS NÃO FOI ENCONTRADA CORRELAÇÃO SIGNIFICATIVA ENTRE DOENÇA PERIODONTAL LEVE A MODERADA OU LEVE A SEVERA COM GÊNERO, IDADE, ESTADO CIVIL, GRAU DE INSTRUÇÃO OU ATIVIDADE LABORAL. TAMBÉM NÃO HOUVE RELAÇÃO SIGNIFICATIVA QUANTO À PRESENÇA DE TABAGISMO, BRUXISMO, ONICOFAGIA E XEROSTOMIA. VERIFICAMOS QUE A DOENÇA PERIODONTAL CRÔNICA TEM SUAS ORIGENS NAS RELAÇÕES OBJETAIS DA MAIS TENRA INFÂNCIA E QUE AS ANSIEDADES ESQUIZO-PARANÓIDES QUE CARACTERIZAM ESSAS PRIMEIRAS RELAÇÕES, CONTINUAM PERMEANDO AS RELAÇÕES DURANTE TODA A VIDA DAS PACIENTES. COMO OS RECURSOS DEFENSIVOS UTILIZADOS SÃO PSIQUICAMENTE POUCO EVOLUÍDOS, O EQUILÍBRIO, A HOMEOSTASE É ENCONTRADA NA DOENÇA. CONCLUÍMOS QUE A DINÂMICA INTRA-PSÍQUICA PODE ESTAR ASSOCIADA NÃO SÓ À DOENÇA PERIODONTAL, MAS TAMBÉM AO ESTADO DE SAÚDE GERAL DESSES PACIENTES.

Sofrimento e Adaptação: Aspectos Sociais e Psico-afetivos de Pacientes com Doença Periodontal Crônica

OS OBJETIVOS DESTE ESTUDO FORAM: CARACTERIZAR A POPULAÇÃO DE PACIENTES DE UMA CLÍNICA-ESCOLA; INVESTIGAR OS ASPECTOS PSICO-AFETIVOS ASSOCIADOS ÀS DOENÇAS PERIODONTAIS DESSES PACIENTES, ALÉM DOS RECURSOS DEFENSIVOS UTILIZADOS POR ELES. MÉTODO: LEVANTOU-SE DADOS SÓCIO-DEMOGRÁFICOS, DE SAÚDE GERAL E PERIODONTAL DE 789 PACIENTES ATENDIDOS NUM DEPARTAMENTO DE PERIODONTIA DE UMA CLÍNICA-ESCOLA DE ODONTOLOGIA, DADOS ESTES QUE CONSTITUÍRAM A ETAPA QUANTITATIVA DO ESTUDO. ESSA CARACTERIZAÇÃO FOI FEITA ATRAVÉS DE PLANILHAS ESPECIALMENTE ELABORADAS PARA A PESQUISA. A PARTIR DESSAS PLANILHAS, FOI SELECIONADA UMA SUB-AMOSTRA DE 273 PACIENTES QUE APRESENTARAM QUEIXAS EM TRÊS OU MAIS SISTEMAS ORGÂNICOS, ALÉM DA QUEIXA PERIODONTAL, OS QUAIS FORAM DENOMINADOS DE PACIENTES POLI-QUEIXOSOS. UMA TERCEIRA SUB-AMOSTRA INTEGROU 59 PACIENTES POLI-QUEIXOSOS, DIAGNOSTICADOS COM DOENÇA LEVE A MODERADA OU LEVE A SEVERA. DESSES PACIENTES, TRÊS FORAM ENTREVISTADOS E INTEGRARAM A AMOSTRA DA ETAPA QUALITATIVA DA PESQUISA. OS RESULTADOS INDICARAM QUE ENTRE PACIENTES POLI-QUEIXOSOS NÃO FOI ENCONTRADA CORRELAÇÃO SIGNIFICATIVA ENTRE DOENÇA PERIODONTAL LEVE A MODERADA OU LEVE A SEVERA COM GÊNERO, IDADE, ESTADO CIVIL, GRAU DE INSTRUÇÃO OU ATIVIDADE LABORAL. TAMBÉM NÃO HOUVE RELAÇÃO SIGNIFICATIVA QUANTO À PRESENÇA DE TABAGISMO, BRUXISMO, ONICOFAGIA E XEROSTOMIA. VERIFICAMOS QUE A DOENÇA PERIODONTAL CRÔNICA TEM SUAS ORIGENS NAS RELAÇÕES OBJETAIS DA MAIS TENRA INFÂNCIA E QUE AS ANSIEDADES ESQUIZO-PARANÓIDES QUE CARACTERIZAM ESSAS PRIMEIRAS RELAÇÕES, CONTINUAM PERMEANDO AS RELAÇÕES DURANTE TODA A VIDA DAS PACIENTES. COMO OS RECURSOS DEFENSIVOS UTILIZADOS SÃO PSIQUICAMENTE POUCO EVOLUÍDOS, O EQUILÍBRIO, A HOMEOSTASE É ENCONTRADA NA DOENÇA. CONCLUÍMOS QUE A DINÂMICA INTRA-PSÍQUICA PODE ESTAR ASSOCIADA NÃO SÓ À DOENÇA PERIODONTAL, MAS TAMBÉM AO ESTADO DE SAÚDE GERAL DESSES PACIENTES.

