Oral-Cardiovascular Links Via Blood Biomarkers: An Exposure-Wide Analysis

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Health
• Oral Medicine
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a major global health concern.
• Emerging evidence links oral health to CVD risk, but research often overlooks multidimensional oral health aspects.
• Previous studies focused on limited periodontal measures, necessitating a broader investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine associations between multidimensional oral health indicators and CVD outcomes.
• To explore the role of blood and urine biomarkers as potential intermediaries.
• To identify sex and age differences in these associations.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study utilizing data from the China Multi-Ethnic Cohort (4670 participants).
• Employed an exposure-wide analysis to assess associations between oral health indicators and CVD outcomes.
• Investigated potential intermediary roles of blood and urine biomarkers.

Main Results:

• Multidimensional oral health indicators (caries, periodontal status, occlusal function, oral prosthesis) were significantly associated with carotid plaque prevalence.
• Associations with hypertension were mainly seen in individuals under 65, while carotid plaque associations were prominent in those 65 and older.
• The Framingham risk score showed associations with oral health indicators in both age groups.

Conclusions:

• Multidimensional oral health is correlated with cardiovascular outcomes, with notable sex and age variations.
• Blood biomarkers may partially mediate the relationship between oral health and cardiovascular risk.
• Integrating multidimensional oral health assessment into cardiovascular risk evaluation is supported by these findings.