Oxidized-low density lipoprotein in gingival crevicular fluid of patients with chronic periodontitis: a possible link to atherogenesis

Objective. To investigate a possible link between periodontitis and atherogenesis by examining the levels of anti-oxidized low density lipoprotien (ox LDL) and low density lipoprotien (LDL) in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and serum of healthy subjects and chronic periodontitis patients. Methods. Sixty male subjects (35–55 years) were grouped into 30 healthy individuals and 30 subjects with chronic periodontitis. Serum and GCF samples were obtained from each subject and were assessed for anti-ox LDL and LDL levels. Results. A significant difference (p < 0.001) was found between the anti-ox-LDL levels in GCF of healthy vs chronic periodontitis groups. Also the ratio of GCF anti-ox LDL to GCF LDL was significantly higher (p < 0.001) in chronic periodontitis patients as compared to the healthy group. Conclusions. A significant rise in ox LDL level in otherwise systemically healthy chronic periodontitis patients may put these subjects at an increased risk of developing atherosclerosis.