Effect of antihypertensive therapy with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors on chronic periodontitis: a case-control study

Relationship of Medication Intake and Systemic Conditions with Periodontitis: A Retrospective Study

OBJECTIVES

To examine the potential relationship of medication intake and systemic conditions with periodontitis.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

A total of 1985 patient records with a diagnosis of periodontal health and stage III and IV periodontitis were included in the analysis. Demographic characteristics, the number of missing teeth, patient-reported medical conditions and medication intake as well as smoking habits were recorded. Regression models were performed to explore the outcomes.

RESULTS

Older individuals, Hispanic ethnic groups, Black and Hispanic or Latino racial groups and non-White individuals in general were significantly more frequently diagnosed with periodontitis than health. Hypertension, glaucoma, anxiety and depression were significantly associated with periodontitis, while cancer, alcohol use, kidney problems, asthma, sleep apnea and gastrointestinal disorders were associated with periodontal health. Patients who reported taking anticoagulants, statins and ACE inhibitors demonstrated 3.546 (95% CI: 1.982, 6.343), 2.771 (95% CI: 1.877, 4.09) and 4.847 (95% CI: 2.785, 8.434) times higher odds of having periodontitis, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Within the limitations of this retrospective study that utilized the BigMouth dental data repository, there is a possible relationship between systemic medications including anticoagulants, ACE inhibitors and statins as well as systemic medical conditions including hypertension, glaucoma, anxiety and depression with periodontitis.

Assessing the effect of antihypertensives on plaque microbiota in patients with periodontitis and hypertension using 16S rRNA sequencing; a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Periodontitis is initiated or accelerated by dysbiosis of oral microorganisms. When hypertension is accompanied in periodontitis patients, the changes of oral microbiota occur. Since there are no reports of antihypertensives, we assessed the effect of antihypertensives on the oral microbial profiles of patients with periodontitis.

METHODS

This study involved 95 participants divided into two groups: those with periodontitis and hypertension (P_HT) and those with periodontitis and taking medications for hypertension (P_mHT). Plaque samples were collected from the buccal, supragingival, and subgingival sites of the oral cavities of these patients. DNA was extracted, and the V3-V4 region of the 16S ribosomal RNA was sequenced and analyzed.

RESULTS

The P_HT and P_mHT groups were similar with respect to the alpha- and beta-diversity as well as the dominant phyla and genera but differed in the relative abundance of bacterial species (85 species). In the P_mHT group, the relative abundance of major periodontal pathogens was greatly increased. In particular, Tannerella forsythia, Treponema denticola, and Fretibacterium fastidiosum increased nearly three times the LDA score in the supragingival plaque. Also, there was an increase in relative abundance of Prevotella spp. associated with periodontitis and nitrate reduction, which was also evident in the supragingival plaque.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings indicate that antihypertensives induce dysbiotic changes in the oral microbiota of patients with periodontitis which are associated with increases in the relative abundance of periodontal pathogens. Therefore, more active periodontal treatment and supportive periodontal therapy are required in patients taking antihypertensives. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Association between Periodontal Disease and Comorbidities in Saudi's Eastern Province

The incidence of periodontal diseases is associated with multiple comorbidities that influence a patient's treatment planning. This study evaluates the relation between periodontal disease and multiple comorbidities reported in the Saudi population from the Eastern province. This study was conducted on 190 patients, who visited the periodontology clinics at Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Saudi Arabia. Demographic data, smoking habits, past medical and dental histories, blood pressure, random blood glucose, and recent haemoglobin A1c were recorded. A comprehensive periodontal examination included the number of missing teeth, pocket depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), bleeding on probing (BOP), and mobility of all teeth except third molars. Radiographic bone loss was measured on standardized full-mouth periapical radiographs. Multivariable regression models were calculated aiming to see the association between different comorbidities and alveolar bone loss with confounders controlled. Out of 190 periodontitis patients, 56 (29.5%) were males and 134 (70.5%) were females. More than half of the patients (60%) were between 26 and 50 years, 30% of them had diabetes, and 18% were smokers. The risk of alveolar bone loss was higher in persons who had diabetes and those who had both diabetes and coronary heart disease than those who did not, although the association was not statistically significant (B = 1.26, 95%CI = −0.30, 2.82, and B = 2.86, 95%CI = −1.25, 6.96, respectively). The risk of alveolar bone loss was significantly higher among persons with diabetes and hypertension (B = 2.82 and 95%CI = 0.89, 4.75). Collectively, the risk of alveolar bone loss in periodontitis patients increases with diabetes in the presence of other comorbidities regardless of smoking or gender.

