Certain substances in the blood can reveal how the body is functioning.
These substances are linked to inflammation, which is the body’s response to disease or other influences.
Research published in Aging and Disease and described by forskning.se has analyzed more than 200 studies involving nearly 18,000 participants.
It shows that some individuals have elevated levels of these substances even though they are otherwise healthy. This also applies to people without known risk factors.
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Periodontitis
The condition examined by researchers is periodontitis, a common, long-term inflammation of the gums that breaks down the bone around the teeth and can cause teeth to loosen and eventually fall out.
Previous studies have also shown changes in blood proteins in people with the disease.
The new findings confirm that there is a clear link between periodontitis and increased inflammation in the body.
Chronic inflammation
Long-term inflammation can be harmful. It may increase the risk of diseases such as heart conditions, stroke, and mental disorders. In older adults, the effect may be even stronger.
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The research shows that periodontitis not only affects the mouth but also the body’s overall level of inflammation, which can lead to disease.
Sources: forskning.se and Aging and Disease.
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