ABSTRACT
AIMS: The aim of the present study is to investigate systemic levels of inflammatory markers of cardiovascular diseases like C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), total leukocyte count and differential count in patients with chronic periodontitis, in comparison to healthy individuals without periodontal disease. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total of 42 individuals, both males and females, above the age of 30 years, were included. Healthy controls (Group I, n = 14), patients with chronic localized periodontitis (Group II, n = 14) and chronic generalized periodontitis (Group III, n = 14), all without any other medical disorder were recruited and peripheral blood samples were taken. Serum samples of CRP and IL-6 were estimated by using different techniques. Total leukocyte count and differential count were estimated by standard clinical laboratory method. RESULTS: Groups II and III had higher mean CRP levels than Group I (0.479, 0.544 versus 0.304 mg/dL). C-reactive protein level in Group III was statistically significant when compared to Group I (p = 0.04). Group III had higher median IL-6 level (6.35 pgm/ml) than Group II (< 5.0 pgm/ml) and Group I (< 5.0 pgm/ml). Median values of IL-6 were not statistically significant in any group (p = 0.29). Total leukocyte count was also elevated in Group III (10.4 x 10³/c.mm) compared to Group II and Group I (9.2 x 10³/c.mm and 7.9 x 10³/c.mm). This was statistically significant between different study groups (p < 0.0001). Neutrophil count in Group III was higher (68.0%) than Group II (62.4%) and Group I (57.4%). Neutrophil percentage was statistically significant in Group III, when compared to Group I (p = 0.0003). CONCLUSION: Periodontitis results in higher systemic levels of CRP, IL-6, total leukocyte count and neutrophils. These elevated inflammatory factors may increase inflammatory activity in atherosclerotic lesions, potentially increasing the risk for cardiovascular events.
OBJETIVOS: El objetivo del presente estudio es investigar los niveles sistémicos de los marcadores inflamatorios de enfermedades cardiovasculares, como la proteína C-reactiva (PCR), la interleucina-6 (IL-6), el conteo total de leucocitos, y el conteo diferencial en los pacientes con periodontitis crónica, en comparación con individuos saludables sin la enfermedad periodontal. SUJETOS Y MÉTODOS: El estudio comprendió un total de 42 individuos - varones y hembras - mayores de 30 años de edad. Los controles saludables (Grupo I, un = 14), los individuos con periodontitis crónica localizada (Grupo II, n = 14), y aquellos con periodontitis crónica generalizada (Grupo III, n = 14), todos sin ningún otro problema médico, fueron reclutados y se tomaron muestras de sangre periférica. Las muestras de suero de PCR e IL-6 fueron estimadas usando técnicas diferentes. El conteo total de leucocitos y el conteo diferencial fueron calculados mediante el método estándar de laboratorio clínico. RESULTADOS: Los grupos II y III tuvieron niveles promedio más altos de PCR que el Grupo I (0.479, 0.544 frente a 0.304 mg/dL). El nivel de proteína C-reactiva en el Grupo III fue estadísticamente significativo, comparado con el Grupo I (p = 0.04). El Grupo III tuvo un nivel mediano más alto de IL-6 (6.35 pgm/ml) que el Grupo II (< 5.0 pgm/ml) y el Grupo I (< 5.0 pgm/ml). Los valores medianos de IL-6 no fueron estadísticamente significativos en ningún grupo (p = 0.29). El conteo total de leucocitos también fue elevado en el Grupo III (10.4 x 10³/c.mm) comparado con el Grupo II y el Grupo I (9.2 x 10³/c.mm y 7.9 x 10³/c.mm). Dicho conteo fue estadísticamente significativo entre diferentes grupos de estudio (p < 0.0001). El conteo de neutrófilos en el Grupo III fue más alto (68.0%) que en el Grupo II (62.4%) y el Grupo I (57.4%). El porcentaje de neutrófilos fue estadísticamente significativo en el Grupo III, en comparación con el Grupo I (p = 0.0003). CONCLUSIÓN: La periodontitis produce niveles sistémicos más altos de PCR, IL-6, conteo total de leucocitos y neutrófilos. Estos factores inflamatorios elevados pueden aumentar la actividad inflamatoria en las lesiones ateroscleróticas, aumentando potencialmente el riesgo de accidentes cardiovasculares.
Subject(s)
Adult , Female , Humans , Male , C-Reactive Protein/metabolism , Chronic Periodontitis/blood , /blood , Case-Control Studies , India , Leukocyte Count , NeutrophilsABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Oil pulling has been used extensively for many years, without scientific evidence or proof, as a traditional Indian folk remedy to prevent teeth decay, oral malodor, bleeding gums, dryness of throat and cracked lips, and for strengthening the teeth, gums, and jaws. AIMS: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of oil pulling with sesame oil on the count of Streptococcus mutans in plaque and saliva of children, using the Dentocult SM Strip mutans test, and to compare its efficacy with that of chlorhexidine mouthwash. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty age-matched adolescent boys were selected based on information obtained through a questionnaire. They were divided randomly into two groups: the control or chlorhexidine group (group I) and the study or oil pulling group (group II); there were ten subjects in each group. Plaque and saliva samples were collected from all the 20 subjects on the strips from the Dentocult SM kit and, after incubation, the presence of S. mutans was evaluated using the manufacturers' chart. The study group practiced oil pulling with sesame oil and the control group used chlorhexidine mouthwash for 10 min every day in the morning before brushing. Samples were collected from both groups after 24 h, 48 h, 1 week, and 2 weeks and the efficacy of oil pulling was compared with that of chlorhexidine mouthwash. RESULTS: There was a reduction in the S. mutans count in the plaque and saliva samples of both the study and the control groups. The reduction in the S. mutans count in the plaque of the study group was statistically significant after 1 and 2 weeks (P=0.01 and P=0.008, respectively); the control group showed significant reduction at all the four time points (P=0.01, P=0.04, P=0.005, and P=0.005, respectively, at 24 h, 48 h, 1 week, and 2 weeks). In the saliva samples, significant reduction in S. mutans count was seen in the control group at 48 h, 1 week, and 2 weeks (P=0.02, P=0.02, P=0.008, respectively). CONCLUSION: Oil pulling can be used as an effective preventive adjunct in maintaining and improving oral health.