Periodontal Inflammation and Serum Inflammatory Markers in Community‐Dwelling Older Adults in Japan: The Otassha Study

ABSTRACT Aim To investigate the associations between periodontal inflammation—as determined by the periodontal inflamed surface area (PISA)—and serum inflammatory markers in community‐dwelling older adults in Japan. Materials and Methods This cross‐sectional study included 470 adults (mean age: 73.1 years). The composite inflammatory marker z ‐score (CIMZ) was calculated as the sum of the participants' individual z ‐scores for C‐reactive protein (CRP), interleukin‐1beta (IL‐1β), IL‐6 and tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α). The associations of PISA (quartiles) with individual biomarkers (continuous, log‐transformed) and CIMZ (dichotomized, highest quartile or not) were assessed using linear or Poisson regression models. Results Compared with participants in the lowest PISA quartile (Q1), those in Q3 and Q4 had significantly ( p < 0.05) higher CRP and IL‐6 levels. Statistically significant linear trends ( p trend < 0.05) across the PISA quartiles were observed for CRP and IL‐6. The multivariable adjusted prevalence ratios (95% confidence intervals) of high CIMZ (reference: Q1) were 1.20 (0.68–2.14), 1.66 (0.96–2.88) and 1.90 (1.08–3.34) ( p trend = 0.01) in individuals in PISA Q2–Q4. Conclusions Older adults with high periodontal inflammation had high serum CRP and IL‐6 concentrations and composite summary inflammatory indicator values. Periodontal inflammation is a potential modifiable factor of elevated inflammatory status among older adults in Japan.