Comparison of Two Risk Assessment Scores in Predicting Peri-Implantitis Occurrence during Implant Maintenance in Patients Treated for Periodontal Diseases: A Long-Term Retrospective Study.

BACKGROUND: There is a need for reliable risk assessment tools to better predict peri-implantitis occurrence. This study compared the long-term prognosis value of two models of risk assessment scoring in predicting peri-implantitis. METHODS: Seventy-three patients with treated periodontitis representing 232 implants and attending long-term implant maintenance were evaluated. The Periodontal Risk Assessment (PRA) score, which combines only periodontal risk factors/indicators, and the Implant Risk Assessment (IRA) score, which combines both periodontal and implant risk factors/indicators, were calculated during implant maintenance. Peri-implantitis was defined by the presence of probing depth ≥6 mm with bleeding on probing/suppuration and bone level ≥3 mm. Analyses were performed at the patient level. RESULTS: The mean implant follow-up was 6.5 years. Peri-implantitis incidence was 17.8%, and high-risk PRA and IRA percentages were 36.9% and 27.3%, respectively. High-risk PRA and IRA were significantly associated with peri-implantitis incidence, with hazard ratio (HR) = 4.8 and 3.65, respectively. Risk factors/indicators considered separately showed reduced associations with peri-implantitis. CONCLUSIONS: The PRA score combining periodontal parameters and IRA score combining both periodontal and implant parameters have comparable value in predicting peri-implantitis. These scores could allow practicians to intercept the risk of peri-implantitis and to manage follow-up modalities in patients with treated periodontitis.

Influence of Periodontitis, Implant, and Prosthesis Characteristics on the Peri-Implant Status: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: The association between peri-implant diseases and the periodontal, implant, and prosthesis characteristics has been characterized in various ways. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the link between the peri-implant and periodontal status and the influence of implant and prosthesis parameters during implant follow-up. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and seven patients with a total of 310 implants that had at least one year of function who were attending periodontal and implant maintenance at a university clinic setting were included in this cross-sectional study. The demographic, periodontal, peri-implant tissue, implant, and prosthesis parameters were recorded. A pocket depth > 4 mm with bleeding on probing defined periodontal/peri-implant soft tissue diseased sites. Analyses were performed at the patient and implant levels using univariable and multivariable mixed regression analysis. RESULTS: The mean implant follow-up was 7.22 years. At the patient level, the bleeding on probing and pocket depth measurements were more pronounced around the implant than around the teeth. The opposite was observed for plaque and the clinical attachment levels. At the implant level, multivariable analysis showed that the periodontal and corresponding peri-implant tissue parameters, such as diseased sites, were closely related. The implant location, bone level, and number were selectively associated with the implant bone level, while cemented retention and emergence restoration profile influenced the implant pocket depth. CONCLUSIONS: The present study suggested that clinical peri-implant and periodontal soft tissue statuses were different, which could be a consequence of the initial implant and prosthesis healing process. However, during implant follow-up, the peri-implant parameters were predominantly associated with their corresponding periodontal parameters regardless of an association with the implant and prosthesis characteristics. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT03841656.

Influence of Depression and Anxiety on Non-Surgical Periodontal Treatment Outcomes: A 6-Month Prospective Study.

Periodontal treatment could be worsened by risk factors. Depression and anxiety have been suggested as potentially influencing periodontal treatment outcomes. The aim of this study was to determine their association with non-surgical periodontal treatment outcomes in patients with generalized severe periodontitis (stage III/IV generalized periodontitis) at 6 months. A total of 68 patients diagnosed with generalized severe periodontitis were treated with scaling and root planing (SRP) and were followed at 3 and 6 months. The data of the 54 patients that followed the entire protocol were considered for analysis. Depression and anxiety levels were determined at baseline by the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and State-Trait Inventory (STAI) questionnaires. The association between psychological scores and periodontal parameters was evaluated by multivariate analysis. At 3 and 6 months, SRP induced an improvement for all periodontal parameters (plaque index (PI), bleeding on probing (BOP), periodontal probing depth (PPD) and clinical attachment loss (CAL)). BDI and STAI scores were associated with the evolution of PI, BOP, mean PPD and number of sites with PPD > 3 mm and with CAL > 3 mm. Depression and anxiety should be considered as risk factors for SRP and the identification of at-risk patients should be performed using well-established tools.

