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Published on: January 12, 2020
Oral Health and Risk of Liver Cancer: Evidence from Pooled and Meta-Analyses
Zeni Wu1, Haydée W T Jordão2, Gieira S Jones1
1National Cancer Institute Bethesda, MD United States.
Summary
Poor oral health, including periodontal disease and tooth loss, may influence liver cancer risk. Current evidence remains inconclusive, highlighting the need for further research with comprehensive oral health assessments.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Gastroenterology
- Oral Medicine
Background:
- Poor oral health is linked to systemic inflammation and oral microbial dysbiosis, potentially promoting liver carcinogenesis via the oral-gut-liver axis.
- Existing epidemiologic evidence on the association between oral health and liver cancer risk is inconsistent.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between oral health (periodontal disease, tooth loss) and liver cancer risk.
- To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective studies to clarify these associations.
Main Methods:
- Pooled data from three large US prospective cohorts (230,915 participants, 198 liver cancer cases).
- Self-reported oral health status, including periodontal disease and complete tooth loss.
- Systematic review and meta-analysis of four additional prospective studies, combined with pooled cohort data.
Main Results:
- Pooled analyses showed no significant association between periodontal disease or complete tooth loss and liver cancer risk.
- Meta-analysis indicated a potential increased risk of liver cancer with periodontal disease (HR=1.08, 95% CI: 1.03-1.13).
- Linear dose-response meta-analysis suggested an increased risk with complete tooth loss (HR=1.32, 95% CI: 1.06-1.66).
Conclusions:
- The current findings suggest a possible association between oral health and liver cancer, but the results remain inconclusive.
- Further research with harmonized oral health assessments, integrating clinical, microbial, and behavioral data, is necessary to better understand oral health burden and liver cancer risk.