High levels of triglyceride, uric acid elevate risk of peri-implant diseases: Study

The study is published in the International Journal of Implant Dentistry

It has been reported that elevated serum uric acid levels increase oxidative stress and inflammation. Several studies showed an association between elevated serum uric acid levels and some disorders such as hypertension, atherosclerosis, renal disease, obesity, insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia.

To date there is no study in the literature about uric acid levels in patients with peri-implant diseases, therefore, Gülbahar Ustaoğlu & Emrah Erdal from the Dentistry Faculty, Department of Periodontology, Bolu Abant İzzet Baysal University, Turkey conducted the present study to explore the serum biochemical parameters also known as risk markers for the cardiovascular system, in individuals who have received dental implant treatment, and to reveal risk factors for peri-implant diseases.

The study included 58 subjects with peri-implantitis, 49 subjects with peri-implant mucositis, and 49 healthy subjects. All the subjects were assessed in terms of both peri-implant clinical parameters—probing depth (PD), bleeding on probing (BOP), the type of prosthesis, gingival index (GI), keratinized mucosa width (KMW), and plaque index (PI)—and serum biochemical parameters (e.g., LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglyceride, total cholesterol, vitamin D, uric acid, white blood cell (WBC), neutrophil, hemoglobin (Hb), and platelet counts).

The following findings were noted-

a. KMW was the lowest in the peri-implantitis group.

b. Compared with the other groups, the peri-implantitis group showed significantly higher levels of triglyceride, uric acid, and WBC.

c. The peri-implantitis group had the lowest level of vitamin D.

d. Triglyceride and uric acid levels had positive correlations with peri-implant clinical parameters.

Hence, they concluded that "high levels of triglyceride and uric acid may pose a risk for both peri-implant diseases and cardiovascular diseases. Prior to dental implant surgery, patients' serum biochemical parameters should be checked."