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Published on: January 21, 2020
Association between multiple sclerosis and chronic periodontitis: a population-based pilot study
Background And Purpose:
The pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS) is still not fully understood, but multiple infections are known to be crucial in the development of the disease. Periodontitis caused by periodontopathic polymicrobial infections is among the most common chronic infectious disorders. This case-control study aimed to investigate the association between chronic periodontitis (CP) and MS using a population-based dataset in Taiwan.
Methods:
This study included 316 cases who had a diagnosis of MS and 1580 randomly selected controls. We performed conditional logistic regressions to investigate the association between MS and having been previously diagnosed with CP.
Results:
The results reveal that the prevalence of earlier CP was 25.6% and 15.4% for cases and controls, respectively (P < 0.001). Conditional logistic regression analysis revealed that cases were 1.86 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.39-2.48] times as likely as controls to have been previously diagnosed with CP, after adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics as well as hyperlipidemia, hypertension, coronary heart disease, alcohol abuse/alcohol-dependence syndrome, tobacco use disorder and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. After analyzing by gender, it was realized that while female cases had a higher chance than female controls of having earlier CP (adjusted odds ratio = 2.08; 95% CI = 1.49-2.95), there was no statistical association detected between these two conditions in men.
Conclusions:
This study provides evidence for an association between CP and MS in female, but not male, subjects. Further epidemiological studies are needed to confirm the association and gender-specific differences found in the present study.
Insights
Chronic periodontitis (CP) is linked to multiple sclerosis (MS), particularly in women. This study found a significant association between earlier CP diagnosis and MS in female subjects, but not in males.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Periodontology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) pathogenesis is complex, with infections playing a key role.
- Chronic periodontitis (CP), a common polymicrobial infection, is investigated for its potential link to MS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between chronic periodontitis (CP) and multiple sclerosis (MS).
- To explore potential gender-specific differences in the CP-MS association.
Main Methods:
- A population-based case-control study in Taiwan.
- Included 316 MS cases and 1580 controls.
- Conditional logistic regression analysis was used to assess the association, adjusting for covariates.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of prior CP was significantly higher in MS cases (25.6%) than controls (15.4%).
- Individuals with CP were 1.86 times more likely to have MS, after adjusting for confounders.
- A significant association was observed in females (OR=2.08) but not in males.
Conclusions:
- Evidence suggests an association between chronic periodontitis and multiple sclerosis, specifically in women.
- Further research is warranted to confirm these gender-specific findings and explore underlying mechanisms.
Related Concept Videos
01:27The Oral Microbiota
01:19Multiple Sclerosis l: Introduction