OBJECTIVETo determine the serum levels of lipid and glucose in patients with periodontitis.

METHODSThe patients with aggressive periodontitis (AgP, n = 117) and chronic periodontitis (CP, n = 40) and healthy controls (n = 37) were recruited. Peripheral blood sample was obtained from each subject by venipuncture. Serum chemistry variables including total cholesterol, triglycerides, and fasting glucose were analyzed by biochemical analyzer.

RESULTSThe average serum levels of triglycerides and glucose of the patients with AgP [(1.09 +/- 0.79) mmol/L and (5.07 +/- 0.66) mmol/L] were both significantly higher than those of the control group [(0.94 +/- 0.28) mmol/L and (4.62 +/- 0.64) mmol/L], P < 0.05. Higher serum levels of total cholesterol and glucose were also observed in patients with CP [(4.61 +/- 1.23) mmol/L and (5.40 +/- 1.01) mmol/L] compared with controls [(4.49 +/- 0.78) mmol/L and (4.62 +/- 0.64) mmol/L], P < 0.05. Serum level of total cholesterol in AgP group was positively associated with percentage of severe sites (r = 0.25, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONSPatients with periodontitis may have altered serum lipid and glucose levels compared with controls.