Sofrimento e Adaptação: Aspectos Sociais e Psico-afetivos de Pacientes com Doença Periodontal Crônica

OS OBJETIVOS DESTE ESTUDO FORAM: CARACTERIZAR A POPULAÇÃO DE PACIENTES DE UMA CLÍNICA-ESCOLA; INVESTIGAR OS ASPECTOS PSICO-AFETIVOS ASSOCIADOS ÀS DOENÇAS PERIODONTAIS DESSES PACIENTES, ALÉM DOS RECURSOS DEFENSIVOS UTILIZADOS POR ELES. MÉTODO: LEVANTOU-SE DADOS SÓCIO-DEMOGRÁFICOS, DE SAÚDE GERAL E PERIODONTAL DE 789 PACIENTES ATENDIDOS NUM DEPARTAMENTO DE PERIODONTIA DE UMA CLÍNICA-ESCOLA DE ODONTOLOGIA, DADOS ESTES QUE CONSTITUÍRAM A ETAPA QUANTITATIVA DO ESTUDO. ESSA CARACTERIZAÇÃO FOI FEITA ATRAVÉS DE PLANILHAS ESPECIALMENTE ELABORADAS PARA A PESQUISA. A PARTIR DESSAS PLANILHAS, FOI SELECIONADA UMA SUB-AMOSTRA DE 273 PACIENTES QUE APRESENTARAM QUEIXAS EM TRÊS OU MAIS SISTEMAS ORGÂNICOS, ALÉM DA QUEIXA PERIODONTAL, OS QUAIS FORAM DENOMINADOS DE PACIENTES POLI-QUEIXOSOS. UMA TERCEIRA SUB-AMOSTRA INTEGROU 59 PACIENTES POLI-QUEIXOSOS, DIAGNOSTICADOS COM DOENÇA LEVE A MODERADA OU LEVE A SEVERA. DESSES PACIENTES, TRÊS FORAM ENTREVISTADOS E INTEGRARAM A AMOSTRA DA ETAPA QUALITATIVA DA PESQUISA. OS RESULTADOS INDICARAM QUE ENTRE PACIENTES POLI-QUEIXOSOS NÃO FOI ENCONTRADA CORRELAÇÃO SIGNIFICATIVA ENTRE DOENÇA PERIODONTAL LEVE A MODERADA OU LEVE A SEVERA COM GÊNERO, IDADE, ESTADO CIVIL, GRAU DE INSTRUÇÃO OU ATIVIDADE LABORAL. TAMBÉM NÃO HOUVE RELAÇÃO SIGNIFICATIVA QUANTO À PRESENÇA DE TABAGISMO, BRUXISMO, ONICOFAGIA E XEROSTOMIA. VERIFICAMOS QUE A DOENÇA PERIODONTAL CRÔNICA TEM SUAS ORIGENS NAS RELAÇÕES OBJETAIS DA MAIS TENRA INFÂNCIA E QUE AS ANSIEDADES ESQUIZO-PARANÓIDES QUE CARACTERIZAM ESSAS PRIMEIRAS RELAÇÕES, CONTINUAM PERMEANDO AS RELAÇÕES DURANTE TODA A VIDA DAS PACIENTES. COMO OS RECURSOS DEFENSIVOS UTILIZADOS SÃO PSIQUICAMENTE POUCO EVOLUÍDOS, O EQUILÍBRIO, A HOMEOSTASE É ENCONTRADA NA DOENÇA. CONCLUÍMOS QUE A DINÂMICA INTRA-PSÍQUICA PODE ESTAR ASSOCIADA NÃO SÓ À DOENÇA PERIODONTAL, MAS TAMBÉM AO ESTADO DE SAÚDE GERAL DESSES PACIENTES.