Association between periodontitis treatment outcomes and peri-implantitis: A long-term retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: Retrospectively evaluate the association of periodontal treatment outcomes and the prevalence of peri-implant diseases around tissue-level implants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty-six patients with 260 tissue-level implants attending supporting periodontal and implant therapy for more than 3 years were evaluated. Clinical and radiographic periodontal and implant data were recorded at initial examination (T0), before implant placement (T1) and at final re-examination (T2). Two definitions of peri-implantitis severity, PIBE and PIKA, were used corresponding to the presence of periodontal pocket ≥5 mm or ≥6 mm with bleeding on probing or suppuration and radiographic signs of a bone level ≥2 mm, or ≥3 mm during implant follow-up, respectively. Analyses were performed at patient level. RESULTS: The mean implant follow-up per patient was 9.4 years and 38.0% of patients had implant for at least 10 years. Two implants were lost due to peri-implantitis. The prevalence of patients with PIKA and PIBE was 15.1% and 12.8%, respectively. Residual periodontal pockets, clinical attachment loss and bone loss/age at T2 were more pronounced in patients with PIKA and PIBE. Cox regression analysis adjusted with the number of implants per patient showed that residual pockets at T1 were independently associated with PIKA and PIBE. Initial diagnosis of severe periodontitis was associated with PIBE incidence. CONCLUSIONS: The present study showed that periodontal conditions before implant placement are a risk indicator for peri-implantitis incidence. During implant follow-up, the severity of periodontal status appeared to be a reliable indicator of patient susceptibility to peri-implantitis.

Knowledge and Management of Halitosis in France and Lebanon: A Questionnaire-Based Study.

Halitosis is a growing issue and its management is highly challenging. The aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge and treatment strategies used by French (FD) and Lebanese (LD) dentists. A self-administered structured questionnaire was sent to FD and LD comprising questions about professional characteristics, management, and treatment of halitosis, patients' referral, and halitosis-related knowledge. A multivariate analysis was conducted to determine differences between FD and LD and to identify parameters that could influence dentists' management of halitosis. The questionnaire was filled out by 156 FD and 257 LD. Among them, 78.8% of FD and 68.9% of LD were confronted with halitosis management, while only a few routinely asked their patients about halitosis (16% FD, 13.2% LD). Regarding anamnesis, oral hygiene habits were more investigated by FD than LD (p < 0.05). The overall treatment satisfaction was low with 39.7% of FD and 28.4% of LD considering their treatment effective. Regarding halitosis-related knowledge, extra-oral causes were overestimated in both populations. FD (83.4%) and LD (65.8%) considered their education regarding halitosis as insufficient. This study highlights the need of professional education in both countries, targeting proper diagnosis and treatment strategies of halitosis.

Consideration of Oral Health and Periodontal Diseases During Pregnancy: Knowledge and Behaviour Among French Pregnant Women.

