Individuals with periodontitis have altered concentrations of various proteins in their blood, according to a study from Umeå University, Sweden.

These findings have paved the way for research into periodontitis biomarkers and the underlying causes of the disease. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) periodontitis affects about 19 per cent of the global adult population, with over one billion cases worldwide.

Pernilla Lundberg, study lead and a periodontist at the Department of Odontology at Umeå University, said, “By identifying the blood biomarkers that may be crucial for the development of severe periodontitis, we can proceed to research drugs that specifically aim to slow down the disease progression.”

Periodontitis involves inflammation of the gums that leads to the breakdown of the supporting tissues around the teeth and can, in severe cases, result in tooth loss. According to the researchers, individuals with severe periodontitis are also more often affected by other serious diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and rheumatism, but the mechanisms behind these connections remain unclear.

Researchers at Umeå University have discovered that individuals with periodontitis exhibit a unique inflammatory protein profile in their blood. The findings indicate that severe periodontitis is associated with significantly reduced levels of a protein called epidermal growth factor (EGF), which is crucial for wound healing. The protein levels associated with cardiovascular disease, oxidised low-density lipoprotein 1 (OLR-1), are also significantly lower in individuals with severe periodontitis than healthy individuals.

According to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), almost half of the adult population suffers from irreversible periodontitis. However, researchers from this study have said there are no methods to predict which individuals are at risk of developing severe periodontitis.

Pernilla said, “Thanks to the large number of participants in the study, the results are highly accurate, and we can use the material to continue finding more clues.”

Previous research has shown a strong hereditary component behind periodontitis, but the specific genes involved are still unknown.

Future research

The researchers at Umeå university are analysing DNA from all participants in the study to identify genetic changes that may be linked to the development of severe periodontitis. By combining genetic and biological markers for periodontitis, it may become possible to identify individuals at high risk of developing the disease. This would also enable tailored treatments that target the specific factors crucial for the development of periodontitis and the associated disease risks.

Author: