Petra Surlin

By Petra Surlin, Anne Marie Rauten, Mihai Raul Popescu, Constantin Daguci and Maria Bogdan

Part of the book: Emerging Trends in Oral Health Sciences and Dentistry

By Petra Surlin, Dorin Nicolae Gheorghe, Liliana Foia, Amelia Surdu, Vasilica Toma, Sorina Mihaela Solomon, Dan Nicolae Florescu and Ion Rogoveanu

Periodontal tissues exhibit important vascular, lymphatic, and nervous connections with the rest of the body. Thus, periodontal inflammation caused by the interaction between the subgingival bacterial biofilm and the host immune response has an impact reaching further than the oral cavity. The concept of “periodontal medicine” reunites the bidirectional relationships that exist between periodontal disease and systemic conditions such as diabetes mellitus or cardiovascular disease. The chronic inflammation of hepatic tissues during hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection causes changes in the general homeostasis that can reverberate at periodontal level and influence periodontal inflammation. Various mechanisms such as insulin resistance or pro-inflammatory cytokines production could be the link between the two conditions. In addition, periodontal inflammation could impact HCV transmission, as HCV RNA molecules and antibodies have been found in infected patients’ saliva and gingival fluid. During periodontal inflammation, gingival bleeding is frequent, and the viral molecules could enter oral fluids while being carried by peripheral blood cells. Clinical particularities that suggest the onset of periodontal disease have also been frequently observed in HCV-infected patients. The connections between periodontal disease and hepatitis C need to take into consideration by practitioners of both specialties due to their important implications on clinical manifestations and treatment strategies.

Part of the book: Hepatitis C

By Petra Surlin, Liliana Foia, Sorina Solomon, Dora Maria Popescu, Dorin Nicolae Gheorghe, Adrian Camen, Maria Alexandra Martu, Anne Marie Rauten, Madalina Olteanu, Allma Pitru, Vasilica Toma, Simona Popa, Mihail Virgil Boldeanu, Silvia Martu and Ion Rogoveanu

The bacterial challenge on the periodontal tissues triggers an inflammatory reaction, driven by pro-inflammatory cytokines, that eventually leads to the periodontal structures’ damage. The pathogenic mechanisms of this inflammatory reaction are complex and are influenced by the type of host-immune response and certain local and systemic factors. These factors can influence periodontal inflammation, through the action of the various pro-inflammatory cytokines. Periodontal disease and certain systemic conditions can have a mutual association, as the pathogenic mechanisms of these diseases can involve similar molecular and cellular elements. The concept of ‘periodontal medicine’ comprises these pathogenic connections, focusing on the key role that periodontal health has on the general homeostasis and well-being.

Part of the book: Cytokines

By Alexandra Roman, Andrada Soancă, Bogdan Caloian, Alexandru Bucur, Gabriela Valentina Caracostea, Andreia Paraschiva Preda, Dora Maria Popescu, Iulia Cristina Micu, Petra Șurlin, Andreea Ciurea, Diana Oneț, Mircea Viorel Ciurea, Dragoș Alexandru Țermure and Marius Negucioiu

Due to the important advancement and the accumulation of new evidence on the periodontitis-cardiovascular disease (CVD) relationship as well as the major medical, economic and social burden caused by both diseases this chapter aims to review existing epidemiological and pathogenetic links related to this topic. Also, this chapter aims to highlight the impact of the periodontitis-CVD relationships on clinical practice and on the preventive approaches targeting to decrease the impact of periodontitis on CVD. Periodontitis is an infectious disease eliciting local and general inflammation, which leads to periodontal destruction and systemic involvement. Several pathways could explain the link between periodontitis and CVD such as bacteraemia, chronic persistent systemic inflammation and oxidative stress. The first step in the treatment of periodontitis addresses the elimination of microbial components, which lead to a decrease in local and systemic inflammation. Periodontal therapy seems to positively impact CVD. Specialists should inform patients with CVD on the negative impact of periodontitis on their systemic status and refer patients to the periodontist for an extensive examination as routine management of CVD. Some possible risks of periodontal therapy should be considered in patients undergoing antithrombotic medication.

Part of the book: Oral Health Care

By Dora Maria Popescu, Dorin Nicolae Gheorghe, Flavia Nicolae, Lucian Paul Dragomir, Allma Pitru, Andrada Soanca, Cristina Florescu, Vasilica Toma, Liliana Georgeta Foia, Alexandra Livia Roman, Petra Surlin and Ion Rogoveanu

The oral cavity is an integral part of the digestive tract and thus significant diseases, including periodontitis, can have an important impact on the normal nutritional functions of the body. Certain diseases of the hepato-digestive system have an inflammatory component, such as chronic hepatitis, fatty liver disease, or gastric cancer. This inflammatory reaction is mainly driven by pro-inflammatory chemokines. This is also the case for periodontitis, a condition characterized by the inflammation of the supporting tissues of teeth. Thus, significant pathogenic connections mediated by pro-inflammatory chemokines could exist between periodontitis and diseases of the hepato-digestive system.

Part of the book: Chemokines Updates