Effect of Sudharshan Kriya Pranayama on Salivary Expression of Human Beta Defensin-2, Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Gamma, and Nuclear Factor-Kappa B in Chronic Periodontitis

Abstract

Introduction Sudharshan kriya pranayama (SKP) is a form of yoga that reduces inflammation and contributes to general health. Very few prior studies have examined the role of pranayama on oral health. We evaluated the clinical status and inflammatory biomarkers in patients with chronic periodontitis before and after SKP. Materials and methods Ninety male subjects were considered for the study and divided into three groups: subjects with a healthy periodontium (Group1), subjects with chronic gingivitis (Group2), and subjects with chronic periodontitis (Group3). The clinical parameters included plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), probing pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment level (CAL), and salivary markers human beta-defensin-2(HBD-2), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ), and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB). These parameters and markers were evaluated before and after 90 days of SKP. The data obtained were statistically evaluated by McNemar's test, paired sample t-test, and one-way analysis of variance. Results There was a significant improvement in PI in all three groups. GI showed an improvement in Groups 2 and 3. PPD and CAL also showed an improvement in Group 3. HBD-2 and NF-κB decreased with SKP, whereas PPAR-γ expression increased after the intervention. In Groups 2 and 3 with the decrease in GI, there was a corresponding decrease in HBD-2. In Group 3 with an improvement in PPD and CAL, there was an improvement in PPAR-γ expression. Conclusions The results show that SKP can significantly decrease periodontal inflammation and improve periodontal status. It also effectively improves the expression of PPAR-γ, thereby decreasing salivary levels of HBD-2 and NF-κB, respectively. Based on our results, pranayama can be an effective adjunct in maintaining oral health.

Sudarshan kriya yoga: A breath of hope during covid-19 pandemic

“…Human beta-defensin-2 (HBD-2), which is a dynamic multifunctional peptide and an important element of the local epithelial defense system of the oral mucosa, skin, and respiratory tract, plays an important role in protecting these surfaces from infection. [ 25 26 27 ] At the protein level through a toll-like receptor 1/2 mechanism, HBD induces increased interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, and IL-8 in human monocytes. It amplifies immune response by promoting the production of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines and inhibiting neutrophil apoptosis.…”

“…[ 27 ] Sudarshan Kriya practices (SKPs) have shown to be effective in significantly decreasing the levels of salivary HBD-2, thus contributing to its anti-inflammatory activity. [ 25 26 ]…”

“…Recent studies have reported that SKP effectively decreased NF-κB expression and increased the expression of PPAR-γ, which modulates levels of NF-κB, thereby contributing to reduction of oral and systemic inflammation and improving the host immune response. [ 26 27 28 29 ]…”

Integrative Dentistry –What, When and How

“…Along with weight reduction yoga has also been a weapon in declining inflammation with the scientific evidence of decreased levels of IL-6, IL-8, C -reactive protein (CRP). Various pranayama recommended exclusively for oral health like sheetali pranayama, sheetkari pranayama etc., sudharshan kriya pranayama is a form of yoga which has improved the periodontal health by positively influencing the salivary expression and levels of antiinflammatory and pro-inflammatory markers like HBD-2, PPAR-gamma, NF Kappa -B. yoga also enhances the qualitative and quantitative values of saliva that results in a better oral hygiene and periodontal health status 9 (Figure 1). Yogic practice is considered superior to traditional exercise, as results obtained after high-intensity workouts are quantitative at the muscular level when compared with the qualitative output of yoga practice that leads to the energization of the chakras (body energy centers).…”