Gum disease is caused by bacteria, and the fatty acids present in gum disease can lead to the development of Kaposi's Sarcoma, a soft tissue tumor of the oral cavity.
This information came from Case Western Reserve University (a private research university in Cleveland, Ohio, USA). The researchers analyzed how the by-products in the form of fatty acids cause the growth of lesions.
This discovery will help diagnose the disease at the stage of inception. A person who has signs of cancer or an early stage can now be cured before the tumors become malignant.
The information appeared in the journal of virology.
The study primarily focused on the bacteria Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum, which are the causative agents of inflammatory gum disease. In the saliva of patients with periodontitis, these bacteria are found in large numbers.
Kaposi's sarcoma affects many people with HIV because their immune systems are unable to fight infections. Kaposi's sarcoma first appears as small lesions in the mouth, which can develop into malignant tumors over time. Early detection of the disease is the key to defeating the disease.
The purpose of the study is to answer the question why most people do not develop this type of cancer, and what helps them avoid the disease.
To collect information, 21 people had to be examined. The first group consisted of 11 patients, all about 50 years old and with severe chronic gum disease. The average age of the second group of 10 patients was 26 years. There were no gum problems in the second group.
The saliva of each participant was carefully examined. The researchers were only interested in two bacteria, namely those containing short-chain fatty acids.
After the first trials of by-products, the researchers concluded that fatty acids provoke the reproduction of Kaposi's Sarcoma. They then injected pure fatty acids into Kaposi's sarcoma viral cells to observe the response. Essentially the body was protected from attempts to stop the growth of Sarcoma cells.
The study highlights the importance of oral hygiene for people with HIV infection.