Risk factors for cardiovascular disease in patients with periodontitis

Abstract

Aims: This study compared plasma levels of established risk markers for atherosclerosis and indices of inflammation in 50 patients with severe periodontitis to those in 46 healthy cases.

Methods and results: Full blood counts were performed and levels of high density lipoproteins (HDL), total cholesterol, haptoglobin, elastase, C-reactive protein (CRP), IL-6, TNFalpha receptor-1, alpha-1-antitrypsin and antibodies against human heat shock protein (Hsp) 60, mycobacterial Hsp65 and oxLDL were determined. Total cholesterol levels were similar in both groups, whereas HDL levels were lower (P=0.007) and the lipid profile (total cholesterol/HDL) was consequentially higher (P=0.03) in patients. Monocyte counts were elevated (0.56 vs 0.44x10(9)/l; P=0.002) and CRP levels were higher in patients, but TNFalpha receptor-1 and elastase levels were not. Anti-oxLDL antibody levels were similar, as were levels of haptoglobin, IgG anti HSP60, IgA and IgG anti-Hsp65 antibodies. Levels of IgA anti-Hsp60 antibodies were lower in patients (P=0.0001). Logistic regression analysis revealed a relationship between periodontitis and HDL (OR 2.15/0.5mmol/l, P=0.02) and body mass index (OR 4.54 P=0.005).

Conclusions: Serological differences in subjects with periodontitis, some of which involve established risk factors for atherosclerosis, might provide insight into the reported epidemiological association between periodontitis and cardiovascular disease.