Periodontitis Disease in Farmed Ruminants-Current State of Research

Abstract

Periodontal disease in ruminants is common and occurs in farmed and wild animals. Periodontal lesions can result from the secretion of endotoxins by pathogenic bacteria and as consequences of immune system activity. Three main types of periodontitis have been described. The first is chronic inflammation involving mainly premolars and molars-periodontitis (PD). The second type is an acute inflammatory reaction occurring with calcification of the periosteum of the jawbone and swelling of the surrounding soft tissues (Cara inchada, CI-"swollen face"). Finally, a third type, similar to the first but located in the incisor area, is called "broken mouth" (BM). Etiological variation between the different types of periodontitis is indicated. This particularly manifests in the composition of the microbiome, which is characteristic of the different forms of periodontitis. The widespread detection of lesions has drawn attention to the current nature of the problem.

Keywords: broken mouth; cara inhada; cattle; goat; oral microbiome; ovine; periodontitis.

Figure 1

Bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and cell wall elements of pathogens trigger immune system responses. This leads to an increased release of cytokines (IL-1, TNF-a) from local tissues and immune cells. IL-1 activates immune cells and facilitates production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) through degranulation of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs). Increased production of inflammatory mediators, e.g., prostaglandin (PGE2) and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP), contributes to impaired collagen synthesis resulting in the degradation of gingival tissues. TNF-a, on the other hand, is the main signal for cell apoptosis, bone resorption, MMP secretion, and IL-6 production. IL-6 stimulates osteoclast formation (activation of the RANK/RANKL/OPG axis) and promotes bone resorption [19,42,43,44,46].