ABSTRACT
The association between asthma and periodontitis is of interest. 20 periodontitis patients with asthma (asthma group) and 20 patients without asthma (non-asthma group) were included based on inclusion and inclusion criteria. Periodontitis was classified according to 2017 periodontal classification and periodontal parameters such as tooth loss, pocket depth, clinical attachment loss, alveolar bone loss, bone reduction index, plaque index, bleeding index and periodontal risk were assessed. Effect of anti-asthmatic drugs and asthma control on periodontal parameters was also assessed. Inter-group comparison of all the continuous variables was done using independent "t" test. Comparison of categorical variables was done using Chi-square test. P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results showed greater severity and higher grade of periodontitis with asthma group as well as with patients on anti-asthmatic drugs and patients with poor controlled asthma. Hence, there is an association between asthma and periodontitis.
ABSTRACT
Autoimmune diseases are group of disorders where an immune response is mounted against the self. The prevalence and burden of this well established and recognised entity is on the rise. Irrespective of being a systemic or organ specific autoimmune disorder, the common underlying mechanism of action, is the imbalance in immune system resulting in loss of tolerance to self-antigens. The oral cavity is no alien to these disorders or to their influences. Pemphigus group of lesions, systemic lupus erythematosus, psoriasis and even Sjogren's syndrome are some of the established autoimmune disorders with prominent oral manifestations. Though these diseases are well documented and enumerated, however addressing them is where the dilemma lies. Science, research and discoveries are a crucial part of medical discipline which help in looking beyond the horizon. With the introduction of selective targeted immunotherapies for autoimmune diseases as a treatment modality either in solitary or in combination with the conventional immunosuppressive treatments, are emerging as a promising elixir for patients enduring them. However, being unique, exploration of these biologics from its inception, to its mechanism of action, recognition of its application and evaluation of its safety norms are equally vital. Therefore, this review aims to provide a comprehensive particular on the novel biologics, the immunotherapies in autoimmune disorders targeting the different cells, their receptors or cytokines of the immune system.
