Elevated Plasma Homocysteine Levels in Chronic Periodontitis: A Hospital-Based Case-Control Study

Background: Plasma homocysteine (Hcy), a novel risk factor for cardiovascular disease, has been found to be increased in inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis. Our study investigates the association between chronic periodontitis and plasma Hcy. Methods: This case-control study involves 85 age- and sex-matched subjects with chronic periodontitis and 91 healthy controls. Patients were grouped into moderate and severe periodontitis. Plaque index, calculus component of simplified oral hygiene index, and modified gingival index were recorded. Body mass index, fasting blood sugar, total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, very-low-density lipoprotein, and plasma Hcy were also assessed. Results: Case and control groups had similar levels of fasting blood sugar, lipid profile, and body mass index. The mean plasma Hcy was found to be 19.22 +/- 8.27 and 10.27 +/- 2.50 mu mol/L for cases and controls, respectively. A significant elevation in plasma Hcy levels was observed in cases (P<0.05). No significant differences were observed in plasma Hcy levels between moderate and severe chronic periodontitis (P = 0.722). Conclusions: Elevated levels of plasma Hcy were observed in patients with chronic periodontitis. Future research should be directed on the effect of periodontal therapy on plasma Hcy levels. J Periodontol 2011;82:439-444.