Nonsurgical periodontal therapy with/without 980 nm diode laser in patients after myocardial infarction: a randomized clinical trial.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the possible benefits (in terms of periodontal status improvement and periodontal bacteria count reduction) of using 980 nm diode laser in the treatment of periodontitis in patients after myocardial infarction. Thirty-six patients under 65 years of age (mean: 56.3 ± 7.9) with periodontitis, 6 weeks to 6 months after myocardial infarction, were recruited for the study. The control group (n = 18) received SRP (scaling, root planing and polishing) while the test group (n = 18) received SRP followed by laser therapy of the periodontal pockets with 980 nm diode laser, 1 W, continuous wave mode, 20 s per tooth side. Procedures were repeated twice at 5-7 day intervals. Microbiological and periodontal examination, including periodontal pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment loss (CAL), bleeding on probing (BOP) and plaque control record (PCR), were performed before treatment, 2 weeks and 3 months after treatment. The study was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov with Identifier: NCT04145557, 29.10.2019 "retrospectively registered". Additional use of laser resulted in a significant reduction in pockets with PPD ≥ 7 mm (p = 0.0151). The diode laser reduced total bacteria count (p = 0.0154) and delayed recolonisation during a 3-month observation period. A significant increase in the number of Capnocytophaga gingivalis was observed in the control group (p = 0.048). Additional use of the diode laser after SRP had no significant effect on BOP, CAL and PCR. Within the limitations of our study, we can conclude that 980 nm diode laser can be a useful tool in the treatment of periodontitis in patients after myocardial infarction.

In Vivo Evaluation of Periodontal Phenotypes Using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography, Intraoral Scanning by Computer-Aided Design, and Prosthetic-Driven Implant Planning Technology.

BACKGROUND Two clinical parameters, the gingival thickness (GT) and the width of keratinized tissue (WKT), describe the gingival phenotype, which is defined as the 3-dimensional volume of the gingiva. The periodontal phenotype additionally includes the thickness of the labial plate of the alveolar crest (TLPAC). MATERIAL AND METHODS Thirty patients with healthy periodontium on the upper canines and incisors underwent measurements for crestal, supracrestal, free gingival thickness (FGT), the alveolar crest-gingival margin (AC-GM), alveolar crest-cementoenamel junction distance, and the TLPAC at 2, 4, and 8 mm apically from the edge of the alveolar crest using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) with computer-aided design and prosthetic-driven implant planning technology. For each tooth, the gingival and periodontal phenotype was evaluated on the basis of the gingival thickness, width of keratinized tissue (WKT), and TLPAC measurements. Each patient's periodontal phenotype was evaluated according to the coronal width/length ratio of both the upper central incisors. RESULTS The dentogingival units had varying average values for the 3 periodontal phenotypes (thin phenotype: FGT 0.65±0.06 mm, WKT 4.85±1.18 mm, AC-GM 3.17±0.64 mm, TLPAC2 0.66±0.28 mm; medium phenotype: FGT 0.87±0.07 mm, WKT 5.49±1.23 mm, AC-GM 3.36±0.65 mm, TLPAC2 0.76±0.37 mm; and thick phenotype: FGT 1.20 mm, WKT 6.00 mm, AC-GM 3.90 mm, TLPAC2 0.90 mm). Positive correlations were seen among WKT, FGT, AC-GM, and TLPAC2. CONCLUSIONS Positive correlations between the FGT and WKT, and the AC-GM distance confirm that measurements using CBCT with computer-aided design and prosthetic-driven implant planning technology can evaluate the gingival phenotype and TLPAC2 for the periodontal phenotype.

The influence of KIR gene presence/absence polymorphisms on the development of periodontal disease in smokers and non-smokers.

INTRODUCTION: Periodontal diseases are highly prevalent inflammatory, multifactorial diseases. Smoking is one of the most important environmental risk factors for the development and severity of periodontal disease. Killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) are members of the immunoglobulin (Ig) superfamily and play an essential role in the regulation of NK cell activity, allowing natural killer (NK) cells to sense and respond to human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of KIR gene presence/absence polymorphisms on the development of periodontal disease in smokers and non-smokers. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study enrolled 400 Caucasian subjects (age range 25-69 years) from the West Pomeranian region of Poland. The subjects were categorized into four subgroups (smoking and non-smoking patients with periodontal disease; smoking and non-smoking subjects without periodontal disease - control subjects). RESULTS: The differences of KIR gene frequencies between non-smoking patients and non-smoking control subjects as well as smoking patients and control subjects were not statistically significant. In multivariate regression analysis advanced age of patients and smoking were independent factors associated with increased frequency of periodontal disease. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that the main factor associated with increased risk of periodontal disease is smoking, whereas KIR presence/absence polymorphism is not a significant factor involved in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease.

Periodontal status and selected parameters of oral condition of Poles aged 65 to 74 years.

INTRODUCTION: The goal of this study was the evaluation of the periodontal health by means of CPI score in inhabitants of big and small cities in the age range from 65 to 74 and making comparison with previous Polish and European studies from XXI century. Also an average number of natural teeth, the edentulous persons percentage, the percentage of people with oral function maintenance and prevalence of oral mucosal diseases were evaluated. There were also attempts to evaluate essential behaviours related to the oral health and the percentage of people that are treated with use of non-reimbursed or reimbursed services. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Studies were conducted in 5 big cities: Warszawa, Szczecin, Wroclaw, Bialystok and Torun, as well as in 4 towns, such as Olawa, Police, Lobez and Elk. From sampling 7400 people aged from 65 to 74 years for the study reported only 807 people. In the mouth evaluated CPI score, number of natural teeth and prevalence of pathological lesions on cavity mucosa. Answers for questions on selected attitudes and health-seeking behaviours related to the oral health and the range of dental treatment were also analysed. RESULTS: Distribution of values of CPI codes in the whole group was as follows: CPI0-1.2%, CPI1-9.4%, CPI2-16.6%, CPI3-21.8%, CPI4-19.7% and the number of people excluded from examinations (1 tooth in the sextant or edentulous 31.3%). The state of the periodontium was worse in big cities and in men. An average number of teeth was 13.7 and was higher in big cities and in men. The percentage of edentulous persons was 28.9% and was higher in towns and in woman. The percentage of people with oral function maintenance was 25.15% and was higher in big cities and in men. The most three common pathologies of the oral cavity were leukoplakia and leukokeratosis that were found in 10.5% of examined people, candidiasis 5.82% and lichen planus 2.2%. CONCLUSION: The state of the periodontium of Poles at the age from 65 to 74 has not been improved in XXI century, but also does not significantly differ from an average European level. An average number of remaining teeth of Poles at this age has increased, but remains under a European average; also the prevalence of edentulism has decreased, but still remains one of the highest in Europe. The percentage of people with oral function maintenance is very low, thus needs for prosthetic treatment and rehabilitation of masticatory ability remain high. Precancerous lesions in the oral cavity are quite common in this age group. Health-seeking behaviours related to the oral health of older Poles are inadequate and result from a low level of knowledge on dental prophylaxis.

Are KIR genes associated with clinical parameters in the course of periodontitis?

INTRODUCTION: Periodontitis is a common chronic inflammatory disease. It seems that natural killer (NK) cells play a role in the pathogenesis of periodontitis. KIRs are a family of inhibitory or activating receptors expressed on the surfaces of NK cells and some subpopulations of T lymphocytes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of KIR genes on the pocket depth (PD) and clinical attachment loss (CAL) parameter values as markers of disease clinical course. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The patients in the study were submitted to anamnesis and to clinical and periodontal examination. The subjects (400) were categorized into two groups: periodontitis (250 including 100 with moderate and 140 with severe periodontitis) and controls (150). Both groups were divided into two subgroups: KIR gene positive (presence of KIR gene in the genome) and KIR gene negative (lack of the KIR gene in the genome). RESULTS: The mean value for CAL was more than 5 mm, and the mean value for PD was more than 4 mm in the periodontitis group. The ANOVA test performed for the control group showed that neither PD nor CAL parameters differed between particular KIR-positive and KIR-negative healthy individuals. Similar results were obtained for all subgroups of chronic periodontitis patients and periodontitis patients (moderate as well as severe): no association between KIR genes and PD or CAL parameters was found. DISCUSSIONS: The activated immune system is important in pathogenesis of periodontal disease. On the other hand, tissue damage as a response to infection could be due to activation mediated by KIR. In our study no association between either KIR genes presence or absence and PD and CAL parameters was found. Nevertheless, the impact of KIR genes on the clinical course of periodontal disease requires further investigations.

Oral Mucosa Status in Patients with End-Stage Chronic Kidney Disease Undergoing Hemodialysis.

There are reports in the literature of interrelationships between chronic kidney disease and periodontitis pathophysiology; similar risk factors play a role in these conditions. Due to chronic kidney disease (CKD), patients on hemodialysis (HD) are more susceptible to developing pathological processes in the gingiva, periodontium, and oral mucosa. This study aimed to evaluate the condition of the oral cavity, with particular attention to lesions of the oral mucosa of patients with end-stage renal disease in Poland, West Pomeranian Voivodship. A case-control study assessed oral health in 200 Polish subjects, including 100 dialysis-station patients who constituted the study group (HD) and 100 healthy patients who formed the control group (K). The physical examination consisted of a general medical and dental history. Evaluation of the oral mucosa included detailed noting of the type of lesions, nature of complaints, and their location. The results showed a higher prevalence of oral lesions highlighting oral mucosal pathology in patients with HD than in group K. Most common symptoms reported by patients with CKD (HD) were xerostomia, taste disorders, and burning mouth. These findings highlight the need to implement comprehensive multispecialty care in patients with chronic systemic diseases.

Effects of a 980 nm Diode Laser as an Adjunct to Nonsurgical Periodontal Therapy on Periodontal Status and Inflammatory Markers in Patients After Myocardial Infarction: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of diode laser (DL) therapy as an adjunct to nonsurgical periodontal therapy in the treatment of periodontitis in patients after myocardial infarction (MI). Methods: After given permission by Ethics Commission of the Pomeranian Medical University (KB-0012/06/12), 36 patients <65 years of age (mean: 56.3 ± 7.9) with periodontitis, 6 weeks to 6 months after MI were enrolled for the study. The control group (n = 18) received nonsurgical periodontal therapy, whereas the test group (n = 18) received nonsurgical periodontal therapy followed by laser therapy of the periodontal pockets with 980 nm DL, 1 W, continuous wave mode, and 20 sec per tooth side. Procedures were repeated twice at 5-7 day intervals. Clinical periodontal parameters and inflammatory markers in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) [elastase, aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT) and interleukin (IL)-6, proteins], bloodstream [fibrinogen, high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP), IL-6, AST and ALT], and lipid fractions (triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, and total cholesterol) were measured before treatment, 2 weeks, and 3 months after treatment. Results: The difference between groups in the reduction of periodontal pocket depth (PPD) in pockets ≥7 mm was found to be significant in the test group (p < 0.05). There was also a statistically significant reduction in the volume of GCF and hs-CRP concentration in blood 2 weeks after the completion of treatment in the test group (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Within the limits of this study, it can be concluded that in the nonsurgical treatment of periodontitis with patients after MI, the additional use of DL enables greater reduction of PPD in pockets ≥7 mm. In addition, a faster reduction of GCF volume and hs-CRP was noted in the laser group.

Evaluation of Common Factors of Periodontitis and Cardiovascular Disease in Patients with the Acute Coronary Syndrome.

