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Authors are the souls of any journal, and deserve much respect. To publish a journal manuscripts are needed from authors. Authors have a great responsibility for producing facts of their work in terms of number and results truthfully and an individual honesty is expected from authors in this regards. Both ways its true "No authors-No manuscripts-No journals" and "No journals–No manuscripts–No authors". Reviewing a manuscript is also a very responsible and important task of any peer-reviewed journal and to be taken seriously. It needs knowledge on the subject, sincerity, honesty and determination. Although the process of reviewing a manuscript is a time consuming task butit is expected to give one's best remarks within the time frame of the journal.
Salient features of the JCDR: It is a biomedical, multidisciplinary (including all medical and dental specialities), e-journal, with wide scope and extensive author support. At the same time, a free text of manuscript is available in HTML and PDF format. There is fast growing authorship and readership with JCDR as this can be judged by the number of articles published in it i e; in Feb 2007 of its first issue, it contained 5 articles only, and now in its recent volume published in April 2011, it contained 67 manuscripts. This e-journal is fulfilling the commitments and objectives sincerely, (as stated by Editor-in-chief in his preface to first edition) i e; to encourage physicians through the internet, especially from the developing countries who witness a spectrum of disease and acquire a wealth of knowledge to publish their experiences to benefit the medical community in patients care. I also feel that many of us have work of substance, newer ideas, adequate clinical materials but poor in medical writing and hesitation to submit the work and need help. JCDR provides authors help in this regards.
Timely publication of journal: Publication of manuscripts and bringing out the issue in time is one of the positive aspects of JCDR and is possible with strong support team in terms of peer reviewers, proof reading, language check, computer operators, etc. This is one of the great reasons for authors to submit their work with JCDR. Another best part of JCDR is "Online first Publications" facilities available for the authors. This facility not only provides the prompt publications of the manuscripts but at the same time also early availability of the manuscripts for the readers.
Indexation and online availability: Indexation transforms the journal in some sense from its local ownership to the worldwide professional community and to the public.JCDR is indexed with Embase & EMbiology, Google Scholar, Index Copernicus, Chemical Abstracts Service, Journal seek Database, Indian Science Abstracts, to name few of them. Manuscriptspublished in JCDR are available on major search engines ie; google, yahoo, msn.
In the era of fast growing newer technologies, and in computer and internet friendly environment the manuscripts preparation, submission, review, revision, etc and all can be done and checked with a click from all corer of the world, at any time. Of course there is always a scope for improvement in every field and none is perfect. To progress, one needs to identify the areas of one's weakness and to strengthen them.
It is well said that "happy beginning is half done" and it fits perfectly with JCDR. It has grown considerably and I feel it has already grown up from its infancy to adolescence, achieving the status of standard online e-journal form Indian continent since its inception in Feb 2007. This had been made possible due to the efforts and the hard work put in it. The way the JCDR is improving with every new volume, with good quality original manuscripts, makes it a quality journal for readers. I must thank and congratulate Dr Hemant Jain, Editor-in-Chief JCDR and his team for their sincere efforts, dedication, and determination for making JCDR a fast growing journal.
Every one of us: authors, reviewers, editors, and publisher are responsible for enhancing the stature of the journal. I wish for a great success for JCDR."
Thanking you
With sincere regards
Dr. Rajendra Kumar Ghritlaharey, M.S., M. Ch., FAIS
Associate Professor,
Department of Paediatric Surgery, Gandhi Medical College & Associated
Kamla Nehru & Hamidia Hospitals Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh 462 001 (India)
E-mail: drrajendrak1@rediffmail.com
On May 11,2011
Dr. Shankar P.R.
"On looking back through my Gmail archives after being requested by the journal to write a short editorial about my experiences of publishing with the Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research (JCDR), I came across an e-mail from Dr. Hemant Jain, Editor, in March 2007, which introduced the new electronic journal. The main features of the journal which were outlined in the e-mail were extensive author support, cash rewards, the peer review process, and other salient features of the journal.
Over a span of over four years, we (I and my colleagues) have published around 25 articles in the journal. In this editorial, I plan to briefly discuss my experiences of publishing with JCDR and the strengths of the journal and to finally address the areas for improvement.
