Blood Biomarkers and Serologic Immunological Profiles Related to Periodontitis in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Patients.

Background: Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory gum disease associated with systemic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases.

Aim: To investigate the association of systemic blood biomarkers, C-reactive protein (CRP), levels of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and IgG levels against periodontal pathogens (Aa) and (Pg) with the stability, based on the aortic diameter, the growth rate and the eligibility for surgical intervention, of patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA).

Methods: Patients with stable AAA (n = 30) and unstable AAA (n = 31) were recruited.

[Periodontitis - infection or inflammation?].

Periodontitis is a complex, multifactorial disease. Multiple factors such as (epi)genetic factors, environmental factors (microbial biofilm), lifestyle (smoking, stress) and general health (diabetes mellitus) contribute to the development of periodontitis. A healthy subgingival microbiome is in balance with its host, is very stable and diverse, and keeps the host healthy.

Dentistry and OMICS: Transcriptome Dynamics of an Oral Ecosystem as Measured by Changes in Oral Polymorphonuclear Neutrophils in Experimental Gingivitis.

Oral health and dentistry are essential components of systems medicine, which has received lesser attention in comparison to other medical fields, such as cancer biology. In this context, oral polymorphonuclear neutrophils (oPMNs) play an important role in the maintenance of oral health. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to report original observations on the transcriptional responses of oPMNs during experimentally induced gingivitis, by temporarily refraining from regular oral care.

The Possible Role of Neutrophils in the Induction of Osteoclastogenesis.

The ligand of the receptor activator of NF-B (RANKL) is a key molecule in the formation of osteoclasts, the key cells that cause the disease-associated alveolar bone resorption in periodontitis. We hypothesized that polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs), found as the most prominent cells of inflamed periodontal tissues, could play an important role in providing signals to trigger osteoclastogenesis and thus activating pathological bone resorption in periodontitis. RANKL expression was investigated on circulatory PMNs (cPMNs) and oral PMNs (oPMNs) taken from both controls and periodontitis patients.

[A PhD completed. Neutrophils in the oral cavity. A double-edged sword.].

Neutrophils are white blood cells known for their ability to ingest and kill micro-organisms. In this doctoral research, oral neutrophils and their functionality are characterised . Research was carried out on how oral neutrophils can contribute to a healthy oral cavity and what the role of these cells is in inflammation.