Association of serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels against two periodontal pathogens and prothrombotic state: a clinical pilot study

OBJECTIVE: Periodontitis is associated with cardiovascular diseases (CVD). In our previous studies a prothrombotic state has been observed in periodontitis, which contributes to the risk of CVD. The aim of this study was to investigate whether serum IgG levels against Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa) and Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) in periodontitis were associated with a prothrombotic state. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with moderate (n = 38) and severe periodontitis (n = 30) and controls (n = 24) were recruited. We explored correlations between serum anti-Aa and anti-Pg IgG and plasma levels of markers of prothrombotic state (von Willebrand Factor [vWF], prothrombin fragment 1+2 [F1+2], plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 [PAI-1] and D-dimer). Multivariate analyses were performed considering several major potential contributing factors. RESULTS: Periodontitis patients showed higher anti-Aa IgG (p = 0.015) than controls but not for Pg (p = 0.320). In periodontitis patients, body mass index and anti-Aa IgG showed a positive correlation with vWF (β = 0.297, p = 0.010 and β = 0.248, p = 0.033 respectively). CONCLUSIONS: In periodontitis, infection with Aa together with other well accepted risk factors for CVD, may play a role in increasing the risk for prothrombotic state.