Elevated concentrations of specific periodontopathic pathogens associated with severe periodontitis in Japanese patients with cardiovascular disease and concomitant obesity

Abstract

ObjectivesThe association between periodontitis and obesity is of great relevance in the field of public health because both diseases serve as risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD). To date, this association has not been completely understood and remains controversial. We evaluated periodontal health in patients with CVD and concomitant obesity and studied the existence of specific periodontal pathogens. MethodsAll patients enrolled in the study had been diagnosed with CVD and were classified as those with obesity (n=214) and those without obesity (n=640). Blood examination and clinical dental assessment including the number of teeth, probing pocket depth (PPD), bleeding on probing (BOP) and clinical attachment level (CAL) were performed. Periodontopathic bacterial existence was evaluated. ResultsPatients with CVD and concomitant obesity demonstrated a higher prevalence of diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia in comparison to patients without obesity. PPD, BOP, and CAL were worse in the obesity than in the non-obesity group. Porphyromonas gingivalis, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, and Prevotella intermedia showed a higher prevalence in the oral samples obtained from patients with obesity than those obtained from patients without obesity. ConclusionsPatients with CVD and concomitant obesity showed more severe periodontitis with increased concentrations of major periodontopathic bacteria than patients without obesity. These bacteria may cause deterioration of CVD and metabolic disorder.