Periodontitis, Endothelial Dysfunction, and Systemic Inflammation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of
Cristina Ples1, Cristina Savencu2, Ana-Maria Pah3
1Doctoral School, Department of Dental Medicine, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania.
Biomedicines
|May 27, 2026
Summary
Periodontitis impairs endothelial function and increases cardiovascular risk. Periodontal therapy significantly improves endothelial function and reduces inflammation, highlighting its role in managing cardiovascular health.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Health
- Periodontology
- Inflammatory Diseases
Background:
- Periodontal disease is linked to vascular dysfunction and increased cardiovascular risk.
- Systemic inflammation is a key feature of periodontitis.
- Endothelial dysfunction is a marker of cardiovascular risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantitatively assess the association between periodontitis and endothelial dysfunction.
- To evaluate the impact of periodontal therapy on endothelial function.
- To analyze changes in inflammatory biomarkers following periodontal treatment.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review and meta-analysis adhering to PRISMA 2020 guidelines.
- Searched PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library for relevant observational and interventional studies.
- Employed random-effects meta-analysis to pool data on flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and inflammatory markers.
Main Results:
- Periodontitis patients exhibited impaired endothelial function and elevated inflammatory markers compared to controls.
- Periodontal therapy significantly improved endothelial function (pooled FMD: +3.3 percentage points).
- Treatment reduced C-reactive protein (CRP) levels; Interleukin-6 (IL-6) showed a positive trend with low certainty.
Conclusions:
- Periodontitis is associated with endothelial dysfunction and systemic inflammation.
- Periodontal therapy demonstrates measurable improvements in endothelial function and inflammation.
- Further large-scale randomized trials are needed to confirm long-term cardiovascular benefits.
Related Concept Videos
01:27The Oral Microbiota
The oral microbiome includes a complex ecosystem comprising over 700 microbial species, identified through genomic sequencing and culture-based analyses to date. This community includes a core microbiome, found universally among individuals, and a variable component influenced by environmental factors such as diet, lifestyle, and host genetics. Site-specific conditions, including oxygen gradients, pH levels, and nutrient availability, determine the spatial distribution of these microorganisms...
01:26Coronary Artery Disease II: Pathophysiology
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) originates from a series of events that impair the function of coronary arteries, the blood vessels responsible for delivering oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. The pathophysiology of CAD is closely linked to atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory and lipid-driven condition affecting the vascular endothelium.1. Endothelial DamageThe process begins with damage to the vascular endothelium, which serves as a protective barrier between the blood and the vessel...
01:30Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): An Overview with Scientific InsightsCoronary Artery Disease (CAD), often referred to as C-A-D, is a prevalent blood vessel disorder classified under the broader category of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a pathological process characterized by the hardening and narrowing of arteries due to the accumulation of atherosclerotic plaques. These plaques are composed of cholesterol, fatty substances, inflammatory cells, calcium, and fibrin, reducing blood flow to...
01:30Peripheral Artery Disease I: Introduction
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) predominantly results from atherosclerosis, which involves the accumulation of fatty deposits, or plaques, within the walls of arteries. This causes them to narrow and harden, significantly reducing blood flow. PAD predominantly affects the legs, particularly the arteries supplying the thighs and calves. In rare cases, it may involve other arteries, including those in the arms.Etiology of PAD:The principal cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, which results from fatty...