Globally, 3 out of 5 persons lose their lives to chronic inflammatory conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases, skin diseases, renal diseases and obesity. Inflammatory diseases are the most prevailing cause of death worldwide and the numbers keep rising.
The network focuses on reducing the burden of infectious and inflammatory diseases caused by pathogens, damaged cells, toxic compounds or radiation in order to develop new diagnostic and treatment technologies.
As a society, we need more knowledge about the correlation between e.g. inflammation and development of cancer, about biomarkers and about molecular mechanisms of autoimmunity in e.g. rheumatological conditions - not to mention chronic mucosal inflammation. In the inflammation network we collaborate interdisciplinearily in order to find answers.
We comprise a wide range of researchers with interest in diagnostic methods, epidemiological data, inflammatory markers and intracellular pathways, understanding of cell population and tissue structures, among others.
Subject-specific programmes for PhD students
The subject-specific PhD programme in inflammation at Aarhus University, Health, offers an in-depth, multidisciplinary study of inflammation's role in diseases and prevention, addressing its significant role in both non-communicable diseases (NCD) and infections.
For more information about the subject-specific programmes: Subject-specific programmes, Graduate School of Health (au.dk).
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Paper of the Month
Fernando Valentim Bitenco, Department of Dentistry and Oral Health
Periodontitis and Diabetes Complications: A Danish Population-Based Study.
Read the paper here.
Why is this paper important?
This paper is significant because it explores the relationship between periodontitis and microvascular complications in individuals with type 2 diabetes, which has been understudied. The research is motivated by the need to understand the systemic effects of diabetes on oral health, particularly in the context of complications like retinopathy and neuropathy. This study also addresses gaps in previous research, which often lacked robust control of confounding factors such as sociodemographic status and health conditions. The large sample size and comprehensive analysis make this paper an essential contribution to diabetes and oral health research.
How does this paper challenge previous concepts and/or advance the field?
The paper challenges the traditional notion that periodontitis is merely a localized oral health issue by demonstrating its association with diabetes-related microvascular complications. The findings reveal that individuals with diabetic retinopathy and neuropathy are significantly more likely to develop moderate/severe periodontitis, highlighting the systemic inflammatory burden of diabetes. Additionally, the study advances the field by introducing the combined effect of dyslipidemia and diabetes complications, which exacerbates the risk of severe gum disease—an interaction previously unexamined.
The main findings of the paper?
The study found that individuals with diabetic retinopathy were 21% more likely to have moderate/severe periodontitis compared to those without diabetes complications, and diabetic neuropathy was associated with a 36% increase in risk. When both complications were present, the likelihood of periodontitis rose by 51%. Additionally, the combination of dyslipidemia and diabetes-related complications further increased the risk of severe periodontitis. This suggests a synergistic effect between these conditions, underscoring the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to treating type 2 diabetes and its associated complications, including oral health management.