Periodontitis is a multifactorial disease causing inflammatory destruction of supporting structures of the dentition and eventually leading to its loss. This study was designed to evaluate common risk factors for periodontitis and acute coronary syndrome in the study population and demonstrate the systemic impact of periodontitis on the occurrence of acute coronary syndrome. A total of 160 patients (35 female and 125 male) were enrolled in the study. Considering the age range, the largest group of patients (118 patients) was between 55 and 65 years, which accounted for 73.8% of the total study population. There were 35 patients (21.9%) in the age group of 45 to 54 years, while the youngest age group of 35 to 44 years had as many as seven patients. Medical history and physical examination, including periodontal status, were performed. API, PD, CAL, and CPITN were evaluated. Common risk factors for periodontitis and acute coronary syndrome were assessed. The study assessed risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, general health, smoking, height, weight, and hip circumference. In light of the above-described etiopathogenesis of atherosclerotic disease and its association with periodontal disease, it is important to emphasize preventing and treating periodontitis, especially in patients in the so-called high-risk group for cardiovascular disease. Dentists' introduction of an appropriate prophylactic and therapeutic plan may constitute both primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular diseases.

The Evaluation of the Periodontal Status of Hemodialysis Patients with End-Stage Renal Disease.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an increasingly common condition observed in developing countries. Similarly, a high prevalence of gingivitis and periodontitis is observed. There are reports in the literature about the interrelationship between chronic kidney disease and periodontitis pathophysiology. This dissertation attempts to: assess the extent of gingivitis and periodontitis in a group of patients with the end-stage renal disease treated with hemodialysis compared to healthy subjects. The study included 200 subjects: 100 hemodialysis patients (HD) and 100 healthy control subjects (K). Periodontal status was assessed by measuring pocket depth (PD) clinical level of connective tissue attachment (CAL). Gingival inflammation indices Gingival Index (GI) and Bleeding on Probing (BOP) were also performed. PD with a depth of more than 6mm was found in 25% of the HD group and 5% of the K group. CAL ≥ 5 mm was found in 55% of HD and 24% of the K group. As defined by Page and Eke, severe periodontitis was found in 21% of HD, and 4% of K. Moderate gingivitis was noted in 55% of HD and 5% of the K group. The mean values of the BOP index in the HD group were 32.08% and in the K group 3.09%. The HD group had a higher incidence and severity of gingivitis and periodontitis than the control group.

Comparison of the Treatment Efficacy of Endo-Perio Lesions Using a Standard Treatment Protocol and Extended by Using a Diode Laser (940 nm).

Marginal and periapical periodontal diseases cause massive destruction of tooth tissues and surrounding tissues, such as alveolar bone and maxillary sinus floor, visible on radiographs. Lesions involving the apical and marginal periodontium are endo-perio (EPL) lesions. This study aimed to compare the treatment efficacy of endo-perio lesions using a standard treatment protocol and a standard diode laser-assisted treatment protocol. The 12 patients were divided into the study (a) and control (b) group. Periodontal indices, tooth vitality and mobility, occlusal status, and radiographic diagnosis were evaluated. Standard EPL treatment was then performed-without (a) and with (b) the use of diode laser (940 nm). Again, after six months, the above-mentioned parameters were evaluated and compared. The treatment of endo-perio lesions is a significant challenge for modern dentistry. Diode lasers are increasingly used in addition to traditional treatment methods. The conventional use of a 940 nm diode laser with an average power of 0.8 W in pulsed mode allows for the depth of periodontal pockets to be reduced. In addition, the use of a diode laser has a significant effect on tooth mobility and reduces bone loss.

Quality of Life in Patients with End-Stage Renal Disease Undergoing Hemodialysis.

End-stage renal disease and hemodialysis therapy cause a number of changes, not only somatic but also psychosocial, including the patient's perception and assessment of their quality of life. The literature describes predispositions to pathologies in the oral mucosa, craniofacial bones, teeth, and surrounding tissues in hemodialysis patients. This study aimed to determine the quality of life of hemodialysis patients in comparison with healthy subjects. The study group consisted of 200 subjects: the HD group (hemodialysis patients, n = 100) and the K group (control group, n = 100). General health and oral status were assessed using the following indices: plaque index, gingival index, probing depth, and clinical adhesion level. The WHOQOL-BREF survey was performed to determine both groups' overall quality of life. The results showed lower values of assessed quality-of-life parameters in hemodialysis patients compared to the control group, especially in the somatic sphere. General diseases such as oral mycosis, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and coronary-artery disease negatively impact the perceived quality of life. There are numerous indications for comprehensive psychological care of hemodialysis patients due to their poor psychosocial status.

