The aim of this study is to investigate the systemic impact of periodontitis in patients with Metabolic Syndrome, by assessing measures of sub-clinical atherosclerosis and cardiovascular risk, microbial factors and host genetic variants, and to study the possible effect of mediators of inflammation and oxidative stress as links between the two conditions.

This is a cross-sectional study. 102 patients with metabolic syndrome will be recruited and will have periodontal and dental examination for diagnosis of caries and periodontal diseases. They will undergo blood, saliva, GCF and subgingival plaque sampling and a series of tests on cardiovascular disease, including measures of pulse-wave velocity,carotid intima-media thickness and echocardiography assessment. Statistical analysis will assess associations between dental diagnoses and metabolic, cardiovascular, inflammatory, genetic, microbial and cardiovascular risk outcomes.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Caucasian ethnicity
• Age 18- 75
• Diagnosis of metabolic syndrome
• Presence of at least 12 teeth

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pregnancy
• Presence of infectious diseases such as hepatitis and HIV
• Use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (excluding low-dose aspirin) within one month prior to the baseline visit
• Use of systemic antibiotics within three months prior to the baseline visit
• Antibiotic pre-medication required for the performance of periodontal examination

Subjects with metabolic syndrome will be recruited from outpatients attending the Internal Medicine Unity at the University of Catania.