Association between chronic generalized periodontitis and hyperlipidemia – a case control study

Introduction: Hyperlipidemia is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Periodontal disease is caused by predominantly anaerobic gram negative bacteria. Microbial substances initiate and perpetuate the inflammation resulting in the production of high levels of proinflammatory cytokines and hyperactivity of white blood cells and of blood platelets, thus promoting the development of hyperlipidemia. Objective: To evaluate the plasma lipids (Total cholesterol, Low Density Lipoproteins and Triglycerides) as well as Fasting blood glucose levels in non diabetic, non-obese periodontal disease patients and controls. Materials and methods: 18 subjects with chronic periodontal disease (aged 38 to 50 years) were matched for age, sex and BMI (Body Mass Index) with 18 healthy subjects. Total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein, triglycerides and fasting blood glucose levels were measured using routine enzymatic biochemical methods. Results: Total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides was significantly higher in chronic periodontitis patients by 12 %( p 0.02), 14 %( p 0.03) and 22 %( p 0.03) respectively as compared to controls. Fasting blood glucose levels was higher by 7% (p 0.04) in chronic periodontitis patients than controls. Conclusion: Hyperlipidemia and prediabetic state may be associated with chronic periodontitis