Abstract
BACKGROUND Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) plays a significant role in the etiology of periodontitis and is frequently detected in atherosclerotic plaques. The current investigation was designed to analyze the associations among Pg concentration, periodontal status, and coronary artery disease (CAD). MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 78 CAD patients and 53 non-CAD patients participated in the research. DNA was extracted from oral and blood samples. Pg DNA was quantified by qPCR. The associations among periodontal status, Pg concentration, and CAD were evaluated. RESULTS Multivariate logistic regression analysis suggested that all periodontal status indicators, except for the number of missing teeth, were significantly associated with an increased risk of CAD. The number of missing teeth, the percentage of teeth with mobility, and the percentage of plaque were significantly associated with the severity of CAD. Pg concentration, measured in blood samples, was significantly associated with an increased risk of CAD occurrence - odds ratio (OR)=1.058, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.013-1.104, in Model 1, P<0.05; Model 2: OR=1.086, 95% CI 1.018-1.157, P<0.05. CONCLUSIONS The severity of periodontal status increased the risk of CAD and was correlated with the severity of CAD. High concentrations of Pg in plasma was a significant risk factor for CAD, with clinical significance in assessing the risk of CAD. Pg appeared to enhance the association between periodontitis and CAD.