Periodontal diseases and adverse pregnancy outcomes: Is there a role for vitamin D?. Issue 180 (June 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Uwitonze, Anne Marie; Uwambaye, Peace; Isyagi, Moses; Mumena, Chrispinus H.; Hudder, Alice; Haq, Afrozul; Nessa, Kamrun; Razzaque, Mohammed S.
• Is Part Of: Journal of steroid biochemistry and molecular biology. Issue 180(2017)
• Page Start: 65
• Page End: 72
• Publication Date: 2018-06
• Subjects: Vitamin D -- Sunlight -- Pregnancy -- Oral disease; Steroid hormones -- Periodicals; Biochemistry -- Periodicals; Hormones -- Periodicals; Molecular Biology -- Periodicals; Hormones stéroïdes -- Périodiques; Steroid hormones; Periodicals; 572.579
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2018.01.010
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0960-0760

Abstract

Highlights: Maternal periodontal disease is a risk factor for adverse pregnancy outcome. Periodontal disease can increase the risk of preterm-birth with low birth weight. Inadequate vitamin D status can promote the genesis of periodontal disease. Benefits of prenatal sunlight exposure on fetal health and beyond should be explored. Proper oral health care during pregnancy should be encouraged. Abstract: Studies have shown a relationship between maternal periodontal diseases (PDs) and premature delivery. PDs are commonly encountered oral diseases which cause progressive damage to the periodontal ligament and alveolar bones, leading to loss of teeth and oral disabilities. PDs also adversely affect general health by worsening of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Moreover, maternal PDs are thought to be related to increasing the frequency of preterm-birth with low birth weight (PBLBW) in new-borns. Prematurity and immaturity are the leading causes of prenatal and infant mortality and is a major public health problem around the world. Inflamed periodontal tissues generate significantly high levels of proinflammatory cytokines that may have systemic effects on the host mother and the fetus. In addition, the bacteria that cause PDs produce endotoxins which can harm the fetus. Furthermore, studies have shown that microorganisms causing PDs can get access to the bloodstream, invading uterine tissues, to induce PBLBW. Another likely mechanism that connects PDs with adverse pregnancy outcome is maternal vitamin D status. A role of inadequate vitamin D status in the genesis of PDs has been reported. Administration of vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy could reduce the risk of maternal infections and adverse pregnancy outcomes. As maternal PDs are significant risk factors for adverse pregnancy outcome, preventive antenatal care for pregnant women in collaboration with the obstetric and dental professions are required.