My experiences of publishing with JCDR: Overall, my experiences of publishing withJCDR have been positive. The best point about the journal is that it responds to queries from the author. This may seem to be simple and not too much to ask for, but unfortunately, many journals in the subcontinent and from many developing countries do not respond or they respond with a long delay to the queries from the authors 1. The reasons could be many, including lack of optimal secretarial and other support. Another problem with many journals is the slowness of the review process. Editorial processing and peer review can take anywhere between a year to two years with some journals. Also, some journals do not keep the contributors informed about the progress of the review process. Due to the long review process, the articles can lose their relevance and topicality. A major benefit with JCDR is the timeliness and promptness of its response. In Dr Jain's e-mail which was sent to me in 2007, before the introduction of the Pre-publishing system, he had stated that he had received my submission and that he would get back to me within seven days and he did!
Most of the manuscripts are published within 3 to 4 months of their submission if they are found to be suitable after the review process. JCDR is published bimonthly and the accepted articles were usually published in the next issue. Recently, due to the increased volume of the submissions, the review process has become slower and it ?? Section can take from 4 to 6 months for the articles to be reviewed. The journal has an extensive author support system and it has recently introduced a paid expedited review process. The journal also mentions the average time for processing the manuscript under different submission systems - regular submission and expedited review.
Strengths of the journal: The journal has an online first facility in which the accepted manuscripts may be published on the website before being included in a regular issue of the journal. This cuts down the time between their acceptance and the publication. The journal is indexed in many databases, though not in PubMed. The editorial board should now take steps to index the journal in PubMed. The journal has a system of notifying readers through e-mail when a new issue is released. Also, the articles are available in both the HTML and the PDF formats. I especially like the new and colorful page format of the journal. Also, the access statistics of the articles are available. The prepublication and the manuscript tracking system are also helpful for the authors.
Areas for improvement: In certain cases, I felt that the peer review process of the manuscripts was not up to international standards and that it should be strengthened. Also, the number of manuscripts in an issue is high and it may be difficult for readers to go through all of them. The journal can consider tightening of the peer review process and increasing the quality standards for the acceptance of the manuscripts. I faced occasional problems with the online manuscript submission (Pre-publishing) system, which have to be addressed.
Overall, the publishing process with JCDR has been smooth, quick and relatively hassle free and I can recommend other authors to consider the journal as an outlet for their work."
Dr. P. Ravi Shankar
KIST Medical College, P.O. Box 14142, Kathmandu, Nepal.
E-mail: ravi.dr.shankar@gmail.com
On April 2011 Anuradha
Dear team JCDR, I would like to thank you for the very professional and polite service provided by everyone at JCDR. While i have been in the field of writing and editing for sometime, this has been my first attempt in publishing a scientific paper.Thank you for hand-holding me through the process.
Dr. Anuradha
E-mail: anuradha2nittur@gmail.com
On Jan 2020
Reviews
Full Version
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and Periodontal Diseases: The Link Demystified
Correspondence Address :
Narayane Ramkumar,
Senior Lecturer, Department of Periodontics, IGIDS, Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth University, Pillayarkuppam, Puducherry-607402, India.
E-mail: narayane@igids.ac.in
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most commonly diagnosed endocrine disorders, affecting 7-20% of women of reproductive age. In the case of PCOS, the ovaries have a large number of cystic follicles linked to persistent anovulation and androgen overproduction. PCOS is also linked to other systemic disorders, such as diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disorders, and psychological conditions. Research studies indicate that PCOS may increase susceptibility to periodontal disease. The mechanisms underpinning the links between these two conditions are not completely understood. There is emerging evidence to support the existence of a two-way relationship between PCOS and periodontitis, with PCOS increasing the risk for periodontitis and periodontal inflammation worsening the PCOS status. This narrative review of the various pathophysiological mechanisms linking the two diseases depicts a positive correlation between the two conditions.
Ovarian degeneration, Periodontitis, Sclerocystic
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), also known as Stein-Leventhal syndrome, is an endocrine disorder of unknown aetiology that is common among women of reproductive age (1). PCOS is clinically characterised by chronic anovulation, clinical and/or biochemical hyperandrogenism, and a polycystic appearance in the ovaries (2). PCOS is noted to have a global prevalence ranging from 2.2 to 26% in Western countries (3),(4), 2 to 7.5% in China (5), 6.3% in Sri Lanka (6), and 9.13 to 36% in India (7),(8). PCOS is known to affect several systems and is presented by menstrual irregularities (oligomenorrhoea, dysfunctional uterine bleeding), signs of hyperandrogenism (hirsutism, acne, sebaceous skin), obesity, and metabolic syndrome (9).
