Association of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and periodontitis severity in Chinese elderly: a cross-sectional study

Objectives Periodontitis is a local inflammatory disease of high prevalence worldwide. Increasing evidence has shown its association with cardiovascular diseases. While high-density lipoprotein is an important protective factor in preventing cardiovascular diseases, this study aims to examine whether high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) level is associated with different status of periodontitis. Materials and methods A total of 874 Chinese retirees (>= 60 years of age) with different statuses of periodontitis were enrolled. Periodontal clinical data were collected to define periodontal disease severity (no, mild-moderate, severe). Peripheral blood was collected for serum lipid profile analysis. Linear and logistic regression analysis with adjustment for potential confounders (gender, age, BMI, alcohol intake, exercise frequency, smoking habits) were used to determine the association of periodontitis with HDL-C. Results After adjustments for confounders, linear regression analyses revealed a significant relationship between the decreased HDL-C and periodontitis severity (p < 0.05). Although the multivariable-adjusted ORs of decreased HDL-C were not statistically significant, logistic regression analyses showed Chinese elderly with severe periodontitis had higher odds of exhibiting clinically abnormal HDL-C levels than those without periodontitis. Conclusions The elderly population with periodontitis showed HDL-C levels significantly lower than those without periodontitis. The severity of periodontitis was positively correlated with serum HDL-C levels.