Chronic periodontitis impairs polymorphonuclear leucocyte–endothelium cell interactions and oxidative stress in humans

Abstract Aim To evaluate the relationship between oxidative stress parameters in polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMNs) and PMN–endothelial cell interactions in patients with chronic periodontitis (CP) according to different degrees of severity of the disease. Materials and methods For this cross‐sectional study, 182 subjects were divided into four groups according to degree of CP: without CP ( n = 37), mild CP ( n = 59), moderate CP ( n = 51), and severe CP ( n = 35). We determined anthropometric and biochemical variables, periodontal parameters, inflammatory markers, oxidative stress parameters (superoxide and mitochondrial membrane potential), and PMN–endothelium cell interactions (rolling flux, velocity, and adhesion). Results Systemic inflammatory markers—C‐reactive protein, leucocyte count, TNFα, and retinol‐binding protein 4—were altered in the group with CP. Total superoxide was augmented in patients with moderate and severe periodontitis, whereas mitochondrial membrane potential did not change. Furthermore, PMNs adhesion and rolling flux were increased in subjects with CP. Conclusion In a systemic proinflammatory environment, PMNs from patients with CP exhibit hyperactivity and produce higher amounts of superoxide. In parallel with this, an increase in PMNs rolling flux and cell adhesion to the endothelium suggests the presence of alterations of PMN–endothelium interactions in patients with CP that can lead to atherosclerosis and cardiovascular complications.