Pros and cons of causative association between periodontitis and rheumatoid arthritis

Research in recent decades has brought significant advancements in understanding of the molecular basis of the etiology of autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, a common systemic disease in which an inappropriate or inadequate immune response to environmental challenges leads to joint destruction. Recent studies have indicated that the classical viewpoint of the immunological processes underpinning the pathobiology of rheumatoid arthritis is restricted and needs to be expanded to include a more holistic and interdisciplinary approach incorporating bacteria-induced inflammatory reactions as an important pathway in rheumatoid arthritis etiology. Here, we discuss in detail data showing the clinical and molecular association of rheumatoid arthritis development with periodontal diseases. We also describe the unique role of periopathogens, which have been proposed to be crucial in the initiation and progression of this autoimmune pathological disorder.

Automated summary

Recent research has made significant advancements in understanding the molecular basis of autoimmune diseases, especially rheumatoid arthritis. New studies suggest that a more comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach is needed to understand the pathobiology of rheumatoid arthritis, including bacteria-induced inflammatory reactions as an important pathway. This article discusses the clinical and molecular association between periodontal diseases and the development of rheumatoid arthritis, as well as the unique role of periopathogens in the initiation and progression of this autoimmune disorder.