Periodontitis is associated with endothelial dysfunction in a general population: a cross-sectional study
Birte Holtfreter1, Klaus Empen2, Sven Gläser2
1Unit of Periodontology, Department of Restorative Dentistry, Periodontology, and Endodontology, University Medicine, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany.
Plos One
|January 4, 2014
Summary
Periodontal disease, indicated by deep pocket probing depth and clinical attachment loss, was linked to higher flow-mediated dilation (FMD) in a general population. This association suggests periodontal disease may influence endothelial function, but not through systemic inflammation.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular research
- Oral health
- Endothelial function
Background:
- Periodontal disease is linked to cardiovascular disease.
- Its association with endothelial dysfunction, a marker of early atherosclerosis, is unclear.
- Previous studies were limited to patient cohorts.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the link between periodontal disease and endothelial dysfunction (measured by FMD) in a general population.
- Explore if systemic inflammation mediates this relationship.
Main Methods:
- 1,234 subjects from a population-based cohort study (Study of Health in Pomerania).
- Assessed periodontal disease using pocket probing depth (PPD) and clinical attachment loss (CAL).
- Measured flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and nitroglycerin-mediated dilation (NMD) via ultrasound; analyzed inflammatory markers.
Main Results:
- Higher PPD (≥ 6 mm) and CAL (≥ 6 mm) were significantly associated with increased FMD.
- Periodontitis classification also showed a significant positive trend with FMD.
- Systemic inflammation markers did not mediate the association between periodontal disease and FMD.
- No consistent association was found between periodontal disease measures and NMD.
Conclusions:
- Elevated periodontal disease is significantly associated with higher FMD in the general population.
- This association is not mediated by systemic inflammation.
- The findings challenge previous assumptions and warrant further investigation into periodontitis's role in endothelial dysfunction.
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