Periodontal Infection and Endothelial Dysfunction

The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of periodontal therapy on endothelial function and other biomarkers of cardiovascular disease

Periodontitis is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases and a frequent cause of tooth loss. Accumulation of subgingival dental biofilm in susceptible individuals is associated with an inflammatory host response characterized by the production of Matrix Metalloproteinases, reduction in collagen synthesis, increase in cytokine gene expression, and apoptosis of gingival fibroblasts. Finally, inflammation leads to destruction of periodontal ligament, alveolar bone resorption, and chronic periodontitis. Periodontitis is associated with increased serum levels of inflammatory cytokines and acute phase reactants. Multiple case-control and cohort studies have suggested that periodontitis is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular events, diabetic end-organ damage, pregnancy complications and respiratory diseases. Recent interventional studies have found that periodontal therapy could increase endothelium-dependent brachial artery flow-mediated dilation. The purpose of this controlled clinical trial is to determine the effect of periodontal therapy on endothelial function in subjects with moderate to severe chronic periodontitis. Furthermore, the relationship between putative periodontal pathogens and endothelial function will be also evaluated.

Scaling and root planing, four quadrants in one session Tongue brushing with a 1% chlorhexidine gel (1 minute) Mouth rinsing with a 0.2% chlorhexidine solution for (2 minutes) Subgingival chlorhexidine (1%) irrigation in all pockets Twice daily rinsing with clorhexidine (1 minute) during fourteen days after the periodontal intervention Basic oral hygiene instructions Dental extractions will be performed at the end of patient followup (only in cases of teeth that could not be saved)

Scaling and root planing, four quadrants in one session Tongue brushing with a 1% chlorhexidine gel (1 minute) Mouth rinsing with a 0.2% chlorhexidine solution for (2 minutes) Subgingival chlorhexidine (1%) irrigation in all pockets Twice daily rinsing with clorhexidine (1 minute) during fourteen days after the periodontal intervention Basic oral hygiene instructions Dental extractions will be performed at the end of patient followup (only in cases of teeth that could not be saved)

All the assessments of vascular function were performed in the morning, in a temperature controlled room, with participants required to fast for at least 8 hours. Flow-mediated, endothelium dependent vasodilatation of the brachial artery (FMD) was measured using the technique described by Celermajer et al. using the guidelines reported by Coretti et al. FMD was calculated as the percentage of change in the diameter of brachial artery measured 45-60 s after cuff release in relation to the baseline measure (FMD%).

The fasting plasma hs-CRP concentrations was evaluated using a quantitative solid-phase, chemiluminescent immunometric assay (Immulite 1000, Siemens).

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used for detection of the three red-complex periodontal pathogens in periodontal pockets: Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg), Treponema denticola (Td) and Tannerella forsythia (Tf).

Multiplexed immuno-cytometric assay for the simultaneous measurement of MMP-9, MPO, tPAI-1, E-Selectin, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1 in serum samples (Milliplex® MAP kit, Human Cardiovascular Disease Panel 1, Millipore®). Luminex® 200™ IS Total System and xPONENT software were used for data acquisition and analysis.

Inclusion Criteria: Subjects must be 25 years of age or older Three or more periodontal pockets with a probing depth (PD) > 5mm Have at least 20 natural teeth Provide informed consent and willingness to cooperate with the study protocol Exclusion Criteria: History of antibiotic use in the previous three months Pregnant or lactating females Treatment with antihypertensive, antilipemic, antiarrhythmic, and other cardiovascular drugs Systemic diseases such as diabetes, HIV/AIDS, liver disease, chronic renal failure, tuberculosis, and autoimmune diseases Previous history of cardiovascular disease: Acute myocardial infarct, stable angina, unstable angina, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, atrioventricular block, peripheral vascular disease, cerebrovascular accident Patients who received periodontal treatment within the last 3 months Patients who require antibiotic prophylaxis before examination or treatment Patients with mental retardation and dementia

Ramirez JH, Parra B, Gutierrez S, Arce RM, Jaramillo A, Ariza Y, Contreras A. Biomarkers of cardiovascular disease are increased in untreated chronic periodontitis: a case control study. Aust Dent J. 2014 Mar;59(1):29-36. doi: 10.1111/adj.12139. Epub 2014 Feb 4. Erratum In: Aust Dent J. 2015 Mar;60(1):135.

Ramirez JH, Arce RM, Contreras A. Periodontal treatment effects on endothelial function and cardiovascular disease biomarkers in subjects with chronic periodontitis: protocol for a randomized clinical trial. Trials. 2011 Feb 16;12:46. doi: 10.1186/1745-6215-12-46.