The pathogenesis of PCOS remains obscure due to its multifactorial profile (10). Studies have suggested that the aetiology and pathogenesis of PCOS may be influenced by chronic infections linked to rising levels of reactive oxygen species, Myeloperoxidase (MPO), Oxidative Stress (OS), inflammatory cytokines {such as Interleukin (IL)-6 and Tumour Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α)}, high-sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hsCRP), adhesion molecules, blood lymphocytes, and monocytes. This cascade of a proinflammatory state has been one of the most investigated for the link between PCOS and periodontitis (11).
Periodontitis is an immunoinflammatory disease that occurs as a result of interaction between bacterial attack and host inflammatory response, thereby causing inflammation of the supporting tissues of the teeth leading to tissue destruction and tooth loss. Periodontitis is considered a risk factor for many systemic diseases such as diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, obesity, Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs), rheumatoid arthritis, and respiratory diseases (12),(13),(14),(15),(16),(17). Chronic low-grade inflammation is the plausible etiologic pathway connecting periodontal disease and systemic disorders (18).
Evidence over the past decade suggests that patients with PCOS are more prone to develop periodontitis (19). With PCOS, there will be an increased amount of androgens and oestrogens, which affect the subgingival microbiota locally and invariably act on the gingival cells to alter the efficiency of the epithelium, resulting in gingivitis and periodontitis (20). Therefore, the current review attempts to update the evidence and provide further insight into the relationship between periodontal disease and PCOS.
Periodontal diseases include gingivitis and periodontitis, which are two types of chronic, microbially caused, inflammatory illnesses that damage the bone and soft tissue supporting the teeth. A localised, treatable gum irritation is known as gingivitis (21). The extension of inflammation and destruction of tooth-supporting structures is known as periodontitis. Tissue destruction in periodontitis leads to the breakdown of collagen fibers in the periodontal ligament, resulting in the formation of a periodontal pocket between the gingiva and tooth (22).
Periodontitis is a slowly progressing disease that is largely irreversible. In the majority of populations evaluated, the illness is extremely prevalent, with severe periodontitis jeopardising tooth retention affecting 10-15% of adults (23). Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that also causes systemic inflammation. Periodontitis can activate the host immune response both locally and systemically, which is detectable through increased serum levels of inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein and IL-6. Hence, it is seen that periodontitis plays a vital role in the pathogenesis of systemic diseases and may thereby increase their presentation (24).
Plausible Two-way Link between Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and Periodontitis
The link between periodontal disease and PCOS is based-on the “chronic subclinical inflammatory states” caused by the disease (25),(26). A long period of subclinical inflammatory state causes the production of a cascade of proinflammatory markers, which includes CRP, TNF-α, interleukins IL-6, IL-17, and Matrix Metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 (27),(28), resulting in an Oxidative Stress (OS) environment by increasing the local oxidant status, such as MPO and nitric oxide (29).
Pathogenic Mechanisms Linking Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and Periodontal Disease
• Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and gingival inflammation: PCOS is known to cause low-grade systemic inflammation, as indicated by an increase in CRP, proinflammatory cytokines, white blood cell count, as well as chemokines such as IL18, monocyte chemoattractant protein 1, and macrophage inflammatory protein 1. Additionally, there is an increase in OS markers, suggesting PCOS as an inflammatory condition (30). One of the major factors contributing to PCOS is Insulin Resistance (IR) (31).
Inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-1 β, IL-6, leptin, adiponectin, and resistin, along with signaling pathways like (IKKβ/NF-B) Inhibitor of Nuclear Factor kappa-B kinase subunit beta/Nuclear Transcription factor kappa-B pathway, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway, and inflammasome pathway, contribute to low-grade systemic inflammation, thereby leading to IR (32).
Periodontitis is also a chronic inflammatory disease, and it is inflammation that links periodontitis with PCOS (18). Some studies have shown an increase in CRP levels in patients with PCOS, which is connected to low-grade systemic inflammation leading to IR. IR plays a major role in the pathogenesis of PCOS with associated hyperinsulinemia (30). It is also noteworthy that patients with periodontitis are associated with an increase in CRP levels and pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-1 in Gingival Crevicular Fluid (GCF) and serum. The elevation of CRP in chronic infections such as periodontitis might lead to systemic inflammation, an OS, thereby leading to IR, which is an important factor in the pathogenesis of PCOS (33).
