Abstract 14108: Eicosapentaenoic Acid and Docosahexaenoic Acid and Their Association With Oral Inflammatory Markers in Subjects With Clinical Coronary Artery Disease

Abstract

Background: Our group previously reported that subjects with coronary artery disease (CAD) randomized to the omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), had lower levels of blood inflammatory markers and prevention of progression of non-calcified coronary plaque. Macrophage inhibitory protein (MIP)-1β is an inflammatory chemokine expressed by T cells in human plaques; circulating levels are increased in patients with atherosclerosis. The relation between EPA+DHA supplementation and oral inflammatory markers is unclear. Aim: To determine if EPA+DHA supplementation lowers levels of oral inflammatory markers. Methods: Subjects with clinical CAD were randomized to EPA+DHA, 3.36 g daily, or none for 30 months; 199 underwent a dental exam. Gingival crevicular fluid was collected at baseline and 30 months and analyzed for inflammatory markers. Results: MIP-1-β level was significantly lower in the EPA+DHA group compared to control at 30 months in the left upper quadrant of the mouth but not in the right upper quadrant (Table). This difference could potentially be explained by handedness. For example, Right-handed people tend to brush the left side of the mouth better whereas left-handed individuals and ambidextrous individuals have better brushing skills on the right side of the mouth. Other inflammatory markers (MCP, TNF-a, IL-1 and IL-6) were not different between groups on either side. Conclusions: Subjects with CAD randomized to EPA+DHA had reduced levels of the oral inflammatory marker, MIP-1β, at 30 months, suggesting that EPA+DHA can confer oral health benefits in addition to lowering systemic inflammation. For greatest benefit, brushing equally on both sides of the mouth should be encouraged, for which a powered toothbrush can help as it doesn’t rely on manual dexterity and handedness. Future research should examine whether the benefit of omega-3 fatty acids on oral health increases the benefit on coronary plaque.