Purpose: Several studies demonstrated compromised oral health and periodontal diseases as risk factors for adverse pregnancy outcomes. However, consideration of oral health by pregnant women remains elusive. The aim of this study was to evaluate knowledge and behaviour of French pregnant women towards relationship between oral conditions and pregnancy outcomes and to evaluate influencing factors. Materials and Methods: A self-reported questionnaire was given to women between 1 and 3 days after delivery in three specialised clinics in France. The questionnaire aimed to evaluate demographic characteristics, self-perceived oral health, type of pregnancy follow-up and knowledge regarding oral conditions during pregnancy and risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. A multivariate analysis was performed to evaluate correlation between knowledge and behaviour. Results: The questionnaire was completed by 212 women. Among them, 92% considered prevention of oral diseases during pregnancy important. Despite knowledge of potential negative influence of periodontal diseases on pregnancy outcomes, only 47% of pregnant women received dental diagnosis or treatment during pregnancy. Only 18% of the women discussed oral health consideration during pregnancy with health professional in charge of pregnancy follow-up. Interestingly, absence of dental consultation during pregnancy was associated with low rate of dental consultation prior to pregnancy (p < 0.01). Conclusions: Pregnant women were aware of the association between oral health and pregnancy and of need of prevention. However, consideration of importance of oral health was not adequate to the rate of dental consultation and seems to be influenced by individual dental follow-up habits prior to pregnancy. Clinical Relevance: Dental evaluation should be considered systematically during pregnancy follow-up.

Influence of psychological stress on non-surgical periodontal treatment outcomes in patients with severe chronic periodontitis.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of psychological stress on non-surgical periodontal treatment (SRP) outcomes in patients with severe chronic periodontitis (stage 3/4 generalized periodontitis) at 6 months in the French population. METHODS: Patients diagnosed with severe generalized chronic periodontitis (periodontitis stage 3/4) were included in this study. At baseline, psychological status was evaluated by self-administered questionnaire (Depression Anxiety Stress Scale 42 [DASS-42] and Toulouse coping scale [TCS]). Plasma levels of cortisol and chromogranin-A were determined. Patients were then managed by oral hygiene instructions, scaling and root planing of sites with PD >3 mm and followed at 3 and 6 months. Quantitative and qualitative variables were described and interactions were determined by linear and logistic regressions. RESULTS: Seventy-one patients were included in this study and 54 were followed up to 6 months. An average probing depth (PD) reduction of 0.73 ± 0.11 mm and decrease of diseased sites (PD >3 mm) were measured at 6 months illustrating SRP efficacy. Multivariable analysis showed that increased DASS-stress score was associated to worsened SRP outcomes in terms of bleeding on probing (BOP) (OR = 1.02, P <0.05) and mean PD (P <0.05) reduction. An increase of DASS-depression score negatively influenced PD >5 mm (OR = 1.06, P <0.05), PD >7 mm (OR = 1.17, P <0.01), CAL >5 mm (OR = 1.03, P <0.05), and CAL >7 mm (OR = 1.07, P <0.05) reduction. Negative coping strategies were also associated with worsened SRP outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with increased stress, anxiety, and depression scores as well as those exhibiting negative coping strategies demonstrate worsened SRP outcomes. DASS-42 and TCS were useful to determine psychological status and their use could be incorporated to assess treatment prognosis.

Selective Influence of Smoking on Periodontal Treatment Outcomes after 3 Years of Follow-up.

PURPOSE: The impact of smoking habits on periodontal treatment has not been clearly elucidated. This study aimed to specify the effects of cigarette consumption and nicotine addiction on periodontal therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective case-control study, 20 moderate smokers and 20 non-smokers with severe periodontitis were examined after initial diagnosis, and non-surgical active and supportive therapies for 1-6 years (mean follow-up = 3.37 years). Fagerström's test of nicotine dependence (FTND) was evaluated at re-examination. Treatment efficacy was assessed by periodontal pocket probing depth (PPD) changes and number of teeth lost per year (TL). Bayesian multilevel and regression analyses were performed at site, tooth, and patient levels. RESULTS: During the mean follow-up period of > 3 years including active and supportive periodontal therapies, mean PPD, PPD > 3 mm and PPD > 7 mm percentage reductions were 1.03, 1.48 and 2.57 times statistically significantly less pronounced, respectively, in smokers than in non-smokers. Multilevel analysis showed that the variability of PPD > 7 mm reduction was mainly associated with patient-level factors. Smokers presented a higher risk for periodontitis progression. In smokers, periodontal parameter improvement was less pronounced in the maxilla and molars. The mean TL was related to the FTND score, not to cigarette consumption. Regression analysis did not demonstrate other influences of demographic and periodontal treatment characteristics on treatment outcomes, except patient age. CONCLUSION: Smoking negatively impacted periodontal treatment outcomes at specific tooth sites (deep pockets, maxillary molars) and periodontitis progression, independent of other risk factors.

