Atherosclerosis Lipid Risk Markers Before and After Periodontal Treatment

Aim: The purpose was to investigate if known lipid risk factors for atherosclerosis in

patients with periodontitis are changed compared to a healthy group and to

investigate if these risk markers could be changed by periodontal treatment.

Material and Methods: A total of 68 patients (36 men) between 39-73 years of age, mean

53,9 with severe periodontitis and 48 healthy controls (23 men) between 39-69 years of age,

mean 53,1 investigated. A fasting venous blood sample was taken and plasma was analysed

for lipid risk markers for atherosclerosis e.g. total cholesterol, high density lipoproteins,

(HDL), low density lipoproteins, (LDL), triglycerides, and apolipoprotein at baseline. Among

the patients 3 additional blood samples was taken during periodontal treatment 3, 6 and 12

months after baseline. A total of 46 patients completed 4 blood samples.

Results: HDL levels were lower (1,37 vs. 1,53 p=0.047) among the patients, otherwise no significant difference was found regarding the other parameters. After periodontal treatment, HDL (1,34 to 1,44, p=0.006) was increased. Total cholesterol and LDL decreased, however not significant (5,35 to 5,25 p=0.092), (3,35 to 3,11, p=0.094) respectively. The other risk markers were not influenced by periodontal treatment. In non-smoking patients similar differences was seen, but among smokers no significant treatment effect could be seen.

Conclusion: This study indicates that patients with periodontitis have lower levels

of HDL and that periodontal treatment seems to increase the HDL levels. However other

lipoproteins seems to a minor extent be influenced by periodontal treatment. This strengthens

the association between periodontitis, cholesterol and atherosclerosis. Supported by the Swedish Dental Society and the Swedish Research Council