Effects of topical doxycycline on inflammatory markers in periodontal disease

[Abstract] Periodontal disease is an infectious and inflammatory process of the supporting structures of the teeth, the result of the interaction between infection by pathogenic bacteria and the host’s immune response. In periodontitis patients, compared to those with good periodontal health, there appears to be an increased risk of some systemic diseases in general and coronary artery disease in particular. It is not evident that this association is causal and, therefore, could be considered an independent factor for the development of cardiovascular diseases.