Popular anti-cholesterol drugs could also help fight gum disease

By Stephen Beech via SWNS

Statins could help fight gum disease, suggests a new study.

Researchers found the anti-cholesterol drugs taken by millions can affect immune cells that drive inflammation of the gums.

The study conducted in cell cultures showed that cholesterol-lowering drugs help to dampen the inflammation associated with periodontal disease by altering the behavior of macrophages, a type of immune cell.

The findings suggest that statins improve gum health and reduce the risk of heart disease.

Research leader Dr. Subramanya Pandruvada said: “During our study, we replicated specific conditions in periodontal disease and demonstrated that introducing statins to our in vitro model modifies macrophage response.

“This allowed us to explore how medication like statins can help us treat inflammatory conditions such as periodontal disease.”

He explained that periodontal disease occurs when the growth of bacteria in the gums causes the immune system to mount an inflammatory response, contributing to symptoms such as swelling, bleeding and bone loss. Untreated, it can lead to tooth loss.

Nearly half of all adults over age 30 have some form of periodontal disease, according to official figures.

Current treatments for advanced periodontal disease include antibiotics, deep cleanings of tooth and root surfaces, and various surgical procedures.

Researchers have sought new ways to calm gum disease through less invasive treatments.

Previous research has shown that people taking statins tend to show fewer signs of periodontitis than people who do not take the drugs.

The new study is the first to trace the biochemical pathways through which statins appear to reduce periodontal inflammation.

Dr. Pandruvada, an Assistant Professor in the College of Dental Medicine at the Medical University of South Carolina, said: “Recent periodontal literature has shown the beneficial effects of statins when used with traditional periodontal therapy.

“However, our study highlights a novel approach in which statins affect macrophages specifically, which, through this mechanism, can help treat periodontal disease.”

He said macrophages play an important role in helping the body fight infections.

However, they can also worsen inflammation depending on the form they take at different phases of the immune response.

The research team grew macrophages and gum cells together and exposed them to various conditions.

They found that exposure to simvastatin, a common statin drug, suppressed the macrophage inflammatory response.

Now the team plan to study the impacts of statins on periodontal disease in animal models, a step toward determining whether it might be a safe and effective approach for future treatment.

Dr. Pandruvada presented the findings at Discover BMB, the annual meeting of the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, in San Antonio.