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Effect of inflammation, smoking and stress on gingival crevicular fluid cytokine level.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies have shown that cytokines are pivotal to the pathogenesis of periodontal diseases and may be used as markers in diagnosis. AIM: The aim of the present study was to determine the levels of interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-4, IL-6 and IL-8 in gingival crevicular fluid of periodontally healthy and diseased individuals and to study their association to smoking, stress and clinical periodontal parameters. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 80 patients were included in the study : 20 patients with early onset or aggressive periodontitis (EOP), 20 with chronic adult periodontitis (AP), 20 with gingivitis (G) and 20 patients with healthy periodontium (H). GCF was collected by means of Durapore strips, from four sites per patient, randomly selected in each quadrant. The contents of IL- 1beta, IL-4, IL-6 and IL-8 were measured in 320 samples by use of commercially available sandwich enzyme-linked immunoadsorbent assays. RESULTS: In periodontally diseased subjects the total amounts of IL-1beta, IL-6 and IL-8 were significantly elevated as compared to healthy subjects, whereas IL-4 showed an inverse relationship to periodontal status and higher amounts were found in the healthy group. The amounts of all four cytokines were positively correlated with probing depths. IL-4, IL-6 and IL-8 were significantly correlated to smoking while stress was associated with IL-1beta, IL-6 and IL-8 levels. CONCLUSIONS: The present data suggest that crevicular IL-1beta, IL-6 and IL-8 reflect the activity of periodontal destruction, whereas IL-4 shows an inverse correlation to it. The enhanced production of inflammatory cytokines in the presence of smoking and stress may have clinical consequences.

Adult↗

Features of severe periodontal disease in a teenager with Chédiak-Higashi syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Chédiak-Higashi syndrome (C-HS) is a rare congenital disease characterized by defective neutrophil function with abnormal lysosomal inclusions, neutropenia, and reduced chemotaxis. The complete syndrome includes oculocutaneous albinism with photophobia, neurologic features, recurrent infections, and enterocolitis. METHODS: A 14-year-old male C-HS patient was referred to us because of serious periodontal destruction with acute inflamed gingiva and ulcers. Clinical and biological investigations were performed, leading to the diagnosis of C-HS. RESULTS: Laboratory findings included neutropenia and hypergammaglobulinemia. Peripheral blood smears showed giant granules in neutrophils, eosinophils, and granulocytes. Bone marrow smears showed giant inclusions in leukocyte precursor cells. These granules and inclusions were characteristic of Chédiak-Higashi syndrome. Oral radiographic status showed extensive loss of alveolar bone leading, in most cases, to tooth exfoliation. Bacteria often associated with periodontitis were detected in subgingival plaque samples, including Fusobacterium nucleatum, Campylobacter rectus, Prevotella melaninogenica, Peptostreptococcus anaerobius, and Clostridium sp. Biopsies of periodontal tissues for light and electronic microscopic examinations revealed massive bacterial invasion of the epithelial tissue, epithelial cells, and connective tissue. Ultrastructural observations of periodontal polymorphonuclear leukocytes showed defective granulation, with abnormal granules not discharging their lysosomal content against engulfed bacteria. Viable dividing bacteria were found in the cytoplasm. CONCLUSIONS: In this case, early-onset periodontitis seems to be the expression of C-HS granulocyte deficiency. Periodontal treatment of these patients is often unsuccessful. This case report illustrates the importance of the dentist in initiating clinical and biological investigations in such early aggressive periodontitis in young patients.

Adolescent↗

Gm (23) allotypes and Fcgamma receptor genotypes as risk factors for various forms of periodontitis.

OBJECTIVES: Given the diversity of the distribution of the Gm (23) allotypes and FcgammaR genotypes in different ethnic groups, it was our purpose to examine their clinical significance in periodontitis in Taiwan. MATERIAL & METHODS: Genomic DNA of 50 patients with chronic periodontitis (CP), 30 patients with generalized aggressive periodontitis (G-AP) and 74 healthy controls were harvested. The Gm (23) allotypes were determined by radial immunodiffusion test, and the FcgammaR IIa (CD32) and IlIb (CD16) genotypes were determined by polymerase chain reaction-based allele-specific oligonucleotide hybridization. RESULTS: The overall carrier rate of the Gm (23+) allotype was higher than 85%, and the Gm (23-) allotype was statistically over-represented in patients with CP compared to the controls. There were no differences in the distributions of the three genotypes of FcgammaR IIa and IIIb among the three tested groups. The frequency of the R131 allele of the FcgammaR IIa polymorphisms was higher in G-AP than in CP when R/H allelic frequencies (p = 0.01) were examined by the chi2 test. CONCLUSION: The Gm (23-) allotype might be a potential risk factor for CP. Although the R131 allele of FcgammaR IIa occurred more frequently in G-AP than in CP, its clinical significance could not be justified in this study.

