Researchers at Umeå University, Sweden, have discovered altered blood protein levels in individuals with periodontitis, which could lead to the identification of biomarkers for the disease. These findings may help develop drugs to slow down the progression of severe periodontitis, a condition that affects about one in ten Swedes and is linked to other serious health problems such as cardiovascular disease and rheumatism.

The study highlights the unique inflammatory protein profile found in the blood of individuals with periodontitis. Notably, those with severe periodontitis show significantly reduced levels of EGF (epidermal growth factor), a protein essential for wound healing, and OLR-1 (oxidized low-density lipoprotein 1), which is linked to cardiovascular disease.

Despite significant improvements in dental health and preventive care in Sweden, the prevalence of severe periodontitis has remained unchanged since the 1970s. Current research is focused on understanding the hereditary factors behind the disease, as well as finding ways to predict which individuals are at risk of developing severe periodontitis.

The large sample size of the study allows for high accuracy, and researchers are now analyzing DNA from participants to identify genetic changes associated with the condition. This combination of genetic and biological markers could potentially lead to more precise identification of individuals at high risk for periodontitis.