Advances in Human Biology (Jan 2015)
Smoking and Neutrophil Function in Periodontitis
Abstract
Background : There is sufficient evidence supporting a causal relationship between periodontal disease and smoking. Smoking has major effects on the host response, and there are a number of studies that show it has potentially devastating effects on neutrophils. Neutrophils, being the first line defense of the host immune system, play a key role in several aspects of initiation and resolution of inflammation. The functional overview of the neutrophil consists of emigration to the local site of infection, consequent chemotaxis and phagocytosis, followed by release of its vast antimicrobial arsenal and various cellular mediators. At the conclusion of infection, these cells being active indicators of inflammation go into a state of programmed cell death (apoptosis) and signal the way for resolution of inflammation. This review describes in a step by step format the functional dysregulation that occurs with the neutrophil, its possible role in increasing the host′s susceptibility to periodontitis, and also decreasing the host′s response to periodontal therapy.