During times of inflammatory stress, the hormone-regulated proinflammatory cytokine IL-6 promotes the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. Obesity and IR, two characteristics of PCOS, are associated with higher levels of IL-6 (34). Similarly, increased concentrations of the inflammatory biomarker IL-6 are found in gingival tissue, as well as in the serum of patients with gingival inflammation and periodontitis (33).
Many studies support the fact that systemic inflammation is the underlying link connecting PCOS and Periodontal disease [35-38]. A study by Rahiminejad M et al., showed that there is a higher prevalence of periodontal disease parameters in non-obese women with PCOS compared to systemically healthy controls and proposed that systemic inflammation could be the underlying factor (35).
In a study by Porwal S et al., patients with newly diagnosed PCOS have a higher prevalence of periodontitis than those receiving medicinal therapy for females with PCOS and healthy systems (36). hsCRP was used in present study as a marker for systemic inflammation. It was discovered that serum hsCRP levels were higher in females with newly diagnosed PCOS compared to controls with systemically healthy bodies and females receiving medical treatment for PCOS, which led to the assumption that systemic inflammation and periodontal breakdown might be related. A study by Akcali A et al., found that women with PCOS had raised serum and salivary Matrix Metalloproteinase (MMP)-8 concentrations, particularly in the presence of gingivitis and an elevated MMP-8/Tissue Inhibitors of Metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1 ratio in women with PCOS, irrespective of the presence of gingivitis (37).
It is also interesting to note that the White Blood Cell (WBC) count, which is linked to many chronic inflammatory diseases, is a sign of low-grade inflammation. In a case-control research, Orio F et al., found that, compared to controls of the same age and Body Mass Index (BMI), women with PCOS had increased leukocyte counts, a sign of low-grade inflammation and cardiovascular risk (38). Similarly, people with persistent periodontitis may also have an elevated white blood cell count (39).
Thus, inflammation might be thought of as a pathophysiologic process in light of the components of inflammation outlined above as potential linkages between PCOS and periodontal disease (Table/Fig 1),(Table/Fig 2) (35),(36),(40).
• Oxidative Stress (OS) as a linking mechanism in PCOS and periodontal disease: OS results from an imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants, which favours oxidants (29). OS and inflammation are pathophysiological processes that are closely interrelated. Obesity, diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, and atherosclerosis are some conditions connected with increased OS (26). It is also noteworthy that OS biomarkers were found in the peripheral blood of chronic periodontitis and PCOS patients (41). OS is also found to be higher in patients with PCOS, which was evaluated by circulating markers such as Malondialdehyde (MDA), Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Glutathione Peroxidase (GPx), and advanced oxidative protein products (42). In a study done by Dursun E et al., study results showed that patients with PCOS had higher levels of MPO and Nitric Oxide (NO) levels in GCF with unaltered serum NO levels (19). From the study, it is seen that periodontal NO metabolism is more influenced. This study shows an increased susceptibility for periodontitis and a local/periodontal pro-oxidative state in lean and normal glucose-tolerant women with PCOS compared with healthy women. A study by Saglam E et al., also showed that in the group with periodontal disease along with PCOS, there is an increase in serum and salivary 8-hydroxy-2´-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and MDA levels and a decrease in serum Total Antioxidant Status (TAS) levels (29).
• Oral microbiota/microbiome and PCOS: The clinical presentation and incidence of plaque-induced gingivitis are affected by increased sex steroid hormone levels (43). The hormonal alterations in PCOS may affect the salivary levels of potential periodontal pathogens and/or their systemic immune responses, particularly in the presence of gingival inflammation. This could be attributed to the fact that there is an accumulation of active progesterone and oestrogen in periodontal tissue, thereby providing the essential nutrients for bacterial growth (44). In the subgingival plaque, Lipopolysaccharides from periodontal organisms have been shown to have the capacity to significantly increase IL-1 and TNF production, and this ongoing cytokine overexpression exacerbates the IR that is a defining feature of PCOS (45). Thus, the composition of oral microflora will be quantitatively affected by PCOS, which may have a confounding role in gingival inflammation and periodontal health.
