Reduced platelet hyper-reactivity and platelet-leukocyte aggregation after periodontal therapy

Background: Platelets from untreated periodontitis patients are hyper-reactive and form more platelet-leukocyte complexes compared to cells from individuals without periodontitis. It is not known whether the improvement of the periodontal condition achievable by therapy has beneficial effects on the platelet function. We aimed to assess the effects of periodontal therapy on platelet reactivity. Methods: Patients with periodontitis (n=25) but unaffected by any other medical condition or medication were included and donated blood before and after periodontal therapy. Reactivity to ADP or oral bacteria was assessed by flow cytometric analysis of membrane markers (binding of PAC-1, P-selectin, CD63) and platelet-leukocyte complex formation. Reactivity values were expressed as ratio between the stimulated and unstimulated sample. Plasma levels of soluble (s) P-selectin were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: Binding of PAC-1, the expression of P-selectin and CD63 in response to the oral bacterium P. gingivalis were lower at recall (1.4±1.1, 1.5±1.2, and 1.0±0.1) than at baseline (2.7±4.1, P=0.026, 6.0±12.5, P=0.045, and 2.7±6.7, P=0.042, respectively). Formation of platelet-leukocyte complexes in response to P. gingivalis was also reduced at recall compared to baseline (1.2±0.7 vs. 11.4±50.5, P=0.045). sP-selectin levels were significantly increased post-therapy. Conclusions: In periodontitis patients, the improvement of the periodontal condition is paralleled by a reduction in platelet hyper-reactivity. We suggest that periodontal therapy, as an intervention for improved oral health, can facilitate the management of thrombotic risk, and on the long term can contribute to the prevention of cardiovascular events in patients at risk. Trial registration: Current Controlled Trials identifier ISRCTN36043780. Retrospectively registered 25 September 2013

Is there an association between obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and periodontal inflammation?

WOS: 000374562300003PubMed ID: 26232894Objectives The aim of this study is to assess salivary, serum biomarkers, and subgingival bacteria as putative candidates in the potential association between obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) and periodontal disease. Materials and methods Fifty-two patients were grouped according to the severity of OSAS: 13 participants served as controls, 17 patients had mild-to-moderate OSAS, and 22 severe OSAS. Serum, saliva, and subgingival plaque samples were collected, and clinical periodontal parameters were recorded. Salivary, serum concentrations of interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumour necrosis factor (TNF-alpha), osteoprotegerin, soluble Receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand (sRANKL), and apelin were analysed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Bacterial counts were determined by real-time QPCR on plaque microbial DNA preparations. Results There was a significant change in the composition of microbes in plaque particularly in severe OSAS samples (p < 0.01). Statistical analyses indicated significantly higher salivary IL-6 levels in both OSAS groups compared to controls (p < 0.05). Salivary apelin levels were significantly higher in the severe OSAS group compared to the control group. Serum levels of these biomarkers and salivary osteoprotegerin, sRANKL levels were similar in the study groups. The incidence and duration of apnea positively correlated with clinical periodontal parameters (p < 0.05). Conclusion OSAS appeared to alter the tested bacteria in plaque, correlate with increasing periodontal disease severity, have additive effect on salivary IL-6