Systemic Humoral Immune Responses in Periodontal Disease

Abstract

Antibodies are humoral factors exemplary of the adaptive immune system that are present in the serum and fluids of all mammals. These molecules react with antigens contained on bacteria, viruses, parasites, and toxins. Antibodies are elicited when the lymphoid system reacts to immunogenic materials on, or produced by, the microorganisms, and B lymphocytes are stimulated through an immune cooperation network. The host has the ability to produce a tremendous array of structurally similar antibody molecules that have individual unique binding domains that specifically interact with the antigens. Five distinct classes of immunoglobulins are identified in most higher mammals and include IgG, IgA, IgM, IgD, and IgE. These molecules have characteristic differences in size, charge, amino acid composition, and carbohydrate content.IgG is the predominant serum immunoglobulin and, after protracted exposure to most antigens, antibody activities are notably associated with this isotype. There is also confirmation that certain antigens preferentially stimulate production of a single IgG subclass and not a polyclonal response in all subclasses. Four subclasses of IgG have been identified in humans and include IgGl, IgG2, IgG3, and IgG4 due to differences in antigen epitopes on the heavy chains of the molecules. Second, functional differences have been identified among the subclasses. IgG2 subclasses have been shown frequently in responses to polysaccharide antigens, while IgGl and IgG3 are elicited in response to proteins and viruses, and IgG4 synthesis is associated with responses to certain antigens that can lead to allergic reactions. IgG3 is the most effective at complement fixation, while IgG4 does not fix complement. All subclasses cross the placenta and can provide protection to the neonate. Fc receptors for the IgG subclasses are present on various cells and are critical for increased phagocytosis by opsonization. The IgG isotype of immunoglobulin is normally distributed in the circulation and tissues.IgM is the first immunoglobulin class to appear in the immune response. It represents the first antibody formed by the neonate. IgM is a potent molecule for fixation of complement. The pentameric nature of the immunoglobulin provides for agglutination/aggregation of bacteria. There are also Fc receptors for IgM on some cells. This molecule is primarily distributed in the intravascular system.Monomeric IgA is the primary form of this immunoglobulin in serum, and IgA is the predominant Ig in secretions. Additionally, a unique structural variant of IgA exists in external

Periodontitis decreases the antiatherogenic potency of high density lipoprotein

“…Untreated periodontitis may eventually lead to loss of teeth. The systemic response to periodontitis can be measured as increased serum antibody levels against periodontopathogenic bacteria (35) and CRP concentrations (36). Also in the present study, the levels of serum antibodies to P. gingivalis and the concentrations of CRP and SAA in A. actinomycetemcomitanspositive patients were decreased after periodontal treatment.…”

Porphyromonas gingivalisInfection during Pregnancy Increases Maternal Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha, Suppresses Maternal Interleukin-10, and Enhances Fetal Growth Restriction and Resorption in Mice

“…Levels of antibodies against periodontal pathogens in serum are useful markers for periodontal infection (17) as in many other common viral and bacterial infections (18,19). Our data suggest that the elevated level of specific IgG to P. gingivalis in maternal serum and amniotic fluid was associated with FGR and P. gingivalis detection in maternal liver and uterus.…”

Local and Systemic Responses in Matrix Metalloproteinase 8-Deficient Mice duringPorphyromonas gingivalis-Induced Periodontitis

“…Increased bacterial burden in inflamed periodontal pockets leads to the presence of oral bacteria and their components, such as LPS, in the systemic circulation (15,22). Periodontitis is also accompanied by the systemic antibody response against periodontal pathogens and proatherogenic changes in lipoprotein metabolism (42)(43)(44)(45).…”