Abstract P284: The Association Of Oral Hypofunction And Increased Arterial Stiffness

Abstract

Background: Frailty is associated with higher risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mortality. Recently, oral hypofunction, a disease in which the oral function is complexly reduced not only by ageing but also by a variety of factors, is regarded as a major risk factor for frailty, as it develops malnutrition and sarcopenia. However, no studies have evaluated the association of oral hypofunction and arterial stiffness, a marker for CVD. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that subjects with oral hypofunction have increased arterial stiffness compared to those without oral hypofunction. Methods: Japanese subjects above 50 years old who underwent annual health checkup were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Subjects with history of CVD and dementia were excluded. Arterial stiffness was evaluated by brachial-ancle pulse wave velocity (baPWV). Oral hypofunction was evaluated based on the guidance by the Japanese Association for Dental Science. Seven oral factors, oral hygiene, oral moisture, occlusal force, tongue-lip motor function, tongue pressure, masticatory function, and swallowing function were assessed. Oral hypofunction was diagnosed if more than 3 factors showed deterioration. The association of oral hypofunction and baPWV was evaluated by multivariate linear regression analysis adjusted for conventional CVD risk factors. We also performed subgroup analysis stratified by age. (<60, ≧60 years). Results: Among 148 subjects (mean age: 59±7 years), 34 subjects (23%) had oral hypofunction. BaPWV in subjects with oral hypofunction was significantly higher than subjects without oral hypofunction (mean baPWV: 1539±312 v.s. 1416±260cm/sec, p=0.02). However, after adjustment for CVD risk factors, oral hypofunction did not significantly associate with baPWV (β=46±49, p=0.35). On the other hand, in subgroup analysis, oral hypofunction was significantly associated with increased baPWV among subjects in subjects younger than 60 years old even after adjustment of CVD risk factors (β=135±67, p=0.046), but this association was not observed in subjects over 60s. Conclusion: Oral hypofunction was associated with increased arterial stiffness, especially in subjects younger than 60s. Further research on oral hypofunction and CVD is warranted.