Periodontitis is associated with elevated serum levels of cardiac biomarkers-Soluble ST2 and C-reactive protein

Aim: This cross-sectional study examined the associations between periodontitis and the serum cardiac biomarkers-soluble ST2 (sST2) and C-reactive protein (CRP)-in systemically healthy adults.

Materials and methods: Periodontitis severity was determined using mean probing depth (PD) or clinical attachment level (CAL) and a categorical variable (no/mild, moderate, or severe). Oral hygiene was evaluated using plaque scores. Regression analyses assessed the associations between periodontal variables and sST2 or CRP levels, adjusting for age, sex, smoking, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, fasting plasma glucose, and high-density or low-density lipoprotein cholesterol.

Results: The study population comprised 799 individuals, aged 50-73 years. After multivariable adjustment, greater mean PD/CAL, severe periodontitis, and poor oral hygiene were associated with elevated sST2 and CRP levels (p < 0.05). Greater mean PD or CAL was associated with increased odds of having sST2 in the top quintile (>22.7 μg/L) (odds ratio [OR] [95% confidence interval (CI)]: 1.7 [1.1-2.4] and 1.3 [1.1-1.7], respectively) and CRP > 3 mg/L (OR: 1.5 [1.1-2.1] and 1.3 [1.0-1.5], respectively). Individuals with poor oral hygiene were more likely to have sST2 > 22.7 μg/L (OR: 2.0 [1.0-4.0]) and CRP > 3 mg/L (OR: 2.0 [1.1-3.5]), compared to those with good oral hygiene.

Conclusions: Periodontitis and poor oral hygiene were associated with elevated serum sST2 and CRP levels.