The purpose of this study was to examine the association between circulating cfDNA concentration and CVD risk in patients with periodontitis, CVD, and periodontitis plus CVD. In addition, the secondary objective was to identify, among other confounders, the impact of periodontitis and cardiovascular disease as potential significant predictors of circulating cfDNA levels in the enrolled population.

Recent emerging evidence has shown that circulating cell-free (cf) DNA are involved in in several epigenetic processes linked with periodontitis, coronary stenosis and systemic inflammation. The present study was aimed at assessing the impact of periodontitis on circulating cfDNA levels and evaluating possible confounders that influenced this association. Healthy controls (n=30) and subjects with CVD (n=31), periodontitis (n=31) and periodontitis+CVD (n=30) were enrolled. All subjects underwent regular periodontal examination and blood sampling. The analysis of the plasma cfDNA concentrations was performed using a dsDNA Assay Kit.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Presence of at least 15 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.

healthy controls (n=30) and subjects with CVD (n=31), periodontitis (n=31) and periodontitis+CVD (n=30) were enrolled.

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