RESUMO
Periodontitis is a complex, multifactorial disease. Multiple factors such as (epi)genetic factors, environmental factors (microbial biofilm), lifestyle (smoking, stress) and general health (diabetes mellitus) contribute to the development of periodontitis. A healthy subgingival microbiome is in balance with its host, is very stable and diverse, and keeps the host healthy. Changes, such as declining oral hygiene, lead to changes in the microbial composition in the subgingival sulcus: anaerobic and protein-degrading microorganisms with pro-inflammatory properties increase in number and disturb the proportions, leading in turn to changes in the subgingival environment and an increase in pro-inflammatory microorganisms. If the first line of the immune system is unable to restore subgingival equilibrium, microorganisms and their products invade the periodontal soft tissues, resulting in activation of osteoclasts and, ultimately, in the destruction of the periodontium and the onset of periodontitis.
Assuntos
Microbiota , Periodontite , Biofilmes , Humanos , InflamaçãoRESUMO
Neutrophils are white blood cells known for their ability to ingest and kill micro-organisms. In this doctoral research, oral neutrophils and their functionality are characterised . Research was carried out on how oral neutrophils can contribute to a healthy oral cavity and what the role of these cells is in inflammation. During the development of gingivitis, specific genes coding for neutrophil functions are activated. In addition, neutrophils are shown to have a modulating and communicating role in attracting other components of the immune system. In particular, patients who still have their own teeth were shown to have more functional neutrophils compared with edentulous patients.