Periodontitis has been traditionally regarded as a chronic inflammatory oral
infection. However, recent studies indicate that this oral disease may have profound effects on systemic health. The search for cellular/molecular mechanisms linking
periodontitis to changes in systemic health and systemic physiology has resulted in the evolution of a new area of
lipid research establishing linkages between existing multidisciplinary biomedical literature, recent observations concerning the effects of serum
lipids on immune cell phenotype/function, and a heightened interest in systemic responses to chronic localized
infections. There appears to be more than a casual relationship between serum
lipid levels and systemic health (particularly
cardiovascular disease, diabetes, tissue repair capacity, and immune cell function), susceptibility to
periodontitis, and serum levels of pro-inflammatory
cytokines. In terms of the potential relationship between
periodontitis and systemic disease, it is possible that
periodontitis-induced changes in immune cell function cause metabolic dysregulation of lipid metabolism through mechanisms involving proinflammatory
cytokines. Sustained elevations of serum
lipids and/or pro-inflammatory
cytokines may have a serious negative impact on systemic health. The purpose of this paper is to present the background, supporting data, and hypotheses related to this concept. As active participants in this emerging and exciting area of investigation, we hope to stimulate interest and awareness among biomedical scientists and practitioners.