Vitamin D has been considered to possess anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity which may be a link for the known interaction of Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) and coronary heart disease (CHD). This study investigated the association between serum vitamin D levels and SSc and periodontitis in patients with SSc, CP and with CHD.

Furthermore, the objective was to determine if periodontitis and CHD had an impact on serum vitamin D levels.

Using a cross-sectional design, a total of 42 patients with SSc, 43 patients with CHD, 41 patients with both SSc and CP, and 42 healthy patients were enrolled in the present study.

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.

42 patients with SSc, 43 patients with CHD, 41 patients with both SSc and CP, and 42 healthy patients were enrolled in the present study

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

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