Serum C-reactive Protein as a Marker of Periodontitis and Cardiovascular Diseases.

Sanadi, Rizwan M; Prakash, Shobha

Introduction: Periodontitis is a local inflammatory process mediating destruction of periodontal tissues triggered by bacterial insult. However, this disease is also characterized by systemic inflammatory host responses, which may contribute to the recently reported higher risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) among periodontitis subjects. Periodontitis has also been found to be associated with alteration in lipid metabolism through its systemic inflammatory host responses. An elevated serum C-reactive protein (CRP) level has been suggested as predictor of increased risk for cardiovascular disease. Elevated CRP levels have also been found in periodontitis subjects. Hence the present study was conducted to examine the relationship between serum CRP levels, periodontitis and cardiovascular disease. Aim: To evaluate serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in inflammatory periodontal disease and also the association between periodontal disease and risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Materials and Methods: 15 males and 17 females in the age range of 20-65 years were divided into four groups based on their gingival and periodontal disease severity [group I: gingivitis (moderate and severe); group II: periodontitis (chronic and aggressive); group III: acute lesions (acute periodontal and pericoronal abscess) and group IV: controls (healthy periodontium)]. 3 ml of venous blood samples were taken for measurement of serum C-reactive protein level as well as parameters of lipid metabolism [serum cholesterol (chol); triglycerides (Tg); high and low density lipoproteins(HDL & LDL)]. Results: A P-value of < 0.05 was considered for statistical significance. A statistically significant increase in serum CRP was observed in group III (P<0.01S). In group I & II there was no significant increase in serum CRP level (P=0.13, 0.30 NS). Significant increase in serum cholesterol and LDL (P<0.05 S) were observed in group II and III, whereas serum triglyceride and HDL (P=0.33, 0.66) showed no significant increase in group I, II and III. Conclusions: Subjects with periodontal disease showed increased serum CRP levels as well as serum cholesterol and LDL levels. This may suggest that these subjects are potentially at risk of getting CVD.

PERIODONTITIS; CARDIOVASCULAR diseases; C-reactive protein; HIGH density lipoproteins; LOW density lipoproteins; TRIGLYCERIDES

Malaysian Dental Journal, 2009, Vol 30, Issue 1, p53

0126-8023

Academic Journal