Systemic inflammatory impact of periodontitis on acute coronary syndrome

Abstract Aim A causative relationship between acute coronary syndrome ( ACS ) and periodontitis has yet to be defined. The aim of this study was to assess differences in levels of serum cytokines between individuals with or without ACS or periodontal comorbidity. Material and Methods In a case–control study, individuals with ACS (78 individuals, 10.3% females) and matching healthy controls (78 individuals, 28.2% females) were included. Medical and dental examinations were performed to diagnose ACS and periodontitis. Serum levels of cytokines were assessed, using Luminex technology. Results A diagnosis of periodontitis in the ACS and control group was diagnosed in 52.6% and 12.8% of the individuals, respectively. The unadjusted odds‐ratio that individuals with ACS also had periodontitis was 7.5 (95% CI : 3.4, 16.8, p < 0.001). Independent of periodontal conditions, individuals with ACS had significantly higher serum levels of IL 8 (mean: 44.3 and 40.0 pg/ml) and vascular endothelial growth factor ( VEGF ) (mean: 82.3 and 55.3 pg/ml) than control individuals. A diagnosis of periodontitis made no difference in serum cytokine expressions. Conclusion Elevated serum levels of VEGF were associated with ACS . Serum cytokine expression in individuals with ACS is unrelated to periodontal conditions.