Periodontitis and systemic markers of neurodegeneration: A case–control study
Yago Leira, Álvaro Carballo, Marco Orlandi, José Manuel Aldrey, Juan Manuel Pías‐Peleteiro, Federico Moreno, Laura Vázquez‐Vázquez, Francisco Campos, Francesco D’Aiuto, José Castillo, Tomás Sobrino, Juan Blanco
Abstract
Abstract Aim To investigate whether periodontitis is associated with amyloid beta (Aβ) peptides and whether systemic inflammation could act as a potential mediator of this link. Materials and Methods A case–control study was designed including 75 patients with periodontitis (cases) and 75 age‐balanced and gender‐matched participants without periodontitis (controls). Full‐mouth periodontal evaluation was performed in all participants. Demographic, clinical and behaviour data were also recorded. Fasting blood samples were collected, and serum levels of interleukin 6 (IL‐6), high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP), Aβ 1‐40 and Aβ 1‐42 were determined. Results Cases showed higher levels of IL‐6 (8.7 ± 3.2 vs. 4.8 ± 0.5 pg/ml), hs‐CRP (3.3 ± 1.2 vs. 0.9 ± 0.7 mg/L), Aβ 1‐40 (37.3 ± 6.0 vs. 30.3 ± 1.8 pg/ml) and Aβ 1‐42 (54.5 ± 10.6 vs. 36.5 ± 10.0 pg/ml) when compared to controls (all p < .001). Diagnosis of periodontitis was statistically significantly associated with circulating Aβ 1‐40 ( = 6.9, 95% CI: 5.4–8.3; p < .001) and Aβ 1‐42 ( = 17.8, 95% CI: 14.4–21.3; p < .001). Mediation analysis confirmed hs‐CRP and IL‐6 as mediators of this association. Conclusions Periodontitis is associated with increased peripheral levels of Aβ. This finding could be explained by enhanced systemic inflammation that can be seen in patients with periodontitis.