Cardiovascular Disease Parameters

in Periodontitis

Andre´a M. Monteiro,* Maria A.N. Jardini,† Sarah Alves,‡ Viviana Giampaoli,§

Elisete C.Q. Aubin,§ Antoˆnio M. Figueiredo Neto,‡ and Magnus Gidlund*

Background: Recently, there has been an increasing in the

impact of oral health on atherosclerosis and subsequent cardiovascular

disease. The aim of this study is to investigate

the association between chronic periodontitis and cardiovascular

risk markers.

Methods: Forty patients with periodontitis and 40 healthy

gender-, body mass index–, and age-matched individuals

were compared by measuring total cholesterol, high-density

lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, triglycerides, levels of

cytokines, antibodies against oxidized low-density lipoprotein,

thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, total and differential

white blood cell counts, and the non-linear index of refraction.

Results: The levels of triglycerides and high-density lipoprotein

in periodontitis patients were significantly higher and

lower, respectively (P = 0.002 and P = 0.0126), compared to

controls. Total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, and lipid

peroxide levels were the same in both groups (P = 0.2943,

P = 0.1284, and P = 0.067, respectively). Interleukin (IL)-6

and -8, antibodies against oxidized low-density lipoprotein,

and leukocyte and neutrophil counts were significantly higher

in periodontitis patients (P <0.05). The value of the non-linear

index of refraction of low-density lipoprotein solutions was

higher in the controls (P = 0.015) compared to individuals

with periodontitis.

Conclusion: Our results confirmed and further strengthened

the suggested association between coronary artery disease

and periodontitis. J Periodontol 2009;80:378-388.