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Oral Disease and Atherosclerosis May Be Associated with Overlapping Metabolic Pathways
M Bezamat1, A Saeed2, C McKennan3
1Department of Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
JDR Clinical and Translational Research
|October 10, 2024
Summary
Oral diseases like gingivitis and periodontitis share metabolic pathways with atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVD). A specific sphingomyelin metabolite was linked to both, suggesting common mechanisms for disease prevention and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oral Health
- Cardiovascular Health
- Metabolomics
Background:
- Dental caries and periodontitis are prevalent global diseases.
- These oral conditions are linked to atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVD).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate associations between subclinical ASCVD markers (CIMT, CAC) and oral disease indices (DMFT, gingivitis, periodontitis).
- To identify overlapping metabolites between oral disease and ASCVD.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from 552 participants in the Dental Strategies Concentrating on Risk Evaluation project.
- Conducted oral examinations and measured CIMT and CAC.
- Employed regression models for epidemiologic and metabolomic analyses of 1,228 metabolites.
Main Results:
- No direct association found between oral disease markers and ASCVD markers.
- Lipid and lipid-signaling pathway metabolites significantly associated with gingivitis, periodontitis, and DMFT.
- A sphingomyelin metabolite inversely associated with both CIMT and gingivitis.
Conclusions:
- A common sphingomyelin metabolite links oral diseases and ASCVD, suggesting shared metabolic pathways.
- Findings indicate potential shared mechanisms between oral and cardiovascular diseases.
- Highlights potential for novel disease prevention and early treatment strategies.
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