Relationship between clinical periodontal parameters and changes in liver enzymes levels over an 8-year period in an elderly Japanese population

AimsAn association between periodontal disease and liver enzymes has been reported previously. This study examined the relationship between clinical periodontal parameters and changes in liver enzymes levels in 265 non-institutionalized Japanese elderly aged 72years over 8years. Materials and methodsThe number of sites with probing pocket depth (PPD)6mm and clinical attachment level (CAL)6mm were measured. Changes in liver enzymes (alanine transaminase [ALT] and aspartate transaminase [AST]) was grouped based on any elevation of concentrations. The relationship was determined by logistic regression with adjustment for confounders. Interaction test and stratified analysis were then performed according to smoking status and alcohol drinking habits, separately. ResultsElevation in ALT, but not AST, was significantly associated with PPD (odds ratio [OR]=1.10) and CAL (OR=1.03). A significant interaction of periodontal parameters on ALT was observed with smoking status, but not with alcohol drinking habit. The stratified analysis suggested that ALT was found to be significantly correlated with PPD (OR=1.20) and CAL (OR=1.04) to those who were smoker. ConclusionThe elevation in ALT levels might be associated with clinical periodontal parameters among non-institutionalized Japanese elderly, and this association was modified by smoking status.