Is systemic inflammation a missing link between periodontitis and hypertension? Results from two large population-based surveys

OBJECTIVE

The primary objective was to investigate the relationship between periodontitis and hypertension in two independent large surveys. The secondary objective was to ascertain whether systemic inflammation had a mediation effect in the association.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study analysed representative samples of the US (n = 3460; NHANES 2009/10) and Korean (n = 4539; 2015 KNHANES VI-3) populations. The association between periodontitis (exposure), hypertension (outcome) and inflammatory markers [C-reactive protein (CRP) and white blood cell counts (WBC)] (mediators) was assessed using multivariate linear and logistic regression models and mediation analysis.

RESULTS

Participants with periodontitis were more likely to have hypertension (NHANES: OR = 1.3, 95% CI: 1.0-1.6, P = 0.025; KNHANES: OR = 1.2, 95% CI: 1.0-1.4, P = 0.041) and actual systolic blood pressure ≥ 140 mmHg (NHANES: OR = 1.6, 95% CI: 1.1-2.3, P < 0.001; KNHANES: OR = 1.3, 95% CI :1.0-1.6, P < 0.031) than those without the disease. These associations were independent of age, gender, BMI, education level, smoking, alcohol consumption, creatinine, physical activity, presence of other comorbidities and confirmed in participants not taking antihypertensive medications. Diagnosis of periodontitis was directly associated with WBC (in both surveys: NHANES: β ± SE = 0.3 ± 0.1, P < 0.004; KNHANES: β ± SE = 0.3 ± 0.1, P < 0.001) and with CRP levels (in one survey: NHANES: β ± SE = 0.1 ± 0.03, P < 0.007; KNHANES: β ± SE = 0.1 ± 0.04, P > 0.213). Mediation analyses confirmed that CRP acted as a mediator in the association between periodontitis and hypertension in both populations (mediated effect: NHANES: β ± SE = 0.010 ± 0.003, P < 0.001; KNHANES: β ± SE = 0.003 ± 0.001, P = 0.015). WBC acted as a mediator in the KNHANES (mediated effect: β ± SE = 0.004 ± 0.001, P = 0.004) whilst in the NHANES, its effect was dependent of CRP inclusion in the model (mediated effect WBC + CRP: β ± SE = 0.002 ± 0.001, P = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that periodontitis is closely linked to hypertension and systemic inflammation is, in part, a mediator of this association.

Influence of different anti-hypertensive drugs on gingival overgrowth: A cross-sectional study in a Turkish population

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the occurrence rate of drug-induced gingival overgrowth (DIGO) in patients treated with angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), and calcium channel blockers (CCBs) such as amlodipine, lercanidipine, and benidipine, as well as to assess the relationship of those mentioned above with medication variables and oral hygiene.

METHODS

Sociodemographic details, DIGO, and clinical periodontal parameters were obtained from one hundred and thirty-one patients receiving ACE inhibitors, ARBs, and CCBs for a period of at least 2 years.

RESULTS

The occurrence rate of DIGO was 19.6% in patients using CCB, 12.5% in the ARB group, and 7.5% in the ACE inhibitor group. In a subgroup analysis of CCBs, DIGO was found to be 31.8% in the amlodipine group, 13.3% in the lercanidipine group, and 7.1% in the benidipine group. While there was a significant relationship between amlodipine drug dosage and DIGO, no association was found between the duration of therapy and DIGO in all CCB subgroups.

CONCLUSION

There was no difference between the groups in terms of DIGO. Duration of therapy and drug dosage did not affect the severity of DIGO in both ACE inhibitors and ARB groups.

Inhibition of angiotensin II receptor I prevents inflammation and bone loss in periodontitis

BACKGROUND

Periodontal disease is characterized by alveolar bone destruction and degenerative lesions of the periodontal ligament (PDL); it is initiated by bacterial infection of the oral cavity, but the clinical effects are secondary to an aberrant host immune response. Primary hypertension (PH), which causes significant morbidity and mortality worldwide, has also been shown to be an inflammatory disease characterized by aberrant immune cell infiltration and activation. Clinical retrospective studies have shown a link between PH and periodontitis with PH exacerbating periodontitis and vice versa, but the pathophysiologic mechanisms responsible for this remain unknown.

METHODS

In this study, we investigate the underlying mechanisms behind PH exacerbation of periodontitis by using a bacteria-induced periodontitis model in normotensive and hypertensive (Nos3^-/- ) mice treated with or without an Angiotensin II (Ang II) specific receptor 1 (AT1) antagonist, losartan. The histologic analyses including immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence were carried out. The qRT-PCR and ELISAs were applied for the target gene and protein detection.

RESULTS

We find that PH worsens bone resorption and PDL destruction in periodontitis and that treatment with losartan, rescues this. We also show that PH increases dendritic cell (DC) and osteoclast (OC) infiltration in periodontitis, which is also dependent on Ang II. Finally, we show that PH augments the pro-inflammatory state in periodontitis infiltrating DCs in an Ang II-dependent manner and use in vitro studies to show that Ang II directly augments DC Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling.

