Periodontitis and Liver Diseases

Abstract

Periodontitis, which is a chronic inflammatory disease caused by oral bacterial infection, is considered to be a risk factor for systemic disease. The liver is an important organ closely associated with lipid and glucose metabolism. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a major chronic liver disease. In this chapter, the relationship between periodontitis and liver diseases, focusing mainly on NAFLD progression, is summarized. Periodontitis increases the serum lipopolysaccharide level, contributing to liver injury. In addition, clinical and animal studies have shown that periodontal inflammation induces overproduction of lipid peroxide in the periodontal lesion, which is involved in progression of liver diseases. That liver abnormalities may indicate a risk for periodontitis and that periodontitis may be a risk factor for the progression of liver diseases are discussed.