(30) Circulating Extracellular Microvesicles Are Elevated In Individuals With Periodontal Disease.

Introduction: Periodontal disease (PD) is associated with an increased risk and prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Endothelial cell dysfunction is considered a central mechanism underlying vascular disease. Clinical interest in circulating extracellular vesicles has intensified due to their involvement in endothelial dysfunction and CVD. The purpose of this study was to determine if circulating endothelial microvesicles (EMVs) levels are increased in individuals diagnosed with periodontal disease, independent of other major cardiometabolic risk factors.

Methods: Ten patients diagnosed with periodontal disease (by a periodontist) and 15 healthy controls otherwise negative for overt cardiovascular disease (as diagnosed by a physician) were studied. All patients received a complete periodontal examination and complete physical exam (Medical History, EKG, Body Mass Index (BMI), blood chemistries). EMVs identification (CD31+/42b-) and concentration in peripheral blood was determined by flow cytometry.

Results: Circulating EMVs levels were significantly higher in the periodontal disease group compared with the periodontally healthy group (134+16 vs 102+9 EMV/μL respectively) (p < 0.05). Additional results will be available in May 2022.

Conclusions: Periodontal disease, independent of major cardiovascular disease risk factors, is associated with elevated circulating levels of EMVs. Circulating EMVs may serve as a biomarker of, and contributor to, periodontal disease-associated endothelial dysfunction and increased risk of vascular disease.

Lead Author’s Contributions to the Research Project: Lead author was responsible for study design, IRB submission, patient identification and recruitment, data collection, data analysis, composition of abstract.