0
0
A breakthrough study conducted by researchers at King George’s Medical University (KGMU) in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, has identified a promising blood marker called TNFα (tumour necrosis factor-alpha), which could revolutionize the early detection and treatment of various health conditions including chronic gum disease (periodontitis), obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), and heart disease.
The study, titled ‘To evaluate the relationship of obstructive sleep apnoea with chronic periodontitis and its association with coronary artery disease by assessing serum tumour necrosis factor’, has been published in ‘The Egyptian Journal of Internal Medicine’.
Led by MDS student Dr. Shilpi Gupta at the Department of Periodontology, the researchers underscored the significance of TNFα as a pivotal blood marker for the early detection and management of these health conditions.
Dr. Gupta explained the potential impact of TNFα, stating, “By utilizing TNFα, we can potentially enhance the treatment and management of these diseases, as there hasn’t been a reliable marker for them previously. For instance, we analyzed periodontal pocket depth for periodontitis and conducted angiography for heart disease.”
The study encompassed the examination of 300 individuals afflicted with gum disease, sleep disorders (OSA), and heart disease, juxtaposed with 300 healthy counterparts. Blood samples were collected from each participant and scrutinized for TNFα levels using specialized PCR kits.
The findings revealed significantly higher TNFα levels in the affected group, averaging at 54 compared to 38 in the healthy group, suggesting elevated TNFα levels in individuals suffering from all three conditions. Moreover, the study unveiled a potential correlation between chronic periodontitis and Coronary Heart Disease (CHD), as indicated by differences in TNFα levels.
Prof Umesh Pratap Verma, who supervised the research, accentuated the significance of the findings, stating, “Traditionally, dentists have lacked reliable tools to track gum disease progression. This research underscores the potential of TNFα as a biomarker for early detection of not only gum disease but also sleep apnoea and predicting heart disease severity.”
The identification of TNFα as a key indicator holds promise for enhancing the early detection and treatment of chronic conditions, offering new avenues for personalized healthcare interventions and improved patient outcomes.
This groundbreaking research marks a significant stride towards advancing medical diagnostics and underscores the crucial role of biomarkers in transforming healthcare practices for the benefit of patients globally.
