Dental Infection and Diabetes: The Cycle
The
negative effects of diabetes mellitus on the immune system have been
extensively investigated. These effects impact greatly on the host’s ability to
prevent the establishment of, and bring resolution to a variety of head and
neck infections. The main etiologic factor in diabetes mellitus that leads to
dysfunction in the immune system is hyperglycemia. All the major cell types
involved in the immune defense are affected. Cellular elements of the innate
immune system, including neutrophils and monocytes/macrophages, have altered
function.
In the neutrophils, functions such as adherence, chemotaxis, and
phagocytosis may be down- regulated. This results in a less effective defense
against a microbial challenge. The neutrophils from diabetic patients also
produce less free oxygen radicals, which reduce their ability to make toxic
metabolites for release against microbes. Monocytes and macrophages may have
up-regulated catabolism of pro-inflammatory cytokines as well as increased
production of matrix metalloproteases, such as collagenase. This creates an
imbalance that is detrimental to the containment of head and neck infections. Read more..............
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