ABSTRACT

Periodontitis and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are chronic inflammatory diseases. Clinically, both diseases are characterized by the local destruction of hard and soft tissues as a consequence of release of cytokines and matrix-metalloproteinases from inflammatory cells. Also, Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis, which is a major periodontopathogen is the only bacteria expressing the peptydylarginine deiminase (PAD) enzyme that is known to have role in the pathogenesis of RA. Furthermore, drugs used for the treatment of RA, may affect periodontal tissues. Data from the studies addressing the existence of a relationship between RA and periodontitis are still controversial. The popularity of the subject that there is a possible relationship between RA and periodontitis is attribuited to the similar pathogenic mechanisms underlying both diseases and is being studied since 1970's. On the other hand, succesfull treatment of periodontitis may affect the positively affect the clinical course of RA and therefore may improve the functional state in RA patients.