Self-reported periodontitis and C-reactive protein in Parkinson’s disease: a cross-sectional study of two American cohorts

Periodontitis triggers systemic repercussions, such as elevated levels of high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). This has never been studied within Parkinson’s Disease (PD). The aim of this study is to compare hs-CRP levels of self-reported periodontitis cases versus cases without periodontitis in PD patients. Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2015–2016 and 2017–2018 waves) were analyzed. PD cases were identified through medication regimens and periodontitis cases through a validated self-report questionnaire. 51 participants were included (24 females, 27 males, with mean age of 62.96 (14.71)). While the self-reported periodontitis group presented elevated levels of circulating hs-CRP (5.36 vs. 1.99 mg/L, p = 0.031), the self-reported without periodontitis group presented higher lymphocyte levels (29.35 vs. 28.03%, p = 0.007). Blood levels of hs-CRP were significantly higher in PD cases with self-reported periodontitis. Apart from the lymphocyte levels, there were no other significant differences according to the self-reported periodontal status. Future studies shall explore this association using clinical measures.