Malondialdehyde (MDA) 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 MDA levels.

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

Inclusion Criteria:

• Presence of at least twenty 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.

32 healthy subjects, 34 patients with CP, 33 patients with CHD and 34 patients with CP and CHD. Lipid profile and levels of MDA and C-reactive protein (CRP) were evaluated.

all collected IPD, all IPD that underlie results in a publication