Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 19, 2026
A Sensitive and Specific Quantitation Method for Determination of Serum Cardiac Myosin Binding Protein-C by Electrochemiluminescence Immunoassay
Published on: August 8, 2013
High-sensitivity serum C-reactive protein levels in subjects with or without myocardial infarction or periodontitis
G Rutger Persson1, Thomas Pettersson, Ola Ohlsson
1Department of Periodontics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA. rutger.persson@zmk.unibe.ch
Insights
Elevated high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsC-rp) is linked to cardiovascular disease and periodontitis. While hsC-rp correlates with periodontitis in healthy individuals, it doesn't in heart attack patients, suggesting inflammation plays a key role.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Periodontology
- Inflammation Markers
Background:
- Serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsC-rp) is a marker for inflammation and is elevated in cardiovascular diseases (CVDs).
- Periodontitis, an inflammatory gum condition, may influence hsC-rp levels.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare periodontal status and hsC-rp levels in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients versus a healthy control group.
- To investigate the relationship between periodontitis and hsC-rp in both AMI patients and controls.
Main Methods:
- Assessed hsC-rp serum levels, routine blood values, and clinical periodontal conditions.
- Utilized Mann-Whitney U-test and stepwise linear regression for analysis.
Main Results:
- AMI patients exhibited higher hsC-rp levels than controls.
- In controls, periodontitis was associated with increased odds of elevated hsC-rp (>1.8 mg/l).
- Serum white blood cell (WBC) counts, not periodontal parameters, explained hsC-rp levels in regression models.
Conclusions:
- Elevated hsC-rp and WBC counts are associated with acute coronary heart disease.
- Elevated hsC-rp is linked to periodontitis in individuals without CVD.
- Periodontal status does not explain hsC-rp levels when WBC and LDL are considered.
Background:
Serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsC-rp) is a non-specific marker of inflammation. Elevated hsC-rp levels are found in subjects with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Periodontitis may influence hsC-rp levels.
Objectives:
To assess periodontal status and hsC-rp serum levels in consecutive subjects hospitalized and diagnosed with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) (n=85) and in a group of carefully matched subjects (gender, age social, ethnic, and smoking habits) without clinical evidence of CVD (n=63).
Methods:
hsC-rp levels, other routine serum values, and clinical periodontal conditions were studied.
Results:
Subjects with AMI had higher hsC-rp levels than control subjects (p<0.001, Mann-Whitney U-test). The odds that subjects in the control group with periodontitis (30% or more sites with>4.0 mm loss of alveolar bone) had serum hsC-rp>1.8 mg/l was 1.5 (95% CI: 1.1-7.3, p<0.05). Stepwise linear regression analysis failed to include periodontal parameters in an explanatory model to hsC-rp values. Only the serum leucocyte (white blood cell (WBC)) counts were explanatory to hsC-rp values (beta standard coefficient=0.45, t=3.2, p<0.001). Serum WBC counts were significantly higher in control subjects with periodontitis (p<0.03) but not in subjects in the AMI group (p<0.57).
Conclusions:
(1) As expected, elevated serum hsC-rp concentration and serum WBC counts are associated with acute coronary heart disease. (2) Elevated serum hsC-rp values are associated with radiographically defined periodontitis in subjects with no evidence of CVD. (3) Periodontal parameters are not explanatory to elevated serum hsC-rp values if serum WBC and low-density lipoprotein counts are included in the regression model.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System II: CRP, Hcy, and Cardiac Natriuretic Peptide Markers
These markers indicate stress or strain on the heart muscle:
Natriuretic Peptides (BNP)
Cardiac myocytes produce these hormones in response to ventricular stretching...
01:20Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System I: Cardiac Biomarkers
The essential diagnostic tools for detecting myocardial necrosis and monitoring individuals suspected of having acute coronary syndrome (ACS) include:
Troponins
Troponins, particularly cardiac troponins I and T, are the most precise and sensitive markers of myocardial injury. They are detectable within 4-6 hours of myocardial injury and remain...
01:30Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies
01:22Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
01:25Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System VI: Calcium -Scoring CT
01:30Acute Coronary Syndrome I: Introduction