title: Stress hormones regulate periodontal inflammation.
abstract: Periodontal disease involves inflammation of the gingival tissues, caused by microbial pathogens. Recent papers suggest that emotional stress worsens periodontal disease. Here we review the literature and propose that corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) secreted under stress stimulates gingival mast cells together with other neuropeptides and cytokines to secrete pro-inflammatory molecules that contribute to periodontal pathology. Stress reduction and/or mast cell inhibition may provide additional therapeutic approaches.
authors.affiliation: Department of Periodontology, Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, Boston, USA.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Papathanasiou
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Palaska
authors.forename: T C
authors.initials: TC
authors.lastname: Theoharides
mesh_terms: D003346:Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008407:Mast Cells / Q000502:physiology; D010518:Periodontitis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy
chemical_list: D003346:Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone