Effect of Periodontal Diseases on Plasma Level of LDL, HDL and Total Cholesterol in Rats

Introduction- Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are known as the major life-threatening factors and the most common causes of mortality around the world, especially in developed countries. Many risk factors for CVD are well known, like dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, cigarette smoking, hypertension, positive family history, and aging. However, there is evidence recently showing a relation between periodontal diseases (PD) and increased risk of CVD. The basis of this study was to determine any relation between PD and serum levels of total cholesterol, LDL, and HDL so as to investigate whether periodontal disease can facilitate coronary atherosclerosis due to dyslipidemia. Methods- In this experimental study, 20 healthy male rats weighing 200 – 250 grams were divided into case and control groups. In the case group (10 rats), we injected 0.6 ml of complete Freund’s adjuvant in the mid-buccal area of both upper and lower jaws; and a sample of blood was taken from all 20 rats to measure the LDL, HDL, and cholesterol. After two weeks, the injection was repeated in the same areas with the same amount of drug; and at the end of the 4th week, blood sampling was repeated in both groups. The inflammation in the case group was confirmed with direct clinical observation and based on histological study at the end of the 4th week. Finally, the serum levels of LDL, HDL, and total cholesterol were compared between the two groups using the independent samples t-test. Results-The statistical tests did not show any significant difference between the two groups. Also, we found no significant difference between the lab test values before and after the study procedure. Conclusion-There was no certain relation between PD and cardiovascular diseases, except for their common risk factors. However, if any relation exists, it might be due to a mechanism other than the serum cholesterol level (Iranian Heart Journal 2009; 10 (1):48-51).