Study: Obesity May Increase Risk Of Periodontal Bone Loss

The University at Buffalo (NY) Reporter  (11/11, Robinson) said, “Chronic inflammation caused by obesity may trigger the development of cells that break down bone tissue, including the bone that holds teeth in place, according to new University at Buffalo research.” The study “found that excessive inflammation resulting from obesity raises the number of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC), a group of immune cells that increase during illness to regulate immune function.” MDSCs “develop into a range of different cell types, including osteoclasts (a cell that breaks down bone tissue).” The research “supports the view that obesity raises the risk of periodontal bone loss,” says Kyuhwan Kwack, PhD, postdoctoral associate in the UB Department of Oral Biology. The study  was published in the Journal of Dental Research.