Lack of Association Between the VEGFA Gene Rs699947 Polymorphism and Periodontal Disease.

PURPOSE: Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory disease characterised by the infiltration of inflammatory cells as well as activation of pathological angiogenesis in gingival tissues. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays a statistically significant role in the regulation of angiogenesis and induction of an inflammatory response in periodontal tissues. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We examined the association between the VEGFA gene rs699947 polymorphism and periodontal disease. This study enrolled 200 patients with periodontal disease (130 non-smokers and 70 smokers) and 160 control subjects (126 non-smokers and 34 smokers). RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences in the distribution of VEGFA rs699947 genotypes and alleles between patients with periodontal disease and control subjects, also in the case when the analysis was performed in subgroups stratified according to smoking status. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest there is no association between the VEGFA gene rs699947 polymorphism and periodontal disease.

Root Surface Temperature Increases during Root Canal Filling In Vitro with Nd:YAG Laser-Softened Gutta-Percha.

The aim of this in vitro study was to measure the temperature increases produced on the mesial and vestibular root surfaces of premolar teeth during a laser-softened gutta-percha obturation technique. We studied 12 extracted human premolar teeth with a single canal. After root canal cleaning and shaping, the teeth were obturated with gutta-percha that had been softened with a neodymium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet (Nd:YAG) laser (CTL 1503) at a wavelength of 1.064 nm. The laser setup parameters included a 30 Hz frequency and a 200 mJ/pulse with optical fiber tips of 0.320 mm diameter. A sectional warm gutta-percha condensation was used. Temperature changes on the whole mesial and vestibular outer surfaces of the roots were measured at approximately 2 s intervals with an infrared thermal imaging camera. A significantly higher increase in temperature was observed for the mesial root surface (7.5°C) compared to the vestibular surface (3.7°C) (p ≈ 0). The findings suggested that root canal filling with Nd:YAG laser-softened gutta-percha in premolar teeth is not likely to damage the surrounding periradicular tissues. To obtain valid temperature results, the measurement should be performed on the surface with the thinnest root wall.

Dental treatment of post-myocardial infarction patients: A review of the literature.

Patients who have suffered a heart attack often require dental treatment. The inflammation of the oral cavity not only reduces the quality of life, but also negatively affects the course of ischemic heart disease. Dental treatment in patients with a history of myocardial infarction seems complicated, since these patients require special consideration with regard to the timing and form of dental treatment as well as to the precautions required. Patients at risk of cardiac complications that are greater than the benefits of dental treatment should be identified and only the most urgent conditions should be treated. The aim of this study was to present the latest guidelines for dental treatment in patients who have suffered myocardial infarction. We reviewed the available literature explaining when dental treatment can be undertaken, whether antibiotic prophylaxis is required, whether the patient can be anesthetized locally, and how to provide the maximum safety during the visit. The principles of the surgical treatment of patients receiving drugs that affect hemostasis were also reviewed.

IL-1ß rs1143634 and rs16944 polymorphisms in patients with periodontal disease.

