Dr. Maurizio Battino, director of the Ibero-American University Foundation (FUNIBER) at its headquarters in Italy and of the Research Group on Food, Nutritional Biochemistry and Health of the (Universidad Europea del Atlantico) (European University of the Atlantic) (UNEATLANTICO), participates in a study that proposes a personalized treatment strategy to address oxidative stress in patients with periodontitis. Francesca Giampieri, a professor at the European Atlantic University (UNEATLANTICO), an institution that is part of the Foundation’s International University Network, also participates in the study.
Periodontitis is a high-prevalence inflammatory gum disease worldwide that, in addition to causing bleeding and loss of bone and teeth, is associated with other chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and pathological aging. A common factor in all of them is oxidative stress, which is an imbalance between unstable molecules (free radicals or reactive species) and the body’s antioxidant defenses. When that balance is broken, cells and tissues are damaged.
For years, solutions based on antioxidants (such as resveratrol, curcumin, coenzyme Q10, lycopene or melatonin) have been explored as a complement to conventional periodontal treatment. Although positive effects have been observed in laboratory studies and animal models, the results in humans have not been consistent. One possible reason is that each person has a different oxidative profile, influenced by their diet, physical activity, stress level, medication or environmental pollution.
Faced with these limitations, the study introduces personalized oxidative stress therapy (POST). This therapy proposes to take into consideration three planes at the same time: 1) the patient’s environment, such as air pollution, ultraviolet or ionizing radiation; 2) his personal characteristics (age, eating habits, exercise, psychological stress, microbiome or set of beneficial bacteria in the body, and drugs); and 3) what happens inside cells especially in their organelles, small structures with specific functions.
To build this framework, researchers conducted an exhaustive narrative review of recent biomedical literature, integrating findings from cell biology, immune metabolism, dental materials science and clinical trials in periodontics. Molecular mechanisms, redox signaling pathways and inflammatory biomarkers were analyzed, identifying plausible intervention points and gaps in evidence that require prospective studies.
Relevant study results
It was found that in gums with periodontitis, mitochondria, an organ responsible for the production of cellular energy, present a less efficient functioning and generate more harmful compounds, situation that improves after intense periodontal treatment, mainly in people with diabetes. In addition, an overload is observed in the cell workshop responsible for producing proteins, which contributes to bone loss near the teeth.
Other compartments that regulate fats and neutralize oxidants are altered, especially in people with obesity or metabolic syndrome, aggravating the damage of the dental support tissue. The internal cell recycling system becomes less effective, wastes accumulate and inflammation increases. Gum cells «age» prematurely and maintain the inflammatory response. In addition, certain oral bacteria alter cellular function and promote inflammation.
Lifestyle and environment play an important role. Following a Mediterranean-type diet and regular exercise is associated with better gingival health. In contrast, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, stress, pollution and smoking worsen periodontitis. Certain oral bacteria alter the internal functioning of cells and promote inflammation, so it is not enough to use antioxidants in a general way.
This study redefines the approach to periodontitis from a redox-systemic perspective and proposes to customize oxidative stress treatment therapy in each patient, taking into account the environment, individual characteristics and cellular physiology. Integrating clinical data, comics and biomarkers with artificial intelligence support can accelerate the translation of personalized oxidative stress therapy into clinical practice.
If you want to know more about this study, click here.
To read more research, consult the UNEATLANTICO repository.
The (Universidad Europea del Atlantico) (European Atlantic University) (UNEATLANTICO), offers several degrees in the Faculty of Health Sciences, such as Human Nutrition and Dietetics and the Degree in Food Science and Technology. This will enable them to transform these findings into effective preventive programmes and community interventions. Take the next step to leading real-impact health solutions with university support.