Inflammatory Protein CD36 the Link Between Gum and Heart Disease?
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The AHA's position is that "although observational studies support an association between periodontal disease and atherosclerotic vascular disease independent of known confounders, they do not support a causative relationship."
Dr. Lentz explained, however, that the research Dr. Febbraio presented indicates that "this organism...can actually make atherosclerosis worse, at least in a mouse model."
Dr. Febbraio agrees and elaborated by email. "We know from epidemiologic data that other inflammatory states, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and inflammatory bowel disease, as well as insulin resistance/diabetes, increase inflammation systematically and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. There are also some data to suggest a common mechanism through the proteins we and others have identified. Thus, it may be that a treatment strategy will apply to a larger pool of patients than just those with periodontal disease."
Yeah, this truth is bigger and coming at them faster than they can imagine.
