Salivary lysozyme and prevalent hypertension
M Qvarnstrom1, S Janket, J A Jones
1Otorhinolaryngology/Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Kuopio University, Kuopio, Finland.
Journal of Dental Research
|April 25, 2008
Summary
High salivary lysozyme levels, a marker for oral infection and hyperglycemia, are significantly associated with increased odds of hypertension. This finding suggests a potential link between oral health and cardiovascular disease risk.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Health
- Oral Medicine
- Metabolic Disorders
Background:
- Essential hypertension etiology is complex, with endothelial dysfunction potentially linked to chronic infection or impaired glucose metabolism.
- Salivary lysozyme serves as a potential biomarker for both oral infections and hyperglycemia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between salivary lysozyme levels and the prevalence of hypertension.
- To determine if salivary lysozyme is a predictor of hypertension, an early cardiovascular disease stage.
Main Methods:
- Logistic regression analysis was performed using data from the Kuopio Oral Health and Heart Study.
- Salivary lysozyme levels were analyzed in relation to hypertension, adjusting for multiple confounding factors including age, gender, BMI, smoking, diabetes, cholesterol levels, and C-reactive protein.
Main Results:
- Higher salivary lysozyme levels were significantly associated with increased odds of hypertension.
- A linear trend was observed, with adjusted Odds Ratios increasing across quartiles of lysozyme (1.00, 1.25, 1.42, 2.56; p < 0.003).
- A non-significant trend was noted in individuals without pre-existing heart disease.
Conclusions:
- The study confirms the hypothesis that elevated salivary lysozyme levels are linked to a higher likelihood of hypertension.
- Salivary lysozyme may represent a valuable, non-invasive marker for assessing hypertension risk, potentially reflecting underlying oral infection or metabolic status.
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