Decreased circulating neopterin is associated with increased arterial elasticity: A beneficial role of periodontal treatment

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of periodontal treatment on arterial elasticity and circulating neopterin in patients with moderate to severe periodontitis in a Chinese population. Methods: One hundred and eight patients with moderate to severe periodontitis were eligible to take part in the study and were randomized into two groups. The treatment group received intensive periodontal treatment, while the control group received control periodontal treatment. All parameters, including brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), ankle brachial index (ABI), serum neopterin (NP), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), were evaluated before treatment and 1 month after treatment. Results: The parameters including NP, hs-CRP, IL-6 and baPWV decreased significantly after 1 month in the treatment group (p < 0.05 for all comparisons) but not in the control group (p > 0.05). There was no significant difference in the change of ABI between the two groups (p = 0.231). A positive correlation was found between the decreased circulating NP and increased arterial elasticity in the treatment group (r = 0.947, p < 0.001). Conclusions: This study demonstrates for the first time that the fall in circulating NP induced by periodontal treatment contributes to increased arterial elasticity in patients with moderate and severe periodontitis.