Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and periodontitis - Unwinding their linking mechanisms

摘要

Background Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and periodontitis are severe debilitating disorders of inflammatory origin. COPD manifests as inflammation of the lung connective tissue caused by irritants such as smoking and dust particles, resulting in narrowing of the airway. Periodontitis follows the same inflammatory course with the resultant destruction of the local connective tissue, and several irritants are well-documented risk factors for this disease. Highlights Neutrophilic dominance is well established in both of these conditions, and some evidence suggests that periodontopathogens play a role in causing respiratory infections. Given the similarities in the etiopathogenesis and the risk factor profiles of these diseases, a common foundation exists to suggest an inter relationship between the two diseases. Conclusion The present article briefly reviews the interlinking mechanisms between the two diseases, starting with the role of periodontal pathogens, innate immunity, and, ultimately, imbalances in oxidative stress and the protease-antiprotease system. Although epidemiological evidence provides no clear association between these two diseases, the striking commonalities should not be overlooked. Hence, future research should be targeted to this area in order to obtain constructive information.