RESEARCH - Gingivitis and periodontitis are related to repeated high levels of circulating TNF-alpha in patients with RA

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J Periodontol. 2008 Sep;79(9):1689-96.

Gingivitis and periodontitis are related to repeated high levels of

circulating tumor necrosis factor-alpha in patients with rheumatoid

arthritis.

Nilsson M, Kopp S.

Department of Clinical Oral Physiology, Karolinska Institute, Huddinge, Sweden.

BACKGROUND: Several studies have indicated a relationship between

rheumatoid arthritis and periodontal disease. The aim of this study

was to investigate the association between the circulating

proinflammatory mediators tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha),

interleukin-1beta, prostaglandin E(2), serotonin, rheumatoid factor,

and periodontitis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

METHODS: Nineteen patients, 17 women and two men, with rheumatoid

arthritis were included. These patients had been examined repeatedly

(average of three times) with regard to inflammatory markers and

mediators from blood samples. Their teeth, excluding third molars,

were examined with regard to number, clinical attachment level (CAL),

probing depth (PD), and gingival bleeding on probing (BOP). Assessment

of furcation involvement and increased tooth mobility was also made.

All patients were non-smokers. Thirty healthy individuals, 20 women

and 10 men, were included as a reference regarding TNF-alpha.

RESULTS: Patients with high levels of time-averaged TNF-alpha from

repeated plasma samples had a higher frequency of BOP as well as

increased CAL and PD compared to those with low levels.

CONCLUSION: Gingivitis and periodontitis are related to high levels of

circulating TNF-alpha in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

PMID: 18771370

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18771370

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