Adult↗

Anxiety, gingival inflammation and periodontal disease in non-smokers and smokers - an epidemiological study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of anxiety, measured by one single question, on gingival inflammation and periodontal disease in non-smokers and smokers. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The participants were 144 subjects with untreated periodontal disease 30-40 years of age, and 26 healthy controls, 30-40 years of age. All subjects were clinically examined and answered an uncomplicated question regarding anxiety in every day life, as well as smoking habits. The periodontitis subjects were divided into; an aggressive periodontitis (AP)-group and a chronic periodontitis (CP)-group. Fisher's exact probability t-test, analysis of variance (anova), Mann-Whitney U-test and analysis of covariance (ancova) were used as statistical methods. RESULTS: Anxious subjects had a significantly higher gingival index than non-anxious subjects, when controlling for smoking (p<0.01). The healthy anxious non-smokers had an average score of GI 1.6 (+/-0.4 SD) compared with 1.2 (+/-0.4 SD), p<0.05 for the non-anxious non-smokers. Anxious smokers with periodontits (AP-/CP-group) had significantly more sites with pockets >/=5 mm, compared with non-anxious smokers, (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study, suggest that self-reported anxiety was associated with an adverse affect on the gingiva. Anxiety seemed to be associated with increased severity of periodontal disease in smokers.

Acute Disease↗

[Influence of tobacco smoking and periodontitis on selected factors of oxidative stress].

UNLABELLED: The aim of the study was to estimate the influence of tobacco smoking and the clinical type of periodontitis on the chosen parameters of oxidative stress (superoxide anion generation on the ground of cytochrome c reduction in the whole blood, the concentration of autoantibodies for oxidized low-density lipoprotein in venous and gingival blood, the level of 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) as a marker of oxidative DNA damage in venous and gingival blood and the total antioxidant capacity in venous and gingival blood). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 50 periodontitis patients (20 patients with generalized aggressive periodontitis - GAP and 30 patients with chronic periodontitis--CP), aged 28-55 (the mean value 40.3). There were 28 females and 22 males. The control group consisted of 25 volunteers in good general health, aged 2-50 (the mean value 37.8). There were 15 women in this group. In clinical examination ofperiodontium following indexes were included: plaque index (Silness and Löe), aproximal plaque index (Lange et al.), bleeding upon probing (Saxer and Mühlemann), pockets depth, the number of teeth. RESULTS: Significant influence of periodontal diagnosis on the level of 8-OHdG in gingival blood and total antioxidant capacity and also all analyzed clinical parameters was revealed. Significant total influence ofperiodontal diagnosis with tobacco smoking on total antioxidant capacity was also seen in venous blood (p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: 1) periodontal status impacted in significant way on the level of 8-OHdG in gingival blood and total antioxidant capacity in venous blood, 2) tobacco smoking and chronic periodontitis presence were connected with significantly decreasing levels of total antioxidant capacity in venous blood; this fact may be under importance in connection between periodontitis and atherosclerosis, 3) tobacco smoking was a significant factor in the progression ofperiodontitis (higher levels of plaque indexes, deeper periodontal pockets in nicotine addicted patients).

