Malattia parodontale, stress ossidativo e strategia alimentare antiossidante

Objectives

The onset and progression of periodontal disease are the results of complex interactions between pathogenic bacteria and the host's immune-inflammatory responses, to understand such mechanism has the purpose to improve the oral health.

Methods

The invading bacteria in gingival tissues trigger the release of cytokines, leading to elevated numbers and activity of Polymorphonuclear leukocyte.

As a result, they produce large amount of reactive oxygen species (ROS), a collective term which include chemically reactive molecules derived from molecular oxygen, to which belong free radicals.

ROS are aimed at damaging periodontopathic bacteria but are released, not only in intracellular but also in extracellular environment, damaging both bacteria and adjacent tissues.

Results

There are evidences that periodontal tissue damage is caused by increased level of ROS during the physiological activity of PMN in the phagocytosis of bacteria, suggesting a relationship between oxidative stress and periodontal disease.

To prevent free radical damage, our body has antioxidant defense system which opposes ROS and terminates the chain reaction, before vital molecules are damaged.

There are two groups of antioxidants: the first one is represented by human body enzyme system, such as superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase; while the second one collects nutrient antioxidants which are introduced by diet, such as Vitamin A, C and E, particularly important for periodontium health.

Conclusions

In order to better protect our health and prevent periodontal disease, we should carefully avoid all those factors which increase free radical production and daily eat more fresh vegetables and fruits, rich in antioxidants.