Nutrition in the News
Omega 3 Fatty Acids Reduce Pro-inflammatory Markers and Improve Clinical Outcome Measures in Chronic Periodontitis.
​
A new study published in the Journal of Periodontal Research has demonstrated a statistically significant effect of omega 3 fatty acids and low dose aspirin on both clinical and biochemical profiles in patients with chronic periodontitis and type two diabetes.
The study demonstrated a highly significant reduction in pocket depth, clinical attachment loss, gingival index (p ≤ 0.01) after 3 and 6 mo in the study group compared to the controls.
Furthermore, the treatment protocol showed a significant reduction in levels of MCP-3 and interleukin 1β at 3 and 6 mo compared to the placebo group.
This study concurs with an earlier study from Elkhouli et al in 2011 - J Perio Res 2011; 46(2) 261-268
Elwakeel NM, Hazaa HH. Effect of omega 3 fatty acids plus low-dose aspirin on both clinical and biochemical profiles of patients with chronic periodontitis and type 2 diabetes: a randomized double blind placebo-controlled study. J Periodont Res 2015; 50(6) 721-729
Vitamin D3 stimulates bone regeneration and antagonizes inflammation in human periodontal tissue.
​
A new study from Sweden has revealed the impact of 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (vitamin D3) on osteogenic and inflammatory properties of human periodontal ligament (PDL) cells. Treatment with vitamin D3 for 48 h enhanced PDL cell alkaline phosphatase activity by about two times showing that vitamin D3 exerts pro-osteogenic effects in human PDL cells.
​
Treatment with vitamin D3 for 48 h enhanced PDL cell alkaline phosphatase activity by about two times showing that vitamin D3 exerts pro-osteogenic effects in human PDL cells.
Treatment with vitamin D3 for 48 h enhanced PDL cell alkaline phosphatase activity by about two times showing that vitamin D3 exerts pro-osteogenic effects in human PDL cells.
Levels of pro-inflammatory mediators IL-6 and CXCL1 transcripts were attenuated by vitamin D3 (30 ng/mL). Treatment with vitamin D3 (3–300 ng/mL) for 24 h reduced the LPS-evoked increase in PDL cell IL-6 protein by about 50%.
This study suggests that Vitamin D3 promotes osteogenic differentiation but also downregulates inflammation promoter-induced IL-6 cytokine and CXCL1 chemokine expression in human PDL cells, suggesting that vitamin D3 both stimulates bone regeneration and antagonizes inflammation in human periodontal tissue.
Nebel D, Svensson D, Arosenius K, Larsson E, Jönsson D, Nilsson B-O. 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 promotes osteogenic activity and downregulates proinflammatory cytokine expression in human periodontal ligament cells. J Periodontal Res Dec 2014; Link
Published Feb 15
Low Serum Levels of Vitamin D Associated with Chronic Periodontitis.
​
A new piece of research published in the Journal of Periodontal Research has found a statistically significant association between serum 1,25(OH)D level and periodontal health status. Vitamin D has been studied primarily for its involvement in calcium and phosphate absorption and bone metabolism. The active form of vitamin D—1,25(OH)D—has also been investigated for its immune modulatory properties.
A new study from Finland has explored associations between serum levels of 25(OH)D and 1,25(OH)D and periodontal health. The group found that low serum 1,25(OH)D level appeared to be associated with periodontitis with no association between 25(OH)D levels and periodontal health status.
Antonoglou GN, Knuuttila M, Niemelä O, Raunio T, Karttunen R, Vainio O, Hedberg P, Ylöstalo P, Tervonen T. Low serum level of 1,25(OH)D is associated with chronic periodontitis. J Periodont Res 2014
​
Inhibition of Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines by Cranberry Components in Gingival Epithelial Cells
A research group from Memphis has demonstrated that cranberry polyphenols both decrease cytokine signalling pathways and inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory gene expression.
In periodontitis, gingival epithelial cells can produce interleukin (IL)-6, a regulator of osteoclastic bone resorption, in response to IL-1β. IL-1β regulates cytokine expression via signaling pathways, including nuclear factor (NF)-κB. Cranberry proanthocyanidins (PACs) inhibit IL-1β–stimulated IL-6 production. Defining these points of inhibition precisely may help identify molecular targets of cranberry polyphenols.