Impact of Molar Furcations on Photodynamic Therapy Outcomes: A 6-Month Split-Mouth Randomized Clinical Trial.

The effectiveness of adjunctive photodynamic treatment (PDT) to non-surgical periodontal therapy has been shown to depend on initial periodontal status. As molar furcation involvement impairs healing response to non-surgical periodontal therapy, the aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of furcation involvement on PDT outcomes. Thirty-six patients suffering from severe chronic periodontitis were included in a 6-month split-mouth randomized clinical trial. PDT applications used the toluidine blue O and a light-emitting diode (LED) with a red spectrum. Repeated PDT applications were performed in addition to non-surgical periodontal treatment at baseline and at 3-months. Pocket probing depth (PPD), plaque index, bleeding on probing, and clinical attachment level were recorded at baseline, and again at 3- and 6-months. Furcation sites of molars were compared to other sites of molars and non-molars. Multilevel analysis showed no PDT effect in molar furcation sites while an additional significant reduction (odds ratio = 0.67) of pockets with PPD > 5 mm in other sites at 3-months was measured. PPD reduction appeared delayed in molar furcation sites treated with PDT. There is no additional apparent benefit to use PDT in molar furcation sites for the reduction of pockets with PPD > 5 mm contrary to other sites.

Experimental periodontitis in Msx2 mutant mice induces alveolar bone necrosis.

BACKGROUND: Msx2 homeoprotein is a key transcription factor of dental and periodontal tissue formation and is involved in many molecular pathways controlling mineralized tissue homeostasis such as Wnt/sclerostin pathway. This study evaluated the effect of Msx2-null mutation during experimental periodontitis in mice. METHODS: Experimental periodontitis was induced for 30 days in wild-type and Msx2 knock-in Swiss mice using Porphyromonas gingivalis infected ligatures. In knock-in mice, Msx2 gene was replaced by n-LacZ gene encoding ß-galactosidase. Periodontal tissue response was assessed by histomorphometry, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase histoenzymology, ß-galactosidase, sclerostin immunochemistry, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nickend labeling assay. Expression of Msx2 gene expression was also evaluated in human gingival biopsies using RT-qPCR. RESULTS: During experimental periodontitis, osteonecrosis area and osteoclast number were significantly elevated in knock-in mice compared with wild-type mice. Epithelial downgrowth and bone loss was similar. Sclerostin expression in osteocytes appeared to be reduced during periodontitis in knock-in mice. Msx2 expression was detected in healthy and inflamed human gingival tissues. CONCLUSION: These data indicated that Msx2 pathway influenced periodontal tissue response to experimental periodontitis and appeared to be a protective factor against alveolar bone osteonecrosis. As shown in other inflammatory processes such as atherothrombosis, genes initially characterized in early development could also play an important role in human periodontal pathogenesis.

Impact of tooth-related factors on photodynamic therapy effectiveness during active periodontal therapy: A 6-months split-mouth randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: The persistence of periodontal pockets > 5 mm after periodontal treatments increases the risk of periodontitis recurrence and the need of periodontal surgery. This study evaluated the impact of tooth-related factors on the effectiveness of adjunctive photodynamic treatment (PDT) in the reduction of pockets > 5 mm during active periodontal treatment. METHODS: Thirty-six patients suffering from severe chronic periodontitis were evaluated in a 6-months split-mouth randomized clinical trial. Each quadrant was assigned to test (scaling and root planing (SRP) + PDT) or control (SRP alone) group. PDT was conducted using the toluidine blue O and a light-emitting diode (LED) with a red spectrum. PDT applications were performed immediately after SRP, 7 days later and at 3 months. Plaque index (PI), bleeding on probing (BOP), periodontal pocket depth (PPD), and clinical attachment level (CAL) were recorded at baseline, 3 and 6 months. RESULTS: Multilevel analysis showed a significant reduction of pockets > 5 mm in test group in comparison with control group at 3 (OR = 0.69) and 6 months (OR = 0.77). This effect was mainly observed at 6 months in initially deep sites (PPD > 6 mm) with BOP (OR = 0.57). At sites exhibiting PI > 1 no PDT effect was observed. A more moderate PDT effect was observed on mean PPD and BOP reductions at 3 months only. CONCLUSIONS: Repeated applications of PDT significantly improved SRP outcomes, reducing by more than 40% residual pockets > 5 mm in initially deep and bleeding on probing periodontal sites. PDT effect was negatively influenced by dental plaque accumulation.

