Periodontitis, blood lipids and lipoproteins.

Abstract

Periodontitis, one of the most common chronic infections in adults, is characterized by the accumulation of dental plaque and infection by gram-negative pathogens bacteria, which further lead to the destruction of periodontal tissues. A relationship between chronic periodontitis and abnormalities in lipid and/or lipoprotein metabolism is not well understood yet. Periodontitis is associated with elevated pro-atherogenic plasma-lipids, including small dense LDL, while oxidized LDL may act as inflammatory stimulant in periodontitis. Periodontal pathogens may directly modify lipoprotein, including protective characteristics of HDL and contribute to development of metabolic syndrome, Type 2 diabetes mellitus and coronary atherosclerosis. On the other hand, periodontal treatment is associated with modest HDL-C increases, LDL-C decreases and consequently lower cardiometabolic risk. Thus, oral check-ups and improved oral hygiene may prevent metabolic risk, the presence antibodies against periodontal pathogens identify patients at higher risk, and finally monitoring of those help to prevent and/or reduce CV events.