“Identification of a Shared Genetic Susceptibility Locus for Coronary Heart Disease and Periodontitis”
Source: PLoS Genet. 2009 Feb;5(2):e1000378. PerioFrogz Issue No.: 0709
Author By: Schaefer AS, Richter GM, Groessner-Schreiber B, et al.
Overview:
Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a narrowing of the small blood vessels that supply blood and oxygen to the heart. CHD is also called coronary artery disease (CAD). Coronary heart disease is usually caused by atherosclerosis (narrowing of the blood vessels), potentially leading to chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, heart attack, and other symptoms. This study demonstrates that coronary heart disease and periodontitis are genetically related.
Summary of research:
- Genetic study of 1104 patients with CHD and 736 healthy controls was compared to 159 patients with periodontitis and 736 healthy controls.
- An association of genetic susceptibility locus in both diseases was identified. Locus: a gene or a group of genes on a chromosome.
- Strong chromosomal association was identified between CHD and periodontitis.
Results and Conclusions
- CHD and periodontitis affect similar patient populations
- Both diseases are associated with similar risk factors and chronic inflammatory process
- Study demonstrates that CHD and periodontitis are genetically related
Key take-aways:
This journal article fills in another piece of the puzzle regarding oral systemic connections. Previous studies have identified a region of the human genome which increases the risk for CHD. The present study demonstrated that this genome region, or locus, is also associated with an increased risk for periodontitis.
The authors state that the common genetic contribution to increased risk for both diseases provides new insight into their pathogenic mechanisms and “will open up new avenues in the understanding of the development of these complex common diseases”.
Implementation strategies:
The first and most important step in implementing this data into daily practice will be getting the word out; not just to patients. We need to talk about CHD and PD on a daily basis to those patients at risk and in addition, we need to be putting this information in front of our medical colleagues. Give them the www.PerioFrogz.com link.
Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the leading cause of death in the United States for men and women. According to the American Heart Association, more than 15 million people have some form of the condition.
The following factors may increase your patient’s risk of CHD:
- Heredity / genetics
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure*
- High LDL "bad" cholesterol
- Low HDL "good" cholesterol
- Menopause
- Lack of physical activity/exercise
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Periodontal Disease
- Elevated levels of CRP
- Elevated levels of fibrinogen
*Taking each patient’s blood pressure at every dental visit is highly recommended. Most patients see their dentist or dental hygienist more often than their MD. Since blood pressure is the best indicator of overall health, you should include blood pressure screening in your standard of care.
Have you jumped? Visit periofrogz.com and jump!