8-Hydroxy-2'-Deoxyguanosine↗

Immunoglobulin G subclass antibody profiles in Porphyromonas gingivalis-associated aggressive and chronic periodontitis patients.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody response is considered to be protective and beneficial for the control of periodontal lesions. This study analysed IgG subclass antibody levels of Porphyromonas gingivalis in patients with both aggressive periodontitis (AgP) and chronic periodontitis (CP). METHODS: Subgingival plaque and peripheral blood samples were collected from patients with localized AgP (n = 13), generalized AgP (n = 28) and generalized CP (n = 27) and from 14 periodontally healthy controls. P. gingivalis was identified in subgingival pockets using a polymerase chain reaction. Simultaneously, serum IgG subclass antibody against P. gingivalis whole cells/P. gingivalis fimbriae were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: P. gingivalis was frequently detected in periodontitis patients. Anti-P. gingivalis whole cell IgG1 was elevated in all P. gingivalis-positive patients in the three periodontitis groups. Although increased anti-P. gingivalis IgG1 was also observed in the bacterium-positive healthy controls, the level was lower than that found in the three periodontitis groups. Levels of IgG1, IgG2, IgG3 and IgG4 to P. gingivalis did not differ among bacterium-positive patients in the three periodontitis groups; a significant increase of IgG2 level was not observed in localized AgP. Anti-fimbriae IgG subclass levels of IgG1, IgG2 and IgG4 did not differ among bacterium-positive subjects in all groups, while the anti-fimbriae IgG3 level in generalized CP was significantly higher than that in localized and generalized AgP. CONCLUSIONS: P. gingivalis infection elicited an IgG subclass antibody response in both periodontitis patients and healthy subjects, while higher anti-P. gingivalis IgG1 levels were found in the three periodontitis groups compared with the healthy control group.

Acute Disease↗

Systemic medications: clinical significance in periodontics.

Systemic medications are of value as adjuncts to periodontal therapy. These medications can be divided into two major categories: antibiotics and agents for host modulation. Antibiotics have been shown to be valuable adjuncts in specialized types of periodontal disease, such as localized and generalized aggressive periodontitis, and of possible value in severe chronic periodontitis. Antibiotics have been studied individually, in combination and in sequential therapy. Host modulators include Periostat, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, alendronate (Fosamax), hormone replacement therapy and anti-arthritic medications. These agents produce their beneficial effects by a variety of mechanisms of action, including inhibition of matrix metalloproteinases, inhibition of prostaglandin production, stimulation of osteoblasts, inhibition of osteoclasts, and other anti-inflammatory mechanisms of action.

Alendronate↗

Intragenomic recombination in the highly leukotoxic JP2 clone of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans.

The highly leukotoxic JP2 clone of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans is strongly associated with aggressive periodontitis in adolescents of African descent. DNA fingerprinting using the frequently cutting restriction enzyme MspI and multilocus sequence typing (MLST) showed that five strains of this clone were genetically virtually identical, although ribotyping of the six rrn genes and EcoRI RFLP analysis of the seven IS150-like elements revealed differences. PCR analyses demonstrated that these multi-copy sequences are subject to intragenomic homologous recombination, resulting in translocations or large inversions. The genome rearrangements were reflected in differences among 25 strains representing the JP2 clone in DNA fingerprinting using the rare-cutting restriction enzyme XhoI and resolved by PFGE. XhoI DNA fingerprinting provides a tool for studying local epidemiology, including transmission of this particularly pathogenic clone of A. actinomycetemcomitans.

Actinobacillus Infections↗

Are there HLA combinations typical supporting for or making resistant against aggressive and/or chronic periodontitis?

OBJECTIVE AND BACKGROUND: Human leukocyte antigens (HLA)/alleles have been considered as risk factors for periodontal disease. However, data from HLA associations is not consistent. Diversity of HLA antigen combinations and en bloc inherited HLA alleles (haplotypes), as known in systemic diseases, can be variable factors in disease association. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of HLA homozygosities, heterozygosities and estimated haplotypes in German Caucasian groups with generalized aggressive (N = 50) and chronic (N = 102) periodontitis in comparison to control probands without periodontitis (N = 102). METHODS: HLA-A, -B, -Cw, -DRB1, -DRB3/4/5, -DQB1 typing was carried out using both serologic (microlymphocytotoxicity test) and genomic (PCR-SSP: PCR with sequence specific primers) techniques. Frequencies of all homozygosities, heterozygosities and haplotypes were determined in all patients and controls. RESULTS: In both patient groups, associations to HLA homozygosities and heterozygosities were found. Most striking was the significantly lower frequency of HLA-DRBblank* homozygosity (non-DRB3*/DRB4*/DRB5*) in chronic periodontitis (p < 0.05), whereas HLA-DRB1*15 : DRB5*(DR51) : DQB1*06 showed a slightly higher homozygosity rate in all patients. As the combination HLA-A*02,A*03 was significantly decreased in aggressive periodontitis (p < 0.05), HLA-A*01,A*03 heterozygosity was significantly lowered in chronic periodontitis (p < 0.05). Among others, the known positive associations for HLA-A*68/69 (A28) and HLA-DRB1*04 were confirmed by the haplotypes HLA-A*68/69 : Cw*07 : B*18 in aggressive periodontitis (p < 0.05) and HLA-Cw*08 : B*14 : DRB1*04 in chronic periodontitis (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The present study elucidates the variety of HLA associations and therefore the difficulty to assign single HLA markers to periodontal disease. Susceptibility/resistance of both aggressive and chronic periodontitis may rather be influenced by particular HLA marker combinations. Associated HLA haplotypes may be of further importance for unknown gene loci representing a part of the genetic background for periodontitis. The different associations in aggressive and chronic periodontitis indicate different susceptibility/resistance factors for both diseases.

