Individuals with periodontitis have altered concentrations of various proteins in their blood, according to a new study from Sweden. These findings pave the way for research into biomarkers for periodontitis and the underlying causes of the disease.
Researchers at Umeå University have shown that individuals with periodontitis exhibit a unique inflammatory protein profile in their blood.
The findings—published in the Journal of Dental Research—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.
Previous research has shown that there is a strong hereditary component behind periodontitis, but the specific genes involved are still unknown. The researchers at Umeå university are now 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 in the future 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.
