Shared Genetic Risk for Coronary Heart Disease and Periodontitis
Author Information
Author(s): Schaefer Arne S., Richter Gesa M., Groessner-Schreiber Birte, Noack Barbara, Nothnagel Michael, Mokhtari Nour-Eddine El, Loos Bruno G., Jepsen Søren, Schreiber Stefan
Primary Institution: University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein
Hypothesis
Is there a shared genetic susceptibility locus for coronary heart disease and periodontitis?
Conclusion
The study identifies a genetic locus on chromosome 9p21.3 that is associated with both coronary heart disease and aggressive periodontitis.
Supporting Evidence
- The study confirmed the association of two neighboring linkage disequilibrium regions on chromosome 9p21.3 with coronary heart disease.
- Genetic factors account for about half of the population variance in chronic periodontitis.
- Both diseases share similar environmental risk factors such as smoking and diabetes.
Takeaway
This study found that a specific part of our DNA can make people more likely to get both heart disease and gum disease.
Methodology
The study used a candidate-gene association approach to analyze SNPs in patients with coronary heart disease and periodontitis.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to self-reported health status in controls.
Limitations
The sample size for aggressive periodontitis was relatively small compared to other studies.
Participant Demographics
The study included German patients with early-onset coronary heart disease and periodontitis.
Statistical Information
P-Value
6.9×10−4
Confidence Interval
1.33–2.94
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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