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Role of Periodontal Disease in the Pathogenesis of Fatty Liver Disease

Metabolic Health

Presented by: David Vigerust, MS, PhD

Original Presentation Date: November 8, 2023

Take the Course This course is available for CE Credit as a "Members Only" benefit. Not a Member? CLICK HERE to learn more about AAOSH Membership.

Course Description:

Explore the intricate link between periodontal disease and systemic health in "Understanding the Oral-Liver Axis: Implications for Systemic Disease." This course illuminates the profound impact of chronic periodontal inflammation on various metabolic disorders, emphasizing its association with conditions like obesity, diabetes, dyslipidemia, cardiovascular disease, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Gain insights into the Oral-Liver Axis and its relevance in developing and progressing systemic diseases.

Learning Objectives:

  • Recognize the bidirectional relationship between oral health, specifically periodontal disease, and liver-related pathophysiology, comprehending its significance in systemic disease development and progression.
  • Examine the influence of oral diseases, particularly periodontal disease, on the initiation and exacerbation of metabolic disorders, emphasizing the connection between oral health markers and the development of metabolic diseases.
  • Implement proactive testing utilizing blood and saliva markers to detect early signs of metabolic diseases, integrating surveillance and monitoring practices to assess disease presence and progression, thereby facilitating timely intervention and management.

Speaker Bio:

Dr. David Vigerust holds a Bachelor's degree in Biology and Chemistry from the University of Texas at El Paso, a Master's degree in Microbiology and Immunology from Texas Tech University, and a Doctorate in Cellular and Molecular Pathology from Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. He conducted post-doctoral research at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and completed a subsequent fellowship in Pediatric Infectious Disease at Vanderbilt University Medical School. Dr. Vigerust served as a faculty member in the Pathology, Immunology, and Microbiology Department at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine and as a Health Research Scientist in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. As the former Chief Scientific Officer and VP of Immunology for various precision medicine and diagnostic laboratories, he developed innovative molecular diagnostic assays predicting inflammation and cardiovascular risks in diabetes, infectious disease, and cancer patients. Dr. Vigerust frequently lectures on precision medicine and has presented as a TEDx speaker.