The topic for the second annual Robert J. Genco Perio-Systemic Symposium is the relationship between periodontitis and cardiovascular diseases. Dr. Genco was a pioneer in this area of investigation identifying and characterizing early on the epidemiologic link between these diseases. Recent advances in cardiology have identified inflammation as an important component in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. In parallel, the role on inflammation in the pathogenesis of periodontitis has been well characterized in recent years. The goal of this symposium is to bring leaders in the field of cardiology who were instrumental in demonstrating the inflammatory link to cardiovascular diseases to the podium along with an expert in periodontal disease pathogenesis and its link to systemic disease to provide the latest data and concepts to members of the Academy. The subject matter will span from the bench to the clinic to bring valuable knowledge of this important area to the practicing periodontist.
- Understand laboratory evidence that inflammation drives atherosclerosis.
- Share new information about traditional and emerging triggers for cardiovascular inflammation.
- Become acquainted with the inflammasome-interleukin-1 beta-Interleukin-6 pathway as a target of therapy for atherosclerosis.
- Examine the clinical implications of inflammation in atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease outcomes.
- Describe the role of periodontitis in cardiovascular disease pathogenesis and potentially the clinical outcomes in both diseases.