Oxidative stress in periodontitis: A critical link to cardiovascular disease

Periodontitis is one of the most common oral infections induced by bacteria and bacterial products of dental plaque and is characterized by inflammatory destruction of tooth supporting connective tissues and alveolar bone. Recently, an association between periodontitis and cardiovascular disease has received considerable attention. The present study was carried out to assess the possible mechanisms which underlie the pathogenesis of periodontitis and cardiovascular disease. 100 periodontitis patients and 100 healthy controls were screened for periodontal pocket depth and clinical attachment loss as a measure of periodontal status along with serum and salivary oxidants (lipid peroxide & nitric oxide) and total antioxidant capacity. They were also screened for total lipid profile, which is an established risk marker of cardiovascular disease. Highly significant increase in periodontal pocket depth and clinical attachment loss was seen in periodontitis patients as compared to healthy controls. A significant increase in serum as well as salivary total lipid peroxide (MDA) and nitric oxide along with a decrease in total antioxidant capacity was observed in periodontitis patients when compared with healthy controls. A highly significant increase in total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and triglyceride levels with a concomitant decline in HDL-cholesterol level in periodontitis patients was observed as compared with control group. The increased oxidative stress and altered lipid profile in periodontitis patients could contribute towards the development of cardiovascular disease in these patients.