Risk factors associated with long-term outcomes after active and supporting periodontal treatments: impact of various compliance definitions on tooth loss.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this retrospective study was to determine factors influencing tooth loss during a long-term follow-up, emphasizing the impact of various compliance definitions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with periodontitis who were treated and presenting for maintenance care for at least up to 6 years were included. The effects of compliance and other patient- and treatment-related factors on tooth loss were assessed. Lack of compliance was defined in three ways: (1) fewer than 1.4 visits per year (irregular compliers), (2) no maintenance visit over a 2-year period (erratic compliers), and (3) no maintenance visit over a 2- to 5-year period (partial compliers) and no maintenance visit for a period of more than 5 years (non-compliers). RESULTS: One hundred and one patients were selected. The mean follow-up was 9.72 ± 1.17 years. Tooth loss per patient-year was significantly higher in erratic compliers (0.35 ± 0.19) and non-compliers (0.40 ± 0.20) compared with compliers (0.18 ± 0.10). No significant differences were found for irregular (0.30 ± 0.17) and partial (0.25 ± 0.15) compliers. Similar results were obtained for the number of patients who lost more than three teeth. Multivariable regression analysis showed that lack of compliance and periodontitis severity (more than 3% of periodontal pockets > 7 mm at baseline) were independent risk factors for tooth loss. CONCLUSIONS: During long-term follow-up, non-compliance and initial periodontitis severity were the principal risk factors that increased tooth loss. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Tooth loss associated with lack of compliance was essentially observed in patients with long continuous periods without maintenance visits and was less influenced by patients' attended mean visit frequency.

Identification and Characterization of MicroRNA Differentially Expressed in Macrophages Exposed to Porphyromonas gingivalis Infection.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short, noncoding RNAs involved in the regulation of several processes associated with inflammatory diseases and infection. Bacterial infection modulates miRNA expression to subvert any innate immune response. In this study we analyzed, using microarray analysis, the bacterial modulation of miRNAs in bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMMs) in which activity was induced by infection with Porphyromonas gingivalis The expression of several miRNAs was modulated 3 h postinfection (at a multiplicity of infection of 25). A bioinformatic analysis was performed to further identify pathways related to the innate immune host response under the influence of selected miRNAs. To assess the effects of the miRNAs identified on cytokine secretion (tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNF-α] and interleukin-10 [IL-10]), BMMs were transfected with selected miRNA mimics and inhibitors. Transfection with mmu-miR-155 and mmu-miR-2137 did not modify TNF-α secretion, while their inhibitors increased it. Inhibitors of mmu-miR-2137 and mmu-miR-7674 increased the secretion of the anti-inflammatory factor IL-10. In P. gingivalis-infected BMMs, mmu-miR-155-5p significantly decreased TNF-α secretion while inhibitor of mmu-miR-2137 increased IL-10 secretion. In vivo, in a mouse model of P. gingivalis-induced calvarial bone resorption, injection of mmu-miR-155-5p or anti-mmu-miR-2137 reduced the size of the lesion significantly. Furthermore, anti-mmu-miR-2137 significantly reduced inflammatory cell infiltration, osteoclast activity, and bone loss. Bioinformatic analysis demonstrated that pathways related to cytokine- and chemokine-related pathways but also osteoclast differentiation may be involved in the effects observed. This study contributes further to our understanding of P. gingivalis-induced modulation of miRNAs and their physiological effects. It highlights the potential therapeutic merits of targeting mmu-miR-155-5p and mmu-miR-2137 to control inflammation induced by P. gingivalis infection.