CONCLUSION

Our studies show a central role for Ang II as a pro-inflammatory Toll-like receptor mediator in the pathogenesis of PH-exacerbated periodontitis, indicating that Ang II may be a reasonable target in patients with PH and periodontitis comorbidity.

Tobacco smoking decreases clinical symptoms of gingivitis in patients with type 1 diabetes-a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE

Periodontal disease may develop on the background of microvascular complications of diabetes. However, some modifying factors, such as tobacco smoking, should be taken into consideration when assessing risk of development of chronic complications. The aim of the study was the clinical assessment of the periodontal status in patients with type 1 diabetes according to tobacco smoking.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

A total of 362 subjects aged 29 (IQR 22-35) years, type 1 diabetes duration 12 (8-18) years, hemoglobin A1c, HbA1c 8.0 (7.2-9.1)% were included. We used Gingival Index, Approximal Plaque Index, and Sulcus Bleeding Index to assess periodontal health. Patients were divided into two subgroups according to current cigarette smoking.

RESULTS

No differences in age, diabetes duration, and chronic complications were found between subgroups. A better metabolic control of diabetes expressed by lower HbA1c (p = 0.00001) and triglyceride levels (p = 0.004) was shown in nonsmokers. Smokers presented significantly lower gingival bleeding, p = 0.009. HbA1c correlated with API in study group (Rs = 0.16; p = 0.002) and in nonsmokers subgroup (Rs = 0.2;p = 0.004), however, not in smoker's subgroup. In multivariable regression analysis, smoking cigarettes (β = -0.26; p = 0.0002), hs-CRP (β = 0.15; p = 0.03) and age (β = -0.19; p = 0.007) occurred to be independent predictors of SBI after adjustment for confounding variables (R²  = 0.13; p = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with type 1 diabetes smoking cigarettes presented lower gingival sulcus bleeding and worse metabolic control of diabetes than nonsmoking patients.

No association between periodontitis and preterm low birth weight: a case-control study

PURPOSE

This study aimed to investigate the association between periodontitis in pregnant women and adverse pregnancy outcomes by heeding confounding risk factors for preterm low birth weight infants.

METHODS

This study was reported according to The Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) Statement. A case-control study was conducted. Medical records of all pregnant women attending a prenatal care clinic were screened. Those between 21 and 34 years and gestational age of 28-32 weeks were initially enrolled in the study. The exclusion criteria were then applied: diabetes mellitus, genitourinary tract infections, or HIV infection; previous multiple gestations; previous preterm birth/low birth weight infants; in vitro fertilization procedures; placental, cervical/uterine abnormalities; history of infertility; history of drug abuse; and any medical conditions that required antibiotics prophylaxis. Patients' anthropometric, demographic, and behavioral characteristics were collected. The periodontal clinical parameters were obtained from six sites per tooth: clinical attachment level, probing pocket depth, dental plaque index, and gingival bleeding index. Women were then allocated into two groups: mothers of preterm and/or low birth weight newborns (cases) and mothers of full-term and normal birth weight newborns (controls).

RESULTS

Periodontal clinical parameters were analyzed and reported separately for each group, and no significant differences were observed (p > 0.05). Logistic regression analysis revealed that periodontal clinical parameters were not associated with the adverse pregnancy outcomes.

CONCLUSION(S)

After controlling for confounding factors, our results suggest that maternal periodontal disease is not a risk factor associated with preterm low birth weight infants.

Simvastatin modulates gingival cytokine and MMP production in a rat model of ligature-induced periodontitis

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of simvastatin on the synthesis of cytokines TNF-α and IL-10 and metalloproteinase (MMPs) 2 and 9 in a rat model of ligature-induced periodontitis.

Materials and methods

Twenty Wistar rats were used, and a cotton ligature was place in a subgingival position encircling the entire cervix of the first molar of the left (ipsilateral) side of the mandible. The right (contralateral) side of the mandible had no ligature placed and was used as control. After the ligature placement, animals were randomly assigned to two experimental groups (n=10): 1) rats with ligature + vehicle (saline; 10 mL/kg; orally) and 2) rats with ligature + simvastatin (25 mg/kg; orally). After 14 days of treatment, the animals were euthanized by anesthetic overdose and the gingival tissue was removed and homogenized in appropriate buffer. MMP-2 and -9 release as well as the IL-10 and TNF-α levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Statistical comparison was performed by unpaired Student’s t-test, with p<0.05 representing significance.

Results

No differences were observed for TNF-α production between the groups (p>0.05). However, IL-10 was upregulated in simvastatin-treated animals (1.8-fold increase) in comparison with the vehicle-treated group (p<0.05). Simvastatin reduced the gingival levels of MMP-9 (64.3%) in comparison with vehicle-treated samples (p<0.05).

Conclusion

Oral treatment with simvastatin increased the release of IL-10 and reduced the MMP-9 in ligature-induced periodontitis model in rats.