Loss of alveolar bone density in postmenopausal, osteopenic women is associated with circulating levels of gelatinases

A Novel Chemically-Modified Curcumin 2.24: Short-Term Systemic Therapy for Natural Periodontitis in Dogs

Periodontitis, a destructive periodontal inflammatory disease, negatively impacts oral-health related quality of life. It's characterized by the generation of inflammatory mediators and the excess-production of collagenolytic tissue-destructive enzymes (especially matrix metalloproteinases, MMPs). Many biomarkers can be used to define/diagnose disease progression. However, there is still a critical lack of specific, fast, and reliable biomarkers that correlate well with early response to treatment, which can be used to predict/monitor disease. Here, we report that an early marker, MMP-9, was found to be sensitive in response to a 1-month systemic therapy of CMC2.24, a novel chemically-modified curcumin, in beagle dogs with naturally-occurring periodontitis. In brief, eight adult female dogs with generalized periodontitis were distributed into placebo and treatment groups (n = 4/group). After a 1-h full-mouth scaling and root planing at time 0, placebo or CMC2.24 (10 mg/kg) capsules were orally-administered once/day for 1-month. Clinical periodontal parameters were measured at time 0 and 1-month; in addition, peripheral blood samples from these dogs were collected and analyzed for the pro-, activated-, and total-forms of MMP-9 by gelatin zymography. Interestingly, we found that the 1-month systemic therapy of CMC2.24 did appear to significantly reduce both pro- and activated-MMP-9 in peripheral blood at this early stage compared to placebo, prior to apparent clinical improvements seen at a later stage in a previous study (3-months). Thus, MMP-9 may serve as an early/sensitive biomarker that can precede/predict future clinical changes in disease severity and response to treatment which we observed in the long-term study in this dog model of natural periodontitis.

GWAS of Post-Orthodontic Aggressive External Apical Root Resorption Identified Multiple Putative Loci at X-Y Chromosomes

Personalized dental medicine requires from precise and customized genomic diagnostic. To conduct an association analysis over multiple putative loci and genes located at chromosomes 2, 4, 8, 12, 18, X, and Y, potentially implicated in an extreme type of external apical root resorption secondary to orthodontic forces (aEARR). A genome-wide association study of aEARR was conducted with 480 patients [ratio~1:3 case/control]. Genomic DNA was extracted and analyzed using the high-throughput Axiom platform with the GeneTitan^® MC Instrument. Up to 14,377 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were selected at candidate regions and clinical/diagnostic data were recorded. A descriptive analysis of the data along with a backward conditional binary logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios, with 95% confidence intervals [p < 0.05]. To select the best SNP candidates, a logistic regression model was fitted assuming a log-additive genetic model using R software [p < 0.0001]. In this sample the top lead genetic variants associated with aEARR were two novel putative genes located in the X chromosome, specifically, STAG 2 gene, rs151184635 and RP1-30E17.2 gene, rs55839915. These variants were found to be associated with an increased risk of aEARR, particularly restricted to men [OR: 6.09; 95%CI: 2.6–14.23 and OR: 6.86; 95%CI: 2.65–17.81, respectively]. Marginal associations were found at previously studied variants such as SSP1: rs11730582 [OR: 0.54; 95%CI: 0.34–0.86; p = 0.008], P2RX7: rs1718119 [OR: 0.6; 95%CI: 0.36–1.01; p = 0.047], and TNFRSF11A: rs8086340 [OR: 0.6; 95%CI: 0.38–0.95; p = 0.024]), found solely in females. Multiple putative genetic variants located at chromosomes X and Y are potentially implicated in an extreme phenotype of aEARR. A gender-linked association was noted.

The relationship between periodontal status and rheumatoid arthritis - systematic review

There have been numerous publications investigating the relationship between periodontitis (PD) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) so far.

This publication presents the common risk factors for the development of PD and RA. The major impact of the pathological bacterial factor and cigarette smoking with chronic inflammation playing the key role in both diseases has been confirmed by numerous studies in various populations over the years. More research focuses nowadays also on the role of improper diet and obesity. Pathophysiological pathways, such as increased concentration of proinflammatory cytokines, indirectly affecting the cardiovascular complications and coagulation disorders, which has an impact on function disorders of tissue metalloproteinase inhibitors and the plasminogen activation system, were also researched.

This systematic review of current literature has shown numerous discrepancies in previous analyses and the need for further detailed research on the relationship between periodontal status and RA.

Are Oxidative Stress and Inflammation Mediators of Bone Loss Due to Estrogen Deficiency? A Review of Current Evidence

Osteoporosis is one of the major health issues associated with menopause-related estrogen deficiency. Various reports suggest that the hormonal changes related to menopausal transition may lead to the derangement of redox homeostasis and ultimately oxidative stress. Estrogen deficiency and oxidative stress may enhance the expression of genes involved in inflammation. All these factors may contribute, in synergy, to the development of postmenopausal osteoporosis. Previous studies suggest that estrogen may act as an antioxidant to protect the bone against oxidative stress, and as an antiinflammatory agent in suppressing pro-inflammatory and pro-osteoclastic cytokines. Thus, the focus of the current review is to examine the relationship between estrogen deficiency, oxidative stress and inflammation, and the impacts of these phenomena on skeletal health in postmenopausal women.