Adult↗

[Aggressive generalized severe periodontitis and brittle diabetes mellitus Type I. Diagnosis, treatment and report of a case].

Poor metabolic control of diabetes mellitus has often been associated with the severity of periodontal disease. This case report describes the diagnosis, therapeutic concept, treatment steps, and long-term monitoring of a 22-year-old female with generalized aggressive periodontitis who had a history of type 1 brittle diabetes mellitus. The main objective was to treat the patient with periodontal surgery despite the difficult baseline situation to avoid tooth loss that would have been accompanied by a need for prosthodontic treatment. The mean of glycosylated hemoglobin [figure: see text] measurement (HbA1c) was used to indicate the long-term control of diabetes mellitus. This report proves the efficiency of periodontal therapy in the prevention of future periodontal breakdown and improvement of the HbA1c level in a systemically compromised patient.

Adult↗

Periodontal host modulation with antiproteinase, anti-inflammatory, and bone-sparing agents. A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: The use of modulating agents, including inhibition of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) with antiproteinases, blocking production of proinflammatory cytokines and prostaglandins with anti-inflammatory drugs, and inhibiting activation of osteoclasts with bone-sparing agents, has been postulated to be of therapeutic value as an adjunctive therapy to the management of chronic periodontitis. RATIONALE: The objective of this systematic review of the literature was to assess the adjunctive efficacy of antiproteinase, anti-inflammatory, and bone-sparing host-modulating agents in the treatment of gingivitis, aggressive periodontitis, and chronic periodontitis. FOCUSED QUESTIONS: 1. In patients with periodontal diseases, what is the effect of host-modulation agents, alone or combined with conventional therapy, compared to conventional therapy alone as assessed by clinical, radiographic, adverse, and patient-centered outcomes? 2. In patients with dental implants, what is the effect of host-modulation agents on implant success assessed by clinical, radiographic, adverse, and patient-centered outcomes? SEARCH PROTOCOL: MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Library databases were searched without language restrictions through April 1, 2002 for studies that used tetracycline (TET)-related matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibitors, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and bisphosphonate anti-osteolytic agents. The investigation also included hand searching of journals and contacting authors and industry experts. SELECTION CRITERIA INCLUSION CRITERIA: Only human studies (randomized controlled clinical trials, cohort studies, case-control studies, cross-sectional studies, and case series) were selected. Studies were on subjects with gingivitis, aggressive or chronic periodontitis, or dental implants. Interventions included TET-related MMP inhibitors, NSAIDs, or bisphosphonate anti-osteolytic agents. EXCLUSION CRITERIA: Studies that used MMP tissue inhibitors as diagnostic or prognostic indicators of periodontal disease or that evaluated short-term systemic antibodies or locally delivered levels of drugs with antiproteinase activity were excluded. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: The primary outcomes for assessment were changes in bone or clinical attachment levels (CAL); secondary outcomes included clinical measures of plaque, gingival inflammation, probing depth (PD), and mobility. Summary data appropriate for meta-analysis were pooled using a weighted average and analyzed using a standardized difference; the results were checked with both fixed-effects and random-effects models. MAIN RESULTS: 1. A meta-analysis done on the studies reporting changes in CAL and PD following administration of sub-antimicrobial doses of doxycycline (SDD) in conjunction with scaling and root planing (SRP) in patients with periodontitis showed a statistically significant beneficial adjunctive effect. 2. There were insufficient data to provide meta-analyses on periodontal patients treated with other host-modulating agents; descriptive tables are included. 3. NSAIDS show promise in their ability to slow periodontal disease. 4. Preliminary data on bisphosphonate agents indicate there is a potential role for these agents in periodontitis management. 5. There are a very limited number of studies on host-modulating agents and dental implants and no analyses were possible. 6. Because the treatment methodologies and clinical variables differed considerably among the studies, it is difficult to summarize the information and identify a reliable total patient population. REVIEWERS' CONCLUSIONS: 1. Large multi-center trials are needed to evaluate the role of host-modulating agents in the treatment of periodontitis. 2. NSAIDS and bisphosphonate drugs may have a potential adjunctive role in periodontal therapy. 3. The adjunctive use of SDD with SRP is statistically more effective than SRP alone in reducing PD and in achieving CAL gain.

Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal↗

Phenotypic and functional analysis of peripheral blood mononuclear cells in generalised aggressive and chronic periodontitis patients.

BACKGROUND: The aetiology and pathogenesis of periodontal disease may involve dysfunctions in the cellular immune responses. The aim of the present study was to study the phenotypic and functional activities of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from 16 patients with generalised aggressive periodontitis (G-AP), 13 patients with chronic periodontitis (CP) and 20 periodontally healthy subjects (H). METHODS: The relative counts of CD3+, CD4+, CD8+ T cells, T cells exhibiting HLA DR antigen and interleukin-2 receptor, CD19+ B cells and natural killer cells were determined by two colour flow cytometry using monoclonal antibodies. Blastogenic response of PBMC to mitogen phytohemagglutinin (PHA) was assessed after 96 h incubation by measuring 3(H)-thymidine incorporation and the results were expressed as net counts per minute. Spontaneous PBMC proliferation was also evaluated in unstimulated culture and the results were reported as mean counts per minute. Comparisons of G-AP, CP and H groups were performed using the Kruskal-Wallis and Bonferroni-corrected Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS: No significant differences in the relative counts of PBMC subsets were found between G-AP, CP and H groups (P > 0.05) with the exception of lower relative amount of CD3+ T cells found in the CP group compared with healthy subjects (P = 0.0048). Blastogenic response to PHA was significantly suppressed in G-AP and CP groups relative to that of H group (P < 0.02). However, there was no significant difference in the blastogenic response to PHA between G-AP and CP groups (P > 0.05). Spontaneous proliferative response of G-AP and CP groups was also significantly lower compared to that of H group (P < 0.02). Similarly, no significant difference in spontaneous PBMC response was observed between G-AP and CP groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Although G-AP and CP patients have similar amount of immune cells compared to healthy subjects, reduced functional activities of these cells may suggest the existence of defective cellular immune mechanism for the susceptibility to periodontal disease. One has to keep in mind that periodontal diseases have a genetic basis and the present functional analysis might not be connected to the actual genetic predisposition to the disease.

Adult↗

Periodontal dressing (Vocopac) influences outcomes in a two-step treatment procedure.

OBJECTIVES: It is not clear if periodontal dressing influences the long-term results in a non-surgical treatment procedure. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The periodontal parameters (pre-baseline) of 36 patients with aggressive periodontitis were obtained before the patients were treated initially (1st step) by a dental hygienist, who completely removed the supra- and subgingival concrements. Baseline parameters were raised 3 weeks after the 1st step, before the 2nd therapy step was conducted. It consisted of a non-surgical procedure, which comprised a closed full-mouth manual root curettage (root planing), immediate systemic application of metronidazole, and the placement of a periodontal dressing (Vocopac, Voco). The patients were randomized to two test groups having their periodontal packs removed after 3-4 days (group 1, n=12) and 7-8 days (group 2, n=12), respectively and a control group (n=12) without periodontal dressing. Clinical parameters were raised again after 6 and 24 months. RESULTS: Six and 24 months later, changes in probing pocket depth (PPD) and probing attachment level (PAL) were observed in all three groups compared with baseline, but the difference was significant in group 2 only. In addition, group 2 showed a greater reduction in mean PPD and also a significantly greater gain of attachment in comparison with the controls. CONCLUSION: Wound dressing has a positive effect on clinical long-term results using a two-step non-surgical procedure. Moreover, removing the dressing after 7-8 days leads to clearly better results than removing it earlier.

Administration, Oral↗

Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans lipopolysaccharide induces interleukin-6 expression through multiple mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways in periodontal ligament fibroblasts.

Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans plays a major role in the pathogenesis of aggressive periodontitis. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) derived from A. actinomycetemcomitans is a key factor in inflammatory cytokine generation within periodontal tissues. In this study, we identify major mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways induced by A. actinomycetemcomitans LPS, Escherichia coli LPS and interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) in a murine periodontal ligament (mPDL) fibroblast cell line. Immunoblot analysis was used to assess the phosphorylated forms of p38, extracellular-regulated kinase (ERK) and c-jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) MAPK following stimulation with A. actinomycetemcomitans LPS, E. coli LPS and IL-1beta. IL-6 mRNA induction was detected via reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, while protein levels were quantified via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). We utilized biochemical inhibitors of p38, ERK and JNK MAPK to identify the MAPK signaling pathways needed for IL-6 expression. Additional use of stable mPDL cell lines containing dominant negative mutant constructs of MAPK kinase-3 and -6 (MKK-3/6) and p38 null mutant mouse embryonic fibroblast (MEF) cells were used to substantiate the biochemical inhibitor data. Blocking p38 MAPK with SB203580 reduced the induction of IL-6 mRNA by A. actinomycetemcomitans LPS, E. coli LPS and IL-1beta by >70%, >95% and approximately 60%, respectively. IL-6 ELISA indicated that blocking p38 MAPK reduced the IL-6 protein levels induced by A. actinomycetemcomitans LPS, E. coli LPS and IL-1beta by approximately 60%, approximately 50% and approximately 70%, respectively. All MAPK inhibitors significantly reduced the IL-6 protein levels induced by A. actinomycetemcomitans LPS, E. coli LPS and IL-1beta whereas only p38 inhibitors consistently reduced the A. actinomycetemcomitans LPS, E. coli LPS and IL-1beta induction of IL-6 mRNA steady-state levels. The contribution of p38 MAPK LPS-induced IL-6 expression was confirmed using MKK-3/6 dominant negative stable mPDL cell lines. Wild-type and p38alpha(-/-) MEF cells provided additional evidence to support the role of p38alpha MAPK in A. actinomycetemcomitans LPS-stimulated IL-6. Our results indicate that induction of IL-6 by E. coli LPS, IL-1beta and A. actinomycetemcomitans LPS requires signaling through MKK-3-p38alpha ERK, JNK and p38 MAPK in mPDL cells.

Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans↗

Epstein-Barr virus in oral diseases.

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a B-lymphotropic gamma-herpesvirus, causes infectious mononucleosis and oral hairy leukoplakia, and is associated with various types of lymphoid and epithelial malignancies. Saliva is the main vehicle for EBV transmission from individual to individual. Recent studies have also implicated EBV in the pathogenesis of advanced types of periodontal disease. EBV DNA is detected in 60-80% of aggressive periodontitis lesions and in 15-20% of gingivitis lesions or normal periodontal sites. The periodontal presence of EBV is associated with an elevated occurrence of periodontopathic anaerobic bacteria. Moreover, EBV active infection occurs in approximately 70% of symptomatic and large-size periapical lesions. EBV and cytomegalovirus often co-exist in marginal and apical periodontitis. Periodontal therapy can markedly suppress the EBV load in periodontal pockets as well as in saliva, which has the potential to reduce the risk of viral transmission between close individuals. EBV proteins up-regulate cytokines and growth factors, which seem to play a central role in the proliferative response of tongue epithelial cells in oral hairy leukoplakia and in the cell-transformation process of EBV-associated malignancies. Further research is needed to identify the full range of EBV-related diseases in the human oral cavity.

Cell Transformation, Viral↗

Real-time polymerase chain reaction quantification of Epstein--Barr virus in chronic periodontitis patients.

