Scientists from Busan National University in Korea discovered that the link between diabetes and gum disease is due to the presence of a specific resistin pathway that is involved in the development of inflammation. results of work published In the journal Clinical and Translational Medicine (CTM).
Periodontitis is known to be a common complication of diabetes (DM). Despite their profound impact on overall health, the complex bidirectional relationship between them is not fully understood.
The study conducted by Korean scientists included healthy people, periodontitis (P) patients, as well as volunteers with periodontitis and type 2 diabetes (PSD). Blood samples were collected from all participants for RNA sequencing. It is a method for determining the primary structure of RNA molecules and a sensitive tool for studying the transcriptome. A transcript is the first level of implementation of genetic information contained in the genome.
The study found increased levels of inflammatory cytokines in classical monocytes (a type of immune cell) in both the P and PSD groups. Inflammatory cytokines, a type of signaling molecules, are secreted by immune cells. They play a role in increasing inflammatory reactions. Scientists also discovered dysfunction of natural killer cells, a specialized population of blood cells that respond to infection by intracellular bacteria and viruses, destroying infected cells.
Scientists managed to find out that such inflammation in the body of patients with periodontitis and diabetes is caused by the presence of a special resistin pathway. Resistin is a fat-derived hormone (similar to a cytokine). High serum resistin levels correlate with markers of systemic inflammation in both periodontitis and diabetes.
The fact is that resistin is involved in the formation of insulin resistance, a condition in which body cells stop responding to insulin. Scientists have suggested that there is a special intercellular pathway through which resistin contributes to the development of diabetes and periodontitis.
They hope their discovery will be the first step in developing new treatments for periodontal disease that will simultaneously improve blood sugar control and reduce the likelihood of developing diabetes.
Previous scientists to create One way to improve the effectiveness of diabetes treatment.