A study by Akcali A et al., evaluated the levels of putative periodontal pathogens in saliva and their antibody response in serum in PCOS patients compared with healthy subjects using real-time polymerase chain reaction and analysing serum antibody levels via Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) (27). The study results showed that PCOS may quantitatively affect the composition of oral microbiota and the raised systemic response to selective members of this microbial community, exerting a confounding role in resultant gingival inflammation and periodontal health. The most consistent effect appeared to be exerted on P. gingivalis. A study by Li N et al., found significant differences in the composition of the salivary microbiota between PCOS and healthy women at different points in time (46). For the first time, it was noticed in the study that the diurnal rhythm of some salivary bacteria was disrupted in PCOS patients, potentially leading to oral and metabolic disorders in PCOS patients.
• Sex hormones serve as a link between PCOS and periodontal disease: Steroid sex hormones are crucial for maintaining bone mass. Through their receptors in target tissues, including the gingiva, they have both direct and indirect influence over a variety of cells (47). These hormones also influence collagen maintenance and repair, as well as how well the epithelium functions as a defense against bacterial injury (48). In females with PCOS, there is an alteration of various hormone levels. Females with PCOS have excess androgens in combination with insulin resistance. Their oestrogen levels can vary greatly, ranging from low to abnormally high. Oestrogen plays a significant role in maintaining bone mass by influencing bone mineral metabolism and inducing fibroblast and keratinocyte proliferation. It also increases the synthesis of fibrous collagen (47).
The human gingiva is capable of metabolising hormones like progesterone and oestrogen. Furthermore, gingival tissue has such hormone receptors and is thought to be a target organ for their direct action (49). These hormones may affect the maintenance and repair of collagen or alter the efficiency of the epithelial barrier against bacterial damage to affect gingival cells (50).
Clinical Implications
Here are the corrected clinical implications of the link between PCOS and periodontitis:
• Increased susceptibility to periodontitis: Women with PCOS may have an increased susceptibility to periodontitis compared to women without the condition. PCOS is associated with systemic inflammation and hormonal imbalances, which may contribute to the development and progression of periodontal disease. Individuals with PCOS may exhibit compromised immune responses and altered inflammatory pathways, making them more prone to periodontal infections.
• Aggravation of PCOS symptoms: Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory condition that can exacerbate systemic inflammation in the body. Inflammation is a key feature of PCOS and is believed to contribute to various aspects of the condition, including hormonal imbalances, insulin resistance, and metabolic dysfunction. The presence of periodontitis may further exacerbate inflammation in individuals with PCOS, potentially worsening their symptoms and increasing the risk of associated complications (37).
• Implications for fertility and pregnancy: Both PCOS and periodontitis have been independently associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, including infertility, miscarriage, preterm birth, and low birth weight. The combination of these two conditions may have compounding effects on reproductive health. Periodontitis-related inflammation and oral bacteria may potentially affect the reproductive organs and interfere with normal hormonal and physiological processes, further compromising fertility and pregnancy outcomes in women with PCOS (31).
• Shared underlying factors: PCOS and periodontitis share common underlying risk factors such as obesity, insulin resistance, and chronic inflammation. These factors may contribute to the development and progression of both conditions. Managing these shared risk factors, such as through weight management, improving insulin sensitivity, and controlling systemic inflammation, may have positive effects on both PCOS and periodontitis (10).
• Interdisciplinary care: Given the potential association between PCOS and periodontitis, interdisciplinary collaboration between gynecologists, endocrinologists, and dental professionals is crucial. Women with PCOS should receive regular dental check-ups, and dental professionals should be aware of the potential systemic implications of periodontitis in individuals with PCOS (22).
DOI: 10.7860/JCDR/2024/69680.19395
Date of Submission: Jan 18, 2024
Date of Peer Review: Mar 04, 2024
Date of Acceptance: Mar 27, 2024
Date of Publishing: May 01, 2024
AUTHOR DECLARATION:
• Financial or Other Competing Interests: None
• Was informed consent obtained from the subjects involved in the study? NA
• For any images presented appropriate consent has been obtained from the subjects. NA
PLAGIARISM CHECKING METHODS:
• Plagiarism X-checker: Jan 19, 2024
• Manual Googling: Mar 16, 2024
• iThenticate Software: Mar 23, 2024 (30%)
ETYMOLOGY: Author Origin
EMENDATIONS: 6
- Emerging Sources Citation Index (Web of Science, thomsonreuters)
- Index Copernicus ICV 2017: 134.54
- Academic Search Complete Database
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- HINARI Access to Research in Health Programme
- Indian Science Abstracts (ISA)
- Journal seek Database
- Popline (reproductive health literature)
- www.omnimedicalsearch.com