BACKGROUND: Although herpes viruses have been implicated in the pathogenesis of chronic and aggressive periodontitis, few data in the literature refer to quantification of these viruses in periodontal sites, especially in relation to serological findings. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to compare Epstein--Barr virus (EBV) DNA load in subgingival specimens from chronic periodontitis patients and in periodontally healthy subjects, in relation to serologic testing of IgM and IgG antibodies to EBV. METHODS: A total of 22 chronic periodontitis patients and 13 controls participated in the present study. Seventy-nine subgingival specimens (one pooled, one from a deep and one from a shallow site), sampled with paper points, were analysed with real-time polymerase chain reaction for EBV. Subjects were also examined for anti-EBV IgG and IgM levels in serum, using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: One subject was seronegative for EBV. Three subjects (one patient and two controls) displayed anti-EBV IgM. Their data were excluded from further analysis. All three displayed EBV in their subgingival samples. Nine out of the remaining 20 chronic periodontitis patients and 10 out of 11 controls did not display EBV subgingivally. A statistically significant difference in viral load was observed between pooled and shallow-pocket samples from periodontitis patients but not between samples from deep and shallow pockets (Kruskall--Wallis anova, Dunn's multiple comparisons test). CONCLUSIONS: Data from the present study do not strongly support the pathogenetic significance of EBV in chronic periodontitis lesions. The data do, however, suggest that parallel serological assessments provide a useful insight into the association of viruses with periodontal disease.

Analysis of Variance↗

Guided tissue regeneration for periodontal infra-bony defects.

BACKGROUND: Conventional treatment of destructive periodontal (gum) disease arrests the disease but does not usually regain the bone support or connective tissue lost in the disease process. Guided tissue regeneration (GTR) is a surgical procedure that specifically aims to regenerate the periodontal tissues when the disease is advanced and could overcome some of the limitations of conventional therapy. OBJECTIVES: To assess the efficacy of GTR in the treatment of periodontal infra-bony defects measured against conventional surgery (open flap debridement (OFD)) and factors affecting outcomes. SEARCH STRATEGY: We conducted an electronic search of the Cochrane Oral Health Group Trials Register, MEDLINE and EMBASE up to April 2004. Handsearching included Journal of Periodontology, Journal of Clinical Periodontology, Journal of Periodontal Research and bibliographies of all relevant papers and review articles up to April 2004. In addition, we contacted experts/groups/companies involved in surgical research to find other trials or unpublished material or to clarify ambiguous or missing data and posted requests for data on two periodontal electronic discussion groups. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised, controlled trials (RCTs) of at least 12 months duration comparing guided tissue regeneration (with or without graft materials) with open flap debridement for the treatment of periodontal infra-bony defects. Furcation involvements and studies specifically treating aggressive periodontitis were excluded. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Screening of possible studies and data extraction was conducted independently. The methodological quality of studies was assessed in duplicate using individual components and agreement determined by Kappa scores. Methodological quality was used in sensitivity analyses to test the robustness of the conclusions. The Cochrane Oral Health Group statistical guidelines were followed and the results expressed as mean differences (MD and 95% CI) for continuous outcomes and risk ratios (RR and 95% CI) for dichotomous outcomes calculated using random-effects models. Any heterogeneity was investigated. The primary outcome measure was change in clinical attachment. MAIN RESULTS: The search produced 626 titles, of these 596 were clearly not relevant to the review. The full text of 32 studies of possible relevance was obtained and 15 studies were excluded. Therefore 17 RCTs were included in this review, 16 studies testing GTR alone and two testing GTR+bone substitutes (one study had both test treatment arms).No tooth loss was reported in any study although these data are incomplete where patient follow up was not complete. For attachment level change, the mean difference between GTR and OFD was 1.22 mm (95% CI Random Effects: 0.80 to 1.64, chi squared for heterogeneity 69.1 (df = 15), P < 0.001, I(2) = 78%) and for GTR + bone substitutes was 1.25 mm (95% CI 0.89 to 1.61, chi squared for heterogeneity 0.01 (df = 1), P = 0.91). GTR showed a significant benefit when comparing the numbers of sites failing to gain 2 mm attachment with risk ratio 0.54 (95% CI Random Effects: 0.31 to 0.96, chi squared for heterogeneity 8.9 (df = 5), P = 0.11). The number needed to treat (NNT) for GTR to achieve one extra site gaining 2 mm or more attachment over open flap debridement was therefore 8 (95% CI 5 to 33), based on an incidence of 28% of sites in the control group failing to gain 2 mm or more of attachment. For baseline incidences in the range of the control groups of 3% and 55% the NNTs are 71 and 4. Probing depth reduction was greater for GTR than OFD: 1.21 mm (95% CI 0.53 to 1.88, chi squared for heterogeneity 62.9 (df = 10), P < 0.001, I(2) = 84%) or GTR + bone substitutes, weighted mean difference 1.24 mm (95% CI 0.89 to 1.59, chi squared for heterogeneity 0.03 (df = 1), P = 0.85). For gingival recession, a statistically significant difference between GTR and open flap debridement controls was evident (mean difference 0.26 mm (95% CI Random Effects: 0.08, 0.43, chi squared for heterogeneity 2.7 (df = 8), P = 0.95), with a greater change in recession from baseline for the control group. Regarding hard tissue probing at surgical re-entry, a statistically significant greater gain was found for GTR compared with open flap debridement. This amounted to a weighted mean difference of 1.39 mm (95% CI 1.08 to 1.71, chi squared for heterogeneity 0.85 (df = 2), P = 0.65). For GTR + bone substitutes the difference was greater, with mean difference 3.37 mm (95% CI 3.14 to 3.61). Adverse effects were generally minor although with an increased treatment time for GTR. Exposure of the barrier membrane was frequently reported with a lack of evidence of an effect on healing. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: GTR has a greater effect on probing measures of periodontal treatment than open flap debridement, including improved attachment gain, reduced pocket depth, less increase in gingival recession and more gain in hard tissue probing at re-entry surgery. However there is marked variability between studies and the clinical relevance of these changes is unknown. As a result, it is difficult to draw general conclusions about the clinical benefit of GTR. Whilst there is evidence that GTR can demonstrate a significant improvement over conventional open flap surgery, the factors affecting outcomes are unclear from the literature and these might include study conduct issues such as bias. Therefore, patients and health professionals need to consider the predictability of the technique compared with other methods of treatment before making final decisions on use. Since trial reports were often incomplete, we recommend that future trials should follow the CONSORT statement both in their conduct and reporting. There is therefore little value in future research repeating simple, small efficacy studies. The priority should be to identify factors associated with improved outcomes as well as investigating outcomes relevant to patients. Types of research might include large observational studies to generate hypotheses for testing in clinical trials, qualitative studies on patient-centred outcomes and trials exploring innovative analytic methods such as multilevel modelling. Open flap surgery should remain the control comparison in these studies.

