Research Identifies Altered Serum Protein Linked to Periodontitis and Cardiovascular Disease
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Individuals with periodontitis have altered concentrations of various proteins in their blood, according to a new study from Umea University, Sweden. These findings published in the Journal of Dental Research pave the way for research into biomarkers for periodontitis and the underlying causes of the disease.
Researchers at Umeå University have now shown that individuals with periodontitis exhibit a unique inflammatory protein profile in their blood. The findings indicate, among other things, that severe periodontitis is associated with significantly reduced levels of a protein called EGF -epidermal growth factor, which is crucial for wound healing. The levels of a protein associated with cardiovascular disease, OLR-1 -oxidized low-density lipoprotein 1, are also significantly lower in individuals with severe periodontitis compared to healthy individuals.
“By identifying the blood biomarkers that may be crucial for the development of severe periodontitis, we can proceed to research drugs that specifically aims to slow down the disease progression,” says Pernilla Lundberg, periodontist and professor at the Department of Odontology at Umeå University, who led the study.
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. 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.
Pernilla Lundberg adds that, “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.”
Reference: Wänman M, Betnér S, Esberg A, et al. The PerioGene North Study Uncovers Serum Proteins Related to Periodontitis. Journal of Dental Research. 2024;0(0). doi:10.1177/00220345241263320
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