Sword Bean Inhibits Alveolar Bone Resorption.
A research team from Japan has demonstrated the effects of sword bean extract on alveolar bone resorption induced in rats by Porphyromonas gingivalis infection. This study published in the February issue of the Journal of Periodontal research, examined the effect of sword bean extract (SBE) on (i) oral bacteria and human oral epithelial cells in vitro, and (ii) the initiation and progression of experimental Porphyromonas gingivalis-induced alveolar bone resorption in rats.
The domesticated legume, Canavalia gladiata (commonly called the sword bean), is known to contain canavanine. The fruit is used in Chinese and Japanese herbal medicine for treating bacterial infections. The group found that SBE and canavanine inhibited the growth of P. gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum. P. gingivalis-induced alveolar bone resorption was significantly suppressed by administration of SBE, with bone levels remaining comparable to non-infected animals.
Nakatsuka Y, Nagasawa T, Yumoto Y, Nakazawa F, Furuichi Y. Inhibitory effects of sword bean extract on alveolar bone resorption induced in rats by Porphyromonas gingivalis infection. J Periodont Res 2014
Green Tea Extract Inhibits Periodontal Destruction.
A group of Japanese researchers have found that green tea inhibits periodontal breakdown from inflammatory periodontal disease. The group examined the inhibitory effects of green tea extract on the onset of periodontitis and loss of periodontal attachment in the rat model. loss of attachment, level of alveolar bone, inflammatory cell infiltration and RANKL expression in the green tea extract group were significantly decreased compared with those in the control group.
They concluded that that green tea extract suppresses the onset of loss of attachment and alveolar bone resorption in a rat model of experimental periodontitis.
Yoshinaga Y, Ukai T, Nakatsu S, Kuramoto A, Nagano F, Yoshinaga M, Montenegro JL, Shiraishi C, Hara Y. Green tea extract inhibits the onset of periodontal destruction in rat experimental periodontitis. J Periodont Res 2013
​
Curcumin and Lycopene Reduce Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells.
A new study published in the May edition of Oral Diseases has demonstrated the synergistic effects of curcumin and lycopene on oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).
An in vitro study was carried out to evaluate the effect of curcumin, lycopene, and irradiation upon OSCC. The study looked at cell viability, apoptosis, and migration after 24, 48, and 72 h of incubation with and without radiation.
The application of curcumin or lycopene to the tumor cells during 24, 48, and 72 h without irradiation exerted an inhibitor effect upon cell viability and increased cell apoptosis. Likewise, curcumin and lycopene exerted a synergic effect upon both variables on applying irradiation. Lastly, doses of both cucumin and lycopene together with 5 Gy of irradiation, yielded the greatest decrease in cell migration capacity.
The researchers from Spain concluded that Curcumin and lycopene increase cytotoxic activity in the and reduce cell migration capacity, while the combination of curcumin or lycopene with irradiation exerts a synergic effect.
Curcumin is the principal curcuminoid of turmeric, which is a member of the ginger family. Curcumin, an active ingredient in turmeric, is an antioxidant. Laboratory studies have also shown that curcumin interferes with several important molecular pathways involved in cancer development, growth, and spread. Lycopene is an antioxidant compound that gives tomatoes and certain other fruits and vegetables their color. It is one of the major carotenoids in the diet and gives yellow, red, and orange vegetables and fruits their colors.
Camacho-Alonso F et al: Synergic effect of curcumin or lycopene with irradiation upon oral squamous cell carcinoma cells. Oral Diseases (2013) 19, 465–472. Link
​
Glutamine Prevents Radiation Induced Oral Mucositis
​
A report from researchers in Spain has demonstrated that Glutamine may have a protective effect during radiotherapy (RT), reducing the risk and severity of oral Mucositis (OM) and acute radiation-induced esophagitis (ARIE). Glutamine is a nutraceutic with antioxidant and immune functions that can protect from adverse effects associated with (RT).
The study published in Nutrition and Cancer included patients treated with RT for cancer of the head and neck (HN) or chest areas during the 2008-2010 period. Data on glutamine treatment ,appearance of mucositis, weight loss, BMI, malnutrition, and nutritional support were collected during RT.
The sample included 117 patients. Overall, glutamine was associated with a significant reduction of mucositis, weight loss, and enteral nutrition. More of the patients not receiving glutamine developed severe malnutrition when compared with those receiving this supplement, and there were no differences in other outcomes such as interruption of RT, hospitalization or use of opioid analgesics. The group concluded that Glutamine may have a protective effect during RT, reducing the risk and severity of OM and ARIE, preventing weight loss, and reducing the need for nutritional support. Prospective trials are required.
Good glutamine food sources include: fish, dairy products,cabbage,beetroot, beef, chicken and beans.
Vidal-Casariego A, Calleja-Fernández A, Ballesteros-Pomar MD et al: Efficacy of glutamine in the prevention of oral mucositis and acute radiation-induced esophagitis: a retrospective study. Nutr Cancer. 2013 Apr;65(3):424-9 Link
Goats Milk Better for Recurrent Apthous Ulceration
​
A new study in the Journal of Oral Pathology & Medicine has suggested that goats milk proteins may be better tolerated by patients with RAU than cows milk proteins. Recurrent aphthous ulcers (RAU) represent a very common, but poorly understood mucosal disorder.
The connection between immunity to cow's milk proteins (CMP) and oral diseases has been reported by the same research group. The goal of this study was to determine the prevalence of the increased levels of serum antibodies to goat's milk proteins (GMP), in subjects who have RAU and proven increased immunity to CMP.
'The levels of serum antifresh cow's milk IgA, IgG, and IgE antibodies were significantly higher than the levels of serum antifresh goat's milk, in subjects with RAU, indicating that patients with RAU and an increased immunity to CMP may find goat's milk as an alternative protein source.
Besul I, Jankovic L, Konic-Ristic A et al: Good tolerance to goat's milk in patients with recurrent aphthous ulcers with increased immunoreactivity to cow's milk proteins. Journal of Oral Pathology & Medicine 2013 42(3)
Anti-inflammatory Effects of Ginger.
​
Researchers from Thailand have demonstrated the effect of Zingiber cassumunar extracts on proinflammatory mediators in human gingival fibroblasts. Zingiber cassumunar is a medicinal plant that possesses anti-inflammatory properties. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of the Z. cassumunar extract on the expression of pro-inflammatory mediators COX-1, COX-2 and MMP’s) in human gingival fibroblasts.
Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) induce the production of proinflammatory mediators such as prostaglandins and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs). Zingiber cassumunar is a medicinal plant that possesses anti-inflammatory properties (Ozaki et al).
HGFs were treated with LPS in the presence or absence of Z. cassumunar extracts. The levels of expression of COX-1, COX-2 and MMP-2 mRNAs and of COX-1, COX-2 and MMP-2 proteins were detected by reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction and western blotting, respectively. The results indicated that Z. cassumunar extracts inhibit COX-2 and MMP-2 production by LPS-activated human gingival fibroblasts through blocking the proinflammatory signaling pathways.
Koontongkaew S, Meesuk L, Aupaphong V. et al. Inhibitory effect of Zingiber cassumunar extracts on lipopolysaccharide-induced cyclooxygenase-2 and matrix metalloproteinase expression in human gingival fibroblasts. J Periodont Res 2012; doi: 10.1111/jre.12033.
​
Antibacterial Effects of Blackberry Extract Target Periodontal Pathogens.
A group of researchers from Kentucky and North Carolina USA have reported that blackberry extract reduces the metabolic activity of Porphyromonas gingivalis, F. nucleatum and Streptococcus mutans. The effects of whole and fractionated blackberry extract (BBE) on the metabolism of 10 different oral bacteria were evaluated.
BBE at 350–1400 μg/mL reduced the metabolic activity of Porphyromonas gingivalis, F. nucleatum and Streptococcus mutans. The reduced metabolic activity observed for F. nucleatum corresponded to a reduction in the numbers of CFUs following exposure to BBE for as little as 1 h, indicative of its bactericidal properties. Oral epithelial cell viability was not reduced following exposure to whole BBE (2.24–1400 μg/mL) for ≤ 6 h.The researchers suggested that the specific antibacterial properties of BBE shown in this study, along with its previously demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties, make this natural extract a promising target as an adjunct for prevention and/or complementary therapy of periodontal infections.
​
González OA et al: Antibacterial effects of blackberry extract target periodontopathogens.
J Periodontal Res. 2012 Jul 19. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0765.2012.01506.x.
​