BACTERIA RESPONSIBLE FOR GUM DISEASE FACILITATES DEVELOPMENT AND PROGRESSION OF RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS Does gum disease indicate future joint problems? Although researchers and clinicians have long known about an association between two prevalent chronic inflammatory diseases-periodontal disease and rheumatoid arthritis (RA)-the microbiological mechanisms have remained unclear. A new article reports that scientists have uncovered how the bacterium responsible for periodontal disease, Porphyromonas gingivalis, worsens RA by leading to earlier onset, faster progression and greater severity of the disease, including increased bone and cartilage destruction. The scientists found that P. gingivalis produces a unique enzyme, peptidylarginine deiminanse (PAD), which then enhances collagen-induced arthritis (CIA), a form of arthritis similar to RA produced in the lab. PAD changes residues of certain proteins into citrulline, and the body recognizes citullinated proteins as intruders, leading to an immune attack. In RA patients, the subsequent result is chronic inflammation responsible for bone and cartilage destruction within the joints. Studies indicate that compared to the general population, people with periodontal disease have an increased prevalence of RA and, periodontal disease is at least two times more prevalent in RA patients. Other research has shown that a P. gingivalis infection in the mouth will precede RA, and the bacterium is the likely culprit for onset and continuation of the autoimmune inflammatory responses that occur in the disease. Presented as a service to the community by Dr. Barbara Webster 1121 Warren Ave., Suite 130, Downers Grove, IL 60515 630-663-0554 SM-CLI886656 BACTERIA RESPONSIBLE FOR GUM DISEASE FACILITATES DEVELOPMENT AND PROGRESSION OF RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS Does gum disease indicate future joint problems? Although researchers and clinicians have long known about an association between two prevalent chronic inflammatory diseases-periodontal disease and rheumatoid arthritis (RA)-the microbiological mechanisms have remained unclear. A new article reports that scientists have uncovered how the bacterium responsible for periodontal disease, Porphyromonas gingivalis, worsens RA by leading to earlier onset, faster progression and greater severity of the disease, including increased bone and cartilage destruction. The scientists found that P. gingivalis produces a unique enzyme, peptidylarginine deiminanse (PAD), which then enhances collagen-induced arthritis (CIA), a form of arthritis similar to RA produced in the lab. PAD changes residues of certain proteins into citrulline, and the body recognizes citullinated proteins as intruders, leading to an immune attack. In RA patients, the subsequent result is chronic inflammation responsible for bone and cartilage destruction within the joints. Studies indicate that compared to the general population, people with periodontal disease have an increased prevalence of RA and, periodontal disease is at least two times more prevalent in RA patients. Other research has shown that a P. gingivalis infection in the mouth will precede RA, and the bacterium is the likely culprit for onset and continuation of the autoimmune inflammatory responses that occur in the disease. Presented as a service to the community by Dr. Barbara Webster 1121 Warren Ave., Suite 130, Downers Grove, IL 60515 630-663-0554 SM-CLI886656