sTNF-R Levels: Apical Periodontitis Linked to Coronary Heart Disease

BACKGROUND: Different studies have implicated the exposure to systemic conditions in the aetiology of cardiovascular diseases like chronic inflammation including chronic periodontitis. AIM: The present study has been conducted to examine whether biomarker sTNF-R was elevated in apical periodontitis as sTNF-R is a systemic marker of inflammation and has been identified as risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. MATERIAL AND METHODS: sTNF-R levels were measured in 52 patients with apical periodontitis (M:F::25:27), aged 20-45 years and in 20 control patients without periodontitis (M:F::10:10, aged 20-48 years). Measurement of sTNF-R1 and sTNF-R2 was carried out in duplicate with standardised, commercially available enzyme immunoassays (R&D Systems Europe, Abingdon, UK). RESULTS: The mean sTNF-R1 and sTNF-R2 levels in periodontitis were 820 (240) pg/ml (413 – 1620 pg/ml) and 1309 (403) pg/ml (540 – 2430 pg/ml), while in normal sTNF-R1 and sTNF – R2 levels were 740 (340) pg/ml (407-1240 pg/ml) and 1283 (414) pg (480 – 2340 pg/ml) respectively. Results indicated a positive high relationship between cardiovascular markers such as sTNF-R1 and sTNF – R2 and apical periodontitis. CONCLUSION: Elevated levels of sTNF-R1 and sTNF – R2 in apical periodontitis patients indicate an increased independent risk of coronary heart disease.