Release of cytokines by stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells in chronic periodontitis

Objective: The emergence of periodontal medicine increased interest in defining the behaviour of peripheral blood cells in periodontitis subjects in comparison with healthy group. The aim of this study was to evaluate the levels of interleukin (IL)-8, tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), IL-6 and IL-10 released by Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) obtained from the peripheral blood of chronic periodontitis subjects. Design: PBMC samples were isolated from 19 systemically healthy donors, divided into generalized chronic periodontitis (n = 10) and healthy (n = 9) subjects. Cells were incubated for 24-48 h in 500 mu L wells containing RPM! 1640 and stimulated with 1.0 ng/mL of E. coli LPS. Supernatants were used to quantify the amounts of IL-8, TNF-alpha, IL-6 and IL-10 released using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: PBMC cells from periodontitis subjects released higher levels of TNF-alpha and IL-6 than those from healthy subjects (P < 0.05). Conversely, the supernatants of the stimulated PBMC cells obtained from healthy subjects presented higher amounts of IL-8 than those from periodontitis (P < 0.05). No differences were observed in the levels of IL-10 (P > 0.05) between groups. Conclusion: In conclusion, the results of the present study showed that E. coli LPS-stimulated PBMC from subjects with periodontitis present a different pattern of cytokine release when compared to PBMC from healthy subjects. This phenomenon could have implications locally, in periodontitis, as well as in systemic diseases. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Ultrastructure of the Interface between Periodontal Tissues and Titanium Mini-Implants

Objective: To describe the ultrastructure of the interface between periodontal tissues and titanium mini-implants in rat mandibles. Materials and Methods: A titanium mini-implant was placed between the buccal roots of the mandibular first molar of 24 adult rats. After 21, 30, 45, 60, 90, and 120 days of implantation, the mandibular portion was removed and fixed in cacodylate-buffered 2% glutaraldehyde + 2.5% formaldehyde. The material was decalcified and processed for scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Results: Ultrastructural analysis revealed a thin cementum-like layer at longer times after implantation at the areas in which the periodontal ligament was in contact with the implant. Conclusions: The alveolar bone and the periodontal ligament reorganized their constituents around the implant, and a thin cementum-like layer was formed at longer times after implantation at the areas in which the periodontal ligament was in contact with the implant. (Angle Orthod. 2010;80:459-435.)

Three-Dimensional Stress Distribution in the Human Periodontal Ligament in Masticatory, Parafunctional, and Trauma Loads: Finite Element Analysis

Background: The presence of the periodontal ligament (PDL) makes it possible to absorb and distribute loads produced during masticatory function and other tooth contacts into the alveolar process via the alveolar bone proper. However, several factors affect the integrity of periodontal structures causing the destruction of the connective matrix and cells, the loss of fibrous attachment, and the resorption of alveolar bone. Methods: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the stress distribution by finite element analysis in a PDL in three-dimensional models of the upper central incisor under three different load conditions: 100 N occlusal loading at 45 degrees (model 1: masticatory load); 500 N at the incisal edge at 45 degrees (model 2: parafunctional habit); and 800 N at the buccal surface at 90 degrees (model 3: trauma case). The models were built from computed tomography scans. Results: The stress distribution was quite different among the models. The most significant values (harmful) of tensile and compressive stresses were observed in models 2 and 3, with similarly distinct patterns of stress distributions along the PDL. Tensile stresses were observed along the internal and external aspects of the PDL, mostly at the cervical and middle thirds. Conclusions: The stress generation in these models may affect the integrity of periodontal structures. A better understanding of the biomechanical behavior of the PDL under physiologic and traumatic loading conditions might enhance the understanding of the biologic reaction of the PDL in health and disease. J Periodontol 2009;80:1859-1867.

Circulating Interleukin-6 and High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein Decrease After Periodontal Therapy in Otherwise Healthy Subjects

Background: Periodontal disease has been associated with many chronic inflammatory systemic diseases, and a common chronic inflammation pathway has been suggested for these conditions. However, few studies have evaluated whether periodontal disease, in the absence of other known inflammatory conditions and smoking, affects circulating markers of chronic inflammation. This study compared chronic inflammation markers in control individuals and patients with periodontal disease and observed whether non-surgical periodontal therapy affected inflammatory disease markers after 3 months. Methods: Plasma and serum of 20 controls and 25 patients with periodontal disease were obtained prior to and 3 months after non-surgical periodontal therapy. All patients were non-smokers, they did not use any medication, and they had no history or detectable signs and symptoms of systemic diseases. Periodontal and systemic parameters included probing depth, bleeding on probing, clinical attachment level, hematologic parameters, as well as the following inflammatory markers: interleukin (IL)-6, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), CD40 ligand, monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1, soluble P-selectin (sP-selectin), soluble vascular adhesion molecule (sVCAM)-1, and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule (sICAM)-1. Results: There were no differences in the hematologic parameters of the patients in the control and periodontal disease groups. Among the tested inflammatory markers, IL-6 concentrations were higher in the periodontal disease group at baseline compared to the controls (P=0.006). Therapy was highly effective (P<0.001 for all the analyzed clinical parameters), and a decrease in circulating IL-6 and hs-CRP concentrations was observed 3 months after therapy (P=0.001 and P=0.006, respectively). Our results also suggest that the CD40 ligand marker may have been different in the control and periodontal disease groups prior to the therapy (P=0.009). Conclusions: In apparently otherwise healthy patients, periodontal disease is associated with increased circulating concentrations of IL-6 and hs-CRP, which decreased 3 months after non-surgical periodontal therapy. With regard to the CD40 ligand, MCP-1, sP-selectin, sVCAM-1, and sICAM-1, no changes were seen in the periodontal disease group between baseline and 3 months after therapy. J Periodontol 2009;80:594-602.