Long-term prospective cohort study on dental implants: clinical and microbiological parameters.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present prospective cohort study is to evaluate clinical and microbiological data of dental implants after at least 8 years of follow-up. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 110 patients and 232 implants were included at baseline and followed during 1 year. Fifty-two patients and 108 implants could be evaluated at the final examination. Clinical and microbiological data were taken at baseline, 1 year and at least 8 years. RESULTS: The mean follow-up time was 10.8 ± 1.7 years. Plaque index was, respectively, 0.50 ± 0.50 at baseline, 0.50 ± 0.50 at 1 year and 0.33 ± 0.67 at ≥8 years. Gingival index was, respectively, 1.08 ± 0.19 at baseline, 1.01 ± 0.39 at 1 year and 0.22 ± 0.47 at ≥8 years. Sulcular bleeding index was, respectively, 0.17 ± 0.22 at baseline, 0.11 ± 0.33 at 1 year and 0.17 ± 0.22 at ≥8 years. Probing depth was, respectively, 2.67 ± 0.75 at baseline, 3.00 ± 0.83 at 1 year and 2.74 ± 1.00 at ≥8 years. Clinical attachment level was, respectively, 3.75 ± 1.17 at baseline, 4.00 ± 1.06 at 1 year and 4.00 ± 1.17 at ≥8 years. Peri-implant mucositis was detected around 60.2% of implants in 73.1% of patients, while peri-implantitis was affecting 12% of implants in 15.4% of patients. Some bacteria species were associated with worsened clinical parameters. CONCLUSIONS: About 69.4% of implants (75/108) and 67.3% of the patients (35/52) were considered as success in the present prospective cohort study after a mean follow-up of 10.8 years. Microbial follow-up may help to identify patients at risk for peri-implant disease.

Interleukin-33 and RANK-L Interplay in the Alveolar Bone Loss Associated to Periodontitis.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic Periodontitis (CP) is an inflammatory disease of bacterial origin that results in alveolar bone destruction. Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg), one of the main periopathogens, initiates an inflammatory cascade by host immune cells thereby increasing recruitment and activity of osteoclasts, the bone resorbing cells, through enhanced production of the crucial osteoclastogenic factor, RANK-L. Antibodies directed against some cytokines (IL-1ß, IL-6 and TNF-α) failed to exhibit convincing therapeutic effect in CP. It has been suggested that IL-33, could be of interest in CP. OBJECTIVE: the present study aims to analyze whether and how IL-33 and RANK-L and/or their interplay are involved in the bone destruction associated to CP. MATERIAL AND METHODS: mRNAs and protein expressions of IL-33 and RANK-L were analyzed in healthy and CP human gingival samples by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and RT-qPCR. Murine experimental periodontitis (EP) was induced using Pg infected ligature and Pg free ligature around the first maxillary molar. Alveolar bone loss was recorded by µCT. Mouse gingival explants were stimulated for 24 hours with IL-33 and RANK-L mRNA expression investigated by RT-qPCR. Human oral epithelial cells were infected by Pg for 6, 12; 24 hours and IL-33 and RANK-L mRNA expressions were analyzed by RT-qPCR. RESULTS: IL-33 is overexpressed in gingival epithelial cells in human affected by CP as in the murine EP. In human as in murine gingival cells, RANK-L was independently induced by Pg and IL-33. We also showed that the Pg-dependent RANK-L expression in gingival epithelial cells occured earlier than that of IL-33. CONCLUSION: Our results evidence that IL-33 overexpression in gingival epithelial cells is associated with CP and may trigger RANK-L expression in addition to a direct effect of Pg. Finally, IL-33 may act as an extracellular alarmin (danger signal) showing proinflammatory properties in CP perpetuating bone resorption induced by Pg infection.

