Effects on Circulating VEGF Concentration on Periodontal Surgery in Diabetic Rats

57 INTRODUCTION The number of diabetic patients in Japan is estimated to be 7.2 million, and a total of about 22 million are considered to have, or be at a high risk of, diabetes. Diabetes is classified into types 1 (insulin-dependent) and 2 (non-insulindependent), but type 2, which has an onset in middle to old age, is predominant, accounting for about 95% of all diabetic patients. Once it develops, diabetes causes various complications, which are classified into macroand microvascular disorders. Macrovascular disorders include cerebrovascular disturbances, such as cerebral infarction, and cardiovascular disturbances, such as myocardial infarction. Microvascular disorders include retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy. Vascular impairment is associated with the etiology of all these 5 diabetic complications. In 2008, the Japan Diabetes Society proposed periodontal disease as the sixth complication of diabetes mellitus. Diabetic patients frequently develop periodontal disease, and diabetes mellitus has been reported to be an important risk factor for the disease. In addition, periodontal disease in diabetic patients tends to be severe and often requires periodontal surgery for its treatment. Effects on Circulating VEGF Concentration on Periodontal Surgery in Diabetic Rats