Mesenchymal Stem Cell Properties of Periodontal Ligament Cells From Deciduous and Permanent Teeth

Background: Human postnatal stem cells have been identified in periodontal ligaments (PDLs). In this study, the in vitro biologic properties of CD105(+) enriched cell subsets from PDLs harvested from deciduous (DePDL) and permanent (PePDL) teeth are comparatively assessed. Methods: PDL tissue was obtained from 12 teeth (six primary and six permanent) from which CD105(+) CD34(-) CD45(-) cells were isolated by magnetic cell sorting. To identify and quantitatively compare the stem cell markers, DePDL and PePDL cells were assessed for CD166 surface antigen expression by flow cytometry, real-time polymerase chain reaction, and immunostaining for Stro-1 and Oct-4, osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation, and proliferation rate by trypan blue method. Results: Magnetic cell sorting isolated cell populations containing 23.87% (+/- 11.98%) and 11.68% (+/- 6.27%) of CD105(+) expressing cells from PePDL and DePDL, respectively. Flow cytometric analysis demonstrated a higher proportion of CD105(+) cells coexpressing CD166 surface antigen in PePDL, whereas immunostaining and real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis demonstrated that both cell subsets expressed Stro-1 and Oct-4. DePDL-CD105(+) subsets were more proliferative compared to PePDL subsets, and both cell populations showed multipotential capabilities to differentiate in vitro to osteoblast/cementoblast- and adipocyte-like cells. However, a higher expression of adipogenic-related genes was observed in DePDL cells, whereas PePDL-CD105(+) cell subset presented a more homogeneous osteoblast/cementoblast response. Conclusion: These findings demonstrate that highly purified mesenchymal progenitor cell subsets can be obtained from the PDLs of both deciduous and permanent teeth, and further indicate phenotype dissimilarities that may have an impact on their clinical applications. J Periodontol 2010;81:1207-1215.

Effects of periodontal therapy on glycemic control and inflammatory markers

Background: Periodontitis, a complication of diabetes mellitus (DM), can induce or perpetuate systemic conditions. This double-masked, placebo-controlled study evaluated the effects of periodontal therapy (scaling and root planing [SRP]) on the serum levels of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and on inflammatory biomarkers. Methods: Thirty subjects with type 2 DM and periodontitis were treated with SRP + placebo (SRP; N = 15) or with SRP + doxycycline (SRP+Doxy; N = 15), 100 mg/day, for 14 days. Clinical and laboratory data were recorded at baseline and at 3 months after treatment. Results: After 3 months, the reduction in probing depth Was 0.8 mm for the SRP group (P <0.01) and 1.1 mm for the SRP+Doxy group (P <0.01) followed by a 0.9% (SRP; P = 0.17) and 1.5% (SRP+Doxy; P<0.01) reduction in HbA1c levels. A significant reduction in interleukin (IL)-6; interferon-inducible protein 10; soluble fas ligand; granulocyte colony-stimulating factor; RANTES; and IL-12 p70 serum levels were also verified (N = 30). To our knowledge, this is the first report on the effects of periodontal therapy on multiple systemic inflammatory markers in DM. Conclusions: Periodontal therapy may influence the systemic conditions of patients with type 2 DM, but no statistical difference was observed with the adjunctive systemic doxycycline therapy. Moreover, it is possible that the observed improvement in glycemic control and in the reduction of inflammatory markers could also be due to diet, which was not controlled in our study. Therefore, a confirmatory study with a larger sample size and controlled diet is necessary.

