Gingivitis Bacteria Manipulate Your Immune System

New research published in the Journal of Leukocyte Biology suggests gingivitis bacteria manipulate your immune system so they can thrive longer in your gums. The researchers say Porphyromonas gingivalis causes excess IL-10 production, which inhibits the immune cells interferon gamma. The scientists say the findings imply that for treatment to be successful, it must be started as early as possible. Jannet Katz, D.D.S., Ph.D., a researcher involved in the work from the Department of Pediatric Dentistry at the University of Alabama in Birmingham, said in a release, "Since greater than 50 percent of the U.S. population over 50 years-of-age develop adult periodontal disease, we hope that the results of our study will ultimately help in the development of novel treatments that could prevent or ameliorate the chronic infection caused by the pathogen P. gingivalis." John Wherry, Ph.D., Deputy Editor of the Journal of Leukocyte Biology, said in a statement, "Gum diseases and the infections that cause them can be incredibly stubborn and difficult to treat. What isn't as well known is why these infections are so difficult to eradicate. These new studies now demonstrate that these bacteria go beyond merely evading our body's defenses and actually manipulate our immune systems for their own survival." Permalink | Facebook | Twitter | Recent Headlines | News Feeds
Source: HealthNewsBlog.com - Category: Health Medicine and Bioethics Commentators Tags: oral gingivitis teeth Source Type: blogs