Periodontal diseases and adverse pregnancy outcomes: Is there a role for vitamin D?

Publication date: June 2018Source: The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Volume 180Author(s): Anne Marie Uwitonze, Peace Uwambaye, Moses Isyagi, Chrispinus H. Mumena, Alice Hudder, Afrozul Haq, Kamrun Nessa, Mohammed S. RazzaqueAbstractStudies have shown a relationship between maternal periodontal diseases (PDs) and premature delivery. PDs are commonly encountered oral diseases which cause progressive damage to the periodontal ligament and alveolar bones, leading to loss of teeth and oral disabilities. PDs also adversely affect general health by worsening of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Moreover, maternal PDs are thought to be related to increasing the frequency of preterm-birth with low birth weight (PBLBW) in new-borns. Prematurity and immaturity are the leading causes of prenatal and infant mortality and is a major public health problem around the world. Inflamed periodontal tissues generate significantly high levels of proinflammatory cytokines that may have systemic effects on the host mother and the fetus. In addition, the bacteria that cause PDs produce endotoxins which can harm the fetus. Furthermore, studies have shown that microorganisms causing PDs can get access to the bloodstream, invading uterine tissues, to induce PBLBW. Another likely mechanism that connects PDs with adverse pregnancy outcome is maternal vitamin D status. A role of inadequate vitamin D status in the genesis of PDs has been reported. Administration of vitamin D su...
Source: The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology - Category: Biochemistry Source Type: research