Association between periodontitis and arterial hypertension: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Several studies have shown that periodontal diseases are associated with hypertension (HT). However, heterogeneity among populations, diagnosis criteria, and shared risk factors represent some difficulties in terms of interpretation. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the magnitude of the association between periodontal diseases and HT. METHODS AND RESULTS: A systematic review and meta-analysis, including studies published up to June 2016, have been performed. Sixteen studies assessing the association between periodontal diseases and HT have been included. The meta-analysis considering all included studies (moderate to severe periodontitis) showed that the presence of HT was associated with the presence of periodontal diseases (OR, 1.50; 95% CI, 1.27-1.78). To reduce potential bias, a stratified analysis has been performed illustrating the impact of inclusion criteria and adjustments on the magnitude of the association. Interestingly, when only studies with secure diagnosis of severe periodontitis and HT were considered, an OR=1.64 (95% CI, 1.23-2.19) has been measured. CONCLUSIONS: Periodontal diseases are associated with a higher risk of HT especially for severe periodontitis. However, no conclusions could be made regarding the causative involvement of periodontal diseases mainly due to the reduced number of available prospective studies and remaining questions regarding underlying biological mechanisms.

Porphyromonas gingivalis Differentially Modulates Cell Death Profile in Ox-LDL and TNF-α Pre-Treated Endothelial Cells.

OBJECTIVE: Clinical studies demonstrated a potential link between atherosclerosis and periodontitis. Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg), one of the main periodontal pathogen, has been associated to atheromatous plaque worsening. However, synergism between infection and other endothelial stressors such as oxidized-LDL or TNF-α especially on endothelial cell (EC) death has not been investigated. This study aims to assess the role of Pg on EC death in an inflammatory context and to determine potential molecular pathways involved. METHODS: Human umbilical vein ECs (HUVECs) were infected with Pg (MOI 100) or stimulated by its lipopolysaccharide (Pg-LPS) (1µg/ml) for 24 to 48 hours. Cell viability was measured with AlamarBlue test, type of cell death induced was assessed using Annexin V/propidium iodide staining. mRNA expression regarding caspase-1, -3, -9, Bcl-2, Bax-1 and Apaf-1 has been evaluated with RT-qPCR. Caspases enzymatic activity and concentration of APAF-1 protein were evaluated to confirm mRNA results. RESULTS: Pg infection and Pg-LPS stimulation induced EC death. A cumulative effect has been observed in Ox-LDL pre-treated ECs infected or stimulated. This effect was not observed in TNF-α pre-treated cells. Pg infection promotes EC necrosis, however, in infected Ox-LDL pre-treated ECs, apoptosis was promoted. This effect was not observed in TNF-α pre-treated cells highlighting specificity of molecular pathways activated. Regarding mRNA expression, Pg increased expression of pro-apoptotic genes including caspases-1,-3,-9, Bax-1 and decreased expression of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2. In Ox-LDL pre-treated ECs, Pg increased significantly the expression of Apaf-1. These results were confirmed at the protein level. CONCLUSION: This study contributes to demonstrate that Pg and its Pg-LPS could exacerbate Ox-LDL and TNF-α induced endothelial injury through increase of EC death. Interestingly, molecular pathways are differentially modulated by the infection in function of the pre-stimulation.

Clinical efficacy of probiotics as an adjunctive therapy to non-surgical periodontal treatment of chronic periodontitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

