Mitochondrial Dysfunction In Periodontitis

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease, characterized by gingival bleeding, periodontal pocket formation connective tissue destruction, and alveolar bone resorption leading to tooth loss. Mitochondria are the intracellular organelles that play a significant role in the cells by metabolizing nutrients and producing the ¿energy currency¿ adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and are responsible for various processes.Mitochondrial dysfunction has been defined as the inability of mitochondria to sustain ATP synthesis sufficient to satisfy cellular demands.Periodontopathic bacteria in the gingivomucosal tissue may functionally activate polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNL) that cause increased production of ROS. This has deleterious effects on the mitochondria in the gingivoperiodontal tissues.Recent research also revealed that maintaining mitochondrial dynamics (fission-fusion balance) and mitochondrial function are necessary to treat patients with metabolic syndromes.