Lucknow, April 1 (IANS) Researchers at King George’s Medical University (KGMU) in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, have identified a blood marker called TNFα that can aid in the earlier detection and treatment of various health conditions, including chronic gum disease (periodontitis), obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), and heart disease. The study, titled ‘To evaluate the relationship of obstructive sleep apnoea with chronic periodontitis and its association with coronary artery disease by assessing serum tumour necrosis factor’, was recently published in ‘The Egyptian Journal of Internal Medicine’.
Led by MDS student Dr Shilpi Gupta at the Department of Periodontology, the researchers emphasized the significance of TNFα as a crucial blood marker for the early detection and treatment of these health conditions. Dr. Gupta highlighted, “By utilizing TNFα, we can potentially enhance the treatment and management of these diseases, as there hasn’t been a reliable marker for them previously. For instance, we analyzed periodontal pocket depth for periodontitis and conducted angiography for heart disease.”
The study examined 300 individuals with gum disease, sleep issues (OSA), and heart disease, comparing them to 300 healthy counterparts. Blood samples were collected and analyzed for TNFα levels using specialized PCR kits. The affected group showed significantly higher TNFα levels, averaging at 54 compared to 38 in the healthy group, suggesting elevated levels in individuals with these conditions.
Dr. Gupta mentioned, “Findings also suggest a potential link between chronic periodontitis and coronary heart disease, as indicated by differences in TNFα levels.” Professor Umesh Pratap Verma, who supervised the research, highlighted, “This research underscores the potential of TNFα as a biomarker for early detection of not only gum disease but also sleep apnoea and predicting heart disease severity.” The study sheds light on the importance of early detection and treatment of these conditions for better management and outcomes.
