Apical periodontitis, inflammation and insulin resistance

Abstract

Apical periodontitis (AP) is an immunoinflammatory process characterized by the participation of different cell types such as lymphocytes, neutrophils, osteoclasts, and macrophages that are important sources of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Studies have found that localized inflammation in different tissues can eventually lead to systemic disorders. However, the mechanisms involved in these changes are not fully understood. It is known that high concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, derived from oral inflammation are associated with decreased insulin signal and insulin resistance, which are important risk factors for type 2 diabetes mellitus. This review aims to discuss the role of proinflammatory cytokines and the mechanisms involved in the development of insulin resistance in AP models.