Serum osteoprotegerin and periodontal destruction in subjects with type 1 diabetes mellitus
(Journal of Clinical Periodontology; doi: 10.1111/jcpe.12129)
Georgios Antonoglou, Matti Knuuttila, Pentti Nieminen, Olli Vainio, Liisa Hiltunen, Taina Raunio, Onni Niemelä, Pirjo Hedberg, Riitta Karttunen, Tellervo Tervonen
Periodontitis can damage the bone and tissues supporting teeth. Researchers are investigating proteins involved in bone turnover to understand whether blood measurements reflect this damage in people with type 1 diabetes.
Eighty adults with type 1 diabetes in Finland had periodontal examinations and blood tests. Researchers measured osteoprotegerin, usually shortened to OPG, and a related signal called soluble RANKL. OPG helps regulate bone breakdown by limiting RANKL signalling. Analyses considered gum disease severity, smoking, age and HbA1c, a measure of average blood glucose.
Higher OPG levels were associated with greater loss of support around teeth and more severe periodontitis. Average OPG was approximately 135 pg/ml in severe disease compared with 96 pg/ml in the no-or-mild disease group. Soluble RANKL and the ratio between these signals did not show clear associations. Higher OPG could reflect a response to disease rather than a cause of tissue damage.
The study offers a clue about the biology of gum disease in type 1 diabetes. It does not establish a blood test that can diagnose periodontitis or predict tooth loss. It also does not suggest that patients should try to lower OPG. A periodontal examination remains necessary to understand the condition of the gums and supporting tissues.
There was no comparison group without diabetes. This study provides a snapshot rather than showing what happened first. People in the comparison groups may differ in ways the researchers could not fully measure, such as other health conditions, medicines or access to care. Statistical adjustment helps, but cannot remove every difference. A relationship seen across a group is also not a forecast for one person. The findings are best viewed as a reason for further research, not proof that changing one measurement will prevent or treat another condition.
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Periodontitis is the 6th most prevalent condition globally
Periodontitis and diabetes are bidirectionally linked
Diabetic complications are increased if you have both diseases
Successful periodontal treatment can improve blood glucose control
Periodontitis is the 6th most prevalent condition globally
Periodontitis and diabetes are bidirectionally linked
Diabetic complications are increased if you have both diseases
Successful periodontal treatment can improve blood glucose control