Down-regulation of expression of osteoblast and osteocyte markers in periodontal tissues associated with the spontaneous alveolar bone loss of interleukin-10 knockout mice

The aim of this study was to unravel the mechanisms by which interleukin (IL)-10, a potent pleiotropic cytokine, modulates alveolar bone homeostasis in C57BL/6 wild-type (WT) and IL-10 knockout (IL-10 KO) mice, evaluated at 8, 24, and 48 wk of age. Interleukin-10 KO mice presented significant alveolar bone loss when compared with WT mice, and this was not associated with changes in leukocyte counts or bacterial load. The levels of expression of messenger RNA (mRNA) for tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), IL-1 beta, IL-6, transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta), receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand (RANKL), osteoprotegerin (OPG), and matrix metalloproteinase 13 (MMP13) were similar between both strains, whereas a significant decrease of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP1) mRNA expression was found at 48 wk in IL-10 KO mice. The osteoblast markers core binding factor alpha1 (CBFA1) and type I collagen (COL-I) were expressed at similar levels in both strains, whereas the levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and osteocalcin (OCN), and those of the osteocyte markers phosphate-regulating gene endopeptidases (PHEX) and dentin matrix protein 1 (DMP1) were significantly lower in IL-10 KO mice. Our results demonstrate that the alveolar bone loss in the absence of IL-10 was associated with a reduced expression of osteoblast and osteocyte markers, an effect independent of microbial, inflammatory or bone-resorptive pathways.

Evidence of the presence of T helper type 17 cells in chronic lesions of human periodontal disease

Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammation of the attachment structures of the teeth, triggered by potentially hazardous microorganisms and the consequent immune-inflammatory responses. In humans, the T helper type 17 (Th17) lineage, characterized by interleukin-17 (IL-17) production, develops under transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta), IL-1 beta, and IL-6 signaling, while its pool is maintained by IL-23. Although this subset of cells has been implicated in various autoimmune, inflammatory, and bone-destructive conditions, the exact role of T lymphocytes in chronic periodontitis is still controversial. Therefore, in this study we investigated the presence of Th17 cells in human periodontal disease. Gingival and alveolar bone samples from healthy patients and patients with chronic periodontitis were collected and used for the subsequent assays. The messenger RNA expression for the cytokines IL-17, TGF-beta, IL-1 beta, IL-6, and IL-23 in gingiva or IL-17 and receptor activator for nuclear factor-kappa B ligand in alveolar bone was evaluated by real-time polymerase chain reaction. The production of IL-17, TGF-beta, IL-1 beta, IL-6, and IL-23 proteins was evaluated by immunohistochemistry and the presence of Th17 cells in the inflamed gingiva was confirmed by immunofluorescence confocal microscopy for CD4 and IL-17 colocalization. Our data demonstrated elevated levels of IL-17, TGF-beta, IL-1 beta, IL-6, and IL-23 messenger RNA and protein in diseased tissues as well as the presence of Th17 cells in gingiva from patients with periodontitis. Moreover, IL-17 and the bone resorption factor RANKL were abundantly expressed in the alveolar bone of diseased patients, in contrast to low detection in controls. These results provided strong evidence for the presence of Th17 cells in the sites of chronic inflammation in human periodontal disease.

Periodontal attachment loss in an untreated isolated population of Brazil

Background: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence, extent, and severity of clinical attachment loss (CAL) and to investigate the association of demographic, socioeconomic, and behavioral risk indicators with CAL in an untreated isolated population in Brazil. Methods: All subjects aged >= 12 years were identified by a census. Participants were submitted to a full-mouth clinical examination of six sites per tooth and were interviewed using a structured, written questionnaire. Results: Among the 214 subjects who were interviewed and examined clinically, CAL >= 5 mm in at least one site was observed in 8% of the 12- to 19-year-olds and in all dentate subjects >= 50 years of age; the age-dependent prevalence of CAL >= 7 mm in at least one site ranged from 5% among 12- to 19-year-olds to 83% among subjects >= 50 years old. Multivariate analysis identified plaque (odds ratio [OR] = 2.8), supragingival calculus (OR = 2.9 to 10.6), age >= 30 years (OR = 11.4), and smoking (OR = 2.4) as risk indicators for CAL >= 5 mm and smoking (OR = 8.2) as a risk indicator for CAL >= 7 mm. Conclusions: CAL is highly prevalent in this isolated population. The high occurrence of CAL in young age groups and the confirmation of traditional risk indicators for CAL in this study suggest that other factors, such as host susceptibility, may be needed to explain the high levels of CAL found. Age and behavioral factors were risk indicators associated significantly with the CAL found in this population and may be useful indicators of high-risk subjects for periodontal diseases.

Periodontal disease in gestational and type 1 diabetes mellitus pregnant women

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.