FOCUSED QUESTION: What is the clinical influence of probiotics as an adjunctive therapy of scaling and root planing (SRP) when compared with SRP alone or in combination with placebo in the treatment of chronic periodontitis (CP). METHODS: Electronic databases were searched up to July 2015. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing SRP + probiotic versusSRP were included. PPD reduction and CAL gain were selected as primary outcome variables. RESULTS: Independent screening resulted in four eligible publications for the systematic review and three were included in the meta-analysis. Meta-analysis showed a statistically significant CAL gain (-0.42 mm, p = 0.002) and bleeding on probing (BOP) reduction (-14.66, p = 0.003) for SRP + probiotic treatment versusSRP at short-term. Only a tendency (p = 0.06) has been observed in terms of overall PPD reduction, whereas results were significant when stratified for moderate (-0.18, p = 0.001) and deep pockets (-0.67, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this study, the findings of this meta-analysis seem to support the adjunctive use of L. reuteri to SRP in CP treatment at short-term, especially in deep pockets. Heterogeneity and limited available data may reduce the impact of these conclusions. Future long-term RCTs evaluating the clinical efficacy of adjunctive probiotics to SRP are needed.

A targeted next-generation sequencing assay for the molecular diagnosis of genetic disorders with orodental involvement.

BACKGROUND: Orodental diseases include several clinically and genetically heterogeneous disorders that can present in isolation or as part of a genetic syndrome. Due to the vast number of genes implicated in these disorders, establishing a molecular diagnosis can be challenging. We aimed to develop a targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) assay to diagnose mutations and potentially identify novel genes mutated in this group of disorders. METHODS: We designed an NGS gene panel that targets 585 known and candidate genes in orodental disease. We screened a cohort of 101 unrelated patients without a molecular diagnosis referred to the Reference Centre for Oro-Dental Manifestations of Rare Diseases, Strasbourg, France, for a variety of orodental disorders including isolated and syndromic amelogenesis imperfecta (AI), isolated and syndromic selective tooth agenesis (STHAG), isolated and syndromic dentinogenesis imperfecta, isolated dentin dysplasia, otodental dysplasia and primary failure of tooth eruption. RESULTS: We discovered 21 novel pathogenic variants and identified the causative mutation in 39 unrelated patients in known genes (overall diagnostic rate: 39%). Among the largest subcohorts of patients with isolated AI (50 unrelated patients) and isolated STHAG (21 unrelated patients), we had a definitive diagnosis in 14 (27%) and 15 cases (71%), respectively. Surprisingly, COL17A1 mutations accounted for the majority of autosomal-dominant AI cases. CONCLUSIONS: We have developed a novel targeted NGS assay for the efficient molecular diagnosis of a wide variety of orodental diseases. Furthermore, our panel will contribute to better understanding the contribution of these genes to orodental disease. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBERS: NCT01746121 and NCT02397824.

Adiposity Measurements and Non-Surgical Periodontal Therapy Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is considered a risk factor for periodontitis. However, its influence on periodontal therapy has not been clearly determined. The aim of this case-control study is to evaluate the association between adiposity measurements, non-surgical periodontal treatment outcomes, and influencing factors in patients with chronic periodontitis. METHODS: Eighteen obese and 18 normal-weight (NW) patients are included in this study. The waist/hip ratio (WHR), plaque index, bleeding on probing, probing depth (PD), and clinical attachment level (CAL) were measured at baseline and 3 and 6 months after treatment. Univariable and multivariable analyses were used to evaluate the influence of sex, age, baseline percentage of PD >3 mm, WHR, and obesity on periodontal treatment outcomes. RESULTS: Demographic and periodontal characteristics at baseline were similar in both groups. All periodontal parameters were improved during treatment in both groups. PD reduction and CAL gain were 0.88 and 0.84 mm in NW individuals and 0.79 and 0.68 mm in obese individuals. The difference in moderate-to-deep pocket (PD >5 mm) percentages between the baseline and 6-month examinations was 9.1% in NW individuals and 6.08% for obese individuals. Multivariable analysis showed that obesity negatively influenced changes of PD >5 mm percentages. This influence was also observed at 3 months for improving sites (PD decrease >2 mm between examinations) if WHR was also considered in the analysis. CONCLUSIONS: A negative association between adiposity measurements and periodontal treatment outcomes was observed mainly for moderate-to-deep pockets. Consideration of WHR and other influencing factors amplified the negative effect of obesity on periodontal treatment outcomes.