Associations of Antibodies Targeting Periodontal Pathogens With Subclinical Coronary, Carotid, and Peripheral Arterial Atherosclerosis in Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Abstract
Both periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease (CVD) are overrepresented in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This study was undertaken to investigate the contribution of periodontal pathogens to CVD in RA. RA patients underwent assessments of coronary artery calcification (CAC), carotid intima-media thickness and plaque, and ankle-brachial index via computed tomography, ultrasound, and Doppler ultrasound, respectively. Sera were assayed for antibodies targeting Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg), Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans serotype B (Aa), and Aa-derived leukotoxin A (LtxA). Associations of antibodies against these periodontal pathogens with measures of atherosclerosis were explored using generalized linear models. Among 197 RA patients, anti-Pg was detected in 72 patients (37%), anti-Aa in 41 patients (21%), and anti-LtxA in 84 patients (43%). Adjusting for relevant confounders and reported tooth loss, the mean CAC score was 90% higher in those with anti-Aa and/or anti-LtxA compared with those without either antibody (19 units versus 10 units; P = 0.033). The adjusted odds of CAC ≥100 units were 2.23-fold higher in those with anti-Aa and/or anti-LtxA compared with those without either antibody (P = 0.040). Anti-Aa and/or ...Continue Reading
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