Alveolar Bone Loss↗

Gingival crevicular fluid matrix metalloproteinase-25 and -26 levels in periodontal disease.

BACKGROUND: Tissue destruction associated with the progression of periodontal disease is caused by a cascade of host and microbial proteolytic enzymes. Host-derived matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play an important role in the degradation of the extracellular matrix. Leukolysin/membrane-type 6 (MT-6)/MMP-25, the latest member of the MT-MMP subgroup of the MMP family, is primarily expressed by neutrophils and involved in extracellular matrix turnover. Matrilysin-2/MMP-26 (endometase), a novel member of the matrilysin subgroup of the MMP family, can degrade the extracellular matrix, alpha1-antitrypsin, and activate pro-MMP-9. Our study aimed to examine the levels, molecular forms, and degrees of activation of MMP-25 and MMP-26 in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) from patients with different periodontal diseases. METHODS: A total of 105 subjects, 35 with generalized aggressive periodontitis (GAgP), 29 with chronic periodontitis (CP), 20 with gingivitis, and 21 periodontally healthy subjects, were included in this study. Periodontal status was evaluated by measuring probing depth, clinical attachment loss, presence of bleeding on probing, and plaque. GCF MMP-25 and MMP-26 levels were analyzed by computer-quantitated Western immunoblotting using specific antibodies. RESULTS: The 57-kDa soluble pro-MMP-25 and 45- to 47-kDa active form of MMP-25 were detected by Western immunoblots in CP and GAgP GCF, and lesser levels of these soluble MMP-25 immunoreactive bands were detected in gingivitis GCF. An enhanced and similar degree of MMP-25 activation was found in GAgP, CP, and gingivitis groups. There were no detectable MMP-25 immunoreactivities in the healthy subjects' GCF. GAgP and CP groups had elevated GCF MMP-26 levels and degrees of activation compared to the gingivitis and healthy groups (P <0.008). The gingivitis group had higher GCF MMP-26 levels and degree of activation compared to the healthy group (P <0.008). CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrated the presence of soluble or shed forms of MMP-25 and MMP-26 in GCF of patients with different periodontal diseases. Increased levels and activation of MMP-25 and MMP-26 in GCF are associated with an enhanced severity of periodontal inflammation, suggesting that these novel MMPs can participate in the progression of periodontal diseases. They may prove to be diagnostically useful and could be targets of medication in the future.

Acute Disease↗