BACKGROUND: Periodontal disease (PD) is a chronic inflammatory condition caused by pathogenic microflora in a biofilm, often leading to tooth loss. The inflammatory response of periodontal tissues to infection is influenced by both environmental and genetic factors. The interleukin (IL)-1 family of proinflammatory cytokines plays a role in the tissue destruction associated with PD due to their proinflammatory and bone-resorptive properties. In addition, recent studies have indicated that polymorphisms in the genes encoding IL-1 might be associated with greater PD severity. In this study, we examined the association between IL-1ß rs1143634 and rs16944 polymorphisms and PD in non-smoking and smoking patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 200 patients with PD (130 non-smokers and 70 smokers) and 156 control subjects (124 non-smokers and 32 smokers). Periodontal evaluation included approximal plaque index, modified sulcus bleeding index, probing pocket depth and clinical attachment loss. Genotyping was utilized for all samples by using allelic discrimination assays with TaqMan® probes on a 7500Fast Real-Time PCR Detection System. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences in the distribution of rs1143634 and rs16944 genotypes and alleles between patients with PD and control subjects, between smoking patients with PD and smoking controls, or between non-smoking patients with PD and non-smoking controls. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest there is no association between IL-1ß rs1143634 and rs16944 polymorphisms and PD.

New therapies for the treatment of heart failure: a summary of recent accomplishments.

Despite continuous efforts to prevent cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), heart failure prevails as the number one cause of death in developed countries. To properly treat CVDs, scientists had to take a closer look at the factors that contribute to their pathogenesis and either modernize current pharmaceuticals or develop brand new treatments. Enhancement of current drugs, such as tolvaptan and omecamtiv mecarbil, sheds new light on already-known therapies. Tolvaptan, a vasopressin antagonist, could be adopted in heart failure therapy as it reduces pre- and afterload by decreasing systolic blood pressure and blood volume. Omecamtiv mecarbil, which is a myosin binding peptide, could aid cardiac contractility. The next generation vasodilators, serelaxin and ularitide, are based on naturally occurring peptides and they reduce peripheral vascular resistance and increase the cardiac index. In combination with their anti-inflammatory properties, they could turn out to be extremely potent drugs for heart failure treatment. Cardiotrophin has exceeded many researchers' expectations, as evidence suggests that it could cause sarcomere hypertrophy without excessive proliferation of connective tissue. Rapid progress in gene therapy has caused it to finally be considered as one of the viable options for the treatment of CVDs. This novel therapeutic approach could restore stable heart function either by restoring depleted membrane proteins or by balancing the intracellular calcium concentration. Although it has been set back by problems concerning its long-term effects, it is still highly likely to succeed.

Th1-type immune responses to Porphyromonas gingivalis antigens exacerbate angiotensin II-dependent hypertension and vascular dysfunction.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Emerging evidence indicates that hypertension is mediated by immune mechanisms. We hypothesized that exposure to Porphyromonas gingivalis antigens, commonly encountered in periodontal disease, can enhance immune activation in hypertension and exacerbate the elevation in BP, vascular inflammation and vascular dysfunction. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: Th1 immune responses were elicited through immunizations using P. gingivalis lysate antigens (10 µg) conjugated with aluminium oxide (50 µg) and IL-12 (1 µg). The hypertension and vascular endothelial dysfunction evoked by subpressor doses of angiotensin II (0.25 mg·kg-1 ·day-1 ) were studied, and vascular inflammation was quantified by flow cytometry and real-time PCR. KEY RESULTS: Systemic T-cell activation, a characteristic of hypertension, was exacerbated by P. gingivalis antigen stimulation. This translated into increased aortic vascular inflammation with enhanced leukocyte, in particular, T-cell and macrophage infiltration. The expression of the Th1 cytokines, IFN-γ and TNF-α, and the transcription factor, TBX21, was increased in aortas of P. gingivalis/IL-12/aluminium oxide-immunized mice, while IL-4 and TGF-ß were unchanged. These immune changes in mice with induced T-helper-type 1 immune responses were associated with an enhanced elevation of BP and endothelial dysfunction compared with control mice in response to 2 week infusion of a subpressor dose of angiotensin II. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: These results support the concept that Th1 immune responses induced by bacterial antigens such as P. gingivalis can increase sensitivity to subpressor pro-hypertensive insults such as low-dose angiotensin II, thus providing a mechanistic link between chronic infection, such as periodontitis, and hypertension. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed section on Immune Targets in Hypertension. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v176.12/issuetoc.

Genetic factors in pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus after kidney transplantation.

