Clinical Research Directory

Mechanisms of Acute Inflammation Following Periodontal Treatment

Sponsor: University College, London

Summary

Periodontitis (gum disease) is a chronic inflammatory disease linked to a imbalance of oral microbiome. The most usual treatment involves removal of sub and supra-gingival plaque and calculus otherwise known as Non-surgical periodontal therapy (NSPT). Ample evidence now indicates that Periodontitis and NSPT are linked to both local and systemic inflammation. This in turn also explains the association between periodontitis and a number of systemic diseases including cardiovascular diseases. Vascular endothelium (the innermost lining of blood vessels) exerts protective, anti-inflammatory and anti-clotting functions. As the endothelium ages, and is exposed to the damaging effects of traditional cardiovascular risk factors such as elevated blood pressure, serum cholesterol, glucose and cigarette smoking; these protective properties appear diminished, leading to a state of endothelial dysfunction (ED). Understanding the mechanisms of ED in humans could lead to new therapeutic and/or preventive strategies of CV diseases. Sufficient evidence now suggests that periodontitis and its treatment (removal of sub and supra-gingival plaque and calculus-periodontal therapy) are linked to endothelial dysfunction. Studies have extensively characterized the time-course of a single session of non surgical periodontal treatment (IPT) associated with a one week acute inflammatory response. This substantial inflammatory response is also associated with ED assessed by flow-mediated dilation (FMD) of the brachial artery at 24 hrs. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) helps kill the local pathogens, thus preventing their systemic dissemination; which may ultimately reduce the systemic host inflammatory response generated.

Official title: Mechanisms of Acute Inflammation Following Periodontal Treatment (STUDENT STUDY)

Key Details

Conditions

Interventions

Locations (1)