Interferon gamma in the etiology of atherosclerosis and periodontitis

Abstract

Clinical observations and a few research reports seem to suggest that intraoral infection as well as periodontal teeth could potentially lead to systemic infections including atherosclerosis. The aim of our investigations was to determine whether periodontal disease might aggravate atherosclerosis and whether interferon-gamma (IFNG), widely recognized as a potent multifunctional cytokine, might serve as a marker of the process. This is the first research based on tissue material such as atheromata and periodontal pocket granulation tissue. The study population consisted of 15 patients with periodontitis and atherosclerosis. Control group comprised 15 non-atherosclerotic patients with periodontitis. IFNG, IFNGR1 and IFNGR2 expression was analysed using qRT-PCR profiling in the inflammatory granulation tissue and atheroma. Granulation tissue samples obtained from non-atherosclerotic group showed a significant increase in IFNG and a decrease of IFNGR1, IFNGR2 expression whereas granulation tissue and atheromata of patients with systemic disease demonstrated lower IFNG and higher IFNGR1 and IFNGR2 expression.