Posttransplant diabetes mellitus (PTDM) is one of the major metabolic complications after transplantation of solid organs including the kidney. This type of diabetes mellitus affects allograft survival, cardiovascular complications and overall patient survival. The modifiable risk factors that contribute to PTDM include obesity, some viral infections (eg, hepatitis C virus, cytomegalovirus) and especially immunosuppressive drugs including corticosteroids, tacrolimus, cyclosporine and sirolimus. Currently, predisposing genetic factors have been considered important in PTDM development. The commonly evaluated genetic determinants include genes encoding transcription factors, cytokines, chemokines, adipokines, ionic channels, glucose transporters, cytochrome P450 enzymes and other enzymes metabolizing drugs, drug transporters. Unfortunately, the results of studies are inconclusive and differ between populations. There is a need for large genome-wide association study to identify the genetic risk factors associated with PTDM development.

Correlation between the state of periodontal tissues and selected risk factors for periodontitis and myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: The current level of knowledge indicates a relationship between periodontitis and diabetes and/or cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Periodontitis can be not only a risk factor for these diseases, but also a condition modifying other primary risk factors associated with the occurrence of cardiovascular complications (lipid disorders, arterial hypertension, etc.) or diabetes. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was an analysis of the correlation between the state of periodontal tissues and selected risk factors for myocardial infarction (MI) in patients after recent myocardial infarction. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 417 patients (92 women, 325 men) hospitalized due to recent MI. The inclusion criteria were MI history and age below 70 years. The state of periodontal tissues (plaque index, bleeding on probing, pocket depth and clinical attachment loss, CPI index) and selected risk factors for periodontitis and CVD were recorded. RESULTS: An analysis of the results showed no statistically significant correlation between the depth, the number, percentage of periodontal pockets and the average clinical attachment level on one hand and BMI on the other hand. Whereas a statistically significant correlation was observed between tobacco smoking and the degree of severity of periodontal diseases measured by the average pocket depth, the number and percentage of pockets above 4 mm and the average clinical attachment loss, as well as between hypertension and the state of oral hygiene and between diabetes and the number of preserved teeth and the number of pockets above 4 mm. CONCLUSIONS: The degree of severity of periodontal disease can impact hypertension and diabetes, which could potentially influence the occurrence and course of CVD.

Treatment of denture-related stomatitis improves endothelial function assessed by flow-mediated vascular dilation.

INTRODUCTION: The presence of oral inflammation has recently been linked with the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. While numerous studies have described links between periodontitis and endothelial dysfunction, little is known about the influence of denture-related stomatitis (DRS) on cardiovascular risk. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine whether the treatment of DRS can lead to improvement of the clinical measures of vascular dysfunction. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The DRS patients were treated with a local oral antifungal agent for 3 weeks. Blood pressure, flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) and nitroglycerine-mediated vascular dilatation (NMD) were measured during three study visits: before treatment, one day and two months after conclusion of antifungal therapy. RESULTS: Flow-mediated dilatation measurements showed significant improvement of endothelial function 2 months after treatment (FMD median 5%, 95 CI: 3-8.3 vs. 11%, 95% CI: 8.8-14.4; p < 0.01), while there was no difference in control, endothelium-independent vasorelaxations (NMD; median = 15.3%, 95% CI: 10.8-19.3 vs. 12.7%, 95% CI: 10.6-15; p = 0.3). Other cardiovascular parameters such as systolic (median = 125 mm Hg; 95% CI: 116-129 vs. 120 mm Hg, 95% CI: 116-126; p = 0.1) as well as diastolic blood pressure and heart rate (median = 65.5 bpm, 95% CI: 56.7-77.7 vs. 71 bpm, 95% CI: 66.7-75; p = 0.5) did not change during or after the treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of DRS is associated with improvement of endothelial function. Since endothelial dysfunction is known to precede the development of severe cardiovascular disorders such as atherosclerosis and hypertension, patients should be more carefully screened for DRS in general dental practice, and immediate DRS treatment should be advised.