Malondialdehyde in Periodontitis and CHD Study

Overview

• Malondialdehyde (MAA) is a significant marker in lipid metabolism, affecting endothelial function in periodontitis and coronary heart disease (CHD).
• This study investigates the effects of periodontitis, CHD, and their combination on MAA levels in serum and saliva.

Study Design

• Participants: 32 healthy subjects, 34 with periodontitis, 33 with CHD, and 34 with both periodontitis and CHD.
• Measurements: Assessment of periodontal health, serum, and salivary samples for MAA and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels.

Key Findings

• Higher MAA concentrations were found in periodontitis and periodontitis + CHD groups compared to CHD and healthy controls.
• Serum MAA levels:
  • Periodontitis: 3.92 µmol/L
  • Periodontitis + CHD: 4.34 µmol/L
  • CHD: 3.72 µmol/L
  • Healthy control: 3.14 µmol/L
• Salivary MAA levels:
  • Periodontitis: 1.81 µmol/g protein
  • Periodontitis + CHD: 1.96 µmol/g protein
  • CHD: 1.59 µmol/g protein
  • Healthy control: 1.41 µmol/g protein
• Statistical significance found with p-values indicating marked differences (p < 0.01 for most comparisons).

Correlations and Predictors

• Univariate models indicated significant associations between periodontitis, CHD, CRP, and MAA levels (CRP: p < 0.001).
• In multivariate analysis, CRP remained a significant predictor for both salivary and serum MAA levels.

Clinical Context

• Periodontitis is a prevalent chronic inflammatory disease, potentially affecting over 50% of adults over 30 in the USA.
• Strong associations exist between periodontitis and increased risk for CHD, including serious conditions like stroke and myocardial infarction.
• The study highlights elevated inflammatory markers, which may contribute to the pathogenesis of both periodontitis and CHD.

Conclusion

• Patients suffering from periodontitis, and those with both periodontitis and CHD, exhibit significantly elevated MAA levels compared to those with CHD alone and healthy individuals.
• C-reactive protein is identified as a critical predictor of MAA levels, emphasizing its role in the inflammatory responses linked to these diseases.