Evaluation of Arginine in Periodontal and Cardiovascular Disease

Analysis of Serum and Salivary ADMA-Arginine Levels in Patients With Periodontal and Cardiovascular Diseases

Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) plays a key role in endothelial function and may be a link for the known interaction of periodontitis and coronary heart disease (CHD). The investigators compared the impact of gingival health, periodontitis (CP), CHD or of both diseases (CP+CHD) on saliva and serum ADMA levels.

The aim of this study was to evaluate a possible association between both saliva and serum ADMA levels in patients with CP and with CHD and if the serum ADMA levels are mediated by serum CRP.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Presence of at least 16 teeth
• CP with a minimum of 40% of sites with a clinical attachment level (CAL) ≥2mm and probing depth (PD) ≥4mm;
• Presence of at least ≥2 mm of crestal alveolar bone loss verified on digital periapical radiographs
• Presence of ≥40% sites with bleeding on probing (BOP)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Intake of contraceptives
• Intake of immunosuppressive or anti-inflammatory drugs throughout the last three months prior to the study
• Status of pregnancy or lactation
• Previous history of excessive drinking
• Allergy to local anaesthetic
• Intake of drugs that may potentially determine gingival hyperplasia such as Hydantoin, Nifedipine, Cyclosporin A or similar drugs.